Recovery Mode -- 24 December 2013

To be honest with you, I would love to just put that subject line on every email I send home. 

It's been really really good for me to hear from my friends and family serving in other missions around the world, whether that mission has been the Home mission or the Chicago, Philippines, Peruvian, Seattle, Mesa, New York or otherwise. There's a light and fire especially found in new missionaries. They, of all the missionaries in the world seem to understand the mission the best. Just like a child in our lives, new missionaries see their purpose clearly, they understand their love for others and the love that their Father has for them, and that's all that they need. It's all any of us really need. 

Sometimes God puts leaders in leadership positions because he knows he needs to watch them the closest. :D 

Have yourself a merry little Christmas.

This week was good. We've been on approximately 1,000,000,000 exchanges and feel incredibly sleep deprived. Other that that we learned a lot from the missionaries that we were supposed to be "Training."

Have a good week.

Merry Christmas!

Peace. Love. Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

16 December 2013

Let's start out with where I am. I am good. There you have it. You know how I came to that conclusion?

I chose it. 

Did you know Elder Bednar came to the mission? It's a true story, he really did. He was here on Saturday, may I tell you a little about my experience? Well, I was asked to conduct the meeting, Elder Bednar came in and sat down next to my companion, Elder Crapo and I and said, "Alright, Elders, are we ready?" I responded, "Yes we are." He said, "Alright, let's go to church."

:D I stood up and began the meeting, I messed it up completely, but we got a good laugh out of my nervousness, so it was okay. :) 

Elder Bednar is a genius. He knows. And I know, not in the same way that he does. He has a perfect knowledge, mine is just limited to my experience, but you know what, His knowledge doesn't cheapen mine. You know what? It doesn't cheapen yours either. 

Your testimony is the most powerful building block of your life. It is the light within you that teaches you what is most important in your life. It is that light that connects you with your Father, and pulls you away from the Darkness when it seems there is no light. Sometimes we struggle with our testimonies, sometimes we are more interested in pleasing ourselves or others than in pleasing our God, but... my friends, the reality is those choices won't bring anything in the eternities. The Light within you, the one that never dies, is the beacon we must follow. 

Trust the knowledge that you do have. It is enough, and it will grow. Believe in what you feel inside. Trust your God. 

I love you all so much. I don't really know what to say this week, as you can probably tell, but don't worry, there will be stories and more when you ask me after my mission.

Rock on. Peace, love and temple marriage. In that order.

Elder Hill

When Christmas Comes to Town -- 9 December 2013

Do you remember the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

I hope so, do you remember the part where the Grinch's heart grows 3 sizes that day?

Well, that's what Christmas really does for us... in fact, it's what Christ does for us. 

Yesterday I had the opportunity to give a talk in church and they didn't give me a topic to speak on. Well, I studied and I studied and I couldn't figure out what it was I was supposed to say, I had a million things written down, and nothing that seemed quite right... well, I was sitting at the podium and the member next to me said, "What's your topic?" and I said, "I don't know... they didn't give me one." She responded, "They didn't give me one either! I'm going to give a talk on Enduring to the End, what are you going to talk about?" And I said, "I honestly don't know. I've done everything that I can, and I'm just going to have to trust that God is going to say it." She looked at me and said, "You didn't prepare anything?" I said, "No, I've been preparing since they called me, I just don't know what I'm going to say."

Well, I gave the talk, and ended up speaking about believing in Christ, and what that belief does for us. I told a lot of stories, shared a lot of scriptures, and taught the doctrine. I remember a little bit about what I said... but mostly I remember the feeling. You guys, when I testify of Christ, I feel like it's Christmas. I feel like it's summer. I feel like I'm in warm rain... I feel like I'm being held and whispered to by my savior, just like a mother would do for her small child bearing their testimony. Jesus Christ helps us, he heals us, we can trust Him. It's almost too wonderful to believe, but he really does put into our minds and hearts what to say. I love Him. I'm so grateful that He cares enough to put the words in that He promises. 

I love you all so much.

Peace, love, and temple marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Feeling the Truth -- 2 December 2013

Acts of courage are how we come to know Christ. Faith is understanding that the darkness will not be everlasting and that is why we step into it. We will only find the light when we see the darkness. That is why we are grateful for the challenges that test our faith and our testimonies. It is by conquering through those experiences that truly help us to feel our Father in Heaven. To know Him.

Faith is the understanding that the darkness will not be everlasting. The confidence in Christ. The hope that he is really there. 

Every one of us has darkness in our lives. Maybe it's depression or anxiety. Maybe it's past sins. It could be an inability to forgive yourself, or maybe it's that fear that you can't do everything that you feel you need to. Maybe you feel you're forever falling short. You might feel that you are alone, or lost.

Here's what I say to that: as we were all taught it Batman, "The night is darkest just before the dawn." When Nephi saw the vision of the tree of life, he saw people press forward through darkness by the way of the iron rod. 

I testify to you that no matter how dark your night, or how scary your circumstance. There is no darkness so thick that Jesus Christ cannot shine through it. The dawn will break. Happiness will be yours. Peace, hope and light are just around the corner for those who will put their trust in God and do His will. Have faith in Him. press forward. You can do it. I love you. And so does our Father in Heaven. Just hold to the rod, do as you've been taught.

Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill 

Just emailing... 2 December 2013

Brother P is a good man. He's really really smart. (Note from Mom:  We met Bro. P in our ward yesterday.)

Today there's quite a storm brewing outside. We've already had a car accident today, so cars are parked. Meaning, we walked to the office this morning. It took almost an hour, and it was cold, but it was also good. After my slightly depressing couple of weeks, I've decided that I need to get back into Cardio, make healthy meals a priority, and take lots of vitamin D. :D So I woke up early this morning and did 15 minutes of Spartacus (a superset workout that kills your legs and chest) which got me breathing hard, then did Biceps and Triceps on the weights at the missionaries home next door. It was a mess, but I feel really good right now. I know that fitness doesn't solve every problem,  but it helps a ton. It was really really nice. 

