O be wise.

Hey! Sorry I haven't been writing much. We've been busy a lot and Elder XX's a great big ween. He's been out all of 4 more months than I have. I do respect that fact that he has got more experience than I do, but what he doesn't have is a code of ethics or even manners. What a putz! He follows the mission guidelines far less than I do, he complains about EVERYTHING, he's got no respect for anything - including himself - and he acts like I don't know jack (which is false because Jack's my grandad) because I haven't been out as long. I'll say one thing I've made more progress in the last two weeks than he has his entire mission. A real pain. But I know if I keep doing what I'm doing, it'll all work out. Elder Olivas and I are - all things considered - on most excellent terms. I think the resolution came from the both of us giving in a little. He's laid off my case a bit and I'm shaping up, better adhering to the rules, which is something I really like doing actually! Borderline blasphemy, I know, but it really pays more to be obedient than to not be. For one, I get along better with my companion. And then I feel better about myself! The biggest thing though is since I've filled in the gap there and put the Man upstairs as my number one priority, he's come through. Since I'm doing what He wants me to do, He's a little more chill in helping me with the things I want... It dawned on me this morning that I really think I'm beginning to grow up.

Freakin' sweet! I miss Bryant. It was funny how Elder Huston and I had that connection. Speaking of which, he's gone home. He took off last transfer. He told me it was for medical reasons, which I don't doubt, but I think he knows he's not ready for this. But a Payless in the Dominican Republic you say? Intriguing! Man that's a weird word... almost as weird as 11 cavities. On the up and up, it looks like they're keeping him fed well!

I am well! I printed off your last letter and began to reply with a hand-written letter but then was sidetracked. I'll be sending that tonight or tomorrow morning. I did get the Lexapro and the pictures - freakin' trick! I miss you guys and it looks like Vernal is a riot - and thanks for sending that check. It'll be nice to get that outa the way.

I will write Gramma and Grampa a letter tonight. (don't tell anyone but when I read that I almost started to choke up...) Thank you.

My monthly budget? I am! It is most goodly. I'm still no Rich Dad Poor Dad money manager but I get a little better every month. But yes it is all working out ok. There are pantloads of fastfood joints here and yes, gift cards would be wonderful. How'd you find out about my affection for Jimmy John's? Did I let you in on that love interest? I love that place almost as much I love (a girl that will be anonymous at this point) ...but don't tell anyone.

So Dallin is the bacon-bringer-homer huh? Tell him I'm proud of him. That's awesome! I'm glad he's got that and his Jeep. Holy balls I miss my Jeep... there are SO many here in Boise and they make me super trunky... my oh my, that sounds dirty. I guess if I were to confess that beautiful girls I see get me all kinda trunky too, that wouldn't exactly help my point would it? A Jeep Wrangler and gorgeous brunette... that's dangerous thinking! But maybe it's ok because "Danger" is my middle name.

I'm happy work's going well for D but how's school? Tell him if he gets a XBox I'll have to steal it from him when I get home. And what about Kadi? What kinda shenanigans and haberdasheries are she up to nowadays? The boys like her you say? She's gonna be a heart-breaker for sure, I fear. Those poor unfortunate souls!

I guess we are related! Next time I see him I'll take my pedigree chart - if it's on there - and maybe get a dinner out of it. Small world indeed!

Flaming Gorge? "Dam!" Dahaha I couldn't pass that one up... Mary Vandyke?? Holy balls! interesting how that works. I knew that Suzanne was there and I also know the other waitress there. Brooke. We had a thing going for a while but I kinda jewed it up I think. Every now and again I'll run into someone who knows where Wayne is or knows someone there or did work there or something.

That's awesome dad's got it so sweet up there. Really, what a blessing! Sounds like the job is good and it sounds like Vernal is really the place to be. I look forward to hearing more about it as things progress.

I am working on more pictures and the scripture I want on my plaque is Jacob 6:12. No more than that. No less. I love it's simplicity.

JACOB 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

And THANK YOU so much for the Book of Mormon you sent! That is more than perfect. It's good to have it. It's easier to pull that out instead of my quad, I've been marking that one up - which is nice because when I see my notes I remember what it's about and how it made me feel and how I can apply it etc. etc. - and it makes life more better.

