August 6, 2012
I am so excited to see you all! So very excited. Also incredibly nervous so don't have any doubts I am more nervous than everyone else.
What I want: I want to go to the temple. I don't know when I am going to be released. Does any one know? I don't want to watch any movies. We will have to wait a while for that one.
I love you all.
I am so glad I have had this chance to serve. That a little desire started to grow inside of me and Heavenly father let me choose. I am so grateful for our family. I am grateful for what I have learned here. The areas I served in will always be sacred to me. I learned so much more about the little things. There is no replacing that. I am so very imperfect, but I know my Savior better. I know what is important. I love you all so much. I am excited to see you all. I will be akward and strange probably (not in the fact of being alone, after 18 months I am a little excited for that part :)). I love you all.
Love,
Kat
July 30, 2012
Hey everyone,
I am so grateful right now. I feel very happy, very calm. I have been very far from perfect but I feel good. This last week will be a great time. Our zone leader called to say that President was going to close our area after I leave, I got really really sad. I thought about the members and how much they need help and the people that we are preparing to be baptized and how much they need help. About how much work I had done to help them. Then the next day they called again and said the stake president practically begged to keep sisters there so at least the next transfer there will be missionaries. That will be good. We have 5 people getting ready to be baptized. 1 waiting to stop smoking her 2 cigarettes a week, she is funny, another is a couple that are extremely logical but they are seeking a answer, and then another young man. Then Saturday we have a baptism of Gilmar. He is a good kid, kind of hurt by life. This week I have a lot of work. I am grateful for that.
I am so grateful for everything I have learned this last year and a half. The gospel is simple. It can become very deep and detailed but the principles of salvation and exaltion remain simple. Faith, Repentance, Baptism, recieving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and ENDURING TO THE END. They probably just seem like words, like the 4th article of faith, but they really mean so much to me. That is all that Christ taught in his ministry. Through example, parables, preaching. It is so simple. God has a plan and path prepared for ALL to live with him again, because of this he sent Christ to give us the example and prepare the way. He wants us ALL to return to him, but we have the divine gift of agency! So amazing. I love you all.
Next week I will be seeing you all. I love you all and I am so excited!
Love Always,
Kat
July 23, 2012
We are here, almost at the end! I can't believe it. Today it began to become real to me. Until now I didn't get it. But I am thankful because now I just want to give it my all until the end. That will be good. And it's warm here again. Don't get me wrong, I am loving it. It feels like Spring. It's just really really weird, but enjoyable.
Yesterday we had a visit from the stake president which was so good because the branch was really needing it. It was the first time in 4 months of being here that everyone left church feeling edified. People prepared their classes, started on time, church lasted the whole 3 hours. It was so good! I really loved it! It was also a blessing because a family we have been trying to teach went to church. That was awesome! I was feeling really really low and unanimated so it gave me a good boost. I am so grateful for that. Amazingly grateful. I almost cried at the closing prayer because it just gave this huge feeling that its true, its all so true. This is why I am here. It felt good. I just hope next week everyone prepares their lessons again.
We have a baptism marked for the 4th of august. We are trying to get a few more marked this week too.
Sadly everyone here, all of the irmãs of the branch, are trying to call dibs on my clothing. It is actually really really annoying. I don't like to eat with some of them because I know it's just going to be asking for my clothes. Which I dont even understand because some of them are really used. But I want to leave the clothes for the mission for the other sisters that will come and don't have warm clothes. Frustrating. I just need to tell them no.
I am becoming very excited to see you all. I know 2 weeks will go fast! I love you all! I am praying for all of you! Please keep praying for me.
Good luck in harvest!
Love,
Kat
July 16, 2012
Hello everyone! I was so excited to get to come to the internet today!!!! I am praying for everyone in harvest! Kert and Corissa with the race!! And our family as a whole! I love you all so much!!!
This week was ok ish. My companion has this cronic back problem and so we have to walk really really slow. We have had to return to the house a few times so she can put a heating pad on her back. Sometimes I have the feeling it really isn't hurting but that she wants to waste time but I am thinking the best and trying to help her and stay firm these last 3 weeks. Its just hard when we go back to the house because I either get anxious or my animation leaves. Huh, but lets stick to it!!
I was thinking a lot Saturday and Sunday about love. There are lots of different relationships and forms of love, husband and wife, parents to children, children to parents, co-workers, ect., you get the point. But I was thinking about how in ALL of our relationships in life we need to do our best to make it christ-like. Our efforts of becoming more like him personally and then acting as such in our relationships brings happiness and light and good things into our lives and the lives of other people. This becomes the pure love of Christ in action in our lives. Always starting first with ourselves. We begin to be more humble, more teachable, showing more love. As we naturally show more love people naturally want to be around us more. Think about the people you like to be around. Why? What feelings do you have while you are around them? For me I know its people I feel loved by. I think of how a scripture says ´and light cleaveth unto light´, I know the scripture says more than that but I can't remember any more than that right now, its cold. I was doing a self evaluation the other day and thinking...do people like to be around me? I started to think through situations and thinking about how I could treat people better. Usually it has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with the way I treat them or make them feel. Then its a natural thing for them wanting to be around but when they don't come around I think...what am I doing? What can I do better? What are they feeling? And then I try to be better and change. It's obviously a work in progress :) but I have found myself happier this way. I love you all. These were my thoughts this last weekend. It was enlightening for me, you all have probably caught on to that long ago! :)
This last weekend we had to travel to another city to take the flu shot. Our city here has 40,000 people but they release like 500 shots one day. 100 the next week. So we knew it would be impossible to get it here and its a public health system so people have to wait in line. In Cruz Alta, another city we travel to frequently for meetings, liberated 20,000 so we decided to go there. While we were on the bus our Lida de Zona called and asked what we were doing and who knew we were traveling. Ya, we had only talked with our district leader that we were going to travel so we had to call the Mission Sister and ask/tell her we were on the bus already she said she would talk to President but no one called again so I think it all worked out. Honestly it hadn't even dawned on me to ask for permission to travel...opps. When we got there the next morning was crazy. We wiated in line for 3 hours to get the shot. There were people coming and coming. There were so many people!!!!!! The line went for blocks and blocks!! But it all worked out.
I love you all.
Excited to see you all soon!
Praying for all of you!
Love,
Kat
July 9, 2012
Hello my beautiful family!!! How are you all today? It is now officially cold here!!!!!! Wow is it cold! That nice little warm sun has now gone away! BUT its ok, the work goes on. I just get really cold doing it but it isn't raining so its very nice! I'll try to take a picture of my breath inside of the house for you all to see! Hahahah, kind of funnny.
Our little branch is little still but our mission president challenged our zone to baptize 100 this month. That means 8 for every companionship so that means we need to find them all this week. We are inviting people to be baptized in the contact. Interesting.
The young man named Bruno is really good. He is a cousin of our recent convert named Jonton and he is so quiet but good. He wanted a Book of Mormon and we taught the restoration, he said he will pray. Usually when people say that you don't feel so certain they will but I really think that he will. Pretty cool. Our efforts are coming along.
A contact that me and Sister Dias did a few weeks ago, a man said he would go and do a visit at the church. He didn't know what day so we explained where it was and didn't think any more of it. Then on Sunday he shows up. That was neat. He stayed the whole time and paid attention in the lessons. It was really good. Nice to see.
I am learning a lot about faith and diligence. Started the Book of Mormon again in Portuguese and I am loving it!
I love you all!!! Praying for you all daily and for harvest to go well. Everyone take care. Until 1 month. Weird.
Love you all.
Love, Kat!
July 2, 2012
Hello family! Everything is going well here, I am with another companion. I was with her in Sao Borja. Its hard sometiems. She is more trunky than me, but its good for me to focus and help her. I don't have lots of time to think about the future so I think its a blessing but its hard when she doesnt want to work, and I am tired. But until the end! Its brining a whole new meaning to enduring to the end! I wonder if this is what its like in a much larger scale when people are in their 80s or 90s? Don't know, just a thought.
