Christmas Phone Call

On Christmas and Mother's Day Mormon missionaries are allowed to Skype with their families for about an hour.  Here is some information about the conversation with him today.  He looked and sounded good.  He says he has a good relationship with his companion and we were able to say hello to him as well.  When we thanked him for training our son he made a gesture like fanning himself because it was so much work.  Seems like a funny guy.  We found out he is an older missionary at 24 yrs and that he comes from a humble Brazilian family.  There was no bishop in Nathan's ward for a while but they just got a new bishop who is 27 and has an 18 year old wife!  When describing his mission president he said he is the complete opposite of the mission president he had in the Washington Everett mission.  Apparently he is a real go getter and a real ball of fire!  He said it's just what the missionaries need there.  When asked about the mission president's wife he said she was so great that he thought she probably had the priesthood.  He's a funny guy that Elder Tagg.  A fun part was when he asked his brother to play violin for him.  While listening to him play he fingered the notes on his arm along with his brother, still remembering what to do from years past of playing the Bach Double.  He says he lives in a favela.  Pretty much a slum.  He eats rice and beans each day.  He is working hard and we are proud of him.  

Better News Next Time

Nathan's letter this week was pretty much a downer.  Pray for him and hope for a better letter next week.  He is struggling with his companion and with the numbers expected of him.  I'm sure the language is also a barrier to his progression.

He does say that he knows his entire mission will not be this way and that he refuses to baptize anyone without making sure they are truly converted first.  He takes missionary work very seriously!  He misses the Washington Everett mission very much.  It's a big adjustment right now.  Hope to post something better next week!

Elder Tagg's Mother

Life's full of problems

About a Dog Bite

Hello
My son is Elder Tagg from Maryland. He had very little time to write to us today but has reported a dog bite. This is his first week in Brazil.

My concern(knowing my son), is that he did not think anything of this event and may not think it needs any attention. He did not elaborate on any details. I don't know if skin was broken. I wonder if someone there can reach out to make sure good judgment and care was implemented. I will worry much less if I could be filled in on this situation.

He said he was fine. As a mother I would like a second opinion please.

Thank you
Sister Tagg

Dear Sister Tagg,

First let me say that we are loving Elder Tagg.  He is very obedient and dedicated and having a good attitude while everything feels so strange at first.  I saw him yesterday at the temple with his companion and other companionship that lives in the same house.  They are all good young men serving in a very humble area, but also receptive to the Gospel.  We expect good things to happen with them serving in this area.

Immediately after he was bitten by the dog, his companion called me to report it.  I then talked to  Elder Tagg.  He reported that no skin was broken, nor did it rip his pant leg.  However there were teeth marks on his leg.  I told him to wash it well with soap and water, put antiseptic cream on it, and get a rabies shot just to be safe.  One of his roommates knew where the clinic was for that, so he was able to get him there.  I think all will be well.  They know to call me if anything changes.

Thank you for your concern and prayers, and for sharing your son in the service of the Lord.

Love,

Sister Tanner

Mom,

This week went well. My companion is still a challenge, but I'm teaching him. We had a guy the other day tell us he kills robbers so he was not interested.

There is a problem here in Brazil. This year 30,000 people were baptized in Brazil. 28,000 of those are already inactive. The whole system here is set up to get as many baptisms as possible as fast as we possibly can. In the United States I learned a lot about the importance of a baptism. Baptisms are more rare out there and so the missionaries are really humbled, and every new investigator is a gift from God. However here it seems that the  people are nothing more than numbers. It's not our mission president's fault. He is doing everything he can to get ´´real conversion.´´ He is following the advice of the 70.  Now im not rebelling against my leaders. I believe that the standards they set are inspired, but no one is infallible.  It seems that what's happening in Brazil right now is that we are ultimately condemning  people.

I will try my best to reach the goals they set. But if this mission ever makes me lower my standards, and start baptizing just for the numbers, I´m leaving. Going home. I will not allow myself to fall into this illusion of numbers.

About the dog bite, first of all you should maybe stop texing my friends for information. its weird, so stop. Second of all, I'm totally fine and you should stop worrying. If you hear about something that happened, please don't be that steriotypical worried mom. I'm a grownup now so I can take care of myself.

also, do missionary work!

