May 23, 2011
Hey!
Dad, thank you for the pictures. Haha and Haley looks like a natural as 'La Presidenta' and I'm so excited to see how that goes for her. Dad, can you put those pictures up on shutterfly? It makes it easier to find them in the future. Haha Ginger looks so fat compared to all the dogs her. That and she doesn't have STDs bulging out of her rear haha!
Dad, thank you for all the news. The election stuff is really interesting. The election here is in September and it's been kinda crazy.
Also, thanks for the updates on my friends, sounds like everyone is doing really well. I just got an email from Derek Dimartino and it sounds like he's doing great. Tell the Clark family I say hi the next time you see them.
Dad, I loved that message from President Monson about the phrase 'Come forth.' I love how everything in the gospel can be related to us. We really can apply everything.
Mom, don't stress over the package, no rush. I will definitely read those scriptures from Doctrine and Covenants 6 when I get the chance. And thank you for keeping Menchu in your prayers. He is still 100% sober! The thing is, he's working nonstop! He got a job and it working hard and that's really helped him. But it's also made it impossible to teach him. He moved to a new house and we haven't found it yet. We will continue to look for him, but even if we don't get to teach him more (he works till about 9 PM every day) I still feel so happy that I was able to see him change so much. What a blessing to witness that.
Haley, sounds like you nailed your speech! I wish I could've seen it. I feel like you're going to be so much different than you were. You are amazing. Nuff said. But finish strong with finals!
Brock, how is calculus? I hope you're hanging in there. The accelerated class does not sound fun.
Aubrey, you look great and happy in the picture that Dad sent!
So, I experienced a true Guatemala rainstorm on Saturday. It was unbelievable. The sky turned green as it rolled in and the lightning was so big. We still had two more visits by the time it hit, so we were out in the street when it started to rain. We stopped by an old lady's home to teach her son. He was out in the sea fishing that night (hope he's alright). But she was so funny. She gave us hugs as we walked in and showed us pictures of her family. Then she gave me an umbrella and thanked us for our visit. She gave us hugs again and laughed. Haha she was really spunky and really old. So we left the house and the rain was coming down so hard. Within 10 seconds we were soaked through (despite the umbrellas). The street flooded within five minutes. So crazy. We decided to skip the last appointment and visit them in the morning because it was a little too dangerous to be out in the street. Large objects started to fall down ha. As we walked home, everyone was huddled inside shops and houses just staring at us. We were all smiles (after a long, hot day, the rain is a wonderful change haha). There was one other guy in the street riding his bike yelling 'Thank the Heavens the end of the world has finally come!' Definitely crazy. People were just giving us weird looks from inside their shops muttering things like 'dumb gringos.' Haha it was a chaotic moment, but really weird. And then we got to the house and realized our windows were open. Rookie mistake.
Yesterday we left the house at 7 AM to go invite/bring people to church. we made 15 stops and invited over 30 people. We were sweaty by the time we got to church. 3 of those people we visited actually showed up. The attendance dropped from the week before. On top of that, the Stake Presidency was visiting. They came down hard on the branch members for various things. It was a very hard day. I find joy in working hard all week, but when Sunday comes with no results, it's so disheartening.
On top of that, President had to change his schedule again and couldn't come for interviews. His wife had an accident and had to get surgery. I guess she's okay, but sounds like it was a chaotic week for them.
Something I'm trying to figure out is how to wake up earlier. Elder Lillywhite and I both want more time in the mornings, but we're always so tired. Any tips on sleeping less? Haha it's a weird question, but sleep takes up sooo much time.
Also, any advice as to how I can understand my patriarchal blessing a bit more? I read it almost every week, but I want to understand it better. Any suggestions?
Last thing. Yesterday we walking back from an appointment that failed (nobody was home) and we felt impressed to visit a family. We changed course and on the way we saw Don Carlos Robles walking down a side street. I think he saw us and tried to hide even though he was in an open street. He felt ashamed that he wasn't at church. I asked him how he was and he said, 'bad.' He's about 80 years old, lives alone, and has such great faith. He explained that he had been really sick. I asked him why he didn't call us to which he replied that he couldn't see, hear, or speak. He was alone and couldn't do anything. He felt bad for not coming to church and we told him not to worry. We accompanied him to his house, which is a 12x12 foot room full of trash and old food, rats, cockroaches, and a small bed. On the walls he had pasted a bunch of pictures and paintings from church magazines. By his bed were his scriptures. He had left the house to buy some bread after having not eaten anything for a few days. Even though we felt prompted to visit that particular family, we both felt that the real purpose was so that we could find this man. It was such a wonderful visit and it made me so happy that we could help this little old man. It's heart'wrenching to see how some people live, but it continues to make me realize how blessed I really am. How blessed we are to have family and friends, work, food, clothing, clean water, an education, and good health. But the thing I really learned is that as we talked to this old man, we could see his face light up as he told us what he had read in the Bible as he had been sick. He told us various stories about his life as a member of the church. He was happy, despite his afflictions. How few have the ability to be truly happy! How blessed we are to have the light of the gospel. I couldn't stop thinking about him all day. His faith was so powerful, despite his short, skinny, weathered stature. What a blessing it was to visit him.
It was a great boost after a difficult Sunday morning.
Things have been hard, but good. I think that's the best and simplest way to describe it. We haven't had any baptisms, but we are working hard. Sometimes we get disheartened, sometimes we don't understand why things happen the way they do. But I know this is the Lord's work and that I was called here for a reason. Things will work out.
Thank you for everything.
I love you guys so much. Seriously.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Monday, May 23, 2011
An important find!!!
May 16, 2011
Heyyyyyy errbody!
There's so much cool stuff going on up there! Sounds like some stressful stuff, but a lot of fun stuff.
