Hey!! First off it was so great talking to everyone yesterday! I wish that Sarah and Rico and Bella and Sophia could have been there too!!
Everyone looks so good! I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and are well! This computer is terrible so I am trying to send pictures and its not working!
I love you all. Sorry time is short I spent a bunch of time trying to figure out the pictures!!
December 19, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
WEll I want you all to know that I am thinking about you and I am so excited to hear about how everyone is doing!! OVER THE PHONE!!
So details about calling. You guys will be calling the chapel that is right next to my house, which is actually an old chapel from the time of my Mission President. Also infested with cockroaches. :) Not my favorite thing but I am adjusting and I'll send a picture next week (sorry it's always next week, but this week is really because I can't find my cable to connect to the computer, but it will show up). But talking about cleaning, which we are not but I would like to share with all of you, Monday cleaning stinks because the house/old chapel is big and the bathrooms are huge.
We have all three hours of church here on Christmas. Is that normal? Don't know.
I have been thinking about this email and how it will be the CHRISTMAS EMAIL.
In the Bible, Luke 2: 19,50-51 talks about how Mary ´kept these things in her heart´. It says it after the sheperds visit and when he was 12 and was teaching in the temple and they went back to get him. I love that it says that. Because she was a wise woman, she was the most blessed above all women. She knew the scriptures, she knew that she was the mother of the Only Begotten of the Father and all that entailed. She knew that an ultimate and everlasting sacrifice had to be made. She knew everything and she kept the moments in her Heart when our Heavenly Father was teaching her. He knew what she needed and how she needed to grow. That everlasting and ultimate sacrifice makes all the difference for us. What will we sacrifice? What are we willing to give up so that WE TOO can live with God one day? Because he has set the standard, the standard DOES NOT CHANGE. For any of us. We are the ones that have to choose and have to change our desires, habits, and our mistakes. It is only through him that we will overcome. To be a disciple of Christ we have to DO! in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 it explains exactly what a disciple is. As we learn and apply, the Lord sees our desires and he will reveal line upon line for each one of us more and more light. But when we stop doing what we need to do, he can not show us. He will never force us. He has so much respect for our agency that he waits for us to come back to him and that coming back always includes repentance. WHAT A BLESSING. Because of all the Savior did, we really can be clean of ANYTHING we have done wrong. Literally anything. He will forgive us as we seek and work and pray and with time prove to him our change of heart. I am so eteranlly grateful for my Savior. I know Christ lives, that he will lead me by the hand as I trust in him. I know that he will judge me one day, before I can enter the Father's presence. In Moroni 7:48 there is a phrase I love. I am translating it from Portuguese so its more or less this, ´And when he comes, we will see him, because we will be like he is´. We can only be like he is if we repent!! If we use the opportunity he has given us to be better people. Because God Will NOT be mocked. My inviation to each of us is that we can think, as individuals, in our families and extended families about what we need to change BECAUSE Christ lives. And because he loves us. God's angels are around us, and as we trust in him, we will see what we need to do. But we have to be the first to act. We have to use our faith. It might be small things, it might be big, but please let us help each other, trust in the lord, forgive each other. See the bright and shining moments that await us, because it's the moments that carry us through and in the moments that the Lord teaches us. If we turn our back on the Lord he can not teach us. He is trying, ever so trying. I know we can be an eternal family, but we have to change, we have to be better because this won't cut it. God doesn't need us to be perfect yet, one day yes, but not yet, but we have to be improving. I love you all. I pray for you all daily and I wish I could be there with you all. BUT as hard as this is, I wouldn't give it up for the world. I love you all
Love,
Sister Taylor
Kat
Auntie Kat
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!
WEll I want you all to know that I am thinking about you and I am so excited to hear about how everyone is doing!! OVER THE PHONE!!
So details about calling. You guys will be calling the chapel that is right next to my house, which is actually an old chapel from the time of my Mission President. Also infested with cockroaches. :) Not my favorite thing but I am adjusting and I'll send a picture next week (sorry it's always next week, but this week is really because I can't find my cable to connect to the computer, but it will show up). But talking about cleaning, which we are not but I would like to share with all of you, Monday cleaning stinks because the house/old chapel is big and the bathrooms are huge.
We have all three hours of church here on Christmas. Is that normal? Don't know.
I have been thinking about this email and how it will be the CHRISTMAS EMAIL.
In the Bible, Luke 2: 19,50-51 talks about how Mary ´kept these things in her heart´. It says it after the sheperds visit and when he was 12 and was teaching in the temple and they went back to get him. I love that it says that. Because she was a wise woman, she was the most blessed above all women. She knew the scriptures, she knew that she was the mother of the Only Begotten of the Father and all that entailed. She knew that an ultimate and everlasting sacrifice had to be made. She knew everything and she kept the moments in her Heart when our Heavenly Father was teaching her. He knew what she needed and how she needed to grow. That everlasting and ultimate sacrifice makes all the difference for us. What will we sacrifice? What are we willing to give up so that WE TOO can live with God one day? Because he has set the standard, the standard DOES NOT CHANGE. For any of us. We are the ones that have to choose and have to change our desires, habits, and our mistakes. It is only through him that we will overcome. To be a disciple of Christ we have to DO! in Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 it explains exactly what a disciple is. As we learn and apply, the Lord sees our desires and he will reveal line upon line for each one of us more and more light. But when we stop doing what we need to do, he can not show us. He will never force us. He has so much respect for our agency that he waits for us to come back to him and that coming back always includes repentance. WHAT A BLESSING. Because of all the Savior did, we really can be clean of ANYTHING we have done wrong. Literally anything. He will forgive us as we seek and work and pray and with time prove to him our change of heart. I am so eteranlly grateful for my Savior. I know Christ lives, that he will lead me by the hand as I trust in him. I know that he will judge me one day, before I can enter the Father's presence. In Moroni 7:48 there is a phrase I love. I am translating it from Portuguese so its more or less this, ´And when he comes, we will see him, because we will be like he is´. We can only be like he is if we repent!! If we use the opportunity he has given us to be better people. Because God Will NOT be mocked. My inviation to each of us is that we can think, as individuals, in our families and extended families about what we need to change BECAUSE Christ lives. And because he loves us. God's angels are around us, and as we trust in him, we will see what we need to do. But we have to be the first to act. We have to use our faith. It might be small things, it might be big, but please let us help each other, trust in the lord, forgive each other. See the bright and shining moments that await us, because it's the moments that carry us through and in the moments that the Lord teaches us. If we turn our back on the Lord he can not teach us. He is trying, ever so trying. I know we can be an eternal family, but we have to change, we have to be better because this won't cut it. God doesn't need us to be perfect yet, one day yes, but not yet, but we have to be improving. I love you all. I pray for you all daily and I wish I could be there with you all. BUT as hard as this is, I wouldn't give it up for the world. I love you all
Love,
Sister Taylor
Kat
Auntie Kat
December 12, 2011
Wow, so I am here in Sao Borja! Right on the boarder of Argentina! It's cool. My part of the city you can't see argentina but I can imagine its pretty cool. Things are a little bit cheaper here, which is cool. We are going to have a zone conference on Thursday. That will be good.
So training! I LOVE MY TRAINEE!!! She is a doll! She is so small and so cute. She has all the desire to be a great missionary and she is strong. She is excited to try new things and is learning really well. Her name is Sister Nascimento, which actually means birth. So that is cool.
We are in a trio so the other companion is a little more complex. She does good things but doesn't have focus and talks about Elders and things outside of the work, more than is nesessary. I don't really feel much of the spirit with her, which is hard, I need to find the desire to work sometimes with her, it's hard but the area is great. The branch here LOVES missionaries and are willing to help. That is different. Everyone is so excited to see us and talk to us.
Corissa sent me some pictures she took at Thanksgiving! WOW that was so cool to see. The kids are growing up and changing so fast. I can't believe how big Sophia and Sadie are!! And the twins!! Kaylee and Shaddix too! Eddie is getting taller and taller! Nate is so cute!! Bella's hair is HUGE!! It's so cute!!!!! Shaden is getting taller! And in the picture the other three were still in their mothers tummys but Henry is born!! And I'll be waiting for the other two! The parents and sisters and brothers in law! Wow its so good to see you all. Just sad that Corissa was on the other side of the camera! But she sent me some of her too!! Gosh, thank you so much! I love you all and I hope that everyone is loving the Christmas season and remembering the reason we are here on earth and all the good things that are yet to come in our lives now, in the future and in the next life.
I am grateful for the chances I have to grow. I know the lord knows me and is watching out for me. I am so blessed to be here and getting the chance to learn from so many different personalities. I know that what I am preaching is true. I know God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Because of that, the restored Gospel is here, we have the privilage to make covenants with him and he promises us the greatest blessings. I am so grateful for the joys and struggles we get to go through to learn and be perfected. I hope we can always help each other with our struggles and grow together. Not judging and just looking to help.
I love you all and hope everyone is doing well!
Love you all,
Kat
So training! I LOVE MY TRAINEE!!! She is a doll! She is so small and so cute. She has all the desire to be a great missionary and she is strong. She is excited to try new things and is learning really well. Her name is Sister Nascimento, which actually means birth. So that is cool.
We are in a trio so the other companion is a little more complex. She does good things but doesn't have focus and talks about Elders and things outside of the work, more than is nesessary. I don't really feel much of the spirit with her, which is hard, I need to find the desire to work sometimes with her, it's hard but the area is great. The branch here LOVES missionaries and are willing to help. That is different. Everyone is so excited to see us and talk to us.
Corissa sent me some pictures she took at Thanksgiving! WOW that was so cool to see. The kids are growing up and changing so fast. I can't believe how big Sophia and Sadie are!! And the twins!! Kaylee and Shaddix too! Eddie is getting taller and taller! Nate is so cute!! Bella's hair is HUGE!! It's so cute!!!!! Shaden is getting taller! And in the picture the other three were still in their mothers tummys but Henry is born!! And I'll be waiting for the other two! The parents and sisters and brothers in law! Wow its so good to see you all. Just sad that Corissa was on the other side of the camera! But she sent me some of her too!! Gosh, thank you so much! I love you all and I hope that everyone is loving the Christmas season and remembering the reason we are here on earth and all the good things that are yet to come in our lives now, in the future and in the next life.
I am grateful for the chances I have to grow. I know the lord knows me and is watching out for me. I am so blessed to be here and getting the chance to learn from so many different personalities. I know that what I am preaching is true. I know God is the same yesterday, today and forever! Because of that, the restored Gospel is here, we have the privilage to make covenants with him and he promises us the greatest blessings. I am so grateful for the joys and struggles we get to go through to learn and be perfected. I hope we can always help each other with our struggles and grow together. Not judging and just looking to help.
I love you all and hope everyone is doing well!
Love you all,
Kat
December 5, 2011
EVERYTHING in my life is about to change.
I am going to train a new Sister! In an area called Sao Borja. Its right on the border of Argentina and we will be a trio. The other Sister I have heard some things about but I am excited to get to know her for myself and we will work it up!!! Lots of things I have learned in this transfer will help me in the next one and going into the Christmas season I need to get to know the members really quickly!!! It will be good. I am excited to hit the ground running and work a ton over there. I really do love this work, each day we wake up and I know everyday holds surprises for me. I never know what is going to happen at each house we knock. A lot of people say no, but then someone lets us in and I see their faces change as we get to know them and talk about our Savior. I am so grateful to be on the mission at this time and have the chance to talk to people about my love for the savior when people's hearts are more opened and turned to Christ. I want you all to know that I KNOW MY SAVIOR LIVES and it comes through experiences. That is the only way that we learn and grow like we need to - when we try. If we never try the Lord doesn't have a chance to teach us. We have to do our part.
I am so grateful for everything I have had the chance to learn. Cruz Alta has been good for me. I hope I get to make a difference. I love you all. I am not perfect, I mess up ALL THE TIME, but I can keep learning.
