Merry Christmas, and Happy Skyping!

Christmas Videos and Temples, , Mission Conference, and... Oh, Deer.

We did indeed have our mission conference this last week, on the 18th. Every zone showed their video. Our video turned out great! DYNO-MITE. We had a Christmas musical fireside. President Packard sang a solo! He's the man. I love President Packard! I feel his love. We ate and just enjoyed each other’s company. They brought out everyone’s gifts. I was so blessed to receive your loving gift. I couldn't thank Heavenly Father enough for my loving family. It was perfect. Prior to that we went to the Boston Temple for an Endowment Session. I want to get married in that temple!

I apologize mother for slacking! I wrote this e-mail forever ago and forgot to send it! 

This past week we had a spiritually nourishing Zone Conference. Due to our limited amount of driving miles, a member was able to take us to the Zone Conference. Again, Zone Conference was remarkable and gave great hope to all of us about the basic principles of faith and repentance, but it was taught and presented to us in a whole new light. After this inspiring experience we were on our way home, sharing insights about what we’d learned with each other. It was around 5:30 pm, so it was dark. We were traveling on a 45 MPH road where there is only a single lane going both ways. It was rush hour and all the cars were traveling at the suggested speed (if not exceeding the speed limit). As we were talking, out of no- where, in within one second, we saw a deer's face in the car’s headlights -  heard a large bang - and watched the deer spiral out of sight. The deer had not stopped the momentum of the car, and we continued down the road. There was an awkward silence in the car as we digested what in the world had just happened. Almost immediately we pulled over (about 50 yards from the accident) and ran back to the scene.

When we got there a woman had stopped in the middle of this busy road, causing a long line of traffic. She had her emergency lights on and was dragging the deer to the other side of the road. This nice woman informed us that she was an animal lover and she was in tears due to the unfortunate situation that had just occurred. The deer was still barely alive, but it didn’t look good. We thought the woman would then get back in her car to allow traffic to continue, but she made the decision to stay with the deer. As she was on the phone with the police, the deer started having panic attacks, so Elder Anofils grabbed its legs while our member friend was on top of the deer taming it like a bucking bronco.

Then out of the blue, a young man in his 20's showed up to the scene. He was dressed in his lumberjack overalls, plaid shirt, bass pro shop hat, and gave the impression that he knew a thing or two about hunting! He approached us and his first comment was to ask if the deer was dead yet. As you can imagine this did not set well with our animal lover friend. She was on the phone with Animal Control by this time, but you could tell by the ferocious look in her eyes she was not happy. 

We were thinking as we stood there that what had happened was no coincidence and this would be a good opportunity to share the gospel. We know in the Pearl of Great Price it says that things were created spiritually before they were temporally. In this moment of silence we felt nothing could be more comforting than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we began to speak to our animal lover friend, she started panicking because she’d just realized her parked car was holding up nearly 200 cars. She told us, and also specifically informed our lumberjack friend not to lay a finger on that deer, then she hopped back into her car to go park somewhere else. 

So then we tried to share something with our lumberjack friend, but he was more interested in dragging the deer to his truck, telling us about the great jerky it would make. Right before he threw the deer in the back, Animal Control appeared and told him he could keep the deer, they just had to tag it first.  Oh, well.  At least we tried!

                         
I

Messengers of Truth

As I studied Preach My Gospel this week a quote appeared from President Howard W. Hunter that made an impression on me about why we share Heavenly Father's message about his son Jesus Christ.

“What does the Atonement have to do with missionary work? Any time we experience the blessings of the Atonement in our lives, we cannot help but have a concern for the welfare of others. … A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.” 

The line that was distinctive for me was, "...A great indicator of one’s personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.” 

I believe those who are or have been on a mission and members of the church can agree it is difficult to share the gospel when we aren't doing what Heavenly Father has asked of us to gain a testimony. 

This has helped me to gage the strength of my personal testimony. If there is a day when we are less eager to share the gospel it is easy then to identify that we need to come back to the basics of faith in Jesus Christ and repentance. 

After we have repented and let go of our mistakes and sins, it makes sense that feeling clean and delivered out of bondage turns us towards God. It also makes sense that we would be more eager to share the gospel as well. 

In closing, as it says in the Book of Helaman, 5:10-11,

"....the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins.

And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls."

We all have a calling to be messengers of truth to those around us.  In doing this we can be redeemed of our sins and mistakes, and feel clean at any given time. 

When we feel these feelings of redemption, sharing the gospel will instantly be viewed in an eternal, not a temporal, perspective.

I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves each one of us. I know that He lives. He really does live. I know that we all have the chance to know this for ourselves and become the best people we can, just as Heavenly Father wants us to be.

With a bundle of love,
Elder Tait

Jesus Healing the 10 Lepers

I apologize for not writing the past few weeks. I have been blessed to be able to serve in this area with a humble servant of the Lord. We have seen many miracles through the tender mercies of Heavenly Father. We’ve also had some unexpected events happen that have taught us a lot. We were privileged to have the opportunity to learn from a member a new insight into the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers.

