October 27, 2014
Well, here it goes mom. As for the transfers....I'm staying here!! Still with Elder Digiorgio. He's done being trained, but I guess Heavenly Father still needs us and what we're doing here for a little bit longer. I was actually really surprised. It's a good surprised, we have a lot of families that are looking really good.
This week, I don't know what it was about this week. But, it has just been hard. Yesterday and today especially. I actually don't know if it was the whole week. This morning has just been a really rough morning. bu tit's all good. We just press on and focus on the small and simple things. As my good buddy, John Boy Garrett said in his last email. If we want things to get better, we have to start at square one.
But we did see a lot of miracles this week. Eve though there were difficulties, the Lord showed us that he is definitely on our side.
Thursday was quite the day. We had Almoco (lunch) with a less active who is going to a ton of Evanglical (Christian) churches. yep, the type that teach you that you hae to be yelling and speaking in tongues to feel the Holy Ghost. It was an experience. Holy cow. Well, he started to tell us all how he felt. He said "I know you all think that you have the one and only true church, but I know you all have doubts in your hearts." He was actually looking at me when he said it. but I looked him in the eyes and shook my head. Saying no. But it wasn't just any head shake. I meant it. My mind was very clear at that point and I was able to just say, "No. I actually don't have doubts of it. I know this is the true Church. I know it. I just do." He felt the REAL Spirit when we prayed. We'll see if he accepts it.
Then Thursday night.......WE HAD A BAPTISM! Jaqueline got baptized and I baptized her. It was awesome. Her entire family came and some friends. And other missionaries brought investigators that are getting baptized this week. it was good.
Then Saturday and Sunday. Literally saw a miracle. We've been teaching Matilde and Emerson. Matilde had already been to Church twice, and Emerson zero. And it wasn't looking like Emerson was going to go any time soon. We told them about transfers and he said he wanted us to call him once we got them. We weren't able to call until Saturday night and we told him and he said, "Well, I'm really glad to hear that. I'm going to Church tomorrow." WHAT? We literally danced and jumped and celebrated. And then on Sunday, HE ACTUALLY CAME! Then he wanted to eat dinner with us last night, so we did. And it was good.
Well family, I love you all. I know that many times we pass through difficulties and just feel like giving up We feel like no one really understands us. But, the Savior does. He really does. People will tear us apart and make us feel bad, but the Savior won't and our Father won't. So trust Him.
I love you. Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
sorry for no pictures. these computers aren't working well these weeks.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Well, what a week.
October 20, 2014
Wow. This week was very different. And really hard. And really good.
First, it hit 111 degrees this week and every day was 105 or more. Yeah. The heat just makes everything really hard because everyone is tired and a little bit grumpy. Ha. I can't believe hot hot it is. It really feels like I am walking in an oven. I stopped using my glasses because they get so hot that they feel like they're burning my face!
Second, actually, this is the bigger one, but yeah. Elder Digiorgio found out last Monday that his Dad passed away. He wasn't very close to his dad and his dad left when he was 12, but they had recently been getting closer. On Monday, I don't think it really set in, but starting Tuesday, it seemed lik reality hit. It has been hard because many times he just doesn't want to do anything. I am trying to help him but it's really hard. I really don't know what I would do if one of my parents passed away on a mission. I really don't ever want to have to know what I would do. So please, be careful. I love you guys and pray for you every day. Pray for Elder Digiorgio and his family at this time. He needs it.
I'm so happy to see all your adventures of the temple!!!!!! Holy cow I love the temple. I miss it so much. Enjoy it and take advantage of it. I want to live in Utah my whole life. When I get home, it'll be probably 17 in Utah, right? I think 14 are dedicated right now, or 15. I don't know, but I want to go to them. All.
But our area is doing well!!! I don't know if I told you, but when i got here, this are had only baptized one in the last year, and the other area in Boa Vista had gone over a year without a baptism. Well, We've baptized 4 together and we each have baptisms this week. Yeah. Jaqueline is doing GREAT! She is so legit. She is not trying to help her family join and everything too. She wants me to baptize her on Thursday, because she'll be in Sao Paulo Friday and Saturday, and we have transfer on Monday. And it's all but certain that one of us is leaving.
But things are going well.
OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So here are the top 2 compliments I am getting lately.
1. Nossa Elder. Voce esta emeagrecendo ne?
(wow Elder, you're getting skinny eh?)
and
2. aquele elder com o cabelo bonito
(that missionary with the nice hair)
It's kind of weird that one, but I've had quite a few people say I keep my hair really nice and well kept. That's what's up!
I'm so hot!
I love you all and hope you have a great week!!!
Apparently you need to cheer louder there in Provo!
And cheer for the ROYALS! Those stinky Giants can NOT win another world series. Especially when the Dodgers were supposed to win it.
I love you all,
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Wow. This week was very different. And really hard. And really good.
First, it hit 111 degrees this week and every day was 105 or more. Yeah. The heat just makes everything really hard because everyone is tired and a little bit grumpy. Ha. I can't believe hot hot it is. It really feels like I am walking in an oven. I stopped using my glasses because they get so hot that they feel like they're burning my face!
Second, actually, this is the bigger one, but yeah. Elder Digiorgio found out last Monday that his Dad passed away. He wasn't very close to his dad and his dad left when he was 12, but they had recently been getting closer. On Monday, I don't think it really set in, but starting Tuesday, it seemed lik reality hit. It has been hard because many times he just doesn't want to do anything. I am trying to help him but it's really hard. I really don't know what I would do if one of my parents passed away on a mission. I really don't ever want to have to know what I would do. So please, be careful. I love you guys and pray for you every day. Pray for Elder Digiorgio and his family at this time. He needs it.
I'm so happy to see all your adventures of the temple!!!!!! Holy cow I love the temple. I miss it so much. Enjoy it and take advantage of it. I want to live in Utah my whole life. When I get home, it'll be probably 17 in Utah, right? I think 14 are dedicated right now, or 15. I don't know, but I want to go to them. All.
But our area is doing well!!! I don't know if I told you, but when i got here, this are had only baptized one in the last year, and the other area in Boa Vista had gone over a year without a baptism. Well, We've baptized 4 together and we each have baptisms this week. Yeah. Jaqueline is doing GREAT! She is so legit. She is not trying to help her family join and everything too. She wants me to baptize her on Thursday, because she'll be in Sao Paulo Friday and Saturday, and we have transfer on Monday. And it's all but certain that one of us is leaving.
But things are going well.
OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So here are the top 2 compliments I am getting lately.
1. Nossa Elder. Voce esta emeagrecendo ne?
(wow Elder, you're getting skinny eh?)
and
2. aquele elder com o cabelo bonito
(that missionary with the nice hair)
It's kind of weird that one, but I've had quite a few people say I keep my hair really nice and well kept. That's what's up!
I'm so hot!
I love you all and hope you have a great week!!!
Apparently you need to cheer louder there in Provo!
And cheer for the ROYALS! Those stinky Giants can NOT win another world series. Especially when the Dodgers were supposed to win it.
I love you all,
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Well, hey there sun, you can calm down if you'd like!
October 13, 2014
The happenings in Aracatuba:
1. HEAT
2. HEAT
3. HEAT
4. HEAT
5. HEAT
6. Soon to be baptisms
But for reals. It is so hot here. This week was all 95-105 degrees. Like, I've been in that weather before. but I've never had to walk all day in it. And that was like the peak of summer. Yeah, summer here is just starting. Everyone always laughs and just says we haven't seen anything yet. It gets to about 115-125 here. Yay. I'm so excited for December and January. Ha!
Things are just chuggin right along! We have been working a lot and having some meetings wtht the leadership of our ward on how we can really get things going. We know that without the members, this work won't work. We need them and their abilities. So we had some meetings, and planned some activities. It was good. We were also able to give a training on Sunday. It went alright. We were all feeling a little down after because frankly no one paid attention. They were talking the whole time and we were all a little peeved. Well, we had one brother come up to us after and mark a time to visit some people with us and showed us the notes that he took. Well, that was a huge comfort. Every great work has to start somewhere. It reminded me of the scripture in D&C 18:15 -(I'm translating) "And if you work all of your days, and only bring me one soul, how great will be your joy with him in the Kingdom of Heaven." We have to be grateful for what we have, and be diligent, and the rest will come. Remember that he didn't say "and if you work for a little while." He said "ALL of your days".
We worked all week and all week, but when Sunday came, we had quite a few investigators out of town. Including one that went to look at the temple in Sao Paulo. Well, we got a little discouraged because no one was at Church, then in walked Matilde with her two sons. She's incredible. Emerson, her husband, was working, but she wok up the kids and came to Church. She will get baptized hopefully this transfer.
It sound like you're all having quite the part there in Utah! Especially Dad with all his duties. As they said on Disney, "make sure the President's duties don't get too backed up." HAHAHAHA! And with all the Birthdays. I am sending a package soon. don't even worry. It's gonna be real cool.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week! Good luck to Kylie in Texas! Is she going to the same mission as Marie?
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
The happenings in Aracatuba:
1. HEAT
2. HEAT
3. HEAT
4. HEAT
5. HEAT
6. Soon to be baptisms
But for reals. It is so hot here. This week was all 95-105 degrees. Like, I've been in that weather before. but I've never had to walk all day in it. And that was like the peak of summer. Yeah, summer here is just starting. Everyone always laughs and just says we haven't seen anything yet. It gets to about 115-125 here. Yay. I'm so excited for December and January. Ha!
Things are just chuggin right along! We have been working a lot and having some meetings wtht the leadership of our ward on how we can really get things going. We know that without the members, this work won't work. We need them and their abilities. So we had some meetings, and planned some activities. It was good. We were also able to give a training on Sunday. It went alright. We were all feeling a little down after because frankly no one paid attention. They were talking the whole time and we were all a little peeved. Well, we had one brother come up to us after and mark a time to visit some people with us and showed us the notes that he took. Well, that was a huge comfort. Every great work has to start somewhere. It reminded me of the scripture in D&C 18:15 -(I'm translating) "And if you work all of your days, and only bring me one soul, how great will be your joy with him in the Kingdom of Heaven." We have to be grateful for what we have, and be diligent, and the rest will come. Remember that he didn't say "and if you work for a little while." He said "ALL of your days".
We worked all week and all week, but when Sunday came, we had quite a few investigators out of town. Including one that went to look at the temple in Sao Paulo. Well, we got a little discouraged because no one was at Church, then in walked Matilde with her two sons. She's incredible. Emerson, her husband, was working, but she wok up the kids and came to Church. She will get baptized hopefully this transfer.
It sound like you're all having quite the part there in Utah! Especially Dad with all his duties. As they said on Disney, "make sure the President's duties don't get too backed up." HAHAHAHA! And with all the Birthdays. I am sending a package soon. don't even worry. It's gonna be real cool.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week! Good luck to Kylie in Texas! Is she going to the same mission as Marie?
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
His Grace is Sufficient
September 29, 2014
This week was pretty cool. I had a pretty cool opportunity this week to baptized someone who served a mission. He made some mistakes in his life, and suffered because of the mistakes of others as well. But he found his way back and is still fighting. He passed his interviews after a long time with the Stake President. He's been working on this for a long time. And he asked me to baptize him. It was really cool.
I also found out today that one of my companions from Arizona got sent home for disobedience. yep.
Don't do dumb things.
And mom, don't even worry about the shade. It's finally started to rain here. It rained I think 3 days this week. and it RAINED! We were soaked. It was funny There are actually quite a few churches here that do proselyting. but the only ones that still go out in the rain and lightning to preach the gospel are the dang Mormons. It's what we do!