Love Elder Tagg

Stories I Can't Tell

Dear Mom,

I have a lot of stories I can't tell right now because I only have ten minutes.  We had a temple trip today and P-day is almost over. So I will write more next week.

Elder Tagg

Elder Tagg at the Sao Paulo temple!

Sister Green and Elder Tagg (from his MTC district)

(A day later I received this letter from Elder Tagg...)

Hi Mom,

So yesterday I went to the temple and that's why I couldn´t email much. But the zone leaders gave us time to do it today.

Anyways, my trainers name here is Elder Sousa and he is Brazillian and he speaks 0 English. He has been a missionary for only two weeks longer than I have so this is going to be interesting... We are finding our situation really challenging.  Our work ethics do not really match up.  I have already had to chap my tiny Brazillian companion´s hide a few times...(joking). Here they call apostate missionaries ``fubecas`` not sure how to spell that. but it translates literaly to ´´pile´´. So yeah, Brazillians are funny.

I really kind of miss the United States though. Because here I feel like I am not using my brain as much... it's just too easy to get investigators and the issue is finding out who really is ready to make covenants with the Lord. So far I haven´t found anybody that I think is ready for baptism. It kind of stinks. Maybe when I master the language better it will be easier. 

My portuguese is pretty good. Whenever people find out how long I've been here they are always suprised at how well I am able to communicate. There are missionaries who have been here for three months who don´t speak Portuguese as well as I did when I first came out. So I have really been blessed in that regard. 

Take care,

Love Elder Tagg

Elder Gasser holding an I heart Elder Tagg sign.  He was Nathan's trainer in his last area in Washington

Thank you for Sharing your Son

Dear family of Elder Tagg,

Two days ago we were so excited to finally meet Elder Tagg.  We have been anxiously anticipating his arrival for some time now.  We loved him immediately and know that he will be a wonderful missionary.

I am sending a photo of him with us and with his wonderful companion, Elder J. Sousa.  I will also send hard copies of these in the mail, but that can sometimes take several weeks to arrive.

Thank you for sharing your son in this great work of sharing the Gospel.

Love,
President and Sister Tanner

I Know What I am

Hey Mom,

Thanks for the flight info... WHAT THE FETCH?!?! Eliza is loosing her baby fat! She looks so different! But anyways yeah, here is my pants inventory; I have one pair that I fixed and they will be fine... I have another pair that I'm wearing right now and they'll be fine, and I have one pair that still has a rip but I don't think I'll fix them because they were very restricting to start with. They are just not tailored very well. Then I also have my 2 pairs of suit pants which I really only wear with my suit. I also have 2 Haggar brand pants which say they are my size but they are LYING. They are like Goliath pants. if you are going to send me pants go for black... because I only have black shoes and other colored pants are only really cool if you can color combo it with your belt and shoes. I would very much appreciate it if you could send pants.  Don't go for the "loose" look. Try for a more tailored style. I already have some rather baggy pants. As far as sizing goes, if it fits Dad, it fits me. I have also grown about a half an inch in the field but Dad and I are essentially the same. 

On second thought, I will go pants shopping today with the money on the USAA card.  I do not trust the internets. I think I'm going to leave those Haggars behind because they are useless to me. I won't be gaining weight while in Brasil, so don't I worry about compensating for potential waist line increases. I'm on the smallest loop on my belt right now because of the Insanity workout I've been doing.

But anyways, I'm still in Washington. I'm with Elder J on an exchange right now because his companion is going home due to some issues. We get transfer calls today and so things are switched up a lot. I respect Elder J more than I respect almost anybody. Both his parents are dead, and he weighs about 280 pounds. He's shorter than I am, he knows he's overweight. He had to loose 60 pounds to serve his mission. He is such a stud I love the guy. He's our DL. 

This is our district... The older guy next to me is standing on some books. 

He's not actually tall at all.  The other guy next to me is Elder S.

Talk to you on Monday!
Elder Tagg

Hey Dad,

Yeah so I have to answer your question about iPads. The fact of the matter is that missionaries are coming to the field more and more prepared, and matured for missionary service. The Lord knows his children and he trusts his missionaries with this resource. What elder Zwick may have said about iPads is probably either misinformed or has been received wrong. So, the church is not even sure if they are going to do the whole iPads thing. They have selected a few "test" missions to try it out on. I know that there are a few in California. But anyways it will only be missions within the USA and other first world countries. Brazil wont get it yet.

