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
Monday, January 30, 2012
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
Looking forward to calling home for Christmas
12/19/11
Hey!
So great to hear that the move went smoothly! And 3:00 PM works perfectly. I can't believe John's already done! So crazy.
Aubrey, thank you so much for sending all those pictures, they were great! Everyone looks so good! Mom and Dad have lost weight, Haley cracks me up and looks gorgeous, and Brock and Aubrey look so happy! I'm so pumped to talk to you guys!
Regarding the move, I'm way excited! I am now loving the idea of coming home to a new house. Haha I was talking about it today at our Christmas conference and mentioned to the buds that my parents moved! Elder Hock replied, well while we're talking about crazy news from home, my mom got remarried to a hippy named Bob and she bought a new house. Haha Elder Hock cracks me up. I feel for him though. His family situation is not the most stable from the bits and pieces he's shared.
But seriously, I am way excited. I'm kind of sad that I'll only be there a few weeks before having to head out to school, but that will just serve as an excuse to visit often.
Regarding shopping, I haven't seen any nativity scenes aside from the one in the Catholic church, but I'll look. I have no idea how much money is in my account, so I don't know what to buy yet. But cool story...
On Wednesday we stopped by a members' home. They are very wealthy members. The husband is not an active member and his occupation is sketchy haha. The wife is such a strong member and a wonderful lady. We stopped by and we were in their shop from which they sell Brazilian silver haha. In the corner of the room I saw a painting from this famous Guatemalan painter that I love. It was a painting of a quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala. I told her how much I loved it and asked where she got it. She looked at me and said, Really??? I said yes! She explained that they haven't known what to do with it and she gave it to me! I couldn't believe it! It's a nice painting. I'm going to send it home through the mail I think. Not sure how yet, but I'll figure that out next P Day. People here are so overwhelmingly generous!
This week was pretty crazy. A Christmas choir organized by a stake president in Coatepeque came and performed here in Tecun. We were very busy with preparations and set up. We invited a ton of people, ran an announcement on the radio, etc. I was kind of skeptical because music isn't a forte in the local culture. Most people at church are tone deaf haha. It makes for interesting melodies in the common hymns. But we worked hard in preparation. The event was held in an cultural center by the city government building. Elder Moss and I set up a greeting table with church material and greeted people as they came in. We weren't expecting the place to fill, but it turned out to overflow! There weren't nearly enough seats. It was amazing, everyone was so surprised. And the choir was so great! Supposedly they perform every year. I was blown away. Everyone loved it. And it resulted in about 50 families or adults for us to visit this week haha. Should be interesting with the Christmas activities. Nobody is home during this month.
Today they started to take down the local chapel. They'll be constructing a two-story church with an indoor basketball court and all. But that won't be done for ten months.
So the Christmas conference was today. We all went to Retalhuleu and there were some musical performances and such. Then President spoke about Christmas. Afterwards we had time to eat a really nice lunch and chill with friends. It was fun! Much better than last year. I realize that I'm getting old in the mission, I feel like I don't know anyone aside from the old crew (part of that is due to the fact that I've been here on the outskirts for six months) and I was really annoyed with the immaturity of some of the missionaries. But it was so great to see everyone. People asked me where I am at right now. When I replied, Tecun Uman, everyone responded, 'STILL!??' Haha and then followed up with an 'I'm so sorry, that's rough!' Hahaha! But I like this place. It will be weird to go. Elder Molina told me I will be changed in January.
Brock, thank you for your email, sounds like you're doing great. Thanks for the world update. Dad, sounds like you're way busy. It'll be nice to kick back for the Holidays. Mom and Haley, I love you guys and hope all is well with finals and the new move. I pray for you guys and hope you all feel an increase of love and joy during this week. Make it awesome! I love you guys so much. I always say that, but that doesn't make it less true. Talk to you Sunday!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey!
So great to hear that the move went smoothly! And 3:00 PM works perfectly. I can't believe John's already done! So crazy.
Aubrey, thank you so much for sending all those pictures, they were great! Everyone looks so good! Mom and Dad have lost weight, Haley cracks me up and looks gorgeous, and Brock and Aubrey look so happy! I'm so pumped to talk to you guys!