Tomorrow we will begin our second round of Zone Conferences. Last week was a huge success. We've really felt like the things that we're teaching are actually helping the missionaries improve in their skill as missionaries. We've been teaching about Doctrines and Principles. Then we've been showing them how Doctrines and Principles apply to their work, and then we let them practice. It just makes a lot of sense when it's explained this way. 

I wish I had understood the importance of these things before my mission. It would have helped me to answer the temptations that came my way. I feel that sometimes we believe we are asked to do things "just because." It's nice to know that there is doctrine and reasoning behind the Laws, commandments, covenants, and promises we make. 

The commandments were all things that I could tell you about, what they were, and even why they were there. But they were never internalized until I actually taught them and lived them passionately, seeking to really understand why they were there and how they applied to me. That's the real secret of this Gospel, is when it comes to God, you never know until you try Him. It's ironic to say, because you don't want people to use it as an excuse to do bad things. We should always test the good long before the bad, and we should give it a fair chance.

That is the magic of invitations. We invite people to do good. To read the Book of Mormon daily, until you're all the way through. To pray until you receive an answer, daily. You don't ever give up half way just because it doesn't seem to suit your fancy. Naaman, from the Old Testament, was told to wash 7 times in the river Jordan. Can you imagine what would have happened if he had gotten sick of washing himself at 6? Just because it was inconvenient, or just didn't seem to be working? Notice that God didn't heal him from his leprosy until he had already done everything he was asked to do. 

Sometimes we stand wondering, "Why has God answered them, but not me?" Or someone may say, "Yes, I read from the Book of Mormon and I prayed about it, but I didn't get an answer." Why? One reason, they didn't try hard enough. We have to want things, we have to actually want them enough to give them our all. Naaman almost didn't do what he was told. He would have died! But he was reminded of his desire, his servant came to him and whispered, "My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldst thou not have done it?" 

What are we willing to give to know God? Some say, "I would die for my God." Well, that isn't the real test, as Naaman demonstrates. President Monson has taught, "Courage becomes a worthwhile virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently." The true test of mortality is the test of our willingness to live as Christ would have us live, to do the small and simple things that change our lives every day. 

So, seek Him out like you mean it. You will understand the doctrine as you live it. Understanding comes by the Spirit. Ask, seek, knock. Let Him open the doors to you.

I just went off there, but it's true. 

So what are the Doctrines of the Gospel?

https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/guidebook/doctrinal?lang=eng

15 November 2013

Today, I've learned a little bit about love.

Sometimes it's really hard to see God's love for us. Maybe we're burdened by sin, or maybe we're burdened through repentance. We often may feel, for several reasons that we're not good enough... or just simply that we're not enough. Or maybe that we'll never be enough. 

I wonder if we truly know the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Did you know that no matter how dark your past, your future can be clear as noon day? Did you know that your sins, if followed by repentance, will never impede you from having a great relationship with your Savior? Did you know that you will never be left alone? Did you know that if you are struggling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, you can be healed? I think often of someone that I met while on an exchange in High River. His eyes were kind of glazed over, and he wasn't very happy... He was hurting, and his demeanor suggested that for some reason, he was broken. I found out later in the lesson that he had some kind of mental struggle. 

As we taught him, an incredible thing happened. The greater the Spirit became in the room, the better he was able to communicate with us. Then we shared a song with him, and it's like his heart unlocked, his eyes cleared and he began to express how much he loved his Father in Heaven. He could speak with us, and express Himself, still not entirely perfectly, but the spirit we could feel in that room was incredible.. and the love that we could feel... was nearly unbelievable, and I wouldn't have been able to comprehend it if I hadn't felt it. 

Well, I know that this is what God does for each of us when we seek after the Spirit, His love eminates into us and enables us to truly live our potential. It is love that changes us. Love that shapes us. Love that gives us reasons to live. It is love that gives us the courage to conquer sin, opposition, temptation, fear, distress, and darkness. I know that if you will express love to everyone you meet you will see a change in your life.

I know God loves you. Just as He loves me. I know it. 

Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Hill

Called of God -- 4 November 2013

I don't know that I've ever mentioned how great of a blessing it is to be a Servant of the Lord, have I? :D I probably have, but in case you are wondering, it's the best calling any man could have. 

We had MLC last week. Well, the night before, we (me, my companion, and our mission president) counseled on what we wanted to cover in MLC, we decided we were going to change it up. It was going to be a full on council. The whole time. Meaning we were going to spend the whole time just counciling. I hope that makes sense.

Well, after going over the business, we began the first council, and it covered everything we planned to bring up. MLC ended up going 2 hours longer than intended, but it was well worth it. It's amazing how God just worked through us to help it happen. 

I don't have much time, and I struggled to know what to say today, and I still don't know... and I've run out of time. But I love you. I love you all so much. 

I know this Gospel is true. I know you hear that from missionaries all the time, especially this one. But really... really. If you don't know that for yourself you are missing out on the greatest measure of joy you can obtain in this life. I know that's bold, strong language, but I love you. I want you to know that God does exist. He loves you! He wants you to come unto Him and to really live. To truly feel and experience this life and the next to its fullest measure, and I promise you that the work and pain of repentance is well worth it. You all know me. You know I've made mistakes... but there has never been a happier me. Ever. And there's more, waiting for me. I know there is, I can feel it. See it. Taste it. It tastes like Home. and it feels like Him. 

I love you all so much. Please find something today that you can do to invite the Spirit into someone's life. I promise you that you will see God's hand today if you will.

