Monday, December 9, 2013

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

1 comment:

  1. First off, we are mothers and of course we are going to worry. Anything and everything is significant to us. You did exactly what I would have done! Sounds like he is doing great and has the right attitude. It's not about numbers.

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