Happy Mother's Day!

upright view, yet chopped...

and there is ALL of Elder Tait!

A Small Taste of Persecution

I apologize for missing the last couple of weeks here, but non-stop fun and hard work have been going on! The merciful hand of the Lord has been so apparent everyday as we try our best to minister to others. 

This last week we had a great opportunity to have a small taste of "persecution," like the Apostle Paul felt as he preached the Lord's Gospel in the most hostile situations. “The Book of Mormon” musical has hit the streets of Boston and we have been asked to stand outside the doors an hour before the show to invite others to actually read the Book of Mormon. As we saw hundreds of people flood in we received reactions from polite to not so polite. People thought we worked there and kept asking for help. We unfortunately were not able to help them find their seats. “Sorry lady! Can't help you there, but we can help with answers to life’s questions and Heavenly Father’s plan for us!” It was a great opportunity to grow our faith and testimony and stand firm for the truth in a somewhat hostile environment. There were a handful of great people who were sincere and we were able to have great conversations with. I enjoyed it immensely. I don't know when I'll have the chance again to stand and invite others to hear about Christ and His restored Gospel, as they are entering to watch something that does the exact opposite. 

Also, this week, we were able to teach our favorite 75 year-old investigator, Frank. We arrived at Frank’s house and he came out to greet us. We then went to enter his house, when we realized Frank had accidentally locked himself and us out of the house. We figured we would be able to get in through the garage door, but it turned out Frank had forgotten his garage code. We sat there for about 10 minutes trying to jog Frank's memory for the garage code. As this was going on, I went to rub my eye and the left side of my glasses (the part that rests on the ear) suddenly fell off! So here we are trying to keep Frank under control and help him remember his garage code, while I am over playing Velma from Scooby Doo trying to fix my glasses. So, we finally get into the garage! Then, we tried to get from the garage into the house, but that door was also locked. So, Frank began to express his frustration with unpleasant vocabulary. I wasn't able to see Frank's facial expressions while this was going on due to my blurry vision. Frank then asked me to kick down his door. I told Frank earlier in a lesson that we were here to do anything for him, however breaking down the door into his house was not something I’d expected. But, if it was going to help Frank progress and allow us to have a lesson with him, then it needed to be done. Before kicking down the door, I first had to find it. After identifying where it was I used all the inner Haitian Ju-Jitsu in me to kick it in. We were successful. Frank was happy. We had a good a lesson. And now we have to get Frank a new lock for his door. But the good news is we were able to have a lesson!

I don’t know what time I will be calling on Sunday. I am assuming around 4 to 6 pm Las Vegas time. We’re having dinner at 5. Exciting news – a man the Lord gave us to teach in Foxboro has asked me to come and baptize him. I will be going down this next Sunday to Foxboro to do this. I'm excited. This man has a sincere desire to be sealed in the temple with his wife as soon as possible. How could that not make anyone happy?

Things here in Lynnfield have been great. Mother’s Day is this week, and I just can’t describe the joy you have brought me Mother. You are my best friend. You are always there for me. The love and prayers I have felt from you Mom are what keep me motivated to work. Without you I don't know where I would be. You are the best example to me. I look forward to one day being able to have a wife that will show the same love and care that you show dad and us. I can't wait to Skype with you this Mother's day and be able to tell all this to you in person. 

Love,
Elder Tait.

This Area is Great!

I loved the pictures of Grandma’s funeral. I was so glad to hear about the Taits being able to assemble in their hometown of Livermore. I am still having a hard time comprehending Grandma's death. It'll hit me sooner or later. I’m currently e-mailing in the Apple Store in Cambridge. We do whatever we can do to e-mail our parents! Today is Patriots Day and the one-year anniversary of the Boston Bombings. I read everything about the Funeral. Thank you for updating. Send my heartfelt love to all the Taits.

Here's the address to our new apartment:

9 Linden St.
Salem, Massachusetts 01970-5402

This area is great. I am extremely blessed to be here serving the Lord. Elder Cole is super "Cole". (That was an awful joke). He comes from Arcadia, California. He’s a super chill, easy-going guy. Things have been going great. I might possibly be his last companion. He goes home in June. Regardless, things have been great. 

I apologize for such a short e-mail. I love you Mom! I hope everything is going well!

Elder Tait.

I Can't Believe It

I can't believe Grandma Tait died. I can't believe it. But, oh, I’m so happy knowing she is back with Grandpa. How grateful I am for my testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I wish I had been able to see her one last time. I can't believe it, but I know it is the will of our Heavenly Father. I can feel her positive energy right now. I can't wait to see Grandma and Grandpa again one day - together as a couple.

Today is my last day in Foxboro. I am leaving for Lynnfield tonight. It has been a good last week and a good opportunity for me to be reminded that this mission is about more than me. It's about loving the children of our Heavenly Father. 

I am disappointed I don’t have more time to write. I LITERALLY have only 30 minutes. I am trying to do a super speedy e-mail. Can't believe it about Grandma. Wow. Can you send some photos of her to me? I wish I could have sneaked her in a cheeseburger and diet coke one last time! Wow. I don't know why I’m feeling so emotional. I guess it's more of a peaceful feeling really.