When Jesus was fulfilling his earthly ministry, he entered a small town and met 10 lepers. Their leprosy resulted in them having horribly painful sores all over their bodies. At that time people treated lepers poorly, for fear of contracting the disease. As soon as the 10 lepers saw Jesus, all 10 knew Jesus could heal their ailment and they asked him to do so. Jesus told them to go to the priest and they would be made clean. On their way to the priest all 10 lepers were healed.  They were all so joyful at being healed, but only 1 of the 10 turned around and thanked Jesus for healing him. I believe we all understand the moral of this story. One leper was grateful enough to turn back and thank Jesus for what he had done. But on a deeper level, what did that 1 leper receive that the other 9 didn't?  What was the blessing he received for being thankful?

In Luke 17:18, after the leper thanked Jesus, Jesus replied,

"...Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

What this 1 leper received that the other 9 didn't was a whole understanding of faith. He was able to understand that miracles happen through faith in Jesus Christ. To the other 9 lepers, being healed was just a miracle that had somehow happened. Jesus told the thankful leper "thy faith hath made thee whole."  The former leper was whole in his understanding that miracles happen, not out of happenstance, but from our faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior and our Redeemer.

Most of us have been like the 9 lepers, but this story can help us learn that our faith is strengthened as we exercise that faith and show gratitude to Jesus Christ, the one who makes miracles possible. I know that the same priesthood that healed those 10 lepers long ago is again on the Earth today and that miracles continue to happen daily. We have two options: 1. To just witness, or be part of a miracle. Or 2. To witness or be part of a miracle, AND seek an understanding of who made the miracle happen, and why the miracle happened. If we do the latter, I know we will be able to receive a confirmation through the Holy Ghost, as if Jesus Christ himself was here, "...Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole."

Elder Tait
2 Years. Make it Count.

RED SOX NATION!

RED SOX NATION! So cool to be in the city that won the World Series! There was so much excitement in town. From what I have heard about some of the recent Celtics trades it will be tough to also get an NBA championship, but we can still do it! Your pumpkin was awesome Mom! Nice touch on the toothpicks. It was flawless. An 11 out of 10. Dynamite pumpkin carving. Did you and the family watch the game?
Quiet Halloween's are the best Halloweens. We had to be inside before 6:00PM on Halloween. I wish I had been there to taste your donuts! By the way, you guys are the best! Thank you so much for sending us that pumpkin candy set! It was most excellent. We only had one trick or treater. They knocked on the door, and Elder Anofils and I realized we had no candy. Then we grabbed some of the candy from the pumpkin you sent us, to make sure we didn’t ruin this little kid’s Halloween. You saved us!
I’m praying for Babushka to feel better! We need her feeling dynamite if she is going on a mission! I gave her some homework to do today while she is sick in bed. Ask her if she got my e-mail!
You always have great quotes my mother! I need to make sure I record these when I get home. I am currently working step by step to make my prayers the most important part of my day.
Mom I love you more than Elder Anofils loves "Chicken Nuggets." That is a quote directly from him. I pray for you all the time! You are my best friend and will always be my mom.

The inclusively exclusive,
Elder Tait.

Homage to  2013  WS champs!

Thank you, Mom!

Elder Anofils' bike accident was a great learning experience for both of us. I just can't wait for you to meet Elder Anofils! I hope he and I will hang out after the mission. The ice cream was fine! Thank you for doing that Mom! You're the best. He looked at me when we got the ice cream and said, "Your culture is so weird! Who send ice cream in the mail! That's just unheard of! Have you heard of this?" Thank you for doing that mom, and getting those two other things. Very simple and I know they will mean a lot to him. He's the best, I consider him my brother. He also told me he has adopted me into the "brotherhood". I hope we will be together for another transfer so you guys will be able to meet him via Skype.

Mom, I am doing great! This week has been another amazing opportunity to grow and learn. The challenging times aren't my most favorite or easy to understand, but this work is so rewarding. I still have a lot to learn and grow and to gain. Thank you Mom! I can't thank you enough for all that you do! Thank you for being my best friend. I can't wait to give you a hug and a huge immature slobbery kiss. 
  
Stetson's fellow elder. (Killed in an accident in Mexico, Tampico Mission). I did not hear about this. Wow. How tragic is that. Incredible. That must be extremely difficult. I will be careful Mom! I always wear a helmet and make sure we are on the right side of the road. I am so blessed to have the family’s prayers of comfort and protection. 

The girls didn't need Disneyland! Our family is too spoiled.
Lily did write me a letter but half of it was filled with smiley faces :) so I didn't hear much about her talk! How did she do? I am sure she executed it perfectly.

I love you Mom! There is never a day I don't think about you!
The ever elusive,
The incomprehensible,
Elder J. L. Tait

Leaving the hospital with Elder Anofils!

Elder Anofils!

Halloween!

District

Elders

Eating Together

Borderland State Park

P-Day 

Ames Manson, Easton MA

Elder Tait!