The details of this are that each missionary will receive their own iPad, and it will replace their area book, daily planner, etc. It will also enable electronic proselyting, which is truly a HUGE step and a big innovation for the church. It is true that there is the opportunity provided for being lazy and slothful servants.  The fact of the matter is that was there already and really this changes nothing but provides another opportunity for disobedience. That being said, my understanding of this is that the iPads will be running a slightly modified OS, (nothing against warranty, it will still BE an iPad) that will not allow free search of the web, and will be restricted on other ways as well.

All in all I agree that it is a big step and that some will use it for disobedience, but all I have to say about that is that the Lord is separating His wheat from His tares, and I already know what I am.

love 

Elder Tagg

Can you spy Elder Tagg? He's hiding in the branches!

Elder Manly

Wow Dad those are some very impactfull quotes. I especially like the third one about "future spouses" yeah we have a joke where if you drop a b.o.m. your future wife gains X amount of pounds. I dropped my quad once and my comp was like "Awww dude that's like 5000 pounds man... You just dropped all 4 standard works..."

Haha ok Mom, that really made no sense. Anyways HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!  I know I couldn't email you yesterday, so I figured you would be furious with me. I fixed my own pants this week! For whatever reason the crotches in TWO of my pants BURST (just call me manly). I think it's because my thigh muscles are getting bigger. And no, I don't need bigger pants, I'm just getting shredded beyond comparison and there's nothing you guys can do to stop me MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Anyways, I ripped my pants and then I fiked it. :) I also ate a raw potato. yeah I found out later that raw potatoes are actually slightly poisonous, so yay. It was gross, but it was funny we got in on video (I can't send you videos though).

so there is a good chance that I will be flying out to Brasil soon (Sunday or Monday) and I have no clue how much money I have on either of my cards. (alls I know is that Ihad about 600-700 on my panda one when I left and I have been spending about 20 bucks a week with it. I spent 60 bucks at the beginning of the mish for luggage). So really I have no clue. The church recommends that we have about 200-300 dollars for emergencies, and at least that much when flying. Ido not know how much I have on the Benjamin card so could you please inform me? Also, if you could make sure that I have enough I would appreciate it. :) More money, more problems.

Oh yeah, I thought I told you to stop calling me Elder-son. 

I was serious.

sincerely, 

Elder Tagg

Scatting Elder Tagg

Dear Mom,
So last night we got a call saying that Elder M was getting E.T.'d (early transfer) and so he left this morning and we got Elder S. the reason was because another Elder was going home and Elder M was called to take his place.

Elder S is another visa waiter. He's like the polar opposite of Elder M. We gonna whip him into shape. I'm a transfer older than him.

We have been seeing a drop in numbers this week but an increase in results, which is awesome.

So I don't know how much longer I'm going to be here, but I really don't care.  I'll accept what the Lord chooses to do with me.

Elder Tagg.

Hey Dad, 

So I think its really cool that Evan is visiting campuses. That wasn't too long ago for me... yeah there really isn't much to do in Rexburg but hang out with people and do whatever is going on that night up at the campus. Most people who I knew who would show you guys around are on missions..  There is one guy I can think of named J. I think that's how you spell his last name but he might not be on track right now.

Nathan

(From Youngest Brother) 

Hey Nathan,

how is it going? I bet you were excited  when you heard about your visa.  I heard C got his too.  Any way I've been practicing my skat; Zoowapp da kap daddy skidilybeebopdaboop.  Do you like it?

See ya later,

D

(Nathan's Response)

Bro, I SPEAK skat.

*ahem* skittlybeebob durangdurangdurangdurangdurang dowow. dobop? tingitytong-ting-togg.

confounded!

Nathan

                                             

Tall Baptism/Short Eternigator

Hi Mom,

Don't you wear that fake arrow through the head headband saying "I've had a headache all day" thing every single Halloween?

So this week was awesome. We had the highest numbers this transfer.  We have two new investigators (C and J), one progressing investigator, and all this other junk. So C is not actually YSA but we are still teaching him (with permission) because he goes to the YSA ward. His daughter is A and she was baptized about a year ago and she's going to BYUI now. Now he is interested in the church. J is a guy we tracted into. He's African American.