Regarding the move, I'm way excited! I am now loving the idea of coming home to a new house. Haha I was talking about it today at our Christmas conference and mentioned to the buds that my parents moved! Elder Hock replied, well while we're talking about crazy news from home, my mom got remarried to a hippy named Bob and she bought a new house. Haha Elder Hock cracks me up. I feel for him though. His family situation is not the most stable from the bits and pieces he's shared.
But seriously, I am way excited. I'm kind of sad that I'll only be there a few weeks before having to head out to school, but that will just serve as an excuse to visit often.
Regarding shopping, I haven't seen any nativity scenes aside from the one in the Catholic church, but I'll look. I have no idea how much money is in my account, so I don't know what to buy yet. But cool story...
On Wednesday we stopped by a members' home. They are very wealthy members. The husband is not an active member and his occupation is sketchy haha. The wife is such a strong member and a wonderful lady. We stopped by and we were in their shop from which they sell Brazilian silver haha. In the corner of the room I saw a painting from this famous Guatemalan painter that I love. It was a painting of a quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala. I told her how much I loved it and asked where she got it. She looked at me and said, Really??? I said yes! She explained that they haven't known what to do with it and she gave it to me! I couldn't believe it! It's a nice painting. I'm going to send it home through the mail I think. Not sure how yet, but I'll figure that out next P Day. People here are so overwhelmingly generous!
This week was pretty crazy. A Christmas choir organized by a stake president in Coatepeque came and performed here in Tecun. We were very busy with preparations and set up. We invited a ton of people, ran an announcement on the radio, etc. I was kind of skeptical because music isn't a forte in the local culture. Most people at church are tone deaf haha. It makes for interesting melodies in the common hymns. But we worked hard in preparation. The event was held in an cultural center by the city government building. Elder Moss and I set up a greeting table with church material and greeted people as they came in. We weren't expecting the place to fill, but it turned out to overflow! There weren't nearly enough seats. It was amazing, everyone was so surprised. And the choir was so great! Supposedly they perform every year. I was blown away. Everyone loved it. And it resulted in about 50 families or adults for us to visit this week haha. Should be interesting with the Christmas activities. Nobody is home during this month.
Today they started to take down the local chapel. They'll be constructing a two-story church with an indoor basketball court and all. But that won't be done for ten months.
So the Christmas conference was today. We all went to Retalhuleu and there were some musical performances and such. Then President spoke about Christmas. Afterwards we had time to eat a really nice lunch and chill with friends. It was fun! Much better than last year. I realize that I'm getting old in the mission, I feel like I don't know anyone aside from the old crew (part of that is due to the fact that I've been here on the outskirts for six months) and I was really annoyed with the immaturity of some of the missionaries. But it was so great to see everyone. People asked me where I am at right now. When I replied, Tecun Uman, everyone responded, 'STILL!??' Haha and then followed up with an 'I'm so sorry, that's rough!' Hahaha! But I like this place. It will be weird to go. Elder Molina told me I will be changed in January.
Brock, thank you for your email, sounds like you're doing great. Thanks for the world update. Dad, sounds like you're way busy. It'll be nice to kick back for the Holidays. Mom and Haley, I love you guys and hope all is well with finals and the new move. I pray for you guys and hope you all feel an increase of love and joy during this week. Make it awesome! I love you guys so much. I always say that, but that doesn't make it less true. Talk to you Sunday!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Now, the coolest thing... Yesterday President Uchtdorf dedicated the Quetzaltenango temple
12/12/11
Hey everyone!
Since we can no longer play soccer, we've resorted to things like board games on Pday. I just swept an epic game of RISK (Halo version). Pretty fun haha.
It's been a pretty crazy week, sounds like a lot i going on over there too. My phone number is xxxxxxx, I don't remember what the country code is, but I'm sure youll be able to find that online. I dont know what time will be best, but certainly in the afternoon.
