Unexpected things have happened this week. I have spent 8 Months in Foxboro. The first 4 1/2 with Elder Anofils were great. The same with Elder Roberts and Elder Boren afterwards, but my time here has had its share of difficulties and burdens that at times seemed too heavy to bear. I recognized these times were indeed a trial of faith, and I knew as I applied the atonement, sought to help others by serving, and dedicated myself to Christ my testimony would increase as I faced these trials with faith instead of fear. I received an answer to my prayers when we not only received two new Elders (my companions), but two new Sisters as well in the district. These 4 are phenomenal. I felt the "rainbow" had come after the "storm". These past 10 days have been some of the happiest days I have experienced on my mission. I felt everyone’s efforts to help the work progress were truly consecrated. Being surrounded by these 4 consecrated missionaries has brought me immense happiness. I knew by the end of the 1st week after transfers, that the next 5 weeks in Foxboro were going to be some of my most memorable. I obviously knew it wasn't going to be all unicorns, fairy dust, and rainbows. When the Lord's work is progressing there will always be challenges and trials - and I received one this week, that I did not expect, and I’m thankful to Heavenly Father for giving me this opportunity to grow.
I was given permission this week to go up to Weston to edit the videos for the Portable Visitor's Center project. My companions during this time were two office Elders. The plan was for me to stay there for 2 days editing video, while my companions Elders Cooney and Flory stayed in Foxboro working. I got there in the morning and got to work. They had a total of 20 videos for me to edit. There are two Sisters overseeing this project, that we call the PVC - Sister Bell and Sister Wagner. They have been doing a fantastic job. So I was editing these videos when President called the Sisters and talked to them for a few minutes, then he asked them to give the phone to me. My heart dropped and for some reason I just knew what was going to happen. That morning, when I arrived at the mission office they were coordinating plans for a Zone Leader in Lynnfield who had to go home for medical reasons. I was editing in the room where they have all the faces of the missionaries and the areas they are in, and as I was editing I just kept looking up at the blank space on the board where that Lynnfield missionary’s picture had been. Before President started to speak I was crying. He told me he was transferring me to Lynnfield, Massachusetts to be a Zone Leader. I was feeling so much inner agony, but I told President I was more than willing to do what he and the Lord wanted. I just couldn't believe it. We talked about how I needed more time to get the 4 Foxboro missionaries caught up to speed and agreed that next Monday I would leave Foxboro for Lynnfield. I couldn't believe it. I asked myself, "Why Heavenly Father? Why? Everything was going great. Everything was finally falling into place. Why now?" As I was about to pray about it, before I could even open my mouth, these words penetrated my heart: "Don't question me. Don't you know I want the best for you? I always want the best for you! Please have faith in me.” I realized my selfishness as I prayed for forgiveness for my lack of gratitude. I still wasn't able to overcome the agony I felt - it lingered for a few days, but eventually I’ve started feeling better and I trust in God that he knows what’s best. I don't know why I need to be in Lynnfield, or what the Lord has in store. I may find out the day I get there, or I may find out 20 years from now. Serving a mission isn't about me - it's about the Lord. I just know that we need to do everything to fulfill God's will by doing what he wants, instead of what we want. I already feel strength and growth from this experience. The love I have for Foxboro is indescribable. The people here have helped me grow, and I can’t express my gratitude for their help to me, our investigators, and other members. I still feel so sad that the Foxboro 5 is being split up. The Foxboro 4 will do an even better job, though! The future is bright. I know God has a hand in our lives everyday, but sometimes our faith needs to be tested before we can grow to fulfill the potential our Heavenly Father wants for us.
I love you family!
Elder Tait.
