Nice Bike Rack

Taylor enjoying a nice bike rack. Olivas doesn't seem to appreciate Taylor's sense of humor all the time.

First Baptism

08.28.2011

It's finally happened! Yesterday was my FIRST baptism! Did I tell you about Sheila S.? In case I didn't, lemme bring you to speed. She's one of the very first people I met since I've been out here. She is one the sweetest little old ladies I have ever met. I've never seen a testimony and faith like hers it is unfreakinbelievable, one that could move mountains.

She's been investigating the church for three years or so now and her path to baptism had included giving up smoking. I want to say it's been over the past six months she's from three packs a day to zero. She finally killed the cat a couple of weeks ago and she was baptized yesterday. She's got the biggest heart. She loves everyone so much – even her son, who's the foulest and most horrible of schmucks, which I don't understand, but then again I'm not a mother, nor will I ever be.

I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost (and cried after the part when I retold the story of my accident) and she was baptized by her deceased husband's cousin and dearest of friends, Jim.

But still the only credit I can take, besides being the studmuffin I already am, is helping her get from the last couple of smokes to confirming her a member – which Elder Olivas did and I stood in the circle.

Next item on the to-do list is my new companions! His name is Elder Dabel --- like the Lord confounded the languages at the tower of “Dabel”, Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem in a “Dabel”, Anne of Green “Dabels”, Cain slew “Dabel”, come home from a long day's work sit on the couch and put your feet up on the coffee “Dabel”, Hercules is a Greek myth or Greek “Dabel”, when there's a problem with the TV you might the “Dabel” man, before you play with Drain-O you should read the warning “Dabel” … Now, you'll never forget!

He's a righteous dude. He's been out for five months now but he's new to this area. We get along really well and it's nice to have someone else here for Elder Olivas to focus on.

There's another set of alligators we have that have gotta be one my most favorites, Jerry and Valicity C. and 20 month-old Cora – the cutest blonde-haired, blue-eyed child I have ever seen. He's originally from South Africa and she's live in Idaho her whole life. Really some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Jerry has a strong religious background and know his stuff better than most. Val has a rough history with organized religion … there were some family problems when she was young and the church she belonged to hung her and her family our to dry for it. It makes me sick! People who claim devout Christianity and piss on the example of Chris for sake of conformity. 'Tis quite GAY. Since then, while maintaining a belief in God, she's made a point to steer clear of organized religion. For reasons I remain uncertain of, he does the same.

Anyway what we have to offer is perfect for them! One of the first things they did when we met them was muse (?) over the fact that the Mormon church is so organized. They've never heard or seen anything like it, the structure, the organization, the image, the respect, etc. Jerry said he believes after everything else falls apart and the world goes to crap, Mormonism will be the only thing left standing and will be the world power! I wanted to tell him that was kinda our plan but I figured we'd best leave that discussion alone for another day …

They've already been to church a time or two and love it. They love nursery and the concept of different classes for different ages and things. One of the things I love about this place is the support and decency of the members. They were – and are – a HUGE help in fellowshipping. Jerry and Val REALLY like that, as do I. The work is moving forward!

Anyway, I've gotta wrap it up now but I'll be getting back to you soon! Love you all!

Sincerely,

elder tay

PS: If you haven't me yet, write me!

(Letter transcribed by mom)

Blacks and Pilaf

Good golly miss molly another wonderful week has yet again passed!

Thursday we had dinner with the Black's, a cute young couple going to school and working. First I noticed the name, "Black" and asked the man where he was from. He said he was raised in Colorado but his family is largely from Blanding. I then thought to myself, 'Holy balls... How interesting.' And I began to ask him more about his family. I asked him another number of probing questions but he said he didn't know a whole lot about his family history. He did, however, mention his grandpa was *Gerald (I'm not sure on the spelling but it's pronounced "JAIR-old") Black. I told him my connection to the Black's and it appears we very well may be related! Last name of Black and strong ties to Blanding, UT? I think we're on to something... BUT if that's not weird enough, he served in the Chile Osorno mission. I told him my connection to that as well and he agrees it's a small freakin' world.

