April 17, 2012
Hey!
Thanks for your emails, I grabbed some time this morning to write so that I can use Wednesday to get some stuff done. I don't really know how I'm going to write this email, there's so much to write and it's been an interesting week. But first of all... I FINALLY heard from Austin! Bummer I can't be at that wedding. Same with John's! How's Troy doing?
I'm so sorry to hear about Aubrey's job! But I'm sure that will make the whole school thing a bit easier. And it sounds like Brock is doing awesome!!! So good to hear. Mom, I'm excited for Provo. I don't have time to get trunky, but I look forward to everything in the near future. Haley, sounds like you're doing great! Keep up the eating healthy thing. If you do, I will too. Although it's been kind of hard since Tuesday when Little Caesar's opened hahaha! I've eaten pizza 5 out of the last seven days. Oh gosh. It's so cheap and so good. I think Coatepeque just turned into the best zone in the mission. Mom, hang in there with those 4 1/2 hours of sleep. I feel for you today! I dunno how you do it.
Dad, was that really your first time doing nine holes of golf in 8 years?? That's kind of sad, but that's great you could go with the guys! You and that lawn mower have something special. You just can't get rid of it haha. I feel like the house is going to sell soon, especially with all these showings. Ojala! And your new calling sounds awesome! That's a lot of young men, that will be way cool.
And the election will be interesting. I look forward to missing out on the majority of the mudslinging and show up in time to see the epic clash at the end.
So last week was the opening of Little Caesars. Then we spent a lot of time buying medicine for a lot of missionaries in the zone who are suddenly sick. The health exams will continue today with Elder Carnahan and Elder Uasike. Haha parasites are persistent. We also were all caught up with preparations for Elder Gavarret of the Seventy. I'll come back to that.
There's a lady in our ward named Edna. She's from Honduras and she was baptized two years ago. Her son was baptized four years ago and is serving a mission. A couple months ago she brought her oldest daughter, Karen, to church. Karen is 28 years old and has a 7 year old daughter named Karlita. We started teaching Karen with Elder Cortez. She's very intelligent and always had an attitude/desire to do what God wants her to do. That's such a key indication that somebody will progress. She always prayed every day, but when we started teaching her she started reading the scriptures and attending church every Sunday. We challenged her to be baptized, and she said she would get baptized when she felt it was right. We said that was fine, and kept focusing on that goal of baptism. I felt like with Elder Cortez we were pressuring her too much and it got a little out of hand, she sensed an unrighteous desire in us. The first time we visited her with Elder Villatoro we asked how she was doing. She started talking about her baptism! She said she was ready! So we set a date for this past Saturday. As we taught her about keeping the Sabbath Day holy last week she asked what the punishment is for not attending church. We explained that she would miss out on the blessings and that faithful attendance and participation of the sacrament is necessary to enter the temple, which is the next goal for her to reach. She explained that a bank had offered her work, but said that she would have to work on Sundays. I asked her what she thought about that. She responded that her commitment to the Lord was much more important and the she would be rejecting the offer. Elder Munns interviewed her and said she was the most prepared investigator he'd ever interviewed. The baptism was so wonderful. I think it was the best baptismal service I've had in the mission, thanks to the members and the Spirit that was present. It was great!
During the baptism a sister in the ward informed me that one of our former investigators passed away on Thursday. Her name is Lydia and she was battling cancer, but thought it was gone. She went to the doctor after feeling an intense pain in her stomache and they found a lot more cancer in her pancreas. When we were teaching her, we had some very spiritual moments and we could see a change in her. We invited her to be baptized, but she didn't accept the invitation. I thought we should have tried a different approach in how we taught her, but we kept going with the same principle of the Restoration. Her last day she was in bed and a member of our ward, a good friend of hers, was by her side. She whispered to him to tell us thank you for all we did for her.
I feel so thankful that we were able to help her through a rough time and help her feel God's love for her, but at the same time I can't help but think that there was something else we could have done for her spiritually. Jacob 1:19 comes to mind every time I think about her. When I think about the immense responsibility the Lord places upon us as 19-21 year old men, I remember what Elder Holland said, something like ´we know it's hard, but we don't apologize for what we ask of you young men. It's what the Lord expects of you.´ I know that's true and I hope I can learn from this experience and use it to make sure I do everything I can for everyone I come in contact with. Elder Gavarret told us yesterday to make sure we teach and testify to everyone clearly so that they can't say we didn't try. We did teach and testify, and I know everyone has their freedom to choose, but there's still that doubt of whether we could have done more.
Yesterday was just crazy. The conference was wonderful. It was like putting on a stuco event with the pressure of a general authority coming to inspect it. I did forget to get the keys to open the stake president's office so that Elder Gavarret could do interviews. We were running all over town and finally got the keys after he had finished two interviews in a hallway. President wasn't too happy with me. But it all worked out ok. I did my best. I feel like it was nearly perfect aside from that one key detail haha!
I would share what I learned in the conference, but it's so much. He talked a lot about the law of chastity and being a consecrated missionary.
After the conference and the interviews we were his guides around town as he and his wife inspected the houses of the missionaries. We were stressing to find a family he could visit with us to teach. None of our investigators were home though. But the houses were clean. I got to contact with Elder Gavarret. That was pretty powerful. He taught a teenage couple about the plan of salvation and the law of chastity and put an appointment. Haha it was sooo cool!
Then we got some terrible news. There's an elder in the zone, Elder Oxom, who is from a little village near Peten. He's an awesome guy, always smiling. I was standing next to President when we got the news that Elder Oxom's dad had been killed. We immediately left the houses we were visiting and headed to Elder Oxom's house (forty minutes away). So Elder Villatoro and I went with the assistants and President and Sister Maravilla and Elder and Sister Gavarret followed close behind. We got to the house and it was so terrible. President and Elder Gavarret gave Elder Oxom a blessing and we made some plans to get him to his house to see his family. So Elder Villatoro is on his way to Coban (a sixteen hour bus ride) with Elder Oxom and Elder Lopez. I am with Elder Oxom's companion, Elder Yat. Elder Yat is also from a small village and he's been kind of traumatized by this experience. He doesn't speak much Spanish and I speak no Kekt Chi, but we're hanging in there. He's such a nice guy, seems like a little boy. But it's been a little crazy around here. Didn't sleep much last night and we've got a leadership conference this afternoon. Right now I've gotta go take some sick elders to a clinic and share the news with the zone. It's going to be a good week, but we've had some intense ups and downs and a lot of stress. These are the times to show our quality.
This is the Lord's work.
I love you guys so much! Gotta run, but I'll write next week. Thank you all for everything!
Much love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Fulfilling our duty to God
April 9, 2012
Hey family!
So I'm still alive after that Book of Mormon marathon. Our zone ended up finishing first out of the whole mission and we will supposedly win a prize!
It was so dang hard, we didn't sleep at all and finished in 24 hours and 25 minutes. It was pretty tough to make it a spiritual experience as we were all in zombie mode. It was pretty hilarious, heads bobbing up and down. To stay awake we armed ourselves with plastic balls and threw them at everyone who fell asleep. We also stood up and switched seats every time we read 'And it came to pass'. It was quite a challenge.
As we read I focused on finding examples of people fulfilling their 'duty' and I realized that that's all the Book of Mormon really is, a history of men and women fulfilling their duty to God and being blessed for it. As we fulfill our duty we grow closer to the Savior and receive power and blessings, which naturally result in happiness and joy. I spent some time afterwards (after a good night sleep) meditating on my personal duty. I came to the conclusion that I sincerely want to be obedient. What I need is divine asistance in turning that desire into action. My plan of action is improve my habits of prayer in order to enhance my relationship with Heavenly Father so that I can more fully rely on His power to help me be more obedient and diligent with my time. That's my focus right now. I mention it because when I tell people my goals it motivates me even more to reach them.
Mom!
The dentist appointment sounds good to me! Regarding the backpacking trip...I would love to go backpacking when I get back. Whether it's Rawah, Wind Rivers, the Neversummers, or RMNP, I would love to go backpacking and camping. I miss the mountains even more than I miss apple juice and warm chocolate chip cookies.
Easter was great! Very spiritual, David, a recent convert (three months of being a member) gave a talk on the Atonement yesterday and wow! So cool! I celebrated Easter by making a steak and egg sandwich with a can of cold root beer. I'm good on supplies for right now. I may have to buy a couple shirts here, but I'm doing alright. Thank you for all you do!
I've been thinking... since I've been on my mission each of us has been through some of the toughest trials of our lives (at least that's what it seems like to me. I mean the whole selling the house, moving, crazy work schedules and changes, really tough callings, crazy school schedules, Brock having a rough time, my challenges in the mission, etc.). And I was thinking about the messages in General Conference. Looking back I feel like we've all grown so much and in so many ways. It's hard, but cool how the Lord has tried us all at the same time and we've progressed so much as a result. It makes me happy to think of it all that way.
Dad!
Speaking of crazy work schedules, sounds like things are pretty intense. Thanks for all you do to provide for our family. I'm sure sometimes it feels like an obligation, but I really am thankful for what you've done to provide such a secure lifestyle for us. My companion is still great. Being around him without sleep was kinda hard haha, but that was the case with everybody during the reading marathon. Haha it was so crazy. How goes the election?
Brock, I'm going to bring my mini-chess set when we go backpacking.
Oh, yesterday I saw a preview for the new Avengers movie. It's amazing how such a little thing can become such a huge distraction.
Aubrey! Thanks for your note! Good luck with school! You'll do great!
Haley,
thank you for Mike's address and WHAAA!??? After this concert vacation sounds so epic that you probably won't have anything to pass that up until you get married... And CONGRATULATIONS on your ACT score! Keep that up! What would be the female equivalent of 'stud'? Studnisha.
I think I'm still tired from this past weekend.
I don't know if I mentioned this, but Saul got baptized! He is doing great! His wife is still in recovery after the new baby and all, but she also wants to get baptized! So wonderful!
So this week we will be preparing for Elder Eduardo Gavarret from the Seventy. He's coming here to Coatepeque to share a message, inspect our houses, accompany us to appointments to evaluate how we teach, interview some of the missionaries, and there's a lot of pressure on me to make it perfect! That will happen on Monday, so you might not hear from me until Wednesday. On Tuesday he's going to meet with the zone leaders in Retalhuleu. That should be cool, but intense. After that we have a stake conference and then the temple trip!
So it should be a tough, but rewarding few weeks. I look forward to it, but it's a lot of stress.
I absolutely love Elder Bednar's message in the Liahona/Ensign. I read that yesterday and I think I'll read it a couple more times this week to really study and meditate about it. Way cool. I gotta get off now, but I love you guys so much! Have an awesome week.
Haley, I love that scripture you shared.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey family!
So I'm still alive after that Book of Mormon marathon. Our zone ended up finishing first out of the whole mission and we will supposedly win a prize!
It was so dang hard, we didn't sleep at all and finished in 24 hours and 25 minutes. It was pretty tough to make it a spiritual experience as we were all in zombie mode. It was pretty hilarious, heads bobbing up and down. To stay awake we armed ourselves with plastic balls and threw them at everyone who fell asleep. We also stood up and switched seats every time we read 'And it came to pass'. It was quite a challenge.
As we read I focused on finding examples of people fulfilling their 'duty' and I realized that that's all the Book of Mormon really is, a history of men and women fulfilling their duty to God and being blessed for it. As we fulfill our duty we grow closer to the Savior and receive power and blessings, which naturally result in happiness and joy. I spent some time afterwards (after a good night sleep) meditating on my personal duty. I came to the conclusion that I sincerely want to be obedient. What I need is divine asistance in turning that desire into action. My plan of action is improve my habits of prayer in order to enhance my relationship with Heavenly Father so that I can more fully rely on His power to help me be more obedient and diligent with my time. That's my focus right now. I mention it because when I tell people my goals it motivates me even more to reach them.
Mom!
The dentist appointment sounds good to me! Regarding the backpacking trip...I would love to go backpacking when I get back. Whether it's Rawah, Wind Rivers, the Neversummers, or RMNP, I would love to go backpacking and camping. I miss the mountains even more than I miss apple juice and warm chocolate chip cookies.
Easter was great! Very spiritual, David, a recent convert (three months of being a member) gave a talk on the Atonement yesterday and wow! So cool! I celebrated Easter by making a steak and egg sandwich with a can of cold root beer. I'm good on supplies for right now. I may have to buy a couple shirts here, but I'm doing alright. Thank you for all you do!
I've been thinking... since I've been on my mission each of us has been through some of the toughest trials of our lives (at least that's what it seems like to me. I mean the whole selling the house, moving, crazy work schedules and changes, really tough callings, crazy school schedules, Brock having a rough time, my challenges in the mission, etc.). And I was thinking about the messages in General Conference. Looking back I feel like we've all grown so much and in so many ways. It's hard, but cool how the Lord has tried us all at the same time and we've progressed so much as a result. It makes me happy to think of it all that way.
Dad!
Speaking of crazy work schedules, sounds like things are pretty intense. Thanks for all you do to provide for our family. I'm sure sometimes it feels like an obligation, but I really am thankful for what you've done to provide such a secure lifestyle for us. My companion is still great. Being around him without sleep was kinda hard haha, but that was the case with everybody during the reading marathon. Haha it was so crazy. How goes the election?
Brock, I'm going to bring my mini-chess set when we go backpacking.
Oh, yesterday I saw a preview for the new Avengers movie. It's amazing how such a little thing can become such a huge distraction.
Aubrey! Thanks for your note! Good luck with school! You'll do great!
Haley,
thank you for Mike's address and WHAAA!??? After this concert vacation sounds so epic that you probably won't have anything to pass that up until you get married... And CONGRATULATIONS on your ACT score! Keep that up! What would be the female equivalent of 'stud'? Studnisha.
I think I'm still tired from this past weekend.
I don't know if I mentioned this, but Saul got baptized! He is doing great! His wife is still in recovery after the new baby and all, but she also wants to get baptized! So wonderful!
