August 6, 2012

Dear mom,

Sounds like you all had a great week up at McCall.  Wish I could have been there, next year :)  And I just can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!  This week was, well I feel the worst of my mission.  Just of how crappy the week went and with my companion.  He is Gone Johnson tomorrow night.  So I’m stoked for that.  I am staying here in my area another change until Spencer gets to the mtc.  They can’t just leave a local missionary in an area after one change...he has no clue what he is doing.  This week we were out of the house a total of 7 or 8 hours I would say, that includes district meeting and church.  I’m so upset.  He is going to another area though, for another 6 weeks.  We don’t know where or with who but, he is staying.  The zone leaders haven’t called me yet with the changes, they will do that tomorrow.  I have never felt worse about a week in the mission then the week that just passed.  we´ll just leave it at that.

This last week I read my patriarchal blessing again.  There are some important things that make so much more sense to me now.   (note from mom . . . I edit his letters each week before posting - - I will keep some of these things private for Taylor!)

This next change I don’t really care who my comp is as long as he will work and be obedient.  I only have 8 months left, i just want to finish the right way.  I’ll be happier.  And my goal is 9 baptisms by the time I finish, that will bring my total to 20 baptism...I would feel good with that number.  And in this next change some goals that I have are to be in the road at 10:30, no later, also write in the area book every night, have comp study, and comp inventory.  Haven’t really done any of these this last change.    That’s really all that the mission is, setting goals, and learning to change.  

Right now, I have been finding some people to teach, but I don’t have anyone who is progressing.  But Andres is going to the temple this week so that’s cool.  Not really any prospects for baptism right now.  I’ll get that next week with a new comp, I was talking to pres about my comps and he was like oh you trained already great....like he just had the light bulb go off of somebody who can train.  Well I’ll find out tomorrow.  

I love being the DL.  It has its nags like calling everyone on Sunday and asking for the numbers and then calling the zone leaders and telling them the numbers.  But I do enjoy making a lesson for the district meeting. Tomorrow my lesson is based off of Matthew 13:18-23 the parabol about the sembrador, I don’t know how to say it in English.  The sewer it think.  And I get to do the baptism interviews.  And I get to decide when to go on splits and with who.  Its always bomb to go on splits with Elder Stephenson :)

Well that’s about all for this week, I’ll have a pic for you next week I hope.

Love you tons,

Elder Salinas

July 30, 2012

Dear mom how are ya?

This week was better.  On Tuesday, I went on divisions with Elder Call.  He is from Idaho Falls, has about 10 months in the mission.  We tore it up that day.  Just before at the District Meeting, I talked about the baptism invitation and inviting people with a baptism date.  Then right at the end, I told all of them to invite people before even saying the opening prayer.  Everyone just kind of smiled like what the freak is he saying.  The zone leaders were there and they were like excited about the idea.  So that day Elder Call and I invited 6 people to be baptized before saying the prayer.  It was good; it really helped them to understand why we are here.  They all accepted baptism dates too but none of them came to church, and the rain did not help us at all.  We did have 2 people at church.  But the numbers of the District are really improving so I´m happy about that!

This is the last week of the change; next Tuesday we (well most of us) will have new comps.  So we will see what happens with me next week.  Well that’s what Pres. Agazzani said in our interviews.   Pres Agazzani asked us 2 questions and they were how much time do you have in the missions - - 15 months I said and he said oh so little time left for you.  Then he asked how long I have been in this area and I said 3 changes or almost 4 months. And I said so I will be here one more change because my comp is going back to his house.  Pres said idk, we´ll see what we do with you.  I guess we´ll see next Tuesday.  

I did another interview this week for a lady.  Her 2 kids got baptized 2 weeks ago and she got married on Friday and baptized on Saturday.  They are a really cool family.  And I have another interview for this Thursday.  

I saw a preview for the Olympics last week at the super market.  I was so mad.  Why do I have to miss the summer Olympics, why can’t I have missed the world cup or the winter Olympics?  Now I won’t get to see Shawn Johnson....how lame ;)  And I was surprised to read that athletes from Paraguay marched in.  What are they going to compete in, sleeping???

It’s cool that we have a bunch of missionaries now.  Me, Michael, Spencer and Morgan, And that Casey Short is going on a mission....Cool.

Dad, que tengas mucha felicidad hoy en tu cumpleaños.  Estare para la proxima.  

And sounds like you all have a fun week planned, especially going up to McCall.  Can’t wait for next year.  It will be so fun.  

Today we have a district activity.  We are going to the dam again, but today we are going inside to see all of the machines and cool stuff.