I feel good. I feel peaceful and I hope each of us can have this feeling at this special time of the year!!!!!
I love you all.
Love, Kat
I am going to train a new Sister! In an area called Sao Borja. Its right on the border of Argentina and we will be a trio. The other Sister I have heard some things about but I am excited to get to know her for myself and we will work it up!!! Lots of things I have learned in this transfer will help me in the next one and going into the Christmas season I need to get to know the members really quickly!!! It will be good. I am excited to hit the ground running and work a ton over there. I really do love this work, each day we wake up and I know everyday holds surprises for me. I never know what is going to happen at each house we knock. A lot of people say no, but then someone lets us in and I see their faces change as we get to know them and talk about our Savior. I am so grateful to be on the mission at this time and have the chance to talk to people about my love for the savior when people's hearts are more opened and turned to Christ. I want you all to know that I KNOW MY SAVIOR LIVES and it comes through experiences. That is the only way that we learn and grow like we need to - when we try. If we never try the Lord doesn't have a chance to teach us. We have to do our part.
I am so grateful for everything I have had the chance to learn. Cruz Alta has been good for me. I hope I get to make a difference. I love you all. I am not perfect, I mess up ALL THE TIME, but I can keep learning.
I feel good. I feel peaceful and I hope each of us can have this feeling at this special time of the year!!!!!
I love you all.
Love, Kat
November 28, 2011
How was THANKSGIVING?????
I am getting excited to talk to you all at Christmas!! Less than a month away!! I hope it will work out for people to be relatively close so I can talk to you all. I don't know where I will be. I think I am going to get transferred next week, so who knows what is going to happen. I will certainly let you guys know what number to call. I don't want to do the cell phone again because the connection was super bad last time.
Corissa said there was some talk about coming to pick me up or not. All I have to say is that I am ok with it either way. There are plus' and minus' to either way, and the most important thing for me is to finish my mission in peace and know that the Lord accepted my work and stay strong to the end. So really either way, I will be happy. I feel very peaceful writing this right now so ya, either way. I do want to see the family when I come home. Its going to be a short span of time so I want to take advantage of all of it. I love you all.
This week - we have found this family who are amazing. we haven't met the husband yet because he works out of town on the farms but his wife and kids are great. They are reading the Book of Mormon and she wants to be baptized. We will see how it goes but I really like them. The man that stopped us in the road a few weeks ago we passed him to the Elders, (because women teaching a single guy doesn't really work...) but he is so cool. He is really serious about this. I am sad I won't be able to be a part of the teaching and hearing the stories about how his life is changing. I am realizing that is what feeds my desire, is seeing the living proof of people who put in practice and test the laws of God. Because GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED. He has given us instructions and when we follow the path he has clearly laid out for us, he will prove to us time and time again how we need to live. He blesses abundantly those who obey because our agency is the one thing we have to give back, so when we do that, he gives us more and more. I am grateful for that.
I am also learning the Lord's work will be done. He will get it done how he needs it and it's our privilege if we will be part of that. We were walking home one night and I felt like we should knock this door. We were accepted and taught a short lesson. Went back the next week, she was leaving, went back week after and at the beginning of the lesson we both thought, ok this isn't going anywhere but let's finish teaching the restoration. At the end she started asking if we had services she could go to, and asking details!! Then she opened her heart and talked about how she has been looking for a church where she could feel good. She told us this story of her son who had an accident as a child but lived and how she does all she can to thank God everyday. It is so neat to see people open up. I am excited about this family.
Well family, I love you all. I hope you all know I am so happy to be here right now. It is SOOO HOT and everyone kindly tells me that summer hasn't even arrived yet, so that's comforting. I am getting tan (which is undeniably cool) but it really is HOT and HUMID!! I am constantly sticky and after lunch until 6 is the hardest time but I know that it's possible. I am grateful for the chances I have to be a better person for myself and the family I will have one day.
I love you all and I was thinking about you guys on Thanksgiving. I am eternally grateful for the family we have and hope we will all be together for eternity. ´Juntos para sempre. para eternidade´
I love you all.
Love always,
Kat
I am getting excited to talk to you all at Christmas!! Less than a month away!! I hope it will work out for people to be relatively close so I can talk to you all. I don't know where I will be. I think I am going to get transferred next week, so who knows what is going to happen. I will certainly let you guys know what number to call. I don't want to do the cell phone again because the connection was super bad last time.
Corissa said there was some talk about coming to pick me up or not. All I have to say is that I am ok with it either way. There are plus' and minus' to either way, and the most important thing for me is to finish my mission in peace and know that the Lord accepted my work and stay strong to the end. So really either way, I will be happy. I feel very peaceful writing this right now so ya, either way. I do want to see the family when I come home. Its going to be a short span of time so I want to take advantage of all of it. I love you all.
This week - we have found this family who are amazing. we haven't met the husband yet because he works out of town on the farms but his wife and kids are great. They are reading the Book of Mormon and she wants to be baptized. We will see how it goes but I really like them. The man that stopped us in the road a few weeks ago we passed him to the Elders, (because women teaching a single guy doesn't really work...) but he is so cool. He is really serious about this. I am sad I won't be able to be a part of the teaching and hearing the stories about how his life is changing. I am realizing that is what feeds my desire, is seeing the living proof of people who put in practice and test the laws of God. Because GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED. He has given us instructions and when we follow the path he has clearly laid out for us, he will prove to us time and time again how we need to live. He blesses abundantly those who obey because our agency is the one thing we have to give back, so when we do that, he gives us more and more. I am grateful for that.
I am also learning the Lord's work will be done. He will get it done how he needs it and it's our privilege if we will be part of that. We were walking home one night and I felt like we should knock this door. We were accepted and taught a short lesson. Went back the next week, she was leaving, went back week after and at the beginning of the lesson we both thought, ok this isn't going anywhere but let's finish teaching the restoration. At the end she started asking if we had services she could go to, and asking details!! Then she opened her heart and talked about how she has been looking for a church where she could feel good. She told us this story of her son who had an accident as a child but lived and how she does all she can to thank God everyday. It is so neat to see people open up. I am excited about this family.
Well family, I love you all. I hope you all know I am so happy to be here right now. It is SOOO HOT and everyone kindly tells me that summer hasn't even arrived yet, so that's comforting. I am getting tan (which is undeniably cool) but it really is HOT and HUMID!! I am constantly sticky and after lunch until 6 is the hardest time but I know that it's possible. I am grateful for the chances I have to be a better person for myself and the family I will have one day.
I love you all and I was thinking about you guys on Thanksgiving. I am eternally grateful for the family we have and hope we will all be together for eternity. ´Juntos para sempre. para eternidade´
I love you all.
Love always,
Kat
November 21, 2011
Hello Wonderful family!!!!
I hope you are all doing well!!!! I have made so much cake these last few weeks. I need to stop. We always make it for people and then we eat it too so i feel huge but its so fun at the same time!! I will have 10 months on the mission this week...I think that will be on Saturday. Crazy, time passes. It doesn't stop. Makes me want to work harder and harder, talk to more and more people. I love teaching with my current companion. I always feel good and we work together, it's the way it's supposed to be. Neither one of us tries to be better than the other. And she is helping me stop popping my knuckles. So you guys can all keep tabs on me and help me with that goal. By the time I go home I want to be very out of that habbit so please help me out and ask me how it's going. I found out that I will be going home in the middle of August actually. That is tricky, school will start up less than 2 weeks later so I really only have time to go home for a few days give my homecoming talk then head off to school shortly there after. I am actually not really worried about it, but it's just a lot to do when I get back into reality.
I am still in Cruz Alta, my second area. I think I will be transferred in 2 weeks. I have been here almost 5 months and Presidente Ribeiro already told us (me and my companion) that good things don't last forever! I will really miss Cruz Alta though. It has been good to me. I feel like I am learning so much about myself and about the simplicity of the gospel, who I want to be and how I can get there. I have really gained a stronger testimony of fasting. I have also learned the only way to gain a testimony is by putting things in action!!! Actually applying the principle and then waitng in faith. I love that we can test the commands of the Lord and he will always bless us. Its amazing how it works. I love the scritpures. Love learning from the prophets. I love that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The priesthood of God is restored here on the earth. What more wonderful thing could there be. The literal power of God, the same that Christ has and used while he was here establishing his church and that he uses still. THAT is why the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so important. That is why a young boy, Joseph Smith, saw God and Jesus Christ. It's for that priesthood power. The power that links heaven and earth. The power that can call upon the heavens. Wow it really is amazing and so simple to see. I love the gospel and I love that I have a chance to learn more about it. It is little by little changing my life. A mission is a great thing. Sometimes it's hard not to get caught up in the numbers and the just putting in time but it's when we really focus on the people, teach to their needs. I love the Gospel. I love and miss the temple. I am so excited to be able to go back. I miss it. I love you all. I hope you all know that. Individually. The love I have for each one of you is special, because it's together that we make up a family that can be together forever. Amazing how we are all so imperfect, but through Christ, that is all ok. On the condition we apply the atonement in our lives. I have been thinking about how we so often fear men more than God. Why is that? We think about the world and not about the eternal consequences of our sins. Because we literally CANNOT enter the kingdom of God unless we are perfect. In Moroni 7:48 there is a part that talks about how we will see the Savior when we comes because we will be like he is. We have to go through a lot of purifing and applying the atonement to get to the point where we can say we know the savior and that we recognize him. He is all mercy and love and forgiveness. But God is justice, he cannnot cease to be so. I am eternally grateful for the ways I am learning that now. I am changing who I want to be and I hope when I come home I will be a different and better Kathryn. I love you all so much. I encourage you to read your patriarcal blessings prayfully. Go to the temple. Think about eternity with us as a family and what we have to do to reach our goal of being together forever.
It sounds like things are changing around up there. Kersten and Russell!!! I am so excited to meet Henry! So far we are up to 2 new neices and 1 nephew. I am excited for that!! To get to hold and kiss them! That will be a good moment. And Hannah and Jake moving, wow, that will be hard, I will miss you all terribly. I am not even home but I am excited. Change is good. It gives us all a chance to grow and learn in a different environment. Its never comfortable to grow but it's a privilege. I love you all. Excited to hear all the details of new things that are happening.
Eternally,
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
Auntie Kat
I hope you are all doing well!!!! I have made so much cake these last few weeks. I need to stop. We always make it for people and then we eat it too so i feel huge but its so fun at the same time!! I will have 10 months on the mission this week...I think that will be on Saturday. Crazy, time passes. It doesn't stop. Makes me want to work harder and harder, talk to more and more people. I love teaching with my current companion. I always feel good and we work together, it's the way it's supposed to be. Neither one of us tries to be better than the other. And she is helping me stop popping my knuckles. So you guys can all keep tabs on me and help me with that goal. By the time I go home I want to be very out of that habbit so please help me out and ask me how it's going. I found out that I will be going home in the middle of August actually. That is tricky, school will start up less than 2 weeks later so I really only have time to go home for a few days give my homecoming talk then head off to school shortly there after. I am actually not really worried about it, but it's just a lot to do when I get back into reality.