*Mom, would you look into this? I told him about your knowledge and pursuit of family history and he's interested as well. I figure if there's anyone who would know it's between you and Gramma.

Zone Conference was on Friday which I enjoyed thoroughly. The thing that sticks out most in my mind was a handful of musical solos performed by other missionaries. Some of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. I admire the power music has and the influence it maintains. Few other things have ever brought the Spirit so powerfully for me and it's inspired me to pursue music further, in the mission and someday maybe at school.

Saturday was SICK! We celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 16th ward's annual "Corn Feed" ward barbecue. The ward all came and some additional 20 nonmembers - some our aligators and others friends of members. One of our alligators, Nigmat, catered the event. He's from Russia and he's been in the States now for 5 years. He knows English but his accent is thicker than Wayne County's inability to pronounce the word "favorite". It's hard to understand him until you kinda get used to it. But I sincerely wish Dusty could be here! He'd LOVE Nigmat and Nigmat would love Dusty. Him and his wife, Oma, are some of the most humble, loving individuals I've ever met. Whenever we go to his house he'll make us food - as it is a part of the culture. We eat first and talk second. ANYWAY he's been to church a time or two - thanks to his next door neighbor Sheila - and he LOVES it. He was really worried at first about going to church because in Russia (more specifically Uzbekistan) you have to pay to go to church. We told him that's a vile and odious sin and he came to church! So he's got this catering business, as cooking is one of his passions, and without invitation he volunteered to cook for any shindig or hoedown the ward might have. We immediately took him up on that and he cooked Pilaf - a nomb biggidy rice dish - and Kebobs for the event, all of which was unfreakinbelievable. We loved it as well as the rest of the ward. Elder Olivas and I were accompanied by a recent convert, 13-year old studmuffin Ryan D., and we showed up to help him get ready at noon that day. We cooked until it started at 6 and all things were excellent. Another beautiful year in celebration of this "corny" tradition.

That concludes our update for now but stay tuned! There is more to come shortly.

Elder Tay

Mom's note:

Taylor would be related to the Black's through William Morley Black (1826-1915) on his Grandma Ehlers' side. William Morley had several wives. Mr. Black would a descendant from his first wife, Margaret Ruth, and Marilyn is from another wife, Amy Jane. So Mr. Black and Taylor would be distant cousins.

Love My Mom Most

Hmm where to begin? First and foremost, there are too many blessings out here to know what to do with them all. I'm most grateful but I don't feel I can thank God enough for all the things he's done out here. His hand is in EVERYTHING and it's a beauty. We've got two aligators set up for baptisms this weekend - Toni B. and Sheila S..

 

Toni is the 5th great grandaughter of Porter Rockwell. It's amazing to think about all the people he helped when he was alive, but to still be bringing people to the gospel even after he's dead?! What a guy! Toni's done extensive research on her grandad and it's founded her faith in the Gospel. She's amazed at this man who dedicated his existance to the Gospel and it inspired her to check it out. My companion has been with her from the beginning of her investigation so their relationship has a bit more depth to it but she says I've helped her more than I know. She's glad I'm with Elder Olivas now instead of his last companion because I guess his last companion was a great big ween.

 

Sheila's been an aligator of the church for a couple of years now but she couldn't be baptized before because she had a smoking addiction. I'll tell you what I have NEVER seen a faith and testimony like hers! She's not even a member and she has invited more people and made a bigger impact in the world than I have in my whole life. She's the sweetest little old lady and loves to have company - especially us because we're Missionators - and she's got a son in prison who's a super-believer (and I guess he has a degree as a minister or something...? anyway he's a big fan of God) and he loves the Book of Mormon and all other Mormon materials. Using what he's got - the BoM, a Gospel Principles book, and PMG coming soon - he's got a ministry of sorts going in the prison. He studies the books and then teaches another 12 inmates... and that number gets bigger every other time we talk to Sheila. Anyway she's finally given up smoking - with the help of the Church's Addiction Recovery Manual, which is a BEAUTIFUL thing - and she's getting dunked this weekend!

