"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!"

Austin turns 21 years old today. Sending happy thoughts to him today!

Charity

Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 1:45 PM


Family!
You guys are the best! Thank you for all your support. This week has
been a bit better. I'm trying to keep my enthusiasm and excitement up
despite the lack of success. I found the problem. It is in our
companionship. We are not united in purpose and desire, which has
been an obstacle in everything. We work hard, we go through the
motions, we're nice to each other, and we are using the help of the
members. But that isn't enough. It's always emphasized that charity
must first be applied in the home before being applied outside of the
home. That applies perfectly to a companionship. Dad, your advice
was priceless. Thank you. I've been thinking about Doctrine and
Covenants 121 where it emphasizes the need for increased love after
reproving somebody. I haven't cultivated the gift of charity. I feel
motivated to find a family that's ready for the Gospel. I feel like
I'm more focused than I used to be, but my companion is still new and
learning. I need to help motivate him to change some things. I need
to be more charitable toward him before I can motivate him (and that
goes for all the missionaries in my district). My companion has a lot
of little struggles, but all of them combined turn into a big one. I
have to help him. I say that recognizing my own faults, but I'm the
one with more experience and understanding. That will be my focus
this week.
Thank you guys for your letters and your prayers.
Aubrey, sounds like work is stressful, but a huge blessing! And those
pictures of the fish are awesome! You guys are so cool! I went to
Midway once, but it was at 10 oclock at night to visit the hotsprings
haha! It was sketchy. Alex Leonard was there! Good times. I
haven't posted any pictures in awhile, I'll get on that next week!
And thank you for your support and for telling me your proud of me.
Sometimes that's a good thing to hear.
Haley! Sounds like the race was awesome! What was your finishing
time? Sounds like this coming year is going to be great! You've got
a good schedule. You're still gonna be crazy busy and stressed, I
recommend coming up with a plan for when that comes. Remember
facebook is a waste of time haha! Oh btw, did Amy Austin get my
letter while she was in Bolivia?
Dad, thats such a huge bummer getting the ticket and the whole food
poisoning thing! Thank you for all those quotes and
advice. And it's true, the Spirit is the most important thing. I
bought a watch, it was 150 quetzales (20 dollars I believe). But my
soccer ball popped today and I lost my bath towels (I only have one
left). So I think 50 or 60 would be so great to include a dinner or
something for my birthday. That's so much money! I'm sorry, I'll pay
you back when I get home and start working. But thank you so much!
Mom, they told me my package is waiting in the mission office, I
should get it next week. Thank you so much for that. And how long
ago did you send the other shoe? Thank you for everything you do.
Seminary is going to be so great! I think you'll learn to love it. I
love you!
Not a whole lot happened this week. One thing that I am so grateful
for is the attendance level at church. It's up to 135! The members
have been visiting each other and it's helped so much with the unity
in the ward. The only problem is the chapel is too small for so many
people. They have plans to build a new one within the year, but the
attendance is going to continue to grow during that time ha! Should
get pretty interesting.
Yesterday we were visiting investigators before church, helping them
get ready to attend and all. A man stopped me in the street and
explained that he was from El Salvador and on his way to the States.
He was speaking English and explained that his family is over there in
the States and he's just trying to get back to them. He asked me for
money. I explained that we don't carry money on Sundays, so
unfortunately we couldn't help him. He got angry and explained that
God would help him because he has faith. I told him take care and we
left. We went to visit a family and started to head back. I said a
quick prayer in my heart that the guy we had just met would be safe
and all. Then suddenly he was coming toward us. He showed me that he
had gotten about 7 quetzales (enough to cross the border into Mexico).
He said, 'See!? I have faith, and God helped me. You didn't help
me, you aren't of God. You're a liar!!!!' He said it with hatred in
his eyes. I could have said a lot of things. He started to walk away
and I yelled to him, hey I prayed for you man! Haha but I think I
contributed involuntarily to the stereotype that all gringos are rich,
stuck up, and racist. I felt sad about that. The guy probably hates
Mormons now too. I want Christ to come and fix everything in the
world. I've never wanted that as badly as I want it now. How great
will be that day!
Well that's kind of a sad story to end on, but this week went better
overall! Thank you guys for everything. Thank you for the birthday
wishes and your prayers, I can feel them! I love you guys so much.
More than you know. You're the best.
Elder Austin Tyler

