Okey doke, the week. We had such a week on plan! Why do people misuse their agency? It was still a good week, but not as good as I would have liked.

Monday we had office meeting and stuff like that, then worked like crazy on the Christmas slideshow. We got the first stage done, all that's left is fixing anything that President doesn't like. Which is namely all the silly stuff we put in quoting him. He watched it and laughed in all the right places, but did ask us to take out one picture of him. It was of him holding a stuffed turkey, and we added text to it, quoting him saying, "The question is, which one is the turkey?" He laughed, but said Sis Irwin wouldn't like it. He said, "My wife always tells me I need to be more dignified. She says I need to act more like the President of a mission." I thought it sounded a lot like things that you say, Dad. It made me laugh. We had a kid that was going to come to FHE, but he didn't come because he had to leave town. He sounds so cool, he's a referral, and he's going to let us know as soon as he gets back in Prague. So, that immediately changed our plans for lessons this week. His name's Martin.

Tuesday was a nice day. We had district meeting, and it was good. It was on the Book of Mormon, which is my favorite topic. It's nice to teach about something you love, and know well. So, even though it was hard to plan for a little, it went well because the Spirit was present. One of my most recent goals is to use the Book of Mormon in every situation more, finding, teaching, study and planning, everything. That book has power, and the proper use of it will lead people to Christ. WE also started an exchange, us and the zone leaders. I was with Elder Gabrielsen, Elder Clyde's trainer actually, and he's great. We talked to some great people, including set up an appointment at this guy's house that we met on the street. We also taught Kamila, and of course it went well. 

Wednesday was traveled back to Plzen, where Elder Clyde was with Elder Osterloh, the other zone leader. We had five lessons on plan! That is an amazing day. Three fell through. But we taught this former, Jan Kristek, a really nice guy. We are going to baptize this man. We have to! We also met with an inactive guy named Philip, he's from Nigeria. He's great! He works a lot, but said that he was in the process of working out his schedule so that he can be free on Sundays. We're happy about that. The man we met on the street, who invited us to visit him, wasn't home, and his phone was off. Shoot.

Thursday was fun. We went to Bratislava again! This time to sing. We performed our various Christmas numbers for the branch there, and it was great. It was a little tough, because the space we were supposed to stand was smaller than we were, but oh well. WE sounded quite nice.

Friday, Jitka cancelled on us again, but promised to come to church. We're super worried about her. She just got fired, and we think she might be moving. She can't! She needs to stay here, because if she moves, she'll probably go live with one of her daughters, neither of which live that close to a branch. We're a little scared. But we also taught some good lessons. Two of the elders in the district are leaving early so they are home for Christmas, so they are figuring out who to give all their investigators to. We taught two lessons with them Friday to people they want to give to us, but one of them said that one meeting was good enough for him for now. But, we're teaching another one tonight. The one that's meeting with us is named Pavel, and we're meeting with Mario tonight.

For Pday, we just went around and looked at all the nice Christmas things that are everywhere. Prague at Christmas is quite pretty. I'll send you a picture I took last week. 

that's about it folks, I love you! I can't wait to hear from you soon. Remember what I said up top about the Book of Mormon. One of the most powerful talks, no two of them, were given about the Book of Mormon in the same conference, one by Elder Holland, one by Elder Callister. That book is true. It is, and must be personally, the basis of testimony. It is the testament of Christ, and the testament of His latter-day work. I know it to be true.

I love you all again,

Starsi Knapp

Missionary Update

 Here are a few pieces of Taylor's email. He was called to be the district leader, as you will read. For those who don't know, as district leader he will help teach and train the other missionaries in his district and have other leadership responsibilities.

Anyway, the week. It's been a good one, an interesting one, and one where I've grown a lot. As I surely hope you know now, you should have received a letter, I am the district leader. It's quite an experience. Prague district is the biggest one in the mission by far, and it's quite the responsibility. It's given me a lot more to do, but I've had some grrreat experiences, especially in studies while preparing for district meetings. That's my favorite part. 

Tuesday was my second district meeting of the transfer. It went okay, we talked about the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. There was one really cool part of it, for me at least. I had separated the role of the Holy Ghost into three parts: What role He should have with the missionaries in preparation, His role in the lessons, and His role with investigators between lessons. I faced a problem. I asked three different missionaries to each talk about one of those, but also had some things I wanted to say. I was worried that they would give their bit, then it would seem like the district leader was saying, "that's nice, that's nice, but I'm going to say what's right." But, the Lord knows. It was so cool to hear how each of their things fit so perfectly with what I had had in mind to say, that we didn't contradict each other at all, but just supported each other in all of it. It was awesome. We then had a singing display, and we got six numbers! In case you don't know, that is a ridiculous amount in one display. We were pretty pumped up.

Friday was a good day, but also a little frustrating. We had a fantastic lesson with Jitka, all about baptism and what it is and why it's important and why she wants it, and it went soo well. She says for her, remission of sins is the most important. She says she knows that baptism cleanses us, and that's what she wants. She also said she was almost afraid of being baptized because she doesn't wnat to be clean, then make mistakes and be dirty again. Which was great because our plan was to talk about the sacrament and how the promises are the same and we can experience the blessings of baptism every week when we partake of the sacrament and renew that covenant with God. The Spirit was there. Now, she did say that she wants more time to prepare spiritually, so she wants to wait until the 15th. We weren't stoked on that idea, but it is her baptism, and it does no good to try and force her. But, since we know she is ready, we won't let her postpone again. More time for temptation, and we don't want that. It was a little frustrating, because both lessons with new people fell through. We received more potentials this week than any other week in my mission, and by far more than any other companionship in the district, and we got exactly nothing from it so far. Oh well. It happens.

That is about the run of it. We went to this monument/park/cool view of Prague thingy today, and I have no pictures. My camera is dead! But, I'll be getting pictures eventually from other missionaries, so you'll see them someday. Also, a cool moment in studies today. I was again preparing for district meeting, and I had had tons of good ideas, but wasn't sure how to connect them all. The topic is Revelation through Prayer. The cool thing was just that I was lead to some things in Preach My Gospel and in the Fundamentals booklet (Kaitlin, do you know that) I got when being trained and when training that let everything just fall into place so beautifully, it was awesome! I love studies.

I also love all of you, keep the emails coming, and letters if you feel so inclined

The Church is true, the Lord is it's Head and our Savior. Love you guys,

Starší Knapp

P.S. In the pictures, the small one in white is Kamila, the older, bigger one is Jitka, and the tiny little guy by Kamila baptized her. He's 29. Yep, I know. Unbelievable, right? 

 
 And in the above picture, far right, is Taylor's former companion Elder DeAngelis. He is from Italy. They got along great. He even recorded an Italian tongue-twister for us!

Taylor got to travel with another missionary to Slovakia for a visa renewal.

Happy Birthday Taylor!

 In honor of Taylor's birthday today, I am updating this blog! His last email came on Saturday and here are some excerpts:

 

Monday. We had office meeting, as per the norm, then a very rapid meeting with President, me and the assistants. We ahve to put together a Christmas card, and it is hard. For me. I don't know computers! It shocked me when I got called to the office because I'm not one of those people who spent a lot of time arouond computers before the mission, and I certainly don't have any more knowledge about htem now. So basically, my role is to try and design the card, and then one of the assistants, Elder Mullen, will make it. So, Monday I prepared orders for conference and worked on the Christmas card. That is absolutely everything. 