Our little branch is interesting. Its tough. There were 12 people at church on Sunday and everyone wants us to visit them during the week, but also baptize...its a funny balance. Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching don't function here, its amazing what a huge difference it makes. Everyone wants us to stop by on other days than when we eat with them. Its interesting but I love them. I think I love them more because I have to sacrifice more.
The people we were teaching aren't showing progress. Just the other young man that wants to be baptized but his parents aren't so sure yet. This week will be a lot of finding new people but that is good.
I love the gospel. I finished reading the Book of Mormon for the first time in Portuguese and started again. When I kneeled to ask if it was true I thought about all of the things that I had learned and I just felt like ´how could it not be?´ it was really really good. Almost more weird to read it in english now. Funny huh.
Time is flying, at least sometimes...hahahha but I am very excited to see you all again. 5 weeks goes quickly. Please pray for me to stay strong until the end. I am so very grateful for this time to serve and learn. I love you all and pray individually for you all daily!!
All my love.
Love, Kathryn
June 25, 2012
Good morning to you all today!!! How is everyone? I am a mixture today. Today is transfers so we are waiting for the call to say what will happen. Presidente Ribeiro called me the other day and asked if I could manage to work here with a Sister I already worked with who is a little complicated. I said yes. We will see what happens. I get a little nervous but it will all work out. Also its not as cold as it should be which is a blessing. Last year in May I was freezing. Now I am cold but we have a few warm days and then it gets a little colder. So weird...in the afternoon it gets hot so we take off our jackets. On sunday the sun was strong so it felt nice. That feeling of warmth with a little breeze, very Fall feeling.
We are teaching a few families. A young man named Marcelo that wants to be baptized. He is good, so we are teaching his parents and his mom said she prayed to get an answer about Joseph Smith but she knows it lacked faith. She said she really wants to know and she is reading the Book of Mormon. His dad Cezar is good, he seems to pay a lot of atention to judgement and repentance. Which I find interesting but they are good. Mari, the mom, laughs a lot,she is really neat.
Another family is Jessi and Regina and their 2 daughters Andreza and Angelica. Their daughters dance in the CTG which is culture and traditions gauchos. So they dance gaucho. Its really cool. We were knocking doors last Sunday morning and they let us in. Our return visit was really good! They were super happy. Yesterday we visited them again, they had read 2 nephi 31 and understood it. They hadn't prayed so we invited them again to pray and see God's response if this is what they need for their family. They were very serious and so we will see. I really like them.
I want to teach the family of our recent convert, Jonton. Yhey are becoming more comfortable with us. At least his stepdad is. They are a good family.
My companion had a break down the other day about our Branch President. He is the type that gets lots being so busy but doesn't really get anything done. She thinks he doesn't like her, she cried all night but refused my efforts to help, then said I should talk more. It was a mess. Later we found out his wife said he is unbearably annoying right now and he likes us and doesn't hate us and ya! :) Its all a work in progress. Life is exciting here:)
I am trying to send a photo but its having problems. We are going to eat some where tasty today. I dont know where. I am copying a bunch of recipes from the Irmas here to make for you all when I get back. I am learning I really don't need to eat a lot for my body, the problem is that I like to eat. I am trying to control it. :)
In the Book of Mormon I am in Ether in Porguteuse. Its so good. I am learning so much. I have noticed a lot about the conditions of our hearts. There are so many times that talk about our hearts and Heavenly Father. Depending on our humility and obedience, works with our hearts to make our weaknesses become strong to us. Its so amazing how God works. I am excited to finish in Portuguese. I read slowly and think about it all so I am going to be finishing the Book of Mormon in Portugese for the first time! I am excited about that. Almost at the end of my mission but its good.
I love you all. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is here for us to live each day. I know the church was organized in the time of Christ and restored today to help us live the gospel. I am so grateful I am here on a mission. It has made all the difference for me. I will be seeing all of you in 6 weeks! I have lots to do in this short time! :) Pray for me please, that I will have the spirit and know how to help the people, that I can keep my faith firm. I love you all and I am excited to see you all soon!
Love,
Kathryn Adalee Taylor
Sister Taylor
Auntie Kat
p.s. These pics are a little old but it is me and my companion one sunny day and then another day we were making pastels. Its realy good, I'll make them for you when I get home. Its kind of like a taco shell but you fry it with meat inside. Yum Yum
Love, Kat
June 18, 2012
Hello wonderful family!!
Lots happened this week. Lots of tough stufff. But I learned a lot more about the atonement and faith. I am very grateful for that. In the April Liahona there is a talk by Elder Bednar that talks about the enabeling power of the atonement. So good. It realy helped me and makes sense with how GOD works with us as we work ourselves. When I was with Sister Dunford we learned about this in our time together but I never knew how to doctrinaly explain it. I am very grateful for that.
In my study on faith this week I think it was a very internal lesson. I was thinking
bout serveral times on my mission that were just hard. I thought about how faith without works is dead. But also I thought about how work without faith is also dead. NOTHING happens without our faith. When we don't have faith as well it seems the spirit isn't there. When we believe, God works with us and things move forward and get better. It was a very internal lesson. I don't know how its possible to live without the spirit. Everything is a lot harder, but it happens.
We are teaching a few families. This week was hard in terms of people progressing. It seems like a lot gets canceled on us but its a blessing, that is passing very quickly. 7 weeks................. scares me a little bit.
I love you all. Pray daily for all of you.
Love,
Kat
a
Conference of the zone, the Sisters with Presidente Ribeiro.
The yuoung man that was baptized, Jonton. He is a good kid.
Us cleaning the baptismal font at the church for his baptism.
Conference of the zone, the Sisters with Presidente Ribeiro.
The yuoung man that was baptized, Jonton. He is a good kid.
Us cleaning the baptismal font at the church for his baptism.
June 11, 2012
Hello everyone! I am so excited to talk to you all today! I can't believe how time passes. A lot is happening here. Its COLD COLD COLD but they said maybe its going to heat up this week! That will be a blessing.
The biggest sacrifices are for me to get out of bed and get into the shower. :) Ya its cold. I am a lot less willing to suffer this winter, hah its kind of funny. But its all good. Time passes. I think its the same amount of cold we have at home but you never get warm here, inside or outside, even next to the fires its just not the same. Then I think about the pioneers and the handcart companies and I remember I really have nothing to complain about.
I have been thinking a lot about faith this week. As we are a family and we all help each other I would like to invite everyone to study faith in the scriptures with me this week and then we can share our thoughts next week and see what insights we have. Miracles are real but they only happen through our faith. As we have a collective faith lets look and see the miracles happen.
I know that Christ is our Savior. I know that because he lived and died and was ressurected for each of us we can become as he is one day. This is the great process of our lives. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love the chance I have to talk to people about the love that God and Christ have for us. I know its real and I know its accessible. I love each of you and I am praying daily for each of you.
Love always,
Kathryn
Auntie kat
p.s. Is everyone showing the kids my pictures so they remember me?
June 4, 2012
Hello, I love you all so much! I tried to send pictures but it doesn't work on this computer!
The young man that was baptized the other day was confirmed yesterday and we are teaching another one of their friends and his family. That is pretty cool. Its neat to see the difference one person makes. These young men are really good. We taught Jonton and Marcelo (the 2 young men) yesterday about the priesthood and Jonton (who was baptised) asked if Marcello could say the prayer then he taught Marcelo how to pray. So cool these young men are 13 and 14 years old but they are so good! In Marcelo's prayer he prayed they could be missionaries one day. It was cool. I think he will be the difference in helping his parents really take seriously our message. Its good.