Mom, we don't have any investigators that are really progressing. If you could pray for Edgar and Sandra, they're a family we found that has a lot of potential. Aside from that we're struggling to find people right now. It's been a struggle lately keeping ourselves motivated. And yes, the Christmas box is still safe and sound. Speaking of which, these will likely be my last few weeks in Tecun and it's one of the best places to buy cool things. I want to buy some cool stuff (personal things and also for the family), so if you guys want I can buy some stuff and hang on to it till the end of the mission. I would wait till the end, but there are some good quality items around here. I bought Haley something today ;).
Brock, great to hear that you're doing well! Kinda crazy you bought an Xbox, but sweet! Haha sounds like a sweet deal. And good to hear you got my letter. I'm stoked to talk to you.
Dad, you're going to Panama! That should be cool, I've always wondered what that place is like. Supposedly they don't consider themselves part of Central America. I'm curious as to whether they are more developed or what the deal is there. We will be doing a mission conference for Christmas, but we have no idea when haha. World news is interesting, politics sound ridiculous. And thank you for the ideas to find. We have a big activity on Friday, a choir i coming in town from another stake and it usually pulls in about 200 people. We're planning how to take advantage of that. I like the caroling idea.
So we've had a lot of challenges lately, but I'm learning from them. Our district currently has nothing positive happening. Neither does the other district in the Tecun Uman zone. I gave a pretty harsh message in our last district meeting, and it helped for a couple days, but we're back to where we were. I'm trying to apply the pattern of leadership from Doctrine and Covenants 121. I'm focusing on the things I can control, and applying that. The rest, that which I cannot control, is not up to me. But I will continue to strive to show love as I exhort and teach. The thing is I have a lot to change and improve in my individual methods and habits. But I'm hopeful for this week.
Now, the coolest thing... Yesterday President Uchtdorf dedicated the Quetzaltenango temple. On Saturday night all the young people performed in a cultural celebration. We got to watch it in the chapel on a tv. We were all hot and sticky while everyone in Quetzaltenango was freezing. Haha kind of weird considering how close it is. Most of the performers have never had an opportunity to perform and it was funny to see them having fun with it. A lot of people didn't seem to have a clue what was going on, but it all turned out really well. We saw all the young men and women from my ward (Ayutla) and they did great! They were all smiles and danced really well. Jose's kids were on there on international TV! That was cool. One of them is named BenHur haha! Stud. President Uchtdorf loved the event.
The dedication was so wonderful. It's fun to see general authorities in uncomfortable situations without a script. During the cornerstone ceremony outside the temple President Uchtdorf was cracking joke and having fun with it. At one point I think he forgot that there was a translator, he just kept talking in English. Everyone was a little confused. He started laughing.
The new temple presidency spoke. We watched all three sessions. The temple president shared the story of his father's conversion 60 years ago when the missionaries first arrived in Guatemala. He said his father one day was reading Matthew 3 and declared, 'I am no longer going to church until I find a church that baptizes in the manner that Jesus taught!' That night he had a dream in which two foreignors approached him and presented him with a book. He woke up and felt like the dream came from God, it was so vivid. He went to work and told all his coworkers. Suddenly one the coworkers yelled, 'Look! Two foreignors!' Sure enough, outside the door were two gringos. The man called to them. They were missionarie who just recently arrived to Quetzaltenango. They taught him about the Book of Mormon and then presented him one. He asked the cost. They responded, just a covenant that you'll read it. He read it in two days and was baptized shortly after. Now, 60 years later, there are 160 members of the church who are descendants of that man, and one of them is now the temple president. So many powerful stories like that! At the end President Uchtdorf testified. 'Jesus Christ lives. I know him. He is at the head of this work.' He expressed repeatedly his love for the people and it inspired me. I feel a new sense of appreciation for this culture and this people. The prophecies and promises made to the Lamanites are being fulfilled. This is God's work!
I love you guys so much! Thank you for everything!
Talk to you soon,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey everyone!
Since we can no longer play soccer, we've resorted to things like board games on Pday. I just swept an epic game of RISK (Halo version). Pretty fun haha.
