You Can Never Underestimate How Much it Might Snow

I apologize that I have not been more diligent in writing these weekly e-mails. To begin with, things have been going great. There is no way to describe the pure joy of serving while wearing the name of the Savior on your lapel, and being His representative - proclaiming to every nation, kindred, and tongue that Jesus is the Christ.

I can’t express how thankful I am to be here and to be serving in the Foxboro Ward. How grateful I am that our loving Heavenly Father knows where we need to labor and serve, and I know without a doubt that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than where the Lord wants me to be.

Currently here in Foxboro I am in a companionship of three, or a tri-companionship. I was sad to part ways with Elder Anofils and break up the cookies n' cream dream team, but I love my two new companions. 

Elder Boren is from Vernal, Utah. Elder Boren lives up to the Vernal life, and is a state champion in rodeo. He actually has a full-ride rodeo scholarship on hold for after his mission. He knows how to hook ‘em longhorns. YEE-HAW. Looks like we’ve got ourselves a rodeo! Also, to add to that, he is a state champion in wrestling. Wrestling bulls gives you an advantage when you’re wrestling in high school! He is currently assisting me in my dream to catch and lasso a squirrel. So far we’ve had no success, but we haven’t given up.  

Then we have the man, the myth, the legend himself, Elder Roberts, from out west in Colorado. Elder Roberts is new to the mission but he already teaches and preaches as if he is leading the Saints west to Zion. He graduated from high school with his associate’s degree! He ain't no flash in the pan! (My “country talk” is escalating!) He’s just a loving, caring guy, who's willing to do what the Lord wants. His example has helped increase my desire to not waste a minute of my time here.

We are all having a great time, and we are seeing remarkable blessings as the Lord continues to direct and guide us as instruments in His hands. 

I have come to the realization these past few months that you can never underestimate how much it might snow. Elder Boren and Elder Roberts are both from places where they learned how to drive in snow, but for some reason the mission decided to assign the kid from Las Vegas as the one to drive on the stone cold, icy roads of Foxboro. At least it's better than a Haitian and Vegas kid together. 

Speaking of Haitians, as soon as Elder Anofils was transferred, a Haitian couple began attending Sacrament Meeting. Bad timing - but what can you do? Mwen ka kontinye pale nan creole avek moun!  My Creole is still alive and well – my pronunciation is absolutely horrendous - but I’ll take what I can get. 

The lessons we learn through the examples of others continue to penetrate and pierce our hearts with an overwhelming feeling of joy and peace and knowledge that this is the true church of Jesus Christ, and that he stands at the head of it. Whether you are a church member or not, I encourage you to continue to seek to know the truth.  I leave you with a solemn testimony that if you ask you will receive an answer that will allow you to tap into an everlasting source of happiness that is possible through the Atonement of Christ. All is possible through the Atonement of Christ. 

I hope everyone has a great week. Stay fresh, stay warm, stay safe, but most of all, stay faithful.

EJLT.

One Year!

OH, so much snow.  

Elders Boren, Tait, and Roberts

One Year Mark!

Dearest Mother,

Grandma Dunn’s moving = No Bueno 

But since Grandma is happy = Me Bueno

I can't believe my one-year mark is coming up. [Jan. 16] I feel I haven't done anything, but at the same time I feel I’ve done a lot. I have learned so much this past year. I don't know - I need to work more diligently. I need to come closer to Christ. I feel I am not 100% in tune with the spirit like I should to be.

The New Years card is great! That Tait family did it again! I could tell you and Hillary were the masterminds behind the beautiful creation.

Saturday night they asked all 3 of us Elders to give a talk on Sunday. Mine was on repentance, and I used the story about when I pretended I didn't know you were there to pick me up for speech and so you drove off. Don't worry - I didn't make it sound like you were a horrible mother. I said you were a loving mother who helped me learn something that I will never forget.

I just want to let you know that I know the gospel message is eternally true. Jesus is the Christ and he was set apart by our Heavenly Father to do a work that no one else could accomplish - to be our Savior and Redeemer. Think about when you say the words, " Heavenly Father, I know you live and I know who I am." You feel an undeniable feeling of love. Mom I love you so much. You mean the world to me. I hope I never let you or the family down. I love you mom. I love you so much.

Your Son,

Who hung around in your belly for 9 months,

Elder Tait

HAPPY 2014 RIGHT BACK AT YOU!

I had a phenomenal birthday, Mother. I was grateful to receive all those gifts. The girls were WAY too cool. Love the hoodie, the socks, and the food they sent. Seriously though, thank you. I am beyond spoiled.

The weather has not been pleasant at all! I guess Heavenly Father thought it would be a good idea to have a Haitian and a kid from Las Vegas together to survive a snowstorm! Our transfers were originally set for Thursday, but because of the storm they got pushed back to Saturday. So Elder Anofils and I had two more days together! We were red-dotted which means we could not drive. We were basically homebound on Thursday & Friday. We finally went out and did some service and then actually walked a mile or two in 5 degree weather (we didn't know it was actually that cold), to visit a few members. But we were both toasty warm. It wasn't the most exciting thing to be stuck in the apartment. Some crazy events happened with our Zone Leaders getting locked out of their apartment. Funny stories that I will never forget.

So about my new companion, Elder Boren! This kid is too cool. He was the High School State champion for wrestling and get this...Rodeo! We get along great – he’s the easiest guy to get along with. He has served in some of the most difficult areas in the mission and has been out about 10 months. On Saturday President Packard called to tell me we were going to be in a trio or tri-companionship with an Elder Roberts from Athol, Massachusetts, who is serving a mini mission. I love Elder Roberts and Elder Boren. They’re going to be my brothers. I know there might be difficulties with being in a trio, but I know the most important thing is to love your companions.

No longer a teen with a dream,

But a man with a plan,

Elder Jackson Loren Tait