April 28, 2014
OH MY GOSH. I GET TO SAY HI TO MY FAMILY AGAIN!!
It feels like it's been forever. The CTM was supposed to email a picture of us at the temple. Sounds like they didn't. My mission President was supposed to send fotos of us when we arrived. Sounds like that didn't happen either. So I'M SORRY. It wasn't my fault.
So I also have some really weird news. Our Mission President doesn't allow duplicates names. He gets people mixed up. There are already 2 other Elder Taylor's. One is now Elder Peterson. So, when they asked me what I would switch to, I said a quick prayer and chose Elder Jackson instead of Elder S. Taylor. So, I am now Elder Jackson. I should get new name tags this week. So Trev, I'm sorry that our name tags aren't the same anymore, but I will always have the one that is the same.
I am here in my mission! Ha! Presdente Brum opened our first training by saying, "welcome to your mission. Yes, your reassignments were good, but this is your mission. The one you were called to." It was kinda funny. I am here in The Ribeirao Preto Sudoeste zone. So yes, I'm in the city of Ribeirao Preto. My area is Vila Virginia B. I live here with the zone leaders and my companion, the district leader. I don't think I told you, my companion in the CTM was the district leader too. That makes 4 out of 5. My companion is Elder Henrique Souza from Manaus. Yep, a native trainer. And he doesn't speak any English. It's a good thing my Portuguese really was as good as I thought. (I don't mean to brad, but it's good.) I thank our Heavenly Father that it is, because I'm having some narly culture shock. I don't know if I could handle it if I couldn't speak. I speak really well, everyone keeps saying that. But it's really hard for me to understand people. I got my first haircut in Brazil today and I couldn't understand the cabeleireiro. BUT< it looks dang good!
Now, I just need to drop some pounds. I lost 10 pounds in the CTM. Ha. In case you can't tell in pictures, I've gotten fat. I left on my mission at 190. And got to Brazil at 220. Yep. It was BAD. My nickname to everyone is Gordinho. Ask Trev what it means.
But I love my area! I love my ward. Our are is brand new. The Vila Virginia ward was just one area, but they split it with this last transfer. I arrived mid-transfer, so my companion had some things going. We've been doing a lot of contacting and had 8 new investigators this past week. Que Chick!
And I had a birthday party! I am now 19 years old. Here's a SUPER weird thought. I almost have 8 months on my mission, but without the age change, I would still be home. Crazy! And guess what! My birthday party was in the middle of a favela! ha. every Thursday we have a family night with all the members in the favela at Irma Digna's house. It was only my second day in the area. But my companion called Irma Digna the day before and they made a cake for my birthday! I didn't have my camera, so all the pictures are with Elder Souza. So i will try and send them next week. It was AWESOME!!
I love it here. BUT, keep me i your prayers. I am just feeling really stressed out and feeling A LOT of pressure. I know that's normal considering they don't speak English, but please just keep me in your prayers.
I love you all! Have a great week all over the world!
Love, Elder Scott JACKSON Taylor
PS Tell everyone I'm sorry I was unable to email them back personally. I had 28 emails today to read. 2 weeks and a birthday will do that. And today I'm kind of crunched on times.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
EU AMO O BRASIL
OI FAMILIA! April 16, 2014
First I just want to tell
you how much I love Brasil. Well, South America in general. I don´t care how
hot and humid and stuffy it has felt this week, I love it here. Being back in
the MTC is SO weird. But so cool. It really does feel like I´m starting all
over again. This time with a Sister Mission. Is this what the sisters feel
like? haha
I hope all is well up
there in North America! (and Argentina. Don´t worry John Boy. I got you.) Guess
what! Everything is so cheap here! haha I got 5 pairs of garments for 5
dollars! Legit.
Family-have you gotten
the picture of us at the Temple yet? We got to go to the São Paulo temple this
morning. It was awesome. I can´t believe how close to the street it is. It
doesn´t look like it in the picture. But it is beautiful and so peaceful. It
was also the FOURTH temple I´ve done a session in on my mission alone.
That´s insane! and if we ever get to go to Campinas, five. Most people barely
get 2 and sometimes 1.