This week was pretty good. We had quite a few lessons and new people at church. remember when I told you about Marcio? We passed by on Saturday and we were only able to talk to him at the door because his wife and baby were sleeping. But he said that they were already planning to go to Church. So, we passed Sunday morning to walk with them but his wife was sick. So he wasn't going to go. But then we convinced him to go. and he went. He told us about how he got an answer that the book of Mormon is true. And he loves it. LEGIT> He had trouble even picking up a Bible before, so it's pretty cool.
Sunday was a pretty big miracle. At first, Marcio wasn't there, and the other investigators weren't either. So I was pretty bummed. But then a reent convert brought her son. and Marcio showed up. AND DANIELLE'S MOM CAME. That's like Heck freezing over. For reals. That was a miracle.
Things are going pretty well here on the south side. Even with the rain, ti's super hot. So enjoy the cooler weather. People are so surprised when I say we have snow for about 4 months there. Ha.
I love you all!!!!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
So, just take a good long look at these pictures here. Like, a good one. I've had so many members say I look skinny this week!
This week was pretty cool. I had a pretty cool opportunity this week to baptized someone who served a mission. He made some mistakes in his life, and suffered because of the mistakes of others as well. But he found his way back and is still fighting. He passed his interviews after a long time with the Stake President. He's been working on this for a long time. And he asked me to baptize him. It was really cool.
I also found out today that one of my companions from Arizona got sent home for disobedience. yep.
Don't do dumb things.
And mom, don't even worry about the shade. It's finally started to rain here. It rained I think 3 days this week. and it RAINED! We were soaked. It was funny There are actually quite a few churches here that do proselyting. but the only ones that still go out in the rain and lightning to preach the gospel are the dang Mormons. It's what we do!
This week was pretty good. We had quite a few lessons and new people at church. remember when I told you about Marcio? We passed by on Saturday and we were only able to talk to him at the door because his wife and baby were sleeping. But he said that they were already planning to go to Church. So, we passed Sunday morning to walk with them but his wife was sick. So he wasn't going to go. But then we convinced him to go. and he went. He told us about how he got an answer that the book of Mormon is true. And he loves it. LEGIT> He had trouble even picking up a Bible before, so it's pretty cool.
Sunday was a pretty big miracle. At first, Marcio wasn't there, and the other investigators weren't either. So I was pretty bummed. But then a reent convert brought her son. and Marcio showed up. AND DANIELLE'S MOM CAME. That's like Heck freezing over. For reals. That was a miracle.
Things are going pretty well here on the south side. Even with the rain, ti's super hot. So enjoy the cooler weather. People are so surprised when I say we have snow for about 4 months there. Ha.
I love you all!!!!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
So, just take a good long look at these pictures here. Like, a good one. I've had so many members say I look skinny this week!
When I first got here to Brazil, 5 months ago. CHUNKER!
This last week. YEAH!!
Just keep on keepin' on!
Sept. 22, 2014
Well, this week was pretty great. IT FINALLY RAINED! It is so hot here and everything is dying. This is normally the rain season and we have not received anything and finally it rained twice this week. but it still needs to rain a lot more. It's about 100 degrees every day and technically it was winter until yesterday. Yeah. Just imagine the summer. WOOHOO! Yep. I'll just keep losing weight. I've now lost 16 kilos. I think that's about 35 pounds. yeah.
Sounds like it's just a part there in UTAH! I love Utah. I miss seeing a temple wherever I go. for reals. Don't take it for granted. go to the temple weekly, not weakly. Holy cow I love the temple. I'm super jealous of the new Ogden temple. It looks a lot like Gilbert.
And GO COUGARS! I hope you guys are bringing my picture in my BYU shirt to the games so that I can cheer with you. Yep. They're going to win it all. I'm calling it right now. The year that I'm gone BYU wins it. Dodgers win it. And even the JAZZ win it!
This week was good. We taught A LOT. Holy cow. We're going through a nice phase of finding new people who keep commitments and want to go to Church. Jaqueline is doing good. She had a little bit of a rough time but we had a feeling to visit her unscheduled on day and she was having a lot of doubts and we answered her prayer. So, that was good. Ha
Things are great here. and super hot. I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday and killed it. One of the counselors of the Stake Presidency was there and he said after "wow, it's been a long time since I heard a talk like that. The whole building felt the spirit during your talk." Keep the commandments and be virtuous. there are no excuses. That was basically my talk. I talked about stories of John Tanner and Greg Johnson going on a mission. there really are no excuses to do what we know is right and do it well. It was awesome!
Well, this week was pretty great. IT FINALLY RAINED! It is so hot here and everything is dying. This is normally the rain season and we have not received anything and finally it rained twice this week. but it still needs to rain a lot more. It's about 100 degrees every day and technically it was winter until yesterday. Yeah. Just imagine the summer. WOOHOO! Yep. I'll just keep losing weight. I've now lost 16 kilos. I think that's about 35 pounds. yeah.
Sounds like it's just a part there in UTAH! I love Utah. I miss seeing a temple wherever I go. for reals. Don't take it for granted. go to the temple weekly, not weakly. Holy cow I love the temple. I'm super jealous of the new Ogden temple. It looks a lot like Gilbert.
And GO COUGARS! I hope you guys are bringing my picture in my BYU shirt to the games so that I can cheer with you. Yep. They're going to win it all. I'm calling it right now. The year that I'm gone BYU wins it. Dodgers win it. And even the JAZZ win it!
This week was good. We taught A LOT. Holy cow. We're going through a nice phase of finding new people who keep commitments and want to go to Church. Jaqueline is doing good. She had a little bit of a rough time but we had a feeling to visit her unscheduled on day and she was having a lot of doubts and we answered her prayer. So, that was good. Ha
Things are great here. and super hot. I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I spoke in Sacrament meeting yesterday and killed it. One of the counselors of the Stake Presidency was there and he said after "wow, it's been a long time since I heard a talk like that. The whole building felt the spirit during your talk." Keep the commandments and be virtuous. there are no excuses. That was basically my talk. I talked about stories of John Tanner and Greg Johnson going on a mission. there really are no excuses to do what we know is right and do it well. It was awesome!
WOW!
September 15, 2014
I still can't believe I hit one year this last week. I just realized it's been more than a year since I've woken up later than 6:30. Holy cow.
So the BYU game. Holy legit. Just so you know there were about 4 of us missionaries here drooling over the pictures and getting super trunky. Haha. I can't believe you guys had Bis!! That's so cool. We eat that quite a bit here. It's super cheap. Like maybe 2 dollars at the most.
This week was really good. We were supposed to baptize but sadly things just didn't quite work out. Jaqueline chose a date and she will be baptized this transfer. She's super solid in being baptized, just not in a huge hurry. she chose the last week in October and said, it's official, mark it on your calendars. I'll be baptized. So that's good.
We just been working and walking and gettin all skinny and cute. ha. but for reals, I'm so much skinnier than I was a couple months ago. EVERYONE comments on it. Even people that met me 4 weeks ago. "nossa voce magraceu." wow. You got more skinny!
I hope all is well there. It's going well here. Sorry this is so short. I have fotos to send and not very much time!!!!!!!
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I still can't believe I hit one year this last week. I just realized it's been more than a year since I've woken up later than 6:30. Holy cow.
So the BYU game. Holy legit. Just so you know there were about 4 of us missionaries here drooling over the pictures and getting super trunky. Haha. I can't believe you guys had Bis!! That's so cool. We eat that quite a bit here. It's super cheap. Like maybe 2 dollars at the most.
This week was really good. We were supposed to baptize but sadly things just didn't quite work out. Jaqueline chose a date and she will be baptized this transfer. She's super solid in being baptized, just not in a huge hurry. she chose the last week in October and said, it's official, mark it on your calendars. I'll be baptized. So that's good.
We just been working and walking and gettin all skinny and cute. ha. but for reals, I'm so much skinnier than I was a couple months ago. EVERYONE comments on it. Even people that met me 4 weeks ago. "nossa voce magraceu." wow. You got more skinny!
I hope all is well there. It's going well here. Sorry this is so short. I have fotos to send and not very much time!!!!!!!
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Primeiro, meu Brasil. Aracatuba!
Me and Elder Barlow on a division celebrating 1 year!
Oh you know, just me chillin with a mango. Holy cow! Mangos are so good!
Are they really expensive in Kaysville?
HOLY. 1 YEAR
September 8, 2014
yep. I can't believe it either. It was exactly one year ago today that I was there in Kaysville giving my farewell talk. a full year. I can't believe it. It really does fly by. Even though there are times when you just don't think you can do any more. It's only 6 o' clock and you know you have until 9 and your veet are screaming and no one is listening to you, it's all worth it. It's all worth it when you find that golden couple, and a new couple goes to church, and an investigator finally gets serious and gets baptized. It's all worth it. It's been a year of CRAZY. It's been a year of HARD. And, it has been a year of INCREDIBLE!
This week was also crazy, hard, and incredible. We found 15 new investigators this week. 4 families. I've wanted to find families my entire mission, and finally the Lord is placing them in our path. We found Marcio and Carol. They were a contact on the street early in the week and we marked to visit Saturday. We taught the Restoration Saturday and they went to Church on Sunday. They are incredible, and they will get married soon. And hopefully baptized as well.
We also found (kind of) Matilde and Emerson. We didn't find them. the other companionship lives in our area, and one day they were walking to their area, and they felt that they needed to knock on a door that was in our area. They went, got the info, and passed it to us. We went. And only had about 20 minutes the first time, so we gave a blessing on the house and the family. Then had the feeling to invite them to be baptized. They said yes. That was super cool, but still, the significance of this miracle is still to come. We passed on Saturday to teach them and invite them to church, but Emerson had to work late. We talked to Matilde and she told us that Emerson never really liked religion. she usually goes to an "Evangelical" church (sometimes). And in the past, he would hide the keys to the car so that she wouldn't go. but even before we taught the Restoration, he accepted to be baptized. He didn't go to Church, but Matilde did. We taught them the Restoration with our Bishop on Sunday, and they loved it. They need this for their family, and it showed, and they want it. They are incredible.
There's a lot of miracles happening in the mission world right now, all over the world. It's incredible. We all need to join in and invite. M. Russell Ballard said that we should be inviting a friend at least every 3 months to be taught by the missionaries. That includes us in Utah. It's hard, but we will see the benefits. Elder Barlow showed me something cool this week in 1 Peter 4:6. It talks about when the people didn't listen to Noah and only 8 people were saved. In our day, it's a different prophet. And he's said to do missionary work instead of get on a boat, but the principle is the same. there were more than 8 people that heard Noah, but only 8 listened. How many people will listen this time?
I love you all. Have a fantastic week.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Sorry, no pictures this week. This computer is dumb and I'm out of time. But please send pictures again this week. Especially of the BYU game!!!!!!
Oh my gosh, Annie is so big. Tell her to stop growing. She's getting too big.
AND THANK YOU FOR THE PHOTOS!!!!!
yep. I can't believe it either. It was exactly one year ago today that I was there in Kaysville giving my farewell talk. a full year. I can't believe it. It really does fly by. Even though there are times when you just don't think you can do any more. It's only 6 o' clock and you know you have until 9 and your veet are screaming and no one is listening to you, it's all worth it. It's all worth it when you find that golden couple, and a new couple goes to church, and an investigator finally gets serious and gets baptized. It's all worth it. It's been a year of CRAZY. It's been a year of HARD. And, it has been a year of INCREDIBLE!
This week was also crazy, hard, and incredible. We found 15 new investigators this week. 4 families. I've wanted to find families my entire mission, and finally the Lord is placing them in our path. We found Marcio and Carol. They were a contact on the street early in the week and we marked to visit Saturday. We taught the Restoration Saturday and they went to Church on Sunday. They are incredible, and they will get married soon. And hopefully baptized as well.