So this week we will be preparing for Elder Eduardo Gavarret from the Seventy. He's coming here to Coatepeque to share a message, inspect our houses, accompany us to appointments to evaluate how we teach, interview some of the missionaries, and there's a lot of pressure on me to make it perfect! That will happen on Monday, so you might not hear from me until Wednesday. On Tuesday he's going to meet with the zone leaders in Retalhuleu. That should be cool, but intense. After that we have a stake conference and then the temple trip!
So it should be a tough, but rewarding few weeks. I look forward to it, but it's a lot of stress.
I absolutely love Elder Bednar's message in the Liahona/Ensign. I read that yesterday and I think I'll read it a couple more times this week to really study and meditate about it. Way cool. I gotta get off now, but I love you guys so much! Have an awesome week.
Haley, I love that scripture you shared.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Monday, April 2, 2012
The future is so bright....
April 2, 2012
Hey everybody!!!
April is going to be nuts. I simply can't believe how fast time is going. I can't keep track of things. It's really weird, but not in a bad way.
Thanks for all of the awesome emails. I need to thank you guys for writing me every week. I have never gone a week without an email and that is such a blessing. I love you guys.
Aubrey!
That's awful you all got sick... and twice!!! Terrible. I will totally let you cut my hair, I won't have any money to pay anywhere!! Paragliding sounds like the most epic anniversary celebration ever.. You guys are such an awesome couple. I don't like expressing that to a computer who will then relay the message to you, but I'm so excited to hang out with you guys. The holi festival! That thing is way fun and the pictures are awesome. Haha Brock is a stud. He looks skinny!
Brock!
Haha thanks for the heads up about the hahas! Haha! You were so right about the missionary hype. I would have been disappointed had it not been such an epic conference. I learned so much.
And what the heck, you all have seen Austin and I still haven't heard from him. Haley, thanks for his email address, ha I'll see what's up.
And your experience about fishing, that's kinda why I don't like fishing so much. About wind rivers... When I get back I'm going to be so exhausted, but I can't rest. I want some guy time in the mountains, so yes I would love to go to Wind Rivers. But I also want some time with Mom and Haley. I felt weird about the Wind Rivers AND flaming gorge thing cause I'm only gonna have three weeks and there's a lot I need to do at home, but I would love to go backpacking. But I also want some Mommy time and some sistah time.
Speaking of chess... Elder Munns beats me every time we play and it is sooo frustrating. I also want to get better. I accept your offer of apprenticeship.
Mom!! I got the box!!! Thank you so much, the pants are perfect, they fit great!
I, too, got really sad when conference ended. All of us were so depressed when it was over!
Easter here is different, it's an entire Holy Week. On Thursday and Friday the city will be emptied, everyone goes to the beach. It's as big as Christmas. So President has planned a Book of Mormon reading marathon with each zone. We have to try to do it 36 hours straight. The first zone to finish gets a prize. It's going to be so hard. No sleep and little time to eat. And President said we can't catch up on sleep afterwards... a little intense. I'm so tired already!!! We're probably gonna buy rubber balls to throw at each other when someone falls asleep. It'll be a lock-in in the chapel. Should be fun!
Ginger's allergies sound pretty epic! Kind of funny!
Good to hear that eggs are not so unhealthy! I was worried about that, I eat lots of eggs, but was worried about all the cholesterol, but I also wondered why God would make such a convenient so unhealthy. Haha I like your random thoughts!
Haley!
Thank you so much for the addresses. I haven't gotten any letters from Jonathan... which is awful, I've wanted to hear from him for forever!
Miracle doctor! Sounds awesome, but I must say I laughed when I read, 'she can fix my breathing problem, I forget how, but she can!' Hahahaha! I liked that line.
Yes, I saw Elder Archuletta. Where's he going? Hopefully Africa to prove he isn't a pretty boy with special privileges.
You are in my prayers.
Dad!
John and Erin caught me by surprise too!
And I loved Elder Nelson's quote about the big bang. That was soo good!
Working at the MTC would be so great, I'll look into that. I don't know where else I would work and I won't have much time to look before classes start. I could use help, Brock if you have any connections...
It would be incredible to get Friday's off of classes. I don't know if it's possible, but I would like as few classes as possible on Fridays.
You are superman for traveling so much and staying caught up.
So my new companion's name is Elder Villatoro. He's from Huehuetenango, Guatemala! He used to be evangelical, but the Book of Mormon had a huge impact on him. He has 10 months in the mission and is a very dedicated and fun missionary. I have been blessed with a stud companion from what it looks like so far and I am soooo thankful.
The zone had a lot of changes, 10 left! And 10 of the 23 current missionaries have less than 4 months in the mission! Kinda crazy.
Conference! We watched it in English in the High Council room. We had some technical problems, but got it all worked out pretty well. I absolutely loved it! I learned so much. President Eyring's first talk really hit me hard. It's been a hard six months, and that talk really spoke to me. I think one of my favorite parts was when Elder Holland finished his talk and said, 'Don't delay, it's getting late.' It was a powerful indication to me that time is ticking and we have so much to do before the end. So many people needed to hear that. The prophet's talks were also very inspiring. And I always love Elder Scott. He has such a personal way of speaking. I learned a lot from him.
What I thought coming away from General Conference...
Diligence to a daily routine is vital in our spiritual well being and progress. We can't give up on the little everyday things.
Trials are necessary. One time I asked the Lord to try me and help me learn humility. It was awful haha. I don't want to do it again, but after Elder Eyring's talk I feel like I shouldn't shy away from challenges. And fear is the opposite of faith.
I need to share the Gospel with people when I get home. Everyone does.
As I reflect on the past several months and the companions I've had, I realize just how important it is for me to look for an eternal companion who won't burn out. It gets so hard to keep things going when the other doesn't make an effort. On the other hand, when both are dedicated to working hard, they lift each other. Marriage and the family are way more important and profound than I currently understand and I need to remember that going into this next year of my life... weird to think about that. But cool.
Miracles come with faith and understanding. As we better understand the Priesthood, and the more righteous we are, the more miracles we will find. I need to study the Priesthood. I have so much to study still!
I also need to be more grateful.
Those are my unorganized spiritual thoughts and goals coming out of conference. I still need to review my notes.
Also, the Carabantes family, the way awesome one that got baptized in January and March, was in all sessions of Conference. We had a FHE with them last night and discussed what we learned. Helping a family like that to find the Gospel just helps me better understand my calling and the potential of a family. This is a marvelous work.
I love you guys so much. The future is so bright, even though it will be full of challenges. I'm excited for everything! Thank you for your love, faith, support, and examples. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey everybody!!!
April is going to be nuts. I simply can't believe how fast time is going. I can't keep track of things. It's really weird, but not in a bad way.
Thanks for all of the awesome emails. I need to thank you guys for writing me every week. I have never gone a week without an email and that is such a blessing. I love you guys.
Aubrey!
That's awful you all got sick... and twice!!! Terrible. I will totally let you cut my hair, I won't have any money to pay anywhere!! Paragliding sounds like the most epic anniversary celebration ever.. You guys are such an awesome couple. I don't like expressing that to a computer who will then relay the message to you, but I'm so excited to hang out with you guys. The holi festival! That thing is way fun and the pictures are awesome. Haha Brock is a stud. He looks skinny!
Brock!
Haha thanks for the heads up about the hahas! Haha! You were so right about the missionary hype. I would have been disappointed had it not been such an epic conference. I learned so much.
And what the heck, you all have seen Austin and I still haven't heard from him. Haley, thanks for his email address, ha I'll see what's up.
And your experience about fishing, that's kinda why I don't like fishing so much. About wind rivers... When I get back I'm going to be so exhausted, but I can't rest. I want some guy time in the mountains, so yes I would love to go to Wind Rivers. But I also want some time with Mom and Haley. I felt weird about the Wind Rivers AND flaming gorge thing cause I'm only gonna have three weeks and there's a lot I need to do at home, but I would love to go backpacking. But I also want some Mommy time and some sistah time.
Speaking of chess... Elder Munns beats me every time we play and it is sooo frustrating. I also want to get better. I accept your offer of apprenticeship.
Mom!! I got the box!!! Thank you so much, the pants are perfect, they fit great!
I, too, got really sad when conference ended. All of us were so depressed when it was over!
Easter here is different, it's an entire Holy Week. On Thursday and Friday the city will be emptied, everyone goes to the beach. It's as big as Christmas. So President has planned a Book of Mormon reading marathon with each zone. We have to try to do it 36 hours straight. The first zone to finish gets a prize. It's going to be so hard. No sleep and little time to eat. And President said we can't catch up on sleep afterwards... a little intense. I'm so tired already!!! We're probably gonna buy rubber balls to throw at each other when someone falls asleep. It'll be a lock-in in the chapel. Should be fun!
Ginger's allergies sound pretty epic! Kind of funny!
Good to hear that eggs are not so unhealthy! I was worried about that, I eat lots of eggs, but was worried about all the cholesterol, but I also wondered why God would make such a convenient so unhealthy. Haha I like your random thoughts!
Haley!
Thank you so much for the addresses. I haven't gotten any letters from Jonathan... which is awful, I've wanted to hear from him for forever!
Miracle doctor! Sounds awesome, but I must say I laughed when I read, 'she can fix my breathing problem, I forget how, but she can!' Hahahaha! I liked that line.
Yes, I saw Elder Archuletta. Where's he going? Hopefully Africa to prove he isn't a pretty boy with special privileges.
You are in my prayers.
Dad!
John and Erin caught me by surprise too!
And I loved Elder Nelson's quote about the big bang. That was soo good!
Working at the MTC would be so great, I'll look into that. I don't know where else I would work and I won't have much time to look before classes start. I could use help, Brock if you have any connections...
It would be incredible to get Friday's off of classes. I don't know if it's possible, but I would like as few classes as possible on Fridays.
You are superman for traveling so much and staying caught up.
So my new companion's name is Elder Villatoro. He's from Huehuetenango, Guatemala! He used to be evangelical, but the Book of Mormon had a huge impact on him. He has 10 months in the mission and is a very dedicated and fun missionary. I have been blessed with a stud companion from what it looks like so far and I am soooo thankful.
The zone had a lot of changes, 10 left! And 10 of the 23 current missionaries have less than 4 months in the mission! Kinda crazy.
Conference! We watched it in English in the High Council room. We had some technical problems, but got it all worked out pretty well. I absolutely loved it! I learned so much. President Eyring's first talk really hit me hard. It's been a hard six months, and that talk really spoke to me. I think one of my favorite parts was when Elder Holland finished his talk and said, 'Don't delay, it's getting late.' It was a powerful indication to me that time is ticking and we have so much to do before the end. So many people needed to hear that. The prophet's talks were also very inspiring. And I always love Elder Scott. He has such a personal way of speaking. I learned a lot from him.
What I thought coming away from General Conference...
Diligence to a daily routine is vital in our spiritual well being and progress. We can't give up on the little everyday things.
Trials are necessary. One time I asked the Lord to try me and help me learn humility. It was awful haha. I don't want to do it again, but after Elder Eyring's talk I feel like I shouldn't shy away from challenges. And fear is the opposite of faith.
I need to share the Gospel with people when I get home. Everyone does.
As I reflect on the past several months and the companions I've had, I realize just how important it is for me to look for an eternal companion who won't burn out. It gets so hard to keep things going when the other doesn't make an effort. On the other hand, when both are dedicated to working hard, they lift each other. Marriage and the family are way more important and profound than I currently understand and I need to remember that going into this next year of my life... weird to think about that. But cool.
Miracles come with faith and understanding. As we better understand the Priesthood, and the more righteous we are, the more miracles we will find. I need to study the Priesthood. I have so much to study still!
I also need to be more grateful.
Those are my unorganized spiritual thoughts and goals coming out of conference. I still need to review my notes.
Also, the Carabantes family, the way awesome one that got baptized in January and March, was in all sessions of Conference. We had a FHE with them last night and discussed what we learned. Helping a family like that to find the Gospel just helps me better understand my calling and the potential of a family. This is a marvelous work.
I love you guys so much. The future is so bright, even though it will be full of challenges. I'm excited for everything! Thank you for your love, faith, support, and examples. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Monday, March 26, 2012
A spiritual battleground
March 26, 2012
Everyone in the mission is in a very good mood, March was an incredible month. Our former record as a mission was 181 baptisms with 30 families or something like that. The mission goal since President came two years ago has been 250 baptisms with 40 families. We closed this month with 242 baptisms and 39 families! It has been amazing. Our zone set a new record and I honestly don't know why the Lord blessed so much. 26 people got baptized here in Coatepeque. I'm not sure that we deserve such huge blessings, but nevertheless, I am very thankful.
The mission is interesting as far as how much my eyes have been opened. My testimony has grown so so much. But at the same time I see and hear and find so many things that I just don't understand. Being in a place like the Guatemalan coast, where just about everybody attends a church, brings with it such a clash of ideologies and such confusion among the people. This week we contacted a kid that goes to an evangelical church. We explained a bit about the Restoration and testified of Jesus Christ as our Savior and then testified that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He said, 'well if you've received an answer from the Holy Ghost saying that he's a prophet, then he must have been a prophet.' He then went on to testify of the prophets he's seen and of their many miracles. 'I've seen them heal people on the verge of death, I've seen them cast out devils and preach with such power and holiness that I can't deny their holy callings as prophets of God.' I just wanted to transfer my understanding to this young man's mind so that he could understand the importance and reality of the Priesthood, of the order and perfection of the Kingdom of God, of the purity of Christ's doctrine, of the confusion that exists in the Christian world today. How can a man be a prophet of God if he prophecies that Christ was going to come on May 12th of last year? How can prophets have differences of doctrine? If there is one true and living God, how can there exists so many doctrines that supposedly lead to the same salvation when Christ Himself taught of the straight and narrow path?
'But what about the miracles?' thought the young man. 'What about the feeling I get as this pastor controls the Spirit in such a way as to keep at bay the demons that try to enter the church and disrupt the meeting? What about all that? The healings?'