It's been a pretty crazy week, sounds like a lot i going on over there too. My phone number is xxxxxxx, I don't remember what the country code is, but I'm sure youll be able to find that online. I dont know what time will be best, but certainly in the afternoon.
Mom, we don't have any investigators that are really progressing. If you could pray for Edgar and Sandra, they're a family we found that has a lot of potential. Aside from that we're struggling to find people right now. It's been a struggle lately keeping ourselves motivated. And yes, the Christmas box is still safe and sound. Speaking of which, these will likely be my last few weeks in Tecun and it's one of the best places to buy cool things. I want to buy some cool stuff (personal things and also for the family), so if you guys want I can buy some stuff and hang on to it till the end of the mission. I would wait till the end, but there are some good quality items around here. I bought Haley something today ;).
Brock, great to hear that you're doing well! Kinda crazy you bought an Xbox, but sweet! Haha sounds like a sweet deal. And good to hear you got my letter. I'm stoked to talk to you.
Dad, you're going to Panama! That should be cool, I've always wondered what that place is like. Supposedly they don't consider themselves part of Central America. I'm curious as to whether they are more developed or what the deal is there. We will be doing a mission conference for Christmas, but we have no idea when haha. World news is interesting, politics sound ridiculous. And thank you for the ideas to find. We have a big activity on Friday, a choir i coming in town from another stake and it usually pulls in about 200 people. We're planning how to take advantage of that. I like the caroling idea.
So we've had a lot of challenges lately, but I'm learning from them. Our district currently has nothing positive happening. Neither does the other district in the Tecun Uman zone. I gave a pretty harsh message in our last district meeting, and it helped for a couple days, but we're back to where we were. I'm trying to apply the pattern of leadership from Doctrine and Covenants 121. I'm focusing on the things I can control, and applying that. The rest, that which I cannot control, is not up to me. But I will continue to strive to show love as I exhort and teach. The thing is I have a lot to change and improve in my individual methods and habits. But I'm hopeful for this week.
Now, the coolest thing... Yesterday President Uchtdorf dedicated the Quetzaltenango temple. On Saturday night all the young people performed in a cultural celebration. We got to watch it in the chapel on a tv. We were all hot and sticky while everyone in Quetzaltenango was freezing. Haha kind of weird considering how close it is. Most of the performers have never had an opportunity to perform and it was funny to see them having fun with it. A lot of people didn't seem to have a clue what was going on, but it all turned out really well. We saw all the young men and women from my ward (Ayutla) and they did great! They were all smiles and danced really well. Jose's kids were on there on international TV! That was cool. One of them is named BenHur haha! Stud. President Uchtdorf loved the event.
The dedication was so wonderful. It's fun to see general authorities in uncomfortable situations without a script. During the cornerstone ceremony outside the temple President Uchtdorf was cracking joke and having fun with it. At one point I think he forgot that there was a translator, he just kept talking in English. Everyone was a little confused. He started laughing.
The new temple presidency spoke. We watched all three sessions. The temple president shared the story of his father's conversion 60 years ago when the missionaries first arrived in Guatemala. He said his father one day was reading Matthew 3 and declared, 'I am no longer going to church until I find a church that baptizes in the manner that Jesus taught!' That night he had a dream in which two foreignors approached him and presented him with a book. He woke up and felt like the dream came from God, it was so vivid. He went to work and told all his coworkers. Suddenly one the coworkers yelled, 'Look! Two foreignors!' Sure enough, outside the door were two gringos. The man called to them. They were missionarie who just recently arrived to Quetzaltenango. They taught him about the Book of Mormon and then presented him one. He asked the cost. They responded, just a covenant that you'll read it. He read it in two days and was baptized shortly after. Now, 60 years later, there are 160 members of the church who are descendants of that man, and one of them is now the temple president. So many powerful stories like that! At the end President Uchtdorf testified. 'Jesus Christ lives. I know him. He is at the head of this work.' He expressed repeatedly his love for the people and it inspired me. I feel a new sense of appreciation for this culture and this people. The prophecies and promises made to the Lamanites are being fulfilled. This is God's work!
I love you guys so much! Thank you for everything!
