I'm dying in Dover!

Miracles abounding! 

So we found a Haitian family a few weeks ago. The wife, Marlene, speaks creole and French..."luckily" our Ward Mission Leader speaks French! They moved from Haiti three months ago. She goes to a Haitian church but wants to know what we believe! Bro. Siebach (WML) taught the lesson, of course. He taught about Joseph Smith, The Apostasy, the Restoration and the Book of Mormon. The Spirit was so strong! And we're coming back this week! 

We also found a couple named Cory and Stephanie. They are super great and really open! We met Cory on the steps outside the apartment complex and he said we could come back that day! *never happens* So we had to go on splits and I went and took a ward member, Heather, with me. It went really well! They are doctrinally pretty spot on. But...Cory has a strong belief that he's been baptized by water and by the Holy Ghost, "...And that was the best gift God ever gave him!"...so we're praying to not have any road blocks there...

Brothers and Sisters, do realize that we live in a time where Apostles and Prophets post on FACEBOOK?! That is a miracle in and of itself! Their apostolic messages beam right to our pockets in SECONDS! PEOPLE, ARE YOU UNDERSTANDING THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS?! You have new scripture every time they post something. They're not quoting anyone, or letting you know what's going on in their lives...They're guided by inspiration as to what they should share...and then it beams out to the world! I'm obviously really floored by this, and you should be too. This week Elder D. Todd Christofferson posted, 

"I pray that you will make the theme of the Savior’s life—“I do always those things that please [the Father]”—the theme of your life. If you do, you will save your life. 

Be content in all your striving and achieving to put His will first. Lose your self-will in His perfect will. Learn to want what He wants. Confess and acknowledge Him in every aspect of your life. Do not be ashamed of Christ or His gospel, and be willing to lay down cherished things, cherished relationships, and even life itself for Him. 

But while you live, let your life be an offering. Take up His cross each day in purity, obedience, and service. These are the implications and the fruits of our faith."

Those words really touched my heart. I started crying when I read them, mostly because I read them over Facebook! What a miracle. That's what we're here to do. Learn how to give up our will. And as President Uchtdorf pointed out this weekend at the Women's Broadcast, our Heavenly Father knows more than we do...So I'm trying, day by day, to give up my will and realize His. Trying to want what He wants. Something tells me this will be a lifelong endeavor, but I'm willing to work for it. 

I'm not even done with the miracles! 

So bare with me...I need to back up a bit for this one. Back in June...we were planning a Ward Cultural Night. We went to Staples to print off some fliers. The chick at the counter looked at us and said, "Hey, I'm Mormon! My name is Ashley." We were stunned of course. We tried to get her number but it didn't work. Then in July we were  back for Victoria's baptismal programs! We got her facebook but couldn't find her because she was super blocked (dang stalkers). Then again, we were there in August for Qiu Liang's baptismal programs! This time we got a number and that evening we saw her while we were at Olive Garden with Victoria! That number didn't work....I promise she didn't do it on purpose! Finally, at the end of August the Smyrna Elders ran into her and they got her number for us! Success. We texted her and she asked for a Book of Mormon. We were supposed to meet up with her but she bailed on us. Then, like a veil, my mind was erased of her. It wasn't like I kept thinking of her and then brushing it off, she literally never entered my mind. Then, a week and a half ago...BOOM! It hit me like a ton of bricks! 

So, we text her and she INVITES US OVER FOR DINNER THIS WEEK! Oh yeah! We were stoked! But as usual, I was having little faith. She was just "too excited"....I was wrong. Again. We show up, and she lets us in! We talked all through dinner just getting to know her, and I was a little worried because it was all a bunch of nothingness. I mean, it was great but nothing gospel related. So finally we ask if we can share a message before we go. We had prepared to talk about Moroni 10:32 and our purpose in helping others to come unto Christ. We then watched the Come Unto Christ video. Halfway through I just started praying that she would feel His love. I look up, and she crying. The video gets over,and she's still crying. We wait for a moment and just let  her ponder. Then she says, "Ever since I was young I could see spirits, and I know this sounds crazy, but when you walked in I could see angels. Please just know He sends them to watch over you, because I can see them." And then that's all she said about the matter! My heart was so touched. She then went on to tell us everything. How she knows she needs to change her path and that God kept telling her to invite us over. It was like a total 180. She came to church yesterday and is coming to volleyball tonight. WHAT A MIRACLE! Ashley is so amazing. She recognizes what she needs to change and she's willing to do it. I'm so happy!!!! 