 

Well I've gotta cut this one short because the computer's telling me it'll self-destruct here in 4 minutes or so BUT I'll be havin' another letter in SOON.

 

Love you!

But I love my mom even more!

 

Elder Tay

Letter From Ward Family

Sister Ehlers,

I had your son. Elder Ehlers, in my home for dinner last night. He and his companion, Elder Olivas, were so polite and brought a wonderful spirit into our home. Thank you for your sacrifice in sending your son on a mission to Boise, Idaho. We are so lucky to have him serving in our area. I thought you would like to see a picture of he and his companion. They seem to be doing great!

Thanks,

--
Joan M.

Pant-load of amazing people

The view.

Hello All -
Here is the weekly installment. The pic he is referring to is an "accidental" rear end shot he took of some sisters at the MTC. He should know better than to try to fool his old mom. The greenie box in the picture is from his sweet aunt Amy. It was full of all things green and he loved it.
Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.
Love - Juli

---

Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2011 14:59:10 -0600
Subject: Re: Pics Galore!

I'll have some more in a little while. I do make a point at taking pictures but only so often. Elder Olivas is a terrific trainer but he's a major stickler on the rules. We've had a few disagreements here and there but we work it out. He's a good guy but you and I both know that the rule book and I haven't ever been very good friends. It's easy to see how that may complicate things...

I've been telling everyone that picture was accidental but you're right. It wasn't. I'm sure I'll have some paying to do for that one some day but some of the sisters there are GORGEOUS! Unfreakingbelievably attractive. I don't use the word sexy because I know that's probably frowned upon but for all intents and purposes, that's what they are. It's not fair!

I love the members here. They're all so supportive and loving. I love meeting the kids and talking with the parents and other adults. We find the majority of our investigators through referrals from members and that helps immensely! What makes that different from knocking on doors is the referral is already familiar with church, in that they have a Mormon friend. That also helps with getting to know the individual, being friends with one of their friends. They're also a huge help because they'll come with us to some of the lessons. It's a benefit having them there for their testimony and insight beyond ours. Also, it's important for investigators and members to be friends because after the missionaries have taken off, the investigator will still have someone to rely on. They can call on that member any time while we, the missionaries, aren't always available. It supports in connecting the community as well. It's a blessing to see how people function and interact. 

I'm glad you had fun at Girls' Weekend! Sounds like a riot. How's it going with Aubri? It's good to hear the Perez's are doing alright. How's the rest of the whole famn damily? How're the Giles and the few others in the county? How're they taking to the move?

I'm excited to see the house! If you would, send me a link to a Vernal website so I can get a better idea of what it's like. I don't think I've ever been there...

Freakin' balls Dad's in Canada! That's so cool. Have you been able to talk to him? How's EFY going? I'm beginning to better understand why I was called here and not to the Great White North. I'm sure I would say the same thing if I went anywhere else in the world, but in all honesty, I'm glad I'm here. I know this is where I'm supposed to be. There's a whole pantload of amazing people out here and with a smaller Mormon to Nonmormon ratio it's even better. Sure Mormon's are still pretty big compared to other denominations and do most of the work in the community but it's been really good to meet so many different people, and people who don't have the Gospel so I can share it with them and beat the bad guys. It's SIGNIFICANTLY warmer here than at home. every day since I've been here, the daytime temperature is between 90 and 104 degrees or so. It only sucks when I think about it. However, since I'm such an awesome guy, I don't think about it a lot. Hence, less suck... But I'd be willing to bet the Big Man's helping me out a lot with that one, though, because the heat does suck most abundantly. I sweat profusely, as well. I'd be willing to bet even more than Dad. I'm 50% wet most of the day.

As the days go on, I realize more and more how much you mean to me, and Dad and everyone else, too. I miss you a lot but I know this is where I belong and this is what I'm supposed to be doing. My testimony is built and my faith is strengthened more and more every day. I feel hugely blessed and I feel you all do as well. I know I'm not the best at showing it, but I really love you. You have taught me so much and shaped who I'm becoming and it's a benefit to me and all those I meet every day. Thank you.

love you!

tay