I went on exchanges with Elder J in the Anacortes 1st ward area. They have an investigator named V, she's from Vietnam, and she is literally like 4 feet tall and when she shakes your hand her fingers don't even reach the edge of your palm. anyways she's an eternigator (ask dad for missionary lingo) who just hasn't stopped drinking coffee and smoking and so basically, Elder R and Elder J and I just pretty much got her to commit to quitting everything and working towards baptism on December 7th. She's doing well with it so far. We gave her a priesthood blessing.

So last story. Last night the power went out and pretty much we didn't really care. Then we were going to do companion prayer and go to bed. Right as we started praying, the lights came back on after being off for about an hour. So yeah, we thanked God in our prayer for the lights! haha.

Love Elder Tagg

PS A scripture for you in return;

2nd Kings 2:23-24

Dad,
WAAASAP? So no I don't have the Alpha-smart thingy yet, but its probably in the mission office in Mill-Creek. Next time I'm down there, I'll pick it up.

That story of yours about the young brain cancer patient sure was intense. I can't even imagine what that's like. try sharing the gospel with him.

So here are some picture of my first official Baptism that Mom wanted. By the way I gave that other redhead in the photo a haircut. So yeah, that was my first time doing that too.

My First Baptism.  She was 6 ft 2!

The other day I pulled prank on my companion by hiding bread all over ALL of his stuff. I even like tacked to the ceiling above his bed so that he would find it. I also did all this random stuff. Then I wrote him some Haikus to mend our relationship. :)

Dear E (younger brother age 17),
Oi meu Irmao, como vai?

So yeah I don't understand what your last sentence said but if was anything about you being able to take me after the mish BE PREPARED TO BE TAKEN DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as Dad would say.

Oh, and I could lift the tall woman I baptized easily because i'm a man.

Nathan

HI A (little Sister age 10),

I am doing great in the field and yes, I HAVE been to Field of screams. It's not scary.

No, unfortunately we aren't allowed to dress up :( we have to be in by 6 on Halloween.

I have read 5 of the Harry Potter books and I have seen all the movies. :)

Love Elder Tagg

Dear E (little sister age 6),

You Rule! Don't let anybody ever tell you otherwise. Are you going to be a missionary one day?

Love Elder Tagg

The Hastening is Happening

Elder Tagg (Back Left)

Hi Mom! 

This week we finally got a new investigator! But he dropped us... So now I'm back to zero! Ha ha you are right about what you said about numbers not counting. The truth of the matter is that when the members don't help us we have no choice but to go looking for people on our own. Right now "THE HASTENING" is happening, and according to our church leaders, it is the biggest thing to happen in the church since the restoration. But it WILL NOT happen without members. I like how you are doing your own missionary work in Maryland.  Just remember, this Gospel is for more than just your friends. The people you invite can be anybody, and if they say no, then just offer to be their friend and that's all you can do.

Love 

Elder Tagg

Hi Dad,

Ha ha how often do you go behind Mom's back? That's so funny and I can't wait to try the Alphasmart! *The Alphasmart was Mom's idea we totally tricked Nathan into wanting one by presenting it from his Dad "without letting Mom know" worked like a charm* It sounds really cool. So I made a discovery, and that is that the mission is turning me into a redheaded version of YOU. Seriously my ADHD is receding, and I find more joy in just sitting down and reading my scriptures or studying. I'm reading Jesus the Christ now. It's really good. Also I have found that I am a lot more motivated to work out now and have been seeing major results.  I think the reason why I didn't like to work out before so much was because it didn't seem like it made a difference. 

Anyways, I love you, take care

Elder Tagg.

*Back and forth letters from his siblings*

Dear Nay,

(This is A) How are you? How is it in the field? I'm doing great. In the Harry Potter series I am on the fourth book. I'm not sure if you have read it, but it's great. The K's visited us and it was a lot of fun. We mostly played air hockey (you know Z? I beat him and he is older then me!) Today was the primary program, and I played 'Family's can be Together Forever' on the violin, but I think I messed up. Maybe you can show me how it's done when you get back.

Luv ya and miss ya!