Tuesday was better. First of all, we had end-of-transfer lunch, with all the district, the Irwins and other senior couples included. It was a blast. Then, we went and did a singing display. Which was less successful than previous ones have been. We as a companionship received one number, and he called us back the same day to tell us he wasn't interested. But it was nice at least to get out of the office and talk to some people.

Thursday was by far the bests day of the week. For a couple reasons. First of all, conference. I love conferences. They are just a feast.  But, right after the conference, we had to help other missionaries with some visa stuff, help the APs prepare some things, and do a lot of those kinds of things, all in less than two hours. But, in the middle of all that, President came up to us and asked us to go get the missionaries from Vysehrad, and area here in Prague, and then come back into his office and talk to him for a second. Now, Elder De Angelis and I found out on Wednesday that I would learn who my next companion would be very soon. With that, and other things the APs told us, we had a suspicion that the new office elder would be someone from our district. And sure enough, we went back into the office and President did indeed inform us. He had to do so, because he wanted Elder DeA to spend all of Friday training the new office elder. My new companion is...ELDER CLYDE! I am so stoked. And shocked. He is the greatest. I'm pumped that we are going to be together again. It is going to be just awesome.

Friday I went on an exchange with Elder Rhees while Elder DeA trained Elder Clyde. It was good. We actually got to do a little missonary work! I didn't have much to do in the office, and it didn't matter anyway, because President banned me from the office that day so that we didn't disturb the intense training going on there. So, we did some finding, had lunch with the rest of the district, did a singing display, taught a few lessons, studied the language... A good day all in all. One lesson was with Kamila, we talked about eternal families and temples a little more. She's great. Also, we taught one of Vysehrad's potentials, this girl named Anna. She's probably 20, and she is soooo cool! She isn't an investigator, but she is awesome. The lesson was good, but she said she can't meet right now. The reason is this: She says she is still a very new Christian - she's been a believer less than a year - and she is too focused on getting comfortable with her new faith to be involved in too many things right now. Even though nothing would help her more than meeting with the missionaries. She did at least take a Book of Mormon and promise to read in it, and also said we can definitely stay in contact with her. She really is great. Down the road, she'll see. She'll have a desire to meet and she'll be baptized. 

Well, boring, I know. It was an okay week, but probably not the most exciting read of your lives. Thank you for your patience. I hope to have some nice pictures for you next week, we're going ot tour Prague today using the same route we did on our first day in the country. Fun!

I love you all, the Church is true,

Starsi Knapp

Kamila was baptized Nov. 10! She is happy and excited to be a member of the church.

More From Prague

A continuation of a story from last week...

Okay, so quickly the tire story.  But anyway, we weren't going to change them due to the clothing situation, but as we walked away, I felt like we should. So, I convinced my comp that we should go back and do it, even though it had started to rain a little. The next day, Saturday, the same missionaries were back again for the baptism. Thus, they had somewhat of a long drive there, and...it was all in the snow. Early early Saturday morning it started snowing, and snowed all day until 10 or so at night. So, I don't know if their winter tires helped them at all, but I have been really working on trying to recognize the prompthings of the Spirit. I decided that it takes practice. Sometimes, we aren't sure if something is from the Spirit or not, but as long as it is a good thing, I believe that at the very least we will grow from the experience, even if we don't directly see the evidence of our action. I was blessed enough in this situation to see that I had been led to change those tires that afternoon. I'm not saying that they would have wrecked or something if I had ignored that prompting, but I did get to feel the peace that comes from following the Spirit.

As I've contemplated the difficulty of this mission, this past week in particular, I was thinking about a talk I heard from Elder Holland. He said we should never, ever expect life to be easy, because it was never, ever easy for Him. I watched it in the MTC, and it has stuck with me since then. And of course, it's absolutely true. If we want to be true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we must be willing to suffer all things for Him. If we are not willing to endure all the trials of this world, why should we expect or deserve to enjoy all the glory of the world to come?

Starsi Knapp and Starsi DeAngelis have TWO baptisms scheduled this week!! Kamila and Jitka are both scheduled. According to Taylor, they are "golden" and "solid". He and Elder DeAngelis had decided maybe they should put off the baptism because there were quite a few lessons they hadn't taught Kamila, but then when they met with her she was so excited to be getting baptized on Nov. 10 because that is her birthday! She said, "Nov. 10 is my physical birthday and now it will be my spiritual birthday!" So...Taylor and his companion decided they couldn't put it off. Instead they are having daily telephone teachings with Kamila, as well as meeting with her when she can. 

Taylor's district also does "singing displays". Some missionaries sing while others contact and teach and it seems to be quite effective. He is busy helping the missionaries with visas, supplies, changing tires, etc. but he and Elder DeAngelis have lots of time for teaching still. He loves Prague. I will attempt to put some pictures on the blog!

Taylor is happy--that is evident. When a person lives the gospel and serves, how can he help but be happy? 

The picture of me gesturing at the ground with the sweet statue in the back is me standing on the...Prime Meridian. Yep. I could cut the world in half.

(He didn't say what the statue in picture #1 is all about...)

Update!

Well, what a week. We had some good times, and some frustrating ones. All will be included. First and foremost, congratulations to the marathoners! Wow, what a task. I think I would have died at the first aid station. You should know, you are my desktop background. 

Okey-doke, the week. Monday wasn't a super exciting day, did a lot of office work to get ready for conference, and also had to go with Elder De Angelis to get visa renewals for a missionary, so we did a lot of that kind of stuff. Between that and having to change some more tires, and office meeting, we didn't really do anything that day. We did have an investigator, a young kid named Michal, at Family Home Evening, so that was cool. He's a good kid, just doesn't make much time for us. But anyway. That was really Monday. Whoo.

Tuesday was another frustrating day, but also great. After we did a bunch of work in the office, we had three lessons in a row on plan. The first one was with the flakiest flake of an investigator I've ever met, another guy named Michal. Sidenote, he has the biggest mustache this side of Moscow. Outrageous. So no, he didn't show up. Then, we had one with Victor, the one who loves Bill Gates. He has never missed a lesson before. Until Tuesday. He just didn't show up. We're afraid we're losing him. We have such good ideas with him, we just need to get him to meet! But, all that is fine, because right after that, we had a lesson with Kamila. SHe is the most golden of all golden investigators, bar none. WE finished teaching the plan of salvation, and it was great. She just understand, loves, and wants to live everything. It's great! We come into a lesson with her, and we just leave smiling. Unbelievable.

Sunday night, Jitka called us to tell us that her mother passed away. She was very sad of course, but she still was willing to meet with us on Wednesday. We decided to just review the most important parts of the Plan of Salvation, and read some scriptures about the Atonement and so forth. It was a really good meeting. Her and the the member we taught with, Zoltan, did go on for a little while about ghosts, but we quickly got it back to where it needed to be. The most interesting part of Wednesday was the small finding exchange we had in the middle of the day. With the SISTERS. Apparently, the district leader has to go on a finding exchange with the sisters once a transfer. As his companion, I obviously have to participate as well. I'll admit, and I hope this doesn't offend any former or possible future sister missionaries, that I was not looking forward to this in the least. It turned out okay though. We had a fun time, found some good potentials, learned some things. I don't know if I could handle any more than once a transfer though. Tuesday night we contacted for about 20 minutes while waiting for Kamila, and we found this suuuuper cool guy named Ondra and set up an appointment with him Wednesday at 8. And he didn't show. He didn't have a working phone, so we couldn't confirm, so he is lost. When he didn't show, we went straight back to the park where we found him and looked for him, but he wasn't there.

