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!