I love you lots and I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Thank you...

tay

20 years old

Oh good! I'll be sending another one today so you oughta be getting that soon. Sheila is an angel. She's gotta be one of my most favorite people out here. She is amazing.

I am indeed! It's a blessing. Rather than duking it out with one elder, now I have two! It'll be at least a whole transfer - 4 more weeks I think. The companion issue is clearing up. One of my favorite things about God is he makes our weaknesses become strengths. The thing Elder O is best at is telling me what to do and it's either gotta be his way or no way. You and I and everyone who's ever known me knows that I don't do well when I'm bossed around. And so, in accepting I'll be able to change his mind after I stop the sun from rising, I changed the way I do things. I prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed to have more charity - humility, patience, long-suffering, kindness, love, understanding, etc. - and day by day the Lord blesses me to have that. I've found that I can work him if I make him think he's working me. I feel I've risen above him in that I'm developing humility - I'm putting aside my personal ego for the sake of the work. Oh yes. I'm the BOSS.

Thank you SO much for your efforts in getting me meds and other stuff. I think about you and the family all the time and I'm hugely grateful for your support. I wish I had more time to write you and the family more as well as the family from Texas and Amy. You guys got me out here and you guys will be getting me back.

My birthday was awesome! Thank you all who sent me gifts - I sincerely appreciate your support. Sister Ward made me cake - the one with coconut frosting that mom likes - and we got donuts at Pastry Perfection, which is the best place in the whole of Boise. We had a baptism, also. Toni B. I can't remember whether or not I've told you about her so just to recap, she is the 5th great granddaughter or Porter Rockwell. The man's been dead over 100 years and he's STILL bringing people to the gospel. Anyway we dunked her and that was awesome. Her oldest daughter, who has until just recently not been interested in the church whatsoever, has requested lessons from the missionaries! The downside is she has to get involved without her husband - who's a foul, lousy father and husband, dirty, rotten, good-for-nothing mother trucker (pun intended. he drives truck) - becoming aware... We have faith that God will make things work.

Tonight we have an appointment with Jerry and Valicity and yearannahalf old Cora - and I'm super stoked for that. In my opinion, the are our most goodest alligators (which is the slang I made up for investigators. It rhymes). I can't remember whether or not I told all ya'lls about them but just to recap, Jerry is from South Africa - and his accent is freakin' SICK - and he's extremely bright. He's been in The States for 20 some odd years now and he's got an incredible knowledge of everything. He grew up with an hour or two of Religious Instruction (a STRONG Catholic and Jewish background - yeah. Hardcore) every day of his life up until he joined the service when he was 18. The man knows his stuff, that's for sure. A God-fearing, hard-working, arm-bearing, family man to a T. Valicity was born and raised in Idaho and she's uncomfortable with organized religion. When she was younger, the church her family belonged to dumped an unforgivable one on them after her dad up and left. She really, really likes us though - the organization, the support, the members, the Christlike Christians, etc. Jerry's in the same boat and after we extended THE invitation, they said they'd get dunked if they learned it is true. Funny story - they went to church last Sunday and Jerry said it was incredibly moving. In sacrament meeting, somebody mentioned "the living prophet" and Jerry all but flipped a biscuit. A living prophet? What kinda shenanigans and haberdasheries are these Mormons preaching? There are no prophets on the earth today! Blasphemy! Balderdash! But then he got to thinkin about it and figured since God is all knowing, all powerful, the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, why couldn't God call a prophet in these days? Who are we tell God what he can and can't do? That's when the Spirit punched him in the face - and me also, I had never though of it in that perspective - and now he's hooked.

Good golly miss molly the church is true! The Spirit's there. God exists. Christ is the foundation. I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. The leadership of the church are the real deal. The Book of Mormon is AMAZAZING. I love you all so much... Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Sincerely,

Elder Tay

PS

Mom - I haven't paid for my bike yet. Would you put $120 into my account so I can do that? I'd appreciate that a lot. Thanks!

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.