Taylor's first letter home!

Letter from Taylor Wed, July 11, 2012

Dear Family,

Hey! I'm doing great! Things here are so much fun and I've already seen Jack Urquhart, April Robins, Corbin Byers, and 3 other guys. My companion is Elder Tanner Long. Turns out that I knew him before. He was one of Wesley Morgan's and Truman Blanchard's roommates, and was on the folk dance team with Wesley Valdez, so I saw him somewhatoften here. He is a really cool, relaxed guy. He reminds me of Truman in some ways.

The rest of my district is awesome too. I'm working hard to learn names and become friends with them.

Ok, so I won't be able to email you until my next P-Day (Saturday the 21...I think the 21st.) So a few quick things...

I need:
Hangers (still need them. none here)
Those pictures (Christmas of Welkers, and most recent photo of all Cuellar/Urbans)

It would be nice to have these things ASAP, but I can manage without them for now.

The devotional was nice, but the best part of today was watching and participating in acted out investigator discussions. It taught me a lot about what makes a good missionary. Things like having the Spirit and sticking to the "purpose" is really important. Also, I am thankful for my knowledge of the scriptures. Because I studied in seminary and at home, I can usually find an answer to a question through the scriptures.

I want you guys to promise me that you will start scripture study together and family home evening in addition to family prayer, morning and night. I know that it is hard working out a schedule for all the busy schedules, but I promise it will be worth it. Not to belittle the difficulty, but I am spending ever day for two years teaching and learning for hours. But I am committed. Please commit to family spiritual time.

I really want to be the best missionary I can be. I have the best companion I could ask for, and I can feel the Spirit strongly here.

I am happy in short.

I had a thought. Mom, could you pick out a quote from my "Words of Wisdome for Missionaries" book and send on to me each week when you write? I would appreciate it.

It's Wednesday night, so I guess I don't have any other questions about you guys... excepta bout the hearing. How did it go? Is Emilie ok? I sure hope so.

I love you guys very much. I must go and ration my time. I love you Mom, Dad, Emilie, Riley (and Sara). I know that I am meant to be here.

Love,

Elder Taylor Max Welker