Rock on. Peace, love, and temple marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

The Hardest Part about the Office -- 28 October 2013

Having this calling has helped me to learn so much about the mission, about our roles as mission leaders, and about how to help and uplift other people It has been all about other Elders and Sisters... whether that means correction, or just loving support, it is all about them. It's pretty incredible to consider how much I've grown recently to love the missionaries within this stewardship... it's unreal the feelings that I experience as I strive to serve them. Those are feelings that I've had as a district leader, and a zone leader, but it's incredible to feel it for literally HUNDREDS of people... what a huge blessing. If I feel this way, I can only begin to imagine how President N

must feel... or President Monson... or our Father in Heaven. So much love, absolute unconditional love... you just feel so ready to help and serve... willing to do anything. And there are dumb missionaries, don't get me wrong, but how can you help but love and support them? It's easy to see the best in someone that you desire to see succeed, especially when you, and they, are a part of the same God-sent work. I never feel I need to yell, or chastise, or make harsh remark, but any time correction is necessary, the Spirit always flows, and my love actually increases. (see D&C 121:34-46 for why that happens---it's pretty sweet)

But, aside from all the administrative tasks, and the correction, transfers, and all of those wonderful things that I am blessed to be a part of, there is something that happens in this calling which is really difficult to be a part of: Missionaries going home early. 

There's a lot that I could say... I could talk about how difficult a mission is, I might talk about the stress that we experience as missionaries, I should talk about the expectations that are set before us, or the age change, or the weaknesses that we carry, but I'm not worried about those things.... What is sad is taking a missionary to the airport, and having them in tears because they don't know what everyone else is going to think of them. 

As Elder Holland taught in his most recent general conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel," there are things that hit us and hurt us, that no measure of "bucking up" or "squaring shoulders" will truly solve. I fear when I hear people talking about missionaries who came home early, calling them "weak" or "not good enough" or "not worthy enough" saying, "If they would have just depended more on God, they would have been able to stay." 

Coming from a missionary who knows how it feels to be broken, lost, unworthy, imperfect, and kicking himself for not just being able to square his shoulders, trust God and get on with it.... an empty pit isn't filled by anything but pure love. My weaknesses are many... and almost every day at least for a moment or two I am reminded that I am not good enough... But it is the Love of God, of my companions, of my mission president, and of all of you, my friends, that has carried me. 

So, if you know someone who has come home early, in the mission or in life--- please love them. 

Whatever else you may or may not be able to provide, you can offer your prayers and you can give “love unfeigned.”⁸ “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; … [it] beareth all things, … hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.”

This kind of love extends far beyond what we could possibly comprehend. We have friends in our lives who are ready to go home. Maybe from their mission or on a different scale, from school, work, friendships, marriages, or their faith. Now, when they think of giving up, giving in, and going home, they don't need people who are going to criticize them... they need someone who is willing to love them and stick with them, because when we do this, we really support them, love them, help them, give them what we have, they grow. They are filled with the pure love of Christ, and they grow. 

Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed. While God is at work making those repairs, the rest of us can help by being merciful, nonjudgmental, and kind.

So, if you're someone who's struggling, please remember the following:

So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. As President Monson said to the Relief Society sisters so movingly last Saturday evening: “That love never changes. … It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God’s love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simply always there.”⁴ Never, ever doubt that, and never harden your heart. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life. Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well-being. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.

I love you all so much. And I hope you know that I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Maybe it will  take up a lot more than "bucking up" for you or for me, but no matter what it takes, Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven can and will help us. Do not give up. Do not give in. Trust Him. He is real. He is your Father. You are not alone. He will accept you no matter what. We had this thought earlier this week that I would like to share with you: "Stop worrying about where you are, or even where you've been, or what you will be, just focus on serving the Lord. We shouldn't feel guilty or pained because we aren't perfect, we shouldn't feel like we can never stand before God and be able to withstand Him, we should always feel like He LOVES US and He wants us to succeed, and HE DOESN'T CARE HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR YOU TO GET THERE. He will help you if you are willing. He loves you, and He will do what it takes to get you there, stop worrying, He will take care of you---that is hope. That is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repent  daily, but trust always that He will help you." 

Don't let your imperfections get you down. Got doesn't care how long you are imperfect for, He will accept and love you as long as you are honestly striving to do His will. And remember, what He requires is never more than you are willing to do. 

I love you I love you I love you.

Keep running, keep pushing, keep striving. Go ahead and square your shoulders. Trust that it will be okay, you will get through it, and if you don't, I'm still here. So will the Savior be. 

Rock on. Peace, Love, and Temple Marriage, in that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

It's snowing and I have a sweater!!

Where I Am Willing To Go -- 21 October 2013

This week has been an opportunity to use talents that I never expected on my mission. It turns out, I know quite a bit more about computers than... pretty much everyone in the office. So, I've been on call for the senior missionaries. That's been fun.

Two days ago, we were on our way home from an appointment, when we saw someone on the side of the road trying to fix his bike. So we pulled over and offered to help. We got it all put together and fixed up (thank you, dad) we asked him if he wanted to know more about who Jesus Christ is. He said, "Yeah, absolutely!" Pretty exciting. Probably the most successful contact I've ever had (that's not saying much up here, but you know... God consecrates the effort of the faithful). 

I honestly don't know what else to say this week...

Just know that God loves you. Believe in Him. Trust that He wants the best for you, he wants you to be the best you can be. Jeffery R. Holland said, "God doesn’t care nearly as much about where you have been as He does about where you are and, with His help, where you are willing to go."

Believe in Him. Trust Him. He isn't worried about where you've been. Where are you and are you willing to go where He wants you to go? Will you trust Him? I will. Always.

I hope I never forget the lessons that the Lord has taught me... I know it must be hard in regular life to hang on to the lessons that we learn every week. It must be so hard to put off the things of the world, and to live all the laws, from music, to movies, to being kind, to loving your neighbor, even to sharing the gospel... But I can only imagine the power that would be available to someone who chose to sanctify themselves to such a point, that they could follow all the spiritual promptings they received, regardless of their circumstances. Maybe someday I'll be that man that others can depend on to always be there. Maybe, I'll be someone that can lift, inspire, motivate, and glorify my Father everywhere I go. 

I know this Gospel is true. I love you all so much.

Rock on. Peace, Love, and Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Consistent God -- 17 October 2013

I love you all did you know that? I'm trying to get caught up, believe me, but you should know that I do love you.

