Winter-peg

So I know you are all wondering so I'll share the visa news at the start.... No visa yet. I'm staying in wintry Winnipeg for another 6 weeks. We had transfer calls on Saturday and I'll continue working in the Waverley ward for this transfer and staying with Sister Alder and Sister Geddes!

I'll be honest this week was the hardest yet. I only mentally prepared for 6 weeks in Winnipeg and even then I never believed it would actually be a reality. Thursday night it hit me that there was a huge chance I'm staying here. By Friday I was positive that I'd be in Winnipeg for the Christmas season and I was just so so sad!

I think lots of things factored into how I felt but my dislike and discomfort with the cold along with the difficulties I've faced in my companionship were the biggest. I was sure I could not do this all over again - another 6 weeks in the same situation.

Looking back I had a very negative mindset - I kept counting down the weeks until I could GTHOH (get the heck outta here). I was praying after I found out I'd be staying and asked Heavenly Father why my visa had not come yet. The answer came quickly (if only all the prayers I've prayed got resolved that fast!) It came in the form of a thought " Jenna you have not yet learned what I have send you here to learn." It hit me then - I have been counting down, suffering through my trials and difficulties but I have not embraced the mission. This is MY mission just as much as Roseville is my mission. I then decided to give up what I want, what I feel is right or best. I am letting the Lord run the show. He does a much better job anyways. 

So today is a new start I will not count down , I will not hold back but I will give it my all and embrace this time that I have in the Canada Winnipeg mission. It feels better than my previous mindset.

We have a companionship goal to only sign our prayers at home now. I think I'll become much stronger in ASL by doing this. Brother Gilson still holds ASL classes at the church on Wednesday nights- I love that we get to help out with them. The weekly turn out for the class is great - lots of investigators come as well so it is a fantastic missionary tool. 

We had exchanges this week (where we switch missionary companionships and areas for a day) with a tri - pan (three missionaries) it was a little different and we swapped off a few times. It was nice to work with different people and see a new area. I was with the sister training leaders Sister Wray and Sister Martin. They are fantastic!

This week we had two baptisms in the church building. We invited all our investigators to come see what it is like but no one showed up to either. It was a sad thing! With the re- dedication of the Montreal Quebec temple there were no regular church services so we had a small devotional put on by the missionaries at the church last night. We again invited everyone in our teaching pool and two people came!!!

Liz showed up and she loved it - this was the first church event she has made it out to. It was great! We found a young women and her brother to watch Liz's kids while she was at the church and we had a member pick her up. Buck also came to the devotional. He is a friend of one of our investigators who is visiting from out of town. We also had a wonderful lesson with him this week at the mc Donald's close by. He lives super far north in a reserve where there are no missionaries.I hope that one day he will remember his experience in the gospel if he moves out of such a secluded area. He is so ready to know more about God and his son Jesus Christ. 

We had a funny experience this week. At al lot of the lights downtown there are homeless people in between the intersection with cardboard signs. This one guy had one that read " anything helps" We had a proselyting copy of the bible in the car but no food or money. We rolled down our window and handed it to him. He asked " Are you Mormon?" and we said yes- he then said " I'm a member - I was baptized but I AM SO INACTIVE!" he screamed that last part and as we drove away (the light changed) he yelled out at us "SIN IS EVERYWHERE!!!!!" It was the funniest thing, just the way he said it. We all died of laughter! You really do see and experience so much as a missionary. This 18 months I'm sure will bring some of the most entertaining stories. 

My ponderizing scripture this week is found in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 

1 Nephi 10:19

"For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

​I like this scripture and selected it for my ponderizing verse for the week because ​God is the same in the past, today and in the future. Finding answers is possible and if you seek it out (to know the truth of anything) He will let you know!

I have to run but thank you all for your emails!

Sister Taylor

Days That Fall Apart Come Back Together

This week I finally sort of figured out to upload some pictures but the way my camera and this library computer work together is less than ideal so this might be it for a while. Expect a picture overload when I get to California though! Still no word on my visa but the only other visa waiter got his on Tuesday so I am hoping mine comes in soon as well.