A lesson learned

Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 12:32 PM


Hey err'body!
Sounds like Utah was fast, but fun! Summer is almost over! I feel
like your guys' lives go faster than mine does. That's weird.
So Alex Leonard told me that Troy is an AP. I totally called that.
Is it true? How in the world is he doing?? I haven't heard from him
in forever! Haha I miss him and I can't wait to see him.
Sounds like a lot of big stuff is coming up. Haley with school and
your half marathon (make sure you definitely change your schedule.
SpeightHausse might be a good one to keep. She's easy and that would
be a nice break during the tough schedule you've got. Just a
suggestion). Brock with the new semester. Mom with seminary. Dad
with strap plan. And then me coming home haha! Yes, time is flying
that fast.
Sounds like fishing was fun! In which canyon did you guys go fishing?
Haley, good luck with your half marathon!
Mom, it sounds like you're studying up a storm. Don't you love it the
more you do it? At least that's how I am sometimes. Good luck with
all of that, it'll be great! YOU will be great! I know it!
Well this week was kinda crazy. I got to see all my buddies from the
MTC group. They're in our neighbor zone. It was so great to see
them. We had a conference on Wednesday. President got everyone
really fired up about using the temple open house and dedication as a
way to get the work moving along. Just some statistical information:
when President Maravilla came, the mission baptized 60 in the month of
August. When he came in he put a goal to baptize 250 every month.
Everyone thought he was nuts. In May and June of this year we
baptized about 150. July: 171. Haha it truly is phenomenal what he's
done to help this place. I feel so blessed to be working with him.
During the conference, we got a quick break and I went to talk to the
APs about the stuff that happened last week. They told me to talk to
President. So I went and explained everything that happened. I
explained that the kids that got baptized were not ready, and I knew
that. But then I explained that my zone leaders told me that we
should baptize them to reach the goal because that's what he
(President) wanted us to do. They then told me that he (President)
told them specifically that we should baptize the kids. He looked at
me and said, 'even if I had said that, you knew they weren't ready and
should have held your character in doing what you knew was right. I
didn't give them permission. You are a leader. You've learned a
powerful lesson.' Then he smiled and clapped me on the shoulder haha.
I felt relieved to know that what I had been feeling was right, but
then I felt foolish for not being more steadfast in what I knew was
right. I'm not happy with my zone leaders.
Luckily, the kids are still excited about the gospel, and we're still
working with the parents.
This week was incredibly difficult. I kept thinking, all of this is
just opposition, something good is on the way! But it just kept
getting more difficult. I was trying to coordinate a blood donation
for an investigator's dying mother and nothing was working out. I
kept making phone calls while trying to take care of district
responsibilities. It was all going downhill and the district wasn't
doing well. After all the phonecalls stopped, I just sat there dazed.
My comp had long gone to bed. It was all just too much. I'm treated
like a zone leader, but I have to take care of my fledgling companion
and look out for the other elders in my district, some of which aren't
too motivated right now. It was just too much. After sitting there
for a bit I went to my bed to pray. I went one by one with each
problem and just prayed it all out. I closed the prayer and waited to
listen. That moment of listening made it all better. Heavenly Father
listens to our prayers and I love Him. He knows everything.
Everything.
The day after that was better, I think it was just my attitude and
realizing that I can't change the world. I can't obligate people to
work. I can't force a baptism. But there is a lot I can be doing to
guide people and help motivate them.
Speaking of which, how do you motivate someone who knows what they
should be doing, knows the blessings involved (as well as
consequences), and simply lacks desire? How can that desire be
sparked or ignited? I need some help there.
We got the confidence of our bishop back! Haha we bought a watermelon
and I carried it a mile or so to their house (that thing weighed more
than my backpack). We showed up at their house and I told them I
brought our fast offering for the month haha! The bishop's wife
looked confused. I set the watermelon on their table and explained it
was a gift. They started laughing and said thank you so much elders!
And then we shared a message with them. It was cool and it's a relief
to have their confidence again.
Well, I gotta write President. It was a tough week, but things are
getting better! The Lord is with me and I've learned so much in such
a short amount of time. I love you guys so much!
Oh, I came up with birthday ideas haha. My watch is starting to fall
apart, I can buy one here, but I feel like I don't have any money. I
hate asking for money, but I guess it's my birthday. I just feel bad
because Mom already sent a package.
Mom, I love you and I want to write you a letter. I'm going to start
that soon. Dad, Brock, Aubrey, and Haley, I love you too. So much!
Have an awesome week and good luck with everything!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler

A Hard Week

Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: Here Comes August...


Hey!
Brock and Aubrey! You won a 40" TV! Haha that's so awesome! And
Aubrey, that's weird to hear about cute ducks. I see a lot of ducks
here. They all have leprosy. And I watched one eat a dead rat
yesterday. No joke. Don't buy a duck haha. And thanks for the
update on Aubrey Evans, I need to write her! The picture was
funny, does she know you're stalking her facebook? Creeeepers haha
Brock, do you work out regularly? That's something that always helps
me fix my sleeping patterns. And you are too a missionary! Your
calling never ends. You're no longer a full-time missionary, but your
are a representative of Christ at all times! Now that you don't have
the stress of being a full-time missionary in Germany, I feel like
missionary work could be more fun and carefree, but still important.
The year mark was weird. Haha no, I didn't burn socks, but we did eat
cake. You and Aubrey sound really blessed. It seems like there are
always challenges, but you guys have a lot going for you. I'm always
happy for you guys. You've overcome a lot of stuff. And I look
forward to watching moovies on your new TV :D
Haley, you and your friends are soo cool! You guys always seem to do
something fun. And your new kicks are sickk. I approve. Haha and
your poem was deep, but I liked it. You should check out my Mormon
facebook thingy. I made one a few months ago. They want all the
missionaries to have one. I made it really fast when I was in Champe,
so I don't even remember what I wrote. Tell me what you think.
Mom, what you said about the word 'remember' hit me. I'll
explain more in a minute, but basically, I forgot a lot of things this
week. Thank you so much for the package you're sending. I feel so
spoiled.
That's weird about the smoke alarms and stuff going off the other
night. I don't like nighttime like I used to, weird things happen. I
hope you guys have fun in Utah. Tell everyone I say hi!
Dad, even though nothing particularly eventful happened, your letters
are never boring. The year mark is a weird time. I still feel
new.
Tecun Uman is very flat. There are mountains in the distance, but
they're usually covered by clouds. There's a lot of things that have
changed in the last couple years, thanks to the drug lord mayor
pumping a bunch of money into renovation projects. Ironic to think
about. The train doesn't come through anymore. The biggest thing is
the crossing into Mexico. Lots of people work there and make a lot of
money. The other people who have a lot of money earn it illegally. I
meet a lot of immigrants. It's weird. Some love me, some don't.
My comp, the area, the zone, the ward. Ohh what to say haha...
My companion, Elder Cartagena, is from Honduras. He grew up in the
church, but his father left home a long time ago. He and his mom have
been through a lot together. He has three siblings who are all
married. He's from the Ceiba, in the northern coast of Honduras.
He's struggling. He was trained by a guy that doesn't work well.
They developed a lot of interesting habits. His trainer left
mid-training to serve in the mission office. I still don't understand
that. Elder Cartagena is great with people and is really good at
soccer. Lots of people think he's a gringo because he's black. Haha
he thinks it's funny. He's a fun guy, but he knows the area and the
members better than I do. That combined with being trained by a goof
off does not help me in my position. He doesn't like to work. I'm
trying to help him. I'm tired of being the only one to contact, the
only one to clean, fill out the area book, etc. Those are such little
things, but I get to bed so late, and wake up early to get it all in.
That's how it's been almost the entire mission. I'm tired.
Haha this week was so hard. I had some really dark dreams and woke up
in the middle of the night scared to death feeling like people were
watching me sleep. Satan is real and he hates me. Haha that has been
established. On top of that, our zone leaders have been acting so
childish. When I came here, President told me specifically help the
zone leaders. I feel like the zone, even though it's so small, just
doesn't have much direction. So I'm giving some. I softly rebuked
everyone (in a loving, motivational way) for not doing what they're
supposed to do. Thankfully the Spirit was present and we're all still
good friends. But I don't like doing that. I hate doing that.
Having to be direct and bold with people is so hard for me. And I've
had to do it a lot lately. I shy away from it and then I feel weak.
I feel like there's such a thin line between boldness and
overbearance. I don't feel prideful, but others are so quick to judge
leadership. It's tough ha.
On the bright side, we had a baptism this week! We're teaching the
rest of the family now, and it should lead to more great stuff this
coming month. But it all felt so rushed, so pressured by our zone
leaders. Our bishop (who I absolutely respect and look up to) got
upset with us. I failed to remember to do some things that I should
have done way ahead of time. We had baptismal clothes and my comp
told me we had everything. We got to the baptism and he informs me
that we didn't get shirts. I didn't know what to say. Luckily, we
got some fairly quickly. It was a baptismal service combined with the
zone leaders' ward, and they showed up 45 minutes late. The bishop
pulled me aside and asked me what in the world was going on. I didn't
know what to say. But I just told him the truth and he reprehended me
a bit. Later on my comp gave the bishop some attitude. I wanted to
smack my companion. Haha I didn't. But I corrected him.
Bah! Thank you for letting me vent to you guys. Really, it was just
a hard week and I'm excited for August. It'll be an awesome month.
We're teaching a lot of families. They all just need to get married
(and most of them don't have papers, which are required to get
married). And the ones that are married aren't progressing! Haha so
frustrating. But at least we're teaching and finding! I feel so
blessed in that respect. Thank you guys for everything. I love you
each so much. Brock, I love you. Aubrey, I love you. Haley, I love
you. Dad, I love you. Mom, I love you. Thank you for writing me.
It's always such a boost to start the new week. Have an awesome week!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler

A couple of letters out of order

Just an FYI, I posted the last two letters (with correct dates on them) out of order.
M.T.

Wide array of perceptions about America

Sent: Monday, July 04, 2011 1:18 PM
Subject: Re: Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
America! Haha my home! As I think about the states, I think about
all the perceptions people have here. I mean, I of course remember it
for myself and all of it's greatness and also its flaws, but people
here all look at America with a wide array of perceptions. It's
interesting. This week we talked to a man that tried to explain to us
that America is the beast that is destroying the world. Another asked
us if it's true that all the food is full of vitamins and that's why
everyone is so strong and healthy and beautiful. Others have told us
their experiences from when they worked there (many in Colorado) and
how they absolutely loved it. They tell how they had to work hard,
but they truly enjoyed the time they had there. Some were there
legally, but most were there illegally. One guy was there legally and
messed up. He got a DUI and had to come back. It's so interesting to
think about the impact that America has on the rest of the world. I,
in my prideful and experienced point of view, can see the blessings
that have come to this place as a result of my homeland. Sometimes
I'm hated for being a 'gringo' and other times I'm loved for it.
Regardless, I feel tremendously blessed for having lived my life in
the states and also for having seen a contrast outside.
Today we watched 'Rio', an animated movie, and afterwards played the
National Anthem. Tonight, we're having a BBQ at our zone leaders'
house. Elder Lillywhite made fudge for the occasion haha. It should
be a good time.
Aubrey, I loved the pictures. Thank you for sending them. And if
you're ever having a rough time with all that goes on, give 'Swim' by
Jack's Mannequin a listen. That one always picks me up. Know that
you are included in my daily prayers along with the entire family. I
love you too!
Brock, your emails are always so epic. They make me so excited for
the future. It's very random and ironic that you mentioned chess. I
was sitting on a 2-hour bus ride this week thinking and started
thinking about chess. I asked myself what kind of a chess piece I
would be if I could be a chess piece (weird thought, I know, don't
judge me). I then thought about how I would totally be a rook. The
rook just sits and watches for awhile and isn't used right off the bat
(typically). Whenever I use it early, I lose it. But if I wait to
use it, I can usually use it very effectively. I felt like in life, I
usually wait and watch. Then I come into play and get these random
and big opportunities to participate and make a difference. Whenever
I play chess, I wait to use the rook and it's usually one of the most
effective finishing pieces. But sometimes it's never used, like a
back up. But I can apply that to school, student council, sports, the
mission, BYU, and all sorts of things in my life. I dunno, random
thought. Haha I'm weird.
Your gun sounds sick btw. I want to go shooting. And camping. Shoomping.
Haley, your poem is off the heezy. I loved it. Sounds like you're
staying way busy. I love your spiritual thoughts and I love how you