Bikes, 911 Calls, and Blessings

Elder Anofils and I have a limited amount of miles that we can drive - 1350 each month. To save miles we bike. We both enjoy it and it helps us work hard. We have seen countless miracles that come from being obedient. On Saturday Elder Anofils and I got out of a dinner appointment at 6:45 PM. It was 95% dark, so we needed to bike home to get the car to drive to our next appointment at 7:30 (actually with a Haitian family that we picked up from biking a month ago). It was a 10-minute bike ride from the dinner appointment to our house. On our way home we had to bike on a road that is undergoing construction. The road was lit fairly well. Elder Anofils went to get onto the sidewalk, but he didn’t see that there was a gap/trench between the road and the sidewalk. The gap caught his thin front tire, and Elder Anofils went flying off to his right and into the sidewalk. He went headfirst. His helmet took 90% of the impact, but his nose, mouth, face and teeth took the other 10%. His helmet completely saved his life. He hit face first into the cement then did a somersault, looking like a rag-doll, while his bike front flipped over him. I was behind him and saw the whole thing go down. I yelled his name and threw down my bike. Elder Anofils got to his knees. He had blood all over his face and his front right tooth was dangling by a thread. He said, sounding like he had a mouthful of marshmallows, "Call...". I grabbed the phone from his pocket and called 911. Elder Anofils was walking around in circles. He was in a daze. A woman, named Donna, pulled to the side of the road and asked how she could help. I threw her the phone and told her to stay on the line with 911. Then I threw my bag down, grabbed the consecrated oil, and gave Elder Anofils a priesthood blessing. Mom, I know the priesthood power is real. I had goose bumps knowing that I was God’s instrument as I gave that blessing. Another woman stopped by from the Dunkin' Donuts. Everyone was quiet as the blessing took place. He didn't panic at all. I didn't either, surprisingly enough. As I finished the blessing the ambulance came and the EMTs got to work. Cop cars and a fire truck followed. Elder Anofils’ tie was drenched with blood. It looked like it had been dipped in red kool aid. His side bag was covered with blood. They cut his shirt and put a neck brace on him, then put him on a stretcher and into the ambulance. They kept on asking me what his first and last names were. Anofils is easy to spell and to say, but his first name is Esperandieu. Try pronouncing that! I butchered it. The EMTs and police looked at me as if I was the one who needed medical attention. I had to grab his white handbook that had his name printed on it. They asked Elder Anofils on a scale of 1 to 10 how much he hurt. He said, "10. I hit my head on cement. It hurt." It made me think of Brian Regan. I rode shotgun in the ambulance. We went to the Providence, Rhode Island Hospital where he was checked into the ER. Everyone was tongue tied in attempting to say his name. They asked him the “scale of 1-10” question again. He said 10. After they left, I asked him if he was really a 10. He said, with his mouthful of blood, "I don't know. If I say anything less, they not gonna help me. Does this make sense?" There was no damage to his cranium, (that we know of) his nose had some road rash, and he lost a chunk of his upper lip. His right front tooth was destroyed. They called the Dentist on call. (Who knew they have dentists on call?). She came in and put a temporary brace on it. He’d fractured the root/bone to his tooth. They are going to give him what's called a "flapper". It's like a retainer with a fake tooth. It was insane. I learned so much being there to help Elder Anofils. He is such a great example to me of pure humility and one who is willing to sacrifice anything in the service of the Lord. We had to miss church yesterday, and we got probably 25+ phone calls from worried members. Everyone loves Elder Anofils! He is the Foxboro Ward hero! I am so grateful to have him as my companion! Remember how I told you he loves Brigham Young? He didn't want to take any "modern medicine" because Brigham Young didn't. But, we eventually talked him into it!  We’ll be taking tomorrow off and then we’ll get back to work. 

Elder Tait

General Conference Was Most Divine

General Conference was most divine. It is true. You just feel the truth of the Church knowing that millions of people are watching our Apostles and Prophet address us. The work here is going great. Mom, I love being a missionary. I love sharing the gospel. I love overcoming the fear of sharing the Gospel and being bold in sharing the truth. There will never be a day when I will not think of my mission. I need to give 100% and continue to use the atonement to make me a better man, and do the will of the Lord. Elder Anofils is great! I am actually getting the Haitian language down. It's pretty easy. He is hilarious! He loves Brigham Young. He loves his confidence and boldness. When I, or someone else, does something good he says, "Brigham Young would be proud of you." Or the other way round, "Brigham Young would expect more from you, my son". We get along great. We bike all the time. Together we have busted 3 bikes. I will send you pictures. 

General conference was a phenomenal experience, and I was able to learn more about something I had been thinking about. It is a fundamental principle of life that when we have a plan, we understand and expect what is to come. Contrary to that, when we don't have a plan, we are not able to have a vision of what is to come.  

Our Heavenly Father's plan for his children is complex if we attempt to comprehend it with our secular knowledge. Instead, if we are able to identify the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we will have the capacity to develop the faith to know that Heavenly Father has an individual plan for each of us to accomplish. This mortal experience is significantly miniscule. It is crucial for us to realize the sorrows that are occurring or will occur are only to be felt for a limited time, and only if we understand the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Sorrow is what allows us to understand the sacrifice our Savior made for us. Trials are impossible to avoid, but we can all choose what we will do with our trials. If we decide they will dictate how we live, and what we think, we will inevitably enter the dark trenches of despair and self-pity. Never, will any good come from allowing our trials to control us, but good can come if we allow them to build us and those around us.