We also had a lesson with a lady named Hermana Lupita. She is the mother of a recently baptized family. She has a baptismal date for Nov 9, so keep her in your prayers! 

And we had a lesson with our friend Kenny this week! He's super awesome. He like Ashley, knows what he needs to do to get where he wants to go. It's amazing to work with people who you help to get going in the right direction, and they just completely take off running in the right direction. The Spirit is really strong when you teach a willing heart. 

Victoria's husband Hal came home this week! I FINALLY MET HAL! Man, after 7 months it was quite a relief! Super happy he's home with his family. Which reminds me, Zaria's baptism is on October 19th! (: super exciting! 

This week in church the Primary, Young Women's and Relief Society presidencies ALL got remodeled! It was crazy and awesome at the same time! We are so excited to work with all these new auxiliary leaders! 

Well folks, that's about all I've got for you this week. Please keep the love and prayers coming. I'm so grateful for your love and support. He truly is hastening His work, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it! 

LO

VE,  Hermana Taylor 

Dearest Children, God is Near You.

What a wonderful world...

Sister White and I had Golden Re-Training which is a meeting for new missionaries and their trainers. It's always great to be up at the mission office. We are blessed with the most wonderful senior couples in the world. They take such great care of us! And plus the Jones' are from St. George...so that's a nice perk! And not to mention that we stopped at Trader Joe's on the way home and I bought myself some Crunchy Cookie Butter! *nectar from the gods* You'll never eat an apple the same way again.

We also had interviews with President this week! That man is so in tune, and I am so grateful for his inspired guidance and counsel. He helped and encouraged me so much. I definitely know that I was called to serve with President and Sister Anderson. I will love them forever. 

We got to go to one of my favorite places this week..the hospital! I even met an after hours security guard who directed us to the right room. It was magical. 

We had an awesome volunteer opportunity this week at a thrift store called God's Way...needless to say, my custodial days at BYU-I had trained me for that very moment. I could have debuted in my own Pine-sol commercial. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and say that the toilet was cleaned three weeks ago...but those floors...like I said, Pine-Sol central! Not to mention- NO GLOVES! I also killed FOUR spiders in the bathroom. Count-em..1-2-3-4! Those "character  building" experiences- love em! 

This week a sister said, "A mission is learning what to hold on to and what to let go of." Super inspired and exactly what I needed to hear. Right now I'm learning which mountains to climb. It's a very humbling thing,  but as always I'm feeling the sustaining power of the Atonement, and there are no words to describe my gratitude. The power of the priesthood is so real. I know that God lives. He loves us, He cares for us. He watches over us continually. 

I invite each of you to ponder how you can have more meaningful prayers. This act of faith will show your Heavenly Father that you care for and seek after His love inspired correction. 

I love you all! Your prayers are felt and needed! 

LO

VE, Hermana Taylor 

quotes of the week: 

"You can't be prayin' for crazy things Z! If you eat donuts, you're gonna get fat!" - Victoria 

"Hailey, shut that door! Do you want them bugs to come in here and crawl into your bed and eat you at night?!"- Victoria

"Can I be your mom's 5th child??" - Victoria 

Pantsing...it's a natural high...

Once again an eventful week! 

There's never a dull moment in the service of the Lord! This week, you get a play-by-play! 

Monday- YSA volleyball was as great as ever. After 7 months in Dover you'd think my volleyball skills were getting pretty intense...but they're not. 

Tuesday- Well, a couple weeks a go we got a headquarters referral for a "golden" investigator who has LDS family members. She'd already ordered a Book of Mormon on her own, she was in Mosiah 3 when we talked to her, and she really wanted to know how her family could be together forever. She'd even been studying Doctrine & Covenants too! Our first lesson went great! We had a member there, she bore powerful testimony, and at the end of the lesson our investigator asked us how she could contribute to Relief Society! She was SOLID! Or so we thought...after that we couldn't get a hold of her. But she was sooooo awesome. So we texted 3 times, and facebook messaged twice...no response. So finally a week and a half later we decided to stop by her house. We knock. They approach the door, begin talking about us, and don't open the door. So, we leave a note and go on our merry way. (That was last Saturday) So on Tuesday...we get a text message saying that, "Her husband almost shot us because we showed up unannounced and the talks are off!" Yikes. 

