Monday, February 06, 2012 4:16 PM
Hey!
I can't believe it's already P-day again! And it's almost over! Today we went to the beach and it was way fun! I'll post pictures sometime. And guess what!!! The area presidency gave us permission to go to the temple in Quetzaltenango! Our zone is going tomorrow! I can't tell you how excited I am. What a blessing!
Sounds like the wedding was awesome!
Mom, I love you! Alex did write me, sounds like he's doing well. I wrote him a letter and I'll probably send that today. It's weird to think I won't be rooming with Austin Eckel, I'm kind of jealous he already has all that lined up haha, but I look forward to post mission single life. How's his health?
We decided on changing our decision, we're going to live in King Henry. I filled out the application, but there are a few things I need help with. I think I need a guarantor's signature (from a parent I believe). Could you guys download the application form and look at that. I'm planning on faxing my part tomorrow. I looks like a really cool place, a bit far from campus and a bit expensive. A bus pass is 150 or so, but a season pass to Sundance comes with a free bus pass (could be a really convenient deal). And I'd be able to use it for things that don't have anything to do with going to court! That's exciting
We might just go for a four person apartment, depends on what we hear from Elder Molina's friend. But it should be a chill group. All three of the guys are studly missionaries and clean and tidy.
Wow I just looked at the pictures of the apartments... I haven't seen a place that nice in a long time. Granted it's a picture, but it looks so clean! Carpet and stuff.
Haley, it sounds like you're loving dance! And I loved the song you wrote! And what you said about the little kid's comment regarding why God is real... so true. A lot of times we are so focused on logic. If we try to logically understand everything in this life we get lost. There are too many things that simply don't make sense. If God is real, why does this and this and this happen? Why doesn't He do this and this? If God isn't real, how did everything happen? Why does this happen if there is no high power? But once we feel His love, once we understand with our heart, it's so real and so simple. Haha everyone here believes in God. I can still count on my hands the number people I've talked to that don't believe in God. Pretty amazing.
Brock, thanks for your help and advice this week with the apartment situation.
Mom and Dad, it was good talking to you briefly!
Dad, as far as class choices, I'd like to continue with the GE stuff. I would like to block my classes together as well as possible. The Spanish test-out class would be good. How tough are those usually? I heard the Spanish one is just ridiculous.
It was cool reading the comments from everyone. Haha Jared, 'remember me?' Yes of course I remember.
Before I forget... Elder Molina told me that the fees and all for King Henry are really high at first because it includes the first month's rent (September). I hope that's okay, it would mean not having to pay right off the bat when I get there. I'll have more info next week I think.
When Elder Amado came he talked to President and put some new rules for our mission. He increased the minimum requirement for how many times investigators need to attend church before they can get baptized, and said we need to double the amount of baptisms of families, etc. It was unexpected and it's going to be a huge challenge. But in our leaders conference, we studied D&C 88:50-67 and applied it to our situation. We're raising the bar and we know we can do it. Our zone continues to do well. There are so many people out there that are ready for the Gospel, we just need to be diligent and responsible enough to find them and help them. I continue to feel like I'm not doing enough. It's frustrating how sometimes I feel like I'm doing really well in one aspect, but in a different aspect I'm slacking. Why can't I just boldly and diligently apply all the things I want to do? I guess I'm looking for perfection, but I feel like I'm falling behind where I ought to be. It's a discomforting feeling. At the same time however, there are those moments where I triumph and it's so satisfying.
Every morning I ask Heavenly Father for three things before I start my day. 1. An opportunity to serve a brother or sister in need. 2. An opportunity to bless someone's life with the Priesthood. 3. A spiritual experience. Asking for these things, and seeking them has been so incredible, resulting in miracles and so much joy. There are so many people here that suffer on a daily basis... single mothers, old widows fighting to make a living, enemployed fathers, etc. A recent convert, David, received his first Priesthood blessing this week and we could see such a change in him afterwards. He's been unemployed for a few months, before he was working in administration of sales at Wal Mart in Quetzaltenango, so he's a smart, educated guy. His kids are studying and rely on him for help. He didn't know what to do, he's been knocking on doors to try to find employment. We introduced him to the employment resources of the church and the members are helping him look. He and his family are so hopeful and grateful. His family hasn't received the missionaries yet.
