Hey!
Another week down and two to go! Yesterday a new teacher came into our zone named Hermano Cat. Hermano Cat just returned from his mission a month ago. Guess where he served?!?!? California Long Beach! He's so enthused about his mission. He said Compton's actually one of the safer areas cuz the thugs protect the missionaries. When we asked him if Hawaiian Gardens is safe too he kind of beat around the bush and just told us we'd have fun. He said all the areas are safe enough that we get to proselyte after six o'clock at night. Elder Kemp, Elder Clark and Hermana Choi are the other three in my district going to Long Beach. We're the only four heading there in two weeks but in December there's this group of eight going. We met a couple of them in the computer lab. Hermano Cat said that President Sexton is the most amazing and spiritual man he's ever met in his life. He said he's 6'5'' tall and he used to be a drill sergeant (I probably slaughtered that word. My English is gradually digressing) but he said you'd never guess cuz he's so soft-spoken and kind. He also said that Pres. Sexton only calls his best Elders to be trainers so he said we're guaranteed to be paired with someone amazing when we arrive.
I've only had to have one haircut here. It was awkward cuz you get to be separated from your companion and have some BYU girl cut your hair. I'm very self-conscious about flirting now. I generally don't talk to girls outside of the hermanas in my district. So naturally I didn't say anything at all to the girl cutting my hair cuz it seemed so wrong. So I guess I'm already weird.
This Sunday Sheri Dew came and spoke at the Fireside. She's an incredible speaker. She told us about the market crash that I guess is happening outside these 8 ft. fences and she reviewed one of the talks Pres. Hinckley gave at General Conference in 1998 about how important it was to pay off any debts. Modern prophecy!
Now Elder Kemp and I can teach lessons 1 and 2 en espanol. Next week's the last full week here so we'll be teaching all sorts of lessons to all sorts of Elders all over the place. I think we're supposed to teach over 35 lessons. We won't have too much class with Hermanos Pack and Tidwell so we'll have plenty of time.
I just had celestial biscuits and gravy once again. This time I cleaned my plate much to Elder Kemp's astonishment. I'm maintaining my 130 pounds pretty consistently now. I've started running again with a newer Elder named Elder Wood. We run two laps, do at least 30 sit ups, run two more laps, at least 30 more sit ups, two more laps, 30 more sit ups.
Well I definitely feel ready to get out of here. Long Beach is around the corner and I'm so so so so excited to REALLY be a missionary.
Much Love,
Elder Tyler Lewis
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
October 17, 2008 Letter
Dear Mom and Dad,
The Richard G. Scott devotional was such an incredible experience. Here is and excerpt from my journal Sunday night: "[Richard G. Scott] said "we all will have adversity, it is a part of life... we need it for growth and the forging of our righteous character" and that "the Lord protects a determined individual from Satan." He told us not to have fear. The most powerful part of his talk, to me was when he shared his testimony. He told us "if you're testimony isn't strong enough, lean on mine until it is." Here is a part of his testimony: "As an apostle of Jesus Christ, HE LIVES...He guides the church PERSONALLY." The Holy Ghost coming from Elder Scott electrified me...I had a reaffirmation of testimony. I know this church is true and I'm so thankful for the humble testimony of Elder Scott."
In addition to that he was hilarious. He had missionaries go up to microphones and answer questions he would ask. One guy gave a beat-around-the-bush answer to one of Elder Scott's questions, to which Elder Scott replied "you sound like a politician!" And before his talk President Boone read aloud Elder Scott's background information, and Elder Scott shouted "this is not a funeral!" So yeah, that was an incredible devotional.
Hey I need some addresses. I need addresses for Brandon Cox, Rachel Povey, Taeler Herr and Hannah Fitch. I know you can give me Brandons but all of the rest are at school so the only possible way to get hooked up with those is for them to write me... work some blog magic or something. idunno. I'm letter deprived today. It happens. But guess what?! Jon the Rose works in the cafeteria! I've seen him twice now.
Dad, I understand you're struggle with your calling. I've been overwhelmed a couple or so times here too. You've just gotta "Lift Where You Stand" as Elder Uchtdorf advised. That's the pits Brother Green isn't going to be able to help you now. But if you rely on the Lord and pray your mind out and read the scriptures prayerfully D&C 84:88 will happen.