Well, I'm doing my best right now to get the missionary work under control over here. We've been working a lot with other missionaries recently, and especially spending a lot of time in the office. We've been getting programs working correctly (talents that I never thought I would be using on my mission) running backups and preparing the office for an upgrade. Yesterday we were in the office doing paperwork until 6:30, then we had a dinner appointment and a less-active lesson. I find that one thing I really miss is having consistent personal studies. I can really see it affecting my teaching and the general spirit I feel throughout the day. I don't know how I went through life before without consistent studies... it's always the lift, the boost that I need. I find happiness and peace in greater measure when I study the Gospel. I find that I am always given what I should say, even in situations that don't seem like such a big deal.

I had a sweet experience a few weeks ago. We had just had a training on the new church program, "Adjusting to Missionary Life." Basically, it's a new book all about learning to deal with stress, especially in the mission field. In the training we did role plays where we took time to talk with a missionary who was struggling with personal issues. Issues like home-sickness, depression, frustration, stress, discouragement, and disobedience. We discussed the affect that we could have on individuals who are battling said issues and we talked about things that we found helpful when we were struggling. Then we practiced helping other missionaries. Well, later that evening we went on an exchange with some other missionaries in our zone. The missionary that I was with was really hurting for various reasons, and I could tell. To make matters worse, we were in a meeting with his Ward Mission Leader who was just tearing him apart. I stood up for him, in the most Christlike way that I could... then he started in on me. (sarcasm is the devils tool, btw) (bold language, but it's destructive, don't use it,  you might hurt someone you love without meaning to) So, I calmly (I used to just freak out in those situations, I guess that's one good way I've grown) focused the direction back to the reason for the meeting. 

After it was over, this missionary and I went into the church washroom and I just asked him how he was doing. He expressed his feeling of inadequacy, and his honest desire to just be a good boy. He felt that he was disappointing his God, his trainer, his ward mission leader, and Himself. He placed his leaders on a pedestal of perfection and asked questions such as, "What do I need to do to be more like so-and-so?" or "Why can't I just do it as well as said-awesome-missionary?" When he was done expressing himself, I said a silent prayer in my mind that I would be guided to know what to say. I honestly don't remember what I did say (such, I suppose is the nature of the spirit) but what I know is that the Spirit was there. Tears were shed as the spirit testified of His divine worth, and potential. Somehow, the message got across that I loved him, and that the Lord loves him. That the Lord doesn't expect perfection, but he does expect us to try. It was beautiful to see the Lord work so quickly.

I think one of the cruelest poisons in the world is comparison. It is a weakness that I have, along with many other imperfections. In our own way, we all compare ourselves with others, and we really shouldn't. We are all at our own places in life, in our own ways and our own times. It is good to have role-models, but when we look at our performances as failures because of the successes of others, then we are damaging ourselves and damming our own personal progression, because it is discouraging. We aren't perfect beings, but we are capable of great things if we choose to believe in ourselves.

Confidence is not the certainty of success but rather the conclusion that failure does not determine our worth—we lose nothing by trying.

I want you to know that I love you all. Please don't be discouraged, know that I love you, and trust that God will take care of you. You can trust in Him. 

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. We are our Father's children. 

Peace, Love, and Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

The Pearls of Great Price: Small Experiences that I Hope You'll Appreciate -- 12 October 2013

Over the past while, my studies have been very limited, but I've come across scriptures that have come to mean an awful lot to me. I feel as though the Lord has been speaking to me through the scriptures and I hope you can feel and see as I have seen the hand of the Lord in my life. 

The first experience comes from Jacob chapter 5. As you know, Jacob 5 is probably the longest chapter of the Book of Mormon, and it is also one of my favorites, because it's all about the gathering of Israel (or, missionary work). Well, Jacob tells of a Lord and his servant trying to save an orchard (or vineyard) of olive trees. After working, toiling, starting over, failing, replanting, pruning, digging, and doing everything that they are able to do, the vineyard again fails (apostasy and dispensations [even personal apostasy... we all fall away, even though God is doing everything He can for us, while still respecting our agency and choice]) and it says :

41 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard wept, and said unto the servant: aWhat could I have done more for my vineyard?

The first thing that stood out to me was that the Lord of the Vineyard wept. Can you imagine God weeping? Weeping for you? I suppose one might say, "Well, he's God, He has everything, He doesn't need me." Well, my friend, notice that the parable doesn't note that the Lord owns multiple vineyards, this vineyard is his everything. We are God's everything, he does need us, and He needs us because He loves us. So, when we break and fall, He weeps. He's heartbroken, because when He loses us, he loses everything. He loves us. 

It continues. His servant comes up to him and after a brief conversation where the Lord considers giving up, he says :  50 But, behold, the servant said unto the Lord of the vineyard: Spare it a little alonger. 51 And the Lord said: Yea, I will spare it a little longer

Number 2, God is all about second chances. And third chances, and fourth... and as many as we need to get it right, because He has a servant who has paid the price... who pleads on our behalf, who loves the vineyard, and who will not quit until we are saved. That is His nature. We are spared and given second chances as long as we are willing to undergo what it will take to grow. 

 62 Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time,for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that Ishall aprune my vineyard.

"This last time..." Just a thought for a the missionaries out there... we only have one shot. This is it, the big finale, the work has been hastened, preparatory to the coming of Christ, and we have been called to prune the vineyard, and to gather Scattered Israel. The last time. The last go. One more shot. We must give it everything, every ounce that we have, because literally, this is the final dispensation of time... so we must share the Gospel. Here, now, this life. Don't be afraid to be counted amongst the servants called to labor. 

 72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them;and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.

The Lord of the vineyard labored also with them. Check this sweet nugget out: D&C 38:7

 7 But behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine ^aeyes are upon you. I am in your ^bmidst and ye cannot ^csee me;

When you are on the Lord's errand, you are in the Lord's midst. He doesn't just plop us down onto the earth and leave us alone to figure it out, but He labors with us. He loves us. Why would he leave us alone? You are watched over... never alone. 

How beautiful is that?