Talk to you soon,
Elder Austin Tyler
Christmas will be EPIC
12/5/11
Hey everybody!
This week was sooooo hard! But it's okay. Just a testimony that there is opposition in all things. We're not discouraged, but things were just kinda ridiculous haha. Nobody was home. December is ridiculous in this part of the world. Everyone leaves for parties and what not. But Christmas here will be epic. The members are already inviting us to join them in their tamale feasts. And the fireworks are already pretty nuts. Last night we finished planning and we heard fireworks. So I went up to our roof and sat in the hammock to watch. It was pretty impressive. Tecun had it's Christmas parade and the mayor put on a firework show. There were a lot of fireworks I'd never seen before. Then in the finale, they launched the biggest firework I've ever seen in my life. Like they had some big ones, like the big 4th of July ones. But this one was something new. It exploded en gold and blue and lit the entire sky. The explosion echoed off of the mountains in the distance and it sounded like a roll of thunder going back and forth. Craziest thing ever. So cool haha! And it's not even Christmas yet. I might buy a new memory card for my camera just for taking videos of Christmas and New Years. I'm sure Mr. Mayor is planning something huge. Haha drugs bring lots of money to this place. People are going all out for Christmas.
Mom, it sounds like some crazy dental stuff. If you want the Guatemalan antidote for mercury poisoning, heat up the bottom of a drinking glass and cover your left ear for five minutes. Then stare at a like while you drink cold water. It works, trust me, a doctor said so. Hahahaha
Please tell Aunt Margaret that I love her and miss her so much! And Mom, enjoy your break!
Aubrey, thanks for your little note! And Brock, your email was awesome as always.
I got the Christmas box! Thank you so much! I won't open it until Christmas (I had to hide it from my comp and the zone leaders). They really would open it without my permission. Ridiculous, I know.
Dad, that was funny what you wrote about Ginger. Good to know she's still a goofball. I've grown so accustomed to gross dogs that it'll be such a cool thing to be with my wittle beagle. And I liked the what if questions. Sounds like something Elder Hock would love. I remember in the MTC he would always end the day with a deep or ridiculous question. 'If you could combine two animals into one and have it as a pet, what would you do?' That made for some good conversation haha.
Haley, I've been working on a letter for you and it's almost complete. It should be sent this week. Hang in there with everything. Nail those finals! That was a pretty hilarious story about the hamster and ferret. As far as the Christmas poem, don't make it as cruel as Mike and I made ours. It was a little too much, but so funny! Haha it could probably still be funny without the cruelty. Probably.
So best news of the week... Soccer is now banned in all the mission. I still don't really know why, but my comp always tells people it's the gringos' fault. Haha ohhhh.
But on the bright side, I won a game of 21 today. We played basketball in the Malacatan chapel (it's huge), and I actually played well!
We work out in a gym at 6 every morning and this week I repped 175 on the bench press. Watch out Jason Bourne.
On a spiritual note, I loved the First Presidency Christmas devotional. I'm very excited to see more of the video the church released! That was so cool. The wise men were depicted so well! I loved that! But why wasn't the angel smiling or something when he appeared to the shephards? That was a little interesting. But I loved it, so cool!
I've been studying the Atonement and recently started reading about the birth of the Savior and it's been very special to contemplate the infinite love God has for us. I marvel at it.
I was reading Jesus the Christ about the witnesses of the Christ child. The angels appeared to the humble shephards and they went to testify to the people about what they had seen and heard. But with the simple testimony of humble shephards wasn't much to a bunch of prideful Pharisees and politicians who just pushed the shephards aside, assuming they were falling to the foolish imaginations and aspirations of joy amid their poverty. But later came the wise men, perhaps wealthier than the Jewish rulers, who came humbly seeking the Christ. This must have been a real blow to the pride of men like Herod. The Father called upon both the rich and the poor to bear testimony of His Only Begotten, leaving no excuse to the prideful unbelievers.