We also found (kind of) Matilde and Emerson. We didn't find them. the other companionship lives in our area, and one day they were walking to their area, and they felt that they needed to knock on a door that was in our area. They went, got the info, and passed it to us. We went. And only had about 20 minutes the first time, so we gave a blessing on the house and the family. Then had the feeling to invite them to be baptized. They said yes. That was super cool, but still, the significance of this miracle is still to come. We passed on Saturday to teach them and invite them to church, but Emerson had to work late. We talked to Matilde and she told us that Emerson never really liked religion. she usually goes to an "Evangelical" church (sometimes). And in the past, he would hide the keys to the car so that she wouldn't go. but even before we taught the Restoration, he accepted to be baptized. He didn't go to Church, but Matilde did. We taught them the Restoration with our Bishop on Sunday, and they loved it. They need this for their family, and it showed, and they want it. They are incredible.
There's a lot of miracles happening in the mission world right now, all over the world. It's incredible. We all need to join in and invite. M. Russell Ballard said that we should be inviting a friend at least every 3 months to be taught by the missionaries. That includes us in Utah. It's hard, but we will see the benefits. Elder Barlow showed me something cool this week in 1 Peter 4:6. It talks about when the people didn't listen to Noah and only 8 people were saved. In our day, it's a different prophet. And he's said to do missionary work instead of get on a boat, but the principle is the same. there were more than 8 people that heard Noah, but only 8 listened. How many people will listen this time?
I love you all. Have a fantastic week.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Sorry, no pictures this week. This computer is dumb and I'm out of time. But please send pictures again this week. Especially of the BYU game!!!!!!
Oh my gosh, Annie is so big. Tell her to stop growing. She's getting too big.
AND THANK YOU FOR THE PHOTOS!!!!!
Monday, September 1, 2014
AGUA!!
September 1, 2014
Oh. This week was good. Yeah. It was real good.
WE HAD TWO BAPTISMS!!!!!!
Saturday was awesome! I knew I was feeling the Spirit because BYU won the night before. HA. And we had the opportunity to see Danielle and Arlete get baptized. I had the opportunity to baptized Danielle and Elder Digiorgio baptized Arlete. It was awesome. A member bought pizza for us after and everything. It was also really cool because we had Jaqueline there. The other investigator that wants to get baptized. But she's seeing some family problems. The two talks were from members who ha problems with family because of their baptisms, but they talked about how it's worth it. Family is the second most important thing. Keeping the commandments is first. When the two line up, and Phil from Duck Dynasty say, "Now we're cooking with peanut oil."
But seriously it was awesome.
This week was so good. We had a lot of lessons. And a lot of fun. We were able to get started in our ward a Family Home Evening once a week, and it's going really well. and we are teaching an English class that had 16 people this week. That's a lot for a Church English class that just started. It's been super good.
Friday we had to et permission in writing from Arlete's husband to baptize her. It was intense. He likes to drink a drink called "Pinga". It's like whiskey but with even more alcohol. It's crazy. It's what the alcoholics drink. We had a lesson with her during the afternoon but he wasn't home, but we had a member with us. I asked to use the bathroom, and had a feeling to say a prayer. I said "if he needs to be drunk, let him be drunk, if he needs to be sober, let him be sober, but please let us baptize Arlete." Well, the Lord answered my prayer and I think he was a little drunk. But, he gave permission and Arlete was baptized! He says he still wants nothing, but give it time and he'll join too.
Great to hear about the BYU game. I would love pictures from you all. Like, a little something every week would be cool. (HINT, HINT. I LIKE PICTURES)
I love you all. This week was super good. We had the chance to sing hymns for Irmao Anor for his birthday. He's actually making a lot of progress towards baptism. We don't teach him, but we had an influence. And, he's going really good. The missionaries that each him are incredible.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Oh. This week was good. Yeah. It was real good.
WE HAD TWO BAPTISMS!!!!!!
Saturday was awesome! I knew I was feeling the Spirit because BYU won the night before. HA. And we had the opportunity to see Danielle and Arlete get baptized. I had the opportunity to baptized Danielle and Elder Digiorgio baptized Arlete. It was awesome. A member bought pizza for us after and everything. It was also really cool because we had Jaqueline there. The other investigator that wants to get baptized. But she's seeing some family problems. The two talks were from members who ha problems with family because of their baptisms, but they talked about how it's worth it. Family is the second most important thing. Keeping the commandments is first. When the two line up, and Phil from Duck Dynasty say, "Now we're cooking with peanut oil."
But seriously it was awesome.
This week was so good. We had a lot of lessons. And a lot of fun. We were able to get started in our ward a Family Home Evening once a week, and it's going really well. and we are teaching an English class that had 16 people this week. That's a lot for a Church English class that just started. It's been super good.
Friday we had to et permission in writing from Arlete's husband to baptize her. It was intense. He likes to drink a drink called "Pinga". It's like whiskey but with even more alcohol. It's crazy. It's what the alcoholics drink. We had a lesson with her during the afternoon but he wasn't home, but we had a member with us. I asked to use the bathroom, and had a feeling to say a prayer. I said "if he needs to be drunk, let him be drunk, if he needs to be sober, let him be sober, but please let us baptize Arlete." Well, the Lord answered my prayer and I think he was a little drunk. But, he gave permission and Arlete was baptized! He says he still wants nothing, but give it time and he'll join too.
Great to hear about the BYU game. I would love pictures from you all. Like, a little something every week would be cool. (HINT, HINT. I LIKE PICTURES)
I love you all. This week was super good. We had the chance to sing hymns for Irmao Anor for his birthday. He's actually making a lot of progress towards baptism. We don't teach him, but we had an influence. And, he's going really good. The missionaries that each him are incredible.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
This is us after the service and our Bishop took a picture.
We're so hot! #boavistacrew
I have also been having an adventure called an ingrown toenail. YAY!
This was my return visit. I don't know that it really did anything but hurt.
But now it's hopefully gone. HA She cut it out without any numbing stuff.
YAY Brasil!!
So, I knew that if BYU football didn't start this last week, it would start this week.
But it's good to hear that they DESTROYED!!
TAYSOM FOR HEISMAN!
We had some service to do Saturday, so I wore my BYU with price
This picture is for you to remember EVERY TIME BYU scores, remember that I'm cheering with you!
Division selfie with Elder Barlow!
WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! #AGUA
This is Arlete and Danielle. They got baptized on Saturday!
I smell agua!!
August 24, 2014
This week was really good. We had 29 lessons. I've never had 29 lessons in a week before. It was awesome. We also did 214 contacts. Holy Cow!!
We have been working a lot with a woman named Arlete. She'll get baptized this Saturday. It's been pretty cool to see the faith of my little greenie. HA. Because she basically contacted us in the street. This was last week. When she did, she started crying and she wasn't making any sense. And I just thought, "great. Another crazy." But, we marked an appointment with her for the next day. It turns out, she is a little bit crazy. And awesome! She has accepted everything. She has a pretty rough life, but she accepts the gospel and is already 2 for 2 on going to Church since we started teaching her. She's super excited for Saturday.
We also are teaching a girl named Danielle, I think I've told you about her. Well, last transfer, she was supposed to get baptized, but didn't. She didn't feel that she has received a testimony. but yesterday, for the first time, (she's been going to Church for 6 months) she showed her faith and went alone. Because her boyfriend was working. Normally she doesn't go without him. but we talked to her Saturday and she went. It was awesome. She will also get baptized this Saturday.
We are also teaching a girl name Jaqueline. She was a referral from another girl in the ward. She has already been to Church 3 times, just not in our ward. HA. Our building has 2 wards and she went to the other ward. but she will also get baptized this week.
We are also teaching a couple called Laissa and Lucas that are 19 years old and have a child named Arthur. He's crazy and he has caused quite the party with the children in Sacrament meeting the last 2 weeks. We're trying to help calm him so that his parents can focus. They are awesome and super excited to get married and baptized.
The other companionship had a baptism this week. It was awesome. It was the first baptism their area has had in over a year. This ward is changing a lot.
It's good to hear about all your little adventures. I'm super jealous that you can go to the temple. The closest temple to Aracatuba is about 6 hours away by car. It's about 2 hours from Ribeirao Preto. So we don't get a temple trip, because ti's about 2 missions away. But one day.....HA.
Have fun at school!! That's so weird that it's starting again. Enjoy the cooler weather. It already feels like the middle of summer here, and it only gets hotter. Seriously, technically it's still winter here and it was about 90 degrees this week. It hits 120 during the summer. YAY!
I love you all!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
This week was really good. We had 29 lessons. I've never had 29 lessons in a week before. It was awesome. We also did 214 contacts. Holy Cow!!
We have been working a lot with a woman named Arlete. She'll get baptized this Saturday. It's been pretty cool to see the faith of my little greenie. HA. Because she basically contacted us in the street. This was last week. When she did, she started crying and she wasn't making any sense. And I just thought, "great. Another crazy." But, we marked an appointment with her for the next day. It turns out, she is a little bit crazy. And awesome! She has accepted everything. She has a pretty rough life, but she accepts the gospel and is already 2 for 2 on going to Church since we started teaching her. She's super excited for Saturday.
We also are teaching a girl named Danielle, I think I've told you about her. Well, last transfer, she was supposed to get baptized, but didn't. She didn't feel that she has received a testimony. but yesterday, for the first time, (she's been going to Church for 6 months) she showed her faith and went alone. Because her boyfriend was working. Normally she doesn't go without him. but we talked to her Saturday and she went. It was awesome. She will also get baptized this Saturday.
We are also teaching a girl name Jaqueline. She was a referral from another girl in the ward. She has already been to Church 3 times, just not in our ward. HA. Our building has 2 wards and she went to the other ward. but she will also get baptized this week.
We are also teaching a couple called Laissa and Lucas that are 19 years old and have a child named Arthur. He's crazy and he has caused quite the party with the children in Sacrament meeting the last 2 weeks. We're trying to help calm him so that his parents can focus. They are awesome and super excited to get married and baptized.
The other companionship had a baptism this week. It was awesome. It was the first baptism their area has had in over a year. This ward is changing a lot.
It's good to hear about all your little adventures. I'm super jealous that you can go to the temple. The closest temple to Aracatuba is about 6 hours away by car. It's about 2 hours from Ribeirao Preto. So we don't get a temple trip, because ti's about 2 missions away. But one day.....HA.
Have fun at school!! That's so weird that it's starting again. Enjoy the cooler weather. It already feels like the middle of summer here, and it only gets hotter. Seriously, technically it's still winter here and it was about 90 degrees this week. It hits 120 during the summer. YAY!
I love you all!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
WOW. The LORD works MIRACLES!!
August 18, 2014
Holy cow. What a week!!
I really can't tell you how great this week was. We had a lot of success and we are seeing a lot of progress not just with our investigators, but with this ward, too. Normally the attendance is around 4-45. The last three weeks (before this one) have been 51, 52, 51, and this week.......55! It was incredible. We had the privilege of bringing SEVEN investigators to Church. That's the most I've ever had on my mission.
I've felt the Spirit a lot more this week. That's been a huge blessing. I've been able to look back and see a huge change i myself. Even though I still have man childish moments, I'm not a child any more.
We had the privilege of meeting a special lady this week. ELECT. Holy cow. We walked by her in the street, stopped and said hi, and she poured out her life story. She's a little crazy. And a little awesome at the same time. When we set an appointment, I just thought, "great, another crazy." But, my companion was quick to correct me and keep going. We taught her and she accepted a baptismal date and everything. Then she did something that only elects do. SHE WENT TO CHURCH AS A NEW INVESTIGATOR. Yeah. And we showed up to her house for a second lesson and the first thing she said was, "I will get baptized day 30." Yeah. Elect. Her husband is usually drunk and she has a pretty rough life, but she in one of the most humble people I've met. She calls us her little angels of Jesus. Wow. for reals though, what an honor.