went ahead and used the names that you received from Jan. Where is
Jordan Packham going? Oh and Homecoming sounds like it has the
potential to be pretty siiickkkk.
Dad, sounds like life is kinda crazy still. Lot's of interesting
stuff at work and with the whole house(s) situation. And I'm with
you, it's crazy that a year ago we were just kickin it at Margaret and
Bert's and up at Sundance. I loved that vacation! Tell Grandad and
Uncles Craig and Bruce I say hello! Also, all the hopes and plans
about getting a home in the mountains... If you think about it, ten
years ago we were in Indiana. As much as I loved Indiana, I am so
happy and grateful that we moved to Colorado. The fact that we live
there and have the mountains so close is the coolest thing in the
world. Fort Collins is the bomb. And I'm way excited for the new
house and everything! I hope all goes well with it.
Mom, I do feel the prayers. Thank you so much. And thank you for
getting that box together and everything! And I loved what you shared
about the baseball game and your childhood. I love hearing/reading
things like that!
So this past week was a little nuts. Elder Maurer called us on Monday
afternoon and informed us we would be receiving a new elder in
Champerico. We asked him when. He laughed and said they were on
their way! Haha gosh. We rearranged the whole house and cleaned it.
Our house was small for two people. Now we're a trio! It's been fun,
but kind of crazy. Elder Haws is a cool guy. He's from Mesa,
Arizona. Even though he grew up in the heat, he sweats as much as I
do haha. Even he thinks it's hot here.
Being in a trio is interesting, I would explain more if I had more time.
Last week we had another conference with President! It was the best
one thus far. He introduced the new focus of the mission. Finding,
teaching, and baptizing with members. That's been the focus all
along, but now he wants us to get the members to do all of that
without us. He told us to ask the branch president and the priesthood
holders of our areas how long it's been since they've baptized last.
He said many of them have never baptized (which is true). He
explained that most priesthood holders rarely use the precious keys of
baptism outside of their missions. That needs to change. It was cool
to hear him speak as always.
This week was tough! Having Elder Haws come was a cool change, but I
feel bad that his first week in the field was so difficult. We only
had three new investigators and we were so down about it. Then our
zone leaders congratulated us for having the most new investigators in
the whole zone! Sounds like it was a tough week for the entire
mission. Satan is working hard. But I know that the Lord has huge
plans in store for the coming month(s). I love the work! The coolest
thing that happened is yesterday we broke the attendance record since
being here in Champerico. 52 were at church! Still only five
priesthood holders though. That's gonna change though.
I love you guys and hope all is well! Have an awesome week, you're
the best. Thank you so much for your emails. Love you!
Elder Austin Tyler

An investigator showing so much self-control and mastery

Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 1:38 PM
Subject: Re: Memorial Day