Your sis,

 A

A,

I remember Harry Potter! that was MY generation's favorite childhood series. You beat Z? Nice! Put those Ks in their place haha. I've messed up in front of people before. Nbd. (no big deal).

Nathan

Dear Nathan

I hope you are serving good people. I gave a talk about my family today in church. I saw this music video called "What Does the Fox Say?" and at the end a pretend fox stands up and sings "bud ump ump beway da." Mom wants to dress up like one of the fox dancers from the video for Halloween. I like her being that but Audrey says she will be embarrassed. We are eating pizza right before bedtime. We are having fun I hope you are having fun too.

Love you,

E

Dear E,

I love to hear from you! yeah I've heard about that video... don't eat pizza right before bed.

Nathan

Dear Nathan

I hope you get your visa soon. I love you and I miss you. I just ran the last meet of the season and I got my PR which is 21:02 which is disappointing because it's only 2 seconds away from 21:00 flat. I have a question for you of great importance. Which is better? Pancakes or waffles?

Sincerely, 

Your red head brother

D

Dear D,

Pancakes or waffles can both be better or worse, young grasshopper.

Nathan

Next Transfer- Brazil

Hi Mom,

So I don't have too much time right now, but I will be able to email you more later on today. I do not live in Mill Creek. I live in Anacortes.  Mill Creek is where the missions P.O. box is. So yeah, maybe I can use the Jamba Juice gift card later. I feel good. So yeah, the fact of the matter is that I have my visa, but the church is probably waiting until the next transfer to send me out. My testimony is growing. I am getting along. Yes I am obedient.

Talk to you more in a bit. I have some photos that I want to send to you. I baptized yesterday.

So this past week has been odd. The zone got cut in half and we have no investigators. All I have been doing is tracting, and I have the most contacts in the mission, but I still have no investigators. I talked to a really drunk guy last night. He took a Book of Mormon, but only because he was drunk.

Thats all folks,

Elder Tagg

PS Oh yeah! Happy Birthday to Evan.  Here is my present : )

PPS Dear Eliza, you are awesome.

My Mission is a Blessing

Hi Mom,

First off, I just wanted to let you know that when I say 'I have nothing to say', its because I really don't. Please stop bothering me about that... 

So yeah, about that whole "group message" suggestion? Yeah, not gonna happen. I have already made up my mind not to ever do that because it's too impersonal. Frankly, I don't really give a darn about the blog and it really doesn't matter to me. I will write people who write me, bottom line. 

So, about that recent investigator, her name is H and she's way awesome. Elder D (who just left by the way) found her one day by knocking on her car window when she was parked at the beach. He then referred her to us and Elder M pretty much converted her. Elder M is another visa waiter going to Sao Paulo South. He's a transfer ahead of me, its all good though. Anyways that's H. We are baptizing a girl named C on Sunday and she asked me to do the baptism which is awesome! I hope they don't send me away before then.  Yes that's right, this will be my second convert and my first ordinance! I'm so excited! I'll send you a picture :) C is like 6'2" and she is literally the smartest investigator we have had so far. 

The other day I did a baptism invitation on a doorstep contact. Yeah, it was awesome. 

During general conference they said that if all members start to do missionary work (like they are supposed to), we will have millions of new members by Christmas. So go do missionary work, it will only happen if everybody finds people.

Yeah so I got a few opportunities to talk with some native spanish and portuguese speakers, and I understand them perfectly. It's pretty sweet, I almost understand the spanish better, haha. Anyways my teacher in the MTC went to Portugal on his mission and he kind of taught me how to speak with a European accent, which is harder for spanish speakers to understand. Maybe my time in the republic of Brasil will straighten me out. 

This whole transfer has been crazy. Being in a four pack is nuts! I feel like I'm married to like three other guys... its weird.   

I am super glad i decided to serve a mission :) It has been such a blessing in my life so far.


Working out every day has really payed off. Lol. But seriously I'm starting to really look like a beast. The insanity workout is super tough though. This morning I kind of hurt my back doing it.  I'm pretty sure Missionary Me could totally beat up Pre Missionary Me, like hands down. 

Oh I'm not getting transferred (one of the benefits of being with the zone leader is that I know what's happening way before it happens)  but I'm staying here in Anacortes while one of my companions, Elder M, is going to another zone. Since I've almost got my visa I'm really not sure what they will do with me... 