Things are AWESOME here
in the CTM. Remember that time I was in Provo and we were supposed to speak
Portuguese with each other and no one knew how and even our teacher barely spoke
in Portuguese? Yeah, well, one of our teachers doesn´t even speak English. The
others speak a little. But all 3 are from here in São Paulo. We have 3 here
because we are here solely for Portuguese. So we have class all day and not
just different studies. I think it´s so cool that we can talk with and
understand all these people who don´t speak English. I speak really well, but I
can´t understand very well. I can understand all the people in the CTM, but
they see that I´m white and speak slower. #gringostatus
So with the language
immersion thing. It was reviewed and approved by the Brazil Area
Presidency. Missionaries were literrally getting sick because they were so
stressed out with not understanding anyone going straight into the
"campo." (it just means field, but campo sounds so much cooler.) So
we are only like the 4th or 5th group of "twelve day Americans" and
because this only happened about a month ago. Meanin if I would have gotten my
visa last transfer I wouldn´t have been here in the CTM.
This week has been really
good. It´s really weird not to be out on bikes with the sun beating down on us.
It´s rained every day and I LOVE IT. Rain is a good thing. (it makes
corn........name that song. ha.) I really can´t tell you how much I love it
here. South American Mormons are my favorite. They are the most loving people
in the world.
Well Familia, sorry it´s
short! haha I don´t have a whole lot to report because we´ve been in the same building
for a week! (yes friends that were in Provo, The São Paulo MTC is only one
building.)
Love, Elder Scott Jackson
Taylor
BRAZIL
Dear Parents, April 11,
2014
Sister Swensen and I are
very happy to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely at the
Brazil Missionary Training Center. What a great joy and privilege it is
to greet each missionary as they begin their missionary experiences with us. We
will surely take good care of your missionary.
The missionaries now
have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a
district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson
study. Their branch presidents and wives, will meet them this
Sunday. These wonderful couples are richly blessed as they work with,
motivate, and interview the missionaries assigned to their branch.
The MTC has a full-time
live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his
able wife who is a nurse. We are also happy to report that the cafeteria food
is plentiful, healthy and very good.
Your missionary will be
able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple.
This will be either Wednesday or Friday, depending on
individual assignments.
Your missionary is about
to make an eternal difference in the lives of many others. President Lorenzo
Snow said: “There is no mortal man that is as
interested in the success of an elder when he is preaching the Gospel as is the
Lord who sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord's children".
We love these missionaries as if they were our own. We will watch over
them carefully to ensure they are ready for a wonderful missionary experience
after the rewarding time they will have in the MTC.
We thank you for
preparing such a wonderful representative of the Lord.
President Robert Swensen
and Sister Julie Swensen
PS...I'm in Brazil!!
April 9, 2014
Oi minha familia!!
I am finally here in
Brazil. It´s still so surreal. I look out the window and BOOM! There´s Sao
Paulo. It´s so cool. we have made it safe. the flight was super long. but we
finally made it. There were 8 of us missionaries on the flight from Atlanta to
Sao Paulo. I sat by a lady from o estado de Parana! I thought Trevor would like
that. I believe she said Maringa...it was close to Curitiba.
I am super excited for
the two weeks here in the CTM. I pray that this language immersion will help
immensely, because when I got on the plane, almost everyone was speaking
Portuguese, and I could not understand them.
I don´t have much time,
but I just wanted to tell you all that I love you! I hope you got the note that
I had Hailey write. and I hope dad got my message. there was a very nice member
that was headed to Sao Paulo that let us use his phone. I swear I said
something about calling but it´s all good. I will be out of the CTM by then and
be able to call you on Mother´s day.
I love you all!
Have a fantastic day!
Love, Elder Scott Jackson
Taylor
P.S. I´M IN BRAZIL.
Monday, April 7, 2014
HAPPY FLIGHT!!!!! HAPPY FLIGHT!!!!!
April 7, 2014
I can't believe it's actually here. I'm leaving. I honestly can't believe it. It still didn't feel real, until I got a call from President Toone this morning. He was just giving me some details on how to get to the mission home tomorrow...but at the end he was just laughing and said he was gonna miss me and my happy attitude. I make him smile every time I talk to him. I'm sure he says that to everyone, but it was still nice to hear.
