Pics of Taylor's time at the MTC

Taylor at MTC in front of statue of Missinary bikers.
Nativity at the MTC.

Taylor and best friend Andy Romney visiting at the MTC...Andy has received a call to serve in Mongolia scheduled to leave in Feb.

looks like broken fingers to me! Missionary love signs!
The "PA" in finger sign language! What talent!!
Mission comps at the MTC, just chillin
The MTC is decorated like a Temple Square with lights and nativity.

Taylor, Andy Romney and Collin Mangum at the MTC. Collin is going to Italy! Friends forever!

Taylor departs to Pennsylvania

Monday December 10th was a great day! Taylor called us from the SL air port on his way to Pennsylvania. He was happy and upbeat and ready for the new challenge. He was sad to say good-by to many of his new friends, but ready to meet new ones. The bus was loaded and ready to go, when 2 of the sister missionaries, announced they had left their luggage in their room. Everyone had to wait for 30 minutes while they sent the Elders back for their luggage! Typical women!! He said it was a little hard to drive past University Parkway past our home...and felt an urge for a quick detour....but the bus headed for Salt Lake airport. He by passed his breakfast so he could make some quick calls to his brother and sisters before he left. He was to arrive in PA around 5:00. They were going to spend the first night in the mission home, and then be assigned to his new area and companion on Tuesday. We are looking forward to getting his letter this week to get all the details. Any mail can be sent to the mission home and will be forwarded on to him the next day! He would love to hear from all of you. His address is:
Elder Taylor Russell
Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission
3903 Hartzdale Drive Suite 303
Camp Hill PA 17011

Taylor had an incredible experience in the referral call center last week. He spoke with a woman who loved the mormons. She said no mater what they don't judge. She is 58 and living with her mother who don't allow the missionaries. He talked with her for 30 minutes where most calls only last 2-3 minutes. She kept saying she was feeling the spirit through him. They got over 85 referrals in 2 days. He committed her to meet with the missionaries at her daughters house and attend a church closest to her home. He was excited about this experience to share the gosple and bear his testimony.

He said you just open your mouth and the spirit does the rest! He said it is an awesome experience. He has a really shy companion, but he is finally getting him out of his shell. He is happy and focused even with these lengthy classes. He told his dad he is in class for 13 hours a day, so his dads bisopric meetings are nothing!!! He is full of great advise for all family members and we hope we can grow spiritually along with him. He loves and looks forward to news from home, so please drop him a note. He leaves for PA on the 10th of December!

updates from Elder Russell

Taylor's letters are incredible! It is amazing how these young men are transformed in such a short time. We are recieving letters that he is loving the MTC. He says the spirit is so strong, and his teachers are awesome. They know the scriptures inside out, and give the companionships questions to answer through the scriptures. When they give their answers, they are told that they have a great answer, but there is a better scripture. He said they know the bible and scriptures better than anyone he has ever met!

On Thanksgiving, they were honored to have Elder Holland come down to speak to them. He said it was wonderful. He said he promised the missionaries that through their obedience and service, their families would be blessed. (We truly are seeing and feeling the blessings!!) They were told that the greatest conversion was in their own personal testimony, and then to go forward to bless the lives of those they teach.

MTC or bust!

After waiting for a long time the day had finally arrived. Taylor tried to pack his bags with Shauna looking over his shoulder ensuring he hadn't forgotten anything.

Some final family time

Wednesday is finally here and the family gathered to see Taylor off, but of course food had to be involved. Everyone arrived at the Russell's early for some final hugs and pictures. Then a brief intermission at Carraba's was held before continuing to the MTC.

An early Thanksgiving

Taylor wanted to enjoy Shauna's cooking for one last time and requested a Thanksgiving dinner the Monday before entering the MTC. Everybody chipped in and the feast was extravagant!

After everyone had their fill, we gathered to have a family home evening. Everyone gave some advice to Taylor and laughs were had and tears were shed. The spirit was so strong.

Shauna took the kids to Build-A-Bear to make a bear for Uncle T. The message they put in the bear says, "We're sending hugs and kisses too, for Uncle T cause we love you." Taylor laughed it off at first, but after playing it a few times he realized how important each kid was to him and how he is going to have to rely on the parents to relay how their children are doing.

Fare thee well

Taylor's missionary farewell at 9:00 A.M. The chapel and overflow were full of friends and family who had come to support him. Taylor spoke about the importance of Prayer and bore such a powerful testimony. He will do such a great job preaching the Gospel to the people of Harrisburg.

After the meeting everyone came back to the Russell home for more good food and visiting.

Twas the night before the farewell

The night before Taylors misisonary farewell we threw him a big party where all his friends, family, and neighbors were able to come and wish him good luck and say goodbye. There was plenty of food and lots of time to visit. There were probably 75-100 people.

Last trip to Hawaii

As being the spoiled one goes, Taylor was able to spend the week before entering the MTC on his favorite island, Maui. Fred and Shauna thought they were safe by booking the fall trip in November, assuming that Taylor would be long gone. Lucky for them he was able to tag along for one last time. One week its the crab buffet and bikinis in Hawaii, the next its cafeteria food and suits in Provo.

Entering the Temple!

What a great day! Taylor attended the Mt. Timpanogos Temple, with his family. He has since had some great Temple days at other local Temples.

Preparing for Mission life!

Quick cooking 101 and learning some basics to survive!
Baking whole wheat bread, Home made peach pie, Casseroles and one step casseroles.

Elder Taylor Russell is called to Serve

After only 8 days after submission of his papers, the official call came! Harrisburg Pennsylvania with only a small problem? 31/2 months to wait before departure.