December 30, 2013~ Christmas Week

General Email:

This last week was quite the blur. I don't really know where to start. Christmas feels like it was two to three weeks ago, not just last week. Goodness. 

Well, I feel like I was pretty spoiled. I received three packages filled with presents. You all spoil me too much. I don't think I will have the right or opportunity to say I have been forgotten for another year. ;) I enjoyed seeing that most of the presents were edible, so I wouldn't have to worry to much about how to pack everything up when each transfer comes, or when it's time to come home. God gave me a great Christmas present. We haven't crashed and died yet. I have been pretty lucky with not slipping on the ice. One of the Elders likes to speed. I'm worried he's going to slide the car and die (just a little worried. He seems to know what he's doing with driving in the snow). Crazy Elder. Elders in general are just crazy and easily carried away (No offense intended to all my friends who are male and served a mission, you have to admit. You get distracted easily and are just crazy ;D). I haven't gotten sick either! No colds or anything. I guess I have been sick, but not sick in the virus spreading way. I got my results from the doctor. I'm just low on Vitamin D. That affects fatigue and mood. I'll be getting some vitamins for that today, so I'll but up and running in no time! The sun doesn't like showing itself here during the winter, so it's hard to get vitamin D that way. That's one reason I'm grateful for living in the good o'l Utah desert. Even during winter, the sun is still out and shining. If you are one of those people who complains about living in Utah, take president Uchtdorf's advice and "Stop it!" :) Count your many blessing. Oh! Make it a new years resolution. That's what one of mine will be. It really works. You should do it too.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and had the opportunity to bless someone else. For those of you who didn't take the challenge that was issued at our last general conference, to invite at least one person to learn more about this gospel before Christmas, I invite you to do so now. Seriously. Do it. Just do it. It won't ruin your friendship with that person. Just do it. Invite them over when you have the missionaries over for dinner, and hold a short family home evening afterwords, giving the missionaries an opportunity to teach (trust me, they'll appreciate it).

 Also, just so you know, the missionaries can't do this work all on their own. They need you. They REALLY need you. I didn't realize just how much a missionary needs the ward members until now. It's insane. So, start finding people. Talk to them, get to know them. Make friends with everyone! Be a good example and representative of the gospel. Get out there. This is a war between good and evil. Literally! I'm realizing that more each day. If you do that, people will be even more open to learning more about the gospel, and their lives will be blessed because of your courage. Hop to it!!! Love you all!
Love, 

Sister Tayla Wells

December 23, 2013

General Email: 

I have been told that some of you aren't receiving the e-mail. I apologize. I hope you get it!

Okay, so before I start, I want to share a really weird experience I had this last week. My companion and I went up to a door and knocked. The man who opened looked rather intimidated. He didn't say a thing, but after we introduced ourselves, he waved his hand to say no and closed the door. I noticed he was watching us as we walked to the next house. No one was home, so we went to the next. The lady opened the door and right before we could introduce ourselves, her phone rang. She asked us to hold on. She picked up the phone, and what ever the person on the phone said must have startled her because she froze. She then said, "Hold on, their at my front door." This shocked me. Who was calling her about us? It quickly dawned on me that it must have been that man who was staring at us from the window and who said nothing at the door. She came back to the door and said very meanly, "So, what's your reason for casing the place?" All I could think was, whoah! What did that man say about us? I introduced ourselves as missionaries. She just had a strange look like she didn't care or believe us and said she wasn't interested. The rest of the houses was the same. The people aren't very sneaky. As we knocked on each door, we could see them on their phones, just watching us. The strange/unkind rumor that man was spreading, was moving VERY quickly. There was only one kind lady who opened the door and kindly said she wasn't interested (maybe the neighbors didn't have her number?), and another only opened the door when we had walked a good distance away. She called out her apologies and said she didn't open the door because it was dark and she didn't know us. We told her we understood. At this point, I was feeling uncomfortable. Everyone thought we were up to no good. I had heard stories of people calling cops. I mentioned to my companion that maybe they would. She said she didn't think so. The next thing I know, a cop car comes screaming down the road. By this point, my heart wanted to explode! I was so grateful I remembered to bring my card with me that shows I'm authorized to proselyte. Then I worried because my companion keeps forgetting to find hers. As the cop got closer, my heart was beating HARD. Then, it past us and kept going around the corner. My companion, knowing how easily I worry, just started laughing at me. At the time, I didn't think it was that funny, but now, it's so hilarious! People can be so strange. We went knocking on doors last night, and there was this one house where the people just stared at us as we went from door to door, like we were freaks. My companion pointed out that we do look rather weird. We're two young and small girls, walking around in the dark, wearing dresses in the middle of winter, walking from door to door inviting people to learn more about Christ. I guess we're an interesting sight.

