Goodbye Alamo!

So, I've got big news.  I just found out two days ago that I am getting what they call "Emergency Transferred."  A normal transfer for us missionaries is every 6 weeks and that means we will stay in an area until then and after that there is a chance that we can be moved.  Well, long story short, it's only been 3 weeks and half of my district is leaving. One of the Elders in Socorro is being sent home and one of the sisters is being sent home for health problems; the other sister is going with another set of sisters in the mission and the area is being closed down!  So, after President tells me all these crazy changes he says that I'm being sent down now to Socorro and to pack my bags and say my goodbyes on Alamo. So, that’s the news.  It was really hard to hear at first but I've come to know it’s the Lord's will not mine.

My companion says I'm like going to be a Band-aid and that I'll be going down there to help fix and bandage the area, which is true, but I don’t know how long I'll be there for though.  My heart hurt a lot to hear that after 3 weeks they are already closing down one of the areas in Socorro, and that 3 out of the 4 missionaries are leaving; but its ok because there is a plan for it all.

I bore my goodbye testimony this last Sunday.  When I got up to say that I'm leaving all I heard were gasps and people whispering "no."  I cried, of course, giving my testimony and sharing my love to them all and how much I feel a part of their family and culture! I LOVE this people: Native Americans, Navajos, and Apaches soooo much.  A common last name down here is Apachito so some people joke and say my name is Elder Taylor Apachito!  ha But I read the promise that I love the most to the Native Americans in the Book of Mormon and that is Mormon 7: 8-10. It says how they will come to the knowledge of their Fathers when they read this record and that they must follow Christ, our Savior, and that it will be well with them in the day of judgment if they follow this gospel. I think it really hit home to them. There are a lot of grudges and rumors and murmuring here on the res but I pleaded with them to forgive one another and help our brothers and sisters here to come to church and that when I come back and it’s the bigger building that I want to see it filled!

Many of the women were crying.  Its because once the natives let you in their heart and culture and trust you they feel heartbroken when you leave. Some are angry at “whoever is sending me away” but others understand. I tell all of them than I'll be back here in a year and will be in regular clothes coming to their houses to see them, my family, again. I said a few words in Navajo while giving my testimony and that was special too.

I know there are great things to come.  Elder Ahloy and Elder Farb will do a great job without me here...  I know its in good hands. The Lord needs all 3 of us to grow more and receive more responsibilities. I look forward to Socorro and the new and great big challenges that are waiting there for me. "The Lord calls us in our weakness, but He qualifies us for His work.”

I know who I am and what I'm capable of.  If we all just follow the Lord's call, whatever it may be, and become submissive like a child than He will guide and bless us more for He has a greater purpose. Sometimes He cuts us down to help us grow more than we were before.

Thanks for all of the support and prayers here for the Alamonites and for helping pray for the building expanison. I'll be here in Februrary next year to come to Alamo and visit all of my family :) 

Love,

Elder Taylor  

This morning we went with Anita, Angelita and Malcolm to hike by their house. 

It was awesome!  

I love this family.  I was there for Shannon and Sydney Apachitos baptism.

 Going to miss them.