Thank you all for your emails! Sounds like lots of stuff is still
going on! Haha the schedule never ends.
Mom, I'm doing great. I got the package you sent. I cannot thank you
enough. I feel a little bit guilty when I think about how spoiled I
am. But that guilt never comes without feeling an overwhelming sense
of love. Thank you so much. And thank you for the pictures and your
note. Those were some great pictures. Everyone looks so happy!
Doggy looks fat haha.
Regarding Hermano Menchu... we found him! He's still sober! He
talked to us for about an hour regarding everything that he's been
through. He went a week without eating anything. On top of that, he
was dry heaving day and night. He didn't sleep at all. But he stuck
through it, and he's eating and sleeping regularly now. Can you
imagine that? What desire! What self-control and mastery! He is a
completely different person now. He's living alone in a concrete
building with no light. He has a bed, some dishes, and clothing,
nothing else. And he's working hard. Such an inspiring story. Now
we just gotta get him to church ;)
Brock, sounds like work is kind of tough, but that job you have sounds
like it's such a blessing. Sounds like a really insightful blessing
you received. I hope things get better on that front.
Aubrey, sounds like that child is a beast. Sounds a little bit like
the kids in our branch (maybe not quite so bad, but there are four of
them). Oh it's so awful sometimes. I try to think of them as if they
were my own brother and sisters or even my own kids. Sometimes I
still want to pick them up and just drop them out the window (not
really), but it helps to change perspectives.
Haley, go see Jack's Mannequin. I'm tempted to tell Elder Eckel, but
I don't want to trunk him out haha. Sounds like you finished strong
with everything at school. Rest up (but stay busy) for the coming
year. It's gonna be a lot of fun (and by fun I mean craziness). Work
on prioritizing!
Dad, thanks for all the updates on my friends and stuff. And that's
some advice I need to apply about being smart in the rain. I guess
they've predicted this season to be a pretty stormy one, so we're
going to be careful. Even though we're protected, there's no sense in
unnecessarily putting myself in danger. Appointments can always be
rescheduled.
Oh and if you want to give me the iTouch i would totally be okay with that :D
This week was great! I had a really good interview with President.
He interviewed Elder Lillywhite first. When I walked in he expressed
his surprise and disappointment that we hadn't eaten fish yet. Haha I
explained that we had, however, eaten cow stomach. He was pleased.
He then told me that we're going to eat cow liver, intestines, and
other gross things that I won't mention. I said no thank you and gave
him a weird look as he explained how he loves those things. He said
'What!? I'm a Lamanite!!' Haha I couldn't stop laughing for awhile.
He asked me about some things I've been studying and told me he was
pleased with my work. I expressed a bit of frustration regarding our
lack of progress with the branch and all that. He said simply not to
worry about it. I told him I simply don't know what more to do that
we aren't already doing. He said to simply not worry about it. He
said it is obvious that we're working hard. He told me to keep doing
what we're doing. We can't change the world, all we can do is love
the people, keep improving ourselves, and let the Lord give us the
opportunities that He wants us to have. I asked him why I'm in
Champerico. He told me that Champe needs pure-minded, obedient
missionaries. He said he trusts me. That made me feel really happy.
Now I just can't let him down. I can't let the Lord down. There's a
lot to do. President also said that Champe needs time to recover. I
don't know if that means that I'll be here a long time or what, but
we'll see. I would be completely okay with that. I have a lot to
learn here. This is the second time I've been on clean up crew,
opening an area to fix some things. Elder Tacam is baptizing a lot in
Cuyo now. And we'll see what happens this coming change in Champe. I
feel like a lot of good things are in store. I'm excited about it.
This change has been very humbling and I've grown a lot. But there's
always so much to improve. I need to study more, be more punctual,
more loving toward my comp and all the members, more willing to offer
a helping hand in the hot sun, quicker in responding to the Spirit,
more faithful, more patient, more focused, more thankful, more
prayerful. Ah there's so much to do. And although it can get
overwhelming to think about, there is a lot of excitment in realizing
that I have everything I need to be the best I can be. And as I
strive to keep being the person I want to become, I can slowly see
myself becoming that person. But it requires a lot of patience,
diligence, and humility. When I mess up in teaching or in speaking
Spanish or when I fail to follow the Spirit like I should, it's so
easy to get caught up in that. But I've learned to strive for
perfection without getting down on myself. I don't really know how to
explain it (in english or spanish). But life is good. God lives and
loves me. He's aware of everything! Everything! I love Him and I
glory in His goodness. How blessed we are to have this gospel. We
ought to make these things known unto everyone.
Thank you for everything. I love you guys so much. Everyone keeps
getting cooler and cooler. Love you all!

Elder Tyler