I am still in Cruz Alta, my second area. I think I will be transferred in 2 weeks. I have been here almost 5 months and Presidente Ribeiro already told us (me and my companion) that good things don't last forever! I will really miss Cruz Alta though. It has been good to me. I feel like I am learning so much about myself and about the simplicity of the gospel, who I want to be and how I can get there. I have really gained a stronger testimony of fasting. I have also learned the only way to gain a testimony is by putting things in action!!! Actually applying the principle and then waitng in faith. I love that we can test the commands of the Lord and he will always bless us. Its amazing how it works. I love the scritpures. Love learning from the prophets. I love that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The priesthood of God is restored here on the earth. What more wonderful thing could there be. The literal power of God, the same that Christ has and used while he was here establishing his church and that he uses still. THAT is why the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is so important. That is why a young boy, Joseph Smith, saw God and Jesus Christ. It's for that priesthood power. The power that links heaven and earth. The power that can call upon the heavens. Wow it really is amazing and so simple to see. I love the gospel and I love that I have a chance to learn more about it. It is little by little changing my life. A mission is a great thing. Sometimes it's hard not to get caught up in the numbers and the just putting in time but it's when we really focus on the people, teach to their needs. I love the Gospel. I love and miss the temple. I am so excited to be able to go back. I miss it. I love you all. I hope you all know that. Individually. The love I have for each one of you is special, because it's together that we make up a family that can be together forever. Amazing how we are all so imperfect, but through Christ, that is all ok. On the condition we apply the atonement in our lives. I have been thinking about how we so often fear men more than God. Why is that? We think about the world and not about the eternal consequences of our sins. Because we literally CANNOT enter the kingdom of God unless we are perfect. In Moroni 7:48 there is a part that talks about how we will see the Savior when we comes because we will be like he is. We have to go through a lot of purifing and applying the atonement to get to the point where we can say we know the savior and that we recognize him. He is all mercy and love and forgiveness. But God is justice, he cannnot cease to be so. I am eternally grateful for the ways I am learning that now. I am changing who I want to be and I hope when I come home I will be a different and better Kathryn. I love you all so much. I encourage you to read your patriarcal blessings prayfully. Go to the temple. Think about eternity with us as a family and what we have to do to reach our goal of being together forever.
It sounds like things are changing around up there. Kersten and Russell!!! I am so excited to meet Henry! So far we are up to 2 new neices and 1 nephew. I am excited for that!! To get to hold and kiss them! That will be a good moment. And Hannah and Jake moving, wow, that will be hard, I will miss you all terribly. I am not even home but I am excited. Change is good. It gives us all a chance to grow and learn in a different environment. Its never comfortable to grow but it's a privilege. I love you all. Excited to hear all the details of new things that are happening.
Eternally,
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
Auntie Kat
November 14, 2011
Hello my wonderful family.
How is everyone doing? All the kids? Everyone getting ready for the new Ellsworth baby? I am excited!!! Thanksgiving is coming up. Pretty soon Rachel will be headed off to school again. Christmas and the New Year! I wish I could be there with all of you, but having to be in another part of the world I am glad I am here in Brazil serving and learnig more about the love of the Savior. It is a very special time in my life. I am far from living it perfectly but I keep trying.
Sister Dunford and I have been working A LOT. We have found a lot of new people to teach, it's amazing. Right when you think there is no one left in the city to find, the streets I have walked for 4 months, we find new people everyday. I love that we teach differently every time we teach, we say different things and apply it to the people. I am begining to feel like I am becoming the kind of missionary I have wanted to be.
Cool story for you all. We were walking down a street I have walked almost evvery single day but I hadn't knocked on this house so we knocked and asked if we could say a prayer. But she marked another day for us to come back, so we went back that day, said a prayer and taught the restoration, (I had actually taught members of her family down the street two weeks before and most of her kids were at that house
the other day and they were all at the house this day, pretty cool). We invited her to be baptized at the end of the lesson and she said yes and we marked to come back. We went back the day we marked and saw her leaving her house and totally ignoring us. Like she looked right at us and then kept walking. We stood there kind of confused and such. So another day we were walking there and decided to knock again
just to see if she would let us in or not and then she pops up in front of the window with a HUGE smile and says that we can come in. I am kind of shocked so I don't move, and so she says it again, and it clicks in my head so we go in and then she explains that she has a twin that lives just up the road from her and that it was her twin that was leaving the house the other day. Wow!!!!! So ya she still
wants to be baptized and we will see!! We left a Book of Mormon and are going back tonight.
I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love teaching and learning about the gospel. I love the time I have to study every day. Portuguese is good, my companion speaks perfectly so she corrects me and tells me what I need to improve on, which helps so much, and is hard to hear sometimes. But she is just helping me. I am so eternally grateful for my decision to serve a mission. I am in the hardest mission in Brazil.
The people are amazing but they are so closed off to changing. But I am so grateful for the things I have learned, how my testomony has and is developing and strengthening, for the´people I have met and taught the restored gospel to. I am grateful for the privilege I have to know my mission president, Presidente Ribeiro. I am grateful Heavenly Father knows the details in my life and is helping me become
the person I need to be.
I love you all and I am grateful we have the chance to work towards being an eternal family. But it depends on us. Each one of us. I love the way Heavenly Father has it worked out. everything is organized perfectly and because we are human and imperfect we have Christ and the atonement.
I love you all, kiss the kids and tell them Auntie Kat loves them.
Love,
Sister Taylor
How is everyone doing? All the kids? Everyone getting ready for the new Ellsworth baby? I am excited!!! Thanksgiving is coming up. Pretty soon Rachel will be headed off to school again. Christmas and the New Year! I wish I could be there with all of you, but having to be in another part of the world I am glad I am here in Brazil serving and learnig more about the love of the Savior. It is a very special time in my life. I am far from living it perfectly but I keep trying.
Sister Dunford and I have been working A LOT. We have found a lot of new people to teach, it's amazing. Right when you think there is no one left in the city to find, the streets I have walked for 4 months, we find new people everyday. I love that we teach differently every time we teach, we say different things and apply it to the people. I am begining to feel like I am becoming the kind of missionary I have wanted to be.
Cool story for you all. We were walking down a street I have walked almost evvery single day but I hadn't knocked on this house so we knocked and asked if we could say a prayer. But she marked another day for us to come back, so we went back that day, said a prayer and taught the restoration, (I had actually taught members of her family down the street two weeks before and most of her kids were at that house
the other day and they were all at the house this day, pretty cool). We invited her to be baptized at the end of the lesson and she said yes and we marked to come back. We went back the day we marked and saw her leaving her house and totally ignoring us. Like she looked right at us and then kept walking. We stood there kind of confused and such. So another day we were walking there and decided to knock again
just to see if she would let us in or not and then she pops up in front of the window with a HUGE smile and says that we can come in. I am kind of shocked so I don't move, and so she says it again, and it clicks in my head so we go in and then she explains that she has a twin that lives just up the road from her and that it was her twin that was leaving the house the other day. Wow!!!!! So ya she still
wants to be baptized and we will see!! We left a Book of Mormon and are going back tonight.
I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love teaching and learning about the gospel. I love the time I have to study every day. Portuguese is good, my companion speaks perfectly so she corrects me and tells me what I need to improve on, which helps so much, and is hard to hear sometimes. But she is just helping me. I am so eternally grateful for my decision to serve a mission. I am in the hardest mission in Brazil.
The people are amazing but they are so closed off to changing. But I am so grateful for the things I have learned, how my testomony has and is developing and strengthening, for the´people I have met and taught the restored gospel to. I am grateful for the privilege I have to know my mission president, Presidente Ribeiro. I am grateful Heavenly Father knows the details in my life and is helping me become
the person I need to be.
I love you all and I am grateful we have the chance to work towards being an eternal family. But it depends on us. Each one of us. I love the way Heavenly Father has it worked out. everything is organized perfectly and because we are human and imperfect we have Christ and the atonement.
I love you all, kiss the kids and tell them Auntie Kat loves them.
Love,
Sister Taylor
November 7, 2011
Family, can I tell you all how much I love you! I miss you all. I pray for you all.
HOT HOT HOT here, I sweat like crazy and it's not even full on Summer yet. It's not going to get better until the end of March.
I am gaining such a stronger testimony of the Savior and the healing power that he has in our lives. I am so grateful for the personal way the Lord works with us and how he wants to help us be all that we can be in this life. We are fasting and working like crazy and we haven't seen the changes yet, but I know they will come. The Lord is teaching me little by little. I am excited to see what he has in store for me. I know that at least it includes being really sweaty for the next 5 months, but all of the spiritual lessons he is preparing for me too. I love you all. I know that Christ lives. The atonement is REAL! No matter what we have done we can be free and happy and he will show us all the love he has for us as we change with our faith in him.
I love you all.
These pictures are me and my companion, Sister Dunford trying to do a funny face but I kept changing back to normal before the picture actually took. The last one is just us being silly (and yes I straightened my hair today, took a long time, but its pretty).
Love you all,
Kat
October 31, 2011
First of all HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I am so excited for you all there. That has got to be so fun today! Its not really a big deal here. I have seen a few stores that have witch hats and little toys but its just not the same. So everyone enjoy the pumpkins and goodies for me. Take lots of pictures so I can see the kids outfits.
I am still in Cruz Alta but I am with Sister Dunford which I am so happy about. She is someone I respect so much. She is helping me feel the same fire I felt when I left the MTC and started teaching. She is helping me with my Portuguese and I feel like I am finally being trained...9 months into my mission :) She is beautiful with a beautiful voice.
Crazy story. The last month at the MTC I was praying that my trainer would be ready and patient with me, that she would be prepared to help me learn all that I needed to and she would really show me what missionary work really was. The last week or so I changed my prayers to be that I would have the experiences I needed to grow. So funny enough Sister Dunford was supposed to be my trainer in the Presidentes ward but then the bishop of that ward complained and didn't want Sisters. So then the President was still like ok we will send Sister Taylor to Uruguana so that she can be with Sister Dunford, in a 3-some because they need to be together. But then that didn't work out so I went to Camobi as my first area and I was totally oblivious to this but apparently there had been a lot of bratty girls living together so I went to be in a 3-some there. And now I am with Sister Dunford. We have been through so much these past 7 months and its just so much sweeter now. I still feel like she is training me on so many things I didn't know, but the best part of all is that we are happy and we feel the spirit when we teach. We feel it so strong and I see the people feel it too! We teach and testify and smile and they feel different. We were fasting this last week to find new people and we passed a man in the street and he called back to us and said, How do I get a hold of a book of mormon? I want to start reading it again and take better care of my soul. Our jaws just about dropped and we asked if he could meet right then and we could talk to him about it. He said that day wasn't good but we could go back Saturday. We went by Saturday and he told us that earlier the other day he was at work and told his colleuges that he wanted to get back in touch with the mormon church. Everyone at work thought he was crazy and gave him a hard time about it, but then he passed us in the street and talked to us. His name is Santinho. I am excited to see what will happen.
I feel like I am really doing missionary work. She had cramps really bad this week so we weren't working like crazy but it was so good when we did. We are going to rock it this week!!!
I love it when we get to testify of the Savior and we smile and feel sooo GOOD! I haven't felt like this since the first part of the mission. I feel so much better because I actually know what is going on and what people are saying. I love the Gospel. I love the perspective I get as I read the scriptures and study conference talks. I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES. He warms my heart and gives me hope. In the hymn Where Can I Turn for Peace in Portuguese the 3rd verse talks about Christ being ´my Savior and my friend´. I love that line and it is SOOO beautiful in Portuguese. Sister Dunford sang that hymn in our sacrament meeting and it was crazy because everyone was really rowdy but the moment she opened her mouth to sing, the whole room was still. She looked at me on the 3rd verse and I started to cry. I know my Savior so much better because of the Gospel, because of this chance I have to serve a mission and change my life and the future of my family one day. I love the gospel and I am so grateful I have this chance to share it with others. I mess up daily but I can always turn to the Lord and recieve the help I need. I love you all. Humility is the key. I pray for you all.
Love always and forever and ever,
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
p.s. This was a balloon and cake we enjoyed on the 9 month mark! Its going fast, that feels weird. Love you all.
October 24, 2011
What a week...lots has happened and I have felt lots this week.
Its getting hot and sticky. Definately into the phase of two showers a day.
Tranfers are tomorrow. I was feeling so ready to leave then we got the call and they said I am going to stay and my comp is getting transferred! Pretty sweet. Then they said I am going to be a comp with Sister Dunford! I am so excited. I have so much respect for her. She helped me a lot when I had that complicated companion. I am excited about that.