Love you

Taylor

July 23, 2012

Dear mom. .. .. .. 

This was an ok week.  I went on Divisions with Elder Garzon from Columbia.  He has the same time I do in the mission.  It was like every other Tuesday of this change.  I got stuff done!!! Every time I have been on divisions with another elder things got done in my area.  All last change I just wanted to do my best and help everyone, that’s why I’m the DL....because Heavenly Father knows what I want and what I wanted.  This change has really stunk.  I know we had the 2 baptisms but that was because Elder Keller and I taught them.  I really feel like the ´´work´´ that has been done with Elder Cardozo is not great.  I have never felt that this badly about my work ethic, but this last change is killing me.  This week we have interviews with Pres. Agazzani.  I’m sure I will be the last because I’m the district leader...and I will have to tell him how the district is doing, how I’m doing and my comp.  So I can’t wait for that.  My district is doing better this week; we had better numbers in total.  In the district meeting last week I prepared a lesson on obedience.  I told all of them that they needed to dust off where the others can’t see, and that their investigators will not progress if they are not obedient or progressing.  Then we did a practice where they all had on point of lesson one and they had to teach me.  They had to invite me to be baptized at every point, so Elder Call taught the apostasy and had to invite me and so on.  It was a good practice, and the district as a whole had more invitations.  Tomorrow I´m gonna talk about inviting with a baptism date, we aren’t doing so hot in that right now.  And we are so close to reaching the goal we have of 7 baptisms this month.  After this week we would need 2 more, hope we can do it and find some miracles.

This week I was mad at my comp and tired of him being lazy.  And the lessons were not happening and I told him to clap a house and to my surprise he did it.  Some little girl came out and yelled into the house ´´Mormons¨´ and then a dude came out all excited, he asked us if we were gonna come in, how the church was doing and that never happens mom.  Then I was like this guy has to be a member, but he isn’t.  We had a sweet lesson with him and invited him to be baptized....he said if God answers his prayer.  Also I have been working with the less active to find part member families...it’s been working out good.  

And it seems to me that the summer is just about to end.  Reunion next week, then football is gonna start, next Spencer will be gone, a month later I will get papers that ask me where I want to fly to, and what day I am leaving, then you will get my flight and travel plans.  Time just goes by too fast mom.  

We have transfers in 2 weeks....I wouldn’t mind staying here for 2 more transfers.  I will be here for at least one more transfer, or until Spencer goes to the MTC.  I really like the area that I am in.  And we are seeing a lot of progress in the Branch.....80 people yesterday.  Record!!!  They almost ran out of cups of water for the sacrament.

I have really been thinking about what dad said to me in his letter this last week.  I have always been a leader.  People always picked me.  I don’t know why, but they always did.  I’m just trying to be that example to everyone in my district.  I know I can work harder out here . . . I am just trying to serve and learn.  Wrestling and my job at the lab, everyone always saw how hard I worked, i don’t know if I have worked as hard here as I did at wrestling or at the lab.  I already have a list of stuff to ask Pres. Agazzani this Thursday.  If I could just be with Elder lamb, Elder Heiner, Elder Bartlome, or Elder Stephenson.  People who I see work hard, who understand what our purpose is, and just do everything possible to be the best.  I know what would get done!!!!

Love you all 

Taylor

July 16, 2012

Dear mom. . .  

This week was alright.  I had some numbers but nothing really productive got done.

SO this week I did my first two baptism interviews.  It was really easy because they were kids who were getting baptized.  My district is doing good right now...Each companionship has to set a monthly goals for  baptisms....and then I make a goal that I feel is good for the district.  Our goal is 3 families, 4 future elders and 7 baptisms....right now we are at 4 baptism for the month...only 3 more and we reach the goal.    We are having some trouble finding new investigators though. . . this week I had 2 and they were barley countable as new investigators.  It is kind of hard to do stuff with my companion.

On Wednesday we got to meet President Agazzani and his family.  He is 43 and his wife is 41.  They have 5 kids.  2 of them are in Argentina still finishing school.  He is pretty cool.  They talk all weird and stuff but he is cool.  They came around to give all of us hugs....he looked at me and laughed and asked how it is to be all alone, since I don’t have a real companion, and I said fine and we both laughed.  Then before they left they did it again and he thanked me for the work I’m doing in my area with a local and for the service of being the District Leader.  

I went on Divisions with Elder Stephenson this week...it was fun.

Yesterday Andres gave a talk on the importance of going to the temple...he is going on the 11th of August with the stake to do baptisms.....he is excited.