The adversary has become a master of stimulation and pleasing the carnal mind. Sometimes this place can be such a frustrating environment to teach in. This part of the world is a spiritual battleground and people see so many things that confirm their belief in God. But the hard part is directing that belief into a faith in Jesus Christ, not a faith in their pastor, their church, or the traditions of their family.
So this week was kind of tough. My companion hit a brick wall of exhaustion and trunkiness and it took it's toll on us both. I realized that I only have four months left and it weirded me out. I'm pretty tired and I look forward to changes, but it will be weird to see Elder Cortez go. He's taught me a lot and it's been a good three months.
I am posting some sweet pictures. Last week we went to a waterfall in Colomba and today we went to the beach again. Some good solid P-days.
Mom! I love the idea of a picture in my room. I'll look for one I like. Also, that's crazy about ward boundary changes! Sounds kind of fun actually. The note you sent me after your main email... sounds like a good idea to pray about it.
Haley!
Haha John told me about his engagement!! WHOOOOAAAAA! I'm so excited for them. And Alyssa too! Wow! And how's Micah doing? Your email cracked me up haha dreaming about Chris Brown...
Dad!
I dunno how you do it with all that traveling. Sounds like a really exhausting schedule. The shopping and driving in China sound a lot like here. I could get a tailored suit for about 1000 Quetzales (120 dollars) and all kinds of cool stuff haha. I've seen some missionaries get suits tailored with a Guatemalan flag as the inside material. Pretty fly.
Mom, I love this picture of the Quetzaltenango temple. I dunno if it's official or not. But if you could get a print of it, I would absolutely love it. It's on this page: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/public-invited-quetzaltenango-guatemala-temple-open-house
Well this week should have some new changes. Thank you guys for writing me every week. I really am grateful for that. It's so good to hear from you.
I love you guys so much. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Everyone in the mission is in a very good mood, March was an incredible month. Our former record as a mission was 181 baptisms with 30 families or something like that. The mission goal since President came two years ago has been 250 baptisms with 40 families. We closed this month with 242 baptisms and 39 families! It has been amazing. Our zone set a new record and I honestly don't know why the Lord blessed so much. 26 people got baptized here in Coatepeque. I'm not sure that we deserve such huge blessings, but nevertheless, I am very thankful.
The mission is interesting as far as how much my eyes have been opened. My testimony has grown so so much. But at the same time I see and hear and find so many things that I just don't understand. Being in a place like the Guatemalan coast, where just about everybody attends a church, brings with it such a clash of ideologies and such confusion among the people. This week we contacted a kid that goes to an evangelical church. We explained a bit about the Restoration and testified of Jesus Christ as our Savior and then testified that Joseph Smith was a prophet. He said, 'well if you've received an answer from the Holy Ghost saying that he's a prophet, then he must have been a prophet.' He then went on to testify of the prophets he's seen and of their many miracles. 'I've seen them heal people on the verge of death, I've seen them cast out devils and preach with such power and holiness that I can't deny their holy callings as prophets of God.' I just wanted to transfer my understanding to this young man's mind so that he could understand the importance and reality of the Priesthood, of the order and perfection of the Kingdom of God, of the purity of Christ's doctrine, of the confusion that exists in the Christian world today. How can a man be a prophet of God if he prophecies that Christ was going to come on May 12th of last year? How can prophets have differences of doctrine? If there is one true and living God, how can there exists so many doctrines that supposedly lead to the same salvation when Christ Himself taught of the straight and narrow path?
'But what about the miracles?' thought the young man. 'What about the feeling I get as this pastor controls the Spirit in such a way as to keep at bay the demons that try to enter the church and disrupt the meeting? What about all that? The healings?'
The adversary has become a master of stimulation and pleasing the carnal mind. Sometimes this place can be such a frustrating environment to teach in. This part of the world is a spiritual battleground and people see so many things that confirm their belief in God. But the hard part is directing that belief into a faith in Jesus Christ, not a faith in their pastor, their church, or the traditions of their family.
So this week was kind of tough. My companion hit a brick wall of exhaustion and trunkiness and it took it's toll on us both. I realized that I only have four months left and it weirded me out. I'm pretty tired and I look forward to changes, but it will be weird to see Elder Cortez go. He's taught me a lot and it's been a good three months.
I am posting some sweet pictures. Last week we went to a waterfall in Colomba and today we went to the beach again. Some good solid P-days.
Mom! I love the idea of a picture in my room. I'll look for one I like. Also, that's crazy about ward boundary changes! Sounds kind of fun actually. The note you sent me after your main email... sounds like a good idea to pray about it.
Haley!
Haha John told me about his engagement!! WHOOOOAAAAA! I'm so excited for them. And Alyssa too! Wow! And how's Micah doing? Your email cracked me up haha dreaming about Chris Brown...
Dad!
I dunno how you do it with all that traveling. Sounds like a really exhausting schedule. The shopping and driving in China sound a lot like here. I could get a tailored suit for about 1000 Quetzales (120 dollars) and all kinds of cool stuff haha. I've seen some missionaries get suits tailored with a Guatemalan flag as the inside material. Pretty fly.
Mom, I love this picture of the Quetzaltenango temple. I dunno if it's official or not. But if you could get a print of it, I would absolutely love it. It's on this page: http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/public-invited-quetzaltenango-guatemala-temple-open-house
Well this week should have some new changes. Thank you guys for writing me every week. I really am grateful for that. It's so good to hear from you.
I love you guys so much. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
I love these people so much!
March 17, 2012
Mom, it's ironic you asked about my health haha! I got hit with the flu or a cold or I dunno what this week. I'm better now, but it was a good one! Now Elder Munns and Elder Cortez are getting it. I think half the world down here is sick.
Today we were coming back to Coatepeque from Colomba after hiking to a waterfall (awesome P-day activity) and the bus driver was listening to an evangelical pastor on the radio. Out of nowhere the pastor bashed the mormons. We were in shorts and t-shirts because of the hike, so nobody recognized us as the mormon missionaries haha. I waited for one of the other missionaries to open there mouth and correct the pastor. After five minutes, I opened my mouth and testified to everyone in the little bus about our beliefs and explained that the pastor was dead wrong. I felt better after that, but it still makes me cringe to think that if I hadn't said anything, would any of those other missionaries said anything? ???
Ahh hahaha sorry I'm frustrated.
Anyways, boundary changes in the ward!! That's interesting, Mom, let me know how that goes! And good luck with starting up the busy routine this week! Speaking of being alone, I wonder what it will be like not having a companion 24/7. Kind of weirds me out. I can't relate to being home alone, but that does not sound fun at all. At least you've got the beastly watch dog to protect you!
Dad, your experience with the electronics adapter was pretty funny. Reminds me of some experiences we've had here. My Spanish is sufficient to carry on a conversation with just about any Guatemalteco, but sometimes I meet people who look at me and can't understand me at all. They see my white skin and green eyes and assume I can't speak a lick of Spanish. When I speak, their mouth just hangs open and they nod. They don't understand me! hahaha it cracks me up, but I feel weird when that happens. I ask them a question and they just nod. What's your name? Head nod..
I love the idea of not telling anyone that I'm leaving till the last night. I try doing that, I just tell people I have a little over a year in the mission when they ask me. But whatever missionary I'm with somehow knows that I have 19 months and laughs and says, 'no, tell em the truth!' Haha I can't keep a secret that isn't a secret i guess.
Brock, that's sad what you mentioned. Really sad.
Sounds like Aubrey's gonna be way busy soon! She'll do great though. That will be tough, but way cool. Glad to hear you guys are doing so well.
Haha your little baggy comments about backpacking and what not are awesome.
HALEY!
Sounds like you had a mix between my first and second times to DisneyWorld. Write down all the cool stuff that happened. Sorry you got sick!
Yes, the animals on Splash Mountain are the funniest. And yeah the night parade was way cool with all the lighted floats and stuff. Did you ride Space Mountain? Good to hear you loved rockin rollercoaster and tower of terror.
Sounds like Invisible Children is just exploding. That's awesome! Oh, and tips as far as sharing the Gospel with friends... Just do it. Pray about who you should talk to and set goals. For example: this week I am going to present a Book of Mormon to so and so. Or for the rest of the school year I am going to invite one new person every week to church. Do it! Just invite. If they say no, who cares. It won't be that awkward. And if it is, then who cares. There's a quote by Elder Eyring that says this about our nonmember friends and neighbors....
One day they will know what you know now. They will also know that you knew it now and will ask why you didn't share it with them when you were together.
It's something like that. But in the grand scheme of things it's so worth the effort to open our mouths and share the good news of the Gospel. Just invite. Invite and invite. There are so many activities in the church that are so good for that. 'Have you ever wondered what a Mormon baptism is like? No? Oh, well would you like to go to one? There's gonna be food and it'll be a really cool experience that you won't find anywhere else!' Haha! Perfect. Not perfect, but good enough. Gosh, why didn't I do that in high school?
So I've had a few testimony builders lately. A recent convert, who I've mentioned before, David, was talking to us the other night. We were teaching his son. He said that he had been unemployed for about a year when we started teaching him. He said a couple weeks after his baptism, a company came to him to offer him a job. This is after he had diligently searched for a year! This is a company that has it's future clients go to the capital to interview, but they did an interview here in Coatepeque just for him! And they hired him a week later! That doesn't happen in Guatemala, especially in the current economic crisis. That just doesn't happen he said. That is a blessing from God that came in response to my faith and obedience. I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. So cool.
There's another lady who I've also mentioned, Maria Elena. She is a member, but was inactive. Her husband took off for the States a few months ago. She lives pretty far away from the church and made the effort to go to church one Sunday. We started to visit her, her kids got baptized and she kept coming. She used to sell tamales and tacos every night (door to door on foot and carrying her baby on her back). She would get home at 10 oclock at night, wake up at 6 to go to the market to buy supplies for the next day's sale, make the food, clean the house, make food for the kids, and go sell again. The same thing every day. But she gave up the sale on Sundays so she could go to church. One day an acquaintance of hers told her she had a bunch of boxes of good quality women's shoes from Mexico and she wanted to give them to Maria Elena to sell them. Then with the profit she could buy more shoes and start that as a business. The other night we saw her selling her shoes, wearing her own shoes, but also wearing nice pants with a fancy blouse and vest. She now has time to care for her family and get things done around the house. That also never happens here. People here kill for such opportunities. She got it 'for free and out of nowhere', but she knows that they are all blessings of obedience.
I love these people so much. They have so much faith amid such a filthy environment. This place is a dump of wickedness and trash. But here and there we find people of such faith and love for the Lord. It really is remarkable. The Lord prepares them and sends us to find them and help them find the truth. So cool.
Well I gotta go. I love you guys so much. Thanks for writing so diligently. Have an awesome week.
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Mom, it's ironic you asked about my health haha! I got hit with the flu or a cold or I dunno what this week. I'm better now, but it was a good one! Now Elder Munns and Elder Cortez are getting it. I think half the world down here is sick.
Today we were coming back to Coatepeque from Colomba after hiking to a waterfall (awesome P-day activity) and the bus driver was listening to an evangelical pastor on the radio. Out of nowhere the pastor bashed the mormons. We were in shorts and t-shirts because of the hike, so nobody recognized us as the mormon missionaries haha. I waited for one of the other missionaries to open there mouth and correct the pastor. After five minutes, I opened my mouth and testified to everyone in the little bus about our beliefs and explained that the pastor was dead wrong. I felt better after that, but it still makes me cringe to think that if I hadn't said anything, would any of those other missionaries said anything? ???
Ahh hahaha sorry I'm frustrated.
Anyways, boundary changes in the ward!! That's interesting, Mom, let me know how that goes! And good luck with starting up the busy routine this week! Speaking of being alone, I wonder what it will be like not having a companion 24/7. Kind of weirds me out. I can't relate to being home alone, but that does not sound fun at all. At least you've got the beastly watch dog to protect you!
Dad, your experience with the electronics adapter was pretty funny. Reminds me of some experiences we've had here. My Spanish is sufficient to carry on a conversation with just about any Guatemalteco, but sometimes I meet people who look at me and can't understand me at all. They see my white skin and green eyes and assume I can't speak a lick of Spanish. When I speak, their mouth just hangs open and they nod. They don't understand me! hahaha it cracks me up, but I feel weird when that happens. I ask them a question and they just nod. What's your name? Head nod..
I love the idea of not telling anyone that I'm leaving till the last night. I try doing that, I just tell people I have a little over a year in the mission when they ask me. But whatever missionary I'm with somehow knows that I have 19 months and laughs and says, 'no, tell em the truth!' Haha I can't keep a secret that isn't a secret i guess.
Brock, that's sad what you mentioned. Really sad.
Sounds like Aubrey's gonna be way busy soon! She'll do great though. That will be tough, but way cool. Glad to hear you guys are doing so well.
Haha your little baggy comments about backpacking and what not are awesome.
HALEY!
Sounds like you had a mix between my first and second times to DisneyWorld. Write down all the cool stuff that happened. Sorry you got sick!
Yes, the animals on Splash Mountain are the funniest. And yeah the night parade was way cool with all the lighted floats and stuff. Did you ride Space Mountain? Good to hear you loved rockin rollercoaster and tower of terror.
Sounds like Invisible Children is just exploding. That's awesome! Oh, and tips as far as sharing the Gospel with friends... Just do it. Pray about who you should talk to and set goals. For example: this week I am going to present a Book of Mormon to so and so. Or for the rest of the school year I am going to invite one new person every week to church. Do it! Just invite. If they say no, who cares. It won't be that awkward. And if it is, then who cares. There's a quote by Elder Eyring that says this about our nonmember friends and neighbors....
One day they will know what you know now. They will also know that you knew it now and will ask why you didn't share it with them when you were together.
It's something like that. But in the grand scheme of things it's so worth the effort to open our mouths and share the good news of the Gospel. Just invite. Invite and invite. There are so many activities in the church that are so good for that. 'Have you ever wondered what a Mormon baptism is like? No? Oh, well would you like to go to one? There's gonna be food and it'll be a really cool experience that you won't find anywhere else!' Haha! Perfect. Not perfect, but good enough. Gosh, why didn't I do that in high school?