Thursday we had district finding, and it was great. We found a bunch of cool people, set up a few appointments and so forth. It is one of my favorite events of the week. Right after that we headed to teach an awesome referral we received, a lady named Jana, at her work. She sounds so interested, wants to meet, sounds just great. When we got there, the lady at the front said we couldn't go in because she didn't have us scheduled. We asked her to call Jana, and she did, then said she spoke with Jana's receptionist who also didn't have us scheduled, so she didn't let us go up. We don't have Jana's number, so we have to wait until she responds back to our email so we can set up again. Satan is a tricky guy. That night we had another good lesson with Jitka and Zoltan. We're secretly hoping they get married. We talked about prophets and the 10 commandments, and prophets is one of my favorite things to talk about. It was good.

Friday was a great day. We had a conference, which is always good, and this one was one of the best ever. President's training, and really the APs too, was just great. I have many notes which I must incorporate into my life and work. As I read today from my Gen conference notes, to know is one thing, to do is another, and to become is something else altogether. That's the trick. Learning, than acting on it, then doing so consistently so as to make it truly a part of you. Right after that, we were going to change the last set of tires we needed to. When we realized all of our scrubby clothes were in the van. Which Elder Bohne was currently using to take a missionary, Elder Greener actually, to the doctor. So we didn't really know what to do. We decided to do it today, Saturday, because those elders would be back in Prague for a baptism, and we could get our clothes back. Right after we decided that, I felt that maybe we should do it now. I wasn't sure if it was the Spirit or not, but I decided if it was, I better act on it. If it wasn't, well, it wouldn't hurt to do it anyway. WE did so, even though we weren't really dressed for it at all. More on that later. Then we had to hurry and do some work in the office so we could get it ready for Elder Richards of the Seventy, and of our Area Presidency, to come see President. I never met him, I was in the bathroom when he and President came in, so I missed him. I did meet his wife though. Then we hurried to correlation, then went to wait for Michal. He of the absurdly hairy upper lip. He actually confirmed this lesson, then didn't show up again! For like the twelfth time. That is not an exaggeration. But, all is well, because we had another lesson with Kamila. Gosh dang, she is so great. I honestly can't remember the details of that lesson, but it was amazing.

Today we had a baptism of someone Elder Clyde taught in a city called Jicin. It had to be there because the pool they rented in Jicin broke a few weeks ago, and still isn't fixed. It was a very good baptismal service. I've heard quite a bit about her from Elder Clyde, and she is a fantastic person, very prepared. The Relief Society President from Jicin talked a lot about how it isn't going to be a lot different now that she's baptized because she's been an active member of the branch for weeks already. Her name is Julia, and she truly is a great person. Also, Kamila was there, but I'll talk more about that in the recording. Then, because it was snowing like crazy here today, we went around Old Prague and took some sweet pictures. You may observe them attached. 

That's about all there is folks. It was a great week. The Lord finds those people who are prepared for us. We just have to be willing to be where He has placed them. This is the Lord's work. To quote President Kimball, "Do it."

Love you all,

Starsi Knapp 

Last week in Prague...

MOnday was a bit of a tough day. I did get a haircut for lunch, which was nice and necessary, and now I look better. Elder De Angelis, my companion who is from ITALY, was at the foreign police for a few hours doing visa work for a couple missionaries. . While he was there I taught a couple of way cool kids, Beniamin and his brother Ludek, with one of the APs, Elder Mullen. His companion was getting his visa renewed, so we were on a little exchange. They are way cool, and way interested. The day was a little tough because all three of our lessons fell through. We rescheduled, but it was a bit of a bummer. The worst thing about today was receiving the news that Elder McClellan is indeed going home. He told us he would be back by Christmas, and we all hope it's so. He is a way cool kid. he needs more treatment than is available here, so he is back in America to get everything taken care of.

Tuesday we had office meeting, and afterwards said goodbye to Elder McClellan. Sad. We also had district meeting, which was good. We always practice teaching as a part of it with the senior missionaries, and it is crazy. They are so funny. We were with Sis Bohne, and it was nutso. She's hilarious. We had a lesson set up with a cool kid we met from Georgia, the country, but he was a no-show. We didn't have his number so we couldn't confirm or anything. but we did teach a reeeally good lesson with a girl named Monika with Daniel Askari. We've taught her before, but his lesson she just seemed different, more open, it was better. Then we taught Verka again, and she's doing well. 

Wednesday I went on my second exchange of the week, first full one, while Elder De Angelis was at a new district leader conference in Brno. I was with an Elder Neumann. he's a bunch of fun. We had a really good time. We contacted for a few hours, got a couple numbers, one from a suuper cool 16 yr old kid named Vasek. We are definitely going to meet with him. He only studies in Prague, and is only here monday through wednesday, so we have to work around that, but no worries. WE also talked to a lot of really crazy people. Which is also fun. After the exchange we taught Verka and Jitka, one right after the other, and it went really well. Jitka's baptism is in just a few weeks!

Thursday was district finding, one of my favorite activities. Except today's was really hard. As a companionship we had a goal of three appts and numbers, or A#'s. We got one number. in two hours of work. Rough. One missionary, Elder Rhees, contacted the entire time and got nothing. It was a tough day for us, but overall we did well as a district. We taught Verka again, the Word of Wisdom and it went really well. She only has a smoking problem, and she promised to stop. After that we started the craziest exchange of my mission. Right now there is a threesome due to Elder McClellan's absence, and I exchanged into it. It was nuts

Friday, we taught a really smart, cool young guy named Martin, incredibly intelligent. It was a good lesson. We talked about hte restoration and the other two missionaries, Elder Tenney and Rhees, said there was a huge difference in his attitude from the first lesson to the second. Then, we went back home so they could weekly plan. It was awful. There is no such thing as focus when there are three missionaries, technically from three different areas, Vysehrad, Andel, and the office, trying ot weekly plan for two areas that are going ot be all shook up with 24 hours. It was wild. After all that, we taught a lady named Jana who is really nice and has an insane three yr old daughter. We recruited one of the ysa here to babysit, and she did so well thta when the lesson was over  the little girl absolutely freaked because she didn't wan't to go. In front of about 30 ysa from all over the mission. There is a huge activity here this weekend, and it is killing our member lessons. All of our best teachers are ysa, except for a few, who all decided to go on vacation this week. So yeah, numbers are down a little.

All in all, a good week. Some crazy things, some great lessons, good news and bad. Oh! Some good I forgot ot mention, Elder clyde is coming back to Prague! He is coming here and Elder Egger, and Austrian, is taking his place in Jicin. Elder Egger is a Czech missionary, but he was in a threesome of zone leaders in Slovakia this transfer. They're bringing him back here to be in Jicin. It'll be good to have Elder Clyde back. I'm happy about it.

I love you all, keep up the work. Get excited for general conference, and don't tell me too many details. I get it a week later, so don't tell me everything in your next emails. I think that is my favorite time of the year. Living prophets are one of the greatest testaments of this work.

Finally! An Update!

Time flies by and then one day I realize I have not updated this blog for many weeks! Taylor is still happy and doing well. Here is the last part of his email from Sept. 10:

 

Saturday, not much. Another lesson with Lenka, it went well again. She didn't have a lot of time, so Elder Prymak gave a quick spiritual thought, then I talked a little more about it (agency by the way), and that was it. But it was really good, and she  was really impressed by it. After that, we went contacting for a bit because Veronika is sick and couldn't meet like we normally do, then sports day. Let's just make it known taht I am on a six game win streak in soccer, spanning three weeks worth of games. Also, it's interesting, as I go through a week where I see almost nothing from contacting, I still think to myself, but this is the week! We're going to find them this week. Why do I feel so optimistic? Don't know. but it's the Lord's work, and he's over it.