The investigator that told us he wanted to be baptized has disappeared again! We just don't understand. For four solid weeks, he was just, gone. He suddenly comes back, says he really wants to get baptized, is around for less than one week, and then disappears again. We don't know what's going on. We hope he'll appear soon. We really want to help him.

I do have some sad knews about some of our ward members, The Silskis. Please keep them in your prayers at this time. They are a older couple in the ward. They are so wonderful and have us over for dinner every other week. They are so in love and always comment on how they don't know what they'll do when the other one goes because they are just so in love. They love missionary work and the temple. They are always going to the temple. We got to go on Thursday as a zone, and we saw them there. We found out that the very next day, brother Silski almost died! He was still in the ICU yesterday. He had an abdominal aneurism. They didn't think he would make it through the night, but thankfully, he did! His intestines were so swolen that they couldn't sow him closed. They should have done that yesterday from what I understand. Poor Sister Silski said she has never felt so alone. This is so hard for her. To think we saw him smiling and feeling so well and happy at the temple just the day before he almost died. We really hope he pulls through. We love him so much! Keep them in your prayers please!

Have you ever thought about how important and amazing scriptures are? Have you ever realized how lucky we are to be a part of the church that contains the fullness of the gospel. Have you ever realized how truly amazing the priesthood and the gospel is? Do we know what we have? I don't think we really do. I'm coming to realize so much more how lucky we are and what we really have. We need to remember to always be grateful that we are a part of this. Don't take it for granted. ALWAYS be grateful for these wonderful gifts. Just this last General Conference, a commitment was given to all members to work to invite someone to come to church and learn more about the Gospel before Christmas. If you haven't already done this, you're running out of time. Hop to it! It really isn't as scary as you think. Just be bold and comfortable in talking about your wonderful church. This message has the ability to save people. Seriously! It can really bless their lives. They can be so much happier and feel even greater peace as they come closer to their Heavenly Father. Don't let your fear get in the way of that. I'm still working to overcome my fears. It is very hard for me at times to share this message with people (especially when they close the door as soon as they see us). I used to be SUPER shy. Remember? If I can do this, so can you! I love you all. Remember to get to work. We made the covenant to stand as a witness of God when we were baptized. Don't forget to do it. Let the whole world know!!! This really is something amazing and exciting. We have a great and wonderful responsibility! :D

Love,

Sister Tayla Wells

December 16, 2013

General Email:

Well, to get the complaining out of the way, my body is still aching. I'm working on it though. After figuring out there is some miscommunications going on, I think I have what I need to go see the doctor. I'll be fine. :) 

Sister Bonvissuto and I had a little miracle in searching for people who are less active. The less active we found is name Anthony. He said he had has been less active for a while, and he's ashamed he ever fell away. He told his conversion story. He was suffering from a hangover and was very depressed. He was crying and said a prayer for help. No more than 10 minutes later, the missionaries he had met the week previously were at the door. One asked, "Anthony, are you alright? I felt like we needed to come see you." He said it was then that he knew that the gospel they had to share was true. It wasn't too long before he was baptized. When Sister Bonvissuto and I had come, he said that he had thought the night before, "I wish I had the gospel back in my life to help me and my cousin." His cousin is struggling right now. It was that night that he thought that, that his name jumped out to sister b and I as we were planning on which LA to go see. When we got there, he had a huge grin on his face. He had been surprised we had come when he finally admitted to himself he needed the gospel. He said he quickly thought to himself, "why am I surprised? God helped me once, and he is helping me again. He's always there for me." We taught him and his cousin. It went well and she seemed very interested. Yesterday they missed the appointment, but we talked to his mother. She isn't interested in learning, but she is so happy we have come. She said she can see the chance it has had in her son, and she wants her other son to start the discussions. Wow!

So far, we haven't crashed and died. It's a good sign that I'm improving in my driving skills. The roads have been well kept, so it hasn't been too slippery. I have my scary moments, but I'm improving. I'm sure the Chicago drivers don't agree. They like to pass me a lot, but I'm not ready to speed 12-15 over the speed limit, especially with snow and ice. They'll have to learn a little patience. ;)

I feel like there is always something I want to say, but by the time Monday comes, I can't remember!!! Then when I'm done e-mailing, it starts coming back. I try to tell myself to write these things down, but I forget to do even that. Oops. 