So I've had a few testimony builders lately. A recent convert, who I've mentioned before, David, was talking to us the other night. We were teaching his son. He said that he had been unemployed for about a year when we started teaching him. He said a couple weeks after his baptism, a company came to him to offer him a job. This is after he had diligently searched for a year! This is a company that has it's future clients go to the capital to interview, but they did an interview here in Coatepeque just for him! And they hired him a week later! That doesn't happen in Guatemala, especially in the current economic crisis. That just doesn't happen he said. That is a blessing from God that came in response to my faith and obedience. I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. So cool.
There's another lady who I've also mentioned, Maria Elena. She is a member, but was inactive. Her husband took off for the States a few months ago. She lives pretty far away from the church and made the effort to go to church one Sunday. We started to visit her, her kids got baptized and she kept coming. She used to sell tamales and tacos every night (door to door on foot and carrying her baby on her back). She would get home at 10 oclock at night, wake up at 6 to go to the market to buy supplies for the next day's sale, make the food, clean the house, make food for the kids, and go sell again. The same thing every day. But she gave up the sale on Sundays so she could go to church. One day an acquaintance of hers told her she had a bunch of boxes of good quality women's shoes from Mexico and she wanted to give them to Maria Elena to sell them. Then with the profit she could buy more shoes and start that as a business. The other night we saw her selling her shoes, wearing her own shoes, but also wearing nice pants with a fancy blouse and vest. She now has time to care for her family and get things done around the house. That also never happens here. People here kill for such opportunities. She got it 'for free and out of nowhere', but she knows that they are all blessings of obedience.
I love these people so much. They have so much faith amid such a filthy environment. This place is a dump of wickedness and trash. But here and there we find people of such faith and love for the Lord. It really is remarkable. The Lord prepares them and sends us to find them and help them find the truth. So cool.
Well I gotta go. I love you guys so much. Thanks for writing so diligently. Have an awesome week.
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
"I love the Savior, but......". The importance of missionary work
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hello everyone,
Haha I barely got to read your emails! Sounds like some fun stuff happening with spring break! Haley in Disney World! Wooooooo! Ah I hope she just loves it. Dad, good luck in Korea. Are there many similarities between Japanese and Korean culture? That's good the Ishmael are doing well.
Mom, I got the package you sent me with the cookies!!! Thank you sooo much! They were sooo good. I received it after a meeting we had in Reu. After the conference we were getting things at the mission office and it started to rain really hard. So we hunkered down in the office with the APs and secretaries and ate cookies. It was awesome.
The picture you sent me of Ginger made me laugh. What a pork haha! To answer your questiong, I'm doing well! I need to get back into the routine of working out every day, that's kind of killing me right now. But things are good. We fasted as a zone and things are really picking up. Elder Cortez is tired, but hanging in there! He cracks me up haha it'll be weird to see him go. We do have a conference coming up soon, that should be good.
On Tuesday we had a leadership conference with President and it was great. He sets it up like a business meeting, he kind of runs the mission like a business in a way. He's really good at it. But we met in a conference room that he was in four years ago with an organization he's involved with. He shared some very special experiences that happened there.
The conference was kind of tough because we didn't do too well last month. My companion took most of the heat because he's senior zone leader haha. But my eyebrows got singed a little haha. Thankfully we are being blessed this month and we're working hard.
Last night there was a leadership training meeting for the stake and we had planned something special. President came down and showed a video of Elder Holland in the MTC. Afterwards President spoke about missionary work. All of the stake and ward leaders were present. In the video, Elder Holland tells the story of Peter after Christ's resurrection, how he didn't really know what to do. He went back to doing what he had done before, fishing. Then one morning they recognize the Savior on the shore. Peter jumps off the boat to get to him. The Savior was waiting for them with a meal prepared. He asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter replies yes. Christ repeats the question and Peter a little bothered and uncomfortable, responds yes. But the third time Christ asks sternly, reminding Peter that he denied Him three times. And that is when Peter became the great apostle. I can't imagine the anguish that Peter felt as the Lord gave him that opportunity to repent for his denial. But then He tells Peter to feed His sheep.
After the video President got up and spoke about how he knows how everyone in the congregation loves the Savior. But He said, 'This is something I just don't understand! I love the Savior, but I didn't invite anyone to His church this morning. I love the Savior, but I haven't shared that love with anyone lately. I love the Savior, but I refuse to share His Gospel with my neighbor. I love the Savior, but I don't reach out to that less active member because I don't like him/her. How are we to love the Savior if we are unwilling to feed His sheep?'.
After that he asked everyone to give referrals. We received 100 referrals for the zone!
It was pretty powerful.
Well, I gotta go. I got my release plan today, that's a little weird. Oh and I ttalked to Elder Smith about the email he sent you guys regarding my release date haha. I told him my mom cried and he felt bad. Haha but then I told him not to worry about it and he was fine. Hahaha it was really funny.
How are Brock and Aubrey?
Love you guys a ton! Have an awesome spring break! And tell everyone I say hey!
lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hello everyone,
Haha I barely got to read your emails! Sounds like some fun stuff happening with spring break! Haley in Disney World! Wooooooo! Ah I hope she just loves it. Dad, good luck in Korea. Are there many similarities between Japanese and Korean culture? That's good the Ishmael are doing well.
Mom, I got the package you sent me with the cookies!!! Thank you sooo much! They were sooo good. I received it after a meeting we had in Reu. After the conference we were getting things at the mission office and it started to rain really hard. So we hunkered down in the office with the APs and secretaries and ate cookies. It was awesome.
The picture you sent me of Ginger made me laugh. What a pork haha! To answer your questiong, I'm doing well! I need to get back into the routine of working out every day, that's kind of killing me right now. But things are good. We fasted as a zone and things are really picking up. Elder Cortez is tired, but hanging in there! He cracks me up haha it'll be weird to see him go. We do have a conference coming up soon, that should be good.
On Tuesday we had a leadership conference with President and it was great. He sets it up like a business meeting, he kind of runs the mission like a business in a way. He's really good at it. But we met in a conference room that he was in four years ago with an organization he's involved with. He shared some very special experiences that happened there.
The conference was kind of tough because we didn't do too well last month. My companion took most of the heat because he's senior zone leader haha. But my eyebrows got singed a little haha. Thankfully we are being blessed this month and we're working hard.
Last night there was a leadership training meeting for the stake and we had planned something special. President came down and showed a video of Elder Holland in the MTC. Afterwards President spoke about missionary work. All of the stake and ward leaders were present. In the video, Elder Holland tells the story of Peter after Christ's resurrection, how he didn't really know what to do. He went back to doing what he had done before, fishing. Then one morning they recognize the Savior on the shore. Peter jumps off the boat to get to him. The Savior was waiting for them with a meal prepared. He asks Peter if he loves Him. Peter replies yes. Christ repeats the question and Peter a little bothered and uncomfortable, responds yes. But the third time Christ asks sternly, reminding Peter that he denied Him three times. And that is when Peter became the great apostle. I can't imagine the anguish that Peter felt as the Lord gave him that opportunity to repent for his denial. But then He tells Peter to feed His sheep.
After the video President got up and spoke about how he knows how everyone in the congregation loves the Savior. But He said, 'This is something I just don't understand! I love the Savior, but I didn't invite anyone to His church this morning. I love the Savior, but I haven't shared that love with anyone lately. I love the Savior, but I refuse to share His Gospel with my neighbor. I love the Savior, but I don't reach out to that less active member because I don't like him/her. How are we to love the Savior if we are unwilling to feed His sheep?'.
After that he asked everyone to give referrals. We received 100 referrals for the zone!
It was pretty powerful.
Well, I gotta go. I got my release plan today, that's a little weird. Oh and I ttalked to Elder Smith about the email he sent you guys regarding my release date haha. I told him my mom cried and he felt bad. Haha but then I told him not to worry about it and he was fine. Hahaha it was really funny.
How are Brock and Aubrey?
Love you guys a ton! Have an awesome spring break! And tell everyone I say hey!
lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Service...a fundamental part of spirituality
March 5, 2012
Hi everyone,
Spring break! Have fun on the few days off that yalls get. That will be nice to have a quick break. Haley, have an awesome time at Disney World.
Mom! Getting time with President is kind of hard, but he does it to the zone leaders on purpose. He's wayyyyy cool with all the missionaries, but really hard on the zone leaders. I think it's his method of urging us to rely more on the Savior than on him. I think things with housing are squared away. I know the apartment is officially ours, so no worries there. Still haven’t heard from Austin
Pants would probably be good. I’m like a 33 waste and a 33/34 length. Black, blue, and/or gray are fine. I have two pairs that are fine and my suit pants are fine. So maybe three pairs would be perfect. Thank you! Also, I’m going to try to find some shirts here, they sell good brands like Arrow in some places, but my collars are wearing out. Also, my scripture case broke. So frustrating! Coatepeque is ruining all my things and the rainy season hasn't even started yet haha ahhhh. No, it's more like have 19 months in the mission. Hahaha whoa.
Thank you for your prayers, I can honestly feel them.
Dad, that is such a bumber (haha bummer) that nobody could go skiing with you! I totally would have.
This morning in the newspaper we saw an article from Warren Jeffs, the perverted criminal leader of the fundamentalist church. He sent an article from jail to all of Mexico declaring that the Lord has commanded them to repent. He's been doing this all over the place apparently because he claims that the Second Coming is almost here. Unfortunately 90 percent of Guatemalans (the other 10 percent are Mormons haha) are going to mistake the 'Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' with the true 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'. But the truth with continue to roll forth boldly, nobly, and independent.
The soccer ball idea- sounds good to me, but I am not allowed to contact him to ask him to do it. If he could send me an email or something we'll see how to work that out.
Speaking of scripture study and prayers and service, President Maravilla was asked awhile back to do a study on the things that make an RM go cold. He said that almost all returned missionaries continue to read the scriptures and pray every day. But they do it out of habit. Many stop reading with the Spirit, they stop looking for revelation. But that isn't the real cause of their inactivity. He said it's a lack of service. They may have a calling at church, but it's nothing like the mission. They stop visiting the people who are in need. They lose that and oftentimes don't know how to keep it going after the mission (or they forget that they should). That kind of scared me because I realized that although I have plans to study the scriptures intensely and have a schedule so that I can keep my spiritual routine going, I forgot that service is a fundamental part of spirituality. I'm glad I heard him talk about it because I wouldn't have remembered otherwise. That goes in line with what you mentioned.
So the zone still hasn't crawled out of the hole we fell in. We're struggling with reaching our goals, really struggling. I think we just weren't prepared spiritually for Lucifer's latest attack. But there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
This week I went on exchanges with Elder Munns, he's a district leader in the zone. He's one of the most down to earth guys I've met in the mission and it was so great to be with somebody who I can work hard with and also relate to. We are pretty sure we're related somehow. But that was cool to have some bro time and have the same goals and desires to work hard. My companion is hanging in there, he's on his last three weeks, but it's hard for him to care much. I'm trying to motivate him, he already knows. But we'll see if a few kicks in the pants with help this week.
Well my time is running out. I love you guys a ton, sorry this email isn't as long, I had to send some stuff to the stake president and that ate up some of my time. I love you guys so much! Have an awesome Spring Break. Dad stay safe overseas. Mom, I love you! Brock and Aubrey you guys rock. Haley have a blast.
Love you all,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hi everyone,
Spring break! Have fun on the few days off that yalls get. That will be nice to have a quick break. Haley, have an awesome time at Disney World.
Mom! Getting time with President is kind of hard, but he does it to the zone leaders on purpose. He's wayyyyy cool with all the missionaries, but really hard on the zone leaders. I think it's his method of urging us to rely more on the Savior than on him. I think things with housing are squared away. I know the apartment is officially ours, so no worries there. Still haven’t heard from Austin
Pants would probably be good. I’m like a 33 waste and a 33/34 length. Black, blue, and/or gray are fine. I have two pairs that are fine and my suit pants are fine. So maybe three pairs would be perfect. Thank you! Also, I’m going to try to find some shirts here, they sell good brands like Arrow in some places, but my collars are wearing out. Also, my scripture case broke. So frustrating! Coatepeque is ruining all my things and the rainy season hasn't even started yet haha ahhhh. No, it's more like have 19 months in the mission. Hahaha whoa.
Thank you for your prayers, I can honestly feel them.
Dad, that is such a bumber (haha bummer) that nobody could go skiing with you! I totally would have.
This morning in the newspaper we saw an article from Warren Jeffs, the perverted criminal leader of the fundamentalist church. He sent an article from jail to all of Mexico declaring that the Lord has commanded them to repent. He's been doing this all over the place apparently because he claims that the Second Coming is almost here. Unfortunately 90 percent of Guatemalans (the other 10 percent are Mormons haha) are going to mistake the 'Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' with the true 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints'. But the truth with continue to roll forth boldly, nobly, and independent.
The soccer ball idea- sounds good to me, but I am not allowed to contact him to ask him to do it. If he could send me an email or something we'll see how to work that out.
Speaking of scripture study and prayers and service, President Maravilla was asked awhile back to do a study on the things that make an RM go cold. He said that almost all returned missionaries continue to read the scriptures and pray every day. But they do it out of habit. Many stop reading with the Spirit, they stop looking for revelation. But that isn't the real cause of their inactivity. He said it's a lack of service. They may have a calling at church, but it's nothing like the mission. They stop visiting the people who are in need. They lose that and oftentimes don't know how to keep it going after the mission (or they forget that they should). That kind of scared me because I realized that although I have plans to study the scriptures intensely and have a schedule so that I can keep my spiritual routine going, I forgot that service is a fundamental part of spirituality. I'm glad I heard him talk about it because I wouldn't have remembered otherwise. That goes in line with what you mentioned.