Sunday was awesome! Sister Krizova, the one with the ancient dog, came to church for the first time in way over a year! She was so happy and all the branch members were allstars in greeting her, making her feel welcome and so forth. And she absolutely loves the Mills. No wonder, they're fantastic. President came by taht afternoon on his way back from a place called Zilina in Slovakia, so the four of us who hadn't been interviewed were. I love President.

The letter should be on it's way soon! I'm sorry, letters take a long time. Also, yes, transfers are next week, so no email until Wednesday. 

I love you all, the Gospel is true. I agree with Savannah one hundred percent, why doesn't everyone get it? It's so clear, so simple.

Go Cougs!

 

After the Sept. 10 email we didn't hear from Taylor until Sept. 22. He was transferred from Ostrava to Prague to serve in the mission office. Here is how he felt initially about the change:

Draha rodino,

First off, yes. I am in the office. I can't say I was super excited about it, I dreaded coming here. I had totally convinced myself I wasn't going to be here, but here I am. I was bummed, and maybe I haven't gotten rid of that completely yet, but I understand. It means a lot more than computer work. President was quick to tell me that he only calls certain missionaries here. Not because we're better or worse, but because they have things they need to do in the future. I've also heard from other elders here in the office, me my comp and the APs btw, that when a missionary enters the field, President creates a two year plan for them. He sees where he wants them to go by the end, then already assigns them companions, positions, and areas to get them there. So, unless President changes his ways, which would be nice, I already know what I'm going to be doing for the next six months. And yes, I know I need a haircut. I'm getting one soon.

 

We did get a picture and that's how we knew he was in need of a haircut! His email was suuuppeerrrrr long, which was wonderful, but I won't try to fit it all here. He enjoyed his last days in Ostrava, went to a castle, found a great lady to teach, taught Veronika, the girl he baptized, one last time, and met with his other investigator, Lenka. He packed up and moved to Prague and got some whirlwind training and began his new assignment. The following excerpts are from his latest email:

His duties:

 

My duties include everything not encompassed in visa work and most computer things. I am the office manager. it's only me and my companion here, along with the APs. I order and distribute supplies, buy and sell cars, maintain them, and negotiate with people. It's interesting. I do have alittle time for proselyting, depending on the day. I love Milka. P-Day was pretty regular. We are going to check some stuff out today though. I'll take some pictures!

  

FYI:  AP's refer to two missionaries who are Assistants to the President--they work closely with the mission president. "Milka" is a type of European chocolate that Taylor loves and told us about. A friend of ours just returned from Germany and brought us Milka chocolate and yes, it is delicious!

 

Despite all of the office duties Taylor is doing, he will still be able to get out and teach every day. Here is his experience from last Monday:

 

So, Monday. Monday was a really good day. The best part about it was that we set up and had a lesson with the lady I found last week during district finding. Her name is Verka, she's probably late 40;s early fifties, actually I have no idea how old she is, and she is very accepting. She has really no religious background, so we have to teach extremely simply and go over things a couple times now and then, but she loves it. She especially likes hearing about Christ. We talked a lot about Him during the first lesson because her knowledge of Him was pretty nonexistent, and you could just see the Spirit touching her heart. She still doesn't understand everything, and things are very new to her, but she knows this is important and she knows it's what God wants for her. And she is on baptismal date. Other than that, I just got a ton of work done for conference and stuff, and some other office issues  They had to do with negotiating with a representative from an office supplies company we order from often. It involves finances, and I'm not budging! I'm not supposed to, I have very strict instructions. We are getting everything worked out though, and it's good.

And a couple more days....

 

Wednesday was training day. I always love trainings. Today's was really good. There are, as far as I have decided,  two kinds of trainings, and each training fits into one of the two categories for different missionaries. There are the feel good trainings, and the slap in the face ones. Feel good trainings are those when you go, take lots of great notes, and the Spirit is there, and you just feel like you can go out and do whatever. Slap in the face ones are the ones where President Irwin stands up and delivers a training that pinpoints the aspect(s) of missionary work that you as an individual need the most work on. The whole time, the Spirit is also there, but this time He says to you, "Are you listening? Do you realize that these are the things you aren't doing as well as you should be? Are you paying attention? What are you going to do better?" In case you haven't gathered, it was a slap in the face training. Way good, just what I needed. It's always good to go and get a little perspective, which is, thankfully what I was given. We also taught Jitka a lesson, the first part of the Plan of Salvation. Her and Verka are really the same person, just two bodies. Their situations are almost identical, the way they understand things, the things they struggle with, all exactly the same. It's crazy.

Thursday I took care of some more things in the office, namely ordering materials for our inventory from Church Distribution, and getting a bunch of office supplies as well. Well, I ordered them, but we don't have them yet. Then, we actually got to go contacting! We talked foreverrr with this girl, way cool, not interested. She had weird ideas about how there is no such thing as good or bad people because we shouldn't judge. Okaaay...whatever. Then we had a lesson with Verka, the one where we watched the Finding Faith video. It was great. After the film, we talked about prayer and it's role in accessing the blessings of the Atonement.

 

 

 

The Latest from Ostrava

 

A good week this week, no new investigators which is a real problem, but we had some really good lessons. Veronika is amazing. Just amazing. Miriam, her young friend who has a baptismal date, left her Book of Mormon at her Grandma's house, so she couldn't read. So Veronika read out loud to her. Incredible. She is an example, Dad, of someone who has had the Gospel sink into her heart and she is on fire to share it. It's awesome. Which reminds me by the way Mom, I don't get it either. Why doesn't everyone get it? Every doctrine of Christ's gospel gives hope. Every single one makes life better, easier to bear. There is no alternative that man can concoct that could provide more joy, or at least the potential for more, than the perfect plan of the Father. It is unfathomable to me.

 

Michal and Helena come to church almost every week. If they're in town and healthy, they come. I don't know if they have been at a baptism ever, they were both in a city called Liberec on the day of Veronika's. We watched the Restoration film with them, and it was great. It really happened you know. Joseph saw what he said he saw.

 

Lenka is in a rough position. School started today, and her son Tomas probably went without supplies. She doesn't have money to buy them, and his dad hasn't yet either, even though he promised he would. We taught her about hope, and it was great. She wants it, we're just working on helping her get it.

 

We had some really good lessons with Miriam, on frustrating, one where she refused to pray, but she prayed very willingly the lesson after that. We may end up moving her date, but it's far in the future, so we aren't worrying about it right now. We jsut want to make sure she wants to get baptized for the right reasons.

 

 

Wahoo!

Here are some excerpts from Taylor's wonderful email which we received this morning:


So. The big question. Was Veronika baptized? Well. YESSSSSSS! It was great. She is great. She's so solid. Elder Mills, the male portion of the senior couple here thinks she is the greatest person he's ever met. he seriously can't even talk about her without getting emotional. He is also one  of my favorite people ever. This week has been absolutely incredible, one of the best yet

  I love the living prophets so much. They are one of the biggetst testimonies to me of the truthfulness of the work. I recently started a very in depth study of every Conference issue I have. It will take awhile, but it's awesome.