We cut Claudia and Robson the other day. I cried trying to explain there is no way we can justify teaching when they are choosing not to do it. We talked about transfers more though so I need to tell them clearly again that we can't go back if they won't change. Its hard because he wants it still but isn't willing to give up what he needs to. He wants it so much but she is so closed to anything. She shuts down. Its sad to see. I really do understand now what my blessing said that some people's desicions will break my heart...its so true.
I am in a great area, with lots of people and an amazing ward. I have made some really good friends here in this ward.
Its really funny to see, my companion is so excited to leave. I love her but I am done too. Time to learn something else.
Lots of love.
Love, Kat
Its getting hot and sticky. Definately into the phase of two showers a day.
Tranfers are tomorrow. I was feeling so ready to leave then we got the call and they said I am going to stay and my comp is getting transferred! Pretty sweet. Then they said I am going to be a comp with Sister Dunford! I am so excited. I have so much respect for her. She helped me a lot when I had that complicated companion. I am excited about that.
We cut Claudia and Robson the other day. I cried trying to explain there is no way we can justify teaching when they are choosing not to do it. We talked about transfers more though so I need to tell them clearly again that we can't go back if they won't change. Its hard because he wants it still but isn't willing to give up what he needs to. He wants it so much but she is so closed to anything. She shuts down. Its sad to see. I really do understand now what my blessing said that some people's desicions will break my heart...its so true.
I am in a great area, with lots of people and an amazing ward. I have made some really good friends here in this ward.
Its really funny to see, my companion is so excited to leave. I love her but I am done too. Time to learn something else.
Lots of love.
Love, Kat
October 17, 2011
Hello family!! how is everyone doing? it's getting warm here in the Rio Grande do Sol! People from the north of Brazil say that its even hotter here! I think its because its more humid here and in the Summer there is no breeze.... That will be fun. I am getting tan lines, especially on my neck and my feet!!!! Its pretty night and day, I can only imagine the end of the summer how crazy that will be. The equivalent of day light savings was Sunday. They only have that here in the south of Brazil. At 9 pm at night we will be going home and the sun won't have set yet, pretty cool.
Those red shoes I bought were pretty worn out so I took them to a shoe repair guy and he fixed them for way cheap and did a great job, I was pretty happy.
We had Brazilian barbeque 3 times in 2 days. Believe it or not, I am a little sick of meat. But we have been finding a lot of avocados in the street and we made quacamole. Its weird for them to eat it with spices and salt because they always eat avocados sweet with sugar or in a smoothy (which is super yummy by the way, you guys should try it! ust puta little sugar on it, or add milk sugar and cinnamon for a smoothie).
We had 3 baptisms Saturday. That was pretty cool. We had a white Saturday, I think we will be doing it like this every month now. Work all month for people to be baptized on the 3rd Saturday of every month. President was here in our zone. The day before we made a ton of cake! It was pretty cool but I learned how to do it. Its called Nega Maluca which means like crazy black woman. But its a really good chocolate cake.
I love you all. Next week will be 9 months..... wow.
Lots of love.
Love, kat
Those red shoes I bought were pretty worn out so I took them to a shoe repair guy and he fixed them for way cheap and did a great job, I was pretty happy.
We had Brazilian barbeque 3 times in 2 days. Believe it or not, I am a little sick of meat. But we have been finding a lot of avocados in the street and we made quacamole. Its weird for them to eat it with spices and salt because they always eat avocados sweet with sugar or in a smoothy (which is super yummy by the way, you guys should try it! ust puta little sugar on it, or add milk sugar and cinnamon for a smoothie).
We had 3 baptisms Saturday. That was pretty cool. We had a white Saturday, I think we will be doing it like this every month now. Work all month for people to be baptized on the 3rd Saturday of every month. President was here in our zone. The day before we made a ton of cake! It was pretty cool but I learned how to do it. Its called Nega Maluca which means like crazy black woman. But its a really good chocolate cake.
I love you all. Next week will be 9 months..... wow.
Lots of love.
Love, kat
October 10, 2011
A lot has happened this last week!!! A couple that we have been teaching for months and are dying to be baptized but needed to be married first, got married! My companion is really smart and she figured out something with the laws here and how they can be married religiously first and then civily but don't have to wait the 30 days to be technically married and it's cheaper. This week we were running to get everything done and they got married. They are so poor but I love them so miuch. So they will be baptized on Saturday!! I lent her my brown dress and we bought her a pair of shoes and a ribbon to use with the dress. She was so pretty. She has a lot of personality but at one point she hugged me and gave me a big kiss and said thank you for all you are doing. The moment was so tender. It meant so much to her. She has never really been taken care of and I think the wedding was really special for her. I gave her the dress. I love her so much.
There were three weddings that night. It was so cool.
I love the gospel. I know God lives and He loves us. We are literally his children and he wants to talk to us and bless us.
Sorry it's short this week. I hope everyone is doing great, loving the fall weather and getting ready for all the holidays. Know that I love you all, I miss you and I can't wait for the time when we can sit and talk and share good family times together with all the kids running around. I love you all.
Love always and forever,
Daughter, Sister, Auntie and Friend - Kat
October 3, 2011
Hello all!
General Conference was great this weekend. IT WENT SO FAST!!! We had a baptism in the break between the sessions! Her name is Carol. She is great. One of those people who you know will stay strong in the church and help where ever she is. I really like her. She was living with a less active and we started teaching them and then they got married and she was crazy excited to be baptized. I think she kind of got married to be baptized. I know she loves him but she was always talking about when she could be baptized. In the mission we will have all the baptisms of the month on the third Saturday of every month and she didn't want to wait two weeks to be baptized so she was baptized yesterday. The font was cold because the gas has a leak in our font and the water slowly drains so it was cold and there was very little water. :) But it was great.
I got proposed to. That was exciting. Someone said "you can stay here in Brazil and we will get married and follow the mormon church...". Not what I was expecting to hear but funny at the same time.
Claudia and Robson. Robson is loving the Book of Mormon. They have a little foresty area in the front of their house and he has gone out there several days to read the Book of Mormon and sit and think. She still has the hardest heart I have ever seen. We can't teach more spiritually or clearly. He is getting impatient with her. I am afraid he doesn't have the courage to keep going to church alone...that scares me.
Love you all family. I loved General Conference yesterday! We only got to watch it in English on Sudnay and it meant so much more to me!! It entered my heart and I loved it. I know the gospel is true. It was restored by Christ. This is His church, with the authority he has given to worthy men to guide and bless the lives of others. I love the Book of Mormon. It is a light in my life and an anchor in my testimony. I love you all and look forward to 10 months when I will be back with you all.
Love, Kat
September 26, 2011
Hello my wonderful family. First off I want to tell you all how much I love you all. I miss you all. Today marks 8 months on the mission. 10 more months to prove my self to the Lord that I will be obedient during my life and it certainly is a test. I am learning so much and the more I learn the more I see I need to do better. I am learning that nothing happens if I don't apply these things in my life. Life is so much more than a routine. I love the gospel and I am SO terribly excited about conference this week! It is going to be so good, I have 3 questions for the Lord that I have been praying and thinking about and I am excited to see how they will be answered. The seminary teacher at CHS challanged us to do this one time, and it totally works. Everytime I have done it I always get answered.
New things, Robson went to church yesterday!!! He loved it. I love seeing the gospel make such a difference in his life. Claudia is still closed off to changing anything in her life, but he went and he is feeling the importance of the gospel in his life. Last week was a Gaucho holiday and the whole city shut down and we went to the parade and then stopped by Claudia e rRobsons house in the afternoon for a little bit. I love this family!!!!
As a mission presidente, Ribeiro decided that on the 3rd saturday of every month will be a white saturday, where the whole mission will baptize. He is worried about the Sisters not baptizing enough but I don't know what is lacking. He said I could write him if I have any ideas. He said if the Sisters don't baptize on this day then he will have a meeting with just the sisters. So I am feeling pretty motivated to baptzse a lot that day! I love our Presidente, he is very special to me.
Some pictures! They should be in this order,
One way to do a chohassco.
Little kids dressed gaucho in the parade.
Traditional gaucha dresses.
Robson and Daví after the parade.
Love you all and I am so excited about going to General Conference!! I LOVE EACH OF YOU!!!
Love Always,
Kat
September 19, 2011
The man that we found last week went to church on Sunday last week and was baptised Saturday!!!!!!! Rock on! It was pretty neat.
Claudia e Robson are basically the same. We have to go back and teach the restoration because all of their questions make it or break it with the restoration. Can I just tell you guys how much I love this family. We were teaching about families the other day and she was like we are great, we don't need to change anything in our family it's just the disagreement about churches. He was like really, you really think so? There is always something to do better. Just go to church with me and then she starts with this whole, but it's complicated for me because I was already baptized ect, ect. But I love them. We stopped by the other day and were talking to him (he reminds me a lot of steve brown) and I asked how he was feeling with prayers. He said he prays every day, several times a day. I asked if he was praying specifically to know and he said he prays to have the Lord illuminate his path. (I have explained specific prayers like five times for him) Then I asked how he feels when he reads the Book of Mormon, he said he feels peace. TADA!! So I showed him the scripture in Galations (Galatas in Portugese, I don't remember exactly how it is in English) when it talks about the fruit of the spirit is peace, joy and love. I explained he will get an answer from the Spirit. Then I asked if he believes he has received an answer from God and he got really quiet and a little emotional and said he was going to go put something away and I know he knows. But he still has this issue of rodeo and getting himself in church. He wants to go as a family and she doesn't want to go. We are going to teach restoration again, specifically for her and we are going to fast for her this week. Why can't the families I love the most just get baptized!!!!!
After our lesson we started talking about the gaucho holiday which is tomorrow and how we want to spend a little time with them because he is SOOO gaucho. He dresses it everyday!! Then I started to talk about how I want to buy gaucha clothes, so I tried on a pair of her pants and I have DEFINATELY gained weight. It's pretty sad. They fit they were just really tight! So then he has a pair that he said are a little tight (he is not a small man by any means) and they told me to try them on to see what number I need to buy and I said no they will definately fall off. So I go to try them on and they don't fall off!!!! They were a tiny tiny bit on the big side, as in they fit perfectly. (In self defense he wears the very open legged style she wears the very tight kind.) Anyway, so then he found some boots and a hat and a neck tie and I was all gaucho and they took pictures and then he gave me the pants and the boots!!!! I couldn't believe it. I am falling more and more in love with the gaucho culture and it's going to break my heart when I leave at the end of the mission.
I love you all. The gospel is true and Jesus Cristo lives. He is always there to guide us, but with out us doing our parF nothing happens. from the most basic to most complicated situations in our lives, he will help and comfort us.
Love you all.
Love, Kat
September 12, 2011
This week I showed the family calender to that family that I love and they said how beautiful our family is, I said I know........ really I did!
I am learning so much about me and about the gospel and about the scriptures and about our Savior and Heavenly Father. So much about the importance of putting into practice the things we learn and what it really means to become perfect in Christ and building Zion where we stand. We can always do more to help the kingdom grow and it's usually through little things like getting to know people, being nice, and changing our lives.
We had churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) the other day! Wow nothing in the US compares. I'll learn how to do it and then I'll do it for you all when I get back but we will have to build a little fire pit, hopefully everyone is ok with that!!! ITS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
We have 6 missionaries in our ward, 3 duplas and we usually have our lunches together!!! Imagine cooking for your family and 6 missionaries. We eat a lot...but it's good. I am learning how to make feijao; I'll bring home a pan to cook it in but it's simple and good. I like it.
We met a man on Saturday, taught a lesson and he went to church all by himself Sunday. At the end he said "and now I need to wai until next Sunday right?"
We are going to baptize him :) Well I hope but it was really good. But of course he lives alone and we can't teach him alone so we will have a lot of lessons with members.