I got a package from grandma the other week. I was so excited! And thank you Aunt Kristy for making me such an awesome scarf! :D I love it lots!!! I have really enjoyed receiving letters from people. They always come when I need them the most. That just reminds me that God loves me and has blessed me with many amazing people in my life. I just need to remember that. Unfortunately, I tend to forget. I'm working on it. Gratitude really has changed me and my outlook on not just the mission, but life overall. There is so much we have been blessed with. God guides us everyday. We just need to look. God truly is there, and we are in fact His spirit children. Out of all the names he has, he asks us to call him Father. How loving! With Him, all will be well. :D What a wonderful promise He has made with us that it we are obedient, He will be there to bless us and watch over us! Never give up. Keep your head high, keep moving forward. This really is the true and restored gospel!!! I hope you know that. That simple knowledge will affect so much. Please, if you know anyone who doesn't know this, share the gospel with them! They need to know. Don't be afraid to tell them. This Gospel can and will greatly bless their lives, should they choose to act on this great gift God has given us. The challenge was given just this last general conference to invite someone by Christmas to come and learn more about the gospel. You're running out of time. Hop to it!!!
Ah, the computer is going to kick me of in just a few minutes. 

I love you all and hope everything is going well.... Woah. Christmas is next week, right?.... Times broken. MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Love, 

Sister Tayla Wells

December 09, 2013

GGGEEEENNNEERRALLL EEMMMAAIILLL:

This last transfer flew by very quickly. It's hard to believe that Christmas is almost here. Seriously, time is broken on a mission. It makes no sense. A day feels like two, and a week feels like one day. Transfers are tomorrow. We found out on Saturday that we will both be staying in the area. Our area is being split again because so many missionaries are coming out. The ward will now have five Elders and two Sisters. The area we will be covering will be 1/4 the size of the area I covered when I first got here. Goodness, so many missionaries. Our district leader said that our mission is one of the most missionary populated missions in the world. For some reason, God wants this area deep cleaned, or at least that's what it feels like. I have loved receiving letters from people back home. I love letters. They tend to come on the days I need them the most. It makes me pretty happy. :)

This week felt kind of slow, so I don't really know what to say. At the moment, I'm sleepy, so it's hard to even think about what happened this last week. An investigator who had disappeared called the other day. That was exciting. He even came to church. We're so happy for him.

It has been very cold here, and the humidity takes the coldness to the core. It's so cold! I didn't expect to have to buy and wear so much winter clothing. Yesterday, it snowed. Driving freaks me out, so driving in the snow REALLY scared me. I admit, I wasn't the happiest companion in the world as we were driving. The cars slide so easily. There are some crazy Chicago drivers who zip in and out of traffic, regardless of the snow. I'm grateful I haven't crashed. When I come home from my mission, I will be  a pro at driving, right? Oh, and I will forever be grateful that good ol Utah has dry air, and no humidity. Provo is probably colder than it is here, but the humidity and wind make it feel much worse. Crazy crazy.

The ward members here are so stinking nice. I love them all, and I'm grateful I have the opportunity to spend another transfer working with them. They are very great missionaries and super kind overall. By the time I am transferred to a new area, I will be so attached and sad to leave them all. They're just so great! It's amazing how easy it is to get so attached to people when you work so hard to serve them. It breaks your heart when they choose not to accept the gospel or to even try to read the Book of Mormon. My testimony of it has grown so much here, and of how much God loves us. If only people were willing to listen and ask God for themselves if He really is there. People just won't give it a chance. It's so amazing to see those who do give it a chance and then they experience that great sense of peace and joy, and they become so much happier. If only the whole world would give it a chance. It would be such a different place. It would be so happy!!!

December 02, 2013

GeNeRaL EmAiL:

This is the last week of the transfer. We get our call on Saturday as to if our companionship's are changing and if so, where. Both Sister Bonvissuto and I are feeling a little nervous for this one. We feel like we might be parted. She's not too excited. I'm her first companion, but I have had three now, so I guess I'm getting used to it. 

The work continues. We're doing much better at tracting. We have a little more courage in our door knocking abilities. While knocking on doors, you meet some of the sweetest people, and then you meet some of the meanest people that make you want to quickly drive to the other side of the state. Ha, what an adventure. It's like an Easter egg hunt! You find some good eggs, and you find some that are just rotten. That's the best way to put it at the moment. Ha! I'm so happy to know that everyone seemed to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Gratitude is such a wonderful and misunderstand concept. It goes into so much more depth than most people realize, and last year, I began to truly understand, and I am still learning. Through simply being grateful EVERYDAY and not just every now and then, we see God's presence in our lives even better, we feel that much closer to the Spirit, and we just feel better overall! It brings so much peace, and helps us to find peace and comfort where we already are. It is also a way of showing our faith in the Lord, that we trust Him to be there, to bless us, to watch out for us, and to help is keep moving forward. It's like the story of the 10 lepers, and the one who's faith made him whole. :D

My testimony has truly gown this past week. This gospel is true. Not just bits and pieces of it, ALL OF IT! It's so amazing! It breaks my heart that people won't stop to look and listen. Never fall away! Stay strong! Keep moving forward! God is always there! He's always with you. He has never given up on us, so why should we ever doubt and give up on Him? Keep moving forward!