When we successfully get through trials by using the Atonement, and helping those around us, we will understand more the beautiful simplicity of where we came from, and what we are here to do, and what we can expect after our mortal lives here on earth.

Remember what was said in Alma 7:11-12

" 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."
I know Jesus Christ suffered pain so he could feel mercy and understand our pain. Please, let’s never forget this. If we understand the love and mercy our Savior has for us, we will be able to have a better perspective of his plan.

With Love, 

Elder Tait.

Repentance and the Atonement

I have been astonished to see the change and growth in those I have had the privilege to know on a weekly basis. I see the progress and love these people are rapidly gaining. On further examination I have come to the simple conclusion that it’s because of repentance and the use of the gift of the Atonement that has been offered to everyone.

Repentance is an everlasting source that allows each and everyone of us to become better and it supplies us with the strength to be able to fulfill the will of our Heavenly Father – even when we don't always comprehend our Father in Heaven’s will. 

In The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, King Benjamin a faithful Prophet of God, states in Mosiah 4:2, 9-10:

 " 2 .....O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
9. Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
 10. And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them."

I promise as we begin to understand repentance and continue to learn how to repent, with a heart full of sincerity and gratitude, we can be forgiven of our sins. We can become better than we are now. This is not to say who we are is not good enough, but when we view life as a never-ending pursuit of unlimited potential, we can then understand the infinite gift of the Atonement that we’ve all been given.
Renmen,

Elder Tait.

"I can't wait to see my Savior again and tell him thank you.”

Learning opportunities never cease if we allow ourselves to enter a realm of increasing our knowledge. This requires a lot of discipline as we have to commit ourselves to nurturing and developing our intelligence. Along with discipline we need to allow ourselves to learn. We can learn so much through the example of others.  An example of this came to me this week from another’s testimony:

            “The first time I saw the Book of Mormon was on a Sunday. A friend of mine did bring it to me after church. I was working in Marblehead, the year 2012; I do not remember the date or month. She is a friend of mine, and we met on the job in Marblehead taking care of an elderly sweetheart lady. I did read a few lines and I did not get it. I called her and said I don’t understand the book because of the ‘thy’ and the ‘it came to pass.’ I said to myself, ‘what came to pass?’ She said that I was reading it as if I were reading a novel, because I am an avid novel reader. I put the Book of Mormon on my nightstand table where it stayed until the next time I saw it.
            The sweet lady we were taking care of died the following year. I got sick, and they brought me to MGH [hospital]. To cut a long story short, my friend did bring the book to me again at MGH. I tried to read it but not that week. I went back home, she took me into her house to care for me. That’s when I really came to read The Book of Mormon with my eyes and mind open. I asked her whatever I did not understand. She did explain and she also did encourage me to pray.
            Little by little I did come to find out by myself what the true church is. I like three things about the church. One is that the church is not for profit: ie. priests, pastors, etc, should not be paid. Second, the church should not have anyone’s name on it. And also I had to repent of my sins in order to be baptized. Which means that a baby does not have any sins, there is no reason for them to repent and be baptized. Which means that we do have to be a certain age where we have sin and we know we’ve sinned, and confess them and be baptized like the way our Heavenly Father was baptized. By that it means being submerged into the body of water as he was and not just a few drops on our foreheads as they do when we are babies.
            To cut the long story short: the day I was baptized was the happiest day of my life. Before that I did some investigating by going to church a few times. Just to be sure and also compare what I had read in The Book of Mormon and what the Elders had taught me. My baptism did go off without a hitch. By that I mean they only had to do it just one time. My bishop, the Elders, and my friends were there. It was small because I wanted it that way. My best friend who introduced me was not there because of a prior engagement we did forget about. But she did give me her blessing and wished me well. I did have some naysayers but it was my decision and also what I believed and also what I knew was the truth.
            From the day I started going to church including the investigation period I just felt welcome, included, and people asking me if there was something, anything they could do for me, big or small, religious or not. Starting from my Bishop to the members of the church. That is something I never felt in the other churches. I just went to pray, they did collect money, and go home. But in my new church I had people calling me every day to find out how I was, what I needed, etc.
            I am really thankful to my best friend for bringing me The Book of Mormon. It did help me find out the truth about the different churches. I am thankful that she did not pressure or sway me in any way. I just found out the truth by myself.
            So please do pick up The Book of Mormon, read it, and if you need help ask for an Elder to help you with what you do not understand. I know that they are not going to pressure you but just answer your questions.”
-Edith K., 9/2/2013

In Helaman 15:13 it says that true knowledge is knowledge of the Redeemer. Edith, who had been sick for the past year, wrote her testimony 16 days before she passed away on September 18th, 2013. Heavenly Father blessed me with the opportunity to witness how Edith spent the last 3 months of her life standing as a witness of Jesus Christ. She fulfilled the will of Heavenly Father up to the last minutes of her mortal life. Her nurse read to her from the The Book of Mormon as she left this mortal life to begin her reunion with the Savior. 