This week has been AWESOME!!
DID YOU ALL WATCH CONFERENCE!?!?!?!? #Spiritbomb #LDSConf
It was incredible. We watched it at the Stake Center here. Man. Dallin H. Oaks. I love him. He laid it down. Along with Neil L. Andersen and Russell M. Nelson. It seems like Conference just gets better and better every time.
What were some of your favorite talks?
One of my favorites was from Henry B. Eyring in the Priesthood Session where he talked about heroes. So, here are some of my heroes and why:
Dad: I have watched you all my life accept callings and challenges with a smile. You have been an incredible example to me of dedicated love and service. You have also been a great example of priorities. I cannot ever express enough how thankful I am for a dad that came to every single game of my senior season. Even though I only played a total of 2 innings all year, you were at every game. I'm sure at times it didn't feel like the best thing for you time, but I really can't tell you enough how much it means to me.
Mom: I love you. You get my first hug when I return. I see pictures of missionaries hugging their moms and it makes me cry. I love you, Mom. You have also been an incredible example of pure, Christlike love. You've faced a lot of trials but you continue to stay happy and positive. I love you.
Jesse Wade - I have always been slightly disappointed when an LDS athlete forgoes a mission to play. It makes me smile every time when I see something that says "he will play for Gonzaga for 4 years AFTER serving a 2-year mission." Thank you for being an example to the world of putting a mission at the top of the priorities. The experiences you have can never be replaced.
There are may more, but those are some that I thought of as he spoke.
I am so sad to leave Casa Grande. We visited some families last night and it was tough to say goodbye. We have a part member family bringing us donuts today. :) They are awesome. The wife last night looked at me and said that I have been an incredible influence on him. He has advanced more than with anyone else. I can't wait til he gets baptized and I told them I will come to their sealing.
Sasha and Emilio also called this morning. They asked what we were doing tonight and wanted us over before I leave. They don't have much money but they want to have us for dinner and give me my favorite American candy before I leave. I love them. They are getting baptized on the 26th. I'm sad I will miss it, but I am so happy for them.
Well, I guess that's all from Arizona. Tomorrow I get on a plane and lave to a whole new experience.
HERE. WE. GO.
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
I also forgot to mention John Boy Garrett. He's my Hero too. #UtahSTATE
I can't believe it's actually here. I'm leaving. I honestly can't believe it. It still didn't feel real, until I got a call from President Toone this morning. He was just giving me some details on how to get to the mission home tomorrow...but at the end he was just laughing and said he was gonna miss me and my happy attitude. I make him smile every time I talk to him. I'm sure he says that to everyone, but it was still nice to hear.
This week has been AWESOME!!
DID YOU ALL WATCH CONFERENCE!?!?!?!? #Spiritbomb #LDSConf
It was incredible. We watched it at the Stake Center here. Man. Dallin H. Oaks. I love him. He laid it down. Along with Neil L. Andersen and Russell M. Nelson. It seems like Conference just gets better and better every time.
What were some of your favorite talks?
One of my favorites was from Henry B. Eyring in the Priesthood Session where he talked about heroes. So, here are some of my heroes and why:
Dad: I have watched you all my life accept callings and challenges with a smile. You have been an incredible example to me of dedicated love and service. You have also been a great example of priorities. I cannot ever express enough how thankful I am for a dad that came to every single game of my senior season. Even though I only played a total of 2 innings all year, you were at every game. I'm sure at times it didn't feel like the best thing for you time, but I really can't tell you enough how much it means to me.
Mom: I love you. You get my first hug when I return. I see pictures of missionaries hugging their moms and it makes me cry. I love you, Mom. You have also been an incredible example of pure, Christlike love. You've faced a lot of trials but you continue to stay happy and positive. I love you.
Jesse Wade - I have always been slightly disappointed when an LDS athlete forgoes a mission to play. It makes me smile every time when I see something that says "he will play for Gonzaga for 4 years AFTER serving a 2-year mission." Thank you for being an example to the world of putting a mission at the top of the priorities. The experiences you have can never be replaced.
There are may more, but those are some that I thought of as he spoke.