Finally a brief thought on Consecration (it seems that these topics never end, and I'm sorry that this is so long) (Deuteronomy 11)

 13 ¶And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to ^alove theLord your God, and to ^bserve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

 14 That I will give you the ^arain of your land in his due season...

Consecration doesn't mean mindless obedience and following painfully commandments, He asks us to love him and serve him... that love of god will cause us to want to do it. Just like no man really wants to work, work becomes a pleasure when He does it for the love of his family for whom he provides. It means something to him, it becomes a small part of who He is. He can be happy, in the work, because He knows that the reason He's doing it is out of pure love. 

“When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.” Ezra Taft Benson

We turn to God out of our love for Him.

I do love Him. I love my Savior Jesus Christ who did everything for me. This week I was trying to decide what I am going to do when I finally see my Savior, face to face---when it's time for my personal interview with Christ... I don't know that I'll be able to stand... speak... sing... I don't know, I'm almost sure I'll be on my knees, weeping because of His mercy... I will worship Him, and then I will stand, ready to do His work, and spread His love, and now allow His suffering for me to be in vain. All the way to the end. 

Just as I now stand, ready to do His work in the best way that I possibly can. 

I love you all.

Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Finally Some Time... -- 12 October 2013

Our mission president, President N, is the busiest man that I have ever met, but what a wonderful man he is.

Transfers were this week, and I got to drive the 15 passenger van!!! Ole!!! It was good to be able to just focus on driving for a little while after the hectic schedule of the week. Unfortunately, immediately after transfer station 2 (there are 3 transfers that occur on transfer day, we pull everyone we can into central locations, and transport the missionaries in vans from A to B then back to A) chaos began to reign. We were supposed to be out of there between 1:30 and 2:00 to begin travel to the next transfer station. The cars got mixed up, travel arrangements were lost, keys were in the hands of people that shouldn't have had them, the luggage was missing as was the mail, and the list goes on and on.

Anyway, we didn't end up leaving until 3 o'clock.... Then, on our way up to Calgary, one of the tires for the trailer broke off. Didn't just come off, didn't just loosen up or flatten, it busted clean off. Bolts, nuts, tire, gone. Everyone made it safe, as did the luggage, it was just a mess :D. Hahaha 

After that, we went to the going home fireside. The missionaries going home all bore their testimonies, we watched the slide show, President N gave a brief talk about the importance of member missionary work, and then we closed with "Called to Serve" (oh, how I love that beautiful hymn). 

We gathered together and got all of the luggage weighed and put together, and we all slept at the mission home for those 13 missionaries' final night.

The next morning we went to the temple (HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW TEMPLE VIDEO!?!?!?!?!? I'M STILL A GEEKING OUT ABOUT IT!!!!), which was a very revealing experience, I learned so much. After that we took the missionaries to the airport (can anyone say, "Trunky"?) and dropped them off to head home to their families. 

After that, President told us to go get some lunch, then some rest. So, we got lunch.... and went to the office to send out some emails to the new missionaries, organize new templates, set up google docs, and finish out what we needed to get done for the day. We then went home and took a brief nap (which only really felt like blinking after such a long series of late nights, minimal studies, very early mornings, and a tough workout regimen) and then we were off again. We got home around 10:15 that evening and weren't in bed until around 11, because of all the phone calls we needed to return. 

We woke up early yesterday morning, actually got to do a small part of our studies, and then were off again. There was one more missionary to go home yesterday because of passport problems. We took him to the airport and then did some office work. Part 1 of our p day finally began. We picked up some food, did our laundry, and went shopping for warm clothes for the winter. 

After that we had an appointment with a new investigator. We were handing her off to the Sister missionaries, so, our 3 leg was there, along with the sisters (5 missionaries, 1 member, 1 investigator, and another random non-member... they didn't stand a chance). They asked us to teach just a small portion right at the end of the lesson, and they taught the rest. We ended up extending the baptismal date, which she accepted for the 26th of October. She probably won't be baptized until mid-November because of her work, but the fact that she accepted the date shows a good deal of her faith. 

I feel like everything that I've written has been one, very long, run-on sentence. But I know you wanted to know more about what I was doing.... so there you go. I'll include what I've learned this week in my regular weekly email. I love you!

Just So You Know... -- 30 September 2013

I've been called to AP... so my emails may be shorter and may not come until the middle of the week sometimes.... there you have it.... I love you.

Elder Hill

Food Bank Photo -- 30 September 2013

Do Pictures Count as a Thousand Words? -- 23 September 2013

Note from Mom:  When a picture looks this happy, it counts.  Letter was snail-mailed this week.

A Note From Mom -- 16 September 2013

This morning Ashtyn said, "Mom, D FB'd me.  She said to tell you to check your FB because you're gonna laugh."  This is what I read when I got to FB:

So another small world moment at church today.

There was this C U T E toddler walking up and down the aisle in sacrament meeting. I just had to comment on how cute she is and her darling fluffy pink princess dress that she was wearing. Well the mother asked me if I was Sis B. I said yes I was, and then she went on to tell me that her MIL is a Hill from Medicine Hat and that when she was visiting her husband’s grandparents, she was watching this lovely young woman playing the harp and then she was interpreting for sacrament meeting.  The woman was thinking what an accomplished beautiful girl and then she thought to herself I recognize her. She was one of my EFY girls.

I guess this was shortly after we moved to MH.

She then went on to say that she has a YSA age girl boarding with them and she asked if she could invite the elders over for dinner last week and she said that would be fine. So they came for dinner and as they were talking she mentioned that she had been on a mission and the elder asked where and she said Temple Square. He said oh I have a friend serving there right now and she asked if it was any one she knew and our Elder Hill said L.

She went on to say how he is making quite a name for himself, that grandma and grandpa Hill LOVE him, and her parents knew him in the Okatokes ward and said that he is amazing and that she should have him over for dinner. Then he got transferred to the YSA branch before she could, and then through the woman they have living with them she finally got to meet him.

Such a small world hun. 

I just had to laugh.

Commitment to Serve -- 16 September 2013

"Your success as a missionary is measured primarily by your commitment to find, teach, baptize, and confirm people and to help them become faithful members of the Church who enjoy the presence of the Holy Ghost."

Success is measured by commitment. That's not what you do, it's who you are.