I love the gospel. These last few days were rough. A few families we are teaching aren't progressing and we have to go find a ton of new ones this week. We got really down and out yesterday and trying to figure each other out so its just a fun process! :)
Is everyone doing well?
Its starting to get cold now. It was suprisingly warm for a few weeks. I am trying to get used to the cold again. Everyone says this winter will be tough. But you all are enjoying the warm weather. That will be a shock to my system going home!!
I love you all. I pray for you all daily. I am here if anyone needs anything.
I miss you all and I will see you all soon!
Love,
Kat
May 28, 2012
May 21, 2012
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How is everyone doing?
New news, we are having a baptism this weekend of a young man who is so cool. His name is JONTON and he is funny. We have received a few more references through family nights that are amazing and a relative of an Elder who is willing to learn about the church. So its really going well here.
I am learning a lot about me, trying to be humble and be better. I know there are people in my life right now to help me with that :) but it really is a good thing, I am learning. I am diligently studying the 6th chapter of Preach My Gospel which helps me remember to apply the christ like attributes! :) Yeah for progression in life . Its amazing how its not easy! Its actually really hard......... :)
Here are some pictures. Me and Sister dias. The dirt here is RED RED RED. With out branch president and his family. Hannah she reminds me a lot of you!
Sorry not lots of new news and excitement today but I am so grateful for each one of you and I am excited to see you all again. Don't forget me in these last 2 1/2 months!! Emails are still good to recieve.
Love you all.
Love,
Kat
May 14, 2012
It was so nice to talk to those of you who were at the partents yesterday!! About half were there! The rest, I am SO excited to see you all soon. I can't believe how time passes so quickly but mentally I am focusing here. Everything else the Lord takes care of.
I want to let you all know how much I love and admire each one of you. So many times I'll be studying or teaching and an example from the lives of each one of you seems to confirm the principle I learn. Its so good. I know families can be eternal. I know this life is such a precious time that we have to become more like Christ. The things of the world really don't have value compared to the things of God and Eternal Life. I know Heavenly Father loves us and hears our prayers. He guides us. I know those who follow him are purified through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I worry that I am not changing enough, but I appreciate what Russ said yesterday on the phone `just forget what you used to be´ and its true. I can't change with the Lord if I try to hold on to old things. I love the gospel, I LOVE MY SCIPTURES. I know they are the word of God to us and the prophet and apostles are guided by Christ to help us reach our exaltation. I love you all.
Our area here is good. We are going to baptize a young man named Jonathan. He is so refreshing because he has desire!!! I love when people pay attention when you are teaching. That is a hard thing in this area but I know there are people ready here. I love my area.
I love you all!!!!!!
You are always in my prayers!
Love,
Kat
May 7, 2012
Wow, so much happened this week but mainly yesterday. A member of the
branch died and we happened to be walking in front of his house when
they descovered him. He was old and his heart gave out. Lots of
details but I'll share them later. Later my companion's body freaked out
and we had to go to the hospital, she thought she was dying so she got
nervous and lots of stuff. I just want all of you to know how
thankful I am for the plan of salvation and our family. I know
families can be eternal and this is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is a way prepared for us but trials happen. I love you all and
please know ho much I pray and love each and every one of you.
Love Always,
Kathryn
April 30, 2012
Hello family!!!!!!
We had an amazing weekend here in the mission. Elder and Sister Holland visited and we had a conference with them. Also Elder
Massagarti of the 70 and his wife. So good, the mission had been fasting to recieve an apostolic blessing and we got one. It was really special. I am so grateful for the spiritual moments I have had here on the mission and all of the other things the Lord has waiting for me to learn still.
When Elder Holland began to explain he would leave a blessing he said that he does it with the love of the prophet and first presidency and of our families and our neices and nephews. Those that think we are perfect and that they should be our greatest motivation in doing our best. That was sweet because the way that he said it was focused on our neices and nephews. I already started crying when he said that. iIt was so good.
We have goals and plans of how to work with the branch here. Every organization. The branch president likes to designate everything to us so it will be with time that we are helping them become independent and functioning. We are helping everyone become more animated and we have a few people ready to be baptized. It will be a good month with lots of work. I am actually really grateful for that, these last 3 months I have to give it my all. Its amazing to see how the Lord helps us as we work. Ideas come quickly while we are planning that help us do all we can and use our time effectively.
I love my mission president and his wife. They are truly amazing and have a special place in my heart.
I am praying for all of you. If any one has anything specific I can pray for let me know.
I love you all so very much. My testimony of family is becoming stronger everyday.
Love,
Kat
April 23, 2012
We have officially decided that nothing really functions here, but the relief society. BUT we are helping the Young Womens and on Sunday we had 7 young women!!!! We are going to slowly help every organization. I love my area!!! I think I was made to serve here, I love everything here. We get frustrated at times but then we forget about it, find whats good and go to work.
My companion and I are super similar!! Really. Its good for me to learn sometimes about what I need to change! :) We started to get frustrated with each other this weekend but its good because we know how to change :) I can just imagine marriage! ;) We are getting a few people ready for baptism and this sweet lady wants to be baptized but she has cancer so its hard for her to get around. I love the Gospel. I love reading the Book of Mormon in Portuguese. I learn so much. I know this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Nephi 31.
I love you all.
Love,
Kat
April 16, 2012
Hey my computer here is a little ghetto!
How is everyone! We are opening an area in Palmeiras das Missoes and its great. I love my companion!! Sister Dias, she is so funny, I am more myself with her than with any other companion. She literally laughs all the time.
The branch almost doesn't function. 20 people were in church. We have a rented house. Everyone keeps saying and now that the sisters are
here, the area had been closed for 3 months so everyone is super excited. Its been more than 10 years since they have had sisters so we are that much cooler. The old branch president said we are going to be their princesses, hhahahahah. It was super funny. The city is all hills, has 40,000 people and we are learning the area.
We found a family, invited them to be baptised and they all said yes. We went to go get them Sunday morning to go to church and they didn't want to wake up...so ya. But I really think that the work here will be good. There are few men so we will need to find and teach more men and families. There are people who live farther away that travel more than an hour to come to church so they come every other week. we had 2 hours of church on Sunday. We had Relief Society then there wasn't a teacher for the second hour and the branch president needed to leave and he was the only one there that could conduct so we went straight to sacrament meeting, hahhahaha. Our branch is awesome! We are actually really excited! Its pretty fun. Time passes quickly. Its already getting cooler and its going to be a very very cold winter. We are excited about the possibilities here. My companion is new, she has 4 months. Her other area was tiny and flat so she is strugglying physically and I almost always sleep during the lesson. My body isn't staying awake but I try.
We will have more new next week and I'll try to send pictues! I love you all. Keep trusting in the Lord and he can work miracles in our lives.
Love you all.
Love,
Kat
How is everyone! We are opening an area in Palmeiras das Missoes and its great. I love my companion!! Sister Dias, she is so funny, I am more myself with her than with any other companion. She literally laughs all the time.
The branch almost doesn't function. 20 people were in church. We have a rented house. Everyone keeps saying and now that the sisters are
here, the area had been closed for 3 months so everyone is super excited. Its been more than 10 years since they have had sisters so we are that much cooler. The old branch president said we are going to be their princesses, hhahahahah. It was super funny. The city is all hills, has 40,000 people and we are learning the area.
We found a family, invited them to be baptised and they all said yes. We went to go get them Sunday morning to go to church and they didn't want to wake up...so ya. But I really think that the work here will be good. There are few men so we will need to find and teach more men and families. There are people who live farther away that travel more than an hour to come to church so they come every other week. we had 2 hours of church on Sunday. We had Relief Society then there wasn't a teacher for the second hour and the branch president needed to leave and he was the only one there that could conduct so we went straight to sacrament meeting, hahhahaha. Our branch is awesome! We are actually really excited! Its pretty fun. Time passes quickly. Its already getting cooler and its going to be a very very cold winter. We are excited about the possibilities here. My companion is new, she has 4 months. Her other area was tiny and flat so she is strugglying physically and I almost always sleep during the lesson. My body isn't staying awake but I try.