I am so sad to leave Casa Grande. We visited some families last night and it was tough to say goodbye. We have a part member family bringing us donuts today. :) They are awesome. The wife last night looked at me and said that I have been an incredible influence on him. He has advanced more than with anyone else. I can't wait til he gets baptized and I told them I will come to their sealing.
Sasha and Emilio also called this morning. They asked what we were doing tonight and wanted us over before I leave. They don't have much money but they want to have us for dinner and give me my favorite American candy before I leave. I love them. They are getting baptized on the 26th. I'm sad I will miss it, but I am so happy for them.
Well, I guess that's all from Arizona. Tomorrow I get on a plane and lave to a whole new experience.
HERE. WE. GO.
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
I also forgot to mention John Boy Garrett. He's my Hero too. #UtahSTATE
Sasha and Emilio's cat had kittens so we put them in our pockets!
I forgot to mention this in my other email. We got a call Tuesday night from President asking if we would go to the Gilbert Temple! All missionaries leaving (including visa waiters) and their companions got to go do a session! It was awesome!
A member took us out to eat for one of my final American meals.
Good thing we chose Mexican restaurant right?
Yeah I forgot to tell you about this too. the knife slipped on Friday night and I now have a stab wound in my palm. It isn't very wide, but as you can see, there was a lot of blood. It got every where. The blade went lik 1/2 inch into my palm. It hurt!
That is beautiful!!
You're officially old!
March 31, 2014
Ola Familia!
Just thought I'd point out: This is my last full week of English. Whoa!
Thought I'd also point out: Mom and Dad went on a cruise for an anniversary. That means you're OLD!
This week has been great! We have been teaching Sasha and Emilio a lot. They are so solid. They haven't been able to come to Church because of work, but they are both in the process of finding new work. We had a lesson mid-week and we were talking about coordinating their wedding with Bishop. I said, "well, even if I'm not there, send me pictures." and Sasha goes "oh no, you'll be there." I love them! They are so legit and have been so good to work with. We have seen a lot of miracles with them and with the ward as we've worked with them. We've seen the ward just jump in and help out in any way they can. They will hopefully be married this week, but sadly because of not attending Church due to a family emergency yesterday, they won't be baptized until after I leave. BUT, they will be baptized. I'm so excited for them and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach and work with them.
We had our first dust storm!! It wasn't very bit, but it provided some pretty cool pictures. We were at the Church and didn't know it was coming and one of our investigators texted us and told us about it. We went out to check it out, and we left all our stuff in the Church as the doors closed. Yep. We locked ourselves out right before the storm! Luckily we had the car that day and I had my keys in my pocket. So, we got in the car, and righ then, someone pulled up to the Church to check on something and had keys! It was pretty cool.
It's starting to get pretty hot. Ha! We've been in the upper 80's and the sun just beats down. It's a party.
I went on exchanges and we walked by a house and this big guy was out smoking a HUGE cigar. We went to talk to him and he just says, "I don't need it. I'm already a sinna" With his hands up and this thick Brooklyn accent. Oh old people. they make me laugh!!
Well my friends, hope all is well in Kaysville! ( And Logan and Provo and Orem and Argentina and Mexico and .........)
Love you all!
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
Ola Familia!
Just thought I'd point out: This is my last full week of English. Whoa!
Thought I'd also point out: Mom and Dad went on a cruise for an anniversary. That means you're OLD!
This week has been great! We have been teaching Sasha and Emilio a lot. They are so solid. They haven't been able to come to Church because of work, but they are both in the process of finding new work. We had a lesson mid-week and we were talking about coordinating their wedding with Bishop. I said, "well, even if I'm not there, send me pictures." and Sasha goes "oh no, you'll be there." I love them! They are so legit and have been so good to work with. We have seen a lot of miracles with them and with the ward as we've worked with them. We've seen the ward just jump in and help out in any way they can. They will hopefully be married this week, but sadly because of not attending Church due to a family emergency yesterday, they won't be baptized until after I leave. BUT, they will be baptized. I'm so excited for them and I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach and work with them.