This week was good. In a weird way. It was empty, we had more appointments cancel than I can count, but that isn't what's important.  Not at all. :D

God and I both think it could have been better, but I am committed to improve. To stand taller. To walk and live strong. Are you?

Rock.

Yesterday was just loaded with miracles. It began with Ward Council.

Our mission president wants to see another set of missionaries in the Ward in which we are currently serving. We told him we would do our best. How would we do it? By following the cousel of the 12 and get our ward council moving.

So, we presented this idea to the ward council as humbly as we possibly could.... you won't believe how wonderfully they responded to us. They were like, "Okay, what do we need to do?" So, up and coming, a new ward mission plan, built by the entire ward council, with goals for every facet of the work, that is easily presented to the ward.

This may seem so small.... but this is the best thing that has ever happened in the Ward. Ever. Becasue this means the foundation will be strengthened, which means higher levels of conversion and a greater willingness to spread the Gospel message. And a ward that is self sufficient in sustaining the work of Salvation, regardless of the calibur of the missionaries in it.

That's all I really have for this week.... but I am so grateful for the light that has come... and that will continue to come. I know this Gospel is true. I know that this work is His work, and it will roll forth boldly, nobly, and independant. :D

Rock on. Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage.

In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Shout Out to Wonderful Canadian Saints!

I received an email over the weekend that said:  

The Sisters and the Zonies

Tonight we had Sister D and Sister A along with Elder Hill and Elder K for dinner at our home.  We are so blessed to have them in our home.

Seriously, the Canadian Saints are WONDERFUL to share with the parents.  I am grateful.

Broken Record -- 9 September 2013

I'm just a broken record,

Singing the same old song.

Just a broken record,

Begging that we'll all get along.

I'm just an oldies record,

Asking you to read,

And a quiet scratched up record,

Testifying it's what you need.

I'm just a boring record,

I told you, "You could pray."

Just a smiling record,

trying to make your day.

I'm just a heartfelt record,

Scratched up, tattered, and torn

Just a solemn record,

I'm feeling pretty worn.

I am a distanced record,

Trying to do what's right.

I am a frightened record,

Who prays for strength every night.

I am a hopeful record

And every time I pray

I feel a peaceful record,

That you will be okay.

I'm just a happy record

Because He loves you, don't you see?

Just an excited record,

Because He loves you and even me.

I'm just a determined record,

Spinning round and round

Just a spirited record,

Projecting forth His sound.

I am a powerful record,

Here to do His will.

I am His chosen record,

Even if I'm ill.

I'm just a broken record,

Just a servant of the Lord,

Just a broken record,

Here to preach His Holy Word.

Well, that was a rugged first attempt at poetry in a whole year.

How are you!? Man, I'm so stinking great. :D I've been up and out of my shell and teaching and testifying.... so good.

I read through my email from last week, and man... it was awesome. Exactly what I was trying to say. :D

Have you ever thought about the name of Christ? Jehovah? It means, "I Am." When Christ talked with Moses, He told him to tell the Israelites that He, or, "I Am" is the God who sent him.

Well, that bears simple significance, I think. After all, how often do we catch ourselves saying things like, "I am an idiot" or sometimes even, "I am worthless." "I am alone." Why would Jesus Christ allow His name to be a part of such statements? Why would we even make them? Well, we make them because we are human and imperfect. And I think He allows His name to be in there, because even in those times, He wants us to know we are still His. We are His sheep. His Children. He allows His name to be in such degrading statements because He loves us enough to decend below the worst and weakest of all human frailties to be able to lift us. His Atonement is infinite and wonderful. :D

Well, this week was good. Elder K. and I are getting along well. Our zone is struggling a bit, but we'll do our best to help them out. We are going to be doing a training at ZTM tomorrow about our purpose and our wonderful callings a missionaries. There is nothing in the world---so far as I have experienced---as great and wonderful as knowing that you have been called of God to do a marvelous work and a wonder. His marvelous work and wonder. Man. :D Sooo good.

Well, I really do love you all so much. Sorry this one is short.

Rock on. Peace. Love. And Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Amidst the Hardest Weeks of Our Lives -- 2 September 2013

Do you ever have those weeks that are really hard? Well, this was one of those. Transfers for me usually is, and I don't always know why... sad for no particular reason, hmm.... I wonder where that came from (cough satan cough). 

Well, here we are. Monday. I'm feeling amazing. Why? Sunday came. 

There are some times when we are not running at 100%. Perhaps our pride is dragging us down (as mine often does). It could be that a loved one is gone, or that we feel empty, far from home, or things just don't seem to be working the way they ought to be. Well, there are plenty of each of those times on the mission, often they all come at once. There are, however, incredible truths that cause us to feel safe, whole, and happy, even in the middle of our most trying times. 

Why is church attendance so important? What about scripture study? Why do we pray? 

God wants to prove himself to us. How? He heals us. You remember those times when you were broken? Alone? and you got down on your knees and prayed to be fixed? Or to have a friend? To give you the strength so that you can do this... so you didn't have to walk that difficult road alone? I do. 

When we were volunteering in High River, we were at our first house and we had been there for 8 hours. The last thing to do was to rip the carpet out. I was exhausted, but so was everyone else. Our knives were no longer sharp enough to cut full lengths of carpet, so we were just cutting the top, and running, ripping the soaking wet, muddy carpet off the floor and dragging it up the stairs. I remember having nothing left, my hands couldn't hold on to the carpet or the railing... but I was the only one with enough strength left to rip out the carpet. They needed us. So, I just did what I could, I prayed. Grabbed the next strip of carpet and pulled. Prayed again, and did the same. Over and over and over again until there was only one strip left to pull. Fortunately, Someone else was able to do what I wasn't. 

You know, God doesn't just wait for our tank to run our and then recharge us with the energizer bunny of Atonement. It's no magic wand... he just waits until we actually turn to Him. He blesses us in small and simple ways, and then, when we are looking, does incredible things for us so that we can do His work. Accomplish His purposes. 