I was feeling kind of down but I am better, the spirit makes all the difference.
Love you all.
Love, Kat
I am learning so much about me and about the gospel and about the scriptures and about our Savior and Heavenly Father. So much about the importance of putting into practice the things we learn and what it really means to become perfect in Christ and building Zion where we stand. We can always do more to help the kingdom grow and it's usually through little things like getting to know people, being nice, and changing our lives.
We had churrasco (Brazilian BBQ) the other day! Wow nothing in the US compares. I'll learn how to do it and then I'll do it for you all when I get back but we will have to build a little fire pit, hopefully everyone is ok with that!!! ITS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!
We have 6 missionaries in our ward, 3 duplas and we usually have our lunches together!!! Imagine cooking for your family and 6 missionaries. We eat a lot...but it's good. I am learning how to make feijao; I'll bring home a pan to cook it in but it's simple and good. I like it.
We met a man on Saturday, taught a lesson and he went to church all by himself Sunday. At the end he said "and now I need to wai until next Sunday right?"
We are going to baptize him :) Well I hope but it was really good. But of course he lives alone and we can't teach him alone so we will have a lot of lessons with members.
I was feeling kind of down but I am better, the spirit makes all the difference.
Love you all.
Love, Kat
September 5, 2011
Hello!!
Family! How is everyone! I am learning so much right now!! How I need to change as a person and as a missionary. I am learning about goals and getting things done and as always how to work with other personalities!! :)
I think most of all I am learning about the love of the Savior. The importance of keeping the commandments because we love him too. We WILL recieve blessings for doing our part!!! It's so simple and so real. So many of the families we are teaching right now say they are feeling a difference, they say when they learn how to pray their perspectives change. They feel more peace in their house and more love. The problem is that some of them are satisfied with the little changes and blessings and aren't willing to do more. Gosh that part breaks my heart. We planned on having 12 people in church yesrerday and only 4 of our ancient investigators were there. We need to change the way we teach to really show them that Heavenly Father has SO MUCH MORE in store, but they have to do their part. This all applies with me though too. When I do ALL that I can, the Lord will bless me. I need to do all that I can. And as a missionary we have A LOT of commandments, if I don't do them, I can't get the blessings. It all becomes very clear.
Only one more month for GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!! When we get to listen and hear the words of the Prophet and Apostles!! I am so excited!! I can't believe it has already almost been 6 months. This week we are going to start getting people ready and excited about it because it is such a privilage!!! I am excited!
The first picture is of Daví. Son of Claudia e Robson. He is 5 years old and loves rodeo!!! He is really good at lasso with the stick cow. It's pretty cool to watch. He loves super heros and I asked him if he likes dinosaurs too and he said yes, I thought of Shay! Davi talks all the time. He always wants to tell us the story of David and Goliath! He has it memorized. He gets a little discouraged with prayer because he is used to the memoriezed prayer but he is learning little by little.
The second picture is Davi and his mom , Claudia, in the background. She is still more resitant about our message. This week we are starting to teach the commandments and we are doing to teach why authority is important AGAIN!
The next one is me and my comp. She is great! Really firm with our investigators, which is good. Probably because I am really nice, so it's good they have someone to push them. That has always been hard for me but I am trying to learn in a good way. Everyone, literally everyone called her annoying today. We met up with the Elders at the church and some of her district from the MTC was there and they all told stories about how `chato` she is. It's like annoying and a stickler and kind of in your face. She likes to point out peoples follies, but it's all working out. I love her. One of our investigators called her annoying too, to her face. Everyone is pretty honest here. I guess her Bishop also told her not be annoying on the mission so she is pretty used to it. It's amazing how different people are because I would cry if someone told me that.
The last picture is the other Sisters we live with. Sister Cruz e Sister Balbino. I like them a lot!!!
Family, I love you. I hope every day you all are strengthening your testiomy of the restored Gospel and authority of the Priesthood here on the earth agian. I know that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer. ALL that we need to do in this life is only possible because of him. Because we know the truth of these things we have a responsibility to share it with others. I have thought, wow what a blessing to be born in the church and to have always known these truths. I avoided a lot of situations growing up because of the gospel. I always knew what was good and what wasn´t but with that comes a responsibility and I want to be better! I love you all.
Love always and forever!
Kat
August 29, 2011
Hello my wonderful family!! How are you all doing?
It was really cold and rainy again then it is getting hot now. So.......ya that is exciting!
How is everyone? I don't feel like I have anything terribly exciting to say but our ward here needs to split so that our stake can split so that they can build a new chapel here. Shich is great! It just means that it all comes down to the missionaries to find, teach (marry people) and then baptize them! We have six families, two will get baptized, two have a goood chance and then the other two are a little more complicated. Our bishop told me that I need to take care of our couples and that is my focus. Shich is good, just that suddenly everyone has problems!!!!! One couple doesn't know if they want to stay together ect ect ect. So I am giving marriage advice never being married., but i basically talk about the gospel of Christ and that when we live the gospel and decide what we want Heavenly Father will take care of us. This couple that doesn't know if they want to stay together is my favorite couple here. Which is making me sad because they are a beautiful little family but like everyone they have problems. They dont see it yet that the gospel will help their lives in every aspect!!!!!! My goal right now is to show that. :) But it's all good.
This week I have been studying virtue and how important it is as an attribute of Christ. Every action starts with our thoughts and it is so important to guard our thoughts, not just with chastity but with everything. What we let ourselves think about. There is so much in this world that is a distraction but when we are focused on the right things, we don't have to worry about a majority of the other stuff.... its been really good. Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 talks about how when we walk in the path of virtue our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God. Alma 34:32-33 talks about our purpose in this life being that we need to prepare to meet God one day and how important it is to repent now and use our time wisely. We all have sins but what will make the diference is those that choose to apply the sacrifice of Christ and repent and those that don't. Really that is the difference, who will do the work to be clean and prepare to meet God and those that just continue with life and ´do their time´. It's so much more than that.
Kersten! Happy birthday this week! I love that you are so full of life. You are always ready and willing to do something FUN!!! And you are so creative! I really don't think my mind has the ability to do what you draw and make. It's really a blessing to have you as a sister!!
Vienna!! Happy first birthday! It's weird because I feel like I really don't know her, but from what I remember I love her smile! She was always so willing and ready to smile and be loved! I am excited to get to know all the kids again and especially the new ones that we will have in the family!! So cool!
Love you all.
Enjoy this week and the end of summer!! !
Love,
Kat
It was really cold and rainy again then it is getting hot now. So.......ya that is exciting!
How is everyone? I don't feel like I have anything terribly exciting to say but our ward here needs to split so that our stake can split so that they can build a new chapel here. Shich is great! It just means that it all comes down to the missionaries to find, teach (marry people) and then baptize them! We have six families, two will get baptized, two have a goood chance and then the other two are a little more complicated. Our bishop told me that I need to take care of our couples and that is my focus. Shich is good, just that suddenly everyone has problems!!!!! One couple doesn't know if they want to stay together ect ect ect. So I am giving marriage advice never being married., but i basically talk about the gospel of Christ and that when we live the gospel and decide what we want Heavenly Father will take care of us. This couple that doesn't know if they want to stay together is my favorite couple here. Which is making me sad because they are a beautiful little family but like everyone they have problems. They dont see it yet that the gospel will help their lives in every aspect!!!!!! My goal right now is to show that. :) But it's all good.
This week I have been studying virtue and how important it is as an attribute of Christ. Every action starts with our thoughts and it is so important to guard our thoughts, not just with chastity but with everything. What we let ourselves think about. There is so much in this world that is a distraction but when we are focused on the right things, we don't have to worry about a majority of the other stuff.... its been really good. Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 talks about how when we walk in the path of virtue our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God. Alma 34:32-33 talks about our purpose in this life being that we need to prepare to meet God one day and how important it is to repent now and use our time wisely. We all have sins but what will make the diference is those that choose to apply the sacrifice of Christ and repent and those that don't. Really that is the difference, who will do the work to be clean and prepare to meet God and those that just continue with life and ´do their time´. It's so much more than that.
Kersten! Happy birthday this week! I love that you are so full of life. You are always ready and willing to do something FUN!!! And you are so creative! I really don't think my mind has the ability to do what you draw and make. It's really a blessing to have you as a sister!!
Vienna!! Happy first birthday! It's weird because I feel like I really don't know her, but from what I remember I love her smile! She was always so willing and ready to smile and be loved! I am excited to get to know all the kids again and especially the new ones that we will have in the family!! So cool!
Love you all.
Enjoy this week and the end of summer!! !
Love,
Kat
August 22, 2011
Hello my wonderful family!!!!!!
So I have been sick sick sick this week!!! I have slept so much! It's actually kind of hard to get back into the swing of things because I am feeling better phyically but certainly weaker spiritually. What a difference scripture study makes in the day.
I have some very exciting news!!! We are teaching a family, Claudia, Robson e Daví!!!!! Davi has 5 years and is so funny. I took some pictures the other day I just hope that I can send them today. I love this family. We actually met them a month ago when I really really needed the bathroom one night, it was like I needed it right then and I couldn't walk. I had to stop and cross my legs so I wouldn't pee my skirt. So my companion knocks the door and doesn't even do a contact just asks if I can use the bathroom. So I run in and try to greet people as I am running to the bathroom. I come out and we chat and mark to come back another day. For two weeks we only found the wife in the house but we wanted to teach the family so we marked to come one day when he was home and it was PERFECT. We taught the restoration, and it was by far the best lesson about the restoration that I have had on the mission. He understood the apostacy and everything. I also think it helped that Claudia was sick, she was pretty zoned out and Davi was asleep (which is a miracle because he goes 100 km an hour when he is awake). Robson said a prayer on knees and afterwards said he felt good. That it was easier than the written prayers. They have been teaching Davi to say all of the written prayers, sometimes he prays and its really cute. He is built a lot like Shay but has long hair and is in bambashos everyday, just like his dad. He loves rodeo and is learning how to rope. It's really cool. Robson practices a lot for the rodeo and is so typical gaucho. His picture should be in the dictionary next to gaucho. Very hospitable, very giving. Always has chimmahao (I still don't know how to spell that word) but he is a Brazilian cowboy. But it's so much more than that, I don't know how to explain it all. When we went back they hadn't read the Book of Mormon so I was really worried. We started to reach 2 Nephi 31 with them and invited them to be baptised and he said that if they recieve an anwer to their prayers they will. There are so many more details than this but I don't have time to write it all. But one thing he said, that if they aren't converted, and he said he thinks they will be, but if they aren't because it's always possible they may not be, that our visit has been benificial. Translating doesn't do it justice but it was so good. I love them. We ran into him on Saturday and he said they would go to church, but then his grandma and greatgrandmother came into town so that was inconvienent. We went by last night and said a prayer on knees again (he always wants to pray like that now :)) and he started to teach Davi how to pray using his own words. Davi was kind of frustrated and said but dad I don't know how to pray like this. So we helped. It was so good. Then Robson had to go to work (he works at a new paper printing place here) but I asked how the Book of Mormon reading was going and he smiles and said that next time we will talk about it. I love this family. One trial they might have is the Sabbath Day because Robson always goes out of town for rodeos at the end of the week. But it will all work out. Claudia is more resitant but its ok, we watched the restoration video with her and she is more interested now. It's so great!!!
My setting apart said that some peoples choices will break my heart.... I don't know what that means but I hope this family accepts the gospel.
My companion is funny. One night we were teaching a lesson and it was raining so my hair poofed and our apartment had been robbed earlier that week and they stole my hair stuff (and one luggage bag, what a blessing, they stole some valuables of the other sisters but i was really blesed, they even were nice enough to take out my old journals from the luggage so really i was blessed) but in the middle of the lesson she starts patting my hair down.....it was funny. Like I was a poor puppy. And the other day, super sick and cold we left the house to teach this family and my clothes were not matching at all!!! She didn't say anything then but ever since she has commented on it. It's so funny. I love her, she is great.