Haley, congrats on your award. Good luck tonight! Smile lots and be confident. You were elected for a reason! And good luck with finals. Work hard to the end!
Brock, Operation 'Snake in my Boot' sounds pretty legit. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone. And don't worry, I'm not concerned about the future. When I talk to you guys on the phone I just automatically get to thinking about all that kind of stuff and I speak my mind a lot more than I used to. I do think about the whole financial situation I'm in, but I'll be working hard and I know everything will work out. It always does. Calculus = Diarrhea. I had a hard time in that class, but mostly because I fell asleep every day. I think having a tutor would be such a help. I should have done that.
Mom, thank you for the story from that sister missionary. Putting things in perspective always helps. And thank you for sending that package! It sounds like you're going to send another one with the shirts and post its. Thank you! A few other things came to mind this week. A bouncy ball (thinking tool/stress reliever) would be awesome. Also, old spice deoderant, those packaged tissues (so awesome), and a couple of cloths (to wipe my sweaty/dusty face). That would be awesome. And maybe some more rash cream haha. ha.
gosh.
Mom, I love you.
Dad, good luck with strat plan and all that. Sounds like things are coming together with the whole move thing. I get more excited about that the more you guys tell me. That will be really cool. You would be awesome in court. I wish you could take a video of it haha! Take it to him, that guy's a gillote. And who was that quote by? I think I read that a long time ago and I really liked it. Thanks for that. It's so true.
So, this week. We worked so hard. It felt good. But we have no time for anything. Like I couldn't even get Mom's letter started. And I have a letter for Dad that's ready to send, but I haven't had any time to go to the Post Office. It's ridiculous. We have no time to clean the house. I get to bed late at night. We can't get to all of our appointments. There are too many people to teach and talk to. It's been craaaaaazy. I'm going to talk to President about it this week. Interviews were post-poned until this coming Friday. I know what he's going to tell me. He's going to say that I should challenge people in the street to get baptized. Haha it's so crazy and uncomfortable doing that, but I started doing it this week and it's been really cool and interesting.
Cool story. When we got to Champe, we met a drunk that told us to visit him. His name is Menchu. We visited him reluctantly, expecting him to be drunk and annoying and wanting to practice english. But we were surprised to find him somewhat sober. We taught him the Word of Wisdom and set up a return appointment. We were both thinking it was a lost cause. Drunks never remember appointments. We returned four days later for the appointment (we almost skipped it because we had other visits to make) and we found him sober again. He was on the verge of tears. We asked him how he had been. He hadn't touched alcohol for the four days since our first visit. This is a man that would drink every day for nine years. His body was rejecting solid foods and he was in constant pain. But he was staying strong. He wanted to go to church yesterday, so we passed by his house in the morning before church started. Unfortunately, he had to accompany one of his sons at work. But we saw him in the afternoon eating a mango... still sober. Miracles happen. Please pray for him. Brother Menchu is his name.
I realize we shouldn't judge people for anything. We shouldn't withhold the gospel message from anybody. I'm repenting of that.
Thursday we got home from our planning meeting in Reu and our door was stuck. We had to call the landlady and they had to install a new lock and stuff. It wasted an entire afternoon. I felt so horrible having to sit there in the house while they worked. Ugh. But the next couple days were great.
Yesterday we taught a group of eight men. We contacted them last Sunday while they were playing soccer. We set up an appointment yesterday and they were all there again playing. So we sat down in the sand (it was right next to the beach) and talked. They were surprised at what we had to say. They, like everyone else here, assumed that we worship Joseph Smith. We cleared that up quickly and taught the message of the restoration. One of the young men there is the son of a pastor. He seemed offended at our message, especially when we invited everyone to come to church (I think they all attend his father's church). We addressed him specifically and said we weren't trying to destroy anyone's faith or religion. We were simply inviting them to come and see what the Church of Jesus Christ can add to what they already have. He seemed okay with that and we left feeling the Spirit. It was cool. They then asked if we played soccer. It was Sunday so we said maybe another time, but I gave in to shooting on goal. I kicked it really hard and it went to the corner and they really loved it haha! Little things like that help us relate to everyone.
Church was tough yesterday. We were expecting 65 people. 42 came. But it was a good day. We had investigators and less actives, so we're seeing improvements. It's hard not to get discouraged sometimes, but we're working hard. We just need to work smarter. We'll see what we can do about that this week.
Thank you guys for your love and your emails. Brock, maybe it's just because you email less, but I really love getting your emails. They're a boost. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. Haley good luck with everything! I love you guys so much. Aubrey, you too!
Have an awesome week.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Heyyyyyy errbody!
There's so much cool stuff going on up there! Sounds like some stressful stuff, but a lot of fun stuff.
Haley, congrats on your award. Good luck tonight! Smile lots and be confident. You were elected for a reason! And good luck with finals. Work hard to the end!
Brock, Operation 'Snake in my Boot' sounds pretty legit. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone. And don't worry, I'm not concerned about the future. When I talk to you guys on the phone I just automatically get to thinking about all that kind of stuff and I speak my mind a lot more than I used to. I do think about the whole financial situation I'm in, but I'll be working hard and I know everything will work out. It always does. Calculus = Diarrhea. I had a hard time in that class, but mostly because I fell asleep every day. I think having a tutor would be such a help. I should have done that.
Mom, thank you for the story from that sister missionary. Putting things in perspective always helps. And thank you for sending that package! It sounds like you're going to send another one with the shirts and post its. Thank you! A few other things came to mind this week. A bouncy ball (thinking tool/stress reliever) would be awesome. Also, old spice deoderant, those packaged tissues (so awesome), and a couple of cloths (to wipe my sweaty/dusty face). That would be awesome. And maybe some more rash cream haha. ha.
gosh.