In the doctrine and covenants, God tells us: "And in temporal labors thou shalt not have strength, for this is not thy calling."  And that is true, we do not have strength sufficient to accomplish his purposes. We are not God, after all. However, His grace is sufficient. Here. Now. Always. It is active and not just AFTER all we can do. Remember that God's time is one eternal round. His strength is available here, now. Salvation is now. Peace and happiness is now. (see Alma 34:32 and D&C 58: 26-27)That is our purpose in life. Consider a missionary: if God only blessed that Elder after he did all he could do, then nothing would happen until after 10:30----if it happened at all. After means that whenever we do what God asks, immediately we receive His blessings of Salvation. It is predicated on our willingness to follow Him. (See sacrament prayers D&C 20: 77&79)

Do not wait to receive hope, happiness, salvation, or perfection. We are commanded: "Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God." When did we become perfect? Baptism. Perfect with Him. Meaning, if we, on the scale of perfection are only at 2 and we need to be at 100 well, the Good news(or Gospel) is, Christ suffered an infinite atonement. How big is infinity? So, take our two, and add it to infinity, how much is that? Infinity. We have access to it if we are willing. Willing means we will. And guess what, Christ knows your imperfections. He knows that you will fail. But are you willing to stand up and try again? Are you willing to give what you can and be made perfect through Him? with Him? Do you give up because perfection or consecration is too far away, and you could "never" be that person? No. Because you can. With Christ, you are. You always will be with Him unless you shut him out and give up. He will never give up on you. 

I know this is a lot like a rant... and I'm sorry. It's a lot of information that I've been learning over the past transfer or 2 as I've been studying grace, the atonement, and Jesus Christ. I just feel like so often we damn ourselves because we aren't where we think we ought to be, or because we feel like for us it isn't possible. We just sit down and stop. Maybe we're still doing what we can do, but we're not progressing. We don't think we can get there. We don't believe in ourselves.

Well, when we give up on God, is when it stops. He promised to do all He could. God never lies. He can make you perfect with Him, in Him. Then eventually many many many years later you are perfect on your own. But only through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah. 

So when life gets hard, take heart. Because He has been there. With you. His name is imprinted on your heart. If it's not, then now is the time to be baptized again, to take the Sacrament again, to stand up and try again. 

He will help you. He will never give up on you. He loves you. 

And that is the great mystery. Why does God love us so much?

I don't know. I'm not a Father. In fact, in my personal strong language, I don't deserve salvation. But that's the point. God isn't seeking to give it to those who deserve it, because nobody does. He wants to give it to those who are willing... because He loves us all. 

Are you willing to do what it takes?

My friends, I mentioned that it had been a hard week. It has. Sometimes the only thing that will keep you going is a knowledge of the Savior... his Grace. Well, Sunday came for me. He did not give up on me, again. :D

I love you all so much. Please, don't give up. Ever. "Keep walking. Keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead. It will be alright in the end. Trust God, and believe in good things to come."

Rock on. Peace. Love. Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

p.s. if you don't feel like God is there, or if you don't believe He exists or that if He does, He's not answering you... I challenge you to lean on the testimony of the prophets and apostles, and then willingly do what they are asking you to do. Every day. You will get an answer. 

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-06-26-sunday-will-come?lang=eng

WHITCHICKABAM -- 27 August 2013

Okay, short and sweet, but important.

Our investigator is preparing to be baptized this weekend, and like every week just before the baptism it's been rough. She was anti'ed. Hard core. Anyway, she was texting us all day, guilt tripping us and telling us we had lied to her. Every time we sent a response we prayed before we sent it, readjusted the wording and content of the message, and prayed again; and then on confirmation, we sent it. At the end of the night it was at its worst. We continued to pray... she sent us a text... and then the Lord directed us to ask her the following question: "Is the Book of Mormon the Word of God?"

She responded, "Yes."

And then we went to bed.

This morning we got a text from her that said, "Hey."

To which we responded, "Hi." then "Can we meet with you today?"

Then she said something that almost made me cry out with both joy and heartache: "Yes :( It's going to be a hard week, isn't it?"

Here's what I've learned...When the best things are going to happen are when the hardest times come. Satan don't kick no dead dogs, my friends. When life gets hardest, it's because miracles are around the corner. In that way, struggle is a miracle.

This week may be hard. This month may be hard. Who knows? But is the Book of Mormon true? Yes.

 Is Jesus the Christ?

I boldly proclaim. "He is."

And because He is, we will always be able to stand back up.

I love you all!

Rock on, peace, love, and temple marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

"I want to be a better version of an imperfect self." Elder T -- 19 August 2013

" ...for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the ^aliving God?"

I bet you can't guess what I studied today? :D

Before I begin, I need to apologize. I like "throw down" too much. I do. I love being chastized by scripture because it makes me feel like I can. I suppose that's really ironic, but whenever I hear an Apostle, or some other Authority telling me who I am able to become I just feel enabled. I see my potential... and while I know it will be a long road trying to reach it, I also am aware that I am soooooo happy when I am pushing forward, driving for a better me. So, please forgive me if my emails are sometimes a little graphic and unrestrained. I only do it because I love you all!

The good news is, I'm not planning on throwing down. I never do. I just say what comes to mind. So, let's talk.

The miracles start last Saturday.

Saturday evening we got a text from one of our investigators, we'll call her S. S has had a lot of trouble progressing in the Gospel, because she's been experiencing a lot of opposition from her family. She also wasn't really receiving any answers because she didn't really want them. Well, she was texting us, and she was dropping us over text! The nerve! :D As soon as we saw it, we prayed and we managed to say just what the Lord needed us to say. A miracle or two later (brought by God after all we could do) and she was at church the next day. :D But wait, it gets better. Tuesday rolls around and she's been reading the Book of Mormon, and has been experiencing so much joy because of it. Fast forward an hour and a half and several prayers later and she's on date for the 31st of August. :D Look at God going again. But it doesn't end there.

You see, our zone has a goal of 6 baptisms this month. That is more than this zone has done in 2 years (maybe more, our records only go that far back). So, as soon as we set the goal as a zone, miracles began to happen, with everyone. So, we have 5 on date for baptism before the end of the month. The first of these wonderful people to enter into the Kingdom of God this month is G. His baptism was on the 17th. I'll keep you posted as we go.