Mom, how is Young Women's and work coming along? I've got an idea for an activity; Bake cookies and write letters and send them to the missionaries night! Just kidding. Kind of. :)
Last night Elder Kemp and I taught a guy in the TRC who was role-playing as a person who lost his faith in God. It was rough and I got frustrated, cuz I felt like we had 35 minutes to pound out one principle; "God is our Heavenly Father and He Loves Us" and one commitment; PRAY! I got frustrated with myself cuz my Spanish kind of blanked out last night, but I'm fine now. Esta todo bien!
2 weeks left. I'll hang in there. Hey am I supposed to pack toothpaste and stuff like that when I fly away or will the security attack me? I understand the airport's supposed to be weird about stuff like that, but I may just be making up stuff cuz I've never really been on a plane. Stuff that happened when I was 2 doesn't count cuz I can't remember it and back then the airports weren't super uptight. I'll update you when I get my flight plans so you can know when to expect my phone call. I'm pretty sure I get to call you at the airport. That's what everyone has told me.
How's Rosie? Oh how I miss my dog. And dogs in general. And any animal besides small birds and mice... but we won't go into the details there.
Hey Dad what part of Canada did you serve in? Alberta? Cuz we have all sorts of Canadians in our zone from the west-ish part of Canada, and I'm not really sure where Alberta is anyway, but I wasn't sure if I was recalling your mission correctly. Calgary? Your mission was huge anyways so it might be all of the above... idunno. Tell me some more of your cool mission stories! I dig those. Especially the ones involving bears.
Well, I love you so much Mom and Dad. I'm going to be alright with everything. I feel so excited about what is ahead. I pray for you every night and I love hearing from you.
Love,
Elder Tyler Lewis
P.S. - Here is the reimbursement form for a shot I got a couple weeks ago. I've just got to get one more next April or May.
The Richard G. Scott devotional was such an incredible experience. Here is and excerpt from my journal Sunday night: "[Richard G. Scott] said "we all will have adversity, it is a part of life... we need it for growth and the forging of our righteous character" and that "the Lord protects a determined individual from Satan." He told us not to have fear. The most powerful part of his talk, to me was when he shared his testimony. He told us "if you're testimony isn't strong enough, lean on mine until it is." Here is a part of his testimony: "As an apostle of Jesus Christ, HE LIVES...He guides the church PERSONALLY." The Holy Ghost coming from Elder Scott electrified me...I had a reaffirmation of testimony. I know this church is true and I'm so thankful for the humble testimony of Elder Scott."
In addition to that he was hilarious. He had missionaries go up to microphones and answer questions he would ask. One guy gave a beat-around-the-bush answer to one of Elder Scott's questions, to which Elder Scott replied "you sound like a politician!" And before his talk President Boone read aloud Elder Scott's background information, and Elder Scott shouted "this is not a funeral!" So yeah, that was an incredible devotional.
Hey I need some addresses. I need addresses for Brandon Cox, Rachel Povey, Taeler Herr and Hannah Fitch. I know you can give me Brandons but all of the rest are at school so the only possible way to get hooked up with those is for them to write me... work some blog magic or something. idunno. I'm letter deprived today. It happens. But guess what?! Jon the Rose works in the cafeteria! I've seen him twice now.
Dad, I understand you're struggle with your calling. I've been overwhelmed a couple or so times here too. You've just gotta "Lift Where You Stand" as Elder Uchtdorf advised. That's the pits Brother Green isn't going to be able to help you now. But if you rely on the Lord and pray your mind out and read the scriptures prayerfully D&C 84:88 will happen.
Mom, how is Young Women's and work coming along? I've got an idea for an activity; Bake cookies and write letters and send them to the missionaries night! Just kidding. Kind of. :)
Last night Elder Kemp and I taught a guy in the TRC who was role-playing as a person who lost his faith in God. It was rough and I got frustrated, cuz I felt like we had 35 minutes to pound out one principle; "God is our Heavenly Father and He Loves Us" and one commitment; PRAY! I got frustrated with myself cuz my Spanish kind of blanked out last night, but I'm fine now. Esta todo bien!