Mom, I love you.
Dad, good luck with strat plan and all that. Sounds like things are coming together with the whole move thing. I get more excited about that the more you guys tell me. That will be really cool. You would be awesome in court. I wish you could take a video of it haha! Take it to him, that guy's a gillote. And who was that quote by? I think I read that a long time ago and I really liked it. Thanks for that. It's so true.
So, this week. We worked so hard. It felt good. But we have no time for anything. Like I couldn't even get Mom's letter started. And I have a letter for Dad that's ready to send, but I haven't had any time to go to the Post Office. It's ridiculous. We have no time to clean the house. I get to bed late at night. We can't get to all of our appointments. There are too many people to teach and talk to. It's been craaaaaazy. I'm going to talk to President about it this week. Interviews were post-poned until this coming Friday. I know what he's going to tell me. He's going to say that I should challenge people in the street to get baptized. Haha it's so crazy and uncomfortable doing that, but I started doing it this week and it's been really cool and interesting.
Cool story. When we got to Champe, we met a drunk that told us to visit him. His name is Menchu. We visited him reluctantly, expecting him to be drunk and annoying and wanting to practice english. But we were surprised to find him somewhat sober. We taught him the Word of Wisdom and set up a return appointment. We were both thinking it was a lost cause. Drunks never remember appointments. We returned four days later for the appointment (we almost skipped it because we had other visits to make) and we found him sober again. He was on the verge of tears. We asked him how he had been. He hadn't touched alcohol for the four days since our first visit. This is a man that would drink every day for nine years. His body was rejecting solid foods and he was in constant pain. But he was staying strong. He wanted to go to church yesterday, so we passed by his house in the morning before church started. Unfortunately, he had to accompany one of his sons at work. But we saw him in the afternoon eating a mango... still sober. Miracles happen. Please pray for him. Brother Menchu is his name.
I realize we shouldn't judge people for anything. We shouldn't withhold the gospel message from anybody. I'm repenting of that.
Thursday we got home from our planning meeting in Reu and our door was stuck. We had to call the landlady and they had to install a new lock and stuff. It wasted an entire afternoon. I felt so horrible having to sit there in the house while they worked. Ugh. But the next couple days were great.
Yesterday we taught a group of eight men. We contacted them last Sunday while they were playing soccer. We set up an appointment yesterday and they were all there again playing. So we sat down in the sand (it was right next to the beach) and talked. They were surprised at what we had to say. They, like everyone else here, assumed that we worship Joseph Smith. We cleared that up quickly and taught the message of the restoration. One of the young men there is the son of a pastor. He seemed offended at our message, especially when we invited everyone to come to church (I think they all attend his father's church). We addressed him specifically and said we weren't trying to destroy anyone's faith or religion. We were simply inviting them to come and see what the Church of Jesus Christ can add to what they already have. He seemed okay with that and we left feeling the Spirit. It was cool. They then asked if we played soccer. It was Sunday so we said maybe another time, but I gave in to shooting on goal. I kicked it really hard and it went to the corner and they really loved it haha! Little things like that help us relate to everyone.
Church was tough yesterday. We were expecting 65 people. 42 came. But it was a good day. We had investigators and less actives, so we're seeing improvements. It's hard not to get discouraged sometimes, but we're working hard. We just need to work smarter. We'll see what we can do about that this week.
Thank you guys for your love and your emails. Brock, maybe it's just because you email less, but I really love getting your emails. They're a boost. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. Haley good luck with everything! I love you guys so much. Aubrey, you too!
Have an awesome week.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Great phone visit!
May 9, 2011
Hey!
Talking yesterday was soooo awesome! It was a lot different than the
Christmas call. After that one I was like, ´shoot, that's it until
May.´ And I was kinda sad about it. This time it was more like a,
'that was soooo awesome!' And it got me all excited about things.
Haha kinda funny.
So I'm trying to put some pictures up on that shutterfly account.
Hopefully that works.
Dad, the whole move thing is really cool. Don't worry at all, I'm
really excited about it. It was just kinda weird to think about it
all at first. But I think that will be such a cool change (and one
for the better).
Mom, I'm glad it was such a great Mother's Day! Thank you for
everything you do. I love you so much! I look forward to receiving
your letter.
As for the package, sweets would be greatly appreciated. Fruity candy
(like fruity jelley beans, starburst candies, mike and ikes, sour
patch, etc) or anything like that would be great. And chocolate to
freeze would be awesome too. My companion yelled beef jerky when we
were on the phone, so that would be really great too. And yes those
Propel packets were great. Thank you so much.
Haley! You sounded great! I feel like you're so much cooler than I
am, I can't wait to chill with you and see you driving! Haha crazy.
Have fun with all the havoc of May! Don't be so busy next year!
Brock, I miss chilling with you. You're the man. Good luck with
calculus and all that jazz. You and Aubrey sound way happy!
Aubrey, if it isn't obvious how much our family loves you, then I
dunno what you're smokin. It was great to talk to you!
I love you guys.
Having a gringo companion is awesome. Although Elder Lillywhite and I
are very different, it is very easy to get along with him. He's easy
to love.
When we were eating that stomache soup this week I felt sooo bad for
him. He used to be a little overweight (he's lost thirty pounds in
the mission). He is very diligent in working out, which is a huge
help for me. But when we ate that soup, I ate mine as fast as I could
to just get it over with. When I finished, he looked at my bowl and
saw that I was done. His eyes got all big as he looked back at his
bowl. Every time he raised another spoonful, he just stared at it a
few seconds before eating it. He couldn't finish it. I thought he
was gonna ralf, but it was so awful. It was boiling hot and we were
all sweaty and ugh it was an awful experience. But it was a good
bonding experience. Haha gosh.