So the zone still hasn't crawled out of the hole we fell in. We're struggling with reaching our goals, really struggling. I think we just weren't prepared spiritually for Lucifer's latest attack. But there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
This week I went on exchanges with Elder Munns, he's a district leader in the zone. He's one of the most down to earth guys I've met in the mission and it was so great to be with somebody who I can work hard with and also relate to. We are pretty sure we're related somehow. But that was cool to have some bro time and have the same goals and desires to work hard. My companion is hanging in there, he's on his last three weeks, but it's hard for him to care much. I'm trying to motivate him, he already knows. But we'll see if a few kicks in the pants with help this week.
Well my time is running out. I love you guys a ton, sorry this email isn't as long, I had to send some stuff to the stake president and that ate up some of my time. I love you guys so much! Have an awesome Spring Break. Dad stay safe overseas. Mom, I love you! Brock and Aubrey you guys rock. Haley have a blast.
Love you all,
Elder Austin Tyler
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
One of those tough weeks....
February 27, 2012
Hello family!
So it was one of those tough weeks. The zone just fell apart and we're trying to pick up the pieces. But it's alllll good. Things will work out!
That's a little harsh getting an email saying I'd be home in June haha. So to answer your questions, Saul was able to go to church yesterday and he's progressing. The elders over there have been visiting him regularly and he's still excited about everything. I'm not sure if Elder Molina has a guarantor in the States, I'll see him tomorrow I think and I'll ask him.
We got egged!!! That's terrible! Reminds me of the time when we got egged like six or seven years ago. Haha that was so lame. And Mom, I'm sorry you had to clean it up. Regarding the time between when I get back and when I go to school, I'm down for vacations, I hope I didn't ruin any official plans. I just hope we can have some time at home. But I think a Christmas trip would be awesome.
Maybe we could do a cruise.
I wish I could've done something like that mini-missionary activity, sounds pretty fun!
Haley, hang in there with school and everything.
So I still haven't heard from Austin. And how's Elder Leonard?
Soccer privileges were taken away again. But today I went with Elder Munns (way chill guy) to Megapaca (a Guatemalan warehouse full of donated clothes) and we bought some crazy stuff. I was looking for some pants because my pants are wearing out a bit. But I could only find one pair that kind of fit. We'll try again next week maybe.
This week we had interviews with President and I was looking forward to that. But interviews as zone leaders are way different and really lame. It was about twenty seconds long. Then he called in my comp and we talked about the zone. I was super bummed haha.
But it's all good.
So last night we were walking home to study (we hadn't had the chance to study all day) and we heard in English, 'Elders! Come over here!' It was the couple missionaries that were visiting the future missionaries of our stake to do dental exams! Haha they fed us dinner and we talked for a bit. Elder and Sister Call from Denver and Elder and Sister Johnson from Spanish Fork. The Call's know Keith VanTassel and Mark Crane! That was cool to talk about haha. They are here for a year and a half I think. They cover all of Central America and are very busy. But they get to see all kinds of cool stuff. They asked if there was any historical stuff to see around here before they head back. Unfortunately no, we don't have anything like that. The coolest thing is the beach. Speaking of which, I posted pictures!
Well I gotta get off. Love you guys so much!
Have an awesome week.
Mom, I love you.
Elder Austin Tyler
Hello family!
So it was one of those tough weeks. The zone just fell apart and we're trying to pick up the pieces. But it's alllll good. Things will work out!
That's a little harsh getting an email saying I'd be home in June haha. So to answer your questions, Saul was able to go to church yesterday and he's progressing. The elders over there have been visiting him regularly and he's still excited about everything. I'm not sure if Elder Molina has a guarantor in the States, I'll see him tomorrow I think and I'll ask him.
We got egged!!! That's terrible! Reminds me of the time when we got egged like six or seven years ago. Haha that was so lame. And Mom, I'm sorry you had to clean it up. Regarding the time between when I get back and when I go to school, I'm down for vacations, I hope I didn't ruin any official plans. I just hope we can have some time at home. But I think a Christmas trip would be awesome.
Maybe we could do a cruise.
I wish I could've done something like that mini-missionary activity, sounds pretty fun!
Haley, hang in there with school and everything.
So I still haven't heard from Austin. And how's Elder Leonard?
Soccer privileges were taken away again. But today I went with Elder Munns (way chill guy) to Megapaca (a Guatemalan warehouse full of donated clothes) and we bought some crazy stuff. I was looking for some pants because my pants are wearing out a bit. But I could only find one pair that kind of fit. We'll try again next week maybe.
This week we had interviews with President and I was looking forward to that. But interviews as zone leaders are way different and really lame. It was about twenty seconds long. Then he called in my comp and we talked about the zone. I was super bummed haha.
But it's all good.
So last night we were walking home to study (we hadn't had the chance to study all day) and we heard in English, 'Elders! Come over here!' It was the couple missionaries that were visiting the future missionaries of our stake to do dental exams! Haha they fed us dinner and we talked for a bit. Elder and Sister Call from Denver and Elder and Sister Johnson from Spanish Fork. The Call's know Keith VanTassel and Mark Crane! That was cool to talk about haha. They are here for a year and a half I think. They cover all of Central America and are very busy. But they get to see all kinds of cool stuff. They asked if there was any historical stuff to see around here before they head back. Unfortunately no, we don't have anything like that. The coolest thing is the beach. Speaking of which, I posted pictures!
Well I gotta get off. Love you guys so much!
Have an awesome week.
Mom, I love you.
Elder Austin Tyler
One of the most powerful moments of my life
February 20, 2012
Family!
They're ENGAGED!!!??? Shoot, if I had an address or email to write Austin I would probably congratulate him, but too bad I haven't heard a thing from him! But I can't lie, that's awesome.
Okay, you guys, lots of stuff to write. First of all, that sunset or sunrise that you sent me Dad, way cool. The view from the house looks awesome.
Okay, so to start, we are in Apartment number 9, it's a four person large and it should be 309 per month. Sorry Elder Molina was way busy this week, I think he spent like four days up in San Marcos on divisions and stuff. Haha sounds like they have issues up there. Good thing I'm down here in super awesome Coatepeque. I really am liking it here, just kind of tough as far as getting people to progress. I think I'm hitting like the senior year stage of the mission, tired of the immaturity and routine, but enjoying it all the same. Always with the desire to finish strong (hard when my comp is on his last transfer haha).
Brock, don't worry about not writing! You're way stinking busy and before we know it we'll have tons of time just talk without a computer screen and thousands of miles between us. JOHN AND ERIN ARE DATING??? Hahahaha that makes me happy. Random, but cool. And Rinna is going on a mission! Way cool. She will be a great missionary. The story you wrote sounds so cool, honestly you are probably the most creative person I know. It's funny to hear your commentary on the ridiculous aspects of BYU culture, haha brings back memories. Glad to hear youre rocking calc and enjoying school. You and your wife are awesome.
Dad, your new calling! I remember Brother Myatt saying that being with the teachers is the best.
I got something figured out so I can study better. I got a New Testament manual and a new Bible to keep me on somewhat of a structured schedule. It's helping. Haha and speaking of dehydration....
On Saturday we went to do a service project on this little mountain. We had to haul big planks of wood up there and stuff. Randomly, I got the biggest allergy attack of my life, I have no idea what caused it. My allergies almost never bother me here. But I was sneezing and wheezing for like three hours straight. On top of that I was sweating. That combined with the intense workout of hauling all that stuff. It destroyed me haha! I hit the fluids when we got back, but it resulted in some stomach problems. Haha made for a rough weekend, but I'm all good now. I was getting arrogant about how healthy I've been for so long. It was time. ha
Mom! Sounds like your calling is pretty time consuming, but it sounds like you're doing great! Hang in there! As far as my itinerary (sp?) I think I will be getting home on Thursday night the first week of August. To be honest, thinking about Wind Rivers and Flaming Gorge and school at the end of August... I'm up for it, but I would love some time at home just to chill and watch movies and eat food and go running in the mornings. I think I'll only have three weeks or so. Like I say, I'm up for anything, just as long as there's a few days to hang.
Speaking of vacations, anyone want to visit Guatemala? Not for when I get back, but maybe Christmas time or next summer? Just an idea. It could be cheap and really cool.
Oh and Mom and Haley, have an awesome day off! I love you guys!
I just got Haley's email. CONGRATS ON PRES! That's so cool, I'm glad you decided to run, that will be good for the group. And I love hearing about StuBo retreat, that was always a special one. Looks like Sadies was fun!
So real quick...
This week I went on exchanges in Colomba, the chilliest place in the zone, up in the mountains a little bit. We visited a guy named Saul that had been evangelical, but realized his pastor was not called by God. He actually got in a fist fight with the pastor for some things that went down. But he left that church and decided to do some research. He concluded that either the Catholics or the Mormons were right. But then he said the Catholics don't have good fruits and the Lord said, By their fruits ye shall know them... He wanted to learn more. The Elders hadn't challenged him to be baptized (I have no idea why), but we started to talk about the Plan of Salvation, they had left a pamphlet about it. I felt like we should talk about something else. I explained to him that he had received a logical answer about Christ's church, but he lacked the spiritual confirmation. He said, 'yes! That's what I've been looking for, I need that.' We started to read the Book of Mormon. I explained to him that he already knew the Bible was true. We read Moroni 10:4-5 and I invited him to kneel down right there and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. He did it. He offered a very sincere and powerful prayer. The Spirit was so strong. Even though the building we were in was full of people and moments before it had been loud, it felt like we were the only people there. After the prayer, we remained on bended knee. I asked Saul what he felt in his heart. He said, 'It's something new for sure, it's like a peaceful feeling, but it's a powerful sort of peace. Look, it's causing my legs to shake!' I testified to him that it was an answer to His prayer and that it came from God. He said, 'I too testify that this is from God and that the Book of Mormon is true.' It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. We challenged him to be baptized and he accepted a baptismal date for March. What a blessing to have the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost in this work. I'm so thankful for having learned how to use those tools to bless the lives of others. What a wonderful experience! What joy! Elder Rivera and I left that lesson feeling on top of the world despite several challenges that were currently facing. When Elder Amado came to speak to us he said, 'the true success of a missionary is when he experiences failure and does not get discouraged.' I feel like we were successful and we were blessed for it.
I love you guys so much!
Have an awesome week!
Elder Austin Tyler
Family!
They're ENGAGED!!!??? Shoot, if I had an address or email to write Austin I would probably congratulate him, but too bad I haven't heard a thing from him! But I can't lie, that's awesome.
Okay, you guys, lots of stuff to write. First of all, that sunset or sunrise that you sent me Dad, way cool. The view from the house looks awesome.
Okay, so to start, we are in Apartment number 9, it's a four person large and it should be 309 per month. Sorry Elder Molina was way busy this week, I think he spent like four days up in San Marcos on divisions and stuff. Haha sounds like they have issues up there. Good thing I'm down here in super awesome Coatepeque. I really am liking it here, just kind of tough as far as getting people to progress. I think I'm hitting like the senior year stage of the mission, tired of the immaturity and routine, but enjoying it all the same. Always with the desire to finish strong (hard when my comp is on his last transfer haha).
Brock, don't worry about not writing! You're way stinking busy and before we know it we'll have tons of time just talk without a computer screen and thousands of miles between us. JOHN AND ERIN ARE DATING??? Hahahaha that makes me happy. Random, but cool. And Rinna is going on a mission! Way cool. She will be a great missionary. The story you wrote sounds so cool, honestly you are probably the most creative person I know. It's funny to hear your commentary on the ridiculous aspects of BYU culture, haha brings back memories. Glad to hear youre rocking calc and enjoying school. You and your wife are awesome.
Dad, your new calling! I remember Brother Myatt saying that being with the teachers is the best.
I got something figured out so I can study better. I got a New Testament manual and a new Bible to keep me on somewhat of a structured schedule. It's helping. Haha and speaking of dehydration....
On Saturday we went to do a service project on this little mountain. We had to haul big planks of wood up there and stuff. Randomly, I got the biggest allergy attack of my life, I have no idea what caused it. My allergies almost never bother me here. But I was sneezing and wheezing for like three hours straight. On top of that I was sweating. That combined with the intense workout of hauling all that stuff. It destroyed me haha! I hit the fluids when we got back, but it resulted in some stomach problems. Haha made for a rough weekend, but I'm all good now. I was getting arrogant about how healthy I've been for so long. It was time. ha
Mom! Sounds like your calling is pretty time consuming, but it sounds like you're doing great! Hang in there! As far as my itinerary (sp?) I think I will be getting home on Thursday night the first week of August. To be honest, thinking about Wind Rivers and Flaming Gorge and school at the end of August... I'm up for it, but I would love some time at home just to chill and watch movies and eat food and go running in the mornings. I think I'll only have three weeks or so. Like I say, I'm up for anything, just as long as there's a few days to hang.
Speaking of vacations, anyone want to visit Guatemala? Not for when I get back, but maybe Christmas time or next summer? Just an idea. It could be cheap and really cool.
Oh and Mom and Haley, have an awesome day off! I love you guys!
I just got Haley's email. CONGRATS ON PRES! That's so cool, I'm glad you decided to run, that will be good for the group. And I love hearing about StuBo retreat, that was always a special one. Looks like Sadies was fun!
So real quick...
This week I went on exchanges in Colomba, the chilliest place in the zone, up in the mountains a little bit. We visited a guy named Saul that had been evangelical, but realized his pastor was not called by God. He actually got in a fist fight with the pastor for some things that went down. But he left that church and decided to do some research. He concluded that either the Catholics or the Mormons were right. But then he said the Catholics don't have good fruits and the Lord said, By their fruits ye shall know them... He wanted to learn more. The Elders hadn't challenged him to be baptized (I have no idea why), but we started to talk about the Plan of Salvation, they had left a pamphlet about it. I felt like we should talk about something else. I explained to him that he had received a logical answer about Christ's church, but he lacked the spiritual confirmation. He said, 'yes! That's what I've been looking for, I need that.' We started to read the Book of Mormon. I explained to him that he already knew the Bible was true. We read Moroni 10:4-5 and I invited him to kneel down right there and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. He did it. He offered a very sincere and powerful prayer. The Spirit was so strong. Even though the building we were in was full of people and moments before it had been loud, it felt like we were the only people there. After the prayer, we remained on bended knee. I asked Saul what he felt in his heart. He said, 'It's something new for sure, it's like a peaceful feeling, but it's a powerful sort of peace. Look, it's causing my legs to shake!' I testified to him that it was an answer to His prayer and that it came from God. He said, 'I too testify that this is from God and that the Book of Mormon is true.' It was one of the most powerful moments of my life. We challenged him to be baptized and he accepted a baptismal date for March. What a blessing to have the Book of Mormon and the Holy Ghost in this work. I'm so thankful for having learned how to use those tools to bless the lives of others. What a wonderful experience! What joy! Elder Rivera and I left that lesson feeling on top of the world despite several challenges that were currently facing. When Elder Amado came to speak to us he said, 'the true success of a missionary is when he experiences failure and does not get discouraged.' I feel like we were successful and we were blessed for it.
