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 

Man! I Love Revere!

MAN! I love Revere! I know I am supposed to be serving here at this time in my life. My life has changed dramatically since I started viewing everyone as my spiritual brother and sister, and understanding that we all have divine potential in the eyes of the Lord.

I heard my boy, Elder Bybee, gave his talk before he departs for the MTC. Also, Elder Garner is already in the MTC! I don’t know if I was seeing things, but I am pretty darn sure I saw him yesterday on the leadership training broadcast. Go get em’ Elder Garner!  Make me proud boy! Elder Smith is going in this Wednesday I believe? Oh man, Club 29 (group of friends from school) is on 3 different continents, and speaking a mix of 4 different languages! We just need Sam and Jacob to go out and Club 29 will be officially international!

So here in Revere there are a lot of Cambodians! I love my Cambodian friends. There was a Cambodian program out here, but it no longer exists. Anyway, Elder Wright and I go over every Friday to our Cambodian family, the Sen’s, and have dinner. We have our Grandma Sen who spoils the Elders! We love our Grandma Sen and we know she loves us! She has been having the Elders to dinner for over 10 years now! How do we know she loves us? She wants to do our laundry every Monday morning, and if we don’t bring her our laundry, Grandma Sen gets upset with her Elders. I hope my wife is like that. Anyway, Grandma Sen and I are in the process of making a quilt together. We eat with Grandma Sen, Tita (a granddaughter), and Ryan and Ritchie (grandson’s), and it is hilarious! Grandpa Sen is out in the back yard man handling their garden! Ryan is 11 and Ritche is 8 and they are High-lar-e-ous! Ritchie makes faces that just crack you up.

Yesterday was the 1^st Presidency’s Leadership Training Broadcast. It was phenomenal. Whether or not you are in a leadership position, I would recommend you watch it. It will be a benefit to every member in the church.

In the Leadership Training we were privileged to have the Apostles and Prophet address us. The main focus was how members & missionaries can be cohesive in accomplishing the commandment of our Heavenly Father to preach his gospel.  L. Tom Perry said some  things that inspired and motivated me to be a better member and missionary. He said it is time for missionaries to rise to the occasion in this “new era” of missionary work. It’s time for young men and women to rise to the occasion.  But it was something else he said that got me really thinking. He said with the demanding call for missionaries to step up, there is no greater time than now for members to rise to the occasion as well. Missionaries will not be able to fulfill their/our purpose without the members.

What also stood out to me was President Boyd K. Packer’s address. President Packer is a man who I especially love, admire and respect.  He has been a spiritual resource and has brought comfort to me, and influenced my family. President Packer taught us how to teach. He said we need to abandon the script and rely on the spirit.  When we succeed in teaching we need to give little credit to ourselves, and recognize our Heavenly Father instead. The greatest and most important teaching done in the church is by the mothers. He said we need to take heed of the council of our parents and church leaders, especially the Apostles and the Prophet. It is time to go forward and to be obedient. There isn’t anything we can’t be forgiven of.  There was a remark of President Packer’s that instantly stood out to me. For those who don’t know President Packer, he is 88 years old and is slowing down due to his elderly age. President Packer has dedicated his life to the Gospel. He has engulfed himself in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He said in his address that he still needs to learn a lot more. WHAT!? It made me realize I really need to humble myself when it comes to thinking “I know everything.” There is a lot more to learn and I hope I will still be seeking knowledge when I’m 88.

I know and am so comforted that we have modern day Apostles and Prophets that are here to guide us. It comforts me to know that our Heavenly Father works through men that have been called of God. I sustain the Apostles and Prophets as seers and revelators, and I know and promise that if we will follow their words we will never go astray. I know there are people who have been prepared to hear the Gospel message and I know we need to do everything in our might to find them and bring them the peace of the Gospel.

I know that Heavenly Father lives. I know that he lives. Heavenly Father lives and he is there for us.

Elder Tait.

2 Years. Make it count.

Thoughts for the Week

                Grandpa Waters died (member of home ward)…..oh man. That just brings tears to my eyes. I loved that man. I will never forget taking the sacrament to him. I always looked forward to bringing it to him, and it was always one of the best feelings leaving his home. I am happy for him. I am sure it was a good time for him to go. Tell the Mosers and Grandma Waters that I love them. I do know Dallin Jay Waters very well! We ran on the same cross-country team. I was good friends’ with him in high school.

I love you so much, Hillary!  Happy Birthday! You are the best older sister ever!  Carry those drum sticks around with you everywhere!  I should do that – maybe it would increase our amount of investigators.  I love you!

Babushka! (Lily) Happy Birthday! I love you so much. I can’t believe you are 12!  Wow. Contacts too? Dang, Babushka, you are growing up! And no more Primary! How do you feel about that? Happy or sad? 

                 I was thinking about it the other day - when I get home and I am dating someone, if none of my sisters like her, then neither do I! I’m not dating her anymore! They were always right about girls when I was in High School.

I love you guys so much.

                Love, Elder Tait