Anyway, S had set her own date for baptism during our lesson on Tuesday, but was still struggling. She had the answers, but it wasn't what she had expected to experience. She wasn't sure if she had the faith. Well, at G's baptism a member bore his powerful witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ being found in this church. It was incredible (in fact, when I grow up, I would like to be like him). Well, S came up to us after the service (which she attended) and told us that she was ready, and she wasn't looking back.

Have you ever heard the Spirit say something to you like, "Boomshakalaka" or "Whitchickabam"? I have.

Miracles. Summer will be baptized on the 31st. :D God is blessing us.

So, the past week has been just a test of faith for our entire zone. Are we going to believe that God will do this, or not? Do we believe that we are able to accomplish His work, and are we willing to work for it?

Well, I believe He will. Will you?

I think that's really what it comes down to in this life. Do we believe that we can with God? Do we believe that if we will do as He asks that He will do as He promises?

Well, He will and He does. I know He does.

I have one final thought, sometimes we think we need to be perfect. Sometimes when we hear someone try to teach us we may think, "Well, I can't! I'll never get there." I just have one verse for you, "13 Thou shalt be ^aperfect with the Lord thy God." (Deuteronomy 18:13) With Him, you can make it.

Rock on. Peace. Love. Temple Marriage. In that order.

Elder Taylor J. Hill

Divinity of Your Calling -- 12 August 2013

There is a beautiful talk called "The Inconvenient Messiah" given (shockingly by Jeffery R. Holland :)) He speaks of how sometimes being a diciple of Jesus Christ isn't always convenient or easy, but that it is always possible. In his talk, he spoke of Spencer W. Kimball when he received His calling as an Apostle. This is an exerpt (full talk: http://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/02/the-inconvenient-messiah?lang=eng   ):

“No peace had yet come, though I had prayed for it almost unceasingly. … I turned toward the hills. I had no objective. I wanted only to be alone. I had begun a fast. …

“My weakness overcame me again. Hot tears came flooding down my cheeks as I made no effort to mop them up. I was accusing myself, and condemning myself and upbraiding myself. I was praying aloud for special blessings from the Lord. I was telling Him that I had not asked for this position, that I was incapable of doing the work, that I was imperfect and weak and human, that I was unworthy of so noble a calling, though I had tried hard and my heart had been right. I knew that I must have been at least partly responsible for offenses and misunderstandings which a few people fancied they had suffered at my hands. I realized that I had been petty and small many times. I did not spare myself. A thousand things passed through my mind. Was I called by revelation? …

“If I could only have the assurance that my call had been inspired most of my other worries would be dissipated. … I knew that I must have His acceptance before I could go on. I stumbled up the hill and onto the mountain, as the way became rough. I faltered some as the way became steep. No paths were there to follow; I climbed on and on. Never had I prayed before as I now prayed. What I wanted and felt I must have was an assurance that I was acceptable to the Lord. I told Him that I neither wanted nor was worthy of a vision or appearance of angels or any special manifestation. I wanted only the calm peaceful assurance that my offering was accepted. Never before had I been tortured as I was now being tortured. And the assurance did not come. …

“I mentally beat myself and chastised myself and accused myself. As the sun came up and moved in the sky I moved with it, lying in the sun, and still I received no relief. I sat up on the cliff and strange thoughts came to me: all this anguish and suffering could be ended so easily from this high cliff and then came to my mind the temptations of the Master when he was tempted to cast Himself down—then I was ashamed for having placed myself in a comparable position and trying to be dramatic. … I was filled with remorse because I had permitted myself to place myself … in a position comparable, in a small degree, to the position the Saviour found Himself in when He was tempted, and … I felt I had cheapened the experiences of the Lord, having compared mine with His. Again I challenged myself and told myself that I was only trying to be dramatic and sorry for myself.

“… I lay on the cool earth. The thought came that I might take cold, but what did it matter now. There was one great desire, to get a testimony of my calling, to know that it was not human and inspired by ulterior motives, kindly as they might be. How I prayed! how I suffered! How I wept! How I struggled!” (Edward L. Kimball and Andrew E. Kimball, Jr., Spencer W. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Inc., 1977, pp. 192–95.)

Now at this very hour, thirty-eight years and a mountain of tumors and troubles later, this sweet and Godly man clings to life not because that life has been convenient, but because he feels there might be one more mountain to climb, one more obstacle of body or spirit that needs to be overcome. The spiritual odyssey of Andrew Kimball’s son has been anything but easy. And maybe that of your father’s son or your mother’s daughter will require patience and perseverance too.

So if your prayers don’t always seem answered, take heart. One greater than you or President Kimball cried, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani. … My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46.) If sometimes the harder you try, the harder it gets, take heart. So it has been with the best people who ever lived.

I just want to bear my testimony that God not only hears and answers prayers, but he doesn't leave us alone. Sometimes we battle and struggle so that we can grow closer to the Light of God.

One of Jesus Christ's names is, "I Am." and I want to testify that I know that He Is. He is real. He is our Savior. He is our Brother, our Friend, our Advocate with the Father. He is my personal companion and He has taught me how to live like Him. How to give my all. After all, why wouldn't I? In the words of Gordon B. Hinckley, "“It’s true, isn’t it? Then what else matters?”"

It is true. I know it's true. I will and have lived it, and because of this, I know it.

I don't really know what to say about this past week. It has been good. We now have a third companion named Elder Tabler. He's a great guy.

No investigators on date in our area...yet. Our Zone has a goal for 6 baptisms this month, which has never been done by the Foothills Zone before :D. The last time we checked, we had 7 on date this month. We can do it! (it's a principle of faith)

Other than that, this week has been full of teaching. It's no longer as crazy as it was before, but it is going great! We're turning our focus back to the ward to continue to build a foundation so that our investigators still have something to lean on. YSA is insane. More than 3/4 of our ward is moving away for school this weekend.

Well, that's all I have to say about that. I love you all!