We also had the privilege to start teaching Jaqueline. She was invited by a friend and has already been to Church 3 times. The only problem, she went to the other ward in our building. HA. but she's incredible too.
We also are teaching Lucas and Laissa. They are a couple that they are both 19 years old and have a child that's 1.5. And he's HUGE. HA! Arthur. I love them. They went to Church, but they didn't just do that, LUCAS INVITED HIS MOM! We didn't even say anything, and he invited her. And she went and loved it!
What a week. Week of miracles and blessings. Aline is solid and Luana, her daughter, will get baptized when she turns 8 next month.
Holy cow. What a blessing it is to be serving here right now.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Holy cow. What a week!!
I really can't tell you how great this week was. We had a lot of success and we are seeing a lot of progress not just with our investigators, but with this ward, too. Normally the attendance is around 4-45. The last three weeks (before this one) have been 51, 52, 51, and this week.......55! It was incredible. We had the privilege of bringing SEVEN investigators to Church. That's the most I've ever had on my mission.
I've felt the Spirit a lot more this week. That's been a huge blessing. I've been able to look back and see a huge change i myself. Even though I still have man childish moments, I'm not a child any more.
We had the privilege of meeting a special lady this week. ELECT. Holy cow. We walked by her in the street, stopped and said hi, and she poured out her life story. She's a little crazy. And a little awesome at the same time. When we set an appointment, I just thought, "great, another crazy." But, my companion was quick to correct me and keep going. We taught her and she accepted a baptismal date and everything. Then she did something that only elects do. SHE WENT TO CHURCH AS A NEW INVESTIGATOR. Yeah. And we showed up to her house for a second lesson and the first thing she said was, "I will get baptized day 30." Yeah. Elect. Her husband is usually drunk and she has a pretty rough life, but she in one of the most humble people I've met. She calls us her little angels of Jesus. Wow. for reals though, what an honor.
We also had the privilege to start teaching Jaqueline. She was invited by a friend and has already been to Church 3 times. The only problem, she went to the other ward in our building. HA. but she's incredible too.
We also are teaching Lucas and Laissa. They are a couple that they are both 19 years old and have a child that's 1.5. And he's HUGE. HA! Arthur. I love them. They went to Church, but they didn't just do that, LUCAS INVITED HIS MOM! We didn't even say anything, and he invited her. And she went and loved it!
What a week. Week of miracles and blessings. Aline is solid and Luana, her daughter, will get baptized when she turns 8 next month.
Holy cow. What a blessing it is to be serving here right now.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I wonder if this is really how it feels to have children.....
August 11, 2014
Bom Dia!
Holy cow what a week! I can't lie, it's been a long one.
Last Sunday I went to Ribeirao to pick up my verdinho (greenie, which verdinho also means booger, HA). And it was a long trip. When we went and emailed on Monday, I plugged my device in with my memory card and sent some pictures. Well, in the rush of things, I forgot to remove it. We returned to the LAN HOUSE later, but someone already took it. Yeah for honest people right? So, the pictures that I have of the last 11 months are the ones that I have sent home. Sad day! But, it's all good. Sadly, I haven't yet bought another memory card, so I don't have any pictures to send of my filho. The next day, I was still in Ribeirao, and guess what happened, somewhere between the assistant's house and the mission home, the pants to my suit fell, and we never did end up finding them. So, there's that. It was quite the trip.
but now I have my son, and.........
He's Brazilian!! His name is Elder Digiorgio from Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. It's in the South of Brasil. And the people from the south are white. So we get asked a lot if we're both Americans. He served a mini mission before in the Florianopolis misison, so he already knows a little bit of what's going on. But now he gets to learn a lot of bit what's going on. This week was good.
But it's really hard training. I tell you what. I don't know that I really know what I'm doing. HA But it's all good. I know the Lord will help with everything.
This week was pretty crazy. Because of transfers and everything, we didn't get to our area until Wednesday night. President didn't want us to travel all night again, so we didn't leave Ribeirao until Wednesday morning. And then the 7 hour bus ride. YAY. But our first lesson was a good one. Our investigator's name is Batista. Which means Baptist. He is the husband of an actvie member. This is not the first time that I have been in this situation, but it is the first as the senior companion. The lesson went really well. And we have another with him tonight. When one member heard that we taught him, she said "Wow. Could it be that it will be you two that finally make this miracle happen?" I know it's not me that makes miracles happen, ti's our Heavenly Fatjer. But, we are fasting and praying and working to be worthy of this miracle. They've been married nine years, and it's time for them to be an eternal family, not just a family.
This week was quite the week.
It only goes up from here.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS Dad has to sen pictures. Holy trip of a life time!!
Bom Dia!
Holy cow what a week! I can't lie, it's been a long one.
Last Sunday I went to Ribeirao to pick up my verdinho (greenie, which verdinho also means booger, HA). And it was a long trip. When we went and emailed on Monday, I plugged my device in with my memory card and sent some pictures. Well, in the rush of things, I forgot to remove it. We returned to the LAN HOUSE later, but someone already took it. Yeah for honest people right? So, the pictures that I have of the last 11 months are the ones that I have sent home. Sad day! But, it's all good. Sadly, I haven't yet bought another memory card, so I don't have any pictures to send of my filho. The next day, I was still in Ribeirao, and guess what happened, somewhere between the assistant's house and the mission home, the pants to my suit fell, and we never did end up finding them. So, there's that. It was quite the trip.
but now I have my son, and.........
He's Brazilian!! His name is Elder Digiorgio from Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. It's in the South of Brasil. And the people from the south are white. So we get asked a lot if we're both Americans. He served a mini mission before in the Florianopolis misison, so he already knows a little bit of what's going on. But now he gets to learn a lot of bit what's going on. This week was good.
But it's really hard training. I tell you what. I don't know that I really know what I'm doing. HA But it's all good. I know the Lord will help with everything.
This week was pretty crazy. Because of transfers and everything, we didn't get to our area until Wednesday night. President didn't want us to travel all night again, so we didn't leave Ribeirao until Wednesday morning. And then the 7 hour bus ride. YAY. But our first lesson was a good one. Our investigator's name is Batista. Which means Baptist. He is the husband of an actvie member. This is not the first time that I have been in this situation, but it is the first as the senior companion. The lesson went really well. And we have another with him tonight. When one member heard that we taught him, she said "Wow. Could it be that it will be you two that finally make this miracle happen?" I know it's not me that makes miracles happen, ti's our Heavenly Fatjer. But, we are fasting and praying and working to be worthy of this miracle. They've been married nine years, and it's time for them to be an eternal family, not just a family.
This week was quite the week.
It only goes up from here.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS Dad has to sen pictures. Holy trip of a life time!!
I'm having a baby!
August 4, 2014
Good MOrning from Ribeirao Preto!! Yep! I'm back in Ribeirao. but just for today and tomorrow. and I'm really tired because I was on a bus all night long. Whoo!!
Why am I in Ribeirao? Because apparently I was pregnant. Yep. I'm having a filho (son). I have been called to be a trainer. For those who don't know, a trainer gets a brand new companion, fresh out of the MTC, and teaches him the ways of a misisonary. It's a lot of pressure and I'm kind of freaking out. I still don't know what language he speaks. Because if he's not Brazilian, we might have some trouble understanding our investigators.
Elder J. Fernandez was transferred. I will still be in Boa Vista -B with my filho. I really can't wait. As nervous as I am, I am also super excited. A trainer has a big influence on your mission. At least in the beginning. That means it's my opportunity to teach by example. Which is the best way to teach. Really, it's the only way to teach, because actions speak louder than words.
Pray for me.
And all the other missionaries.
Thanks.
AND GUESS WHAT?????????WE BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aline got baptized on Thursday. It was incredible. We ran into some trouble last week, but it was decided to go forward with the interview and everything was good to go. We visited her EVERY DAY and made sure she was good to go. It has been incredible to see the change in her. Thursday she had a final interview, and all was good. Except that her mom got really anxious and started to kind of dis on the missionaries. I think someone said something not true to her. People. But sadly, it was bad enough that the mom didn't come to the baptism. but she's ok now. We talked to her after Church on Sunday. but, the baptism was awesome. Saturday morning, she asked me to baptize her. It was so cool. It's the first time in my life I have had the opportunity to baptize someone. And I hope ti won't be the last. Here on the mission it's ok if I don't because it's awesome when members do, but when I get home.......#membermissionarywork.
She got confirmed on Sunday and all that jazz. Her daughter, Luana, will get baptized when she turns 8 in September.
And this transfer is gonna be great. We've got some good stuff set up. We decided to finally visit and talk to a husband of a member. They've been married 9 years but he's never really been taught by missionaries. We were at their house for lunch and he asked what the Book of Mormon is. so we explained a little and marked a return. He's had a couple missionaries visit but it's never really gone right. But this time it will. They need to be a family forever.
I love you all. Thank you for all you do.
PS I went to the mission home this morning and guess what!!! Your package arrived!!!!!!! Whoo. I will open it tonight. There were also two letters. One from Mom and one from Dad. My parents are the best. I love them. I'm sorry I don't write you as often. It's a lot harder to find time to write on p-day than it was in Arizona. But I still love you!
Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Good MOrning from Ribeirao Preto!! Yep! I'm back in Ribeirao. but just for today and tomorrow. and I'm really tired because I was on a bus all night long. Whoo!!
Why am I in Ribeirao? Because apparently I was pregnant. Yep. I'm having a filho (son). I have been called to be a trainer. For those who don't know, a trainer gets a brand new companion, fresh out of the MTC, and teaches him the ways of a misisonary. It's a lot of pressure and I'm kind of freaking out. I still don't know what language he speaks. Because if he's not Brazilian, we might have some trouble understanding our investigators.
Elder J. Fernandez was transferred. I will still be in Boa Vista -B with my filho. I really can't wait. As nervous as I am, I am also super excited. A trainer has a big influence on your mission. At least in the beginning. That means it's my opportunity to teach by example. Which is the best way to teach. Really, it's the only way to teach, because actions speak louder than words.
Pray for me.
And all the other missionaries.
Thanks.
AND GUESS WHAT?????????WE BAPTIZED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aline got baptized on Thursday. It was incredible. We ran into some trouble last week, but it was decided to go forward with the interview and everything was good to go. We visited her EVERY DAY and made sure she was good to go. It has been incredible to see the change in her. Thursday she had a final interview, and all was good. Except that her mom got really anxious and started to kind of dis on the missionaries. I think someone said something not true to her. People. But sadly, it was bad enough that the mom didn't come to the baptism. but she's ok now. We talked to her after Church on Sunday. but, the baptism was awesome. Saturday morning, she asked me to baptize her. It was so cool. It's the first time in my life I have had the opportunity to baptize someone. And I hope ti won't be the last. Here on the mission it's ok if I don't because it's awesome when members do, but when I get home.......#membermissionarywork.
She got confirmed on Sunday and all that jazz. Her daughter, Luana, will get baptized when she turns 8 in September.
And this transfer is gonna be great. We've got some good stuff set up. We decided to finally visit and talk to a husband of a member. They've been married 9 years but he's never really been taught by missionaries. We were at their house for lunch and he asked what the Book of Mormon is. so we explained a little and marked a return. He's had a couple missionaries visit but it's never really gone right. But this time it will. They need to be a family forever.
I love you all. Thank you for all you do.
PS I went to the mission home this morning and guess what!!! Your package arrived!!!!!!! Whoo. I will open it tonight. There were also two letters. One from Mom and one from Dad. My parents are the best. I love them. I'm sorry I don't write you as often. It's a lot harder to find time to write on p-day than it was in Arizona. But I still love you!
Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Us with Aline and Luana. She turns 8 in September and will also get baptized!!
Batismo de Aline!!! It was the first time in my life I have
had the opportunity to actually baptize someone.
It was incredible!!
Me and Aline!! Saturday morning she asked if I would baptize her!
This is my sexy face. On a "motorcycle" that a member made.
He's 6 years old!
Monday, July 28, 2014
A friend of a friend!
July 28, 2014
Our neighborhood friend, Alex Hill and his wife, Victoria and their little Liam live in Brazil right now.
Scott recently met one of Alex's sales men and they sent us this great picture! It's just fun to see him with a friend of a friend!
Our neighborhood friend, Alex Hill and his wife, Victoria and their little Liam live in Brazil right now.
Scott recently met one of Alex's sales men and they sent us this great picture! It's just fun to see him with a friend of a friend!
Smoke. Funk. Muleques.
July 28, 2014
Ha. Welcome to Brazil. I'm sitting here in the internet cafe where someone somewhere is smoking and it stinks. the majority of people here are teenage boys (Muleques, it's kind of offensive to call people that. but not really... It's like punk.) and they're just playing video games and listening to funk. If you've never heard Brazilian Funk, be grateful. Ha. If you have, I'm sorry.
But this week was pretty good! It started raining on Wednesday, and didn't stop until Sunday! It was really good because Aracatuba doesn't get a whole lot of rain. Remember how everyone thinks Brazil is all jungle and rain? Hope. That's just Manaus. I'm basically in the Arizona of Brazil. Ha. It gets REALLY hot. And yes, mom, it was cold this week. That picture of me in the sweater, I was SOAKED. Ha. but it's still not very cold. It probably was about 50 degrees. That is FREEZING for the people here. Haha. When I tell them that it gets about 10 degrees during the winter they ask me why I would want to live there. They've never seen snow in their lives.
But anyway, sadly, the two baptisms we had this week didn't happen. We ran into some problems, but both of them will be baptized soon. We actually are having a lot of really spiritual experiences with them and they are really getting to understand the Lord's timing and the Atonement. I've been studying the atonement a lot to help them. I still don't comprehend it totally. I don't know that any of us do. But just take a moment to think about all that the Savior did and still does for us. It's incredible. It's more than incredible. It really is without words. I know that he is our Savior.
We were privileged to find 3 families this week and we are praying and fasting and working to see more families live the gospel. I love my family and I can't imagine not being with them. So I want these blessings for everyone.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week.
Choose the Right,. Even when it's hard. Remember that Jesus Christ was killed for choosing the right. It's always worth it to choose the right.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS Sorry no pictures this week, this computer struggles.
Ha. Welcome to Brazil. I'm sitting here in the internet cafe where someone somewhere is smoking and it stinks. the majority of people here are teenage boys (Muleques, it's kind of offensive to call people that. but not really... It's like punk.) and they're just playing video games and listening to funk. If you've never heard Brazilian Funk, be grateful. Ha. If you have, I'm sorry.
But this week was pretty good! It started raining on Wednesday, and didn't stop until Sunday! It was really good because Aracatuba doesn't get a whole lot of rain. Remember how everyone thinks Brazil is all jungle and rain? Hope. That's just Manaus. I'm basically in the Arizona of Brazil. Ha. It gets REALLY hot. And yes, mom, it was cold this week. That picture of me in the sweater, I was SOAKED. Ha. but it's still not very cold. It probably was about 50 degrees. That is FREEZING for the people here. Haha. When I tell them that it gets about 10 degrees during the winter they ask me why I would want to live there. They've never seen snow in their lives.
But anyway, sadly, the two baptisms we had this week didn't happen. We ran into some problems, but both of them will be baptized soon. We actually are having a lot of really spiritual experiences with them and they are really getting to understand the Lord's timing and the Atonement. I've been studying the atonement a lot to help them. I still don't comprehend it totally. I don't know that any of us do. But just take a moment to think about all that the Savior did and still does for us. It's incredible. It's more than incredible. It really is without words. I know that he is our Savior.
We were privileged to find 3 families this week and we are praying and fasting and working to see more families live the gospel. I love my family and I can't imagine not being with them. So I want these blessings for everyone.
I love you all and hope you have a fantastic week.
Choose the Right,. Even when it's hard. Remember that Jesus Christ was killed for choosing the right. It's always worth it to choose the right.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS Sorry no pictures this week, this computer struggles.
ARIZONA IS OFFICIALLY GONE!!!
July 21, 2014
So you see that Arizona is officially gone right? That includes the MTC. Why? Because when I started my mission I was a certain weight. Then I gained 30 pounds and was FAT. And this week I weighed again, and it was exactly what I started with. I love Brasil!!
Sounds like you all had a crazy week. I'm glad that the reunion went well! And the picture of Big D was the best. Oh, how I miss my grandparents. Really. I lived with a missionary from Nephi and told him all about my Grandparents in Richfield. And I tell everyone about my Grandma in Las Vegas. And they all get really surprised when I say my Grandma lives in Vegas!
And, Abby Gibbs. I'm a horrible friend. I still haven't written her back. but tell her good luck and giver her a big hug for me (because I'm still not allowed to do that. ha) But that's so cool. she'll be an awesome missionary. Tell Nat not to be too sad. Ha. She just got married!
This week was awesome. The highlight was Aline and her daughter Luana, sadly Luana doesn't count numbers wise for us, but she counts in my mind. Ha. She turns 8 in two months. So, Aline received some anti from her uncle who "read the Book of Mormon". Yes, I put quotations because it was a lie. How do I know? Because he said it's about the Devil and not about our Savior. But she told us that she just got tired of him talking and tuned him out. So that was good. And guess what??? SHE FINALLY CAME TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!!! And who was speaking? That's right, the missionaries. Want an awesome Sacrament meeting? Ask the missionaries to speak. Yep, I'm totally bragging right now. Ha. But seriously. It was good. We had a lesson with her last night to follow up on how Church was. And SHE LOVED IT!!! She talked about how she felt a peace that she hasn't felt for years. so we read Galatians 5:22 and invited her to be baptized and I felt I should ask, "How long do you think it will be before you are prepared?" AND SHE SAID SHE IS READY NOW. So, she will be baptized THIS SUNDAY. It was so awesome. I'm so happy right now.
I also did something really cool this week. I finished the book of Mormon for the first time in Portuguese. Yep. Cover to cover. I decided once again to take Mornoni's challenge and said a quick, personal and heartfelt prayer. I've been feeling A LOT of anxiety lately, but after that prayer was the most calm I have felt on the mission. It just felt like everything was right. I know the Book of Mormon is true, because the peace that I feel now can only come from God.
I also said a prayer this morning. And a couple day ago. IN SPANISH! Me and my Chilean companion switch every night between English and Spanish. It's awesome.
We also had another awesome experience. We had had a really tough time finding new investigators. And until Saturday, we didn't have any this week. We were knocking doors to say a prayer with people, but everyone was too busy...so we decided to say a prayer, and we asked specifically for a new investigator. We passed 2 houses and decided to knock. And we entered. Said a prayer. Taught a lesson. And found 2 new investigators. Prayer works.
I love you all and hope you have an incredible week. I want you all to know that I know this church truly is the church of Jesus Christ. The one and only.
Have a great week!!!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
So you see that Arizona is officially gone right? That includes the MTC. Why? Because when I started my mission I was a certain weight. Then I gained 30 pounds and was FAT. And this week I weighed again, and it was exactly what I started with. I love Brasil!!
Sounds like you all had a crazy week. I'm glad that the reunion went well! And the picture of Big D was the best. Oh, how I miss my grandparents. Really. I lived with a missionary from Nephi and told him all about my Grandparents in Richfield. And I tell everyone about my Grandma in Las Vegas. And they all get really surprised when I say my Grandma lives in Vegas!
And, Abby Gibbs. I'm a horrible friend. I still haven't written her back. but tell her good luck and giver her a big hug for me (because I'm still not allowed to do that. ha) But that's so cool. she'll be an awesome missionary. Tell Nat not to be too sad. Ha. She just got married!
This week was awesome. The highlight was Aline and her daughter Luana, sadly Luana doesn't count numbers wise for us, but she counts in my mind. Ha. She turns 8 in two months. So, Aline received some anti from her uncle who "read the Book of Mormon". Yes, I put quotations because it was a lie. How do I know? Because he said it's about the Devil and not about our Savior. But she told us that she just got tired of him talking and tuned him out. So that was good. And guess what??? SHE FINALLY CAME TO CHURCH!!!!!!!!!! And who was speaking? That's right, the missionaries. Want an awesome Sacrament meeting? Ask the missionaries to speak. Yep, I'm totally bragging right now. Ha. But seriously. It was good. We had a lesson with her last night to follow up on how Church was. And SHE LOVED IT!!! She talked about how she felt a peace that she hasn't felt for years. so we read Galatians 5:22 and invited her to be baptized and I felt I should ask, "How long do you think it will be before you are prepared?" AND SHE SAID SHE IS READY NOW. So, she will be baptized THIS SUNDAY. It was so awesome. I'm so happy right now.
I also did something really cool this week. I finished the book of Mormon for the first time in Portuguese. Yep. Cover to cover. I decided once again to take Mornoni's challenge and said a quick, personal and heartfelt prayer. I've been feeling A LOT of anxiety lately, but after that prayer was the most calm I have felt on the mission. It just felt like everything was right. I know the Book of Mormon is true, because the peace that I feel now can only come from God.
I also said a prayer this morning. And a couple day ago. IN SPANISH! Me and my Chilean companion switch every night between English and Spanish. It's awesome.
We also had another awesome experience. We had had a really tough time finding new investigators. And until Saturday, we didn't have any this week. We were knocking doors to say a prayer with people, but everyone was too busy...so we decided to say a prayer, and we asked specifically for a new investigator. We passed 2 houses and decided to knock. And we entered. Said a prayer. Taught a lesson. And found 2 new investigators. Prayer works.
I love you all and hope you have an incredible week. I want you all to know that I know this church truly is the church of Jesus Christ. The one and only.
Have a great week!!!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
CHURRASCO!!
Holy cow the barbecue here is the best. 5 bucks for all this.
I didn't eat it all. 2 of them were for my companion. SO GOOD!!
The tags and the mission languages.
Elder Fernandez is a visa waiter for Equador.
GERMANY
July 14, 2014
Ha. So much about Germany this week. So, white people here are from Germany. Alemano. So people think I'm German. Tuesday that was a bad thing. Now it's really good.
This week was good. But tough. It was really good until yesterday. We had some really good lessons with Aline and she finally committed to go to Church. But when we went to pick her up, she sent her daughter to tell us that she was sick. That was really hard. So we were sitting there and we thought that we didn't have any investigators at Church. so we were sad. I almost cried. It was hard. but then when I went to count how many people were at Church, one of our investigators had popped in without us noticing! It was awesome!
I also had a really cool study this week. I noticed that, for a missionary, my prayers were a bit weak. So I decided to study prayer. In Preach my Gospel there is a nice little section about the prayer of faith. I also read the talk of Elder Eyring in Conference. He had an awesome quote. I'm translating, so it's not exact, but he said, "All of us pray, but the Priesthood holder (or person) you ought to be prays frequently and with real intent. At night, you should kneel down and thank the Lord for the blessings of the day. You should thank him for your teachers, your excellent examples, and your parents. You should describe specifically in your prayers at night who blessed your life that day and how. This will require more than just a couple of minutes and more than just a little effort to remember. It is something that will change you. As you ask forgiveness, you will begin to forgive others. As you thank God for his kindness, you will think of other, who needed your kindness. Again, this experience will help you every day, and with time, will change you."
so how bout that.