It's so interesting to me to see the pride and priestcrafts of the churches here in Guatemala. It's sad. People are so misled. And they are stuck in traditions that have no biblical foundation, simply based on what a pastor teaches. The pastor can say whatever he wants and people follow him. We've asked people, 'Sister, if Christ himself were to come down and tell you that what we have taught you is true, would you be willing to apply these teachings in your life?' We get responses like this all the time: 'Well I already have a pastor that tells me what is true and what I should do. So no.' Ah so frustrating.
But as I fight for the truth and strive to help people receive the blessings of the Restored Gospel, I get a glimpse of the love that God has for these people. They are so special and there is so much potential here.
My times up, but thank you for everything. Have an awesome week. I love you all so much!
Tell everyone I say hi!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Hey everybody!
This week was sooooo hard! But it's okay. Just a testimony that there is opposition in all things. We're not discouraged, but things were just kinda ridiculous haha. Nobody was home. December is ridiculous in this part of the world. Everyone leaves for parties and what not. But Christmas here will be epic. The members are already inviting us to join them in their tamale feasts. And the fireworks are already pretty nuts. Last night we finished planning and we heard fireworks. So I went up to our roof and sat in the hammock to watch. It was pretty impressive. Tecun had it's Christmas parade and the mayor put on a firework show. There were a lot of fireworks I'd never seen before. Then in the finale, they launched the biggest firework I've ever seen in my life. Like they had some big ones, like the big 4th of July ones. But this one was something new. It exploded en gold and blue and lit the entire sky. The explosion echoed off of the mountains in the distance and it sounded like a roll of thunder going back and forth. Craziest thing ever. So cool haha! And it's not even Christmas yet. I might buy a new memory card for my camera just for taking videos of Christmas and New Years. I'm sure Mr. Mayor is planning something huge. Haha drugs bring lots of money to this place. People are going all out for Christmas.
Mom, it sounds like some crazy dental stuff. If you want the Guatemalan antidote for mercury poisoning, heat up the bottom of a drinking glass and cover your left ear for five minutes. Then stare at a like while you drink cold water. It works, trust me, a doctor said so. Hahahaha
Please tell Aunt Margaret that I love her and miss her so much! And Mom, enjoy your break!
Aubrey, thanks for your little note! And Brock, your email was awesome as always.
I got the Christmas box! Thank you so much! I won't open it until Christmas (I had to hide it from my comp and the zone leaders). They really would open it without my permission. Ridiculous, I know.
Dad, that was funny what you wrote about Ginger. Good to know she's still a goofball. I've grown so accustomed to gross dogs that it'll be such a cool thing to be with my wittle beagle. And I liked the what if questions. Sounds like something Elder Hock would love. I remember in the MTC he would always end the day with a deep or ridiculous question. 'If you could combine two animals into one and have it as a pet, what would you do?' That made for some good conversation haha.
Haley, I've been working on a letter for you and it's almost complete. It should be sent this week. Hang in there with everything. Nail those finals! That was a pretty hilarious story about the hamster and ferret. As far as the Christmas poem, don't make it as cruel as Mike and I made ours. It was a little too much, but so funny! Haha it could probably still be funny without the cruelty. Probably.
So best news of the week... Soccer is now banned in all the mission. I still don't really know why, but my comp always tells people it's the gringos' fault. Haha ohhhh.
But on the bright side, I won a game of 21 today. We played basketball in the Malacatan chapel (it's huge), and I actually played well!
We work out in a gym at 6 every morning and this week I repped 175 on the bench press. Watch out Jason Bourne.
On a spiritual note, I loved the First Presidency Christmas devotional. I'm very excited to see more of the video the church released! That was so cool. The wise men were depicted so well! I loved that! But why wasn't the angel smiling or something when he appeared to the shephards? That was a little interesting. But I loved it, so cool!
I've been studying the Atonement and recently started reading about the birth of the Savior and it's been very special to contemplate the infinite love God has for us. I marvel at it.
I was reading Jesus the Christ about the witnesses of the Christ child. The angels appeared to the humble shephards and they went to testify to the people about what they had seen and heard. But with the simple testimony of humble shephards wasn't much to a bunch of prideful Pharisees and politicians who just pushed the shephards aside, assuming they were falling to the foolish imaginations and aspirations of joy amid their poverty. But later came the wise men, perhaps wealthier than the Jewish rulers, who came humbly seeking the Christ. This must have been a real blow to the pride of men like Herod. The Father called upon both the rich and the poor to bear testimony of His Only Begotten, leaving no excuse to the prideful unbelievers.
