2016

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Welcoming in 2016 means that I get to experience the
blessings of missionary life for 365 days in a row- a whole calendar
year of mission bliss! In the mission people call your solid year of
missionary life 'the dark year' but really it's a year of light. I'm
so excited to spend each day this year and a part of 2017 in the
service of my savior Jesus Christ.

Granite Bay 2nd rang in the new year with a taco feed. It's a 30 year
tradition- all the men in the ward come to the church and start making
tacos at 4 pm. It's the most relaxed activity hosted throughout the
year- no table coverings and you grab your own plate and utensils. We
stayed for an hour because we had to be in for 7 pm that night. Lots
of people showed up to celebrate and there were more than enough tacos
to go around.

With the early unexpected transfers President Marston asked each of
the companionships affected by the switch to attend the temple. This
was my first time going into the Sacramento temple. It was such a
treat to be able to see the outside of it at the nativity in December
but a completely different joy to go inside the house of the Lord this
week. Wednesday was my 3 month mark and there was no better way to
celebrate that milestone. The time has passed so fast! My twelve weeks
of training are completed- I'm fully trained now. Transfers happen
this week and there will be lots of changes to our zone. It's sad to
see people leave but super exciting to meet other missionaries.

One of the highlights to my week was finishing the Book of Mormon in a
month. Brother Jamieson our ward mission leader challenged us to read
the entire book cover to cover in December. He said if we did it he
would have us over for a steak dinner haha! I was thankful for the
challenge because I never thought I'd have the willpower to read the
whole thing in such a short time. I'm a slow reader but I DID IT!!!
Yay! We are so much more capable than we think we are. Something I
have been learning is how you limit your potential more than anyone
else ever will. Satan works hard to get in our heads and tell us that
we are not enough, that we can't do it or that our goals are too far
fetched. It's just not true! You've got it! Break the limits you think
you have.

We did service this week at a care facility for older adults with
memory problems. They have special books that give prompts for
questions to discuss. I really enjoyed talking to all the people and
playing games. Last week we packed meals for the homeless.

Ben and Dennae have been progressing really well. After going to
Lauryn's baptism a few weeks ago they said they wanted to be baptized
sooner than they originally thought. The spirit was so strong as they
explained why they didn't want to put off the blessings of baptism. I
am constantly impressed by their growth and excitement towards the
gospel. Each time we visit them they have great questions and
experiences to share. They have also been great missionaries in their
community. This week they brought a girl named Megan to church. Megan
is a teenager that the missionaries have tried working with in the
past. As she has seen Ben and Dennae change her interest in the gospel
has grown.

We had the opportunity to meet lots of people this week that we have
had trouble contacting over the past 4 weeks. It's been a huge
blessing to get to know more people in our area. I'm excited to see
how the work in GB2 will expand over the next 6 weeks, even the next
12 weeks. I feel blessed to know I'll be here for another 3 months at
least. Someone told me this week that I'm lucky to have started out in
the best part of the mission- they may be biased but I agree :)

This week I've spent a lot of time studying about trials. We are
working with lots of people who are having a rough time in life. I
have come to understand the atonement on a deeper level since becoming
a missionary. I know that we are given specific difficulties in order
to grow. Each person needs different experiences to learn lessons that
are of eternal worth. As we go through tough times we can develop the
qualities of Christ. I know that we don't have to go through things
alone. Jesus Christ will provide relief as we trust him with our
concerns.

My ponderizing scripture this week is 3 Nephi 5:13

'Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been
called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might
have everlasting life.'

What a great passage of scripture as I start out my 'light year'. This
is also a scripture that we recite as a mission.

One last highlight- Alyssa got ENGAGED! One of my very best friends
from back home will be starting a new adventure in May. I couldn't be
happier for her and Derek! My heart is sad that I won't be there to
celebrate with her but I am so so so happy for them both!

I hope you all are enjoying life and making some goals for the new
year. Keep working hard and have fun!

Take Luck
-SIster Taylor