We will have more new next week and I'll try to send pictues! I love you all. Keep trusting in the Lord and he can work miracles in our lives.
Love you all.
Love,
Kat
April 9, 2012
A little about what is going on here...I am being transfered and I am going to Palmeiras Das Missoes. I'll be opening an area with a Sister that just finished her training. I am super excited. Its going to be a ton of work. I think about 40,000 people but a branch of 20-25. I am a little nervous but its going to be good and it will be the winter, I am thankful for that. :) Because winter is cold, I am trying to find the little hand clappers that people use in sports. Ya know, the ones that have a handle and the little hand in the middle doesnt move but the ones on the outside hit back and forth. So ya!! We will see if I find them and if it actually works. :) I really want them. I think it will save my hands. So lots going on.
My super good friend Sister Julie Dunford is going home tomorrow. She finished her mission and its time to go. That is weird. Its all becoming very real for me and its kind of hard to think about.
This last week I got the flu which was a bummer. I slept a lot and have that hacking cough but its getting better. I only get sick with Sister Pinheiro but she always takes such good care of me. She is sweet.
I loved studying about the Savior last week. Truly I am grateful for the atonement because we all need it. One of the returned missionaries in the branch gave a talk that put into words perfectly the feelings I had been having about the Savior and our need to become like he is. In Mormoni 7:48, and a few others, talks a little about this. The process is described in Moroni 8:25-26.
I love the scrptures! I love you all and wish you all the best!! I am praying for each of you!
Love,
Kat
My super good friend Sister Julie Dunford is going home tomorrow. She finished her mission and its time to go. That is weird. Its all becoming very real for me and its kind of hard to think about.
This last week I got the flu which was a bummer. I slept a lot and have that hacking cough but its getting better. I only get sick with Sister Pinheiro but she always takes such good care of me. She is sweet.
I loved studying about the Savior last week. Truly I am grateful for the atonement because we all need it. One of the returned missionaries in the branch gave a talk that put into words perfectly the feelings I had been having about the Savior and our need to become like he is. In Mormoni 7:48, and a few others, talks a little about this. The process is described in Moroni 8:25-26.
I love the scrptures! I love you all and wish you all the best!! I am praying for each of you!
Love,
Kat
April 2, 2012
This week from Brasil!!! (Everytime I write that I imagine it being in one of those voices that announce tv shows, like the ones that play every week. I think its funny.) Wow family!!! How are you all? Wasn't conference just amazing? I loved it!!! All 4 sessions had things I needed to hear and apply in my life. I thought it was so inspiring!!!! I'll share some more thoughts later!
But Gladys, our most progressing investigator was there! The first time she went to church. It was so good. She wants to be baptized. When we first met her we were knocking doors and we shared our message and taught about prayer. She had a lot of doubts about prayer and wanted to learn the correct way to pray. One month before she had thrown out all of her saints and written prayers because she felt like they weren't helping (she said her family always gives saints to each other as gifts) so she threw them out. Right at the begining prayer was really important for her. I have never seen anyone so eager to be taught and so open to it. She has two kids. one is 18 and studying in another city and then a 4 year old that is a copy of his father. The face is equal, and the kid is so funny, not on purpose funny but I find him so funny. Very serious. During the first session of conference he told his mom several times he was feeling happy. Gladys loved it. she said after the first time we visited she was calm inside. She said she is a very nervous person but now she feels peace. Her husband is constantly working and at night he studies. We tried talking to him once and he was a little resistant. She has been talking to him about her feelings and she said the change is hard for him but she still wants it. I love her. It has been so neat to see the spirit working with her and seeing her grow. Its amazing how conversion is a personal process, it happens inside of us. I am grateful for the chance to teach her and the Lord always teaches me as I teach her.
EASTER WEEK!!! Is everyone excited? I have been impressed lately with the need for a Savior (as general confernece talked about) but also the need of the ressurection. I will be studying this week the last week of the Savior's mortal ministry, the atonement and ressurection. It will be very good. I am so grateful for the spirit that teaches our souls. It will be a good week.
General Conference was amazing. all four sessions. So much was spoken of about families, forgiveness, sacrifice, repentance, love, giving the benfit of the doubt, not speaking of others, so many great and wonderful things. All week we have been inviting people to Conference and one person came. That made me happy because it has made a difference in her life and will continue to do so as she applies what she learns. During this week I learned so much about D&C 1:38 that says "whether it is by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same". We taught how we have a living prophet today and how we are literally hearing the desires of Christ for us as we listen to and apply what the Prophet and Apostles speak about. (I think I will be returning home about the same time I get the conference Liahona.) As I was listening to the speakers I was impressed again that this is what the Lord has been revealing to his choosen servents here on the earth right now. This is what he wants us to learn and do. I know Thomas S Monson is our Prophet today. He is equal to Moses, Adam, Noah and Isaiah. He is the chosen servent of the Lord to guide us and direct us. He taught the plan of salvation, we all know about the plan of salvation, but if the prophet of God is teaching it again, it must be something we need to learn more about. I know that the Gospel of Christ, in its fullness has been restored here on the earth, the organization of the church is to facilitate the Gospel of Christ which includes our ordinances and Covenants with God. Who we become through our service to God is what will matter one day. I am eternally grateful for the Gospel, for the chance I have to serve a mission at this time in my life. I am grateful for the plan of salvation. I KNOW this is God's plan for us here on the earth. I do not doubt it. I cannot. I Know God Lives and loves us. He sent Christ to save us physically from death and spiritually from our own sins. The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect, in the organization of HIS church. I love you all and pray daily for each of you. Let's press onward together. I love you all.
Love always.
Sister Taylor, Auntie Kat
Some pictures of a black sheep we found. I liked it, had some signifigance for me.
Then me and Sister Pinheiro (which means pine tree, hahhaa) while in the street one day. Then i was feeling pretty so I had her take the other one before we left the house in the morning!!! :) It was kind of cold that day. It was like october weather.
March 26, 2012
My wonderful family!! How is everyone? I hope happy.
We have found a few wonderful families and people!!! They just haven't gone to church yet!!!! Its killing me!!!! I think I am going to get transfered in 2 weeks, so I won't be here for their baptisms! But I have faith EVERYONE will want to come listen to general conference to hear a prophet speak!!!!! I am so excited for this weekend!!! It will be so good. I am with Sister Pinheiro again. I really do love her, we joke a lot. Its good.
I am a little worried I am not changing all I should or need to on my mission. President Ribeiro keeps telling us how we have this time to change and be molded by the Lord. I feel different. I am learning a lot about myself, about the Gospel, my responsibilities, what I want, ect.. But most of all I hope I am changing and becoming more of what the Lord wants me to be. I am so grateful for this time I have to serve others and be taught. Wven with all of my mistakes I want to be a better person. I know the priesthood authority is here on the earth again. I know our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live, they love us, they want us to return to them, by living obediently to the commandments they have given. I love the Gospel. I love how simply it teaches what we need to learn in this life. We can always learn more personally and more in depth about the basic principles of the gospel, and that changes our lives. I love you all and I am so grateful for each one of you. I KNOW that families can be together forever. I do not doubt it. I have been impressed lately with Christ like attributes (Preach My Gospel chapter 6). Multiple times in the scriptures we are asked to become like Christ, this has a very specific purpose. It will change us through time and experience, but it will also be necessary for us one to day to be like the Savior in order to recognize him. I find that interseting. I love you all. I hope everyone can get ready for the spiritual feast this Saturday and Sunday to watch all the sessions possible of general conference. Think about our lives, our family, and how we can grow together. I love each of you, very much.