This week was interesting - two of our days completely fell apart - almost every appointment cancelled but we ended up finding and teaching more than we could have expected. Being a missionary I am learning more and more that our paths cross with other people in unexplainable ways.

This week we Knocked on a door of a less active member in the ward only to find out they moved but the couple that lives there wants to know more about Jesus Christ! We knocked on another door and were invited in by the kindest Muslim couple! I was surprised when the husband invited us in without us even saying more than hello. It was cold out so I thought we might just step inside the door but nope he showed us to the couch. We had a great lesson right then and there! He said he has his beliefs but he wants to know about all religions. While he has lived in Canada he has seen how almost 75% of the religions he has encountered have been similar to his own beliefs. His wife was so wonderful- she gave each of us a piece of jewelry from her home country before we left.

We also had the chance to work at the Siloam mission soup kitchen this week! It was fun getting to help with the meal time and social activities of the evening. The people there are so interesting and each have a unique story to share. I had some great conversations and they loved having 3 new faces around to chat to.

This week I'm starting a challenge that was given in the past general conference about "ponderizing a scripture each week. It's a combination of pondering and memorizing a verse. This week I picked one from the Book Of Mormon it's found in Alma

Alma 26:37

"Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen"

I love this verse because it reminds me that Heavenly Father will remember us always - no one gets left behind or forgotten.

I wish I could include more that happened this week. The mission is full of adventures!

These are just a few pictures..

1- This was my first missionary name tag picture at the MTC- they use the orange dot to show you are new- people call it a dork dot. I leaked out of my eyes when they put that badge on me. Up to then no tears but THAT was a profound experience - I was SO HAPPY!!!!!

2- Sister Geddes (from Idaho) me and sister Alder from Utah - she is our trainer! this was my one month in picture! Enjoy!!!

I hope you all have a fantastic week!!! Take care and enjoy the last little bit of November - Can you believe its almost Christmas!!!!??? I sure can't!

Transfer calls are coming next week - I wonder where I'll be for the next 6 weeks!

Sister Taylor

One Miracle After Another

Well Hello There!!!

Can I just say that this week has flown by?! I'm really surprised that it is Monday all over again. We had a big mission meeting called Zone conference this week. I learnt so much on how to be a more effective missionary. It was also fun to see so many of the other missionaries serving in Winnipeg!

My health is improving - thanks to everyone who wrote me to encourage and boost me up. I really needed it. The vertigo has been rough but each day things seem to improve a bit more. I'm not 100% better but I am hopeful.

I did get my flu shot his week! I am so happy we have free access to that each year. Everyone seems to be sick right now but we have managed to keep up with our vitamin C and no one in our companionship has had a cold yet.  

I am loving serving in the Waverley ward! The people are so fantastic. Last week we had fast and testimony meeting (this happens on the first Sunday of every month). It was a real eye opener! The people in the ward are mostly older- a few younger families but there are just so many people that struggle with a variety of challenges. Lots have health (physical and mental) or financial burdens that offer a set of trails that I can't even begin to comprehend. Hearing those people go up and share what they know to be true was so touching. They have a firm foundation. 

The ethnic demographic in the area we are serving in is pretty diverse too. We have worked with lots of aboriginal, Sudanese, Filipino, African and Asian people. I love the cultural diversity!!! I am learning so much about other parts of the world, the traditions, culture and food. Each person has been so loving and generous towards us.

This week has also been a week of miracles!! I want to share them all with you but I'll just share three...

1- We started teaching Liz a single mom of 5 under the age of 6. We knocked on her door and said we could come back to share a message with her. She shared about her desire to know God and find out more about her purpose in life. Right now she is so overwhelmed by the demands of being a mom. She has 4 kids of her own and then just a short while ago took on the care of her 6 month old niece so that the child won't go into foster care. I can't even being to understand how that would feel. She has an eager heart and a strong desire to grow her faith. We have popped in a few times over the past week to help her around the house as we share a bit about the gospel. With all the kids it makes it hard for her to come to church but she tries. She has already shared what she has learnt from us with a friend who also would like to learn more. This is the most exciting because she isn't even a member and yet she is doing missionary work. See how easy it can be?