I love you guys so much!
Have an awesome week!
Elder Austin Tyler
We have a lot of work to do...
Feb. 13, 2012
Hey everybody! I am currently sitting in a broken chair, sweating my eyeballs out of their sockets and there is a man directing traffice right outside the internet shop blowing a whistle every five seconds. I am never coming to this internet shop again hahahahahahahaha AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
So, I'll try and concentrate.
First, I think we are going with a four person regular, but I'll call Elder Molina and have him email you guys to confirm that.
Dad, as far as classes, I left a list on my laptop (saved in Microsoft Word I believe) with the classes that I thought about signing up for. So if you can't find that, just whatever works. I don't want to take any heavy math when I get back, maybe a refresher course if that's available. English shouldn't be too much of a problem. I want a somewhat easy schedule for the Fall and move into the heavier things in the Winter semester. But I will be coming home ready to work hard and I will be a better student than ever before, so don't stress over making it too easy or too hard. I'm ready for whatever. I just need a good schedule so that I can study and make money and look for my future wife and chill with the buds and ski and go to football and basketball games and play two intramural sports and practice piano on a daily basis.
Haha
The mission office now has the new house address. Thank you. And thanks for sharing that idea about praying to recognize truth, that is one more thing I will be adding to my daily prayers.
Haley, you sound way busy. I've heard (from Elizabeth Young) that AP art was way fun, but also time consuming. I think that's just because she was very very slow with her art work, but that will be an awesome class! I like your speech. Just be confident, but don't take it too lightly. I've seen people who expected to win a position who blew off the speech and lost the election. But I think you'll do great (like you always do).
I am such a blockhead. I took pictures at the beach to send to each of you for Valentine's Day, but I forgot my camera. Ughhhhh. But Happy Valentine's Day! This might actually be my last Valentine's Day that I spend single! Haha at least I hope so. I won't count my chicks before they hatch...
The temple was soooo wonderful! It was sooo special. I had a lot of questions and concerns and went in and got them all figured out. It's amazing how strong the Spirit can be in the temple when we go prepared. It was cool to be there with President and with all the zone. Such a good day. I don't have time to share all the details, but it was certainly a highlight of the mission. We all left the temple feeling on top of the world.
I have struggled lately with making study time effective. This week will be better. I just get so tired and zone out sometimes, and other times I don't find what I'm looking for. Last night in our meeting President explained why so many RMs go inactive after the mission. He said they stop studying with desire and they stop serving. That hit me hard right when I was thinking about how my study time has been weak.
The meeting was powerful, it was with the Stake Presidency and President Maravilla. They were expressing concerns with retention and all that. President Garcia, our awesome stake president shared that it is interesting how 1/3 of the converts fall away, just like the preexistence. If we are holding retention at 2/3, we are doing as well as we did back then. Not saying that we should ever settle for that, but interesting to see that correlation.
This whistle guy directing traffic is trying my patience.
Yesterday we had ward conference. Lots of people came, lots of investigators, and we have a lot of work to do. But we also have to deal with transfers this week, exchanges with the zone, and meetings. There's no time! And it's such a struggle to use time wisely enough to get to everything. But we're making progress.
Well there is sooo much more to tell, but I have to go.
Thank you for writing me so consistently. I love you guys a lot. Happy Valentines Day!
Have an awesome week.
Much love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey everybody! I am currently sitting in a broken chair, sweating my eyeballs out of their sockets and there is a man directing traffice right outside the internet shop blowing a whistle every five seconds. I am never coming to this internet shop again hahahahahahahaha AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
So, I'll try and concentrate.
First, I think we are going with a four person regular, but I'll call Elder Molina and have him email you guys to confirm that.
Dad, as far as classes, I left a list on my laptop (saved in Microsoft Word I believe) with the classes that I thought about signing up for. So if you can't find that, just whatever works. I don't want to take any heavy math when I get back, maybe a refresher course if that's available. English shouldn't be too much of a problem. I want a somewhat easy schedule for the Fall and move into the heavier things in the Winter semester. But I will be coming home ready to work hard and I will be a better student than ever before, so don't stress over making it too easy or too hard. I'm ready for whatever. I just need a good schedule so that I can study and make money and look for my future wife and chill with the buds and ski and go to football and basketball games and play two intramural sports and practice piano on a daily basis.
Haha
The mission office now has the new house address. Thank you. And thanks for sharing that idea about praying to recognize truth, that is one more thing I will be adding to my daily prayers.
Haley, you sound way busy. I've heard (from Elizabeth Young) that AP art was way fun, but also time consuming. I think that's just because she was very very slow with her art work, but that will be an awesome class! I like your speech. Just be confident, but don't take it too lightly. I've seen people who expected to win a position who blew off the speech and lost the election. But I think you'll do great (like you always do).
I am such a blockhead. I took pictures at the beach to send to each of you for Valentine's Day, but I forgot my camera. Ughhhhh. But Happy Valentine's Day! This might actually be my last Valentine's Day that I spend single! Haha at least I hope so. I won't count my chicks before they hatch...
The temple was soooo wonderful! It was sooo special. I had a lot of questions and concerns and went in and got them all figured out. It's amazing how strong the Spirit can be in the temple when we go prepared. It was cool to be there with President and with all the zone. Such a good day. I don't have time to share all the details, but it was certainly a highlight of the mission. We all left the temple feeling on top of the world.
I have struggled lately with making study time effective. This week will be better. I just get so tired and zone out sometimes, and other times I don't find what I'm looking for. Last night in our meeting President explained why so many RMs go inactive after the mission. He said they stop studying with desire and they stop serving. That hit me hard right when I was thinking about how my study time has been weak.
The meeting was powerful, it was with the Stake Presidency and President Maravilla. They were expressing concerns with retention and all that. President Garcia, our awesome stake president shared that it is interesting how 1/3 of the converts fall away, just like the preexistence. If we are holding retention at 2/3, we are doing as well as we did back then. Not saying that we should ever settle for that, but interesting to see that correlation.
This whistle guy directing traffic is trying my patience.
Yesterday we had ward conference. Lots of people came, lots of investigators, and we have a lot of work to do. But we also have to deal with transfers this week, exchanges with the zone, and meetings. There's no time! And it's such a struggle to use time wisely enough to get to everything. But we're making progress.
Well there is sooo much more to tell, but I have to go.
Thank you for writing me so consistently. I love you guys a lot. Happy Valentines Day!
Have an awesome week.
Much love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Excited for the opportunity to attend the new temple in Quetzaltenango!
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
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
"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
Monday, January 30, 2012
People here are not afraid to share the gospel with their friends and neighbors
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
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
A new call to be a Zone Leader
1/16/12
Hey!
This week has been so crazy!!!
Aubrey, isn't that the worst!!???!?!?!?!?! Hahaha oh gosh. Worst mistake possible. At least he didn't cry.
Haley, The UP theme sounds sooo cool! Your email was super up and down hahaha totally high school. I just heard a Taylor Swift song on the radio just so you know. It's a new one. That's cool to hear about Elder Christofferson visiting. I'm jealous. I have seen no general authorities in person in the mission. Well I take that back, Elder Clarke came to the Guatemala MTC. But still. Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen came and didn't stop by to say hello to the missionaries! I'm bitter. And like four of the Apostles spoke to the other four missions in Guatemala!!! But not us. Hahaha but hey, we got a temple dedication.
Dad, that sounds like one awesome birthday party. Thanks for the updates on world news, I love those. And thank you for the advice and encouragement.
Mom, I love you!!! I'm writing you a letter today!
Any news on Austin?
So this week started out with a bang. We went to the leadership meeting and President was fired up. He came down hard on some things. It's a little different meeting with President in that environment. He expects so much more of us and is not afraid to lay down the law. He also isn't afraid to get into deep doctrine. But I loved the conference. Seriously, I think a huge reason why the Lord called me to this mission is so I can learn from him. We planned some things for the new year and discussed goals and new methods to apply. After the meeting we were all talking and packing up. I went up to him to say thanks and he gave me a big bear hug and said in broken English 'I love you man.'
Last night we had a meeting with him and our stake president. It was really interesting to see President interact with other leaders. He was very supportive of President Garcia's (the stake president) ideas, but when it came to things that needed to be changed he was very stern and authoritative.
When we got back from the conference, I went on exchanges with a new elder. He's from Oregon and he's been struggling with being away from home and what not. I was exhausted from traveling and being at the conference, but i get excited about the work with the new elder. We started out by looking for a recent convert whose family are not members. We couldn't find the house, so we said a prayer and asked for help. Three minutes later we found it! That night we were trying to catch a bus to get to another area and meet some families. We were waiting like forty minutes for a bus. We said another prayer and asked for a way to get there. Two minutes later a bus came and we got there in time.
Saturday night, Elder Cortez and I were looking for a referral and we got lost. We said a prayer and asked for help. We went around a corner and sure enough, there was the house. Those simple miracles are so great.
It's interesting, even though we've been so busy and things have been kind of hectic, it all falls into place when we stay focused. When we lose focus, it doesn't go so smoothly. And that's the trick, staying focused. It's a struggle, I'm tired of being the companion to motivate, but Elder Cortez is helping me with a lot of stuff. He's a very talented missionary. He gave a talk yesterday at church and everyone loved it. The members are even more motivated to help us out.
Being in the city is a little different. Cuyotenango was the only 'city' that I've been in, and it was small. And we didn't spend a lot of time in the actual city part. This place is different, very busy and the people are a little more rude, but more intelligent. I think everyone I've met so far has been literate. That's a huge plus.
As far as what we have to do every day...
We buy things that the missionaries need, like medicine, fans, pillows, kitchenware, etc. And for some reason there is a lot of stuff missing (the missionaries have asked for a lot of things). We go on exchanges twice a week (one goes to another area and the other stays in our area with a different missionary). We talk to the district leaders every night and analyze the progress of each area (after a long day, it's tough getting used to). We make a lot of phone calls, between the missionaries and the nurse or APs or President. We meet with the stake leaders. And on top of that we are expected to baptize families and be an example for the whole zone.
I like staying busy and all, but it's tiring. It's cool to serve the zone though. We get a lot of flack for things that we can't control, but I learned that from Stuco haha. And then there's the whole disciplining and correcting thing. We haven't had to deal with that yet, but President is concerned. Sad stuff happens in the mission sometimes.
It's a good time. The members are great here, that's making everything even better. We just need to organize ourselves better and balance our focus between the zone, our companionship, the members, and our investigators.
I love you guys so much! Thanks for all your love and support. Have an awesome week. Time is going by even faster now, I can't believe it.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey!
This week has been so crazy!!!
Aubrey, isn't that the worst!!???!?!?!?!?! Hahaha oh gosh. Worst mistake possible. At least he didn't cry.
Haley, The UP theme sounds sooo cool! Your email was super up and down hahaha totally high school. I just heard a Taylor Swift song on the radio just so you know. It's a new one. That's cool to hear about Elder Christofferson visiting. I'm jealous. I have seen no general authorities in person in the mission. Well I take that back, Elder Clarke came to the Guatemala MTC. But still. Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Andersen came and didn't stop by to say hello to the missionaries! I'm bitter. And like four of the Apostles spoke to the other four missions in Guatemala!!! But not us. Hahaha but hey, we got a temple dedication.
Dad, that sounds like one awesome birthday party. Thanks for the updates on world news, I love those. And thank you for the advice and encouragement.
Mom, I love you!!! I'm writing you a letter today!
Any news on Austin?
So this week started out with a bang. We went to the leadership meeting and President was fired up. He came down hard on some things. It's a little different meeting with President in that environment. He expects so much more of us and is not afraid to lay down the law. He also isn't afraid to get into deep doctrine. But I loved the conference. Seriously, I think a huge reason why the Lord called me to this mission is so I can learn from him. We planned some things for the new year and discussed goals and new methods to apply. After the meeting we were all talking and packing up. I went up to him to say thanks and he gave me a big bear hug and said in broken English 'I love you man.'
Last night we had a meeting with him and our stake president. It was really interesting to see President interact with other leaders. He was very supportive of President Garcia's (the stake president) ideas, but when it came to things that needed to be changed he was very stern and authoritative.
When we got back from the conference, I went on exchanges with a new elder. He's from Oregon and he's been struggling with being away from home and what not. I was exhausted from traveling and being at the conference, but i get excited about the work with the new elder. We started out by looking for a recent convert whose family are not members. We couldn't find the house, so we said a prayer and asked for help. Three minutes later we found it! That night we were trying to catch a bus to get to another area and meet some families. We were waiting like forty minutes for a bus. We said another prayer and asked for a way to get there. Two minutes later a bus came and we got there in time.
Saturday night, Elder Cortez and I were looking for a referral and we got lost. We said a prayer and asked for help. We went around a corner and sure enough, there was the house. Those simple miracles are so great.
It's interesting, even though we've been so busy and things have been kind of hectic, it all falls into place when we stay focused. When we lose focus, it doesn't go so smoothly. And that's the trick, staying focused. It's a struggle, I'm tired of being the companion to motivate, but Elder Cortez is helping me with a lot of stuff. He's a very talented missionary. He gave a talk yesterday at church and everyone loved it. The members are even more motivated to help us out.