Here are a few pictures as of late. spider. He was living out side of our house, That is a 3/4 inch pvc pipe next to him. Ya, he is a biggy! Someone here said its the type that eats cockroaches and we had a ton!!! We killed a bunch but the next day the people came to cut our grass and we haven't seen the spider again. So I don't know. I just hope it isn't in our house. And I didn't have the courage to kill it that day. Also my companion is a biology major and loves animals, I don't think she would have let me kill it.
The other is during our excersize (I don't remember how to spell that) I was really groggy so I took advantage of the time and took a few pictures. Tan lines. These are my little feet, my tan lines. Bummer they aren't stronger because I put on sunscreen everyday. But its aleady getting chilly and I have more energy so that is a blessing.
I love you all! Have a great week!!!!!!
Sister Taylor
March 19, 2012
My wonderful family! How is everyone?!! I am doing so well! The weather is getting a little better, for which I am grateful! I can't believe how time flies. President was talking to me that maybe he would have me open an area that has been closed for a few months. Its a branch that has 25 people attending. I want to do it! But I want to do it with a specific Sister, he said it's impossible so I guess we will see. Obviously I haven't given up entirely. ;)
We have 3 couples right now!!! They are amazing! All threee are really trying to recieve an answer! One thinks she already has but we want her to receieve it more specifically. I love them, I hope they get baptized before the transfer.
I have been noticing in the Book of Mormon how they talk about peace. I am in Mosiah 21 and the Nephites have gone through a few wars but then they said `and he established peace again in the land`. I think that has been interesting. How each of us seek peace. Which comes from Christ! Thus living the commandments more fully brings us to Christ which helps us understand more about God and the love he has for us. I love a verse in Moroni 7: 25-26 that talks about the process of change. President Ribeiro has talked a lot about our need to develope Christ like attributes on the mission. So I am trying, but it has to start with love. Nothing happens with out love. How to develop more love I think so far is through service! We learn to love as we think more about others them our selves. I am trying, I am not so good at it sometiimes. I think so far on my mission I have seen my best and weakest sides. So at least I know where to change. I love the chance I have to be here. Thank you all for your loving and inspiring emails! It's so good to hear from you all and see pictures! Makes me happy!
Love Kat!
Sister Taylor
March 12, 2012
BOM DIA!!!!
I am doing really well. I am super tired. We live tired for right now. The sun is super hot and we are just constantly tired, but we keep going and going and going!! :) We try singing songs in the street to not let a lot of time pass being quiet.
I am learning a lot about myself. For example, I don't function in loud situations. I get stressed and try to make it better then I just get more stressed. I also am learning how much can be avoided by just talking through out the quiet moments. Communication. Also learning to stick up for my self better. I have this mentality that I can just keep being sweet and loving and it will all be better, but no,
sometimes it just doesn't work. So in the small things, sharing my opinion what I think is better, it works. Also the importance of working with someone who has the same goal. Anything is possible with that.
I am making it a point to enjoy the time I have with Sister Pinheiro more than I did the last time around. It takes lots of effort but its fun.
We have met a lot of people that have spiritualistic views. For example, they don't believe in resurrection just reincarnation. Which for many reasons diminishes the need for Christ...which also irritates me. We have been reading and studying about this. I love Alma 41 and 42. If anyone wants a suggestioon of what to read, these
are great chapters! I am learning so much.
Portuguese is also coming along. I am grateful for that. I love Brasil. Even though it is hot. I am grateful I will end while it is winter here. I think I am cured of my sun worshippping phase in life.... :)
I love you all. I know the things I have the privilage to teach here are all true. The Lord teaches us individually. He prepares each person. Everyone has weaknesses and they are all different, but the Lord can work with those that want to change. If we don't want to change, nothing can happen. I am very grateful for my experiences
here and I am excited to share them all with you some day!
Love always.
Kat
March 5, 2012
I am so grateful to be a missionary. We are working a ton! We walk fast so I am tired but it really is a great feeling. I had forgotten how to be a missionary and I was miserable. You could probably all tell. Sorry about that, I am not very good at acting happy when I am not. It is so good to work with someone who has the same vision.
I have learned a lot about my self in these last 3 months and now I am just happpy to work. I am so grateful for the gospel and seeing people who are willing to hear the Lord's voice and respond. We found a lady named Mayara. We taught the restoration. Asked her to pray. We came back and her husband was there. She was a little shy to respond but she said when she prayed she felt the same thing she had felt when we were there. She felt good. We taught them together about the Book
of Mormon and we are going back with our Branch Presidente tomorrow to
visit them. Such a good feeling. We are finding good people.
These pictures are of us the first night Sister Pinheiro got here and the other is the sky that night. It was before it rained for 2 days. Which considerably helped the heat because before it was 47 degrees. That translates to 116 f. Good thing I didn't know that before hand because I probably would have died. Ignorance is bliss at times. :)
I think Sao Borja has the most beautiful skies!!!! I love that here. Those palm trees are the same that I have sent pictures of before.
It is good to hear everything is moving forward with mom. I want you all to know how much I love you. I know I am not always the best at showing it, but I am truly grateful for each one of you that have shown me and taught me much in my life. I am grateful for our family even with all of our faults and pride at times. I know that really families can be eternal. Families can live together, progressing eternally together. The first step is a family going to the temple. I am grateful that God loves us enough to let us learn through hard times. It would be interesting to see inside a child's head that is trying to learn how to walk. Sometimes they have to fall to learn how to be balanced. But funny, kid's don't complain. (usually ;)) Probably why the scriptures say we need to become as little children. I am
so gratful for the scriptures and for portuguese that has given me a new perspective and I am learning so much.
I love you all and hope everyone is happy and doing well. Let me know if there is anything I can do for anyone.
Love for always.
Kat
February 27, 2012
I love you all. Transfers are tomorrow. My trainee is going to be with Sister Wells!!! Love Sister Wells, it will be good for Sister Nascimento and I get to work again with Sister Pinehiro!!! She was the first one I trained!! I am actually really really really excited! It will be good for me and exactly what I need. I love her.
I am so grateful for the gospel, forgiveness, healing and love. I don't function well without communication and I am learning so much about myself right now. It's crazy!!
I am reading Mosiah 2 right now. What an amazing chapel. All about service and work. I am so grateful for the chance to work. It is an inherit desire that as humans we need. We need to really feel that in our lives. The satisfaction that comes from working. It grows in us. We are built on the law and principle of work. How cool is that. Everyone should read it. So good.
I am just grateful for the gospel in my life. I am grateful that Heavenly Father lives and loves me and that things can always be better. I am grateful for the priesthood.
I love you all and wish you all an amazing week! I am praying for each of you always!!
With all my love.
Sister Taylor
February 20, 2012
Hello family!! How is everyone!
This week has been good. We found a family who lived in a German community so they speak German and Portuguese. They have a little boy 3 years old who speaks a mixture so its hard to understand, and the fact he is only 3. I think they will progress so that is exciting. The husband speaks better German then Portuguese but his Portuguese is really good. He is embarrassed to read out loud in Portuguese. I'll keep you all updated. I still don't understand his name so that is kind of hard.
Things are better in our house. Just that I am learning how important it is to be teachable and be willing to change things to help others. I hope I am learning all the Lord has for me to learn, I would be ok for a different lesson now.... :) Maybe that is cheating but we will see what happens. Next week is the transfer so we will see.
It's hot!!!! So stinking hot. Anywhere metal touches my skins it starts breaking out in a heat rash and I want to scratch it. Summer is only 2 more months then it will be COLD!!!!!!! So its all good. I am trying to send a picture of the hall in our house/old chapel. Sorry, I know how great it is to see pictures!! But these computers are pretty messed up where we use the internet.