2 - Steven and Vicky are a couple that we met at the end of October. We first talked with Steven and he said his fiancé might be interested in learning about what we share. We had a lesson with them just a few days later and it was kind of a mess. We stayed too long and I think tried to share too much at once. We left wondering if we would ever have the chance to go back. We popped in quickly on Saturday night to apologize for the last visit. I know we were just so eager to share the gospel that time and it might have been too much too soon.  They seemed surprised that we felt that way and invited us in to play games. We stayed for three rounds of things in a box and then re invited them to church. THEY CAME!!!!! It was just one of the highlights of my week- seeing them there was a huge act of faith on their part. The sacrament meeting was perfect - the talks that were given were exactly what was needed. I couldn't have picked better topics if I tried!! They seemed to really enjoy it.

3- Angel is a lady we have been trying to contact since day one on the mission. We have called and stopped by her house countless times. This week we decided that this might be it. One last attempt. We knocked on the door and she was home! We went in and talked with her a bit. She has lots of questions but the most pressing to her were what I like to call the questions of the soul. - Where was I before I came to earth? - Why am I here? and Where am I going after? I think at one point on another we all ask these questions. We had the chance to share a bit with her about the plan of salvation. This helps us understand that Heavenly Father does have a plan for us and that we have so much to look forward to! She was so involved and receptive to the message. She had a huge smile on her face and said this is exactly what she has been looking for. She wants to be baptized! I am on cloud nine and I'm sure she was too after our visit!

There is so much more I want to include but time is super limited. I just want you to know that the message that we share as missionaries is true and it brings joy- not just happiness but JOY. I have grown to love these people so much more than I would have ever imagined possible.

There are a unique set of challenges each person will face in life but each burden can be reduced when we have faith and rely on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and his atonement. This week we taught a lady and I asked her if she would be willing to read the first chapter of the Book Of Mormon. She said no and after talking more with her to find out why she said " I can't read" - she then told me about how she knows small words and has been able to get by but it is a real struggle for her.

We downloaded the Book Of Mormon onto her phone and she was so happy and willing to listen to it. This is something I would have never considered before. I took reading for granted and also assumed that everyone could do it. As missionaries we work to overcome the challenges or maybe more so to help the people learn how to trust in God to overcome those difficulties through His mercy and power. I know that reading from the Book Of Mormon will bless your life in so many ways. I had a goal to read it again before the year is done and to pray about it to know if the message in it is true. I'll be finished this week so I'll keep you posted :)

I love you all - I am so thankful for your support and all the emails I have gotten- Please know I do try and read them all but the time is so limited for this each week.    

Sister Taylor

One Month A Sister

Hey There!

So this week (Friday) marked my one month as Sister Taylor - it has gone by far too fast! 

I wanted to do a quick shout out for my brother Brock who will be 19 on Saturday! I am so proud of him! He has a heart of gold and I wish I could be in Edmonton to just give him a huge hug. Happy birthday Brocky!! 

This week has been busy to say the least. I'm not sure even where to start...

Well I did find a pair of boots for the winter so I won't freeze in Winnipeg! I even found them at Winners- if you know me you know this is my favourite store!! They will work well for California winters too . No word yet on the visa but I hoping it will come for the next transfer. 

Voting was last week and I had all the intention to go and exercise my democratic right but it was such a busy day and I was feeling horribly dizzy so I never got around to it. I know dad would be unhappy at that - I have never missed a vote since I have been 18! It was a sad day!

We have not had snow yet but it has rained everyday this week. I hope I can make it a few more weeks without the white stuff. 

On Wednesday I got a call from the physio office I was scheduled to see for the vertigo. After talking to me the lady told me that she would have to cancel my appointment because she could not help me due to the severity of my symptoms. She said she specializes in post concussion injury and on the side does a bit of vestibular but by no means is a specialist. I was so agitated because that is not the impression her website gave. 