I love the gospel. It makes all the difference in the world and in eternity. It is simple and beatuiful. Nothing can replace our own personal study of the gospel and scriptures. The way we learn spiritually becomes a part of us and influences how we see everything and what choices we make. I love you all so very much.
Love Always,
Sister Taylor
So I have been sick sick sick this week!!! I have slept so much! It's actually kind of hard to get back into the swing of things because I am feeling better phyically but certainly weaker spiritually. What a difference scripture study makes in the day.
I have some very exciting news!!! We are teaching a family, Claudia, Robson e Daví!!!!! Davi has 5 years and is so funny. I took some pictures the other day I just hope that I can send them today. I love this family. We actually met them a month ago when I really really needed the bathroom one night, it was like I needed it right then and I couldn't walk. I had to stop and cross my legs so I wouldn't pee my skirt. So my companion knocks the door and doesn't even do a contact just asks if I can use the bathroom. So I run in and try to greet people as I am running to the bathroom. I come out and we chat and mark to come back another day. For two weeks we only found the wife in the house but we wanted to teach the family so we marked to come one day when he was home and it was PERFECT. We taught the restoration, and it was by far the best lesson about the restoration that I have had on the mission. He understood the apostacy and everything. I also think it helped that Claudia was sick, she was pretty zoned out and Davi was asleep (which is a miracle because he goes 100 km an hour when he is awake). Robson said a prayer on knees and afterwards said he felt good. That it was easier than the written prayers. They have been teaching Davi to say all of the written prayers, sometimes he prays and its really cute. He is built a lot like Shay but has long hair and is in bambashos everyday, just like his dad. He loves rodeo and is learning how to rope. It's really cool. Robson practices a lot for the rodeo and is so typical gaucho. His picture should be in the dictionary next to gaucho. Very hospitable, very giving. Always has chimmahao (I still don't know how to spell that word) but he is a Brazilian cowboy. But it's so much more than that, I don't know how to explain it all. When we went back they hadn't read the Book of Mormon so I was really worried. We started to reach 2 Nephi 31 with them and invited them to be baptised and he said that if they recieve an anwer to their prayers they will. There are so many more details than this but I don't have time to write it all. But one thing he said, that if they aren't converted, and he said he thinks they will be, but if they aren't because it's always possible they may not be, that our visit has been benificial. Translating doesn't do it justice but it was so good. I love them. We ran into him on Saturday and he said they would go to church, but then his grandma and greatgrandmother came into town so that was inconvienent. We went by last night and said a prayer on knees again (he always wants to pray like that now :)) and he started to teach Davi how to pray using his own words. Davi was kind of frustrated and said but dad I don't know how to pray like this. So we helped. It was so good. Then Robson had to go to work (he works at a new paper printing place here) but I asked how the Book of Mormon reading was going and he smiles and said that next time we will talk about it. I love this family. One trial they might have is the Sabbath Day because Robson always goes out of town for rodeos at the end of the week. But it will all work out. Claudia is more resitant but its ok, we watched the restoration video with her and she is more interested now. It's so great!!!
My setting apart said that some peoples choices will break my heart.... I don't know what that means but I hope this family accepts the gospel.
My companion is funny. One night we were teaching a lesson and it was raining so my hair poofed and our apartment had been robbed earlier that week and they stole my hair stuff (and one luggage bag, what a blessing, they stole some valuables of the other sisters but i was really blesed, they even were nice enough to take out my old journals from the luggage so really i was blessed) but in the middle of the lesson she starts patting my hair down.....it was funny. Like I was a poor puppy. And the other day, super sick and cold we left the house to teach this family and my clothes were not matching at all!!! She didn't say anything then but ever since she has commented on it. It's so funny. I love her, she is great.
I love the gospel. It makes all the difference in the world and in eternity. It is simple and beatuiful. Nothing can replace our own personal study of the gospel and scriptures. The way we learn spiritually becomes a part of us and influences how we see everything and what choices we make. I love you all so very much.
Love Always,
Sister Taylor
August 15, 2011
I want you all individually to know that I love you. I keep learning more about the importance of family. This week me and my companion have been studying prayer and the atonement. Everytime I feel more and more about the importance of the gospel in my life. We talked with an investigator about movies the other day and I realized how distant I am from the world right now and how much I love being distant. The world offers so much that isn't worth the time. It was cool for me to see. Not just movies but so many things. True, clothing and shopping as well. I have such a diminished desire to shop. CRAZY HUH :)
I love you all, the Gospel changes lives.
We are teaching a family that is GAUCHO mesmo. Everyday he wears the traditional gaucho clothing but they didn't go to church Sunday which broke my heart. If you all could pray for that that would be nice, Claudia, Robson and their son Davi.
So much love.
Sister Taylor
If anyone is looking for something to study Mosiah 4 is great!
I love you all, the Gospel changes lives.
We are teaching a family that is GAUCHO mesmo. Everyday he wears the traditional gaucho clothing but they didn't go to church Sunday which broke my heart. If you all could pray for that that would be nice, Claudia, Robson and their son Davi.
So much love.
Sister Taylor
If anyone is looking for something to study Mosiah 4 is great!
August 8, 2011
Hello Wonderful Family!!
I hope that you are all doing well and that everyone is loving summer time there. It has actually beeen really hot here this week. Then it rained and because of the humidity our house was all wet. So crazy.
Exciting news, I am training. She is the daughter of a stake president and acts like one, I don't know how to explain it but she is always pushing to do more and be better, its great! Its just hard sometimes because I feel like for the first three or so months here in Brazil I didn't get what was going on so I don't feel like I really have all that much practice in doing all of the little things I need to be doing right now to teach her. Also I am starting to depend on her because she speaks Portuguese and so I expect her to take control of situations sometimes. But I can't do that. When it was just two Americans we just jumped in and did all that we could to explain and talk with people. But I need to do better in SOOOOO many things. Definately a chance to learn and grow, I have to remember 1000 things at the same time and I feel like I am barely afloat sometimes. But she is good and very much GET IT DONE attitude. But with a very Brazilian side to it too. It's hard to explain. But I love her, Sister Pinheiro.
I am learning that its personalites that help us grow a lot. With change and new personalities we adapt and learn how to handle life differently. With every change we have new opportunities and its never easy but growth never is.
I can't believe that harvest was so fast this year!! I think that is amazing!!!
I have one minute left. I want you all to know how much I love you and pray for all of you. I am continually learning about the importance of the family and I am so grateful that we are a family. We need to do all we can to ensure that we will be an eternal family. It's not easy but the blessings are so big! I love you all.
Love, Kat
I hope that you are all doing well and that everyone is loving summer time there. It has actually beeen really hot here this week. Then it rained and because of the humidity our house was all wet. So crazy.
Exciting news, I am training. She is the daughter of a stake president and acts like one, I don't know how to explain it but she is always pushing to do more and be better, its great! Its just hard sometimes because I feel like for the first three or so months here in Brazil I didn't get what was going on so I don't feel like I really have all that much practice in doing all of the little things I need to be doing right now to teach her. Also I am starting to depend on her because she speaks Portuguese and so I expect her to take control of situations sometimes. But I can't do that. When it was just two Americans we just jumped in and did all that we could to explain and talk with people. But I need to do better in SOOOOO many things. Definately a chance to learn and grow, I have to remember 1000 things at the same time and I feel like I am barely afloat sometimes. But she is good and very much GET IT DONE attitude. But with a very Brazilian side to it too. It's hard to explain. But I love her, Sister Pinheiro.
I am learning that its personalites that help us grow a lot. With change and new personalities we adapt and learn how to handle life differently. With every change we have new opportunities and its never easy but growth never is.
I can't believe that harvest was so fast this year!! I think that is amazing!!!
I have one minute left. I want you all to know how much I love you and pray for all of you. I am continually learning about the importance of the family and I am so grateful that we are a family. We need to do all we can to ensure that we will be an eternal family. It's not easy but the blessings are so big! I love you all.
Love, Kat
August 1, 2011
Today is tranfers but we don't have a phone officially because it got lost before I got here, and we don't know what it happening!!!!!! We totally want to stay together and we feel like we are learning a ton and we love our investigators!!!! But we are trying to be ready for whatever is going to happen and trust that we are ready for it. Our District Leader is headed over here to talk to us but he hasn't come yet and I am feeling nervous!!! I might be training in a different area or we are just moving houses or the other Sisters will move in with us. Lots of stuff. We just don't know yet!!
Our investigators, I have told you all a little about the faith of Alex e Laura. Here are some pictures of them and their 2 little boys. We had lunch with them yesterday, she saved up all week to give us a nice meal, I think it's the best I have had during the mission because I knew the HUGE sacrifice that it was for them and that they so willingly gave it!!!!!! Wow I love them. (Also everyone here makes potato salad, but it's so much better here!! I love it). Then they went to church! I just love them so much. They don't know everything about the gospel but they have so much FAITH!! So can't wait to be baptised and their marriage papers are finally coming. It's been like a two month wait and its finally on its way!!!! Kind of funny the age difference between them. She is 19 and he is 37...... :) It's weird to think about sometimes but they really are so happy and have so much personality. They are not perfect but they are willing to do everything and they have seen the blessings come into their lives!!! They are such an example. They live in the worst place!!!! Every one there is a crack addict and they are just this little diamond in the rough. We can't even go there with out a member. So to feed us lunch we meet them way far away from their house and they walked us there and back. It's so amazing. And they like us!! That is a bonus. ;)
Our bedroom doesn't have a door handle that works from the inside so we have a towel on the corner so we dont accidently get locked in our room!! But one night it was really cold and we we had the heater on, so without thinking I shut the door really hard with the towl on the corner and we were locked in. My lovely companion climbed through that little window in the bathroom (which leads to the laundry room) after a long hard day and we laughed so hard and had to get a picture. That is my guilty face with the door!!!
We have had a lot of old men tell us that we are really beautiful this week. That is kind of weird and we don't mark to come back and teach them. We have the funniest experiences together but we are learning and doing all that we can to help our investigators grow. I like that we support each other and if one feels like we should do a certain thing we are willing to try and go along happily and put our all into it. We have a member who is in the hospital here so we go and visit her, be so grateful for the hospitals we have back home. It's very different here.
There is a picture of a little gaucho, he is in the full get up. He was playing with a toy accordian and dancing to music on the radio so we stopped to get a picture. Sosososososo cute!!!!
The Gospel is so true. I know I am not great at teaching and speaking Portuguese but I feel the importance of it every day!!! I want to help these people but they have to want it. It hurts so much sometimes when I know the huge difference this will make if they will just read The Book of Mormon, pray with real desire, and go to church. People all over are looking for something to change their lives but if they don't do something different they won't get different results. We have one guy who is 30 and he wants a different life he just isn't willing to do what he needs to. He reads the Book of Mormon but he doesn't pray or go to church. We can't keep coming back to see him because he just talks about changing and doesn't act differently. But it breaks me heart because his life is unhealthy in everyway, he just doesn't follow through.
Family, I love you all. I showed pictures of you guys to Alex e Laura and I missed you all. I have one more year on the mission. I will have a lot more experiences and a lot more trials. But every day I am trying to be better, and trying to learn. In this next year a lot of things will happen and you all will have a lot of experiences, please keep sharing them with me, even if it's the smallest thing!!! I love hearing everyday stuff.
I love you all. I pray for you all, especially at this time I am praying for harvest and that everyone will be safe.
With all of my love.
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
July 25, 2011
So harvest should be starting today!!!!! Wow that is really weird to think about!!! I am praying for all of you and those little cherries! Remember I love you all!!!!