This week was awesome.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Ha. So much about Germany this week. So, white people here are from Germany. Alemano. So people think I'm German. Tuesday that was a bad thing. Now it's really good.
This week was good. But tough. It was really good until yesterday. We had some really good lessons with Aline and she finally committed to go to Church. But when we went to pick her up, she sent her daughter to tell us that she was sick. That was really hard. So we were sitting there and we thought that we didn't have any investigators at Church. so we were sad. I almost cried. It was hard. but then when I went to count how many people were at Church, one of our investigators had popped in without us noticing! It was awesome!
I also had a really cool study this week. I noticed that, for a missionary, my prayers were a bit weak. So I decided to study prayer. In Preach my Gospel there is a nice little section about the prayer of faith. I also read the talk of Elder Eyring in Conference. He had an awesome quote. I'm translating, so it's not exact, but he said, "All of us pray, but the Priesthood holder (or person) you ought to be prays frequently and with real intent. At night, you should kneel down and thank the Lord for the blessings of the day. You should thank him for your teachers, your excellent examples, and your parents. You should describe specifically in your prayers at night who blessed your life that day and how. This will require more than just a couple of minutes and more than just a little effort to remember. It is something that will change you. As you ask forgiveness, you will begin to forgive others. As you thank God for his kindness, you will think of other, who needed your kindness. Again, this experience will help you every day, and with time, will change you."
so how bout that.
This week was awesome.
I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
There's literally no one in the street when Brasil is playing!
Celebrating the victory with Irmao anor!!!!!!!!!
Pizza de alemanha (Germany)
Yep. We don't have an ironing board.
So, we iron our shirts on our beds....ironing beds.
Me and Elder Barlow. District Leader.
Eating ice cream.... YUM!!
Well......
July 7, 2014
You did not forget me again..................
So I made a goal on my mission to focus more on my email to my family and not as much to my friends. sorry friends. I love you all but I have to be with my family forever. ha.
THAT WAS UNTIL THEY DIDN'T SEND ME AN EMAIL.........AGAIN!!
Last time I was worried. This time I'm bugged. But I still love you guys.
This week has actually been really good. We worked a lot. We decided it was time to doa cleaning of the area. Meaning invite people to baptism and if they didn't want to commit we needed to give them some time. The awesome news. We marked 2 solid dates that day. The first one is named Danielle. She's pretty cool. Her boyfriend was a member who went on a mission, so she knows A LOT that normal investigators don't and it's causing her to get a lot of things confused. So we taught the basics. If the book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith was a Prophet. The Church has the Authority of God, and we have a prophet today who guides and leads the church through revelation from God. Meaning everything is true. She committed to the 26th of July and She actually keeps commitments like reading. What a blessing.
We also visited an investigator that has had a lot of time with missionaries. Her name is Aline. We reviewed the Restoration, watched the 20 minute DVD, and invited her to read and be baptized on the 26th. SHE SAID YES. It was awesome. She also is very chique.
Sadly, they were both sick on Sunday and didn't go to Church. But, they will. Danielle has already been going for 6 months and the missionaries never really taught her.
We also found 2 more Alines. They are both way cool. One went to church for about a month with a recent convert friend, and the missionaries never taught her too. But we did. And also marked a date for the 26th. She's really cool.
The other we met last night and had a quick lesson. It was one where they know something is different about you, and they can feel the spirit, so they do everything they can to keep you there a little longer because they don't know what they're feeling. Or maybe it was just gas! Just kidding. It wasn't. We had to go but we will return to teach her this week.
That's the news. I love you all and hope you're alive. thanks for forgetting me again. I still love you.
Work cup is INSANE!! Brazil is in the semi finals. But Neymar fractured a vertebrate. So people are worried here. I'm worried that they and Argentina will both win, and all the Argentine missionaries here will die. Seriously. Take BYU vs. UTAH and literally times it by 1000. YEP, And that's still not how much they dislike each other!
BUT CHEER FOR BRASIL.
And watch it for me. Because we're still not allowed to. But we hear the fireworks.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
You did not forget me again..................
So I made a goal on my mission to focus more on my email to my family and not as much to my friends. sorry friends. I love you all but I have to be with my family forever. ha.
THAT WAS UNTIL THEY DIDN'T SEND ME AN EMAIL.........AGAIN!!
Last time I was worried. This time I'm bugged. But I still love you guys.
This week has actually been really good. We worked a lot. We decided it was time to doa cleaning of the area. Meaning invite people to baptism and if they didn't want to commit we needed to give them some time. The awesome news. We marked 2 solid dates that day. The first one is named Danielle. She's pretty cool. Her boyfriend was a member who went on a mission, so she knows A LOT that normal investigators don't and it's causing her to get a lot of things confused. So we taught the basics. If the book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith was a Prophet. The Church has the Authority of God, and we have a prophet today who guides and leads the church through revelation from God. Meaning everything is true. She committed to the 26th of July and She actually keeps commitments like reading. What a blessing.
We also visited an investigator that has had a lot of time with missionaries. Her name is Aline. We reviewed the Restoration, watched the 20 minute DVD, and invited her to read and be baptized on the 26th. SHE SAID YES. It was awesome. She also is very chique.
Sadly, they were both sick on Sunday and didn't go to Church. But, they will. Danielle has already been going for 6 months and the missionaries never really taught her.
We also found 2 more Alines. They are both way cool. One went to church for about a month with a recent convert friend, and the missionaries never taught her too. But we did. And also marked a date for the 26th. She's really cool.
The other we met last night and had a quick lesson. It was one where they know something is different about you, and they can feel the spirit, so they do everything they can to keep you there a little longer because they don't know what they're feeling. Or maybe it was just gas! Just kidding. It wasn't. We had to go but we will return to teach her this week.
That's the news. I love you all and hope you're alive. thanks for forgetting me again. I still love you.
Work cup is INSANE!! Brazil is in the semi finals. But Neymar fractured a vertebrate. So people are worried here. I'm worried that they and Argentina will both win, and all the Argentine missionaries here will die. Seriously. Take BYU vs. UTAH and literally times it by 1000. YEP, And that's still not how much they dislike each other!
BUT CHEER FOR BRASIL.
And watch it for me. Because we're still not allowed to. But we hear the fireworks.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Sunday, July 27, 2014
New Area
June 30, 2014
First, thank you Mom and Dad for passing down the anxiety gene. I've had plenty this week being in a new area and adjusting to everything being new.
But it's also been a good week. I got to know the area pretty well and teach quite a few lessons. We've got a lot of work to do in this area and I'm excited. This ward is a lot smaller than any I've ever attended. Ha. It's about half of Vila, and I thought Vila was small. It's interesting and It'll definitely be a learning experience.
This week we had a pretty cool lesson. Yesterday we taught a couple who is really firm i their church. But allowed us in and we tau
ght the restoration. They're a really young couple who are planning to get married and they are very smart. But it was really cool. When we shared the first vision, he got really excited. He talked about how cool it would be to have the privilege of being visited by Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Apostles. He talked about how amazing that is and if ti's true then it has to be big because God wouldn't send them for something small. I don't know that he really realized what he was saying, because he didn't commit to baptism, but he committed to read and pray. but I realized what he was saying. It reminded me of Elder Uchtdorf's talk about sleeping during the Restoration. Do we realize how big it is? What happened and what's still happening? It was so cool to realize that. We also had a lady who talked about how awful the world is. We also had a man like this in Arizona. It's interesting, they talk about how they don't know how to help in this world. But we do. In fact, we have 90,000 youth out in all parts of the world sharing how we can have goo in the world, and sharing hte only way to have pace and happiness in the world after.
It was pretty cool. It's the first week in a new area, so I don't have a whole lot to say because my head is ready to explode with all the new stuff.
But I love you all.
That's what I have to say. I love you all. I hope you miss me. :)
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
First, thank you Mom and Dad for passing down the anxiety gene. I've had plenty this week being in a new area and adjusting to everything being new.
But it's also been a good week. I got to know the area pretty well and teach quite a few lessons. We've got a lot of work to do in this area and I'm excited. This ward is a lot smaller than any I've ever attended. Ha. It's about half of Vila, and I thought Vila was small. It's interesting and It'll definitely be a learning experience.
This week we had a pretty cool lesson. Yesterday we taught a couple who is really firm i their church. But allowed us in and we tau
It was pretty cool. It's the first week in a new area, so I don't have a whole lot to say because my head is ready to explode with all the new stuff.
But I love you all.
That's what I have to say. I love you all. I hope you miss me. :)
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
Me and my new companion!!! Elder J. Fernandez
Three parrots sitting on the antenna right outside our window. Brasil!
Our balcony here in Aracatuba.
I converted. Vai Corinthians!!
The Voyage
June 23, 2014
Well, sorry I am emailing so late today. I had a long voyage.
So we got transfer calls on Friday!! Elder Jackson....FOI!!! (that means I got transferred) So today I was traveling ALL DAY. Literally.
I am now in the city of Aracatuba. In the area Boa Vista B. Aracatuba is literally on the other side of the mission. It's like getting transferred from Kaysville to St. George. It was a bus ride of 7 hours. SO LONG. But I'm here and I'm alive. so that's good.
My new companion is Elder J. Fernandez from Santiago, Chile. He has already been here is this area for 4 months. but I am now the Senior companion for the first time in my mission. There will be more info coming. I just got here, so I don't know all that much.
AND I LEFT WITH A BAPTISM!
It was incredible. We visited Josenita last Monday and she had had a wonderful experience. she still wasn't quite sure about her baptism date, but she met a woman that said she should get baptized. She doesn't know this woman, and neither do we. But the baptism was fantastic. She invited friends that we started to teach. Elder Souza is still there and will train again. I will miss Vila and Elder Souza, he was awesome. But I'm excited for Aracatuba.
That's the big news. Last week was really good. I'm now in a new area and it doesn't feel real. I'm really nervous right now.
And it's nice to know that Trev and Nat actually got married!!! Mom, yes it was a little early, but we can get on the earliest at about 7:30 am Utah time. So be ready by then. Haha!
I hope you are all well. I hope the honeymoon went well.
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Well, sorry I am emailing so late today. I had a long voyage.
So we got transfer calls on Friday!! Elder Jackson....FOI!!! (that means I got transferred) So today I was traveling ALL DAY. Literally.
I am now in the city of Aracatuba. In the area Boa Vista B. Aracatuba is literally on the other side of the mission. It's like getting transferred from Kaysville to St. George. It was a bus ride of 7 hours. SO LONG. But I'm here and I'm alive. so that's good.
My new companion is Elder J. Fernandez from Santiago, Chile. He has already been here is this area for 4 months. but I am now the Senior companion for the first time in my mission. There will be more info coming. I just got here, so I don't know all that much.
AND I LEFT WITH A BAPTISM!
It was incredible. We visited Josenita last Monday and she had had a wonderful experience. she still wasn't quite sure about her baptism date, but she met a woman that said she should get baptized. She doesn't know this woman, and neither do we. But the baptism was fantastic. She invited friends that we started to teach. Elder Souza is still there and will train again. I will miss Vila and Elder Souza, he was awesome. But I'm excited for Aracatuba.
That's the big news. Last week was really good. I'm now in a new area and it doesn't feel real. I'm really nervous right now.
And it's nice to know that Trev and Nat actually got married!!! Mom, yes it was a little early, but we can get on the earliest at about 7:30 am Utah time. So be ready by then. Haha!
I hope you are all well. I hope the honeymoon went well.
I love you all!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Weddings, Baptisms, and cold showers!!
June 16, 2014
Where you at??? No email this week??
WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!
So, apparently Trevor and Natalie got married on Saturday. But, I still don't know for sure because my family forgot about me. yep!!