So yeah, good stuff ahead and I'm almost used to the heat. I love you
all so much. Thank you for everything. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey!
Talking yesterday was soooo awesome! It was a lot different than the
Christmas call. After that one I was like, ´shoot, that's it until
May.´ And I was kinda sad about it. This time it was more like a,
'that was soooo awesome!' And it got me all excited about things.
Haha kinda funny.
So I'm trying to put some pictures up on that shutterfly account.
Hopefully that works.
Dad, the whole move thing is really cool. Don't worry at all, I'm
really excited about it. It was just kinda weird to think about it
all at first. But I think that will be such a cool change (and one
for the better).
Mom, I'm glad it was such a great Mother's Day! Thank you for
everything you do. I love you so much! I look forward to receiving
your letter.
As for the package, sweets would be greatly appreciated. Fruity candy
(like fruity jelley beans, starburst candies, mike and ikes, sour
patch, etc) or anything like that would be great. And chocolate to
freeze would be awesome too. My companion yelled beef jerky when we
were on the phone, so that would be really great too. And yes those
Propel packets were great. Thank you so much.
Haley! You sounded great! I feel like you're so much cooler than I
am, I can't wait to chill with you and see you driving! Haha crazy.
Have fun with all the havoc of May! Don't be so busy next year!
Brock, I miss chilling with you. You're the man. Good luck with
calculus and all that jazz. You and Aubrey sound way happy!
Aubrey, if it isn't obvious how much our family loves you, then I
dunno what you're smokin. It was great to talk to you!
I love you guys.
Having a gringo companion is awesome. Although Elder Lillywhite and I
are very different, it is very easy to get along with him. He's easy
to love.
When we were eating that stomache soup this week I felt sooo bad for
him. He used to be a little overweight (he's lost thirty pounds in
the mission). He is very diligent in working out, which is a huge
help for me. But when we ate that soup, I ate mine as fast as I could
to just get it over with. When I finished, he looked at my bowl and
saw that I was done. His eyes got all big as he looked back at his
bowl. Every time he raised another spoonful, he just stared at it a
few seconds before eating it. He couldn't finish it. I thought he
was gonna ralf, but it was so awful. It was boiling hot and we were
all sweaty and ugh it was an awful experience. But it was a good
bonding experience. Haha gosh.
So yeah, good stuff ahead and I'm almost used to the heat. I love you
all so much. Thank you for everything. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Transferred to Champerico (on the coast)
May 2, 2011
It's already May and I hit 9 months last week! Crazy stuff...
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your emails. Sounds like there is a ton going on haha!
Well, I had changes. Elder Tacam is now training in Cuyo. I am in Champerico. My companion's name is Elder Lillywhite. Champerico is directly on the beach. I saw the ocean for the first time in Guatemala last week! I now know that it's true that Nueva Concepcion is not the hottest area in the mission. Champerico is awful. It's so hot. I'm dying. But it's a cool area. There are a bunch of beach bums everywhere. Lots of drunks too haha. Our house is small, but very nice. I no longer have to shower with a bucket! But for the first two days we didn't know how to get the water pump on, so we went two days without a shower. That was wonderful ha!
Elder Lillywhite is from Kayesville, Utah. Our first night in the house he pulled out his authentic Zelda ocarina and started playing various video game themesongs on it. Haha it caught me off guard. He's rather quiet and he has a strong testimony. He likes to work hard, so I'm happy about that.
When I found out I had changes I had hardly any time to say goodbyes in Cuyo. It was all such a rush and I felt really bewildered the last week. I'll be honest it was a rough week. I read some notes from conference and read that we should consider praying for humility and for the Lord's love-filled correction. I did that and I got it. It wasn't fun and it doesn't make me want to do it again ha. My first day in Champe I was loving it all. But it got so tough so fast. We're opening the area (after it was closed for just two weeks), but that means we don't have any investigators and we spent hours contacting in the sun. We were kind of dropped there with nothing. We found some members and used their help to get started with stuff.
The branch has about 30-35 active members. I saw five priesthood holders yesterday at church. The crazy thing is that there are over 400 members in the branch. We have a lot to do.
I am junior companion, but have taken charge in the majority of planning, teaching, contacting, etc. Elder Lillywhite has 11 months, but is struggling with the language, so I've needed to step up a bit. It's been tough and I never know if I'm doing too much or too little. But I'm just doing it how I know best and it's working out so far.
But we did have a really cool experience our first day contacting. We were going door to door and saw a house down the road and decided to contact it. The lady invited us in and informed us that she is a member of the church. She told us that she saw us walking a ways down the road and told her family that we weren't going to come all the way to them. Her husband said, just wait, they will come. So we talked with them and she expressed a desire to come back to church. Her husband is not a member and expressed interest in the church. It was cool. From just the slightest impression that we should contact that house, we found a family that is ready to get back into the church.
Oh! Pictures. Could you set up an account on shutterfly.com? Elder Bosen uses that with his family and says it works well. I think we should try it. I'm going to ask permission from President to use it.
Mom, Happy Birthday (Thursday)!!! And seminary teacher!!! That's so cool! I'm sure you'll love that so much! That was a cool story you shared about Haley sharing her testimony and all. I hope she's doing well. Sounds like she's feeling the impact of all the end of the year stuff. I remember that was the hardest, but the best time of the year in high school. Ah good times.
Dad, our number is 502-4057-3735. I think the best time to call would be 2 o'clock pm on Sunday. If it doesn't go through right, I can do what we did last time and call you to give the number and have you call back. Ah I'm so excited to talk to you guys! Mom, I'll tell you over the phone what I am in need of ha. Thank you!
And Dad, thank you for that insight from John chapter 9. That's a really cool detail.