I was reading the last general conference address and Elder M. Russell Ballard said this, "Brothers and sisters the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, no matter how much we try to complicate it", it's so true and so much of what we teach is simple. I gave a talk last week that talked about enduring to the end. And I think a lot of times we want something new and catchy but it reallly is the basics. We will keep hearing the basics because it's exactly what we need to do!!! It's so amazing and beautiful. As we do the basics and live worthy the Holy Ghost will help us learn how to apply these things more in our lives and that is when we grow, God is just and perfect. He will always bless us acording to our faith in keeping the commandments! ALWAYS! Because he is just, he has celestial laws that he abides by and we have to do our part to receive those blessings. We are teaching a couple right now who want to be baptised and are waitig for their marriage papers. They told us a story Saturday about how they had 10 dollars but had to go to the center to buy what they could. They had no gas for two weeks (for the stove, everyone here uses propane for the stove) which means NO warm food at all and it's been cold some days. They have two little boys, one that is almost 3 and one that is almost 1. Someone crashed on their bike and dropped an envelope. Then got up and left, Alex and Laura picked it up and it had 400 dollars in it, they put it in their backpack and contuinued on. A few minutes later the man came back and started asking if anyone had seen the envelope. Alex called him over and told him he had it (Laura was a little more resistant, she wanted to feed her kids) but the man said thank you and that it was his entire months pay. When Alex and Laura came home the Bishop had sent them some food and a tank of gas. They were willing to do what was right and were blessed. They even said, "if we had kept that money, we might have had enough to buy food and clothes but who knows what else bad could have happened?" They have such great faith. They want to pay their tithing and they have nothing!! It's so amazing.
My comp is amazing. We are working together. Sometimes it's hard to speak Portuguese because it's so much easier in English but we are really trying to focus on speaking Portuguese. The Bishop here is really result oriented and is kind of mean. Actually he is just really ´get-it done´ but it's all good. We are doing the best we can and I actually think we are doing really well. Sister Wells and I were talking the other day that we would like to stay together for the next transfer and see all of our couples baptised (we have a lot that are waiting for marriage papers before baptism). I would love it if that could happen but who knows. I might be transferred again at the end of this week, maybe just a different ward. We don't really know.
My companion is from Springville, Utah.
The pictures here are Sister Wells with our phone :) and bedroom. Our ward mission leader is amazing!! He goes out with us all the time and our phone got lost a few weeks ago so we have been without a phone, so he gave us his sons phone. He also fed us chahasco...spelled totally wrong, but its Brazilian bbq, by far the best I have had on the mission and better than any other meat I have ever eaten!!! :) Anyways this is her trying to figure out the phone, and our beds in the background.
The other one is Maira, form Camobi, I don't know if I sent this one last time but I love her. She is so wonderful. Then the other one is a picture of her family (posted last week), the dad finally said a prayer my last night there. First time in four months that he prayed out loud for the group. So tender. The gospel is so true and it blesses families. We have to use our faith to recieve an answer from God, but he will answer, he always does.
I love the gospel, I love you all. This is a very special time I have to serve Heavenly Father and help his children learn about how to return and live with him again. Preparing the way for the second coming of the savior!!
Love always and forever,
Kat
What's new with the kids? :)
July 18, 2011
To recap, my last week has been marvalous!!!
Monday night was terrible, my comp was annoyed with me ect. whats new? But then we had a zone meeting Tuesday morning and our zone leader talked about following rules and staying in people's houses too long. It was amazing!! I think hearing everyone else say it was really good and I finally felt that we had hope. One hour after the meeting the Mission President called me and said that he was transfering me to a new area!! Cruz Alta!!! And that I would be with Sister Wells for three weeks until the tranfer is up. Then we don't really know what is going to happen. She is an American and has two months in Brazil. She had a little while in Alabama before she received her Visa, we overlapped in the MTC like two weeks so I got to know her a little bit there. She is way cool. I have learned so much with her this week. It's so fun. When the President called me he said that I was being transfered and that he thought I would finally be happy. It was really precious but a little disappointing because it was the first day that I actually felt that I had hope with my other companion.........but now I am here!! In Cruz Alta!!! We have a lot more funny experiences, and I think the lives of people are just more interesting here. We are both new in Brazil and we speak about the same level, but this area is more humble and real feeling. It's a pretty big city but it kind of has a small town, everyone knows everyone, feeling. I really like it. It's a little more dangerous though so we have areas that we can't walk at night:) But not a big deal. It's all good.
I guess that another Sister got transferred too so I am afraid all of the Elders are talking bad about the Sisters now. It's really kind of stupid but some of the Elders are really mean. Like down right mean. I had never understood that before but the one that is really bad just has two weeks left on the mission so we are just waiting it out for him to leave. The streets here are really confusing and it's kind of crazy but we keep the rules and every day we have something to laugh about. I just need to learn how to do that in Portuguese!!! :)
Brazilians are really nice!!! and helpful. I talked on Sunday and I am pretty sure most of it didn't make sense but in my mind it did :) Its funny to see everyone have pity on my new companion because the other sister got trasnfered when I got here. Everyone really liked her so it's kiind of like Oh sorry I am here now :) but its all part of the process. They will get to know me and love me too.
Attached are some pictures of the investigators I left in Camobi, that was really hard to do. The one of the family with a little boy is really special to me. We had 4months together and the last night there the dad finally said a prayer!!!!! I wanted to cry. It was so sweet and simple. The wife is Maira, she has had amazing experiences with the Book of Mormon and she knows its true and wants to be baptised but we are waiting for the dad, Fernando, to be ready too. They are such a special family I am not sure what other picture I attached it might be a less active, Zeni. She is like 70 but has the heart of a 15 year old but with the wisdom of an old person. Really she is great. I'll miss her.
Thanks for the advice this week, but it really was a good week!!! Over analyzing kind of makes my head spin. But thank you all. I love you all so much and thank you for the prayers. The gospel is true and when we live it, it's all possible. Let me know if I can do anything to help anyone there.
I have been thinking about service and how it's a covanant that we have made with Heavenly Father to serve others. Like it's literally a covenant with God. Kind of a big deal........ makes me want to be a better person. Love you all and I have been reading the last general conference Ensign. Way good!!!
Love,
Kat
July 11, 2011
This week was like the place where satan lives (I figured little ears don't need to hear that word) but I have been telling myself the real word all week. Last Tuesday we had a zone conference with President. I was ok until I saw the other sisters, then I needed a hug. Later we started talking a litle about it and I just started to cry. The conference started and I kept crying on and off (in a room with 50 other Elders, great) but our mission president is great, after he finished speaking we went and had an interview. I started to bawl, I couldnt hold it in. He said he felt like we needed to be together right now but he doesn't want it to ruin my mission. Anyways, he is such a blessing, really really a blessing.
As you all know, as a peacemaker I don't like it when people don't like me, and she doesn't like me. Sometimes she talks about me in a way that she wants to be funny but isn't and then not keeping the rules. The biggest problem is staying in peoples houses. She wants to stay and talk, but we have to leave and she says OK bye, you can't leave without me. but in a joking way to the investigators but she is serious. Then I start feeling tense because we have been in a house for 1 1/2 hours (45 minutes is the limit) anyways, it's not uncommon for us not to talk. I can't think of anything to ask. I have alerady tried the normal things.
She is quick to point out my flaws but oh well, its true I have a ton. On Wednesday President started with interviews in our district and he said I was a good missionary and to continue on. He had an interview with her and things were a little better after but something always happens. I am afraid of being proud but its really that I want to keep the rules. Its so much easier when people have the same desires.
But i got the package!! In 3 weeks!! I had been praying that I would get it soon and I did! that is almost unheard of to get it in 3 weeks!! it came on the day that I bawled my heart out to President. So it was a huge blessing!! Thank you all so much for the smores!!! and clothes and especially the notes and pictures! warmed my heart!!
We have two really amazing families that are legally married!! And two others that are amazing but not married!!! marriage is a huge probem here but the work is moving forward. I am afraid that if we don't keep the rules they won't be baptised. Its amazing how our obedience will influence people!!
I had a thought this morning, that I need to choose to serve the Lord or have a happy companion. That made it pretty clear for me. I need to choose the Lord. Its not easy, I hate people not liking me. Our district leader is kind of harsh and says I need to be more forward but I know she is going to hate me. We have a zone meeting tomorrow and I am praying that it will help!!!!
I don't think she feels strengthened by the Spirit so she looks for it in other ways. I don't know how to help that.
Sorry these emails have been kind of despressing lately, but I love you all. Thank you for the prayers. They help so much. I pray for all of you!!!!!
Know that I love you and that I always think of you all!!
The gospel is true, Christ lives, we can be better everyday!!
Love always,
Kat
July 4, 2011
Dear Family,
This week was ROUGH!! But I did feel the hope of prayers, so thank you all for that!!! Things are still rough and it's coming slowly. I have been informed about a lot of my weaknesses, big and small, this week and am trying to humbly improve. :) We all know that isn't the easiest thing!
In my house I can see my breath......ya its cold! But huge blessing, the sun is shining today!!!!! My hands and feel are always cold, don't know how to fix that one. I already wear like 4 socks and a plastic bag because my plastic boots (which I happily bought with my birthday money, thank you parents) aren't completely waterproof. :)
I think there is a bug in my bed because everyday I have more and more bites on my body and I try not to itch them.
I have learned a lot about strengthening my testimony this week. It's something we NEED to do every day so that when the hard times come, because they always do, that we are a little more capable of handling them better than the time before. This life is a wonderful process of learning and working and pushing ourselves forward. A Dove chocolate wrapper once said "strecth your body and mind" I would like to include spirituality with that too. We always have this moment to choose what we will do and how to act, let's choose to be a little bit better in this moment then we were before.
How much I love you all and pray daily for you!!!!!
With all the love of my heart.
Love, Kat
This week was ROUGH!! But I did feel the hope of prayers, so thank you all for that!!! Things are still rough and it's coming slowly. I have been informed about a lot of my weaknesses, big and small, this week and am trying to humbly improve. :) We all know that isn't the easiest thing!
In my house I can see my breath......ya its cold! But huge blessing, the sun is shining today!!!!! My hands and feel are always cold, don't know how to fix that one. I already wear like 4 socks and a plastic bag because my plastic boots (which I happily bought with my birthday money, thank you parents) aren't completely waterproof. :)
I think there is a bug in my bed because everyday I have more and more bites on my body and I try not to itch them.
I have learned a lot about strengthening my testimony this week. It's something we NEED to do every day so that when the hard times come, because they always do, that we are a little more capable of handling them better than the time before. This life is a wonderful process of learning and working and pushing ourselves forward. A Dove chocolate wrapper once said "strecth your body and mind" I would like to include spirituality with that too. We always have this moment to choose what we will do and how to act, let's choose to be a little bit better in this moment then we were before.
How much I love you all and pray daily for you!!!!!
With all the love of my heart.
Love, Kat
June 27, 2011
This week has been an adjustment!! To say the least! My companion doesn't like to keep the rules, like when to sleep and study and wake up and exercise. I am learning its a lot easier to love people when you want the same things, probably a lot like marriage!! What do ya know!! I would love ideas on how to show love but be firm.
It's even harder because she has one transfer and I have 2. So she was already used to another companion who was on her last transfer and we have to adjust to each other!!! She speaks Portuguese, Brazilian, so naturally she wants to be senior. Anywyas yes it is HARD!!!!!!!! So hard that I want to run away sometimes for some peace but obviously that won't work. Its better when we are with other people so its nice to teach and talk with everyone!
So cool, the son-in-law of my Bishop lives in Porto Alegre North Mission and he came to visit the other day and said that he knows an Elder Taylor in his mission who is from Washington. I couldn't remember anyone so he called the missionary and it was RIDGE!!! So we talked for a few minutes!! It was so cool! I totally forgot that he was in Porto Alegre. I thought he was way north of Brazil, but no he is my neighbor!!! So cool!!!!!! So fun!!!