AND The US national soccer team has their first game today. I expect all of you to be watching and cheering. 7:00 (that's 4 o clock Utah time). They also play Sunday the 22nd against Portugal and I will gain a cake if they win. so cheer loud.
Brasil's first game was crazy. We were in our house, but the fireworks were crazy. And we could hear neighbors yelling and cheering. Ha. It was awesome. We did our weekly planning during the game.
And this week was good!
THE DROUGHT IS OVER!
Vila Virginia baptized for the first time in about 4 or 5 months this week. 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Yes, they were all in the other area, but we have one this week!!!
We are working a lot here. We found a new investigator named Keila who is very smart and has a lot of really good questions and seems to be a solid investigator. I love msart people.
So I hope all is well. I hope you're all alive. and I hope the wedding went well.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Where you at??? No email this week??
WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!
So, apparently Trevor and Natalie got married on Saturday. But, I still don't know for sure because my family forgot about me. yep!!
AND The US national soccer team has their first game today. I expect all of you to be watching and cheering. 7:00 (that's 4 o clock Utah time). They also play Sunday the 22nd against Portugal and I will gain a cake if they win. so cheer loud.
Brasil's first game was crazy. We were in our house, but the fireworks were crazy. And we could hear neighbors yelling and cheering. Ha. It was awesome. We did our weekly planning during the game.
And this week was good!
THE DROUGHT IS OVER!
Vila Virginia baptized for the first time in about 4 or 5 months this week. 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Yes, they were all in the other area, but we have one this week!!!
We are working a lot here. We found a new investigator named Keila who is very smart and has a lot of really good questions and seems to be a solid investigator. I love msart people.
So I hope all is well. I hope you're all alive. and I hope the wedding went well.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
BEM VINDO COPA
June 9, 2014
Yep. This week is going to be INSANE!! A Copa Do Mundo (World Cup) starts Thursday with Brazil playing Croatia. I won't lie, in the beginning I was disappointed that the closest game was in the city of Sao Paulo, but after seeing how crazy things have already gotten, I'm really glad. The Area Presidency of Brazil has said what missionaries are to do. We have to be IN our house AT LEAST 30 minutes before start time of eacah game of Brasil, and we are to leave to work again 30 minutes after it's over. That's actually the rule for all of Brasil. so if you hear of missionaries that watched a game of Brasil.....yep.
This week was pretty good. Ah. We found and "eleito" (elect). Josenita in incredible. She came to Stake Conference and everything and is set to go for day 21. We had a lesson earlier this week about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hadn't taught the Word of Wisdom yet, but she said "Ever since you guys arrived I have had the urge to not put cigarettes in my mouth." So then the next lesson we taught the WOW with a member. Turns out she drinks a lot of coffee, and so did the member before baptism. And it was AWESOME to have the testimony of a member.
We had Stake Conference yesterday. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake, but in Portuguese to all the stakes and districts in Sao Pualo, Rio de Jeneiro, and a couple others. Claudio Costa and the rest of the area presidency spoke. along with Elder Scott and Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard spoke in English with a translator, but Elder Scott just spoke in Portuguese. I love Elder Scott, but his Portuguese wasn't too great. It was really hard to understand. But it was really good. He encouraged more sincere prayers.
AND BOA SORTE to Nat and Trev. Oh my gosh. I can't believe my brother is getting married on Saturday! That's pretty crazy. Don't worry, you don't need to send pictures (yep. That's a hint). Syd said she would send plenty. (PS she's the champion).
I love you all and hope all is well there in Utah (And D.C. and Argentina and the rest of the world). Good luck with the wedding. Salt Lake Temple. ah. Que Saudades para o templo. I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I forgot my camera today. Sorry.
PPS I get to buy a new suit today!
Yep. This week is going to be INSANE!! A Copa Do Mundo (World Cup) starts Thursday with Brazil playing Croatia. I won't lie, in the beginning I was disappointed that the closest game was in the city of Sao Paulo, but after seeing how crazy things have already gotten, I'm really glad. The Area Presidency of Brazil has said what missionaries are to do. We have to be IN our house AT LEAST 30 minutes before start time of eacah game of Brasil, and we are to leave to work again 30 minutes after it's over. That's actually the rule for all of Brasil. so if you hear of missionaries that watched a game of Brasil.....yep.
This week was pretty good. Ah. We found and "eleito" (elect). Josenita in incredible. She came to Stake Conference and everything and is set to go for day 21. We had a lesson earlier this week about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We hadn't taught the Word of Wisdom yet, but she said "Ever since you guys arrived I have had the urge to not put cigarettes in my mouth." So then the next lesson we taught the WOW with a member. Turns out she drinks a lot of coffee, and so did the member before baptism. And it was AWESOME to have the testimony of a member.
We had Stake Conference yesterday. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake, but in Portuguese to all the stakes and districts in Sao Pualo, Rio de Jeneiro, and a couple others. Claudio Costa and the rest of the area presidency spoke. along with Elder Scott and Elder Ballard. Elder Ballard spoke in English with a translator, but Elder Scott just spoke in Portuguese. I love Elder Scott, but his Portuguese wasn't too great. It was really hard to understand. But it was really good. He encouraged more sincere prayers.
AND BOA SORTE to Nat and Trev. Oh my gosh. I can't believe my brother is getting married on Saturday! That's pretty crazy. Don't worry, you don't need to send pictures (yep. That's a hint). Syd said she would send plenty. (PS she's the champion).
I love you all and hope all is well there in Utah (And D.C. and Argentina and the rest of the world). Good luck with the wedding. Salt Lake Temple. ah. Que Saudades para o templo. I love you all.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I forgot my camera today. Sorry.
PPS I get to buy a new suit today!
OOPS!!
June 2, 2014
So in my haste to send pictures to you filthy animals, I didn't realize that I only have about 5-10 minutes left. So here it goes.
This week was good. We found a new investigator this week named Josenita. She's awesome. she talked with missionaries before but they never came by her house after so she was really excited to see us. We taught her Wednesday and Friday. She came to our activity Saturday night and Church on Sunday and told a member herself of her baptismal date. It was legit. Elect.
We also had some problems with one couple we're teaching and a miracle. It's been a couple weeks since they went to Church and the husband lost his job and was really sad. And didn't really want us there any more. so we talked for a while and things are great. We left with new commitments, new excitement, and a blessing on their house. It was cool.
Sunday was the biggest roller coaster day of my mission. It was up and down and up and down and sideways and upside down and a little bit of vomit. But in the end it all worked out and I survived!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
So in my haste to send pictures to you filthy animals, I didn't realize that I only have about 5-10 minutes left. So here it goes.
This week was good. We found a new investigator this week named Josenita. She's awesome. she talked with missionaries before but they never came by her house after so she was really excited to see us. We taught her Wednesday and Friday. She came to our activity Saturday night and Church on Sunday and told a member herself of her baptismal date. It was legit. Elect.
We also had some problems with one couple we're teaching and a miracle. It's been a couple weeks since they went to Church and the husband lost his job and was really sad. And didn't really want us there any more. so we talked for a while and things are great. We left with new commitments, new excitement, and a blessing on their house. It was cool.
Sunday was the biggest roller coaster day of my mission. It was up and down and up and down and sideways and upside down and a little bit of vomit. But in the end it all worked out and I survived!
I love you all! Have a fantastic week!
We had an activity Saturday called 'noite do bolo macho' (night of the manly cake). The men had to make a cake and were judged. We made one as missionaries. Here it is!
Do I really need to explain this one??
Me and E. Souza. We kill it! And yes, I gave him a BYU shirt.
Convert the world while converting the world!!
FHE in the Favela with all the criancas.
Orange juice - me and my new best friend. Del valle Nectar da laranja (orange juice for you English speakers!) and the first jersey. Naymar. Barcelona. I also got a green Brasil .
Viva Vila!
May 26, 2014
Bom Dia!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MOM AND DAD TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!! 25 years people, 25 years! And I thought 2 was a really long time. 25 is a lot of years. Thank you for your incredible example of love and faithfulness. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have 2 parents that love me and love each other. But most importantly love the Lord.
Things are just great here in Vila Virginia. Our new missionaries that we live with, Elder Jones and Elder Madrid are incredible. They've helped us out in getting the work here rolling. We met new people this week and set 5 more baptismal dates.
We had a lesson this week with a lady who is staunch evangelical. Very firm in her Church. We actually had a lesson two doors down and we were writing the address of the new lady down while standing in front of her house. (The houses are a little different here, so we were still only like 15 feet from the house.) and she, Maria, said "what you writin down?" So we started talking and asked if we could share a message. She said any message from God is welcome and we taught the Restoration. Sadly, I invited her to baptism and she didn't understand me. So I tried again to no avail. But the third time she understood. And asked if she really needed to be baptized again. So we explained the authority. she said she would. So we left 2 Nephi 31 with her and a date for the 14 of June. We returned the next day to see how it went, and she was already in Jacob 2. What's up??
We also had a wedding on Saturday!! Our investigators, Luciano and Janaina got hitched. So we got to go to Sertaozinho, just outside of Ribeirao and see them get married. Elder Souza was actually the best man. They asked us to pray and decide who would be between us two. but Non-Brazilians can't. so that prayer was answered pretty quickly.
Also, the World Cup is going to be insane. Saturday Night. Noe one would talk to us about Church. Ha. Why? Because Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were playing for the Champions League final in Spain. IN SPAIN. Now imagine how it will be in brazil when it's IN BRAZIL! Than Sunday afternoon, same thing. Why? Because Corinthians and Sao Paulo (2 of the biggest in Brazil, both in Sao Paulo) were playing. It's gonna be insane.
Sounds like it's a party there in colorado with the family reunion! I hope all is well!
I love you all! Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Bom Dia!!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MOM AND DAD TOMORROW !!!!!!!!!!! 25 years people, 25 years! And I thought 2 was a really long time. 25 is a lot of years. Thank you for your incredible example of love and faithfulness. I can't tell you how thankful I am to have 2 parents that love me and love each other. But most importantly love the Lord.
Things are just great here in Vila Virginia. Our new missionaries that we live with, Elder Jones and Elder Madrid are incredible. They've helped us out in getting the work here rolling. We met new people this week and set 5 more baptismal dates.
We had a lesson this week with a lady who is staunch evangelical. Very firm in her Church. We actually had a lesson two doors down and we were writing the address of the new lady down while standing in front of her house. (The houses are a little different here, so we were still only like 15 feet from the house.) and she, Maria, said "what you writin down?" So we started talking and asked if we could share a message. She said any message from God is welcome and we taught the Restoration. Sadly, I invited her to baptism and she didn't understand me. So I tried again to no avail. But the third time she understood. And asked if she really needed to be baptized again. So we explained the authority. she said she would. So we left 2 Nephi 31 with her and a date for the 14 of June. We returned the next day to see how it went, and she was already in Jacob 2. What's up??
We also had a wedding on Saturday!! Our investigators, Luciano and Janaina got hitched. So we got to go to Sertaozinho, just outside of Ribeirao and see them get married. Elder Souza was actually the best man. They asked us to pray and decide who would be between us two. but Non-Brazilians can't. so that prayer was answered pretty quickly.
Also, the World Cup is going to be insane. Saturday Night. Noe one would talk to us about Church. Ha. Why? Because Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were playing for the Champions League final in Spain. IN SPAIN. Now imagine how it will be in brazil when it's IN BRAZIL! Than Sunday afternoon, same thing. Why? Because Corinthians and Sao Paulo (2 of the biggest in Brazil, both in Sao Paulo) were playing. It's gonna be insane.
Sounds like it's a party there in colorado with the family reunion! I hope all is well!
I love you all! Have a great week!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
O Trabalho esta acelerand. (The work is hastening!)
May 19, 2014
Boa Tarde!!!!!
