Week 2

Happy late Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you guys all had a better one than me, as far as the food goes! I had 2 slices of turkey, an ice cream scoop of potatoes and an ice cream scoop of stuffing (gross) and a roll.  Then for dinner, a sack lunch with ham sandwiches, ham? What the heck! But it was good overall. We did a service project and cut out stuff to make backpacks, it was nice. As a MTC whole we made like 33,000 or something total, which is cool. We also got to hear Pres Malm and Pres Holland talk during the week, both great talks. Pres. Malm is such a funny guy. I don’t have my notes that I had been taking all week so I would have more to write, but either Pres Malm or Pres Holland said something along the lines of "If your doing the Lords work, the Lords way, what are the limits?" That is awesome, because the Lord has no limits, so hopefully everything will be as I hope it will be when I get to FL. I know there will be hard days and easy days, but it will all be worth it. Elder Oteo and I keep getting a lot of compliments on our teaching, which makes us feel even better. Everyone wants to teach us and us to them so we must be doing something good. Well I leave on December 6th, so I’m not sure what day I'll be able to write next week, but pictures will be here sooner or later. Love you all.
Elder Holcombe
P.S. I really wish I had my notes. I had so much good stuff to say too, but now I’m drawing a blank. =[

Week 1

Dang, this week was fast, how about for you guys? I have an awesome district and companion, we're all going to FL which is nice also. I've been learning a lot since I've been here, my scriptures are actually getting marked, along with little tags on the outside of it, since like seminary? My companion Elder Oteo and I had a few practice teaching things, and everyone has told us that were doing very good for our first few times, which is awesome, and hope they mean it and not just saying it cuz were still learning haha..

I cant stand Utah, its snowed like the last 3 days or so, man, Elder Oteo and I can't stand the cold, so we're running between classes. The food is not that bad really, but you can eat as much as you want, which isn't good cuz I'm just gonna get fat before I even get to FL - lol. But if I start gaining too much weight I'll definitely hit the 'gym' area a lot harder than I have been. I got to go to the temple today, which was so amazing, and when we came back out, it was snowing....again... man how I miss the sun back in Vegas. But oh well.. so they tell me that we're supposed to leave here on Dec. 6th which is good, I won't be here very long in the cold. I hope that I can make it till then and not freeze solid. Well I should probably start marking down thoughts for this, because I'm out of them now.. so until next week,

love you all,

Elder Holcombe

November 19, 2010

Boys,

I am super excited to be going to Jacksonville, Florida. My companion is super cool and his name is Elder Oteo. He is from California, so not far from us! I'm in a room that's not too big, with my companion and two other Elders from my district. A district is like a primary class full of guys all going to Jacksonville. Well boys, one thing you three should know is that I miss you three. Even writing this and thinking of you all makes my eyes water a bit. But also it is hard. I'm not used to getting up so early! Boys, keep going to church and learn all you can, because it will help when you all go on missions. Joe, read Deuteronomy 31:6 to Ben and Sam, that's my favorite scripture and it is helping me go each day away from you all.

Love you,
Elder Holcombe

P.S. Tell mom I'll try to take pictures.

November 17, 2010 - Day 1

Dear Family,

     Dang, day one is done! Can't believe it, it went by pretty fast, all things considered. I know that my writing all around needs to be worked on so I'll try my best. My companion is Elder Oteo. He is from San Diego and is a pretty cool Elder. We're not "dudes" or "guys" anymore, we're Elders. That will get some getting used to. Mom, how is the camera thing working? Going to swap camera cards every other week or so? There is another Elder in our room, Elder Smith. He is really quiet, but that is because he seems to be home sick. I feel bad. I know it will hit us all sooner or later, but I hope to avoid it all around. It's only the first day. Everyone keeps saying just make it to Sunday and you'll be fine. So, that's what I'm doing, making it to Sunday. Well, love you all, miss you guys tons. Mom this orange dot is what was on our tags to show that we are new. Figured you would want to "scrapbook" this, so here it is.

Love you all,
Elder Holcombe

First Day of Taylor's Mission

November 17, 2010 ~ We brought Taylor to the MTC in Provo, Utah. Before dropping him off at the MTC we went across the street to the Provo Temple to get a few more pictures.

Becoming an Elder

November 15, 2010~ Today Taylor officially became an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Rick Pierce, Robert Fowler, David Creasy, Taylor, President Richards & Bishop Pullen

Farewell Sunday

November 14, 2010 ~ Today was Taylor's farewell. Taylor spoke in sacrament and then family & friends came over for an open house. Another great day.

Temple Day~

October 30, 2010 Taylor went to the Las Vegas Temple. It was a beautiful day.

Las Vegas, NV Temple 

Dad, Taylor & Mom 

Mom, Taylor & Dad 

Dad, Taylor, Mom & Grampy 

Good Friends, Tracy & Danny Moore 

Good Friends, Rick & Cindy Pierce



The Mission Call!

September 9th, 2010 ~ Taylor received his mission call!

Taylor thought he would be cute and take his time opening the envelope!

Maybe he'll read it out loud...

maybe not...

Finally! Taylor read the call...

Jacksonville, Florida Mission!

I think Taylor was very relieved with his call!