December 27, 2010

> All right I feel like using my email time again.
>
>      This Christmas went really well. Our day started out with a
> baptism. I was given the privilege to baptize Larry Kigi Zeigie. This
> is one of the most amazing people I have had the opportunity to meet.
> Truly someone who was prepared to receive the gospel. The water that
> he baptized in only came up to my shins, so I had to bend pretty far
> to get him all the way under the water. And this being Africa, that
> was not the only issue. As you all know, supplies are few and far
> between, so the baptismal clothes were... how would I say this... very
> form fitting. :) So, as I was baptizing Larry, trying to get him all
> the way under, the white jumpsuit I was wearing tore from my
> midsection to my knee. (And those few seconds about ten people saw
> Elder Taylor's garment bottoms) In my surprise I dropped Larry... He
> came out of the water laughing, I was laughing, the witnesses and
> everyone else were trying not to laugh. Needless to say, we had to re
> perform the ordinance. Second time, no problems. After the baptism I
> had the opportunity to hear Larry bear his testimony. And since my
> coming to Africa that was one of the most humble and pure testimonies
> I have ever heard. I hope that someday I can have a testimony a
> fraction of the testimony I heard from a recent convert at his baptism
> on Christmas Day. Out of all the baptisms I've had the opportunity and
> privilege to assist with, this was the most spiritual baptism I've
> attended. Was it because it was Christmas Day, or was it the testimony
> I heard, or maybe it just felt good to laugh again. Whatever it was,
> it was the great start to a great day.
>     I'm so grateful for all the packages and the letters I received,
> (Even Ashley's Package) every thing was heart warming and uplifting,
> the best part of packages were the 6 cans of Easy Cheeses I received!
> haha you people know me to well :)
>     Talking to the Family was amazing, I'm sorry the time was so short
> I was only given 1 hour and well I had a lot of people to talk to.
> haha It was so good to here your voices again
>      And Right after my phone call the weather turned from African
> sunshine to crazy tropical storm! It was amazing!! the African
> missionary's were doing traditional rain-dances, Talk about nuts. It
> was raining so hard you couldn't see 5 feet in front of you, and when
> ever it thunder the whole earth shook, It was AMAZING, it stayed that
> way all night... and I slept like a baby. That was my first good
> nights sleep in a long time.  It truly was the Icing on the Cake.
>     >                         I love and miss you all, Till next week,
>
>  Love Elder Taylor

Christmas in Africa

Elder Taylor is super busy, but I did hear from him today and he is doing great.   We are so excited to talk to him on Christmas Day.  Chances are we will get regular e-mails again after Christmas.  

I will be posting many photos of his area in the next few days, courtesy of Elder Kevin Moss, who is also serving in Sierra Leone.  

As we all pray for our amazing Missionaries this holiday season, please add specifically, Elder Lowe, Elder Moss, Elder Kenner (Elder Taylor's current ccompanion), Elder Jenkins (from SV), Elder Lancaster.  These are names of Elders serving in the same mission as Elder Taylor.  I know there are more, but these are the names to date I have heard.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!! 
What will your gift to the Savior be this year?

December 15 2010

Elder Taylor had been very busy for the last couple weeks. Sorry no mail to share..