I have written so many stories over the past two years that I am not sure just what has been 'Blogged On'. In any case, I am impressed to jot down a line or two about our having the joy of keeping the "Taft Mission Home".
Paul was in England on his Mission when we found ourselves hosting a number of Missionaries from the Los Angeles, California Mission. The Mission at the time covered most, if not all of California at the time. That would have been 1967-1969. Our home soon became the 'safe haven' for the Young Men who came to Taft, California for a space of time on their Call. At first it was for a meal, or a rest and drink of cool water. It got hot in Taft, and riding around town, even though Taft on a bike wasn't all that enjoyable, it did get tiring. Fortunately where we lived was down hill from town, so getting to our place was just a bit easier.
Our laundry was in the garage. There was a 'breezeway' between the house and the garage, so the Missionaries could bring their laundry down and set in the shade of the breezeway while they waited for the wash and dry cycles to finish.
The Missionaries were not allowed to swim, but on the hot afternoons they would come by to set on the edge of the pool and dangle their hot feet in the cool water. The clothes lines were on the main side of the pool, so they could set on the cement slab under the clotes lines. I would drap a sheet or large towel over the lines so they were in the shade. On a day when the heat was in the 110-112 degree range, that was a real treat! Of course the two small dogs were the main 'life guards' on the property, so everyone stayed 'safe'.
I remember the Mission Presidents Assts. coming to check us out after the reports got back about the 'Rosenbergs place'. Dawn was about 13 at the time, and the family checked out apparently because they made our place a holding area for a Missionary as he waited for his Companion change. You see we were 50 miles from Bakersfield. You couldn't get to Taft from Los Angeles by Bus, the Missionaries had to come to Bakersfield and then be brought by the Zone Leaders to Taft. When Assignment Changes were made, some one of the Ward Members took the Missionary being Transferred to Bakersfield for the Bus to his next destination. The single remaining Missionary was assigned to Jay for the time it took to get the New replacement to Taft.
The longest we had to wait was until very late one evening. We had had a Missionary with us all day, and all evening. When finally the door bell rang, it was bedtime, both Missionaries were tired. The in coming Missionary was wet, it had been raining most of the day, and he was funny looking. He was wearing an Overcoat from the Army Surplus store. His hair was ruffed up and his glasses were streaked with rain droplets. He was leaning against the door jam with his suit case in one hand. Wearily he said: Elder Webster reporting! I quickly said: "Daniel I presume?" From then until he left us he was "Danny". His real name was really 'Byron'.
We spent happy times, discouraging times, serious times, hopeful times, and greatful times with many youngmen over those years. Times I would not ever regret or change. The Missionaries were not allowed to call home but a couple of times a year. Mothers Day and Christmas as I recall. One Elder learned his Mother was serious ill and going in for surgery she might not live through. He spent some tearful and sad moments with us. I worried about the young man and his torment. The day the surgery was to be performed, I made sure he was at our home for dinner. When they had finished eating and before they left, I excused myself and went into the living room where our phone was and called his Dad. When I had made contact, I stepped into the family room and told the Elder he had a phone call. When he returned he was crying and smiling and thanking us for the relief he had received. His mother had survived the surgery and was going to be fine. During the next month, that same Elder was called to the phone for a couple updates and talks with his mother.
This same Elder received a 'dear John' while he was in the area. There were some pretty depressing sessions with him then too. I assured him that 'the right one' never gets away. He wasn't totally convinced, but given some heart to carry on with his Mission and be successful in a number of other areas before he returned home. We received a Wedding Invitation from him some time after he returned to his home, in which a note had been placed. It confirmed my council that 'the right one' hadn't gotten away after all! Adding a 'thank you' for giving him the right answer.
We had the opportunity to assist a number of the Missionaries in a number of ways. Laudry, food, relaxation, even permission to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with us in our home. What a special treat that was for everyone. I mended, turned collars and cuffs on white shirts so they would look good for the few weeks left in a Mission. We mailed packages home and received some for Holidays or Birthdays. The phone was available when calls were permitted. Well, and in an emergency for both Missionary and Family. I don't regret those times when I bent a little. We maintained the rules on all other occasions and never broke confidence with the Mission President when changes and new assignments were called for. In a small town like Taft there arose some problems with the young ladies that needed attention. Our home became the place where such things were addressed and taken care of. We even had one Missionary who was quickly removed and replaced once a baptism was finished. He wasn't there for the Confirmation even. That same Elder is now related by marriage to our youngest Grand Daughter. What a small world. Oh, and the young lady who he baptized, never came to Church once she learned he wasn't there anymore. Smart move on the Missions part. Bad choice for the young lady!
Paul came home from his Mission and the Missionaries were there for a while longer, but there was not much going on in Taft, so the Missionaries were taken out of the area, and the Mission Home was closed. I missed the Missionaries. Our laundry costs dropped and so did our food bills, but I would have gladly continued them if the Missionaries would have stayed around.
There is nothing as rewarding as having Missionaries in your home. They are such special young people and so happy to lend a hand when and where needed. I never had the opportunity to serve when I was young. Neither did Jay, but we both had the opportunity when we were older, and I believe I can honestly say, we both gained far more than we ever gave.
Written this 21st day of August 2010
by: Eileen Rosenberg
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