I have been waking up at 5:30 to help my companion study English. I'll admit, its not everyday. Sometimes the alarm goes off and we both groan and keep sleeping. But I have noticed when I read in Portuguese it seems to enter into the heart more like it does in English. I am really grateful for that. Amazing how when we serve the Lord blesses us in ways we need. The more we give the more we recieve but we have to serve with the true intent to give. I love how Heavenly Father works. Truly is great.
I have been reading in Enos. There is so much to learn in this chaper! So so so much. I love after studying it for 2 hours the last verse he says ´and then shall I see his face with pleasure´ talking about judgement and seeing Christ. For so many reasons I love this verse. Go and read it. Enos 1:27
Love you all.
Have another great week doing good things. I am eternally grateful to be here serving a mission and seeing the Lord teach me. Line upon line!!
Love you all each and every one.
Love,
Kat
February 13, 2012
hello my family! !
How is everyone? Doing well? I started early with the photos hoping that they will send today and so you all don't have to wait for another week to see a photo. There is a picture of me from a few weeks ago, a picture of a beautiful sun set view from the front of our house, a picture of our house?( which was a chapel a long time ago) that now sits on the side of the other chapel that we use now, and a few others!! I made tacos with the package I got!! Thank you so much, they were so good and my companions like them too! A picture of me and my companion. She doesn't like to take pictures of the day to day only when she is all done up so we took a picture at the conference with Elder Claudio R.M. Costa, which was SOOO good. He talked a lot about the spirit. I really enjoyed it. I got to see lots of the other Sisters which was neat, I'll forward that picture too.
The other day we had an awesome experience teaching a woman about the restoration. It should probably be more like this everytime so we are trying. We knocked on the door, her name is Simone, we talked a little and started teaching the restoration, then when we were explaining prophets I had ideas and ways to explain it that I never had before while teaching. It wasn't anything crazy different but I knew it was what she needed but I didn't konw why. I really really enjoyed that lesson. We are finding a few good people so I hope that someone progresses!
In my personal study I am in Jacob 5"!!!! YEAH!! Alegory! It's going to be tough in Portuguese but I'll read along in english. I am mainly excited because it is about gathering scattered israel! I am hoping it will make more sense to me now that I have studied more about it. I am loving studying more about gathering of Israel.
Transfers are in 2 weeks. I don't know what is going to happen. I know that something will change but who and where I don't know. Some of the members don't like the other companionship that is here with us and I am getting sick of everyone talking about everyone else behind their backs. I feel like everyone does that and it gets old fast. We will see what happens. I am tired. Every day I get up and it takes a while to wake up. wWe are getting up at 5:30 because my companion wants to study english, so we study for an hour then do the normal routine. I don't know how Elders do this for 2 years!!!!!!! They are tough.
I love you all so much, I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I know the fullness and authority was restored on the earth through the prophet Joseph. I am grateful for the blessing I have to teach about it. I love you all.
Love,
Sister Taylor
February 6, 2012
Some exciting news. We get to have a conference with Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Seventy. We will leave tonight at midnight on the bus to get to Santa Maria at about 7 in the morning and I think the conference will start at 8. That will be pretty exciting. I am excited. I think we all are. :) It is always nice to get together with the other missionaries and see how everyone is. (Rachel, I hear one of the Esckelson boys is serving here. I don't know if I will get to see him but that would be cool. I don't remember really well what he looks like...but luckily people have name tags here :) ).
As far as teaching goes, everyone we were teaching has cut us, or moved. oOur efforts with less actives has stoppped producing results. So we are just going to start over again. :) Maybe the Lord is being merciful and letting us use our time to find other people who will make the changes they need. :) I am thoroughly enjoying the general conference Ensign. There is a talk in the priesthood session that talks about missions. I think it's the third talk that was given. It was really really good. It has helped me this week. It talks about how every mission is different but how the Lord knows the missionary, the mission, the mission president, the members, and the investigators that the missionary needs to grow with their personality. I was grateful again for that guidance. I am trying to send a picture but again these computers aren't the best here.
I am loving learning more daily. I have to be careful to not feel sometimes that I am doing the same thing over and over, so I have to switch up sometimes. I am still studying ´The Gathering of Scattered Israel´ and I am loving it.
I love you all. I hope each of you are finding ways to apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in your daily lives. I am eternally grateful for each one of you. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for yours prayers. I pray for you all daily. As specifically as I can. Thank you for your love.
Love always,
Sister Taylor
As far as teaching goes, everyone we were teaching has cut us, or moved. oOur efforts with less actives has stoppped producing results. So we are just going to start over again. :) Maybe the Lord is being merciful and letting us use our time to find other people who will make the changes they need. :) I am thoroughly enjoying the general conference Ensign. There is a talk in the priesthood session that talks about missions. I think it's the third talk that was given. It was really really good. It has helped me this week. It talks about how every mission is different but how the Lord knows the missionary, the mission, the mission president, the members, and the investigators that the missionary needs to grow with their personality. I was grateful again for that guidance. I am trying to send a picture but again these computers aren't the best here.
I am loving learning more daily. I have to be careful to not feel sometimes that I am doing the same thing over and over, so I have to switch up sometimes. I am still studying ´The Gathering of Scattered Israel´ and I am loving it.
I love you all. I hope each of you are finding ways to apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in your daily lives. I am eternally grateful for each one of you. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for yours prayers. I pray for you all daily. As specifically as I can. Thank you for your love.
Love always,
Sister Taylor
January 30, 2012
Sorry everyone, my time ran out last week when I was sending this so here it is! First off, can everyone respond for me if they like the model of shoes called Tom´s. You can google it. I am trying to figure out what to buy people and if I can get someone to go to Argentina for me to buy them cheaper. Please let me know!!!
Love, Kat
Hello my wonderful family!!!
How are you all doing? How is the weather? How are all the grandkids? Give them hugs and kisses for me!
This last week I had the chance of studying two talks by Elder Russell M. Nelson. One titled ´The Gathering of Scattered Israel´ general conference 2006 and ´Covenants´ general conference 2011. These talks have changed the way iI am doing missionary work. They are changing the way I want to be. I started the mission knowing it was important and not really understanding why. Then the middle got really hard and my vision weakened. Now after reading these talks, I have more faith and I understand now why it's really important. We read them preparing for a zone conference with our Mission President. It was a wonderful experience and everything that has to do with the covenant that Heavenly Father made with Abraham. Our salvation and our exaltation. Wow, it's good. I would love to share with you all about it when I get back but I had a really neat experience. The day I finished reading these talks, I had the best day of work I have ever had in the mission field. I had a faith that was so strong, I knew in my heart people wanted and were ready for the gospel. It was so great and that day we found a family full of girls (sound familiar) and we taught them the restoration. It was such a good experience. I was so animated and excited to teach them. Now I need to learn how to build that kind of faith to use it everyday. It was really really neat for me to feel.
This week a lot of people have expressed concerns about their lives, which is great. Thank you so much for opening up to me. I started thinking about how each of us have worries and discouragements. I invite each of us to reach out to each other a little more. Find ways to serve each other. Each and every one of us need help and we have the perfect organization of the family to help with that. At the same time, let's try to be open and willing to receive counsel and help from each other. Something that as well each of us need to be more open to and work on. Each of us have worries and difficulties in our lives. Many times we aren't really willing to share openly with people. So if each and everyone of us make a point of reaching out to others more we will feel a difference in our own worries and be able to help each other. I am so grateful for our family. I am grateful for the purposes we have to fulfill and how to help each other. I love what binds us together. Let's work at strengthening it. Let's serve, let's speak well and uplifting about each other, let's seek to find the best in each one. Let's work to be an eternal family. I am grateful for each one, parents, sisters, brothers in law, all the kids and the families of each one. Thank you for your examples and love for me.
I love you all with all my heart. We are far apart, but we can be a family forever. It just depends on us.