It's really weird to think about a new house and a move. I mean, it's awesome, but just kind of weird. I'll miss those sunsets over the field behind the house. But it sounds like the new house will be a great area. Is it in a new ward? Exciting stuff!
We heard about bin Laden last night! Our neighbor was watching it on the news. He's a guy that gets around in a wheelchair and wears a black hat with a Soviet Russia symbol. Haha interesting fellow.
Haley! Congrats on your math test! Keep it up and push through this last month of school. It will make the rest that much better.
Brock and Aubrey, I love you guys.
I'm so excited to talk to you all.
Oh and thanks for the pictures. Haley, you're beautiful (and sunburnt)!
Love you guys!
Elder Austin Tyler
It's already May and I hit 9 months last week! Crazy stuff...
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for your emails. Sounds like there is a ton going on haha!
Well, I had changes. Elder Tacam is now training in Cuyo. I am in Champerico. My companion's name is Elder Lillywhite. Champerico is directly on the beach. I saw the ocean for the first time in Guatemala last week! I now know that it's true that Nueva Concepcion is not the hottest area in the mission. Champerico is awful. It's so hot. I'm dying. But it's a cool area. There are a bunch of beach bums everywhere. Lots of drunks too haha. Our house is small, but very nice. I no longer have to shower with a bucket! But for the first two days we didn't know how to get the water pump on, so we went two days without a shower. That was wonderful ha!
Elder Lillywhite is from Kayesville, Utah. Our first night in the house he pulled out his authentic Zelda ocarina and started playing various video game themesongs on it. Haha it caught me off guard. He's rather quiet and he has a strong testimony. He likes to work hard, so I'm happy about that.
When I found out I had changes I had hardly any time to say goodbyes in Cuyo. It was all such a rush and I felt really bewildered the last week. I'll be honest it was a rough week. I read some notes from conference and read that we should consider praying for humility and for the Lord's love-filled correction. I did that and I got it. It wasn't fun and it doesn't make me want to do it again ha. My first day in Champe I was loving it all. But it got so tough so fast. We're opening the area (after it was closed for just two weeks), but that means we don't have any investigators and we spent hours contacting in the sun. We were kind of dropped there with nothing. We found some members and used their help to get started with stuff.
The branch has about 30-35 active members. I saw five priesthood holders yesterday at church. The crazy thing is that there are over 400 members in the branch. We have a lot to do.
I am junior companion, but have taken charge in the majority of planning, teaching, contacting, etc. Elder Lillywhite has 11 months, but is struggling with the language, so I've needed to step up a bit. It's been tough and I never know if I'm doing too much or too little. But I'm just doing it how I know best and it's working out so far.
But we did have a really cool experience our first day contacting. We were going door to door and saw a house down the road and decided to contact it. The lady invited us in and informed us that she is a member of the church. She told us that she saw us walking a ways down the road and told her family that we weren't going to come all the way to them. Her husband said, just wait, they will come. So we talked with them and she expressed a desire to come back to church. Her husband is not a member and expressed interest in the church. It was cool. From just the slightest impression that we should contact that house, we found a family that is ready to get back into the church.
Oh! Pictures. Could you set up an account on shutterfly.com? Elder Bosen uses that with his family and says it works well. I think we should try it. I'm going to ask permission from President to use it.
Mom, Happy Birthday (Thursday)!!! And seminary teacher!!! That's so cool! I'm sure you'll love that so much! That was a cool story you shared about Haley sharing her testimony and all. I hope she's doing well. Sounds like she's feeling the impact of all the end of the year stuff. I remember that was the hardest, but the best time of the year in high school. Ah good times.
Dad, our number is 502-4057-3735. I think the best time to call would be 2 o'clock pm on Sunday. If it doesn't go through right, I can do what we did last time and call you to give the number and have you call back. Ah I'm so excited to talk to you guys! Mom, I'll tell you over the phone what I am in need of ha. Thank you!
And Dad, thank you for that insight from John chapter 9. That's a really cool detail.
It's really weird to think about a new house and a move. I mean, it's awesome, but just kind of weird. I'll miss those sunsets over the field behind the house. But it sounds like the new house will be a great area. Is it in a new ward? Exciting stuff!
We heard about bin Laden last night! Our neighbor was watching it on the news. He's a guy that gets around in a wheelchair and wears a black hat with a Soviet Russia symbol. Haha interesting fellow.
Haley! Congrats on your math test! Keep it up and push through this last month of school. It will make the rest that much better.
Brock and Aubrey, I love you guys.
I'm so excited to talk to you all.
Oh and thanks for the pictures. Haley, you're beautiful (and sunburnt)!
Love you guys!
Elder Austin Tyler
Some good advice
April 25, 2011
Hey!
Thank you guys for all the news and all the advice. I read something
this week about the leadership of the Savior. It said that instead of
condemning the sinner, he saw the inner needs of the individual which
caused the sin. That enabled him to love the sinner while he did not
love the sin. I thought about that with my companion. By no means do
I think of him as a sinner, but we have our differences and I
completely disagree with some of the things he does. But he is the
youngest in his family and grew up alone for most of his life. I see
that as a possible cause for some of his attitudes and personality
traits that I don't click with. That has helped me love him more this
week.
Dad, that quote by Herodotus was great. And I'm sorry I didn't give
you any ideas for the Eagle Court of Honor. I realized that last
Monday afternoon and felt bad. But it sounds like you gave an awesome
message. Tell those guys congratulations for getting their Eagle.
Mom, thank you for the advice. I like that point that Brother Walsh
made. And I just sent you a quick personal email. I look forward to
getting your letter :)
Mother's Day is in two weeks right? The 8th? Down here it's on the
10th, but I want to make sure and call on the true Mother's Day haha.