During the last week of August I asked Edith what she looked forward to about going to the other side. Her simple answer touched my soul: "I can't wait to see my Savior again and tell him thank you.”
Edith was 55 years old when she was baptized in June. She taught me that we can always continue to learn, even when we feel like we know enough. I realized that because of the Gospel, Edith spent the last 3 months of her life happy, and that I have had this message of happiness available to me for almost 20 years. I send a humble plea to those who read this, who have had the gospel for more than 3 months in their lives, to not take it for granted. Please do not. In addition, please don’t take for granted how other’s lives can be changed by the Gospel -- even if it’s for just 3 months. I am the first one to say I am guilty of taking these things for granted, but I also want to say, “Thank you, Edith Kintu,” for teaching me to keep learning and to never give up, even in the last hours of life. I know we all have more to learn. I know our Heavenly Father is real and he loves us. I will continue to learn everyday how much he loves you and me, until we are actually reunited with him, like I know Edith is now.

With love,
Elder Tait

The Cookies N' Dream Team

My week has been great! Elder Anofils and I have been working hard.  Elder Anofils is hilarious! We are the cookies n' dream team. Working hard and making the dreams come true.

Funny stories.

Elder Anofils and I are riding bikes to save gas. Elder Anofils was figuring out where we needed to bike. It was a distance away. So Elder Anofils says:

"Ok, Elder Tait, we are going to try an experiment. It's going to blow your mind."

"Elder Anofils, what are we going to do?"

"We might bike down a highway, but I don't think it's that long, like a half mile."

"Oh sure. That doesn’t sound bad."

So sure enough we are biking through these suburbs, waving at the birds, watching the kids play baseball, and people mowing their lawns, then I hear Elder Anofils say:

"Oh my. The experiment has gone bad."

I look down the street and sure enough there is a State Highway that we need to ride 2 miles down to get to our appointment. We were already 15 minutes late, and if we turned around we would be much later. We said a prayer and flew down the State Highway and made it successfully to the appointment!

Other Story:

We go to the store and buy Eggos. Elder Anofils says at the store. "I don't understand why everybody likes these things." But he still gets two boxes. The next day we wake up and start making breakfast. Elder Anofils pulls out two frozen waffles and puts them on a plate. Then he starts walking towards the microwave.

"Elder Anofils, you microwave your waffles?"

"Wait is there another way to do it?”

"You usually put them in the toaster."

"Oh! That makes more sense! They always tasted soggy."

It was hilarious! I could go on. I have had some great spiritual experiences of just purely feeling the spirit.  I was able to go on an exchange with an Elder from Boulder City, Elder Swasey! He's great! We had such a good time reminiscing about Las Vegas. It was great for me to get his advice and guidance. He knows his purpose here and understands and uses every second he has. His two years ends this October but he is still diligently serving the Lord. He's going to come by and drop off some things when he gets home. He's going to give the family a hug from me.

The previous Elders have struggled in this area. Elder Anofils and I both want to work hard in serving the Lord here. We will do what it takes to make sure we accomplish His will. It's difficult we find to make a quick transition.

It's not so much about finding people to teach, it's more about finding people to help feel the spirit.

I’ve realized I need to prepare a spiritual message for these e-mails beforehand.  It will make the writing process easier.

I love you guys. I am too scatterbrained.

Love, Elder Tait.

 

Elders Tait and Anofils

Happy Birthday, Stets!

Foxboro Zone

Just Look at That Haitian Smile!

I LOVE ELDER ANOFILS. He and I are getting along so great. He is so humble. He moved from Haiti to Florida when he was 12 and converted at age 13. He was the only one to join in his family, and is still the only member in his family. He is out here on his own. He has amazing support from his ward back at home. He is amazing - such a hard worker and very caring. We have been working great together. I love the Foxboro area.  I just want to be a consecrated missionary and I feel like I can be that with Elder Anofils. He is teaching me Haitian Creole. When you think things are tough you just look at that Haitian smile and you know what the Lord wants you to do.

Elder Tait.

New address:

57 Columbia St. (Basement)

North Attleboro, MA  02760

Birds and McFlurrties

Apologies for not composing a letter last week. Had to cut the P-Day time short for an expedition to Boston. I will start out this week’s letter like every week’s letter - with an Elder Campos story!

Elder Campos is leaving to go home the 16^th of this month. None of us look forward to the moment when we will have to bid farewell to our Peruvian friend, but at the same time, we are excited for the wonderful life that lays ahead of him. In the months before an elder leaves the mission he usually has an interview with the Mission President about life after his mission, such as work, education, dating and so forth. Elder Campos came home from his interview all jazzed up about dating and marriage. He immediately asked the apartment to role-play situations with him where he asks a female of his choice on a date. Now, I am no love guru, but typically in my experience asking “How many kids do you want?” in the first 30 seconds of a conversation can lead to a female quickly losing interest in you!