I love the story some one told me one time that Grandpa Taylor said we needed to tell each other we love each other more and the older girls started to say it as they would leave the family get togethers. Aunt Rhonda told me about that once. Let's rededicate ourselves.
I love you all.
Love always and forever,
Kathryn
We are a family, forever, for always, no matter what!
Love, Kat
Hello my wonderful family!!!
How are you all doing? How is the weather? How are all the grandkids? Give them hugs and kisses for me!
This last week I had the chance of studying two talks by Elder Russell M. Nelson. One titled ´The Gathering of Scattered Israel´ general conference 2006 and ´Covenants´ general conference 2011. These talks have changed the way iI am doing missionary work. They are changing the way I want to be. I started the mission knowing it was important and not really understanding why. Then the middle got really hard and my vision weakened. Now after reading these talks, I have more faith and I understand now why it's really important. We read them preparing for a zone conference with our Mission President. It was a wonderful experience and everything that has to do with the covenant that Heavenly Father made with Abraham. Our salvation and our exaltation. Wow, it's good. I would love to share with you all about it when I get back but I had a really neat experience. The day I finished reading these talks, I had the best day of work I have ever had in the mission field. I had a faith that was so strong, I knew in my heart people wanted and were ready for the gospel. It was so great and that day we found a family full of girls (sound familiar) and we taught them the restoration. It was such a good experience. I was so animated and excited to teach them. Now I need to learn how to build that kind of faith to use it everyday. It was really really neat for me to feel.
This week a lot of people have expressed concerns about their lives, which is great. Thank you so much for opening up to me. I started thinking about how each of us have worries and discouragements. I invite each of us to reach out to each other a little more. Find ways to serve each other. Each and every one of us need help and we have the perfect organization of the family to help with that. At the same time, let's try to be open and willing to receive counsel and help from each other. Something that as well each of us need to be more open to and work on. Each of us have worries and difficulties in our lives. Many times we aren't really willing to share openly with people. So if each and everyone of us make a point of reaching out to others more we will feel a difference in our own worries and be able to help each other. I am so grateful for our family. I am grateful for the purposes we have to fulfill and how to help each other. I love what binds us together. Let's work at strengthening it. Let's serve, let's speak well and uplifting about each other, let's seek to find the best in each one. Let's work to be an eternal family. I am grateful for each one, parents, sisters, brothers in law, all the kids and the families of each one. Thank you for your examples and love for me.
I love you all with all my heart. We are far apart, but we can be a family forever. It just depends on us.
I love the story some one told me one time that Grandpa Taylor said we needed to tell each other we love each other more and the older girls started to say it as they would leave the family get togethers. Aunt Rhonda told me about that once. Let's rededicate ourselves.
I love you all.
Love always and forever,
Kathryn
We are a family, forever, for always, no matter what!
January 23, 2012
How is everyone today? I hope everyone enjoyed church yesterday and had the chance to renew their covenants. It's a good feeling.
What is new on the home front? Anything exciting happening in people's lives or in the community?
My last week was really hard. We have a another missionary here now so it's us 4. Two sets of missionaries and very very very different personalities. They are cool but I was having a hard time with some of the conversations so I just removed myself which made them feel weird so then it was that silent, grumpy, uncomfortable setting in the house. It was terrible. The week was so slow. At one point I thought ´I can't do this for six more months´ and then I thought ´Wow my life is going to be really long.... what a drag´. Basically I learned that without being happy life is terrible. So we has a good inventory and my companion lovingly told me that I needed to change, so I did. And it's been a lot better. I am learning a lot about myself, a lot about working with new personalities, and a lot about forgiveness. I am so grateful for the principle of forgiveness, which includes forgiving and forgetting. Each of us have our own motives and when you understand everything behind that motive, it makes sense. We just have to spend the time to get to know the motives behind the actions. The whole motives, which is usually more than what people are willing to say and explain. I am learning lots and trying to be more humble. As president Hinckley's father told him ´Forget yourself and go to work´. I am trying that. I am trying to get to know each of the missionaries living with me but I really need to get to know my companion. She is great, I just have to adjust as well to living with three Brazilians. They are amazing it's just a difference in culture and mindset. I had an American explain it to me really well once, she said ´I understand why you do what you do´. It is in the little things. I am grateful for the chance to get to know a different mindset then I can take the best from the two and form who I want to be.
I am so grateful for prayer. This week I have really felt the importance of prayer. It has been a blessing and I have gotten to read the Ensign from general conference in October!!! I finally got it last week!!! It is so good! I love reading it and getting to study how important their messages are! Truly we have a living prophet here on the earth again. I am grateful for that knowledge.
I love you all and I hope you are all doing well!
Love Always,
Sister Kathryn Taylor!!!
What is new on the home front? Anything exciting happening in people's lives or in the community?
My last week was really hard. We have a another missionary here now so it's us 4. Two sets of missionaries and very very very different personalities. They are cool but I was having a hard time with some of the conversations so I just removed myself which made them feel weird so then it was that silent, grumpy, uncomfortable setting in the house. It was terrible. The week was so slow. At one point I thought ´I can't do this for six more months´ and then I thought ´Wow my life is going to be really long.... what a drag´. Basically I learned that without being happy life is terrible. So we has a good inventory and my companion lovingly told me that I needed to change, so I did. And it's been a lot better. I am learning a lot about myself, a lot about working with new personalities, and a lot about forgiveness. I am so grateful for the principle of forgiveness, which includes forgiving and forgetting. Each of us have our own motives and when you understand everything behind that motive, it makes sense. We just have to spend the time to get to know the motives behind the actions. The whole motives, which is usually more than what people are willing to say and explain. I am learning lots and trying to be more humble. As president Hinckley's father told him ´Forget yourself and go to work´. I am trying that. I am trying to get to know each of the missionaries living with me but I really need to get to know my companion. She is great, I just have to adjust as well to living with three Brazilians. They are amazing it's just a difference in culture and mindset. I had an American explain it to me really well once, she said ´I understand why you do what you do´. It is in the little things. I am grateful for the chance to get to know a different mindset then I can take the best from the two and form who I want to be.
I am so grateful for prayer. This week I have really felt the importance of prayer. It has been a blessing and I have gotten to read the Ensign from general conference in October!!! I finally got it last week!!! It is so good! I love reading it and getting to study how important their messages are! Truly we have a living prophet here on the earth again. I am grateful for that knowledge.
I love you all and I hope you are all doing well!
Love Always,
Sister Kathryn Taylor!!!
January 16, 2012
Hello Hello,
This last week has been interesting, and difficult. We did a risoto, which means you cook a ton of food in your house and sell tickets to raise money then they come and pick up lunch. The members donated the food so this couple could raise money to get married. It was a huge hit, but then the couple didn't go to church sunday...that is kind of sad. We are going to visit them tonight to see what's happening.
I am realizing how quickly my time is going, the mission continues, but my chance to do my part is going fast. This last transfer has been the worst of my mission and I am so excited to be able to really work. The good satisfaction at the end of the day of having worked my best and done all I could.
We have been studying the gospel of Jesus Christ lately. It is so perfect. I love it. Talking of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the holy ghost and continuing to the end. I am so grateful for the chances I have had to make convenants. God has always made covenants with his people, from the very begining and its our privilage to make them with him. I am grateful for that. Its so simple but these covenants are necessary for us to progress spiritually. I am grateful again for the priesthood. God's plan is perfect and I feel it. That is the best part, when it makes sense in your head and then your heart feels it. The more I come to know and study the better it is.
Funnyish story this week. There is a hive of some kind of really intense bee that is in the bushes at my the chapel and one stung my head twice the other day. I didn't know it could hurt that bad so I put ice on it. Then I slept with the headband in my hair (as usual because the fan makes my hair go in my face and it's annoying) but I put ice cubes under the head band and it helped. It hurt.
