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