It's so interesting to me to see the pride and priestcrafts of the churches here in Guatemala. It's sad. People are so misled. And they are stuck in traditions that have no biblical foundation, simply based on what a pastor teaches. The pastor can say whatever he wants and people follow him. We've asked people, 'Sister, if Christ himself were to come down and tell you that what we have taught you is true, would you be willing to apply these teachings in your life?' We get responses like this all the time: 'Well I already have a pastor that tells me what is true and what I should do. So no.' Ah so frustrating.
But as I fight for the truth and strive to help people receive the blessings of the Restored Gospel, I get a glimpse of the love that God has for these people. They are so special and there is so much potential here.
My times up, but thank you for everything. Have an awesome week. I love you all so much!
Tell everyone I say hi!
Love,
Elder Austin Tyler
Monday, December 12, 2011
A wonderful Thanksgiving!
Hey! You guys!
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011
Did any of my friends go to church? And Haley, I'll read your talk a bit later, I'll print it out. It sounds like this week was awesome! Don't worry, it didn't make me trunky hearing about all that, but I do miss you guys a lot. Dad, that's funny you fell asleep on the floor before the Settlers game. Haha just an excuse to not risk losing.
The radio went fairly well, we talked about the Plan of Salvation. We should be talking again next week, but I'm not sure how we're going to coordinate that with the First Presidency Christmas devotional.
There were transfers, but very few. I will be here yet another change and it should be a good six weeks. I feel like after that I'll be out of here. And I don't think we can do skype. But that would be so awesome.
So I'm writing a little early today, so I may send this before I get Mom, Brock, and Aubrey's emails, but I love you guys so much! Mom, you would be proud of my cooking this week. And you guys all look great in the pictures!
So this week was wonderful. First of all, on Wednesday we had an appointment scheduled for Jose and his kids. We had a really long day leading up to it, but we met up with our bishop and headed over to their house, a little exhausted. We had planned to teach tithing. Jose was happy to see us. We started the lesson and the bishop taught powerfully about the blessings of tithing. It all went great. As soon as the bishop finished, I felt prompted to challenge Jose (again) to be baptized on Friday with his kids. he responded, 'Of course I will! How can I not? Ever since you guys came to visit me I've felt different, I've noticed a change in my kids, and I just feel better. This is what I need to do. Yes I will do it.' I was stunned. It took us a few moments and I realized that he was sincerely wanting to get baptized! haha thank you soo much for your prayers! It was such a miracle. I am so thankful for the power of the Spirit. The baptism went beautifully! Everyone was so happy. On top of that, Dridmi, a nonmember who has attended church for two years with her RM husband, finally made the decision to get baptized. She got baptized on Saturday! We have been so tremendously blessed. I marvel at the Lord's tender mercies. He is so patient with us and ever ready to reach out and help us with the things we can't do alone. I feel so humbled as I think about all He's done for us.
So those were the biggest highlights. On top of that, we had Thanksgiving. And don't know how, but everything turned out perfectly. We didn't have much to season the turkey, so I rubbed butter and salt all over it and stuck it in a big cake pan and put it in the oven. It only took four hours (13 pound turkey) and it was so tasty. We couldn't find gravy stuff, so we bought beef soup, then we poured the turkey broth in it, and put in some flour to thicken it. It worked perfectly. Then we heated up some canned corn. We bought instant mashed potatoes and Elder Ramos started making those. Haha he poured cold water in and started mixing, poor guy. All the gringos started freaking out. But it was fine, we put it on the stove and heated it up, mixing it the entire time. Then we put a cake in the oven. We bought some bread that kind of resembled rolls. We only lacked stuffing, pie, and sparkling cider. It was sooooooo good and it all turned out so well! Truly a miracle. We were eleven (three elders came into the zone to open an area), and we were afraid that there wouldn't be enough food. But everyone left stuffed to the brim.