I hope you all are doing WONDERFULLY. I love you all and hope you are all happy. Let me know what I can do to help anyone.
Love Always,
Kat
This last week has been interesting, and difficult. We did a risoto, which means you cook a ton of food in your house and sell tickets to raise money then they come and pick up lunch. The members donated the food so this couple could raise money to get married. It was a huge hit, but then the couple didn't go to church sunday...that is kind of sad. We are going to visit them tonight to see what's happening.
I am realizing how quickly my time is going, the mission continues, but my chance to do my part is going fast. This last transfer has been the worst of my mission and I am so excited to be able to really work. The good satisfaction at the end of the day of having worked my best and done all I could.
We have been studying the gospel of Jesus Christ lately. It is so perfect. I love it. Talking of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the holy ghost and continuing to the end. I am so grateful for the chances I have had to make convenants. God has always made covenants with his people, from the very begining and its our privilage to make them with him. I am grateful for that. Its so simple but these covenants are necessary for us to progress spiritually. I am grateful again for the priesthood. God's plan is perfect and I feel it. That is the best part, when it makes sense in your head and then your heart feels it. The more I come to know and study the better it is.
Funnyish story this week. There is a hive of some kind of really intense bee that is in the bushes at my the chapel and one stung my head twice the other day. I didn't know it could hurt that bad so I put ice on it. Then I slept with the headband in my hair (as usual because the fan makes my hair go in my face and it's annoying) but I put ice cubes under the head band and it helped. It hurt.
I hope you all are doing WONDERFULLY. I love you all and hope you are all happy. Let me know what I can do to help anyone.
Love Always,
Kat
January 9, 2012
First off hello everyone! I hope that everyone is doing great! I hope it's not too cold there, but cold enough to enjoy. It doesn't seem like it's snowing there like it used to be, that is kind of sad but opposite of that it's HOT here!!! Really hot. It was 44 degrees C the other day. I think that comes out to a little above 100. My companions from the north of Brazil were dying!!!! I was dealing with it better than them. I thought that was weird but they live by the beaches there so it's hot but there is always a breeze and its not so humid there. As soon as we walk outside we are sticky and its so great showering 2 times a day!! Really I am learning to love it. Its like how there is always a week or two that is really hot back home. Its like living in that without any air conditioning. So ya, but its good!
I am liking our area. Our teaching group is still really small but we are going to get another Sister next week so we will divide our area and that will be good. I am excited for that. Then we can really work, but wow time is flying. This transfer has gone really really fast. I can't believe how fast it keeps going.
It seems like right now is a time of change in our family. It's always hard to change, and never comfortable, but we don't seem to grow without change. So it really is a blessing.
We were knocking doors the other day and met two sisters and their kids, Michelle and Rosane. We started to teach the restoration but we never got past prophets and we started talking about family. These girls remind me so much of our family. Talking about how everyone is always in each others house and all the kids running around together. (I look forward to that time when I'll be there with you) But I got to talk to them about the importance of eternal families. At the end Rosane said I would like you girls to come to my house. When are you going to come by? Then she talked about how hard it is to catch her at home. But she asked again, So when are you coming by? We said this next week and she said Ok, I'll try not to leave the house so much so that I'll be there to talk to you girls. That was a neat experience that I liked because if there is anything that I know more about because of the mission it's families and the power that families have. I am so grateful for each one of you. I am grateful that we have a chance to learn and grow and help each other. The gospel is perfect. I know the things I am teaching people are true. I know God lives, he loves us. He loves us so much that he created a perfect plan for us to live but with our imperfections he sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Everything makes sense in the plan that Heavenly Father has provided for us. Jarom 1:2 ´What can I say more. Have not our fathers laid out the plan of salvation?´ I love that. I know the Book of Mormon and Bible are sacred scriptures as well as the words of modern prophets and we are protected as we respond to their voice. I love you all.
Love Always and Forever,
Kathryn, Auntie Kat (portuguese ti-tia kat) and for the short time I have left Sister Taylor
p.s. i found out i have really low blood pressure, andi have a hard time staying awake in personal study and after lunch so if anyone has ideas please let me know.
I am liking our area. Our teaching group is still really small but we are going to get another Sister next week so we will divide our area and that will be good. I am excited for that. Then we can really work, but wow time is flying. This transfer has gone really really fast. I can't believe how fast it keeps going.
It seems like right now is a time of change in our family. It's always hard to change, and never comfortable, but we don't seem to grow without change. So it really is a blessing.
We were knocking doors the other day and met two sisters and their kids, Michelle and Rosane. We started to teach the restoration but we never got past prophets and we started talking about family. These girls remind me so much of our family. Talking about how everyone is always in each others house and all the kids running around together. (I look forward to that time when I'll be there with you) But I got to talk to them about the importance of eternal families. At the end Rosane said I would like you girls to come to my house. When are you going to come by? Then she talked about how hard it is to catch her at home. But she asked again, So when are you coming by? We said this next week and she said Ok, I'll try not to leave the house so much so that I'll be there to talk to you girls. That was a neat experience that I liked because if there is anything that I know more about because of the mission it's families and the power that families have. I am so grateful for each one of you. I am grateful that we have a chance to learn and grow and help each other. The gospel is perfect. I know the things I am teaching people are true. I know God lives, he loves us. He loves us so much that he created a perfect plan for us to live but with our imperfections he sent Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Everything makes sense in the plan that Heavenly Father has provided for us. Jarom 1:2 ´What can I say more. Have not our fathers laid out the plan of salvation?´ I love that. I know the Book of Mormon and Bible are sacred scriptures as well as the words of modern prophets and we are protected as we respond to their voice. I love you all.
Love Always and Forever,
Kathryn, Auntie Kat (portuguese ti-tia kat) and for the short time I have left Sister Taylor
p.s. i found out i have really low blood pressure, andi have a hard time staying awake in personal study and after lunch so if anyone has ideas please let me know.
January 2, 2012
My wonderful family,
How is everyone today? How are the new year's goals? I really am taking them seriously this year and I am excited, especialy because I want to learn more about endurance and then applying it into my life. It's something I think I seriously lack.
I am learning a lot right now about our responsibility to help those around us. I have been praying to know my purpose here in the mission but especially with my new area. It has nothing to do with being better than other people or trying to be impressive, it's all about how we can help other people reach their potential and in doing so at the same time reaching ours. The more we give the fulller we are. I love the way Heavenly Father works.
I know the authority of God was restored here on the earth. The priesthood is the foundation. We are not just another church or another people with different beliefs. It all has to do with authority. My invition for all of you is to study about the authority that God gives man. there are some great passages in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon. Then pray. Ask Heavenly Father if he really has restored it to the earth and ask where. I love that we can ask questions and based on our study and real intent, he answers.
I love each and every one of you. I am here if any of you need anything. You can count on me.
Love, Auntie Kat
How is everyone today? How are the new year's goals? I really am taking them seriously this year and I am excited, especialy because I want to learn more about endurance and then applying it into my life. It's something I think I seriously lack.
I am learning a lot right now about our responsibility to help those around us. I have been praying to know my purpose here in the mission but especially with my new area. It has nothing to do with being better than other people or trying to be impressive, it's all about how we can help other people reach their potential and in doing so at the same time reaching ours. The more we give the fulller we are. I love the way Heavenly Father works.
I know the authority of God was restored here on the earth. The priesthood is the foundation. We are not just another church or another people with different beliefs. It all has to do with authority. My invition for all of you is to study about the authority that God gives man. there are some great passages in the Bible and in the Book of Mormon. Then pray. Ask Heavenly Father if he really has restored it to the earth and ask where. I love that we can ask questions and based on our study and real intent, he answers.
I love each and every one of you. I am here if any of you need anything. You can count on me.
Love, Auntie Kat
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