2 weeks left. I'll hang in there. Hey am I supposed to pack toothpaste and stuff like that when I fly away or will the security attack me? I understand the airport's supposed to be weird about stuff like that, but I may just be making up stuff cuz I've never really been on a plane. Stuff that happened when I was 2 doesn't count cuz I can't remember it and back then the airports weren't super uptight. I'll update you when I get my flight plans so you can know when to expect my phone call. I'm pretty sure I get to call you at the airport. That's what everyone has told me.
How's Rosie? Oh how I miss my dog. And dogs in general. And any animal besides small birds and mice... but we won't go into the details there.
Hey Dad what part of Canada did you serve in? Alberta? Cuz we have all sorts of Canadians in our zone from the west-ish part of Canada, and I'm not really sure where Alberta is anyway, but I wasn't sure if I was recalling your mission correctly. Calgary? Your mission was huge anyways so it might be all of the above... idunno. Tell me some more of your cool mission stories! I dig those. Especially the ones involving bears.
Well, I love you so much Mom and Dad. I'm going to be alright with everything. I feel so excited about what is ahead. I pray for you every night and I love hearing from you.
Love,
Elder Tyler Lewis
P.S. - Here is the reimbursement form for a shot I got a couple weeks ago. I've just got to get one more next April or May.
October 17, 2008 Letter to Hannah
Dear Hannah,
This Sunday one of the apostles came and spoke at the devotional. His name is Richard G. Scott. I got to shake his hand! His talk was amazing. I really felt the Holy Ghost when he bore his testimony.
I've definitely gained weight now. I weigh over 130 lbs, which really isn't a lot but it puts a little pudge in my tummy.
2 more weeks and I'll be in California!!! I've heard that lots of missionaries who go to places like Long Beach become friends with some of the gangsters. That's a good thing because the gangsters tell the missionaries where and when they shouldn't go somewhere. Most gangsters and Mexican people respect people who represent Jesus Christ, so I'll be OK.
I can't believe I've been in the MTC for a month and a half now! I'm going slightly nuts. The place just keeps getting smaller and smaller. But I'll survive! I'm almost a real missionary! Almost!
So how's life? How's my dog friend? How's School? What have you been doing? How's the 5th grade? Wow, by the time I'm back you will be in JUNIOR HIGH!! You will probably be taller than me by then too!
Hannah, I want you to know that this church is true. Joseph Smith was an actual prophet of our Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon is true and because of it I have a testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior and he loves us. I am so thankful for what the Savior did for us. The Atonement is the most amazing thing that's ever happened.
Hannah I absolutely love you and I pray for you and Mom and Dad every night.
This Church is true!!
Love,
Elder Tyler Lewis
P.S. - Tell everybody to write me letters!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
October 16th, 2008 (Email)
Hey!
I've received letters from Garrett & fam, Dara Walker, Jackie, Launa and Brittany, several Dear Elders from Elder McBride, and Stake newsletter stuff, so those are the addresses I have.
I've taken all those pills and I'm still using the face stuff. I'm not alone in my war against acne. Everyone fights it in their own way here.
So I don't think the chat scheme via email will work here. I think that the Man watches that pretty closely. They're deadset on me not having contact with you all for 2 years. Oh yeah guess what!?!? When I go to the airport I get to call you! So stick around November 3rd so we can chat for a little bit.
This week's Devotional was AMAZING. Elder Richard G. Scott spoke for an entire hour and it was definitely one of the most amazing talks I've ever heard. And in addition to his amazing talk he shook the hands of over a thousand missionaries, including your's truly! It was a unique experience, shaking the hand of an apostle of God.
Wow I almost forgot about Bob Dylan's new album! Coolbeans! Jealous? Yeah. But hey I've got 2 years worth of hymns to listen to so take that! And John Schmidt and all sorts of cheesy Mormon pop and FM 100 Sunday Morning blah! Rock on!
The temple was refreshing as ever this morning. And the biscuits and gravy was divine.
So Rachel Povey's cousin, Elder Povey.... is in my zone now. He's pretty cool. He could probably crush me with his pinky toe. He's a farm-boy. And the fourth, I repeat the FOURTH Elder Lewis arrived in our zone yesterday.
Weight update: I have broken 130. Probably because I've been lazy with my running this week and I've given in the temptations of 4-Square. But it's all good!