Wednesday! Sister Cook made me funeral potatoes! Yummmmy! I was so happy. (: It's the little things. 

Thursday- Brother and Sister Kopp took us our for lunch, then they let us plan in their back yard as usual. They spoil us to death. It's super great. Then, they also fed us dinner because we were at their house for so long. <3 These members take WAY good care of us! I'm so grateful for them! And then we went to mission prep and the teacher was so inspired! Brother Hamner is the best! It was just what we needed. 

Friday- you don't want to know. 

Saturday- Sister Wiser pants-ed me... TWICE in 5 minutes! Also...we had the Mission Tour! With Elder and Sister Andersen of the second quorum of the seventy! I learned SO much, of course! I cannot put into this email all that I learned! Structure and pattern equal happiness brothers and sisters! And the earlier we wake up, the happier we will feel! Be engaged! 

This is my testimony- Prayer is powerful, and it is sacred. We are invited, spiritually, into the presence of the Creator. Our Savior bridges the gap of our fallen state to allow this to take place. Be careful about how you ask for blessings in your prayers. Too often we ask the Father to bless others, rather than asking Him for the ability, capacity or insight to bless them ourselves, with His help. I invite you to pray for the later. When we pray, our desires need to be consistent with Christ's will, if it is any other way it is not a prayer of faith. We cannot be asking for things because of motives contrary to the will of God. We must pray that we may be able to conform our desires and motives with those of Christ. Now, there is no prayer of faith without works. So work to accomplish the answers to your prayers, and you'll have His help every step of the way. He will enable you to carry out His will. 

LO

VE, 

Sister Kadee Elise Taylor

Steadfast in Christ, not simply enduring!

Crazy times in the PPM. 

Amish food rocks my world. 

Pretzels. Donuts. Chocolate. Lemonade. Pretzel logs. Pretzel covered cheesy sausages. 

You get the point... (: But you don't, until you've experienced it. 

Monday night YSA volleyball rocks my world. 

When they let the Sister Missionaries be team captains, my team always dominates. Just saying. I swear, I've never been competitive, but YSA volleyball just brings out my inner competitive side. 

Training. 

I feel like an old mom haha. Luckily she's pre-trained, and went out with the sisters for months when she was home (: She's also hilarious. I feel like a dead beat next to her...and that's saying something ;) 

We have interviews this transfer, and I am so excited! President has had us write up our own "personal purpose" - what we want to accomplish on our missions and in life, really. There were a lot of details he wanted, and at first I as nervous about how I would put everything down into words. But as I began writing, it was surprisingly easy for me to put it all into words. I will share it with you sometime. In short, I want to be like my Savior, and I feel that if that is what I am striving for, everything else that is a priority will fall into place. When I'm focused on becoming more like Him, my Heavenly Father will help me to take care of the rest. The Savior is the focus of the gospel, and He should be the focus of our lives. So that's my new motto! Steadfast in Christ, not simply enduring! I wise missionary I know helped me to see the difference. Life is about more than just enduring, it's about enjoying. And if you're having trouble seeing that, start one day at a time. Look for a blessing, a tender mercy, a simple joy in every day. They are there, I promise you that. You have a loving Heavenly Father who waits eagerly to answer your prayers. But you have to do your part. 

I've been studying faith a lot. How to obtain greater faith, how to strengthen my faith etc...One might say that to obtain faith we must be obedient, but I felt that it was so much more than that- and it is. In a quote I found by Elder Holland he says, “Preparatory faith is formed by experiences in the past—by the known, which provides a basis for belief. But redemptive faith must often be exercised toward experiences in the future—the unknown, which provides an opportunity for the miraculous. Exacting faith, mountain-moving faith, faith like that of the brother of Jared, precedes the miracle and the knowledge. He had to believe before God spoke. He had to act before the ability to complete that action was apparent. He had to commit to the complete experience in advance of even the first segment of its realization. Faith is to agree unconditionally—and in advance—to whatever conditions God may require in both the near and distant future” 

That is what I am striving for, exacting faith! Brothers and Sisters, I know that when we make Christ the center of our lives, we will have greater perspective about what is important and what is not. We live in a busy world that tells us that being busy is being successful, happy and even righteous. I pray that we fill our days with things that further the work of the Lord. In all that we do we should be His servants. Our motives should always be to bring ourselves or others closer to Christ. 