I saw 10 min of Madagascar this week....that made me laugh,,,,it was just as funny in Spanish!

So mom or dad can you send me some talks by the Holland...both from General Conference.  I want the one Safety for the Soul about the Book Of Mormon and from October None were with Him.  Thanks.

Looks like you all had a great time at the temple.  SO cool that you all could go together.  

love ya tons  

Taylor

July 9, 2012

Dear mom. . .  how are ya???

This was a good week.  We had some big miracles.  To start out; on Tuesday we went to District meeting and I got all the elders jacked up for the week and then we had divisions.  I stayed in my area with Elder Knudsen from Argentina.  He is 24, got a late start to his mission but it was one of the best days that I have ever had.  I have always wanted a companion like him.  So I told him that we were going to take the book for the baptism interview and he said that he would do the interview for Kamila....so after a successful day we went over there and talked about the commandments in simple terms so that a child could understand them.  We counted that as the interview and said we are preparing a baptism service this Saturday if you want to get baptized.  She said yes.  

Then 2 days later Sister Achucarro said that Jose wanted to be baptized...Saturday.  So Friday I went over there and went over the baptism questions with him.  The terms were that only he and the Achucarros go to the baptism, and that he would get to the church at 6, have the interview and then be baptized.

So then I called the Zone Leaders and told them to come to the church at 6 to do the interview....after a long day of preparing the baptism and finding cloths and other stuff....Kamila was baptized.  And the best part of it was that Andres, my convert, baptized her!!!!  He was so excited and nervous at the same time but did a great job.  

Now we are just waiting on Jose,,,the Zone leaders were waiting and he got there an hour late so at 7:15 they did the interview.  And since he was late, the water was freezing cold.  He passed the interview and then changed cloths.  My companion got in the water and then Jose followed and was so mad.....he said why didn’t you put warm water in....and we told him that it was warm.  He finally got in and got baptized, but then he got water in his ear so then he was more irritated.  But I am happy. . . .I had 2 baptisms this week!!!!

That’s cool that you got to meet Pres and Sis Callan for like 20 sec, I bet there was a line like a wedding reception ha-ha.  

Cool that you got to go to the new mall,  During general conference we didn’t want to go outside or anything, so we just stayed in and watched all the programs between the sessions, and they showed it, It looks sweet.

So the branch is doing better.  50 people came to church yesterday.  I am almost running the branch.....I had to do the agenda, make assignments for the prayers and the songs.  I have to tell the branch president about all the people and stuff, and I’m pretty much giving out callings.  Next week I have to count tithing.  Oh and Andres is going to get the Priesthood soon and he is going to be called as the 1st counselor in the branch!!!

So I found a new movie that I love to watch. . . ´´How Rare a Posetion´´ idk if you have seen it but it’s pretty cool....it tells the story of Parley P Pratt and another guy and how they found the Book of Mormon and how it was a huge treasure for them, you should buy it and have FHE with it tonight.

Hey mom can you send me Mitch and Tyler’s address so i can write them sometime.

Talk to you next week!

Love ya!

With Kamila at her baptism

 

Elder Salinas & Jose

July 2, 2012

Dear Mom. . . 

Hope you are all having a great summer up in Idaho.  Only this summer I have to miss.  So next summer, I don’t want to go do sales with Colby.  It would be fun but I want to be at the house and work for grandpa or find a dental lab to work in.  So you can put in applications for anything that starts in the fall like august or September.  You can apply to BYUI and ISU, just as long as it starts in the fall. So just start them!!! And, President Callan filled out stuff for missionaries all the time so there isn’t a problem with that.  Well I guess it will be President Agazzani.  They got here Saturday.  

This week was hard, it was a ruff one.  We didn’t have very good numbers and my companion is not easy.  We found some new people this week and had some good lessons but not many.  I’m trying to be the example of the district and I can’t really do it with my comp.  All he does is talk about the stuff he did before he was a member.  I just don’t want to hear about it.  Yesterday, we were at the house to change and to eat, and he went to bed.  So when the time was up for studying, I woke him up and he just flipped me off and went back to bed.  I was so mad at him.  I haven’t even talked to him today.  If he keeps doing this stuff then I will be  writing it to the President next week.  Also, Javier is drinking, the family that Elder Hauser & I baptized.....so today I am going to write him a letter.  

Yesterday they put in a new branch president in our branch.  This guy is young and was a bishop already so he knows what he is doing....hope we can get some better work done with him.  Also like I said the new mission president gets here.  Ha-ha and Andres got up in sacrament meeting yesterday and shared his testimony.  It was awesome...he is asking if he can get the M priesthood.  He is really progressing and learning more every day.  