Things are going great :) Im really starting to get antsy for Brazil though... it's really starting to wear on me. that being said, I know that I am here in Washington for a reason and that this is where I am supposed to be.
Com Amour,
Elder Tagg

The Beast Himself

Turn Around

Hi Mom,

So this week we saw a big turn around as far as success goes. I had my first baptism.  In the photo (left to right, Me, Elder M, K her fellowship-er, H the person getting baptized,Elder M, Elder R, And Elder D.  He is the missionary who referred her to us he goes home in 13 days... (I'm the tallest person in this photo by the way). Also, I personally put another investigator of ours on date for baptism on the 13th of October. I thinks she is going to ask me to baptize her, but I don't know. Also, literally 2 hours after this photo was taken, we found another investigator. So things are good. I'm having a lot of success and I'm also really starting to bulk up. My waist size has gone down and I'm on the 2nd to last hole on my belt now...but yeah that's my life right now.

Elder Tagg

pi

Numbers Low

Dear Family,

I miss you guys and I love you guys, and yes I was serious about not liking the nickname Elderson. It is seriously stupid.

I have been having a rough week as far as numbers go. We had to drop James and Hailey is becoming shakey as well.  We had to move back her baptism. However we have a dinner tonight with Caityn and she's solid but we haven't found anybody new lately.  People here are so hard hearted. 

But I'm still happy. I really appreciate Audrey's and Eliza's letters.

I love you, 

bye

Nathan

Weight Update

Hi Family, 

I'm still in Washington. I don't really have much to talk about. There are just a bunch of crazies out here. Seriously, I ran into a guy who claimed to be a prophet and to know all things, and to understand all things... Except the book of revalation. He didn't like that book. 

Why are you taking a parenting class? Aren't you pretty much done with your parenting? That's weird.  Dad- why are you asking all them questions? My trainers are Elder Moncur and Elder Rencher. Elder Merrit is still a greeny, he is only a transfer ahead of me. I am keeping my Portuguese up. I have two people scheduled for baptism this month. I'm fine financially. Why do you ask?  I'm doing a workout called insanity every morning, and I'm drinking protien shakes. I'm definitely stronger than when we last met. When I got to the MTC I weighed like 180, and then I started dieting and lost five pounds. So when I left the MTC I weighed 175. I wouldn't be surprised if I weighed like 185-190 right now though. Gettin' yoked. Whatevs. Wow Drew's fast now. But I'm strong. I can't wait to whip Dad when I get back. It'll be so easy!

Elder Tagg

1st Week in the Field

Hi Family, 

I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm doing great here in Washington. I'm In a four pack with elders Moncur, Rencher, & Merrit. Elder Merrit is a visa waiter too going to Sao Paulo Brazil. We have a lot of good investigators right now.  The people are way wack, but if things go right, we could get six baptisms this month! The standard is 1.  Mission life is fine. I gotta go now.  Anyways, here is a picture of me at the airport (back left).

Elder Tagg

Sis Green and I at the MTC

To Evan: YAY I loved AP Phychology. Yes I have had a lot of good investigators. They are way crazy though. Yesterday this guy kept talking to us for like fifteen minutes without us even saying anything. Washingtonians are really interesting.

To Drew: O my gospel Drew. Dr who is way wack. you are such a time lord. but anyways, on my pdays, I like to do stuff. 

To Audrey: Yay Audrey! You da best. Making crafts and stuff? That's way cool. just don't let all that power consume you..... thas bad. Love ya

To Eliza: I miss you too! stay in school!

Temporary Address for Elder Tagg

Address Update!

Elder Tagg

PO Box 13390

Mill Creek WA 98082

(This is for letters or packages sent using the US postal service)

Mission Home address is:

Elder Tagg

Washington Everett Mission

16124 35th Ave SE

Mill Creek, WA 98012 

(This is only for packages sent using Fed Ex or UPS)

Thanks!