Maria Elena, a former less active (She's been coming to church lately) with five kids, her husband recently left her to move to the United States, sells tamales every night. I think I mentioned her. On Friday we went to visit her. That morning she woke up with an intense pain in her neck and face and couldn't get out of bed. The pain was so intense that she thought she was going to die. It went away, but she got out of bed to find that her stove had collapsed and some of her firewood was stolen. On top of that the well bucket fell into the well. When we got there she asked us to help her. We said of course. She hopped down the well, suspended by a rope and brought the bucket up. What a superwoman, just hopping down a well (18 meters deep). It was scary. And then we gave her a blessing before leaving. She was in tears afterwards and just kept thanking us. Moments like that make me feel so humble, so small. Just being able to help others find relief. Knowing that she was happy after our visit, and no longer in despair and stress, that's just such a good feeling.
Well I need to go, but it's been a good week and I look forward to the temple tomorrow. I had hoped for a long time that I would be able to visit the temple during my mission.
Thank you guys for everything. If the apartments thing isn't good, just let me know. I feel like it's an expensive place and I don't want to be a burden. Seriously, let me know if it's too much and we'll find something else.
I love you guys so much. Thank you for everything.
Elder Austin Tyler
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"A highlight for my mission." Elder Carlos H. Amado visits our mission
Monday, January 30, 2012 12:31 PM
Dear familia,
This past week was probably the craziest week I've had in the mission. I'm exhausted, but so happy. We went on exchanges like six times in five days. It was really pretty nuts. The last week of the month is always hectic as we try to reach our goals. Sounds like you guys had a pretty crazy week too. Haley! You're superwoman. Keep it up! Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. To answer your questions...My companion is great. He's getting tired, and it's a fight to stay on schedule, but he really is a great missionary. Very very intelligent and very charismatic. He has an incredible ability to communicate. It's fun to contact with him, especially because he's the only companion I've had that actually likes to contact (sad huh!). As far as running for president again, it's totally up to you. Just something to consider is how busy you currently are. You'll be very tired next year and sometimes you'll just want to have some down time. You'll always be in the council to help out, but it would be much easier to do so as pres. It would be cool to have weekends and vacation days where you could come chill at the Y for a couple nights (don't know if that'll be possible), but it would be awesome. It might be hard if you're too busy. Those are my thoughts. I dunno what kind of a classes schedule you're looking at.
I liked what you closed with, expectations are set to progress, not to recognize failure (or however you worded it). That's so true! Sometimes it's easy to lose that perspective, especially when expectations aren't met haha.
Mom!
The city life is very different. It's hard to contact because there aren't a whole lot of houses in our area, and when we talk to people in the street we just find that they come from very far to work. So that's new for me. But there's interesting things that happen, like the last couple nights there has been a gringo preaching in the central park (in english with a translator) talking about the evil of America and how Guatemala needs to hold onto God in order to avoid such punishment. I didn't get a lot of time to listen, but it was weird. Crazy gringos.
The city is called Coatepeque.
As far as rooming, I'm going to send an attachment to you. Elder Molina (being in the office) has been able to see the updates as far as housing and he and Elder Taylor are concerned that it's all going to fill up quickly. We want to get it taken care of this week and not worry about it. I am going to Retalhuleu tomorrow morning for a meeting and will talk to Elder Molina about it all. He wants to get a room tomorrow too. Here's the thing, I haven't heard from Austin yet. My hopes are to be able to room with him, Elder Taylor, and Elder Molina. But I want to make sure he's okay with that. We are thinking either King Henry or Liberty Square. I will be on the internet tomorrow morning to tell you what's going on, I don't know if somebody will be able to be close to the computer around 7:30 or 8 am?