Yesterday I was just thinking about how I don't ever want to come back. If you want, you can come see me in a year a nd a half or so. It's just too good. The thought of having to come back makes me scared. Because here, we are somewhat in the world, but we truly are on a completely different plane. I don't want to have to come back. Sorry.

Alright! This week was spectacular. May have mentioned that. It was spent planning the baptism, and fighting all the problems that came up, namely because of the branch presidency. It was a great service though. The water was freeezing, but the Spirit wasn't. One thing that I'm proud to report is that my spiritual sensitivity has increased. It's a great feeling. I've had what some may call a charmed life, and as a result I've nver really been pushed. It takes a lot of practice learning to rely on, listen to, and follow the Spirit. I've got such a long way to go. Thomas S. Monson is my role model in this. I don't know if I know anything as sure as I know that he is called, by God Himself, as a prophet to lead and guide us today. If you don't think people are prepared from their youth to serve, you study that man's life. Anyways, Veronika. She's awesome. I don't really know what else to say about her, but it was a pleasure and an honor to serve, teach, and baptize her.

The other major highlight of this week was the progression training, also known as greenie conference. Thursday we were in Brno for it, and it was the best conference I've ever attended as a missionary. So really ever. The best part was when the trainers all went into a separate room and talked with Elder Durrant, one of the Aps. We just talked about the importance of missions, our expectations for ours, and kind of a little testimony meeting. Let's just say it was powerful. One of my problems is more things run through my mind than I can say, so I really had to slow down, and let the Spirit guide my words. It was very powerful. pthe whole thing. I'm going to tell you though. This trainer thing is the hardest thing I've ever done. 

Sunday, yestereday, we also had some cool experiences. I gave three blessing in Czech. Before yesterday, I had given none. So it was somthing new. And great. Very simple blessings, of course, but I felt the Spirit with me still. Well, except for one. I'm worried about that. Veronika has a friend, who wanted a blessing for her youngest daughter. Which is great, except...she thinks her daughter has a devil. Because she SLEEPWALKS. So I didnt' have a lot of faith giving that blessing because I couldn't help but think it was a tad unnecessary. If sleep walking means you have a devil, Tanner...

Well, folks, thank you so much for everything, the emails, the package on its way, the ballot app inside, and especially your love and support and prayers. Love you all. Just remember this, you will never see the young man you put on a plane seven months ago again. He's slowly disappearing. If I don't come back completely changed, it wasn't enough. One of the trainers siad that one of the greatest things that made him want to go on his mission was the difference he saw in his older brother. It completely changed him, from a good kid to a powerful servant of the Lord. So, Tanner and Hunter, judge me when I get back. And here's how to prepare: Read every day, start now making your prayers more sincere and really find that relationship with you Father in Heaven. Do everything Mom and Dad say. They are wise. DO EVERYTHING. they have a reason for it all. Promise. The Church is true. 100 percent.

  This is the greatest experience ever. I know you've heard that from others, but it is so true. It is a refiner's fire, there's no point in sugar coating. But the spiritual blessings are worth it all. This is the work of the Lord, which He has given to us to do it. Let us all press on and do it.

Love,

Starsi Knapp

Catching Up with Taylor

 Here are a few paragraphs from the emails Taylor has sent in the past two weeks.

Okay, so the week in review. First of all, I am eternally sick of the train ride to Prague. It's no fun. Especially the fact that I've made it twice in the past two weeks, and it costs a load of cash. Not a fan of that. But, it's all okay because I am the proud companion of a greenie. He'll get his first taste of real Czech teaching tomorrow. It's gonna be great. He's Elder Prymak, from Woodbridge, VA. You may have gotten our picture. He's a pretty fun kid, and it's an exciting prospect. He speaks really good for someone fresh from the MTC, and he's going to be great. This is really one of those defining times in a mission, and if it applies to the mission, it applies to life. therefore, this is a defining time in both of our lives. Whew. I'm excited, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared. Just because I'm so young and it's a first time thing. Prayer is what we do. I'm not too worried, because I know where this call comes from.

Alright! It's been a good week. Slightly frustrating in that a few of our lessons fell through, but it was a good week overall. Veronika is doing great, she's totally going to make her baptismal date on Saturday. She's doing excellent. It really is a privilege to teach her. She bore her testimony in church yesterday, and it was awesome. Also really cool, we were at her house, teaching, and she had a girl there, 11 or 12, who has sat in on a few lessons before. Before we started actually teaching, she asked if she could come to church on Sunday. Ummm...yeah. You can. She said that she's seen a big change in Veronika since we started meeting with her, and she wants to try it for herself. Great! Then veronika said that Jana, the girl, was nervous about death because she doesn't know what happens after death. Well, conveniently we had a Plan of Salvation pamphlet in my backpack. Way cool. We'll meet her again on Wdnesday. 

Something real quick from a story President Irwin shared. Just because we have difficulties doesn't mean we're doing something wrong. Just because the path we have placed ourselves on has obstacles doesn't mean it's the wrong path. There was a man who felt that because medical school was so hard, God didn't want him to be a doctor. He found the story of Nephi and the brass plates and changed his mind. Life is meant to try us so that we can become better, even perfect. the only reason to actually change a path is if it is not inline with God's will, and will not lead us to His kingdom. Let us go forth in so great a cause.

 

s laskou,

 

Starsi Knapp

We sent Taylor a list of questions to answer. We thought we would share questions 7 and 9 along with his answers:
 
 What's the best advice you can give your siblings, particularly your brothers, at this point?

Study. Seek ye out of the best books. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn't read prophets' books before my mission. Also, SERVE. That is the lesson we learn from the life of Pres Monson and the life of Christ.

 What is the best thing a mission has done for you thus far?

Helped me realize what I need to do to get better. I have soooo much more to do, but already, the rest of my life has direction. A mission gives a unique perspective of personal potential, as well as a vision of how a life can and should be spent in the service of the Lord. One of my favorite things I've come up with, and you'll hear for years to come, is this: No one could ever make a list of all the things a mission prepares you for. A list like that would go on into eternity because that's what a mission prepares you for. A life time in His service and an eternity in His presence.

 

 Taylor is doing well. We did not hear from him last Monday because of transfers but he emailed us Thursday. He was excited about Veronika and Lenka, both investigators are progressing well. Veronika was scheduled for baptism this past Saturday. We don't know if it happened or not. Taylor sent a one-liner today to tell us that he is on his way to Prague and will send a real email on Wednesday. 

He is on his way to Prague to pick up his new companion who is fresh from the MTC. Taylor has been called to be a trainer. Here was his reaction to that assignment:

So, I am no longer with |Elder Clyde. Normally calls come on Monday nights, except for APs, office elders, and trainers. So, Sunday night, we get a call from President. Elder Clyde answers it, and starts to sweat. And say things like, "What? No way! Aaah...okay..." So yes, he's training. In a little town called Jicin. Oh, and then he says again, "What?!? Okay, here Elder Knapp. He wants to talk to you!" So. So. I'm TRAINING!!! Oh my gosh I'm freaking out. I have been in the Czech Republic for 4 MONTHS. And I'm training. My greenie had to have surgery in the MTC, so I won't actually get him until about two weeks from now. Actually, I am really scared, but also super excited. Elder Story is also training here, in Ostrava, and his comp is British. he talks like Bear Grylls.

 

So an adventure awaits Taylor! He'll do great. We are excited to hear from him in a couple of days.

Taylor and Elder Clyde at a castle.

Catching Up!