This week has been INCREDIBLE!!! For reals. We've worked like crazy and we've been blessed to see fruits of our labors.
So, after only marking 1 baptismal date, and not having anyone at Church all of last transfer, we worked, fasted, and prayed. We were blessed to find 13 new investigators. We were able to mark 5 baptismal dates, and we were blessed to finally have someone at Church.
So we had a pretty cool experience. Monday, all of our appointments were falling through, so we decided to do some prayer contacts. So we prayed and went to a house and told them that we wanted to bless them and their house through prayer. The Spirit was incredible. Veraldir, the man, told us that at work that day, a man had said that someone would come to his house to bless the family that night. And lo and behold, we showed up. It was cool!
Then Wednesday, we prayed about where to knock doors. After a whole street of no and maybe later, the last house on the corner let us i. We taught the restoration and set a baptismal date for 21 of June. Yep. The blesses us when we work.
Then Friday, we felt that we needed to visit people on Rua Franco Da Rocha. Well, one of our members owns a store on that street and told us that if we went right then we would find his referral at home. Lo and behold Luciano and Janaina were there. They are awesome. They are getting married this Saturday. We taught the restoration and set a date for June 7. and Guess what? We went to pick them up for Church, AND THEY WERE READY!! They went to Church!!
This week was awesome!
I love you all!!!! Good luck with everything in life.
Love Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I tried to send pictures but they're too big and I'm out of time. Next week.
Boa Tarde!!!!!
This week has been INCREDIBLE!!! For reals. We've worked like crazy and we've been blessed to see fruits of our labors.
So, after only marking 1 baptismal date, and not having anyone at Church all of last transfer, we worked, fasted, and prayed. We were blessed to find 13 new investigators. We were able to mark 5 baptismal dates, and we were blessed to finally have someone at Church.
So we had a pretty cool experience. Monday, all of our appointments were falling through, so we decided to do some prayer contacts. So we prayed and went to a house and told them that we wanted to bless them and their house through prayer. The Spirit was incredible. Veraldir, the man, told us that at work that day, a man had said that someone would come to his house to bless the family that night. And lo and behold, we showed up. It was cool!
Then Wednesday, we prayed about where to knock doors. After a whole street of no and maybe later, the last house on the corner let us i. We taught the restoration and set a baptismal date for 21 of June. Yep. The blesses us when we work.
Then Friday, we felt that we needed to visit people on Rua Franco Da Rocha. Well, one of our members owns a store on that street and told us that if we went right then we would find his referral at home. Lo and behold Luciano and Janaina were there. They are awesome. They are getting married this Saturday. We taught the restoration and set a date for June 7. and Guess what? We went to pick them up for Church, AND THEY WERE READY!! They went to Church!!
This week was awesome!
I love you all!!!! Good luck with everything in life.
Love Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
I tried to send pictures but they're too big and I'm out of time. Next week.
Mission Tour
May 12, 2014
Bom Dia Familia!
Words can't tell how good it was to see you all yesterday. I love you all. I wish we could skype like once a month. That'd be legit. Ha!
You all look fantastic. And it sounds like you are all doing well.
This week was awesome. We had a mission tour. Where a general authority tours all the missions. Elder Moroni Torgan, a native Brazilian, spoke. He talked about the difference between a Terrestrial, telestial, and a Celestial missionary. It was incredible. He was really funny but threw down. He laid it down on a lot of things and talked about not being a fubeca. He talked about the mission being the greatest University we can attend. Better than Harvard. ha. But he made the comparison. You would not get accepted to and pay for Harvard, just to party, skip class, and not learn. So why do some missionaries do that? It was cool.
We are working with a family right now. The family of Odair. He is way cool and wants to come to Church with his family really bad. But couldn't yesterday because of Mother's Day plans. But we marked this Sunday to walk to Church with him. He lives pretty close.
We also had transfers today! We received two new Americans. Not new. they are actually the zone leaders. I found out that only one is from Utah. The other is California. the one from Utah is from Nephi. I'm really excited because they are a lot harder working. they already have ideas for Bishop for activities to work with the ward more.
ABBEY. PARABENS! That means congratulations. I'm so happy for you Ab. SBO. Live it up. It's so fun. And you're getting a phone. Weird. But I got one at 14 also, so ti's all good.
Well family! I love you all! It was so nice to see you!
I forgot my camera chord so still no pictures. Sorry.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I had BBQ sauce this week! American BBQ sauce!
PPS I also had my first warm shower here this week. Ha. Our shower head is what heats the water, and it was broken. But we finally bought a new one this week and I took my first warm shower!
Bom Dia Familia!
Words can't tell how good it was to see you all yesterday. I love you all. I wish we could skype like once a month. That'd be legit. Ha!
You all look fantastic. And it sounds like you are all doing well.
This week was awesome. We had a mission tour. Where a general authority tours all the missions. Elder Moroni Torgan, a native Brazilian, spoke. He talked about the difference between a Terrestrial, telestial, and a Celestial missionary. It was incredible. He was really funny but threw down. He laid it down on a lot of things and talked about not being a fubeca. He talked about the mission being the greatest University we can attend. Better than Harvard. ha. But he made the comparison. You would not get accepted to and pay for Harvard, just to party, skip class, and not learn. So why do some missionaries do that? It was cool.
We are working with a family right now. The family of Odair. He is way cool and wants to come to Church with his family really bad. But couldn't yesterday because of Mother's Day plans. But we marked this Sunday to walk to Church with him. He lives pretty close.
We also had transfers today! We received two new Americans. Not new. they are actually the zone leaders. I found out that only one is from Utah. The other is California. the one from Utah is from Nephi. I'm really excited because they are a lot harder working. they already have ideas for Bishop for activities to work with the ward more.
ABBEY. PARABENS! That means congratulations. I'm so happy for you Ab. SBO. Live it up. It's so fun. And you're getting a phone. Weird. But I got one at 14 also, so ti's all good.
Well family! I love you all! It was so nice to see you!
I forgot my camera chord so still no pictures. Sorry.
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS I had BBQ sauce this week! American BBQ sauce!
PPS I also had my first warm shower here this week. Ha. Our shower head is what heats the water, and it was broken. But we finally bought a new one this week and I took my first warm shower!
I will see you soon!
May 5, 2014
Boa Tarde!
First off, I will be calling you on Sunday. We will be using Skype. We are going to try and call at about 4 o clock here. So around 1 o clock there. Or around 1:30.
IF YOU MISSION THIS CALL.....
Seriously though, if you miss this call....
This week was good. Tough, but good. We did A LOT of walking. I'm pretty sure I've shed some poundage. ha. We made a lot of contacts as well. We are working right now on working better with ward members. We don't really have any solid investigators in this area right now. They don't really have any connections to the church so it's all pure curiosity. But we have an awesome member who likes us and is giving us some referalls today. So it'll take some work, but the work will progress! Our ward members are good and now we just need to work better with them.
We tracted into an AWESOME couple this week. They are each about 80 years old. They met with missionaries in the past, but they didn't really progress. But the husband still has his Book of Mormon, with a message from the Elders in 1999. It doesn't seem like he really read any of it. We shared a message on faith that was super spiritual and they told us that we are welcome in their home any time. We are praying that the spirit will touch them to read the book of Mormon and really have a change of heart.
Yes, Elder Jackson is still REALLY weird. We had a street contact the other day where I said, "My name is Elder Taylor and this is my companion, Elder Souza. I mean Elder Jackson." Yep.....
I'm sorry this is so short this week. I really don't have a whole lot ot say.
BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
Boa Tarde!
First off, I will be calling you on Sunday. We will be using Skype. We are going to try and call at about 4 o clock here. So around 1 o clock there. Or around 1:30.
IF YOU MISSION THIS CALL.....
Seriously though, if you miss this call....
This week was good. Tough, but good. We did A LOT of walking. I'm pretty sure I've shed some poundage. ha. We made a lot of contacts as well. We are working right now on working better with ward members. We don't really have any solid investigators in this area right now. They don't really have any connections to the church so it's all pure curiosity. But we have an awesome member who likes us and is giving us some referalls today. So it'll take some work, but the work will progress! Our ward members are good and now we just need to work better with them.
We tracted into an AWESOME couple this week. They are each about 80 years old. They met with missionaries in the past, but they didn't really progress. But the husband still has his Book of Mormon, with a message from the Elders in 1999. It doesn't seem like he really read any of it. We shared a message on faith that was super spiritual and they told us that we are welcome in their home any time. We are praying that the spirit will touch them to read the book of Mormon and really have a change of heart.
Yes, Elder Jackson is still REALLY weird. We had a street contact the other day where I said, "My name is Elder Taylor and this is my companion, Elder Souza. I mean Elder Jackson." Yep.....
I'm sorry this is so short this week. I really don't have a whole lot ot say.
BUT I LOVE YOU ALL!!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
YEP... It's still weird!!
Mission President letter
May 2, 2014
Dear Taylor Family:
We are excited to have you son, Elder Jackson, is our mission. This will be a great opportunity for continued growth and development as he serves faithfully here in the misison field. He will meet, teach, convert and touch the lives of many people who are seeking to know, understand and live the truths of the restored gospel. Your son will have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and better understand how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through his continued study and application of gospel principles, we pray his testimony will increase and his love and obedience to Heavenly Father's revealed truths will forge a pattern for the rest of his life.
Your son has already been assigned to his first area. He will be working i Vila Virginia Ward in the city of Ribeirao Preto, and will be trained by Elder Souza. The area is very blessed, and your son's trainer is a reliable and responsible misisonary. your son will certainly have much success and great spiritual experiences.
Along with missionary service comes many new and interesting demands and challenges. your son will continue to learn and adapt to new and interesting customs, cultures and foods, as well as a new language and schedule. As parents, you play a very important role in the well-bring of your missionary. your continued love and encouragement will give him the support and help he needs. p Please write him regularly, sharing your testimony and love of this great gospel plan and help him stay focused on this sacred work.
Trust the Lord's watchful care as you pray regularly for all the missionaries throughout the world. Remember the Lord has said:
My wife and I are very grateful to have your son serving by our sides in this great missionary effort. The lives of many will be influenced and blessed because of your son's great service and dedication. We will do our besttot help your son succeed in his service to the Lord. Thank you for preparing a son that is willing and ready to be of service in this part of the Lord's vineyard. may the Lord bless you for your sacrifice and help in this important and eternal endeavor.
With Love,
Mauro Tupinamba Brum de Oliveira
Mission President
Dear Taylor Family:
We are excited to have you son, Elder Jackson, is our mission. This will be a great opportunity for continued growth and development as he serves faithfully here in the misison field. He will meet, teach, convert and touch the lives of many people who are seeking to know, understand and live the truths of the restored gospel. Your son will have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and better understand how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through his continued study and application of gospel principles, we pray his testimony will increase and his love and obedience to Heavenly Father's revealed truths will forge a pattern for the rest of his life.
Your son has already been assigned to his first area. He will be working i Vila Virginia Ward in the city of Ribeirao Preto, and will be trained by Elder Souza. The area is very blessed, and your son's trainer is a reliable and responsible misisonary. your son will certainly have much success and great spiritual experiences.
Along with missionary service comes many new and interesting demands and challenges. your son will continue to learn and adapt to new and interesting customs, cultures and foods, as well as a new language and schedule. As parents, you play a very important role in the well-bring of your missionary. your continued love and encouragement will give him the support and help he needs. p Please write him regularly, sharing your testimony and love of this great gospel plan and help him stay focused on this sacred work.
Trust the Lord's watchful care as you pray regularly for all the missionaries throughout the world. Remember the Lord has said:
President and Sister Brum
Elder Souza and Elder Jackson
Sao Paulo MTC group
With Love,
Mauro Tupinamba Brum de Oliveira
Mission President
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