After a rough night of role-playing and learning how to communicate with females, Elder Campos approached me and expressed his concerns.

“Elder Tait, man, I no good at girls”

“Don’t worry Elder Campos, it will come buddy!”

“I know, I just so bad at McFlurrting”

“Wait, Elder Campos, what?”

“McFlurrting. Yeah man, I just can’t McFlurrty with the girls.”

I soon helped Elder Campos understand that the word was “flirt” and not the fast-food frozen treat, “McFlurry!”

These last two weeks I have noticed a re-occurring trend that hopefully will not continue for the rest of my mission. This week Elder Wright and I were driving to see a member who is in the hospital, but as it turned out, we ended up visiting an animal hospital as well. As we were driving in this rural neighborhood, we approached a flock of birds. All the birds fled to avoid our car, except for one who decided  to “yolo.” Unfortunately, I didn’t notice this until I was driving over the bird! As we looked back, we noticed that one of the bird’s wings was still flapping. I was filled with horrible memories of accidentally running over Jimmy last month. We decided we weren’t going to allow another one of God’s creature to die. We noticed it was a blue jay, so we first decided to name the bird Bartholomew the Bluebird. We quickly took copies of The Book of Mormon out of a box and laid Bartholomew in the box. We then were able to find a pet hospital where Bartholomew received treatment. The animal hospital told us Bartholomew was going to make it, and we were eventually able to set our bluebird friend back into the wilderness where he belonged. Why do I have a tendency to accidentally run over birds? No idea. I will let you know if I figure out the reason or if I have any more deathly experiences with birds!

As we entered this week we were blessed to witness our Heavenly Father helping those who are seeking the gospel. This last week, we had a mini-missionary with us named David L.! This kid is the real deal. He has helped us grow in so many ways. Last week we ran into a homeless lady and her daughter on the T who both wanted to hear our restored message of truth. We gave them a Plan of Salvation pamphlet before we departed and made plans to teach a follow up lesson. Yesterday Elder Wright went on splits with a ward member, and David and I went to give a lesson to this wonderful lady. We typically are hesitant to teach homeless people for multiple reasons, but this lady had a special presence about her. Before we started the discussion, we opened with a prayer, and she was instantly in tears. She shared the experience that earlier that day her 9 year-old daughter had come to her and out of the blue said, “Mom, God sent me down here to help you.” She said she was hit hard by this because it suggested that there is something before this life. She instantly had the undeniable urge to read the Plan of Salvation pamphlet, which I know was no coincidence. She could not stop telling us how everything now made sense. Her life made sense. She is unfortunately homeless because her boyfriend, who she was about to marry, died in May. She just clicked with the knowledge of our premortal life, and she couldn’t stop crying when she understood that there is life after death.

I know the Lord has sent me to the Boston, Massachusetts Mission to teach people like this humble lady and her daughter about the Plan of Salvation and that families can be together forever and that life has a purpose. I know the Plan of Salvation to be true. I know my family  can be together forever. I can’t wait for the joy I know I’ll feel one day when I’m reunited for eternity with my grandparents and loved ones on the other side. 

Elder Tait.

2 years. Make it count.

Where Would You Be if Joseph Smith Didn't Pray?

Man! I just absolutely love having Elder Campos back! He is using the extra mattress in the apartment right now, and for some odd reason he is sleeping in our room! He just told us “you dudes so funnies!” The first night he slept in our room, we had a discussion on which milk was better – cow’s or llama’s. When the conversation started Elder Campos was confused about what a cow is. He kept on saying, “Eww, cow milks must be nasties.” He knew what the animal was, just not the English word. For a while he didn’t understand, so we used the Spanish word to explain it to him. He said, “Oh waits? That’s a cow? I thought that’s what we called fat peoples. Oh no way.” How glad we are to have Elder Campos back -- how glad we are!

          We live about ½ mile away from the beach. It’s most excellent being able to run on the beach in the morning. Today we gathered as a district and had a group workout. Then, as an extra bonus, this week at Revere Beach was the International Sand Sculpting Competition. These sand sculptures were absolutely brilliant. There was more definition in these sculptures of sand than in a Webster’s Dictionary. They were crafted by the Michelangelos of sandsculpting!

          During this week I was able to closely study the History of Joseph Smith. I do want to say I know Joseph Smith is a true prophet. I know he was a man called by Heavenly Father to bring the fullness of the truth to the hearts and souls of the people on this Earth. I solemnly bear testimony that Joseph Smith is a true prophet and that even after 180 years his testimony still stands strong and undeniable. While engaged in my studies I dwelt on this simple yet profound question:  No matter where you are in life with regards to the church, whether you are struggling with your testimony, or you have a firm testimony, or you are not a member of the church, or you have fallen away from the church, or you are seeking to join the church -- no matter where you are – where would you be if Joseph Smith, at the age of 14, didn’t pray to know which church was true? Whether or not you believe what Joseph Smith saw is true, what would have happened if this so-called “story” hadn’t been spread to the world? Where would we be? What would we be doing? I personally cannot fathom the answer to this -- but fortunately, Joseph Smith did see our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. He did. Nearly 15 million people have been brought to the truth because of a 14-year-old boy, who was foreordained to bring forth this marvelous work. I cannot express what an honor it is for me to have this opportunity to share the true Gospel message restored by Joseph Smith.