I don't have anything stunning this week, please know that I love you. Pray for me right now. Specifically that I can have peace and understand my companion. She is 29 and her blessing said she needs to serve a mission but she didn't want to. I think she has finally come to terms with it, but she has a very set way of thinking and we need to do a lot to improve together! I am far from perfect with the missionary work, just pray that i'll have the ability and desire to love.
My setting apart, President Montierth said I will not permanently mess anything up on the mission. Those words are more comforting now.:)
Its getting COLD!!!! It will get even colder. The houses here aren't made for the cold. It's all brick and no insallation and only little space heaters. :) Fun fun.
I love you all!!! I dont know how else to say it but I love you all!!!!! So so very much!!!!
Love always and forever.
Kathryn
Auntie Kat
Sister Taylor
It's even harder because she has one transfer and I have 2. So she was already used to another companion who was on her last transfer and we have to adjust to each other!!! She speaks Portuguese, Brazilian, so naturally she wants to be senior. Anywyas yes it is HARD!!!!!!!! So hard that I want to run away sometimes for some peace but obviously that won't work. Its better when we are with other people so its nice to teach and talk with everyone!
So cool, the son-in-law of my Bishop lives in Porto Alegre North Mission and he came to visit the other day and said that he knows an Elder Taylor in his mission who is from Washington. I couldn't remember anyone so he called the missionary and it was RIDGE!!! So we talked for a few minutes!! It was so cool! I totally forgot that he was in Porto Alegre. I thought he was way north of Brazil, but no he is my neighbor!!! So cool!!!!!! So fun!!!
I don't have anything stunning this week, please know that I love you. Pray for me right now. Specifically that I can have peace and understand my companion. She is 29 and her blessing said she needs to serve a mission but she didn't want to. I think she has finally come to terms with it, but she has a very set way of thinking and we need to do a lot to improve together! I am far from perfect with the missionary work, just pray that i'll have the ability and desire to love.
My setting apart, President Montierth said I will not permanently mess anything up on the mission. Those words are more comforting now.:)
Its getting COLD!!!! It will get even colder. The houses here aren't made for the cold. It's all brick and no insallation and only little space heaters. :) Fun fun.
I love you all!!! I dont know how else to say it but I love you all!!!!! So so very much!!!!
Love always and forever.
Kathryn
Auntie Kat
Sister Taylor
June 20, 2011
Hello Hello,
Exciting news this week! I found out a few hours ago that I will be training!!!!! I think her name is Sister Matus. She is Brazilian, thank goodness! I can't imagine two Americans together that have trouble speaking!! :) My companion, Sister Pires Santos, will be transfered and continue training my MTC companion in Liveramento!! I think it's out by the boarder. I don't have a ton of details, I felt like I had a lot more to say about that but I guess that's about it. It will definately be a learning experience and I will have to grow a lot!!! But it will be good, it will be a opportunity to grow with my companion!!
It was great getting to talk to part of the family yesterday!! Sorry the cell phone is weak and kept cutting out, for Christmas I will be at a members house and hopefully even though it's international it will be a good connection. I will have more time then so we can dividide the time between families and have a chance to talk with everyone!!! I guess at least with everone that is home for Christmas!! So talking of Christmas, it's getting colder here so I naturally want to sing Christmas hymns, and everytime I do I get the feeling of christmas and fireplaces and making goodies and shopping for gifts and the smell of snow at night and all of those good memories then I remember it's only June here and Christmas will be HOT!!! Hotter then anything I have ever experienced before!!!!! So that will be an interesting change!! :)
I gave a talk yesterday, I don't know how much everyone understood over the phone, but I had 30 minutes to prepare while participating in our gospel principles class. Brazilians really are generously nice, but it's greatly appreciated. I learn more everyday!
I LOVE YOU ALL. My testimony of families keeps growing. Families really can be together forever when they make and keep covenants with our Heavenly Father. It's amazing how our testimonies grow, we really do have to study, have a desire and share it to make it grow. What we keep to ourselves will be lost but what we share will grow. Divine laws are great! It's all perfect for imperfect people. But we have a Savior, our Heavely Father already prepared a way for us to grow sufficiently to live with him again, but it's only effective to the degree that we excersize (don't remember how to spell that word) our faith.
The other week I mentioned Ephesians in the Bible!! READ IT!! The whole book is only 6-7 pages but it's so good, all about how the people need to be better and develop! Then chapter 2:20 and chapter 4:11-14 talk about the importance of the organization of the church to help us in our development. The chances we have to serve help us grow!!! I love the gospel, I want to be so much better!!! But yes, it is hard. I don't think growing is ever easy, but its so important to our eternal progression!!! :)
I love you all, I want to be an eternal family! And I want it to be a BIG FAMILY!! Lots of chances to serve and help each other!! I love you
Eu amo vocês!!!!
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
Auntie kat!!
p.s. so excited to get the package next transfer!!!! :) does any one want anything from brazil? the only thing really unique to this part of brazil is the chiimmaou and the gauchou clothing. and nothing is really cheap, maybe one day when i am our on the boarders and things are cheaper ill find stuff a little more unique!!
Love you all,
Kat
Exciting news this week! I found out a few hours ago that I will be training!!!!! I think her name is Sister Matus. She is Brazilian, thank goodness! I can't imagine two Americans together that have trouble speaking!! :) My companion, Sister Pires Santos, will be transfered and continue training my MTC companion in Liveramento!! I think it's out by the boarder. I don't have a ton of details, I felt like I had a lot more to say about that but I guess that's about it. It will definately be a learning experience and I will have to grow a lot!!! But it will be good, it will be a opportunity to grow with my companion!!
It was great getting to talk to part of the family yesterday!! Sorry the cell phone is weak and kept cutting out, for Christmas I will be at a members house and hopefully even though it's international it will be a good connection. I will have more time then so we can dividide the time between families and have a chance to talk with everyone!!! I guess at least with everone that is home for Christmas!! So talking of Christmas, it's getting colder here so I naturally want to sing Christmas hymns, and everytime I do I get the feeling of christmas and fireplaces and making goodies and shopping for gifts and the smell of snow at night and all of those good memories then I remember it's only June here and Christmas will be HOT!!! Hotter then anything I have ever experienced before!!!!! So that will be an interesting change!! :)
I gave a talk yesterday, I don't know how much everyone understood over the phone, but I had 30 minutes to prepare while participating in our gospel principles class. Brazilians really are generously nice, but it's greatly appreciated. I learn more everyday!
I LOVE YOU ALL. My testimony of families keeps growing. Families really can be together forever when they make and keep covenants with our Heavenly Father. It's amazing how our testimonies grow, we really do have to study, have a desire and share it to make it grow. What we keep to ourselves will be lost but what we share will grow. Divine laws are great! It's all perfect for imperfect people. But we have a Savior, our Heavely Father already prepared a way for us to grow sufficiently to live with him again, but it's only effective to the degree that we excersize (don't remember how to spell that word) our faith.
The other week I mentioned Ephesians in the Bible!! READ IT!! The whole book is only 6-7 pages but it's so good, all about how the people need to be better and develop! Then chapter 2:20 and chapter 4:11-14 talk about the importance of the organization of the church to help us in our development. The chances we have to serve help us grow!!! I love the gospel, I want to be so much better!!! But yes, it is hard. I don't think growing is ever easy, but its so important to our eternal progression!!! :)
I love you all, I want to be an eternal family! And I want it to be a BIG FAMILY!! Lots of chances to serve and help each other!! I love you
Eu amo vocês!!!!
Sister Kathryn Adalee Taylor
Auntie kat!!
p.s. so excited to get the package next transfer!!!! :) does any one want anything from brazil? the only thing really unique to this part of brazil is the chiimmaou and the gauchou clothing. and nothing is really cheap, maybe one day when i am our on the boarders and things are cheaper ill find stuff a little more unique!!
Love you all,
Kat
June 13, 2011
I love you all! We spent the day with the Mission Presidents wife and it was great but they only have one computer for the missionaries to use and everyone else took a long time so I only have a few minutes to write and I don't even have time to read everything that people wrote?!! Super sad but it was a really good day! We made cookies and talked with the Mission Presidents wife all day. It was really great! Really really great! She is great, I love her.
I love you all!
Love, Kat
I love you all!
Love, Kat
June 6, 2011
We had a baptism last night!! It was really good. Everyone was worried about the water being warm (it's getting cold here) but when we opened the doors to the font a bunch of steam came out so I just hope the water didn't burn him!! I am sure it felt good though, the best part of showering in hot water is that it kind of warms your blood and you're not super cold right after... at least usually I am still struggling with the wet hair and showering everyday...... BECAUSE IT'S COLD!!
I'llll attach a photo of the baptism but he has to wait a week until he can get the gift of the Holy Ghost because he was baptized on Sunday, so I am praying he will be able to withstand tempations that will come.
This week has been hard to find new people to teach. We had a mission conference with Elder Suarez (area authority of Brazil!!) and it was amazing! Really it was awesome. a very strong spirit, he didn't teach anything new, but the spirit definately testified about what he taught. He talked about obedience, talking with everyone, and teaching. Simple but Amazing!!!! :) It's true the simple things are what strengthens us and helps us progress!!!
Our ward missioaries are getting organized and it's reallly cool to see. We have two younger male adults that both served missions that will be working with us and then an older couple that have been called as ward missionaries!! I love this couple. They have a desire and I just feel comfortable with them, they are very real!! I love it!! The first lunch I had in brazil was at their house and I told Neli (wife)that day that I felt a lot of peace in her house, it was really neat. Then the next Sunday Irma Eduardo (husband) told me when I had lunch at their house I seemed very familiar, like we had meet before. How cool was that!! I really do love their family and I am so excited to get to work with them!!
It is getting cold!! and it's only starting, humidity makes a difference!!! I wear a ton of clothes and I am gaining weight! I was afraid of it when I started my mission but right now I am so cold that I want to eat!! It will all work out but don't be suprised when my face is more round in my photos I send home!! You probably won't be able to see much else of my body because it will be covered in layers of clothing!!
How are plans coming for Cody and Jayetta and Grandma Casper to visit? I think it sounds like so much fun!! I am praying for the cherries!!
I have been thinking about the opportunity to teach. It is amazing how teaching strengthens our testimonies and makes things more clear in our minds. It has been amazing how much it has helped me. I live the gospel, I have always, it's a part of me and who I am. I certainly don't live it perfectly, no one does, but with the opportunity to explain it to people and testify of simple truths, my tesimony has grown so much. Maybe that is part of why being a parent is so important, you have special moments to teach which helps the kids and helps the teacher. The formation of the family is PERFECT, but it's filled with imperfect people. I love the doctrine of the family. It is more clear and important to me all the time. I love you all, with all my heart!! I am so excited that we have a new addition! SOPHIA! I am excited to meet her!!!! I am excited about the two new additions with Hannah and Kersten's babies that are coming, we have a great family, with a lot of weaknesses. I pray that we will be able to help each other grow and fulfill the purose of the family together. Something I have learned about the importance of family, is that we are put together to help each other learn and grow. To apply the teachings of Christ in our homes, and be a strength for each other. With that said I would like to share my stand on something. If any of you are having a hard time with anything in your lives, I hope that you will share it with me, even though I am on a mission. I want to do my part in fullfiling a role in this family. If you are worried about stressing me out, DON'T BE!!!! I know very well that there is little that I can do from Brazil to help, but I can pray!!! And I can tell you how much I love all of you!!! Trust the power of pray, I will do my part, but you have to let me know!! I will drop to my knees and express my sincere desire to my Heavenly Father to help you! Please share your lives with me!!
The gopsel is true, Jesus Christ is our Savior! Only through him can we have a chance of returning to our Heavenly Father and fulfilling our desire of the pre-mortal life!! I love you all!
Love, Kathryn
Tell the kids hello for me!! Give them all a kiss and hug and tell them it's from me!!
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