Christmas Season is Here!!

December 16, 2013

Hello everybody! Short on time. A few highlights:

1) While the work investigator-wise has been slow, our ward is FANTASTIC. So missionary minded. For example. At the Relief Society dinner, some sisters were telling us about an experience they've had with their Preach My Gospel study group. (Yes, several ward members get together every few weeks and study Preach My Gospel. How awesome is that?!?! Nbd.) They were talking about ways to share the gospel with their friends/strangers, so they practiced easy introductions with each other (they were ROLE PLAYING. we do that as missionaries every day!). THEN, they started a challenge with a point system of sharing the gospel with other people. For example, talking to the clerk at the checkout counter. One point per conversation. WHAT?! THEY STARTED THEIR OWN OYM COMPETITION! (OYM=Open Your Mouth-- it's our "slang" for meaningful contacts, which we track daily). These members are mushing up the member/missionary line fast! I LOVE it. What an inspiration. There are so many member stories I could tell you. Just know they're awesome.

2) Last night I met a recent convert (baptized last week) named Mahalia. She was eating dinner at a member's home we visited. She's in her sixties, black, from Alabama, and sweet as anything. I ended up reading from Alma 32 with her, and Enos-- and ohh, she just eats it up! It applied so perfectly to her and she loved it. She's already volunteering at the Bishop's Storehouse and getting so involved. I loved meeting someone so hungry to feel the Spirit and learn about Christ.

3) I was well taken care of on my birthday! I'm 20 now! Sister Buhler elaborately decorated the apartment, bought me Georgia sweatpants, made me a birthday cake, and called our dinner appointment (with the Draneys) ahead of time so they had decorated the table settings in yellow (my favorite color), bought my favorite ice cream, and they gave me a balloon and card. And a cupcake with a candle to blow out. President and Sister Wolfert wrote me a card and called me too. I was very spoiled and felt very loved. :)

Much love! Merry Christmas!

Sister Taylor