So I realized that I have this great son on a mission in Alaska and I haven't even posted about him or his mission, so indulge me while I share a little about what he's been up to.


August 1st was Taylor's 4 month mark.  His first assignment when he arrived in Alaska was a ward in the Anchorage area.  His companion was Elder Martinez from Mesa, Arizona.  Here they are together in front of the Anchorage Temple.

Just before being transferred after 12 weeks training with Elder Martinez, he participated in the baptisms of two women.   In the picture below the husband was able to baptize his wife.  

The following week Taylor was able to baptize this woman.  He was thrilled that she asked him to perform her baptism.

Taylor is currently serving on Prince of Wales Island in the town of Craig.  There is a small branch for the entire island and there are about 50 members there currently, but that is because it is summer and there are many seasonal residents attending the branch.  Taylor's new companion is Elder Terry from Orem, Utah and they are having a great time together because they both love to sing.  

Here's what Taylor had to say about his new assignment:
"Ok, so we (Elder Sondregger and myself) got to Ketchikan and the airport is on an island about half a mile from the mainland where the city is so we jumped on a smaller ferry and on the other side I met my companion! ELDER TERRY!!! He is the man! He stayed with the Ketchikan elders so he wasn't alone. After a quick stop at Walmart we jumped on the big ferry that took us to Prince of Wales Island about a three and a half hour ride. We got off the ferry and all there was, was a parking lot and two buildings. I was pretty nervous thinking, man this is tiny!!  But the Island is pretty large and we cover the entire thing! We live in Craig where the branch is. This place is smaller than Morgan, UT. I think that's the best way to describe it. There are about 3 to 5 towns that size here. Craig and Klawoch are right on the water. To give you an idea... everyone knows everyone and there is not one stop light on the entire island! You either get here by float plane or by ferry."

Below:  Elders Van Bibber and Terry

After a week in Craig, Taylor wrote this:
"We drove to Hydaburg where the Hiata native people mostly live and they had a totem pole raising. IT WAS AWESOME!!! the pole raising starts in the carving shed where they carved three 40+ feet long poles this year. The entire town and any visitors gather in the shed and the elder shares the symbolism and the history of the pole and blesses it. It was really interesting because the elder prayed to Christ and blessed it in the name of Christ. We were confused because we thought they believed in Raven who is their creator and savior but as we talked to people that was a great way to start talking about Christ and then we can introduce our believes of Christ.  So after the blessing of the pole we put a bunch of 4x4s and had 2-3 people one each side of the pole. We then carried the pole without anyother support except the 4x4s and the physical strength at least a mile from the carving shed to the totem pole park. These poles are gigantic."

Here are some pictures Taylor sent of the totem pole raising

Taylor wrote this:  The poles were so heavy and Elder Terry and I both still have bruises on our arms from carrying it. The first pole was the women's pole because the lead carver was a woman, so all the men just had to watch the woman carry it to the park. The second pole was for the men and Elder Terry and helped with this one. While were there we did a ton of contacting and we have a few people who want to meet with us.

So we're pretty proud of Taylor and so happy that he's having great spiritual and cultural experiences.

So -- should you feel inclined, go ahead and send Taylor a letter.  You know missionaries, they love mail!!  His address is in the upper right hand corner of my blog.

signed - proud missionary mom!