Also, Elder Taylor's brother, Nick is probably going to call you guys. Could someone please ask Austin Eckel (tonight if possible) if he would be cool with that group in an apartment for six? That would leave two extra rooms for people that may want to join us.
And when do I need to sign up for classes?
Dad, sounds like it's been a crazy week. Seems like the new ward is awesome. And politics are soooo ridiculous. And that sounds perfect with the family that may rent. That would be cool.
So we had a meeting with Elder Carlos H. Amado on Tuesday. It was a hilight for my mission. He talked for about four hours. Afterwards we had a meeting with him and President, just us six zone leaders that were present. It was so cool. He is the oldest Seventy in the church right now, the former President of the Mexico area, he's also been president of the Central America Area. He talked a lot about the methods we use when teaching. Then he talked about the Savior. He said he recently saw an image of Christ in a local church that depicted Him as very skinny and weak. He talked about how Nephi saw Mary and she was incredibly beautiful. On top of that, Christ's Father is the God of the universe. He was not ugly and weak. He was and is the most powerful man and leader the world has ever seen. He had a perfect understanding of the human body, and He took good care of His body. He expelled the vendors in the temple with ease despite the fact that there were millions of Jews in the city. It was packed, but He made a presence. He is perfectly confident, loving, humorous, intelligent, and strong. Elder Amado said, THAT is the Christ I know and follow.
Then he told us the story of Ammon. He explained how Ammon was a prince, being King Mosiah's son. He was instructed by the best teachers of the land, a warrior, an eloquent speaker, an intelligent student. He was very well trained. You can imagine him, brought before King Lamoni to be tried and probably killed. King Lamoni asks him what he's doing. He's tied up, probably beat up. But with all the eloquence of a royal prince he replies, I have come to live among your people. And then he asks if he can serve the King. King Lamoni was very impressed, and offered Ammon one of his daughters. He taught with authority and confidence, with understanding and power. Theres so much more, but it's cool to compare Ammon with missionaries of today. I come from a very wealthy part of the world, I've received an education from top notch teachers (on world standards). I've been instructed in the Priesthood of God. I've played on traveling sports teams with uniforms, participated in leadership conferences, things that most people here never get the chance to try. I have been royally prepared and tremendously blessed. And I have an incredible opportunity to use those things I've been taught and trained to do in order to bless the lives of others. I am so humbled to think of it that way. And it makes me even more excited about this work. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me and encouraged me to take. I love you. Haley I love you! Brock and Aubrey, you too! Brock, what did you think of that talk I sent you?
Have an awesome week. Tell the Tyler clan I say what's up. Haha! Chad's getting married. Wish I could be there. Miles to go before I sleep.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Dear familia,
This past week was probably the craziest week I've had in the mission. I'm exhausted, but so happy. We went on exchanges like six times in five days. It was really pretty nuts. The last week of the month is always hectic as we try to reach our goals. Sounds like you guys had a pretty crazy week too. Haley! You're superwoman. Keep it up! Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. To answer your questions...My companion is great. He's getting tired, and it's a fight to stay on schedule, but he really is a great missionary. Very very intelligent and very charismatic. He has an incredible ability to communicate. It's fun to contact with him, especially because he's the only companion I've had that actually likes to contact (sad huh!). As far as running for president again, it's totally up to you. Just something to consider is how busy you currently are. You'll be very tired next year and sometimes you'll just want to have some down time. You'll always be in the council to help out, but it would be much easier to do so as pres. It would be cool to have weekends and vacation days where you could come chill at the Y for a couple nights (don't know if that'll be possible), but it would be awesome. It might be hard if you're too busy. Those are my thoughts. I dunno what kind of a classes schedule you're looking at.
I liked what you closed with, expectations are set to progress, not to recognize failure (or however you worded it). That's so true! Sometimes it's easy to lose that perspective, especially when expectations aren't met haha.