LOVE always, 

Sister Kadee Elise Taylor 

The Gospel shall roll forth until it has filled the whole earth! - D&C 65:1-2

One day when I type an email I'll know where to start. 

It's just that as much happens in one missionary day than in one non-missionary week...

First and foremost, Yang QiuLiang (yong-chew-lee-ong)  was baptized.

I cannot explain to you how incredibly prepared QiuLiang was! When we started teaching her an JingTing we were...not doubtful, but unsure. After trying to plan their first lesson for over 30 minutes, we knelt down and prayed. We knew that our role here was to do everything in our power. If it was our Father's will that they be baptized, that's exactly what would happen. BUT, we had to do everything we could. So we planned by the Spirit, and taught SO simply. I'll be honest, at first I completely thought of the girls as a package deal. They'd either both be baptized or neither of them would. Well, obviously I was wrong, but I learned so much in the process.

As we continued teaching, it was clear how prepared and receptive QiuLiang was. She was so willing to keep commitments, to pray, to do anything to come to know if God was real and if He knew her. She so easily felt and recognized the influence of the Holy Ghost, it was incredible. When we taught her that baptism was just the beginning, the gate to eternal life- she understood what she needed to do. She is so strong and so bright. Her prayers are the most sincere thing I've ever heard, and her desires are pure. 

When QiuLiang stepped down into the font, I could not restrain my tears. I knew this was such a grand moment in the Kingdom of God. I cannot believe He counted me worthy to be here, in this area at this time. Any other missionary could have been His tool here, but He chose me. I will be eternally grateful. QiuLiang arose from the waters of baptism, she was crying. She felt absolutely free, weightless- it was not a rebirth, but a birth. Her new life as a disciple of Jesus Christ had begun. Yesterday in sacrament meeting she was confirmed a member of the Church by Bishop Harrison. It was a beautiful blessing full of promise and counsel.

I know that as she goes back home to China life as a member of the Church will be different, but I also know that our Heavenly Father has a plan laid out for her. She has the most precious gift in the world now, the Gift of the Holy Ghost. She know she cannot go wrong if she follows His counsel. Saying goodbye to her yesterday was one of the hardest things I've ever done. It's something different than saying goodbye to other friends and members, I do not know when I will see her again. With tears streaming down our cheeks right before we said goodbye, I read her this scripture, "... they separated themselves and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken."  (Alma 17:13) QiuLiang said that she "felt power in her mind, warmth in her heart, and responsibility on her shoulders." I love her. 

I know this is the only True and living Church upon the face of the earth. Christ is at the head of it. God lives and is aware of us. The Book of Mormon is a testimony of our Savior. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and we are so blessed to have a prophet on the earth today. Heed their counsel. Study the Book of Mormon, and pray always. 

Love, 

Sister Kadee Elise Taylor 

Miracles abounding!

Once again I'm not quite sure where to start...chronological order will do (:

Victoria's baptismal program was beautiful. She had so many friends and family members that traveled to be here and support her, it was amazing. Watching this day come together filled my heart with joy. As her baptism got closer and closer, I expected this "burning in my bosom" type experience and...it never came. I thought for sure that as I was able to witness Victoria enter into the waters of baptism that the flood gates of my tear ducts would over flow and...the tears never came. I was surprisingly calm. I was a little befuddled but still totally at peace. 

After the service we went to Olive Garden! :D For the next 12 hours I was still wondering why I didn't have this grand experience that I had anticipated. 

Sure enough, the next day at church Victoria came forward during sacrament meeting to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the second Brother Hummel opened his mouth, I was weeping like a child. What a blessing it has been to be called to Dover at this time. Victoria was 100% prepared by the Lord, I simply showed up at the right time. He could have called anyone else to be here, but He called me. I've never felt so much joy in my life. Pure joy is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. I have never known such peace. I cannot believe He counts me worthy to be His mouthpiece.