I'm slacking again in my blogging duties. Taylor is doing well and has had a few great weeks. His older sister returned from her mission in Paraguay and we are enjoying her home with us. We miss Taylor, but wouldn't want him here right now! We're glad he's where he is. And so is he, as you will see as you read on:

(June 25)
Waahooooo get ready. This is gonna be a good one. But first. Thank you for all the wonderful emails. Hearing about all the things you've been doing, along with our newly returned hermana, did not make me homesick, it made me realize that everything you all said is very true. This time is sooo short. It's already almost six months for me. I'm a quarter of the way done! It is very very hard sometimes, but as you once said, Mom, the days are long, but the years are short. I can't remember correctly, but I think yesterday I was at the creamery with Grandma, Grandpa, Tonya and Alison, but that may be wrong. |My memory is a little shaky. But I will tell you, and Dad and KAitlin both know this, nothing helps a misionary out like hearing the best news from their family. I feel your prayers and support. Even across the pond.

Taylor goes on to talk about two investigators, Veronika and Lenka. More on them later. First, here is a bit of Taylor's reaction to some emails he received from us. He also insists he will never leave the Czech Republic, but will stay there until he is an elderly man, too old to get married.

  Ahhh you all. I love you people. Your letters crack me UP. Emails rather. I haven't seen that letter Tanner promised...Is Emily still living there, or does she just visit to throw tea parties from time to time? Huh. I haven't heard from her for awhile. I hope she still has at least one hand with which to type. And thank you for your picture at the airport! May I just say: Some people look like they've been crying (Savannah, Mom, Kaitlin), some look a little impatient (Tanner, Emily) but really everyone looks happy to have Kaitlin back. What a fun time. Well, since I plan on being here for another 60 or 70 years, I don't know how we'll ever have that kind of experience. Maybe you can borrow Dallas for a minute and take some pics with him and pretend he's yours. Kidding.

Okay, so the week. We have two baptismal dates!!! Veronika and Lenka. Veronika is so solid. We weren't really worried about her date, because she's been asking about baptism long before we specifically extended the committment. She has had a very hard life, and is confident the Gospel will change everything for the better. She's right. She's hilarious, and we have a good time at lessons with her. Right now, her top two priorities are learn everything she needs in order to be baptized, and be baptized. Number three is get out of the Czech Republic as fast as she can. She really doesn't like it here. I think it's probably because of all the rough times she's had here, and she has a brother in New York, so she wants to go either there or England. She always asks us about visas and such, and we don't know anything about visas in English, let alone in Czech. But she understands.

Well, that's really about it. Actually, we did go to a castle. But no big deal. Hopefully the pictures work. THis computer is dumb, so I may have to wait to send pics until next week. Nope, not working. Anyway. I recommend to all, like I did to Savannah, to READ the words of the living prophets. They are the Lord's chosen to lead us here and now, and their words are meant exactly for us in our day. I know Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God. As Lucy Smith said, "We must seek for the knowledge that the world cannot give, nor take away." The only way to do that is through study and prayer. Also, I'm not sure if she actually said taht, it's just on the Restoration video. But it's still true! And so is this Church. I hate seeing people who are so unhappy, who I know could be completely helped and changed by this Gospel, but will not listen or give it a chance. There are a lot of unhappy people here, and still, so few are willing to listen. They truly believe that nothing can help them. Don't ever think that. It isn't true. Elaine S Dalton said, "Heavenly Father is only a prayer away, and the Holy Ghost is within whispering distance." it is so true. Again, I love you all, keep the letters and emails coming, cough cough, EMILY!

Well, we love him. He is doing great, is so happy, and.....very soon I will add some pictures!

 

Things Are Looking Up!

 Taylor's fabulous email in its entirety (almost). I must be feeling lazy or distracted or something....I'm not even going to attempt to correct all of his typos :)

Draha rodino,

Such a gooood week! I don't even know what our numbers were, because I"m in Prague right now. HA! All new missionaries, from last transfer, are here to renew our visas. So we had a nice little MTC reunion. Prague is waaay beautiful, but I miss Ostrava. Its my city. Anyway, stories about this week. Get pumped.

One of our investigators  is sooooo going to get baptized! The only reason he hasn't yet is because his girlfriend doesn't want to get married, and they live together. HE's divorced and she is a widow, so they both are afraid to be alone again, and she doesn't want to lose her widow money from the government, which she will if they get married. But, his dad just died a few months ago. So, we talked about the Plan of Salvation, and how baptism is a requirement to get into God's kingdom and be with our families forever. He wants ot soo bad. WE're going to start teaching him and his girlfriend, togetehr, and they are going t o be baptized! It was such a good lesson.

We had a couple good lessons with a less actve woman. She just can't stop smoking. It really is rough. WE're going to start working with her and another member who has overcome a similar addiction, to kind of help her see it is possible, and also get some extra support and such. We just don't know what members we can use yet. But that's okay! We'll figure it out. She wants to change, she just is a little week, and afraid to make such a drastic change without a lot of help.

Okay, miracles of the week. First off, we're teaching a family! WE found them in the former investigators section of the area book, and they are totally pumped to meet. We met with them once this past week, and they have a lot of questions and are very willing to learn. The only problem is, they're gypsies, or Mowglis as we call them. It isn't a problem for us, but every single member of our branch is racist, and we don't know who we could possibly teach them with. But, that isn't going to stop us from baptizing them all. The mom, her son, her three year old daughter, who will obviously have to wait to get baptized, and they're friend.

Miracle of miracles. A couple of weeks ago, we were stopped by a woman on the street. She asked if we were misionaries, and we said we were. She asked when we had church, we told her 900 on sundays, and the building was just around the corner. she asked if we had a card of some kind, which of course we do and we gave to her. Then she asked if we had a priest or something. WE explained what a branch president is and does. She then asked kind of a strange question: Does he have power from God? We didn't know why she would ask that, but he does have the priesthood, so we said yes. We didn't think anything of it, because a lot of times weird people do that kind of thing. SHE WAS AT CHURCH YESTERDAY. She is friends with a member here, Olga, and just showed up to church. She was asking about priesthood because her 2yr old son is sick in the hospital and she wants the branch president to give him a blessing. So, Wednesday we're meeting with them, and after we'll teach her. During church something about baptism was mentioned and she had lots of questions about it. I was sitting right behind her and her friend, and it went something like this:  V: Should everyone be baptized?  O: yes, everyone needs it. V, Can I get baptized? O, Of course! V, Well, who can baptize me? O, The missionaries can! Elder Clyde and I were very joyful. Sometimes, some people are so ready to hear the Gospel, they just walk up to athe missionaries and beg to be taught. It was amamzing. WE're so excited for our meeting on Wednesday.

That's about all, my dearest family. I want to repeat the words of my infinitely wiser older sister, Keep the faith. I too know this Church is true, and that's why I'm out here. Nothing is more important than doing waht the Lord wants.

hodne lasek,

Starsi Knapp

 I'm posting Taylor's last email in its entirety--it's short. He's great--he inspires me. There was a time when he was filling out an application for BYU and had to write an essay about a challenge he had overcome. Since he has lived a charmed life, no challenge came to mind. I recall him saying to me, "Mom! I have to have a challenge and overcome it by Friday!" Well, he is finally getting challenged a bit and it's good for him. He's doing great!

 

Draha rodino,

 

Allllllllrighty, here we go. First of all, I believe I have already addressed everyone's personal emails, so that is taken care of. But Mom, you should know, you're email also had me laughing. Ahhh what a great family. What day exactly does kaitlin get home?

