Ti-Abodi

October 11, 2010
   Well I just finished my first full Transfer, only 16 more to go, haha
    This week went by so fast, and I mean Fast! I blinked and it was
already P-Day again. And the start of a new transfer. Just as I
predicted I did not change areas or companions, it’s still me and
Elder Kenner in good old Congo Town.
    So here is a quick rundown of this weeks events. Some how I ended
up in an African health clinic, not as a patient but helping an
unconscious girl.  How?… I don’t know, I just ended up there. I’ve
learned in this great continent of Africa to quit asking why or how.
The only thing to do is say the phrase TIA to your self (this is
Africa). Let’s just say I'm very happy that I’m trained in western
medicine and not that Voodoo Witch Doctor Stuff. Trust me as soon as
my services were no longer need I relocated my self away from that
place.  Latter in the week we ran into a group of German Film Makers
filming a documentary on underprivileged children and orphans here in
Africa. Very good people it was nice to have the opportunity to speak
with them. The are supported by some charity in Germany that builds
homes for these children to live in.  We get to meet a lot of good
people here.  To finish off the week my companion and I received Crew
Tribal names from an investigator Augustine GeeGebh his name means
(God Above) he is a member of the crew tribe and thankfully has decent
English. I’m not going to lie the only part of the crew language I
understand so far are our names,  My companions name is Fonanti, which
means (Wait For A Time) and mine is Ti-Abodi meaning (Best Friend)
lets just say my companion is slightly bitter about his name… haha
    One Major change did happen this week tho, remember how I said I
have power for a few hours a day. Well just like my running water that
phrase is now in the past. So far the new statement for this transfer
is we used to have running water and power, key words being used to.
Haha
    Most people would view that as an unfortunate event, fortunate I’m
not most people to me it is proof that god answers prayers. Haha If
you remember when I was putting in my mission papers I was hoping to
get called to serve in an area with no water no power, and have the
opportunity to use a machete regularly and sleep in a hammock. So far
in my mission I get use a machete and now I get to live with out water
or power, this is the life all I’m missing is the hammock : )
    It’s amazing to think that I’m receiving every wish I had for a
mission, I truly wanted to go some ware to be humbled, and well the
Lord delivered. I’ve been given all I’ve asked for so now it’s my turn
to give all that is asked of me. I’m doing every thing in my power to
be the best missionary I can be. And like they say its easier said then
done.  One part of growing that has slapped me in the face a few times
is the fact that for true growing and development to occur you need to
find your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. And well let’s just
say I have plenty of weaknesses.
    It is hard to take that step back and look at our selves.  It’s
hard to quit pretending were perfect, to stop the lame excuses, its
hard to admit to our selves and God
                 “I’m weak…
                           I need your help…”
The day we do that god will turn those weakness into our strengths. In
the Book of Either, chapter 12 verse 27 it states
     And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness, I
give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is
sufficient for all men who humble them selves before me. For if they
humble them selves before, and have faith in me, I will make weak
things become strong unto them.
    I know that we can over come any weakness, whether it’s as small
as a short temper or as little as that occasional step across that
line of chastity we all know.  To as large as abusive habits and
pornographic addictions. God dose not care if we are struggling with
alcoholism, drug abuse or maybe just a wounded pride.  He wants us to
be strong he wants to teach us life lessons as we correct these
weakness. He says his grace is sufficient for all, we just need to be
willing to humble our selves before him, and ask for help.
   I am far from perfect that has been made very clear to me on this
mission, but I can already see my personally weakness that I’ve
presented before the lord start to change, its taking time but they
are changing. And I feel safe to say I think I’m changing with them…
    Please don’t take me to be “To Preachy” with my E-mails, It’s just
that I’m learning so much and I want to share it with those I love. I
only get an hour to Email and I want the time I have to communicate
with family to be as enjoyable as possible. And if I have learned any
thing on Mission so far it is this
                 “If it’s good it’s probably from God. If it’s not
from God add him and He will make it better!”
    Wow.. I totally just made that quote up. That’s Grade A  General
Conference stuff if you ask me haha
    I love you and miss every one


                         Elder Taylor