We had our first dust storm!! It wasn't very bit, but it provided some pretty cool pictures. We were at the Church and didn't know it was coming and one of our investigators texted us and told us about it. We went out to check it out, and we left all our stuff in the Church as the doors closed. Yep. We locked ourselves out right before the storm! Luckily we had the car that day and I had my keys in my pocket. So, we got in the car, and righ then, someone pulled up to the Church to check on something and had keys! It was pretty cool.
It's starting to get pretty hot. Ha! We've been in the upper 80's and the sun just beats down. It's a party.
I went on exchanges and we walked by a house and this big guy was out smoking a HUGE cigar. We went to talk to him and he just says, "I don't need it. I'm already a sinna" With his hands up and this thick Brooklyn accent. Oh old people. they make me laugh!!
Well my friends, hope all is well in Kaysville! ( And Logan and Provo and Orem and Argentina and Mexico and .........)
Love you all!
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
Despicable me card collection from Wal-Mart! What's up!
Mom and Dad, take a good, hard look. This is probably the closest I'll ever get to Harvard!
Yep. We have the coolest members ever. They're a young family that grew up in Spanish fork. The dad is a HUGE BYU fan, and they knew I am too. so, they whipped these out for dinner!
Here comes the dust storm!
It's gettin closer!
There she is! :)
Oh Rhonda!
March 24, 2014
So guess what. Remember that time we use to have a car? Well, I named her Rhonda. The Church gets rid of mission vehicles at 50,000 miles, and I've put almost 3,000 on her. And this week during exchanges I put her over 40,000. It was a great day!
Anyway, Mom and Dad on a cruise? How in the world did that happen? Who was the one that was able to break open his wallet? I hope the house isn't burnt down yet. You kids do get crazy!
This week has been pretty good! We had a FANTASTIC Zone Conference in Maricopa on Tuesday. President Toone talked about being a consecrated missionary. He talked to us about how one unconsecrated missionary can hold the mission back from the blessings we will receive. We watched the John Tanner Story, a story of complete consecration and trust in the Lord. He asked what more we can give to be fully consecrated. It was incredible and inspiring. It really opened my eyes on how much we have to give. I only have 17 and a half more months to give everything I have. I have only 2 weeks to give everything I have to the people here in Casa Grande, so I don't want to waste it.
We also had an incredible lesson Monday night. Little did I realize the similarity to the John Tanner story until we watched it the next day. We have been teaching a couple named Sasha and Emilio for a long time. they have been together for 3 years but aren't married. So, we have talked to them about that. On Monday, we taught more on the Law of Chastity, they said, "we want to get married, but we don't even have money to pay for a wedding license." The member that was with us asked how much it was. $80 bucks. so the member said, "we'll pay for it." So I thought she meant when the time came, but she reached in her purse and pulled out $100 and said, "well I guess there's lunch for the day too." It was incredible. After the lesson we just kept thanking her. And she said, "all I have is from the Lord. I have 6 years of income that I wasn't suppose to have." Ha! and her husband goes, "Yeah, and a husband to go with it!" (Her husband has a brain tumor that was suppose to take his life, but after a Priesthood blessing, it stopped dead in its tracks and has been dormant since!) It was an incredible example to me of consecration and fulfilling our covenants!
Then, last night was awesome too. We went to visit another investigator named Lupe with our Ward Mission Leader. We got there, and a guy was there and laughed and kin of jokingly said, "can I have Mormon Book?" So we said yes and asked if we could introduce it to him. Well, it turns out that he is Lupe's ex-wife's brother and is staying at the apartment for a little while. His name is Victor. He talked to us about how he feels agnostic, but wants to know so badly the true nature of God. He told us how he's been to a ton of churches that judge him and throw him out because he has tattoos and blah blah blah. And he's been to too many churches where the people give of their tithing and have humble livings and then the pastor rolls up in a Mercedez-Benz and takes all their money. So, we introduced him, invited him to church, and set up a return. It was incredible! The Spirit was super strong as we bore our testimonies of the true nature of God and that His Church has been restored. He told us that he just really wants to know. And, he always sees everyone hide from the Mormons, so he decided to find out what they really have to say. It was awesome! The best part is that our Bishop drives a simple Toyota Corolla. So, Dad, keep driving that Grandma car!! You never know who it will inspire!