She did pass along a contact who might be able to help me but when I called they said the first opening was November 17th. I just broke down in tears. I'm sure my companions think I'm crazy but that was seriously the last straw. Back home when this happens I would seek treatment right away and it would help but all the attempts to fix the issue while I have been on my mission seemed to be in vain. I booked the appointment but it was then that I started to consider coming home. I have never prayed more than I have prayed over the last month for relief. The feeling of vertigo has been so distracting and I feel that I have been a horrible missionary and companion because of it. I get irritated and upset so much easier. I asked Heavenly Father for a miracle because I have felt so defeated by this- almost a month and no relief. 

I called sister Craig (my mission presidents wife) to tell her the update and she said she would look into finding someone else. I really didn't have much hope because I know how bookings go for these things- its at least a week and a half before you can get in. On Friday she called me and told me she found an office and they could see me that day!!!! MIRACLE MIRACLE!!! 

After the first treatment I felt a billion times better! The physiotherapist gave me some different exercises to do at home and it has helped faster than anything I did back home to cure the vertigo. It was the miracle I needed. I still don't feel 100% better but it is a massive improvement. Heavenly Father hears your prayers and will help you. I really have gained an understanding of patience in the past few weeks.  

We got to teach some really wonderful people this week. Whitney and her cousin Shoshawna are amazing! Whitney has a strong faith in Christ and a desire to live her life right. Her desire comes mostly out of fear of the second coming and judgment day. We are trying to calm her fears and help her grow in understanding. They came to the Halloween party last week and had such a good time- this was our first lesson this week with them. Shoshawna said she would have more support from people in her life if she were drinking and partying vs. going to church. 

It's interesting - visiting with so many different people you get to look into their life a bit. I am so thankful for the childhood I had and the opportunities I've been given because I can see how different things could be.  

We were able to visit with Karen this week. She is a less active older woman in the Waverley ward. Her energy and spirit make me so happy. This week she told us why she never comes to church. She has a hard time getting up the courage because her anxiety is so bad. We talked with her a lot about how attending church can help her overcome the problems she faces and will strengthen the people around her. She came to church this Sunday - the first time pretty much since she was baptized a year ago!! 

One of my favourite experiences this week was with Stephen and Vicky. We knocked on Stephen's door last week and he said he and his fiancé would be interested in hearing our message. We went back on Thursday this week. They are both so wonderful and asked some really insightful questions. They even ordered pizza for us so that we could all have dinner together. Vicky's mom Opal listened too while we shared a bit about how the gospel blesses families. As a missionary sometimes you think you go out to minister to people but often they are the ones that minister to you. It was such a wonderful blessing! 

We met with Katie ( the car detailer) again this week and she was able to focus more for this lesson. Vanessa one of the members came along for this appointment which was very helpful!  

We are teaching this one family in a complex not too far from where we live. Wednesday we decided to go and knock on one of the doors - we met a lady named Liz. She is a mom to 5 little kids- all under the age of 6. She feels frazzled by the demands of caring for so many children. We were able to help her clean her kitchen and living room as we shared a simple message about the gospel. Her desire to know about God is very strong and her heart is in the right place.  I'm excited to keep teaching her! we also met another woman from the same complex last night - she let us teach her right then and there.

We taught Elizabeth and her two kids Arik (Erica) and Akol the plan of salvation. This lesson covers all the questions of the heart- where did we come from? Why are we here? and where do we go? In the middle of the puzzle we brought Akol goes to the couch and starts doing head stands and then to the complete surprise of everyone - including his mom - he pulls down his pants moons us!! HAHAH! He is only 4 years old so it was pretty funny, so random... but so funny.

Gah I have so many more stories I want to share but no time... 

I have been overwhelmed buy the generosity and love the people we meet have shown us. I am learning and growing each day and finally I feel Good! The gospel is Great!!!

I hope your week is wonderful

Take Luck!

Sister Taylor