1/23/12
Hey!
Mom, don't worry about last week! Sounds like everyone's as busy as always.
I have no idea what the population of Coatepeque is. There are so many little colonies and neighborhoods and I don't even know if they're considered part of the city. I think it is the third or fourth largest city in the mission. First is Retalhuleu (three stakes and zones there), Second I think is Mazatenango, and third and fourth are probably Coatepeque and San Marcos. But I dunno. It's probably a little smaller than Columbus maybe? Dunno.
The youth here seem pretty strong. There are a few strong young men that are in the age to go on missions. The stake has a goal to send all 45 of their mission age youth this year. There are so many. The stake president is amazing and is working hard to see it done. The members do have a strong influence on their friends and neighbors. I firmly believe that one of the differences between Central America and North America/Europe (regarding missionary work) is the members. People here are not afraid to share the gospel with their friends and neighbors. Of course, their friends and neighbors regularly say no to the gospel, but they keep sharing it with new people. Not everyone, just the ones that are really into the work and stuff. I dunno, it's just as awkward for them to do it here as it is for us to do it there, but they still do it. And the church grows. I hope to learn from their examples. Speaking of which we were walking down the street last week and Guillermo, the former bishop in Tecun was driving toward us! We chatted for a bit and he gave us pizza (he's wealthy and spoiled his kids on the way back from the temple) and told us that he gave another referral to the new elders. Those referrals are a family and they have a baptismal date for this Saturday! Haha that guy gets it. So many of his friends have been baptized. Of course he's been rejected a lot, but it's totally worth the awkwardness. I have a lot to learn from the members here.
As far as my sleeping schedule, I don't sleep as much as I would like. I'm always really tired, but I get enough sleep to keep me going. It's kinda hard, especially because we want to keep working out in the mornings. But it's all good.
Aunt Margaret sent me an email! Sounds like she's doing okay with her surgery recuperation. And Chad's getting married???
And as far as teaching, I read something recently from Elder Packer. He said that if you ask each of the Apostles for tips and advice on teaching, they would probably each give a different response, because everyone has a unique style and preference when it comes to teaching. He also said that teaching is a fundamental aspect of the gospel, something we all need to learn how to do. How blessed you are for the opportunity to teach so frequently! He said the key to teaching effectively is love. If you love the people you teach and they can feel/recognize that love, they will pay attention and the Spirit will teach through you. I feel like I always make teaching more complicated than it it, but as long as we believe in what we teach, love the people we teach, prepare appropriately, and follow the Spirit, the rest is up to the learner. That's what I think. Mom, I love you.
Dad, that's some disappointing/frightening news on the political front. I hope it all comes through smoothly.
Good to hear the painting made it. I love that thing! If anyone wants any of the t-shirts or jerseys, feel free.
And that's interesting what you said about the management principles for why people don't perform. I don't like to discipline, I don't think many people do. It makes it hard being a new zone leader in a new zone where half my old zone is here with me in the new zone. That was a complicated sentence. It's hard to earn the respect of people who have a tendency to despise their leaders or rebel against them. But the principles in D&C 121 are so true and important. Calling someone out is something I'm not too good at and I don't like to do it. But I feel an urgent need to learn how to do it effectively.
So I feel like we need to figure out housing for next year pretty soon. Is that true? I want to room with Austin and I'm going to talk with Elder Molina and Elder Taylor about their plans. Elder Taylor wants to room with me. It would be cool. But is there any way you guys could get in contact with Austin? That would be so great.
I uploaded pictures today. The first one is the baptismal font in the house that the ward in Tecun is renting out while they rebuild the chapel. 2-6 are the Christmas conference. 7 is the Motta Family. 8 is the central park in Tecun Uman. 9 Risk on Christmas Eve. 10 Fireworks at midnight. 11-12 Our breakfast on Christmas morning (brownies and cake with hot frosting and ice cream). 13 Mexican wrestling mask. 14 New years party with the Barrientos family and Jose and his family. 15 New Years party with Ruby (gave me the painting) and her family. Her daughter recently turned twelve and looks like she's 17. Weird. 16 Bridge to Mexico. 17 Aguilar family. 18 Elder Maurer and Elder Rigby on their last day. 19 Elder Cortez. 20 Me in front of the Suchiate River (border of Mexico) on a sunset. 21-27 Some shots of Coatepeque and the hotel we live in.
So yeah, that's life in Guatemala right now. Loving it. Time is still going fast, and I'm getting tired. But it's all good.
Haha ironic... we have a conference with a general authority tomorrow! And all that about being jealous that nobody ever comes to Reu. Complaining works.
Love you guys! Have an awesome week and tell everyone I say hi.
Elder Austin Tyler