Casa Grande is a party!! I love it! The work goes well. Both of our new Ward Mission Leaders are awesome! The end.
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
P.S. Estou indo a Brasil em dois semanas. Louco.
So guess what. Remember that time we use to have a car? Well, I named her Rhonda. The Church gets rid of mission vehicles at 50,000 miles, and I've put almost 3,000 on her. And this week during exchanges I put her over 40,000. It was a great day!
Anyway, Mom and Dad on a cruise? How in the world did that happen? Who was the one that was able to break open his wallet? I hope the house isn't burnt down yet. You kids do get crazy!
This week has been pretty good! We had a FANTASTIC Zone Conference in Maricopa on Tuesday. President Toone talked about being a consecrated missionary. He talked to us about how one unconsecrated missionary can hold the mission back from the blessings we will receive. We watched the John Tanner Story, a story of complete consecration and trust in the Lord. He asked what more we can give to be fully consecrated. It was incredible and inspiring. It really opened my eyes on how much we have to give. I only have 17 and a half more months to give everything I have. I have only 2 weeks to give everything I have to the people here in Casa Grande, so I don't want to waste it.
We also had an incredible lesson Monday night. Little did I realize the similarity to the John Tanner story until we watched it the next day. We have been teaching a couple named Sasha and Emilio for a long time. they have been together for 3 years but aren't married. So, we have talked to them about that. On Monday, we taught more on the Law of Chastity, they said, "we want to get married, but we don't even have money to pay for a wedding license." The member that was with us asked how much it was. $80 bucks. so the member said, "we'll pay for it." So I thought she meant when the time came, but she reached in her purse and pulled out $100 and said, "well I guess there's lunch for the day too." It was incredible. After the lesson we just kept thanking her. And she said, "all I have is from the Lord. I have 6 years of income that I wasn't suppose to have." Ha! and her husband goes, "Yeah, and a husband to go with it!" (Her husband has a brain tumor that was suppose to take his life, but after a Priesthood blessing, it stopped dead in its tracks and has been dormant since!) It was an incredible example to me of consecration and fulfilling our covenants!
Then, last night was awesome too. We went to visit another investigator named Lupe with our Ward Mission Leader. We got there, and a guy was there and laughed and kin of jokingly said, "can I have Mormon Book?" So we said yes and asked if we could introduce it to him. Well, it turns out that he is Lupe's ex-wife's brother and is staying at the apartment for a little while. His name is Victor. He talked to us about how he feels agnostic, but wants to know so badly the true nature of God. He told us how he's been to a ton of churches that judge him and throw him out because he has tattoos and blah blah blah. And he's been to too many churches where the people give of their tithing and have humble livings and then the pastor rolls up in a Mercedez-Benz and takes all their money. So, we introduced him, invited him to church, and set up a return. It was incredible! The Spirit was super strong as we bore our testimonies of the true nature of God and that His Church has been restored. He told us that he just really wants to know. And, he always sees everyone hide from the Mormons, so he decided to find out what they really have to say. It was awesome! The best part is that our Bishop drives a simple Toyota Corolla. So, Dad, keep driving that Grandma car!! You never know who it will inspire!
Casa Grande is a party!! I love it! The work goes well. Both of our new Ward Mission Leaders are awesome! The end.
Love, Elder Scott Jackson Taylor
This is Dawn's baptism! Guess who is baptizing her? Yep. Brother Taylor! Best. name. ever!
Toni's baptism!!
This. This is my girl Rhonda. I put her over 40,000 miles this week!
Oh yea, I forgot to tell you in my email that I got sick and had to stay in Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday morning I was throwing up. It was no bueno!!
Yes. That is a 2014 Stingray. But no, I didn't drive it. One of our members works at a nice dealership and gets to have some fun!
Dad, this one is for you! DJ (our Polynesian recent convert) fed us this week and it was delicious! He said that this is a Hawaiian staple. I don't know whether to be proud or embarrassed that me and the big Polynesian were the only ones that finished!
Yep, I'm proud!
This is a pooping do sign that just says "NO!"
No more explanation needed!
P.S. Estou indo a Brasil em dois semanas. Louco.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)