Elder Tait.

2 years. Make it count.

 

4th of July on the Charles River

4th of July

Boats on the Charles River

With Companion Elder Wright

With Elder Maldonado after his Pixie Stick Injury!

Fireworks!

Tomorrow is the Beginning of a New Transfer!

To those who it may concern: I have rather pleasant news! Tomorrow is the beginning of a new transfer. This last Saturday the missionaries were informed of who was being transferred, and who would still be residing in their current areas. Elder Wright and I were absolutely jovial when it was indicated that we would be kept together in Revere for one more transfer. But, we were more jovial when we found out who was being transferred to the Lynn Spanish Branch. The elders who serve in that branch live with us. Currently Elders Pitcher and Shim are serving there, but Elder Pitcher will go home mid-transfer, so there will need to be a threesome for a short time. We are informed about transfers via text message. So, the missionaries crowded around a 2x2 inch screen on “T-Text Night,” to see what was in store for us next. We anxiously waited to see who would be our new roommate. When the text message appeared informing us that Elder Campos would be our new roommate for at least 6 more weeks, Elder Wright and I instantly looked at each other with smiles on our faces! Elder Campos left us one transfer ago and now he is coming back! We could not stop laughing. Elder Campos texted us immediately, and I quote, “Dudes! I coming back! I come back and say to that them, Hello my name is Elder Campos and welcome back. Dudes yous guys so crazy. I love you guys.”

As I try to type this email my mind just draws a blank. I’ve concluded the reason for this has to do with something that happened this week. We tracted out a man named J. – a great guy who has, without a doubt, been through monumental trials in his life. His body developed a serious infection that caused him to have both legs and half of his right arm amputated, as well as deformed his fingers on his left hand. Needless to say, J. has had it rough. We looked forward to teaching J. about the comfort the gospel brings. Well, that unfortunately did not happen. We entered his apartment and started talking to him, then realized in no less than 1 minute that J. was “not all there.” This was due to the fact that he was taking powerful legal drugs for his physical condition, as well as a combination of illegal drugs, causing J. to talk for 45 continuous minutes about his theory that the “illuminati” and the “Sand-man” have joined together and are after us. He also told his life story about how he met the Hulk through Facebook, but then found out he was really the Sand-man, which then launched his rap career. This was all while he was exhaling his stimulating drug directly into our nasal cavities. I had the pleasure of sitting next to him, while the other Elders were a good 10-feet away. It was difficult to excuse ourselves, and say we’d come another time when he wasn’t so stimulated, but we were eventually able to depart his apartment. Hopefully, we will be able to rendezvous with him again in a cleaner environment.

The Atonement of Jesus Christ has allowed all men to redeem themselves. But we often overlook and not discuss what else the Atonement provides for us, which is the enabling power to endure challenges. As we grow in the church, we eventually come to the realization that our Heavenly Father will not just take away our trials. In 1 Nephi 3:7, it talks about how the Lord gives us no commandment or trial without also having a way for us to be obedient or faithful. So, how does the Lord prepare a way for us? Through his Son, Jesus Christ and his Atonement, he has prepared the opportunity for us to come to Him in humble prayer and ask Him, who loves us, for the strength to endure. It is comforting to me to realize that Jesus Christ had the strength to endure, and as I ask my Father in Heaven for strength, I am abundantly strengthened in knowing Jesus Christ understands and knows about enduring to the end. Needless to say, we still need to be obedient, faithful, and humble to receive this strength.

I know as we all strive to endure we will become consecrated missionaries and be able to give everything we have to our Heavenly Father – taking nothing -- and set ourselves free.

Elder Tait.

2 Years. Make it count.

Birdslaughter and Pixie Sticks

In life you just gotta shake things up a bit, you know? Well, our District Leader, Elder Maldonado, did just that while riding his bike – he was just shaking things up a little too much and fell off his bike and broke his wrist. The nurse explained it to him in a rather enthusiastic manner: “Well your hand is broken! Just like a Pixie Stick snapped right in half! You’re going to need surgery! How fun is that?”

You can’t argue with that type of a positive attitude! Any nurse who can relate orthopedics to Willy Wonka candy deserves some credit. The surgery took place yesterday, on our P-Day, and we took him to   the surgery and stayed there to support him. As we arrived at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, the parking lot was jam-packed – just like the animals in Noah’s Ark. Then, as we drove by the front of the Hospital we saw a “Parking Only for Visiting Clergy” sign. Well, fancy that! Turned out we had 4 visiting clergy and 1 of them was getting surgery for his Pixie Stick related problem!