During Relief Society we taught Ashli about the message of the Restoration. We kind of had to teach the Plan of Salvation at the same time in order for her to understand the context. She attended Victoria's baptism, so we talked about how baptism is the gate in which we enter the path back to our Heavenly home. It's just the beginning. We told her that we didn't want to rush her to baptism, but we helped her to understand that she could not be baptized in China. We knelt in prayer with her as she offered the most sincere prayer I have ever heard. She asked our Heavenly Father to let her know if she should be baptized before she goes back home to China. She knows there will be many restrictions there, and that she doesn't have much time here. As she was praying, SO WAS I! I honestly couldn't feel a thing, and neither could Sister Howard. I just plead with Heavenly Father to help Ashli to recognize her answer, because we can't do that for her. As she ended her prayer and we sat quietly for what seemed like eons, with tears streaming down her face she finally said, "I think I am lucky enough to be baptized before I go home to China." And by this point we all had tears streaming down our cheeks. We promised her that her Heavenly Father is so mindful of her. He will help her every step of the way. He wants her to be happy and He will help her to do what is right. Please keep her in your prayers! She leaves for China on August 11th and her service will be held that weekend. 

THEN, that night they prepared us a feast! Heaven help me, I thought I was going to throw up. We call it, "eating for Jesus". You know what a texture eater I am! ....sesame paste....assortments of tofu, a plethora of mushrooms and last but not least...DUCK EGG!!!! I'm fine. I lived to tell about it, didn't I? It was a bunch of horribly textured things covered in nut taste. BUT, there was cilantro! :D Man, I guess I got my wish, a slice of China in my mission (: I love those girls.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is real. It's blessings cannot be received by mere observation, but only in the living application of His teachings. When we show our desire, light will flow into our souls. Our Heavenly Father will help us every step of the way, we just need to show Him - by our actions- that we care. We can only love someone to the extent that we are willing to sacrifice for them. After all that the Savior has done for us, what are we willing to sacrifice for Him? A life of living His Gospel? I sure hope so. I love the Lord with all my heart. Thank you for your constant support and much needed prayers. 

Love, 

Sister Kadee Taylor

All you need is love.

Well let's see...

We had to take our car in for an oil change at Pep Boys...no big deal right? Wrong. They worked on it for a total of 50 minutes, yet somehow managed to keep the thing over night! Not to mention during a 24 hour span of torrential down pour (prayers for Rexburg)! 

Ashli and Fiona are AMAZING! They are so full of light! We teach them eternal truths and they recognize them! We taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Saturday and invited them to be baptized! They said that they would pray about it and attend Victoria's baptism this weekend! We found out that they go home August 11th, so time is of the essence. They cannot be baptized in China, so we're praying for and expecting a miracle! They also brought their friend Felika to church yesterday and we taught her too! Because it's hard for them to get much from Relief Society, we took them out and had a lesson with them. It was so incredible and the Spirit is always so strong when we teach them.

VICTORIA IS GETTING BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY! She's incredible. Such an amazing example and such a strong spirit. I love her to death! 

I've had another epiphany, so bear with me. God's love for us never changes. He loves us independent of anything else in the universe. Every detail of my life is a manifestation of this. Every single person, regardless of their actions, their circumstances or anything else about them, deserves to be shown this love. We are His hands here, especially in this regard. Every living soul needs to be treated with Christ-like love. End of story. These words don't adequately explain what I've learned, but my soul has been enlightened. My heart has been filled with light and joy. I am able to feel of His love and the love of those around me because I've learned this. My Heavenly Father loves me independent of any earthy or eternal circumstance, happenstance, situation or any other reality that pertains to me. He just loves me. I'm so grateful for the people in my life that have shown me this kind of love, they have been a great example to me. 

I love my Heavenly Father so much. I'm so grateful for the details of my life in which He expresses His love. I can't wait to one day return to Him, so that time and space cannot distance us from Him! I'm so inexpressibly grateful for the Gospel in my life. It changes my heart day by day, and for that I am grateful. 

I love you all so much! 

Love, 

Sister Kadee Elise Taylor

p.s.- I feel old. I can't imagine how that makes my parents feel! ;)