Brock, Math 112 is not fun, but maybe your teacher will speak English
haha. The key for me in that class was to go to the math help center
to practice and get help from the TAs and fellow students. Be careful
in there though. There are some crazies.
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! That year went so fast! What the heck!
Oh and Happy Easter everyone! It totally didn't feel like Easter, but
I did spend some time to focus on the true meaning of it all.
On Friday night the people brought out these life sized dolls (they
call them Judas) and started dancing with them. It was so weird.
Everyone was in masks and drunk and doing all kinds of shenanigans.
And at midnight I was sleeping like a baby. Suddenly I hear music
blasting in the street in front of our house. These Judas fools were
dancing in front of our house and trying to get everyone in the street
to join them. And houses here are not soundproof. They stayed there
in front of the house for an hour with these loudspeakers. Such a
stupid celebration. Ugh.
I finished the Book of Mormon this week. I decided to take Moroni's
challenge to strengthen my belief in the Book of Mormon. I was hoping
for a strong, undeniable spiritual experience. It didn't come.
Instead, I had a really long day. I was kind of frustrated. The next
night, we were at Luis' house. They've been having some really tough
times. We walked into the house and he tried to hide, he didn't want
to talk to us. There was a spirit of contention in the home. We
didn't know what to do. We asked them what's been going on. They
talked for awhile. Then my companion started to explain some things
to them. I had a strong impression to talk about the Book of Mormon.
I bore my testimony of the Savior and then of the Book of Mormon. I
read a few passages of scripture that applied to their situation.
They admitted that they hadn't been reading the scriptures as a family
and they really needed to do it. I felt the spirit so strongly as I
testified to them of the blessing that come through a study of the
Book of Mormon. It was the confirmation that I had prayed for. And
it didn't come when I was hoping for it. It came in a time of need.
When we left the home, the family was in smiles. The spirit was there
and they thanked us for our visit. It was a really cool experience.
We weren't on complete lockdown this week, but we had a lot of
meetings. On Friday morning we watched the 'Preach My Gospel' videos.
They're documentaries of six missionaries in the US and they teach and
stuff. It was kind of funny to see them all driving around in their
cars. Their houses have carpet, they eat big meals with the members,
the wards have tons of priesthood holders, and all that good stuff.
We were all laughing at them. But we learned a lot. There are some
really powerful moments in those movies.
Last night I was reflecting on the Atonement. We stopped by a members
home to make a phonecall and they were watching the Passion of the
Christ. It was a little too graphic for my liking, and we left after
about five minutes. But it added to all of the studying I had done
that morning on the Atonement. I sat there thinking about the
Resurrection and the Atonement and God's plan. It is all so perfect.
And we are all so blessed to be children of God. The Savior did more
than we can understand. I felt so horrible thinking that He did what
He did and I can't even overcome a bit of sleepiness in the afternoons
to focus on my language study. Those little things just made me feel
so inadequate. But I felt so loved and I felt like it was all okay as
I prayed about it all last night. It was a powerful day.
Thank you guys for everything. Changes on Wednesday, we'll see what
happens! Love you all soooo much! Seriously. I can't even tell you.
Thank you for everything.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey!
Thank you guys for all the news and all the advice. I read something
this week about the leadership of the Savior. It said that instead of
condemning the sinner, he saw the inner needs of the individual which
caused the sin. That enabled him to love the sinner while he did not
love the sin. I thought about that with my companion. By no means do
I think of him as a sinner, but we have our differences and I
completely disagree with some of the things he does. But he is the
youngest in his family and grew up alone for most of his life. I see
that as a possible cause for some of his attitudes and personality
traits that I don't click with. That has helped me love him more this
week.
Dad, that quote by Herodotus was great. And I'm sorry I didn't give
you any ideas for the Eagle Court of Honor. I realized that last
Monday afternoon and felt bad. But it sounds like you gave an awesome
message. Tell those guys congratulations for getting their Eagle.
Mom, thank you for the advice. I like that point that Brother Walsh
made. And I just sent you a quick personal email. I look forward to
getting your letter :)
Mother's Day is in two weeks right? The 8th? Down here it's on the
10th, but I want to make sure and call on the true Mother's Day haha.
Brock, Math 112 is not fun, but maybe your teacher will speak English
haha. The key for me in that class was to go to the math help center
to practice and get help from the TAs and fellow students. Be careful
in there though. There are some crazies.
And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! That year went so fast! What the heck!
Oh and Happy Easter everyone! It totally didn't feel like Easter, but
I did spend some time to focus on the true meaning of it all.
On Friday night the people brought out these life sized dolls (they
call them Judas) and started dancing with them. It was so weird.
Everyone was in masks and drunk and doing all kinds of shenanigans.
And at midnight I was sleeping like a baby. Suddenly I hear music
blasting in the street in front of our house. These Judas fools were
dancing in front of our house and trying to get everyone in the street
to join them. And houses here are not soundproof. They stayed there
in front of the house for an hour with these loudspeakers. Such a
stupid celebration. Ugh.
I finished the Book of Mormon this week. I decided to take Moroni's
challenge to strengthen my belief in the Book of Mormon. I was hoping
for a strong, undeniable spiritual experience. It didn't come.
Instead, I had a really long day. I was kind of frustrated. The next
night, we were at Luis' house. They've been having some really tough
times. We walked into the house and he tried to hide, he didn't want
to talk to us. There was a spirit of contention in the home. We
didn't know what to do. We asked them what's been going on. They
talked for awhile. Then my companion started to explain some things
to them. I had a strong impression to talk about the Book of Mormon.
I bore my testimony of the Savior and then of the Book of Mormon. I
read a few passages of scripture that applied to their situation.