Elder Tagg

Visa Status Letter

Missionary Department 

50 E North Temple ST 3WW 

Salt Lake City, UT 84150-5400 

Elder Nathan Troy Tagg
POB 13390 Mill Creek WA
98082-1390 United States


Dear Elder Tagg: Visa Status 

By now you are aware that your visa to Brazil has not yet been approved. While this is undoubtedly a disappointment, please know that we are doing everything possible to secure your visa. We will notify you immediately when it is received. We ask that you and your family members not do anything, such as call or e-mail the consulate, to try to secure your visa more quickly. Such actions may actually slow down the visa process already in place. While you are waiting, your mission experience in the United States will prove to be a great blessing in your preparation to serve in Brazil. We encourage you to work hard, remain focused, and be involved in all aspects of missionary work. As you serve the people in the Washington Everett Mission, your testimony and ability to teach will increase, you will set the pattern of study and hard work for the rest of your mission, and you will come to love the people. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family as you dedicate yourself to preaching the gospel to those who are seeking and ready to accept your invitation to come unto Christ.


 Sincerely, Eduardo Gavarret

Assistant Executive Director

President and Sister Bonham (Washington Everett Mission President)

Last Photo from the MTC

Big News

I JUST GOT MY REASSIGNMENT!!! I'M GOING TO THE WASHINGTON EVERETT MISSION!!!

Doing backflips to celebrate!

Week Four

If anyone can start a short tie trend it will be Elder Tagg

Hey Mom, 

Sorry I didn't have time to write you a letter earlier, I had to go to the temple, which was awesome! Did you know they got a new video? Its pretty sweet! Also, while I was at the temple the Elders in my district and I got a bunch of interesting Native American names.  When I was at the temple I saw Nie Nie from the plane crash!  She was in my session, but she was in a hurry or something because she bolted the minute the session was over and I didn't get to say hi to her. Anyways, I appreciate you letters.

While I have been gone I have mastered the following arts:

1) Hacky sack

2) Levitation

3) Faith in God

Ha ha so maybe I lied about the levitation one :) 

About my investigators...C is progressing slowly, but we haven't had any progress with J because our teacher has been on vacation... 

I love the MTC! o em Portuguése, e CTM ;). Although I am totally sketched by the food in here... OK, you know what the scariest thing in the world is? TRANS-FAT! I can't stand it! Its like immortal!

Anyways... I'm making some good progress, but the other day I took a Christ like attributes test and I got a 2 in diligence!!! Hahaha! But you probably could have guessed that one :P 

So sad story: I may be reassigned to somewhere in the USA if my visa doesn't get here in time :( 

But happy story, I got word that things may be progressing with my visa! They needed an updated criminal background check, so that's something right?

Well that's all for now :) 

Love you,

Elder Tagg

Shoop De Woop

Shoop de woop! Another letter!

So its P-day again and that means that I have to tell you guys that I'm alright and everything's OK. so here I go! I'm alright and everythings ok!!

I've started getting into hacky sack down here and I'm a beast at it. my record is 32 hits in a row. Me and Elder Blake like to play it together. I'm teaching a couple of investigators, one is named J and one is named C and they like to party. Anyways, yes, I do read your letters all the way through, but don't think that that gives you the green light to go ahead and write long letters. I'm a busy guy. I wanted to send you some pictures but I couldn't find my camera... But since you are in contact with all the other Moms in our mission, you could probably figure out how to go to Elder Blake's mission blog. He has a lot of pictures of me online.

Anyways, I thought I would let you know that your Portuguese sentence translated literaly to "I love thou much!" A better way to say I love you would probably be to replace the "te" with "voce". They only use the tu form of things when they are talking to dieties or kings. Sorry, I thought I would just let you know.

But thats all I've got for you this week! Drew is a nugget. 

Elder Tagg

Elder Blake and I

District Temple Day

Week 3

So I finaly got another P-day. Things are going well. Portuguese is going well. Earlier today me and Elder M played hymns on the violin/piano and it was way cool.  

Also the other day my district and a few others played ping pong using a little office table and our name tags as paddles, and I beat every single one like five times. I'm by far the reigning champion of ping pong right now. Also I've been picking up hacky sacking. My record is 18 hits, witch is pretty good. 2 people from my district got visas! They leave this Tuesday.

I'm going to drop the inseam on those polo pants so they look like Aladdin pants. I've beeN dabbling in the tie trading business. I got an awesome one the other day.

D is still fat,

Elder Tagg

Hacky Sacking is a good way to bond with Brazilian kids