Ok so we are teaching Camila and she is 11.  She came to church 3 times and can get baptized.  The problem is that we can never teach her because there is never a guy at the house and she never talks.  We have Jose, he just has to make a decision to get baptized....he has everything but I think he is just a bit scared.  We found a young girl this week; she is really smart and understood the whole lesson.  She has 3 chapters to read in alma that she chose.  Andrea isn’t really answering my phone calls, and we can only teach her on the weekends.  She is afraid that if she gets baptized, her mom will kick her out of the house.  She is going to have a baby and her mom is helping her with the baby and she doesn’t want to lose that help and support.   SO I need more people to teach, I want more. . . . 

I don’t know when I will meet the new mission pres.  I doubt we have zone conference this change as he is new to this game.  Maybe we will have interviews soon, I don’t know.

Something crazy to eat lately . . . oh I know peanut butter.  Elder Keller got 6 jars of peanut butter.  He gave me one when he left, and 3 days ago I opened it up . . . it was full of ants!!!!  I don’t know how they got in the jar.  I was so mad.  That’s like a delicacy here in the mission.  

As the DL, I have to interview all of the investigators before they can be baptized.  Also every Tuesday I have to prepare the lesson for district meeting and make up the stuff to practice at the district meeting.  Every Sunday night I have to call all the elders in my district to record their numbers from the week then I call the zone leaders and give them to them.  I have to be the example to my entire district and go on divisions or splits to help them be better missionaries and get them excited.  I have to go on divisions with the zone leaders tomorrow!!!

Something that made me smile this week . . . Madagascar 3 is coming out only in theaters or if you live here in Ciudad del Este, you can buy it on any street corner 3 weeks ago. . . HAHA!

That about it for the week mom...love you tons

Taylor

 Gigantic Ant Hill!

 Service Project - - cutting down branches with a Machete!

June 25, 2012

Dear mom,

I’m glad that you all had somewhat of a good week.  Really sad that grandma passed away but she is in a better place.  Tuesday we had district meeting and changes.  We found out who was leaving and coming. Later that night I took Elder Keller over to the house of Elder Griffin the old District leader and Elder Stephenson.  Elder Stephenson and I were messing around as Elder Griffin packed his stuff to go home. My phone rang and it was President Callan.  I thought he was calling to talk to me about my new assignment as the District leader, but then he said it was about grandma.  I was a little surprised but not that sad....I talked to President Callan for like 20 min about grandma and grandpa and all that they did for us, it was a good talk.  All this week I have been good....I haven’t felt overwhelmed that grandma died or that I’m the district leader...I have just felt peaceful.  

So as I said in the last paragraph I am the district leader....hope I can do a good job....but I guess if the Lord has confidence in me then I can do it....it’s one of those ´´hard things´´ that I can do.  That night when I was with Elder Stephenson, we had a good talk.  We talked about all the people who we know from Nampa and how lame it is that we never hung out before the mission.  Then we talked about the mission and stuff, and how us two are doing tons of little things to be the best missionaries.  It was cool.....Elder Stephenson is a baller!!!! :)

Some good news, Elder Norton my companion in Puerto pabla is in my district.....he said there is nothing in Puerto pabla like no investigators, but he told me that Emilio and Margarita got baptized and married.  That made me pretty happy.  2 more converts, put em on the paper mom...the little baptism stickers ;)

I bet it was nice to see all of the family.  Some good stories about grandma and grandpa....and I would have loved to see the dinner that grandpa put on for the funeral!!!  I can’t wait to see grandpa ha-ha.

So my comp I have right now is Elder Cardozo.  He is from Paraguay and is a convert, of almost a year.  He is great, except for when he teaches in Guarani or pees all over the toilet and the floor, but other than that he is a good guy.  He is waiting to put in his papers to leave on the mission.  He is my comp for only a change, so I’m gonna be here in Hernandarias until Spencer goes on his mission.  SO I’m only gonna have one more area after this.  I could be here until October with the new mission president and all; he might not make that many changes at first, only the ones that are needed.

We had some progress with our investigators this week....Jose and Andrea both want to be baptized.  Jose said last night that he just has to make a choice about which day.  Andrea said that she wants to wait until after her baby is born so that she can still have the support of her mom during her pregnancy.  I’m gonna have to change that.  We found some other great investigators this week, ones that really are ready for the gospel. And we still have problems in the branch with the president that I am trying to work out....I’ll just leave it at that. 

Also a scripture for you in Romans 10:15 about missionary feet to go along with this picture!!!

Love you mom

Taylor's District