They admitted that they hadn't been reading the scriptures as a family
and they really needed to do it. I felt the spirit so strongly as I
testified to them of the blessing that come through a study of the
Book of Mormon. It was the confirmation that I had prayed for. And
it didn't come when I was hoping for it. It came in a time of need.
When we left the home, the family was in smiles. The spirit was there
and they thanked us for our visit. It was a really cool experience.
We weren't on complete lockdown this week, but we had a lot of
meetings. On Friday morning we watched the 'Preach My Gospel' videos.
They're documentaries of six missionaries in the US and they teach and
stuff. It was kind of funny to see them all driving around in their
cars. Their houses have carpet, they eat big meals with the members,
the wards have tons of priesthood holders, and all that good stuff.
We were all laughing at them. But we learned a lot. There are some
really powerful moments in those movies.
Last night I was reflecting on the Atonement. We stopped by a members
home to make a phonecall and they were watching the Passion of the
Christ. It was a little too graphic for my liking, and we left after
about five minutes. But it added to all of the studying I had done
that morning on the Atonement. I sat there thinking about the
Resurrection and the Atonement and God's plan. It is all so perfect.
And we are all so blessed to be children of God. The Savior did more
than we can understand. I felt so horrible thinking that He did what
He did and I can't even overcome a bit of sleepiness in the afternoons
to focus on my language study. Those little things just made me feel
so inadequate. But I felt so loved and I felt like it was all okay as
I prayed about it all last night. It was a powerful day.
Thank you guys for everything. Changes on Wednesday, we'll see what
happens! Love you all soooo much! Seriously. I can't even tell you.
Thank you for everything.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Companions
April 18, 2011
Hey guys!!!
Sorry that the pictures don't work. I'm going to talk to Elder Bosen
about the site he uses to post pictures for his family. He got
permission from President to use it and I think that would be easier.
But as for right now, I don't have another way to send them. I'll get
on that though.
Mom, tell Brother Loucks hey! He's such a man. I never really
appreciated him when I had time to be around him.
As for Spanish, I'm doing pretty well with it. Having two Latin comps
has really helped me out. I can understand almost everything.
Speaking about certain topics in the street is still kinda tough
sometimes, simply because my vocabularly lacks development. But I
feel pretty comfortable with it.
Easter plans... Semana Santa is gonna be pretty crazy I guess.
Something always happens during the Holy Week, so President is going
to have us on lockdown for three days haha. We'll be studying,
reading, practicing teaching and stuff. Should be pretty boring and
relaxing haha but I'm looking forward to using the time to learn and
refocus and stuff. We'll see how it goes.
Are Brock and Aubrey by chance going to be in town for Mother's Day?
It would be cool to be able to talk to them too that day.
Dad, speaking of varying weather, it sounds like your flight was
pretty crazy, I hope everything's alright. Weather here is hard.
It's sunny and hot and dry every day. I get so excited when I wake up
to clouds because it's simply something new. 100 degrees every day
for six months is just ridiculous haha. On occasion we get rain, last
Monday it rained and it was sooo nice. But the coast is very
different from the rest of Guatemala. It's always hot. The area
where Brother VanTassel is going (tell him I say hi, by the way) is
probably in the mountains where it's cool and cloudy and beautiful.
We're in the armpit of the country haha. But they say that the rainy
season starts in May and it should be pretty insane. Especially in
Cuyo, sometimes it's impossible to work because the streets and
bridges are flooded. And President told us to be very very careful
with that. But all the more seasoned elders tell me it's manageable.
I'm just excited for a change in the weather (Haley give 'Drop in the
Ocean' by Ron Pope a listen for me, I just quoted it).
Transfers are going to be the 27th? of April. One of us is out of
here. I have a feeling that I'll be staying. We'll see.
As for things to send to prepare for the rainy season, I think it
would be better to talk about that over the phone. I don't really
know what I'll need yet.
Okay, so things with my companion have been difficult. Starting out,
everyone told me he was the most amazing missionary. And I believed
them and things were awesome. We work hard, he knows a lot, he's a
cool guy. But he's changed. It's made me think a lot about marriage.
Dad, what you mentioned regarding marriage really applies to what
I've been thinking about. Some people say that since the prophet said
marriage needs to be our first priority after the mission, that means
we need to do it right away. And yes, it's important to focus on
getting married and get on with our lives, but all things need to be
done in wisdom and order. I've heard too many stories of missionaries
going home and getting married in a rush. Later on, it falls apart.
Things can happen like my companionship. Things start out great and
then the person changes. I have a plan to make sure that doesn't
happen, but we'll see.
Tuesday we had a conference with President. He laid the smackdown.
He pointed out that if we aren't following the rules of the mission,
we don't love or trust the Lord. If we want the Spirit, we need to
work. We've been doing pretty well in Cuyo, but President pointed out
some things that we have been overlooking. I want to apply those
things and break the habits. But I can't do that if my companion is
unwilling. That's the important part of marriage, I feel like. We
are here to progress and improve. If one of the two is unwilling to
change in order to improve, that impedes the progress of the other. I
can't force anyone to do anything, all I can do is help that person
develop the desire to improve. But how do I do that? At some point,
the individual needs to develop his or her own initiative, exercise
his or her own agency and act. If he or she is unwilling, what can I
do? Nothing? Be patient? If an individual sees him or herself as
perfect when I see his or her flaws, how do I hope him or her realize
that he or she is imperfect while avoiding contention. I need to do
it lovingly and gently. But if that person doesn't want to hear about
those imperfections even in the gentlest presentation, it kindles the
pride of both people. Grrrr.
I love stuff like this, even though I hate it at the same time. I
know I'm learning from it all and that's what makes it cool. But darn
it's tough.