Love,

Sister Wells

November 24, 2013

What a week. It felt so long, but at the same time, felt like no time at all! There were storms last week. From what I have been told, there were tornados south of here. We didn't get any, but it was pretty windy! As I was driving around, I was super nerves. The wind was so bad that it would rock the car, and I had to focus on keeping the car going where I wanted it. Also, when it rains, it's hard to see the lines on the road. I'm thankful we're not dead yet. With transfers coming up, it I end up getting a new companion, I pray she will be willing to drive in crazy weather, and that she'll be good at it. It's so weird to thing that next week is the last week in the transfer. Oh! Yesterday, I hit my four month mark. It's so weird to think that I have been out four months. It feels like forever, yet, like I just got here. Again, on a mission, time doesn't make any sense.

A crazy thing happened this week. We got mini iPads to use in teaching! How weird is that? It's something to get used to. In all honesty, it's kind of annoying to use, it would be easy to just write things down, but oh well. I'll get used to it. It's pretty interesting though. We're the 11th mission in the world to start using them in proselyting, so we're a part of the pilot program. We're pioneers in this work. What an adventure. We'll get the hang of it. Elder Perry said that his event of all us missionaries coming out and using technology is as remarkable as the first vision. Crazy, eh? What and adventure!

I found out yesterday that one of the sisters is going home tomorrow. She hasn't been feeling well and they found a tumor in her brain, so she needs to go home to get it removed. I hope she will heal quickly. I just love her. She's so sweet.

For the first time, I am beginning to feel calm. Day before yesterday and yesterday, I felt calm. Usually, I'm anxious and panicking all day long. But it has suddenly changed. It feels so good. I feel like a can breath again! I'm finally beginning to get the hang of it. Just a little. One step at a time. Slowly, but surly. :D

Health wise, I'm a little worse. My memory is struggling, energy is slow, and my scoliosis feels worse. But I'll be fine! I'm trying to get a doctors visit soon. I will be up and running in no time! 

Bah!!!! It's snowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh well, I'm figuring out how to stay warm out here. My poor companion is freezing to death, and she's wearing two coats, three scarves, and lots more. She isn't used to this weather. Winter in Italy is nothing. She said you just put on a little jacket. She's super scared to see what this winter will bring. Poor thing.

November 04, 2013

General Email: 

What a long week this one was. It has definitely gotten colder. Some ward members took pity on us unprepared Sisters and gave us some warm wool socks, boots, and a scarf. I just bought a coat and gloves. I love those gloves. My hands are pretty happy too. Now to find water proof boots. I was told that if boots are not water proof, they only take you so far. Water proof is a must.

One of our investigators, Wendy, agreed to be baptized this month. We are all so excited for her. Her husband is a less active. They have a daughter who is four. I hope he can resolve his doubts, do the baptizing, and then they can go to the temple and be sealed! Woo! Eternal families! Hopefully that will all happen. Two of my recent converts have grown so much and moved. I miss them. One moved to Provo!!!! I told him I hoped to run into him after my mission. :D

I have been experiencing some health trials as of late. For the past two months my hair has been falling out, I have only slept the entire night twice, my back is aching, and my shoulder is having problems. My sleep has been getting worse and is taking me down emotionally. I'll have to talk to Mission Presidents wife and find a way to stop this. It's taking it's toll. I'm very tired all the time now, and it's really hard to smile. I'm working on it though!!! Something else has happened. My addiction to cookie dough is coming back. I bought a little. It was so tasty, but I shouldn't be eating cookies or cookie dough. So unhealthy. I'm going to get fat! Oh well. I'm working on it!!! It's so cold in the mornings that it's hard to run, especially because my back and sleep are giving me so much grief. Oh well. Things can only get better, right? All will be well. Have a great day!

A note from Lacey: Just want you to know that at this time while you are on your mission certain things that are going on in the world (or at least Provo)- 

• The New-skin convention center just finished being built down on Center Street in Provo. 
• The beggars are all back and I feel like they're on every corner.
• We've been having the prettiest fall I think Utah has seen in years. 
• The Governments was shut down for awhile, but is now back up and running. 
• Nowadays the subject of being Gay is no longer people are ashamed of and hide, but instead they actually use it gain more popularity. 
• Grandma and Grandpa are putting in tons of effort to prepare for their mission that they leave to Dec 31st
• Missionary work is constantly increasing! 
• BYU built something in between the law building and the Wilkinson Center so you can no longer drive down that road, and the construction as been ridiculous to get around.  
• Provo seems to the up and coming place to live. 
• They just found a 5 year old little girl in Greece with Blond hair and Blue Eyes living with a Gypsy family and they have no idea where she is from, but she doesn't belong to them. She was being used to beg because she was so cute. But they seriously can't figure out what country she is even from. Poor girl. 

And in a nutshell that's all I can think of that is going on right now.