Being in the city is a little different. Cuyotenango was the only 'city' that I've been in, and it was small. And we didn't spend a lot of time in the actual city part. This place is different, very busy and the people are a little more rude, but more intelligent. I think everyone I've met so far has been literate. That's a huge plus.
As far as what we have to do every day...
We buy things that the missionaries need, like medicine, fans, pillows, kitchenware, etc. And for some reason there is a lot of stuff missing (the missionaries have asked for a lot of things). We go on exchanges twice a week (one goes to another area and the other stays in our area with a different missionary). We talk to the district leaders every night and analyze the progress of each area (after a long day, it's tough getting used to). We make a lot of phone calls, between the missionaries and the nurse or APs or President. We meet with the stake leaders. And on top of that we are expected to baptize families and be an example for the whole zone.
I like staying busy and all, but it's tiring. It's cool to serve the zone though. We get a lot of flack for things that we can't control, but I learned that from Stuco haha. And then there's the whole disciplining and correcting thing. We haven't had to deal with that yet, but President is concerned. Sad stuff happens in the mission sometimes.
It's a good time. The members are great here, that's making everything even better. We just need to organize ourselves better and balance our focus between the zone, our companionship, the members, and our investigators.
I love you guys so much! Thanks for all your love and support. Have an awesome week. Time is going by even faster now, I can't believe it.
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Transferred to Coatepeque
1/9/12
Hey,
Darn that's so crazy, I feel so bad for him.
But it sounds like everyone's doing well at home. Thank you for writing me. That's also sad what happened in the Vance family, I hope they're okay.
It's good to hear that the new ward is so great! Bishop Crane! Haha crazy. so cool.
Haley, thank you for Brad's address. Best of luck with elections. Keep going strong through the end of the semester. And that's cool about the new singing group and stuff. No, we don't really ever sing Armies of Helaman as missionaries. The youth do sometimes!
Mom and Dad, your questions mostly revolved around my new situation. But Mom, good to hear that starting back up with seminary went well and crazy weather! Dad, thanks for the political updates. Thank you for your prayers and support.
So my new zone is Coatepeque. There are 22 missionaries in the zone. It should be a really good group, but things are starting out a little rough. In five areas, both missionaries were transfered, so lots of people are new to the areas and don't have much of an idea as far as what to do or where to start. So the month is starting out a bit slow. My companion is also a zone leader. Our area is called Jardin. It's a very strong ward and a very strong stake. The stake president speaks fluent English and works in real estate. My companion's name is Elder Cortez, he's been a zone leader for about a year and he has 21 months. I fear the trunkiness haha. He's from Santa Ana, El Salvador. He was the only member in his family (his mom said she would never set foot inside a Mormon church), then she went to the temple open house in San Salvador and got baptized four months ago. Way cool. Elder Cortez has been a member for about four years. He's a very handsome, smooth, intelligent, and athletic individual haha and he knows it. I had heard a lot about him before, should be a good time. Half my old zone is here with me in Coatepeque, that's kind of a downer, but it's good to have some buds and acquaintances here.
So far we haven't had a whole lot of time to work. There's an elder that acquired a parasite (the nurse informed us that it's a type that can only be acquired from eating human feces hahaha!). There's a greenie that wants to go home already, but he talked to President and he's feeling a lot better now. I talked to him, I think I'll go on exchanges with him this week and see if I can help him out. Elder Colindres is his trainer haha.
In other words, there have been a few challenges to start out. But things are going well and it looks like everyone's going to work.
We live in the third story of a little hotel. It's a nice place (not as nice as my last place), and the members provide lunch for us every day (awesome). The ward is great, it was a full testimony meeting. For the whole meeting, the front of the chapel was full of people who were waiting to bear their testimonies. Three members came up to us and said things like, 'Elder, we have a family we want you to visit.' I couldn't believe it haha! Supposedly the people here are very difficult as far as finding and teaching, but the members love to help the missionaries out, so it should be wonderful. It's been a maze trying to find our way around these past few days, but we're learning. I'm still terrible with directions. I can remember faces, scriptures, etc., but not directions.
We have a conference with President tomorrow, I'm excited for that. I don't know how I feel about being a zone leader. It's such a prideful group sometimes and I despise that so much. Perhaps I can be a force for positive change in that respect, but it's just kind of a gross feeling to be around certain people. That part can be emitted haha, missionaries are good people most of the time.
Elder Maurer and Elder Rigby left! That's kind of weird. I looked up to those guys and it's just strange to think that they're home already.
Mom, what you said about Joshua was really interesting. That's been on my mind lately, the integrity aspect of leadership. I love that talk you mentioned too, Jesus: the Perfect Leader. That one helps me out. But I have such a hard time motivating companions. I can speak in front of a group and I feel like I can kind of motivate people like that, but I think I just got tired of motivating companions. It's so hard for me to be my best when I'm tied to somebody. That's so prideful of me, and I need to change that. I'm determined to be my best in this new place. Any advice as to how I can inspire somebody who has more time in the mission, more experience baptizing, etc.? My companion is a good missionary and I'm excited to work with him. I don't know what it is. I want so badly to consecrate myself to the Lord, to dedicate everything to this work, but time and again I fail to do so. My standards aren't too high. Ah I hope that focusing on my new goals will help me do it.
I'm happy in this new place, but not content. The Lord wants me to break out of my shell and develop my character and to be of good courage. And that's what I'm going to do.
Thank you guys for everything! Brock, good luck with the new semester. Aubrey, good luck with work! Love you guys a ton.
Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey,
Darn that's so crazy, I feel so bad for him.
But it sounds like everyone's doing well at home. Thank you for writing me. That's also sad what happened in the Vance family, I hope they're okay.
It's good to hear that the new ward is so great! Bishop Crane! Haha crazy. so cool.
Haley, thank you for Brad's address. Best of luck with elections. Keep going strong through the end of the semester. And that's cool about the new singing group and stuff. No, we don't really ever sing Armies of Helaman as missionaries. The youth do sometimes!
Mom and Dad, your questions mostly revolved around my new situation. But Mom, good to hear that starting back up with seminary went well and crazy weather! Dad, thanks for the political updates. Thank you for your prayers and support.
So my new zone is Coatepeque. There are 22 missionaries in the zone. It should be a really good group, but things are starting out a little rough. In five areas, both missionaries were transfered, so lots of people are new to the areas and don't have much of an idea as far as what to do or where to start. So the month is starting out a bit slow. My companion is also a zone leader. Our area is called Jardin. It's a very strong ward and a very strong stake. The stake president speaks fluent English and works in real estate. My companion's name is Elder Cortez, he's been a zone leader for about a year and he has 21 months. I fear the trunkiness haha. He's from Santa Ana, El Salvador. He was the only member in his family (his mom said she would never set foot inside a Mormon church), then she went to the temple open house in San Salvador and got baptized four months ago. Way cool. Elder Cortez has been a member for about four years. He's a very handsome, smooth, intelligent, and athletic individual haha and he knows it. I had heard a lot about him before, should be a good time. Half my old zone is here with me in Coatepeque, that's kind of a downer, but it's good to have some buds and acquaintances here.
So far we haven't had a whole lot of time to work. There's an elder that acquired a parasite (the nurse informed us that it's a type that can only be acquired from eating human feces hahaha!). There's a greenie that wants to go home already, but he talked to President and he's feeling a lot better now. I talked to him, I think I'll go on exchanges with him this week and see if I can help him out. Elder Colindres is his trainer haha.
In other words, there have been a few challenges to start out. But things are going well and it looks like everyone's going to work.
We live in the third story of a little hotel. It's a nice place (not as nice as my last place), and the members provide lunch for us every day (awesome). The ward is great, it was a full testimony meeting. For the whole meeting, the front of the chapel was full of people who were waiting to bear their testimonies. Three members came up to us and said things like, 'Elder, we have a family we want you to visit.' I couldn't believe it haha! Supposedly the people here are very difficult as far as finding and teaching, but the members love to help the missionaries out, so it should be wonderful. It's been a maze trying to find our way around these past few days, but we're learning. I'm still terrible with directions. I can remember faces, scriptures, etc., but not directions.
We have a conference with President tomorrow, I'm excited for that. I don't know how I feel about being a zone leader. It's such a prideful group sometimes and I despise that so much. Perhaps I can be a force for positive change in that respect, but it's just kind of a gross feeling to be around certain people. That part can be emitted haha, missionaries are good people most of the time.
Elder Maurer and Elder Rigby left! That's kind of weird. I looked up to those guys and it's just strange to think that they're home already.
Mom, what you said about Joshua was really interesting. That's been on my mind lately, the integrity aspect of leadership. I love that talk you mentioned too, Jesus: the Perfect Leader. That one helps me out. But I have such a hard time motivating companions. I can speak in front of a group and I feel like I can kind of motivate people like that, but I think I just got tired of motivating companions. It's so hard for me to be my best when I'm tied to somebody. That's so prideful of me, and I need to change that. I'm determined to be my best in this new place. Any advice as to how I can inspire somebody who has more time in the mission, more experience baptizing, etc.? My companion is a good missionary and I'm excited to work with him. I don't know what it is. I want so badly to consecrate myself to the Lord, to dedicate everything to this work, but time and again I fail to do so. My standards aren't too high. Ah I hope that focusing on my new goals will help me do it.
I'm happy in this new place, but not content. The Lord wants me to break out of my shell and develop my character and to be of good courage. And that's what I'm going to do.
Thank you guys for everything! Brock, good luck with the new semester. Aubrey, good luck with work! Love you guys a ton.
Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
I'm in a limbo between saying goodbye and preparing for my new area
1/2/12
Happy 2012!
I feel like I'm going to love this year. I put a lot of goals. I'm going to tell you some of them because when I tell people my goals it's makes it more of a commitment.
Study the Atonement and/or character of Jesus Christ three times a week.
Have a conversation with the Lord every night.
Put other missionaries' needs/desires above my own.
Be in bed by 10:30 every night.
No English outside of P-Day.
Write a spiritual experience and one thing to love about my comp every night.
So far I have only one goal written down for when I get home. I have others, but they aren't written down.
Attend the temple once a week.
Some lofty goals, but I'm so excited! The New Year was great! We ate with some of my favorite members and the fireworks were great! They were the same as Christmas, but less gunfire haha. We played Risk again. I won twice out of four games. I'm tired of it though ha.
Mom! This week was great! Still hard as far as finding and teaching because of all the celebrations, but it was better than last week. I don't really know how much money for souvenirs and stuff. Maybe 100? Ah I dunno. I'm sending the painting today, I packed it with some shirts and Haley's bag. I hope it makes it there safely. If you guys want any of the shirts, feel free!
Things with the other elders has been kinda tough lately, but everyone was in good spirits for New Years. Elder Colindres found out that he will no longer be a zone leader and he'll be training instead. He's upset. And Elder Moss and I also have transfers. We don't know where to yet, but my comp is probably the only one staying. The radio hasn't shown any fruits in our area yet. I'm sure it has in other places, because it's a huge radio station. But I won't be here anymore, I'll let the bishop and the new elders decide if they want to keep it going.
Also, this is what I remember about AP Psych with Williams. It may or may not be correct haha. It's not that hard of a class, but it is cool. The catch is that it's a little hard to do well on the AP test, but the class itself shouldn't be too hard. I would definitely trust Williams when he says it's a 6 out of 10.
Haley! Glad to hear the new ward is good. That will be awesome.
YOU HAVEN'T BEEN SKIING??? Mejor no me digas. Hahaha
Sounds like you're enjoying your break. I'm happy to hear that you liked the letter, hope your birthday was good! I heard that song you mentioned when I was at an investigator's house one day. People here have huge sound systems, even if they don't have other more important things. And they blast music all day. But yeah, music is crazy here. So is that song. Regarding the whole thing with Stuco.... if you don't know what to do, spend some time thinking about it by yourself, weigh the options, ask the Lord, and look for His advice.
Dad! That's cool to hear about Alex. Paisley haha. Sounds like things on the house are starting to settle. Good luck with the whole job thing, I'll be praying for you. The political front sounds interesting.
We haven't officially heard about transfers yet, but I got a phone call from Elder Maurer last night. He told me I needed to call President and said that President sounded angry. So I called him not sure what to expect. He asked me how I was and asked me what challenges we've had in the district. I explained some stuff. Then he asked me if I had any sins to confess. I said no, a little weirded out. Then he asked me if I was more loyal to him or to my companions. He asked if I would call him in a situation where my companion was messing around. I thought, 'What on earth did my companion do??' But then he asked me if I would accept the assignment to be a zone leader. I said yes (though curious as to what he would have done had I said no haha). He then explained that loyalty to the him is so important in this assignment. He said even more important is loyalty to the Lord. So I'm out of here Wednesday. I'm excited to move on and start fresh with a new area and new companion. I don't know where or with who, but it will likely be an improvement.
But I realized this week that I really will miss Tecun Uman. We went to visit the bishop on Friday and he was telling us about a stake leadership meeting he went to this week. He explained that the Stake President asked for a raise of hands of who all read the Book of Mormon this year. Five raised their hands, four were from Ayutla (my ward). He asked who had prepared names to take to the temple. Three raised their hands, all from Ayutla. He asked who completed their goal of baptisms for the year. Ayutla was the only ward (the goal was 24 and they ended with 25). He was very proud of the ward. This ward is a powerhouse with so many great members. Of course there's pride here and there, but the ward gets things done. It's been a challenge, but I've learned so much here. It will be hard to go. Especially after eating dinner with so many of them on New Years Eve, that was so fun!
I had a very rewarding experience yesterday. Although the Central American missions baptize a lot, there is always a serious challenge with retention. It's so sad to hear that converts go inactive, it's been hard for me to hear that. But it's so rewarding to hear that some are still strong. We do what we can to keep everyone active, but it's a serious struggle (though the mission has greatly improved on that front since President Maravilla came). Yesterday we were sitting in Sacrament meeting and the bishop called Dridmy to serve as the Relief Society secretary! She's the one that attended church for two years and finally decided to get baptized in November. And then in Priesthood Jose received the Aaronic Priesthood and then conferred the Priesthood on his son! It was such a wonderful Sunday, a great way to end my time here.
