Finally an update

Taylor seems to be doing well. He has been transferred to Lemoyne and seems to be really enjoying himself. He said that it is a really nice city. Much nicer than Altoona, his last area. His new companion is Elder Teuscher from Spanish Fork. He said they really get along. They are working in the mission home a few days a weeks and working close with the AP's. He likes that because he they get to do whatever they want as long as they are working hard. His next door neighbor is a Subway and there is a pizza restaurant above them. I am sure they are taking full advantage of that. He also let us know that there is a Chili's and a Carraba's and wanted his Daddy to send lots of gift cards for him and his companion and the Ap's. That sounds like Taylor doesn't it? This area hasn't had a baptism for a year and a half so he is determined to change that. He just wants to work hard and see how many people he can help bring into the gospel. He is doing great. He thanks you for all of your prayers and support.

Taylor sent us some picture from his last area. He gets a little behind on sending pictures home but we will keep you as updated as we can.

They were able to go and see the memorial for United flight 93. He said it was a really neat to be there and see all the names of all those hero's.

I guess there was a General Authority who came to visit his district and he wanted to make a good impression so he thought he would part his hair. Um yeah T lets not do that again.

These are a few pictures of his apartment. Seems pretty clean for a bunch of young men.

Taylor and his companion were able to baptize Jim. They have become very good friends. Taylor really thinks a lot of him. On there P day he took Taylor and his companion up in the mountains to see the view. It is really beautiful.

This is Taylor and his district at the Christmas Party that his Mission President had for them. They decorated ginger bread houses and had a nice dinner.

This is a Catholic church where they attended Mass on Christmas Eve.

This is a picture of one of the hills that they go up every day. He says the picture doesn't do it justice. They have to walk everywhere and there are non stop hill.

Altoona is a really big railroad city. There are railroad tracks everywhere they go.

Contact Taylor at his personal e-mail account at trussell@myldsmail.net

Great news from Taylor!!! Last Saturday he and Elder Neff had their first baptism!! We look forward to P-Day each week
and when we get Taylors news, but we are lucky to get a paragraph with very little information!! The work in Altoona, has been slow but our prayers are being answered as hearts are softened, and the missionaries are busy with great prospects!! Transfers were last week, and Taylor remained in Altoona. He now has a new companion Elder Haslam from St. George, and seems happy and is busy working hard. He mentined he is not allowed to get onto his Blog, like we had hoped, but we will keep the blog updated with photos and updates for all of his FANS, so continue to check this blog often for up to date information. We would ask you to e-mail him directly on his church web page at trussell@myldsmail.net or send mail (which he loves to receive) at Elder Taylor Russell
PA Harrisburg Mission
3903 Hartzdale Drive Suite 303
Camphill, PA 17011

He loves to receive letters and news from home!! We hope you will take a moment to send him an e-mail or note! Thanks for your continued support, prayers, and love! He is feeling your support and is making us Proud!

Great news from Altoona, PA! Taylor is doing super! We got a letter from him this week and he and his companion Elder Neff have thier first baptism scheduled for next week. They are really excited about their new convert. He said the spirit has been so strong, and this young man has become a great friend. He fed them on Christmas, and has done many kindnesses for the missionaries. The work in Altoona is hard. They are tracting many hours each day in the bitter cold, and have many doors slammed in their faces, and many people yelling and threatening them but they continue to work hard. We are praying for for a softening of their hearts so the work can progress. He said the ward Christmas party was really different from back home. He is appreciating all the things back home he took for granted! On New Years Eve, everyone went out side and shot their guns in the air instead of lighting off fireworks. (He is learning things are really different back there!) He loves the work, and he is growing and developing into a wonderful missionary. We are really proud of him. Thanks to everyone for your notes and cards. He loves hearing from home!

This is a church, and overview of Altoona, PA taken at Christmas time.
This is the ward Christmas party at the Altoona ward!
Fun times on Taylors first Christmas away from home!
Elder Taylor Russell pointing out his mission destination. Harrisburg, PA here he comes!
This is Taylor's district all going to Harrisburg, PA naturally they are all smiles!
Home sweet home! Taylor's little nook! Notice his sad Christmas tree, that remained undecorated--even though the decorations were sent and would have taken 5 minutes max to decorate! Priorities, Mom!!! (His family photo among his clutter!) Bah Humbug!!

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!