We are all getting together as a zone and playing Quidditch. I’ve had the best days here in Foxboro and can’t wait to come back with my family, one day, and introduce you to everyone. I have the best family ever. Keep living the dream and keep your faith in our Redeemer.

Elder Tait

Unexpected Things

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.

The Foxboro Fab 5 Were Born

We’ve got ourselves something major going on here! I found out I was blessed to have the opportunity to stay in this area for another 6 weeks. I rejoiced and exclaimed “Hosanna!” for being able to continue serving here. But the news got even better.  I also found out that I was going to be in a trio again! Then, when I thought things couldn't get any better than that - just like Billy Mays on the Oxy Clean commercials -- there was more! We found out that Foxboro was also getting Sisters! YEAH! Then instantly, as if it was destiny, the Foxboro Fab 5 were born.

You remember the 1991 Michigan Wolverine's College Basketball Team? They were all big and bad with their "Fab Five", and even though they were good they don't compare to what’s going on in Foxboro! Check it! We have Elder Flory, from Walsburg, Utah. When this kid swims he makes Mark Spitz jealous. Then we have a legend of the Massachusetts Boston Mission, Elder Cooney from Bellevue, Washington. Then, there’s Sister Gledhill from Utah State and Sister Badham, from Bountiful, Utah, who complete the Foxboro Fab 5.

We’re going to do everything it takes to serve the Lord and fulfill his will. We have been able to work together and seek to continue building the Kingdom everyday. I can’t describe the joy in my heart when we see others keep commitments, repent of past transgressions, and lighten their loads, as they turn their burdens over to Christ. As we continue to seek and perform God's will I can promise that he is preparing a way for us to accomplish his tasks, even if we, ourselves, think they’re impossible. 

My desire is for all have to have a great week, and to turn towards the Almighty  for guidance.

Elder Tait

When We Teach, We Learn Just As Much

Man, I can't believe Annie will be turning 17 this week!  When she was 7 and upset with us she would chase Hillary and me with a baseball bat! She has grown and matured so much since then – it makes me proud to be her brother!

I’m extremely excited about doing the Visitor Center editing! Can't wait. I need to pray for help in magnifying my talents for the building up of the Kingdom. I can't tell you how much I love President Packard. I can't wait for you to meet him. I am excited to do this video. I am only able to do these things because of you and Dad! You guys invested so much time, money, and lack of sleep to allow me to grow. I can't imagine the stress I put you through during those late nights of video editing. (Especially Dad.)
.
We have been trying to help fellowship a less-active woman who was baptized nearly a year and a half ago. She's losing her testimony slowly, and we were speaking to her at her door (couldn't go in because of the chaperone rule), and the discussion became a little heated. She was calling the church members ignorant if they thought this was really the only true church. We asked her if she thought we were ignorant. Then we asked her about what Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith in the First Vision. She answered, "Join none of the churches because none of them were true." We then asked if she thought Jesus Christ was ignorant. She told us she wanted to stop talking about it and it was time for us to go. Before we left we wanted to leave with a prayer. We will often ask less-active members to pray, then all of us simultaneously bow our heads and we don't say a word until they pray. This has always worked, but this woman did not appreciate it. She started to swear at us, saying things that were nowhere close to being Christ-like. Regardless, we could have been more Christ-like. We all learned something that day. 

When we teach, we learn just as much. It’s easy to forget that we are asking those we teach to make difficult commitments to follow Christ and his commandments. They are completely changing their lives to accommodate what the Lord wants. It’s the basic principle of faith that helps those who are learning to live the gospel, and it has helped me to learn as well. At times the commandments of the Lord can be difficult to obey, but obedience can become easier as we start to understand the bigger picture of our lives’ purpose. 

We can all struggle with finding the faith to follow Christ's commandments, mostly because of a lack of understanding and the false notion that happiness will come from not obeying the will of the Lord. I hope we can be true and faithful to the bigger picture. Enduring at times can be difficult. We need to ask ourselves what we may be struggling to have faith in, then take it to the Lord in prayer, asking him what we can do to strengthen our faith in that area. I promise you our prayers will be answered through the tender mercies of the Lord.

On another note, I encourage you to watch this new Mormon message. It brought peace to me. I would try to write what President Uchtdorf says but I’ll let him do the talking.  I hope I can be an example like the big brother in the video. We rise to the occasion and grow when we don’t take offense and admit we are in the wrong. It is an act of humility. Frustrations will come, but the blessings are rewarding for those who are meek and humble. Jesus Christ was accused of doing horrible things, yet when he was on the cross he asked his Father in Heaven to forgive his accusers. Wow. It gives me goose bumps whenever I think about it. Let us all strive to be like Christ. 

Have a fresh week! Catch you on the rebound!
Elder Tait

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=3267475157001&cid=HPWE030514340&im=true

Current District

This young man raced in the Pinewood Derby with one of Elder Tait's cars
from his own Derby Days!