So I'm in a limbo between saying goodbye and preparing for my new area. I'm excited and ready. It will be great. A lot of my success and personal progress depend on my diligence in applying these new goals. That's the biggest thing I need right now. I need to jump out of the hole I've been stuck in the past little bit and be my best. Thank you for everything you guys do. It was so good to see you last week.
Brock and Aubrey, I love you guys! Good luck with work and school as the new semester approaches. Love it and keep having fun. Maybe go skiing once every three days or something, that would be cool. Haha.
Have an awesome week!
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Happy 2012!
I feel like I'm going to love this year. I put a lot of goals. I'm going to tell you some of them because when I tell people my goals it's makes it more of a commitment.
Study the Atonement and/or character of Jesus Christ three times a week.
Have a conversation with the Lord every night.
Put other missionaries' needs/desires above my own.
Be in bed by 10:30 every night.
No English outside of P-Day.
Write a spiritual experience and one thing to love about my comp every night.
So far I have only one goal written down for when I get home. I have others, but they aren't written down.
Attend the temple once a week.
Some lofty goals, but I'm so excited! The New Year was great! We ate with some of my favorite members and the fireworks were great! They were the same as Christmas, but less gunfire haha. We played Risk again. I won twice out of four games. I'm tired of it though ha.
Mom! This week was great! Still hard as far as finding and teaching because of all the celebrations, but it was better than last week. I don't really know how much money for souvenirs and stuff. Maybe 100? Ah I dunno. I'm sending the painting today, I packed it with some shirts and Haley's bag. I hope it makes it there safely. If you guys want any of the shirts, feel free!
Things with the other elders has been kinda tough lately, but everyone was in good spirits for New Years. Elder Colindres found out that he will no longer be a zone leader and he'll be training instead. He's upset. And Elder Moss and I also have transfers. We don't know where to yet, but my comp is probably the only one staying. The radio hasn't shown any fruits in our area yet. I'm sure it has in other places, because it's a huge radio station. But I won't be here anymore, I'll let the bishop and the new elders decide if they want to keep it going.
Also, this is what I remember about AP Psych with Williams. It may or may not be correct haha. It's not that hard of a class, but it is cool. The catch is that it's a little hard to do well on the AP test, but the class itself shouldn't be too hard. I would definitely trust Williams when he says it's a 6 out of 10.
Haley! Glad to hear the new ward is good. That will be awesome.
YOU HAVEN'T BEEN SKIING??? Mejor no me digas. Hahaha
Sounds like you're enjoying your break. I'm happy to hear that you liked the letter, hope your birthday was good! I heard that song you mentioned when I was at an investigator's house one day. People here have huge sound systems, even if they don't have other more important things. And they blast music all day. But yeah, music is crazy here. So is that song. Regarding the whole thing with Stuco.... if you don't know what to do, spend some time thinking about it by yourself, weigh the options, ask the Lord, and look for His advice.
Dad! That's cool to hear about Alex. Paisley haha. Sounds like things on the house are starting to settle. Good luck with the whole job thing, I'll be praying for you. The political front sounds interesting.
We haven't officially heard about transfers yet, but I got a phone call from Elder Maurer last night. He told me I needed to call President and said that President sounded angry. So I called him not sure what to expect. He asked me how I was and asked me what challenges we've had in the district. I explained some stuff. Then he asked me if I had any sins to confess. I said no, a little weirded out. Then he asked me if I was more loyal to him or to my companions. He asked if I would call him in a situation where my companion was messing around. I thought, 'What on earth did my companion do??' But then he asked me if I would accept the assignment to be a zone leader. I said yes (though curious as to what he would have done had I said no haha). He then explained that loyalty to the him is so important in this assignment. He said even more important is loyalty to the Lord. So I'm out of here Wednesday. I'm excited to move on and start fresh with a new area and new companion. I don't know where or with who, but it will likely be an improvement.
But I realized this week that I really will miss Tecun Uman. We went to visit the bishop on Friday and he was telling us about a stake leadership meeting he went to this week. He explained that the Stake President asked for a raise of hands of who all read the Book of Mormon this year. Five raised their hands, four were from Ayutla (my ward). He asked who had prepared names to take to the temple. Three raised their hands, all from Ayutla. He asked who completed their goal of baptisms for the year. Ayutla was the only ward (the goal was 24 and they ended with 25). He was very proud of the ward. This ward is a powerhouse with so many great members. Of course there's pride here and there, but the ward gets things done. It's been a challenge, but I've learned so much here. It will be hard to go. Especially after eating dinner with so many of them on New Years Eve, that was so fun!
I had a very rewarding experience yesterday. Although the Central American missions baptize a lot, there is always a serious challenge with retention. It's so sad to hear that converts go inactive, it's been hard for me to hear that. But it's so rewarding to hear that some are still strong. We do what we can to keep everyone active, but it's a serious struggle (though the mission has greatly improved on that front since President Maravilla came). Yesterday we were sitting in Sacrament meeting and the bishop called Dridmy to serve as the Relief Society secretary! She's the one that attended church for two years and finally decided to get baptized in November. And then in Priesthood Jose received the Aaronic Priesthood and then conferred the Priesthood on his son! It was such a wonderful Sunday, a great way to end my time here.
So I'm in a limbo between saying goodbye and preparing for my new area. I'm excited and ready. It will be great. A lot of my success and personal progress depend on my diligence in applying these new goals. That's the biggest thing I need right now. I need to jump out of the hole I've been stuck in the past little bit and be my best. Thank you for everything you guys do. It was so good to see you last week.
Brock and Aubrey, I love you guys! Good luck with work and school as the new semester approaches. Love it and keep having fun. Maybe go skiing once every three days or something, that would be cool. Haha.
Have an awesome week!
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
I have a lot to learn and apply
12/26/11
Ahhh it was sooooo good to see/talk to you guys!!! I am soooo sorry that it had to be cut short. That was heartwrenching, but considering how fast the time is going, Mother's Day is almost here already. I'll admit, I did feel very nostalgic the rest of the evening. We went to the radio and then visited a member and that all went well. Then we got back and played some Risk again haha. I lost :( But while talking I didn't get to ask you guys all I wanted to ask. So what did everyone get for Christmas?? (Aside from the snowblower) And Haley, did you get my letter yet? If not, Happy Birthday tomorrow!!
I forgot to tell you guys about our lunch yesterday. A few weeks ago Elder Moss and I planned what we would be eating Christmas Day, so we bought a lot of junk: a chocolate cake mix, Hershey's frosting, whipped cream, and ice cream. We don't have an oven, so yesterday after we got back from church we cooked the cake in a frying pan, it turned out as a chocolaty crumble thing. Then we heated up the frosting and poured it on top. Then we divided the half gallon of ice cream between the four of us and put the cake on top. I don't know how I forgot to mention that yesterday, it was so epic. We all felt horrible afterwards haha.
Oh and it was cool to see your dad, Aubrey! He looks great! Unfortunately, the connection (I believe on my end) cut out and I wasn't able to talk to him long, but tell him thank you for his help. And tell your family I say hi!
So I think today I'm going to figure out how to pack up that painting and send it with a few things. I'm going to take out some more money so I can send it. Anybody want any soccer jerseys?
Oh! Could you send me the new house address? That would be awesome. I think I'm going to send the painting to the old house?
Thank you again for the package. It was such a good feeling to have my own Christmas moment opening gifts and reading cards. Thank you for the socks, the ties, the shirt, the deoderant, the powder, the candy, and the beef jerkey! And Haley that picture you sent me is sooo cool! You're so gorgeous!
As the year comes to an end I'm starting to write down my goals for the coming year. Such goals mostly revolve around being more humble, faithful, and charitable. And yesterday was such a great experience for me to get excited about those goals. As I've mentioned before, it's been a bit of a struggle to develop charity in my companionship. I've tried to serve him and encourage him, but it's been a stubborn struggle. I didn't mention the tell the whole experience yesterday of Saturday night. As I cleaned the kitchen that night, I was in kind of a grumbly mood because of how dirty the kitchen was. I was exhausted and upset that we had cleaned the kitchen on Thursday and it was already so trashed. But as I stood there washing dishes and thinking, I don't know why, but I got happy. I got excited for Christmas. It was a very distinct and sudden feeling. I started to feel an appreciation for everything, the Gospel, my companion, the time I've had here, etc. I went to bed feeling content.
When I woke up on Sunday I just patiently waited for everyone to see the presents and clean kitchen and all. My companion saw his section on the table with the presents you sent him. He gave me a hug and said thank you. A simple thing that meant so much. Thank you guys for giving me that opportunity to brighten somebody's Christmas morning. It was a true experience of the joy that comes through service and it's one I'll remember for a long time.
This past week I also finished a project I've been working on for awhile, an essay on humility. President asked me to write 'little books' on what I study. He wants a copy of them to read at the end of my mission. Humility was an interesting topic and I learned a lot. I discovered that I have a lot of pride to get rid of. It's my hope to replace that pride with a more devoted conversion to the Lord and a more sincere desire to fulfill His will. It's hard to ask for the Lord's help, because He's so good at showing me my weaknesses. But I just need to trust Him and rely on Him to help me grow stronger.
Thank you guys again for everything. I love you all so much and so look forward to being with you at the end of this adventure. There's a lot to do in these next several months. I have a lot to learn and apply. I feel like I've been living below my privileges lately. I seek the character to be the best I can be, especially when surrounded by people who don't want me to be my best. It's a hard thing, but I want to be able to do it.
I've learned that the people I am surrounded by can have a huge influence. This applies to marriage, rooming in college, and friends and coworkers. It's so key. I look forward to being surrounded by uplifting people. I crave that right now. Talking with you guys yesterday helped me so much.
I feel so loved, thank you all for everything. I love you guys and hope you had an awesome Christmas.
Happy New Year! WOOOOO 2012!
Love always,
Elder Austin Tyler
Ahhh it was sooooo good to see/talk to you guys!!! I am soooo sorry that it had to be cut short. That was heartwrenching, but considering how fast the time is going, Mother's Day is almost here already. I'll admit, I did feel very nostalgic the rest of the evening. We went to the radio and then visited a member and that all went well. Then we got back and played some Risk again haha. I lost :( But while talking I didn't get to ask you guys all I wanted to ask. So what did everyone get for Christmas?? (Aside from the snowblower) And Haley, did you get my letter yet? If not, Happy Birthday tomorrow!!
I forgot to tell you guys about our lunch yesterday. A few weeks ago Elder Moss and I planned what we would be eating Christmas Day, so we bought a lot of junk: a chocolate cake mix, Hershey's frosting, whipped cream, and ice cream. We don't have an oven, so yesterday after we got back from church we cooked the cake in a frying pan, it turned out as a chocolaty crumble thing. Then we heated up the frosting and poured it on top. Then we divided the half gallon of ice cream between the four of us and put the cake on top. I don't know how I forgot to mention that yesterday, it was so epic. We all felt horrible afterwards haha.
Oh and it was cool to see your dad, Aubrey! He looks great! Unfortunately, the connection (I believe on my end) cut out and I wasn't able to talk to him long, but tell him thank you for his help. And tell your family I say hi!
So I think today I'm going to figure out how to pack up that painting and send it with a few things. I'm going to take out some more money so I can send it. Anybody want any soccer jerseys?
Oh! Could you send me the new house address? That would be awesome. I think I'm going to send the painting to the old house?
Thank you again for the package. It was such a good feeling to have my own Christmas moment opening gifts and reading cards. Thank you for the socks, the ties, the shirt, the deoderant, the powder, the candy, and the beef jerkey! And Haley that picture you sent me is sooo cool! You're so gorgeous!
As the year comes to an end I'm starting to write down my goals for the coming year. Such goals mostly revolve around being more humble, faithful, and charitable. And yesterday was such a great experience for me to get excited about those goals. As I've mentioned before, it's been a bit of a struggle to develop charity in my companionship. I've tried to serve him and encourage him, but it's been a stubborn struggle. I didn't mention the tell the whole experience yesterday of Saturday night. As I cleaned the kitchen that night, I was in kind of a grumbly mood because of how dirty the kitchen was. I was exhausted and upset that we had cleaned the kitchen on Thursday and it was already so trashed. But as I stood there washing dishes and thinking, I don't know why, but I got happy. I got excited for Christmas. It was a very distinct and sudden feeling. I started to feel an appreciation for everything, the Gospel, my companion, the time I've had here, etc. I went to bed feeling content.
When I woke up on Sunday I just patiently waited for everyone to see the presents and clean kitchen and all. My companion saw his section on the table with the presents you sent him. He gave me a hug and said thank you. A simple thing that meant so much. Thank you guys for giving me that opportunity to brighten somebody's Christmas morning. It was a true experience of the joy that comes through service and it's one I'll remember for a long time.
This past week I also finished a project I've been working on for awhile, an essay on humility. President asked me to write 'little books' on what I study. He wants a copy of them to read at the end of my mission. Humility was an interesting topic and I learned a lot. I discovered that I have a lot of pride to get rid of. It's my hope to replace that pride with a more devoted conversion to the Lord and a more sincere desire to fulfill His will. It's hard to ask for the Lord's help, because He's so good at showing me my weaknesses. But I just need to trust Him and rely on Him to help me grow stronger.
Thank you guys again for everything. I love you all so much and so look forward to being with you at the end of this adventure. There's a lot to do in these next several months. I have a lot to learn and apply. I feel like I've been living below my privileges lately. I seek the character to be the best I can be, especially when surrounded by people who don't want me to be my best. It's a hard thing, but I want to be able to do it.
I've learned that the people I am surrounded by can have a huge influence. This applies to marriage, rooming in college, and friends and coworkers. It's so key. I look forward to being surrounded by uplifting people. I crave that right now. Talking with you guys yesterday helped me so much.
I feel so loved, thank you all for everything. I love you guys and hope you had an awesome Christmas.
Happy New Year! WOOOOO 2012!
Love always,
Elder Austin Tyler
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