Mission Splits in Reno

Thank you for the package it was just what I needed!  First selfie picture I took with my awesome camera. :) 

On Monday we went over to a member's house for a BBQ, we watched "Meet the Mormons" movie, I fell asleep on their couch (surprise, surprise). :) We saw a guy with a gun and it made us panic a little, but it was fine. 

We had district meeting on Tuesday and then we had KFC that a member brought us.

Wednesday was a normal mission day:)

On Thursday we had interviews with our new mission president.  We went to the Hospital because one of the recent converts thought she was going into labor, she didn't. :) But while we were in the waiting room we met some members of the church that are less active so we visited with them. :) That night we went on exchanges.  I went to Reno with Sister Braithwaite (he is one of the STLs and she is amazing) and Sister Barker stayed in Carson with a different Sister Missionary.  I had a blast in Reno. :)

I was still in Reno on Friday and a lot of adventures happened! :) First we met with and had a few great lessons with members that have been less active for awhile. Then we got into a minor car accident. We were pulling into a parking lot and this guy was backing out of his spot but he was not paying attention and hit us.  It was only a few scratches but we still had to go to the Mission office and report it since it is a mission car. :)

We went up to Tahoe for a picnic on Saturday and it was cool to be by the Lake again (it wasn't the same area I served like Incline but it was still Tahoe).

Sunday was church, lunch, teaching people, dinner, bed. :)

So for the past few weeks there is an old missionary that has been staying with us.  She used to serve in Carson and Tahoe.  We have taught a lot of the same people so that has been awesome to ask her about Tahoe and everything because she recently went to go visit, I think it was last week and then she went back yesterday as well.  She is like my ears and eyes back in Tahoe. ;) Her name is Sister Xonthe (pronounced Chantay). She was actually companions at one time with Sister Cordle (I miss Sister Cordle so much).

I love you all so much!  Hermana Friend 

Presidents' Day

[Here are some arrival to the mission pictures we got from the Reno Mission Blog, click on the link to the left to see the blog.]  Presidents day threw off our p day haha. The library didn't open until noon so we had to wait to email.  Well, this week we had a emotional week. One of our investigators has a daughter that really wants to be baptized and on Tuesday we went to their house and the mom just broke down.  It was such an emotional night, we sat there with her for a couple hours.  At one point of the conversation I finally spoke up and told her how it was breaking our hearts to see her turn away from us, her kids, and Heavenly Father!  It was an emotional night for all of us. I gave the daughter one of my name tags and told her no matter whether her Mom let her get baptized or not to always keep her faith and Heavenly Father will always be there for her.  But guess what, her mom was touched by the Spirit and is allowing her to get baptized this Saturday!

[I told Taylor that a recent returned missionary from our ward spoke and he said that he doesn't like to call investigators of the church friends instead of investigators as he felt like that's really what they are.]  I like that investiagtors are our friends!  I feel like I generally have grown a love for these people, it's amazing how Heavenly Father works.

 

There have been a lot of fun moments here, Sister Underly and I laugh all the time which is good!  We are goofballs! 

My testimony on fasting has been strengthened a little.  Nevada has been in a drought for while so last week Bishop asked us to fast as a ward, so we did and it has been snowing and raining on and off all week, but today it is sunny!:)


My Spanish is mas o menos!  Not bad, but I am still not comfortable reading or talking in front of people haha.  For church, the first sacrament is in English then the next 3 hours are in Spanish. We go to two sacrament meetings!

Oh, ya why did my comapion random tickle me...HANNAH?!!!!  

I love and miss you so much have a great week!  Your Taylor

Hermana Friend Arrives in Reno

[This is the quick email I got from Taylor, then below is an email we received from the Reno Mission office.]

This morning Hermana Tebbs had to leave at 5:30 am so we had to wake up early to drop her off at the office.  I didn’t get too much studying done today because of everything going on and I am nervous to go off to Reno tomorrow.  We don’t have much time to email today or for this week.  I get on a plane from Mexico around 6 am so we will be leaving the CCM before 4 am. I will arrive in Phoenix, Arizona around 9 am. Then a few elders, Elder Quinton, who I flew to Mexico with, included and I have about a five hour layover in Arizona.  Then we board a plane to Reno, Nevada around 2 pm.  Tomorrow will be a crazy long day but I am praying for the best. Anyways I love you so much and miss you!  Love Always Taylor

 

Taylor with her Mission President
 and his wife

Dear parents and loved ones:

I am pleased to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely in the Nevada Reno Mission.   Sister Hermansen and I are so grateful to have them join the ranks of our committed and faithful missionaries. 

This is Taylor with her new
 companion/trainer

Please send all mail directly to your missionary.  They will let you know their physical address on Monday when they write.  Any mail sent to the Mission Office will be forwarded the next day but the US Postal Service prefers that we not forward too much mail.

The newest missionaries to the
Reno Nevada Mission

We have a wonderful Mission Blog.  You can see pictures and updates from time to time at the following website:     http://nevadarenomission.blogspot.com.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful missionary with us.  We assure you of our interest and concern for their happiness, safety, and success as they serve in this great mission.

With every best wish, President David N. Hermansen, Nevada Reno Mission