It sounds like you guys are doing so well! I love you all so much.
Keep having fun! Mom, I'm glad you had some good spiritual
experiences this week. Aren't those that best? I had one while
reading my patriarchal blessing this week. I felt so peaceful knowing
that everything will work out. Things may be hard now, but they will
be for the best.
Dad, be safe in Alemania (Germany). It's cool to hear that you're
trying to exercise more love for your coworkers. I hope that goes
well. Do you have any tips for that?
Haley, you're growing up and it's really weird, but really cool. I
hope you're having a good time, it sounds like you are!
Brock and Aubrey, you are awesome. Do you ever see any of my old
friends? I hope things go well this week. Brock, good luck with
finals! Aubrey, good luck with the job opportunity!
I love you all so much. Thank you for your support, your emails, and
your prayers. You're the best family ever. Nuff said. Haha
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey guys!!!
Sorry that the pictures don't work. I'm going to talk to Elder Bosen
about the site he uses to post pictures for his family. He got
permission from President to use it and I think that would be easier.
But as for right now, I don't have another way to send them. I'll get
on that though.
Mom, tell Brother Loucks hey! He's such a man. I never really
appreciated him when I had time to be around him.
As for Spanish, I'm doing pretty well with it. Having two Latin comps
has really helped me out. I can understand almost everything.
Speaking about certain topics in the street is still kinda tough
sometimes, simply because my vocabularly lacks development. But I
feel pretty comfortable with it.
Easter plans... Semana Santa is gonna be pretty crazy I guess.
Something always happens during the Holy Week, so President is going
to have us on lockdown for three days haha. We'll be studying,
reading, practicing teaching and stuff. Should be pretty boring and
relaxing haha but I'm looking forward to using the time to learn and
refocus and stuff. We'll see how it goes.
Are Brock and Aubrey by chance going to be in town for Mother's Day?
It would be cool to be able to talk to them too that day.
Dad, speaking of varying weather, it sounds like your flight was
pretty crazy, I hope everything's alright. Weather here is hard.
It's sunny and hot and dry every day. I get so excited when I wake up
to clouds because it's simply something new. 100 degrees every day
for six months is just ridiculous haha. On occasion we get rain, last
Monday it rained and it was sooo nice. But the coast is very
different from the rest of Guatemala. It's always hot. The area
where Brother VanTassel is going (tell him I say hi, by the way) is
probably in the mountains where it's cool and cloudy and beautiful.
We're in the armpit of the country haha. But they say that the rainy
season starts in May and it should be pretty insane. Especially in
Cuyo, sometimes it's impossible to work because the streets and
bridges are flooded. And President told us to be very very careful
with that. But all the more seasoned elders tell me it's manageable.
I'm just excited for a change in the weather (Haley give 'Drop in the
Ocean' by Ron Pope a listen for me, I just quoted it).
Transfers are going to be the 27th? of April. One of us is out of
here. I have a feeling that I'll be staying. We'll see.
As for things to send to prepare for the rainy season, I think it
would be better to talk about that over the phone. I don't really
know what I'll need yet.
Okay, so things with my companion have been difficult. Starting out,
everyone told me he was the most amazing missionary. And I believed
them and things were awesome. We work hard, he knows a lot, he's a
cool guy. But he's changed. It's made me think a lot about marriage.
Dad, what you mentioned regarding marriage really applies to what
I've been thinking about. Some people say that since the prophet said
marriage needs to be our first priority after the mission, that means
we need to do it right away. And yes, it's important to focus on
getting married and get on with our lives, but all things need to be
done in wisdom and order. I've heard too many stories of missionaries
going home and getting married in a rush. Later on, it falls apart.
Things can happen like my companionship. Things start out great and
then the person changes. I have a plan to make sure that doesn't
happen, but we'll see.
Tuesday we had a conference with President. He laid the smackdown.
He pointed out that if we aren't following the rules of the mission,
we don't love or trust the Lord. If we want the Spirit, we need to
work. We've been doing pretty well in Cuyo, but President pointed out
some things that we have been overlooking. I want to apply those
things and break the habits. But I can't do that if my companion is
unwilling. That's the important part of marriage, I feel like. We
are here to progress and improve. If one of the two is unwilling to
change in order to improve, that impedes the progress of the other. I
can't force anyone to do anything, all I can do is help that person
develop the desire to improve. But how do I do that? At some point,
the individual needs to develop his or her own initiative, exercise
his or her own agency and act. If he or she is unwilling, what can I
do? Nothing? Be patient? If an individual sees him or herself as
perfect when I see his or her flaws, how do I hope him or her realize
that he or she is imperfect while avoiding contention. I need to do
it lovingly and gently. But if that person doesn't want to hear about
those imperfections even in the gentlest presentation, it kindles the
pride of both people. Grrrr.
I love stuff like this, even though I hate it at the same time. I
know I'm learning from it all and that's what makes it cool. But darn
it's tough.
It sounds like you guys are doing so well! I love you all so much.
Keep having fun! Mom, I'm glad you had some good spiritual
experiences this week. Aren't those that best? I had one while
reading my patriarchal blessing this week. I felt so peaceful knowing
that everything will work out. Things may be hard now, but they will
be for the best.
Dad, be safe in Alemania (Germany). It's cool to hear that you're
trying to exercise more love for your coworkers. I hope that goes
well. Do you have any tips for that?
Haley, you're growing up and it's really weird, but really cool. I
hope you're having a good time, it sounds like you are!
Brock and Aubrey, you are awesome. Do you ever see any of my old
friends? I hope things go well this week. Brock, good luck with
finals! Aubrey, good luck with the job opportunity!
I love you all so much. Thank you for your support, your emails, and
your prayers. You're the best family ever. Nuff said. Haha
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
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