 

Okay, so the week. We are seeing some tough times in Ostrava. Actually, in the entire eastern side (Moravia) of this country. We've got nothing. As a district we have...zero investigators with a baptismal date. We had zero at church. Our companionship lead the district in total lessons, and we had 5. To neni tak dobre. But, I will share something shortly that changed the way Elder Clyde and I will do work. We're so ready.

 

Anyway, not much happened this week. Oh, wait, first I need to tell you about Michal. If the name sounds familiar, it's because approximately 8 mil of the 12 mil people in this country are named Michal. But also because it is the same Michal that Brother Pearson played in the MTC. He is so funny. He is more faithful than many of the branch, and is just a goof. But he's one of those who never tries to be funny. We decided he's like a cartoon character. He says everything really fast in Czech, then repeats in English. And he has his own sound effects. He acts everything out. It's just  hilarious. We have some really good ideas about what to teach him, because the only reason he isn't baptized is because he lives with his girlfriend. They would get married, but she's a widow, and they get a lot of money form the govt. If they got married, all that would go away.

 

Alena...she's gone. She told us she's having some huge family issues right now, and she doesn't know when she can meet again. So yeah, that stinks. 

 

Okay, so Elder Clyde and I just finished the 12 week program that every greenie starts. We had to end it by watching all of the episodes of the District 2.  As we finished the last one, this thought came to me, "They get joy from serving the Lord, but the main source of their happiness is the happiness of those they baptize. It's going to be different for me. Of course, I'll be overjoyed when, and if, the baptisms come, but how will I be satisfied in my missionary service otherwise?" Then this thought came to my mind, "Only by working hard enough to constantly feel the Lord's approval everyday. Maybe the numbers will never come. But, if I'm to feel okay with that, I have to know I've done everything in my power to find those people, even if I don't. Then I will know that the Lord is pleased with me, knowing I spent these two years doing everything I could to serve Him." So that's our resolution. We made some plans, some goals and so forth, to ensure we work our tails off.

 

So, even if the numbers don't come, be ready for some great experiences. And hopefully a picture of KC, and even one of Marek! I'm sure you remember him. We looked at an apartment for the senior couple with him, and he wanted a picture with me! I was happy, because I still love that dang guy, even if he thinks God is mean and cruel.

 

You all make me so happy. And proud. Stay happy always, because we have the knowledge of Christ's Gospel. Don't hesitate to share it in it's Restored fullness. And read Our Search for Happiness. It's great.

 

Thank you again for all the great emails. I know this one was short, but really not much happened. We are going to a castle soon...

 

Love,

 

Starsi Knapp

A little more news..and pictures!

We got a pretty short email from Taylor this week, since he'd just emailed 5 days before that. His first companion and trainer, Elder U., finished up his mission and went home so Taylor has a new companion, Elder Clyde. Elder Clyde has been in the Czech Republic just 8 weeks longer than Taylor, so they will work hard together and I think the Czech will really come along now that Taylor will have to do more talking. Taylor is excited about the challenge and he gets along well with Elder Clyde. Here are some questions we asked Taylor, along with his answers. All of them were not pertinent, so we deleted a few. Also, before he left Taylor volunteered with me in 1st grade, so last week he started a letter to them and as you can see, this week he finished it up.

1.  Where is Elder Clyde from and what is he like? Do you work well together?

Elder Clyde is from Logan, UT, he plays the guitar and the ukele, and played lacrosse and football in high school. ANd he has a uke here. He bought it a couple weeks ago. We do work well together. He was in my district last transfer, so we already knew each other. We have fun.
2.  What things have you been eating? (this is from Hunter)

Nothing too exciting. Really just the same old thing. My new favorite is this sweetbread called vánočka. It's way good, especially with cream cheese. Yum.
3.  Have you had any dinner appointments with members?

Not much, they feed us any time we come over though. They make such good soup. I'm pretty sure I mentioned that before.
4.  How's the language coming? Are you having to say more now that Elder U. is gone?

The language is good. It's progressing slowly but surely. And yes, I speak much more now that my crutch is gone. But it's good, and necessary for my development.
5.  What's the weather like now?

Well, actually, it was reeeeeally hot, then it cooled down to around perfect, then we had some days of freezing cold and rain. It is currently back to really hot. I sweat much. 9.  What interesting things do they sell at the grocery store? I just remember the stores in England having intriguing things that you would never see in the US, like 20 different kinds of potatoes and roast chickenk-flavored pringles potatoes chips.

I haven't looked a ton at the stuff like that, I'll keep my eyes open for it next time we go shopping. Lots of weird meat and cheese though. All kinds of animal parts.
10.  Are you going to finish the 1st grade letter today? School is out on Wednesday!
Haha yes! Just tag this on to the end of what I already wrote.

 

 

...Every Saturday we have time to play soccer or frisbee with anyone who wants to. ANd every Monday we have a day to shop, clean, write home, and if there's time, we can go on little trips.

 

I haven't had much of a chance to go anywhere cool yet, but we have done some fun things. We've been to a really tall green tower called the Radnice, and there are lots of coal mines nearby, and we've visited a couple of them. We're going to a castle called Hukvaldy, and also to some caves at a place called Jeskyně. I've heard that Ostrava has one of the best zoos in the country, and we're going to go there soon too. The countryside is really pretty here, once you get out of the city, with lots of colorful flowers that I've never seen before. In a couple weeks we're going to go out and just spend some time outside. We're excited.

 

That's about it class! I hope you enjoyed this short letter about Ostrava. I know school gets out soon, but don't forget everything over the summer. Have fun!

 

Na shledanou,

Starší Knapp

And now...pictures. 
The first is of Ostrava, the second Taylor and apparently a large, ornate building (probably a cathedral?), and the third Taylor and Elder U. And as you can see, Taylor has not lost his goofiness.

 

I have been a slothful blogger for my two missionaries. So here is a little update on Taylor in the Czech Republic: (and actually it will be a rather big (long) update..)

Some spiritual things:

I want you all to look up Moroni 8:1-3. It's where Mormon greets Moroni as his son. I read that a few days ago and felt two very distinct impressions. One, that my parents feel the same about me, pray for me, and love the Lord. I also very distinctly felt my Heavenly Father's approval. This was His way of telling me I'm doing what He wants. I was actually reading somewhere else in the Book of Mormon at the time, and felt I should go to the spot I had left off the day before. And this was waiting for me.


And he's right! We do feel that way about our wonderful son!


The battle with the language has some bright spots:

Things are going really well, and the language is too actually. OH! A little proud moment I forgot to mention last week. Every tuesday we have Czech class with a member here. Last week she had us all read to her. All did well, and she complimented them and corrected them. Then me. Hehe. Sorry, this really is prideful, but I'm saying it anyway. I read my stuff and she stopped me part way through and said, "Vy jste čech?" Are you Czech? I said no haha, I'm not at all. She said, in Czech, something like, if I didn't know you were American, I would guess you were Czech. Yeah, I felt pretty good. I reeeelly tried to play it down though, because I don't want to seem prideful. She then said I have a problem though. If people here me read, they'll think I speak really well, and talk really fast. Sooo bummer. But whatever haha. I'll take it.

Things that make us laugh....