I put up some pictures. There are some from way back, of Elder Cartagena. Then Elder Ramos. One of Jose and his three kids. A few from Thanksgiving. A few from the temple open house. One from the radio. One of a boil on my neck (don't worry, it's gone). And a couple of me with Delmis, a recent convert. She's a little princess and wanted a photo shoot. Haha
So that's about it. I love you guys so much! Have an awesome week. I was thinking about you guys a lot of Thanksgiving and I'm glad to hear things are going well. Christmas is so soon!
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011
Did any of my friends go to church? And Haley, I'll read your talk a bit later, I'll print it out. It sounds like this week was awesome! Don't worry, it didn't make me trunky hearing about all that, but I do miss you guys a lot. Dad, that's funny you fell asleep on the floor before the Settlers game. Haha just an excuse to not risk losing.
The radio went fairly well, we talked about the Plan of Salvation. We should be talking again next week, but I'm not sure how we're going to coordinate that with the First Presidency Christmas devotional.
There were transfers, but very few. I will be here yet another change and it should be a good six weeks. I feel like after that I'll be out of here. And I don't think we can do skype. But that would be so awesome.
So I'm writing a little early today, so I may send this before I get Mom, Brock, and Aubrey's emails, but I love you guys so much! Mom, you would be proud of my cooking this week. And you guys all look great in the pictures!
So this week was wonderful. First of all, on Wednesday we had an appointment scheduled for Jose and his kids. We had a really long day leading up to it, but we met up with our bishop and headed over to their house, a little exhausted. We had planned to teach tithing. Jose was happy to see us. We started the lesson and the bishop taught powerfully about the blessings of tithing. It all went great. As soon as the bishop finished, I felt prompted to challenge Jose (again) to be baptized on Friday with his kids. he responded, 'Of course I will! How can I not? Ever since you guys came to visit me I've felt different, I've noticed a change in my kids, and I just feel better. This is what I need to do. Yes I will do it.' I was stunned. It took us a few moments and I realized that he was sincerely wanting to get baptized! haha thank you soo much for your prayers! It was such a miracle. I am so thankful for the power of the Spirit. The baptism went beautifully! Everyone was so happy. On top of that, Dridmi, a nonmember who has attended church for two years with her RM husband, finally made the decision to get baptized. She got baptized on Saturday! We have been so tremendously blessed. I marvel at the Lord's tender mercies. He is so patient with us and ever ready to reach out and help us with the things we can't do alone. I feel so humbled as I think about all He's done for us.
So those were the biggest highlights. On top of that, we had Thanksgiving. And don't know how, but everything turned out perfectly. We didn't have much to season the turkey, so I rubbed butter and salt all over it and stuck it in a big cake pan and put it in the oven. It only took four hours (13 pound turkey) and it was so tasty. We couldn't find gravy stuff, so we bought beef soup, then we poured the turkey broth in it, and put in some flour to thicken it. It worked perfectly. Then we heated up some canned corn. We bought instant mashed potatoes and Elder Ramos started making those. Haha he poured cold water in and started mixing, poor guy. All the gringos started freaking out. But it was fine, we put it on the stove and heated it up, mixing it the entire time. Then we put a cake in the oven. We bought some bread that kind of resembled rolls. We only lacked stuffing, pie, and sparkling cider. It was sooooooo good and it all turned out so well! Truly a miracle. We were eleven (three elders came into the zone to open an area), and we were afraid that there wouldn't be enough food. But everyone left stuffed to the brim.
I put up some pictures. There are some from way back, of Elder Cartagena. Then Elder Ramos. One of Jose and his three kids. A few from Thanksgiving. A few from the temple open house. One from the radio. One of a boil on my neck (don't worry, it's gone). And a couple of me with Delmis, a recent convert. She's a little princess and wanted a photo shoot. Haha
So that's about it. I love you guys so much! Have an awesome week. I was thinking about you guys a lot of Thanksgiving and I'm glad to hear things are going well. Christmas is so soon!
Lots of love,
Elder Austin Tyler
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