So Elder Wright and I joined with and kept Elder Maldonado’s companion, Elder Mullins, company as our fearless District Leader was getting an operation on his Pixie Stick wrist. Then Sister Packard, the mission President’s wife, came and joined us as we waited. We sat and talked with Sister Packard - she really is an awesome lady! The surgery went well - the Pixie Stick successfully repaired. President Packard wanted Elder Maldonado to spend the night at the mission home after the surgery, so Sister Packard took Elders Mullins and Maldonado and we parted ways.

Well, this past week was phenomenal! The 4^th of July was awesome! Words cannot describe how it was to celebrate the 4^th here where America and our freedom were established. We were allowed to go to the Charles River and we got home between 1 & 2 AM in the morning! I was able to see Elders Langford, Hanberg and Stradley from my first area! It was so golden to see them again and be able to relax and play the ukulele as the fireworks went off.

A few days later I was able to go on an exchange with Elder Mullins, Elder Maldonado’s companion - the one who broke his wrist while riding his bike. So, guess who got to ride a bike! Yes -  that’s right – me! So here I am, my first day riding a bike as a missionary. We biked about 5 miles with no broken wrists. So, we are about .2 miles away from home, and here I am thinking, “This is great - no one got injured - everything was smooth and safe”. As I am concluding this thought in my head - in the time of about a ½ second - I see a bird jet out from underneath a bush on the ground, and directly intersect with my bike’s front tire. The bird just flew right into my front tire and I accidentally ran over it! I shouted to Elder Mullins, who was in front of me, to stop - then informed him about the birdslaughter I had just committed. We both agreed it would be a good idea to go back and give this bird a proper burial. We named him Jimmy. I figured the reason I am not in a biking area is because I don’t like running over birds or the potential of having my wrist snap like a Pixie Stick!

Besides Jimmy the Bird, fireworks, and Pixie Sticks, I had a simple realization this week. The question “What is the purpose of life?” can lead to a plethora of long, wordy responses. In my personal studies it dawned on me that I am making the answer to this question too complex. I strongly believe that the purpose to life is this: To figure out what God’s will is for me and others, and to accomplish or obey God’s will as Jesus Christ would.

I know through prayer we can receive answers to what we need to do and how we can do it. I know this takes time, but as we humble ourselves and become patient we can start accomplishing our purpose in life.

With Love,

Elder Tait.

 2 Years. Make it Count.

Hello. And Welcome Back!

Hello. And Welcome Back!”

          That is what Elder Campos would say every time he would enter our apartment.  Elder Campos, unfortunately, was transferred and now we have our Korean boy, Elder Shim! Elder Shim is a Korean speaking/learning Spanish as his third language. He has 8 years of experience with his second language, English. We can tell which food is his because we can’t read any of the symbols or characters. I don’t even know how they decipher those complex characters. It’s like trying to find out what a girth unit is.

          Anyway, Elder Campos has made an everlasting impact on how I use the English language.  I was talking to Elder Campos and trying to convince him to come on a skiing trip with us after his mission. He kept on refusing and I told him he either had to come with me, or I would go to Peru and take away all his family’s llamas. He then told me:

“No way Elder Tait! I would be so mad! I would drop and kick you!”  

“Wait Elder Campos, you would do what?”

“I would drop and then kick you!”

“Wait, are you trying to say dropkick?”

“No Elder. I will drop then I will kick you.”

He has changed the way I look at life. If I am ever in a fight, I will make sure I drop and kick the person, instead of dropkick him.

Anyway, I proudly salute you Elder Campos and the service you have given. I look forward to learning the Korean language so I will be able to read what Elder Shim’s food packaging says, and if anyone disrespects Elder Shim, I will drop and then kick them.

Revere has been blimey brilliant! This week Elder Wright and I had the privilege of witnessing a 23 year-old woman covenant with the Lord by entering the waters of baptism. It was Elder Wright’s first time baptizing someone! It was great to see. We look forward to the spiritual moment next week when she is confirmed. This woman has gone through a huge amount of turmoil in her life. I cannot say how blessed I feel to have seen her progression. I know the Lord did everything; we were simply there to represent him and his Son, and then allow the spirit to do the rest.

I would not be truthful if I said that I don’t struggle at times. During the hard moments is when the love of our Father in Heaven is most apparent to me. I always think to myself “A day at a time. A day at a time”. Stay with God today, and God will stay with you forever.”  The other day it dawned on me that I will look back and think about my mission for the rest of my life. Looking back at the time I have already served has allowed me to see how mighty the hand of the Lord has been in my life. He has been there with me every step of the way - no matter where I was. Sometimes I wasn’t humble enough to recognize it, but God still blessed me. It is time to start stepping up the intensity and serve with all my heart, might, and mind. When comparing myself to others, life looks absolutely miserable, but when I compare myself to what God wants me to be, and my divine potential, life has a whole new perspective.  Then I think of the “gentiles” in this great city of Boston. When looking at people, I am able to see that they have their own paths in life to follow. Then it dawns on me that I have been called and assigned to stand as a witness of Jesus Christ, and bear testimony of the Gospel to anyone who we come across. The Lord wants us here to help his children follow the path of happiness that He has prepared for them. It is up to us to do his work.

With love,

Elder Tait

Studying with Elder Wright

Elder Tait with the Sen Family