Mom!
The city life is very different. It's hard to contact because there aren't a whole lot of houses in our area, and when we talk to people in the street we just find that they come from very far to work. So that's new for me. But there's interesting things that happen, like the last couple nights there has been a gringo preaching in the central park (in english with a translator) talking about the evil of America and how Guatemala needs to hold onto God in order to avoid such punishment. I didn't get a lot of time to listen, but it was weird. Crazy gringos.
The city is called Coatepeque.
As far as rooming, I'm going to send an attachment to you. Elder Molina (being in the office) has been able to see the updates as far as housing and he and Elder Taylor are concerned that it's all going to fill up quickly. We want to get it taken care of this week and not worry about it. I am going to Retalhuleu tomorrow morning for a meeting and will talk to Elder Molina about it all. He wants to get a room tomorrow too. Here's the thing, I haven't heard from Austin yet. My hopes are to be able to room with him, Elder Taylor, and Elder Molina. But I want to make sure he's okay with that. We are thinking either King Henry or Liberty Square. I will be on the internet tomorrow morning to tell you what's going on, I don't know if somebody will be able to be close to the computer around 7:30 or 8 am?
Also, Elder Taylor's brother, Nick is probably going to call you guys. Could someone please ask Austin Eckel (tonight if possible) if he would be cool with that group in an apartment for six? That would leave two extra rooms for people that may want to join us.
And when do I need to sign up for classes?
Dad, sounds like it's been a crazy week. Seems like the new ward is awesome. And politics are soooo ridiculous. And that sounds perfect with the family that may rent. That would be cool.
So we had a meeting with Elder Carlos H. Amado on Tuesday. It was a hilight for my mission. He talked for about four hours. Afterwards we had a meeting with him and President, just us six zone leaders that were present. It was so cool. He is the oldest Seventy in the church right now, the former President of the Mexico area, he's also been president of the Central America Area. He talked a lot about the methods we use when teaching. Then he talked about the Savior. He said he recently saw an image of Christ in a local church that depicted Him as very skinny and weak. He talked about how Nephi saw Mary and she was incredibly beautiful. On top of that, Christ's Father is the God of the universe. He was not ugly and weak. He was and is the most powerful man and leader the world has ever seen. He had a perfect understanding of the human body, and He took good care of His body. He expelled the vendors in the temple with ease despite the fact that there were millions of Jews in the city. It was packed, but He made a presence. He is perfectly confident, loving, humorous, intelligent, and strong. Elder Amado said, THAT is the Christ I know and follow.
Then he told us the story of Ammon. He explained how Ammon was a prince, being King Mosiah's son. He was instructed by the best teachers of the land, a warrior, an eloquent speaker, an intelligent student. He was very well trained. You can imagine him, brought before King Lamoni to be tried and probably killed. King Lamoni asks him what he's doing. He's tied up, probably beat up. But with all the eloquence of a royal prince he replies, I have come to live among your people. And then he asks if he can serve the King. King Lamoni was very impressed, and offered Ammon one of his daughters. He taught with authority and confidence, with understanding and power. Theres so much more, but it's cool to compare Ammon with missionaries of today. I come from a very wealthy part of the world, I've received an education from top notch teachers (on world standards). I've been instructed in the Priesthood of God. I've played on traveling sports teams with uniforms, participated in leadership conferences, things that most people here never get the chance to try. I have been royally prepared and tremendously blessed. And I have an incredible opportunity to use those things I've been taught and trained to do in order to bless the lives of others. I am so humbled to think of it that way. And it makes me even more excited about this work. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad. Thank you for all the opportunities you gave me and encouraged me to take. I love you. Haley I love you! Brock and Aubrey, you too! Brock, what did you think of that talk I sent you?
Have an awesome week. Tell the Tyler clan I say what's up. Haha! Chad's getting married. Wish I could be there. Miles to go before I sleep.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
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