Saturday something funny happened. We had a service project that was supposed to be all day. We went there that morning, and, being the strapping young American boys we are, wore mostly shorts and t-shirts. I was actually the only one wearing both shorts and a t-shirt. The other missionaries told me the members were going to freak when they saw me. They were correct. They were mad at all of us because those who were wearing sweatshirts took them off fairly quickly. AFter a few hours we literally got sent home because we weren't wearing enough clothes. One of teh members told us, "Thank you for your help, now go home and get yourselves in order." It was so funny. But it was a good day, fixed up a path in some woods and picked up trash. We got a lot of compliments. I think they were compliments haha. It was in Czech, but I think they were good things. Hope so haha. Sunday was good, ADam, a kid who just was baptized a week ago got comfirmed, and it was great. He's super solid. I played the piano againnnn because the member who usually does was out of town again. She has been here one sunday so far. Ridiculous. SHe is active, just is out of town a lot. she's the one who teaches Czech class actually. 

Also, I received a threat on my life the other day. Mom, don't freak out. Ther is a tram stop called Namesti Republiky, and this old homeless woman hangs around there often at night. The night after our service project, I was sitting on a bench, still in my shorts and tshirt, when she comes up to me and starts going crazy. she went on and on about how she is 72, and she had to go to this shelter to go to the bathroom and work and get warm clothes and stuff like that. Our tram came, and as we walked away she kept yelling, "I will destroy you! I will destroy you!" Absolutely nuts. Also, in response to my last denture story, I must find a way to convey this properly. If an old person doesn't have their dentures in, they will just gum, chewing on nothing constantly. It's a weird tic that they all have. It is the most hilariousl thing I've ever seen. I can't even explain it. Maybe it's on youtube or something, but their cheeks are totally sunken in, and they gum and gum and gum, I don't know. It is sooo funny.

We have two new investigators! One named Zlata and one named Blanka. Zlata lives alone with a lion. Well, he might be a dog, but I thinkg it's a lion. Super accepthing to the message, just worried that she won't be ready in time. Blanka is different. Also very accepting, totally ready to hear teh Restored Gospel truths, but different. We contacted her on the street Saturday, taught her a lesson right then, then invited her to Sports Day. And she came! In full soccer gear, and I mean full. cleats, shin guards, jersey ,padded shorts, everything. And she likes to...tickle. She kept coming up behing us during the game and tickling us. guess what? that's not okay. it was very uncomfortable. She's probably around 30 or so, and just is a little different. Really nice, will be a great contribution to the church, but she tickles.

 

I'm happy to report that the tickler is no longer around...something tells me her motives were not pure...

Some random facts:

1.  So, you are playing the piano each Sunday for church? Do they have hymnbooks?

Not every Sunday. Thankfully, there is a lady here who usually does it, but she is out of town  A LOT so I have to. And I always do for Priesthood. And yes, they have hymnbooks. just not a translation that is Church approved haha.

 

2. What has the weather been like?

Last week was super rainy, which was dumb, but it is soooo nice here. Sounds like it's about exactly like Kansas right now actually.

 

3.  Have you tried anymore new foods?

Nooo...not really. They have a lot of similar stuff. Every meal begins with soup, then the main course. I've had some really good soups here Mom. You would be in heaven. But the food is good!

 

 (questions 3-6 would not interest you)

7.  What do ward members do for a living there?

I really have no idea. A lot of people are poor, almost everyone lives in old communist housing, but there are a few who are quite well off.

 

8.  Do you find that a lot of people speak English there are not so much?

Yes, quite a few speak a little, but most have verrry strong accents, and not much vocabulary. You will find the occasional person who speaks really well. Like one of the companionships brought a guy to church who jsut got back from living in Ireland for like 10 years, so he speaks well. Haha, but with a Czech-Irish accent. Funny.

 

Taylor loves his mission president and his wife, Pres. and Sis. Irwin. They are from England...

Speaking of the Church here, we had Branch conference last Sunday, which meant Pres and Sis Irwin came! I love them. They are exact opposites. Pres is a fireball, tons of energy, sarcastic, chummy (that's a British term) with all the missionaries, hilarious, so on. Sis Irwin is very quiet, proper, refined, and loving. Whenever she sees you, she says, "It's so good to see you, love! Is everything well? How are you sweet?" So funny. 

 

President Irwin talked about the growth of the church in the Czech Republic and Taylor commented on that, paraphrasing a quote from Joseph Smith:

  The church is getting ready to explode here. Why? Because it is Christ's church. It will go forth boldly, nobley, and independent. No unhallowed hand can stop the work. it is so exciting to be a part of it all.

 

Taylor loves the gospel of Jesus Christ and he loves being a missionary, even though it is difficult.

 

Goood week this week. Some rough spots, but that's life. Especially as a missionary. More than anything, I was just happy this week. To be honest, I'm never unhappy, but the language can be frustrating and people are rude, and whatnot, but this week I was happy all the time. Which really makes me excited because it shows me that I'm really starting to fully embrace the work, which is what I want. I want this to be the "best two years."

 

Missionary adventures:

 

As for Blanka the tickler, we haven't seen her in awhile. We had a lesson set up with her, but she wouldn't give us her phone number. She said to come outside her apartment and call for her and she would come. So, three missionaries (we were on an exchange) stood on the sidewalk and yelled Blanka! Blanka! Blanka! over and over. We don't even know if it was the rigtht building. We haven't seen her since haha. As for Marek...bummer. We dropped him. He just doesn't understand the importance of our message and the significance of our call. He thinkgs he is the same kind of missionary we are, and that biking, soccer, and hanging out with friends are ways we pray. He just wasn't progressign. I love the guy, but for now we won't be teaching him anymore. Veronika, on the other hand, is doing great. We taught her the word of wisdom, which we knew would be a problem because she was smoking when we met her, and she was a little surprised. She read some and we talked about the kinds of things we shouldn't take in or what ever, and she was like, "Okay...I've had like half of these today..." Keep in mind she's only 16. But, she, because she is so prepared, said, "I'll try it!" And I believe she is doing great. We meet with her again tomorrow.

 

In other news, we met with KC, aka Raffiki, twice this week. The secodn time we went with him to visit a friend in the hospital. He's just such a nice friendly, big-hearted guy. I just wish he would stop being so dang immoral. We're actually talking about that this week with him. So hopefully he can feel the need to change his life. We got a referral from him, unfortunately wont start teaching him until July. It's someone you all have heard of. I'm so pumped. Him and KC are friends, and he comes to the Czech Republic once a year, every |July. He is...Usain Bolt. Yes. I mean Usain Bolt as in the fastest man in the world. That Usain Bolt. Kc promised we could meet him and start teaching him if we wanted. IF WE WANTED? IS THAT LIKE A MAYBE? We said yes.

 

I know this is pathetic, but this is really about all there is. Elder U was sick this week, so taht took a huge chunk out of Tuesday, and we had a senior couple come Thursday to do cleaning checks, so there went Thursday as well. We are really optimistic for this week though. It's our last as a companionship, so we;ve got to work dang hard all week, and really end on a good note. Oh, also, when the Erbs, the senior couple came, we went and bought me a mattress. So now I'm sleeping in comfort haha. It's real nice.

 

I love you all, don't forget whose work this is. It is the work of our Lord. And He blesses all involved. That could not be clearer to me.

 

Starsi Knapp
 

We got to talk to Taylor yesterday morning, which made us very happy! He's nervous about Elder U. leaving but I think it will be good for Taylor to be paired with someone who is not so fluent in the language. This will give him the opportunity to speak more and learn more. He's doing great, but he's impatient because he's used to doing a lot of talking, sharing thoughts and feelings, joking, and using big words and speaking Czech requires him to use very simple language. But he's coming along and he's very happy.