The Spanish is getting better. I'm trying to figure out what "subjunctives" really are and how to remember to use them when actually talking. This week has been a week of almost constantly speaking in Spanish. It's been a week-long "English Fast."
There's at least 3 Canadians in our zone now. I dig Canadians. They all have this laid back attitude about everything and they watch Canadian Idol and Family Ties and the Canadian version of The Office. And I've caught them saying "eh" at least twice now. "Eh" always makes my day.
Yesterday Elder Kemp and I taught this teacher named Hermana (sister) Keller and it was amazing. We taught her the second half of the first lesson and it went well cuz the Spirit was there and we asked lots of questions and she was really responsive and gave us great feedback. She served in whatever part of L.A. is the scary part. East? I dunno, but she said "You're serving in Long Beach? That place is crazy!" She said we'll love it and described Compton to us. She said most of the parts will be like Little Mexico. I'm really excited to go now, but I definitely need to be careful when I'm there. 5'8'' in Compton. Good thing I've got God on my side.
Peace and I LOVE YOU!!!
Love, Tyler
I've received letters from Garrett & fam, Dara Walker, Jackie, Launa and Brittany, several Dear Elders from Elder McBride, and Stake newsletter stuff, so those are the addresses I have.
I've taken all those pills and I'm still using the face stuff. I'm not alone in my war against acne. Everyone fights it in their own way here.
So I don't think the chat scheme via email will work here. I think that the Man watches that pretty closely. They're deadset on me not having contact with you all for 2 years. Oh yeah guess what!?!? When I go to the airport I get to call you! So stick around November 3rd so we can chat for a little bit.
This week's Devotional was AMAZING. Elder Richard G. Scott spoke for an entire hour and it was definitely one of the most amazing talks I've ever heard. And in addition to his amazing talk he shook the hands of over a thousand missionaries, including your's truly! It was a unique experience, shaking the hand of an apostle of God.
Wow I almost forgot about Bob Dylan's new album! Coolbeans! Jealous? Yeah. But hey I've got 2 years worth of hymns to listen to so take that! And John Schmidt and all sorts of cheesy Mormon pop and FM 100 Sunday Morning blah! Rock on!
The temple was refreshing as ever this morning. And the biscuits and gravy was divine.
So Rachel Povey's cousin, Elder Povey.... is in my zone now. He's pretty cool. He could probably crush me with his pinky toe. He's a farm-boy. And the fourth, I repeat the FOURTH Elder Lewis arrived in our zone yesterday.
Weight update: I have broken 130. Probably because I've been lazy with my running this week and I've given in the temptations of 4-Square. But it's all good!
The Spanish is getting better. I'm trying to figure out what "subjunctives" really are and how to remember to use them when actually talking. This week has been a week of almost constantly speaking in Spanish. It's been a week-long "English Fast."
There's at least 3 Canadians in our zone now. I dig Canadians. They all have this laid back attitude about everything and they watch Canadian Idol and Family Ties and the Canadian version of The Office. And I've caught them saying "eh" at least twice now. "Eh" always makes my day.
Yesterday Elder Kemp and I taught this teacher named Hermana (sister) Keller and it was amazing. We taught her the second half of the first lesson and it went well cuz the Spirit was there and we asked lots of questions and she was really responsive and gave us great feedback. She served in whatever part of L.A. is the scary part. East? I dunno, but she said "You're serving in Long Beach? That place is crazy!" She said we'll love it and described Compton to us. She said most of the parts will be like Little Mexico. I'm really excited to go now, but I definitely need to be careful when I'm there. 5'8'' in Compton. Good thing I've got God on my side.
Peace and I LOVE YOU!!!
Love, Tyler
October 9th, 2008 Letter
Mom & Dad
Hey how's it going? Como estan?
I can officially roll my R's (not arse) now! Este es fantastico!
So General Conference was amazing, I loved Elder Hollands talk about angels, Pres. Monson's talk about finding joy in the journey NOW and Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about hope. It was a very optimistic G.C. I'm glad I don't have to put up with the political nonsense that's inevitably happening out there. I'm every excited to NOT vote! You can send me an absentee ballot if you want, but you know I'll just write in Bono or the Cookie Monster or someone I can relate with.
The Priesthood Session experience was incredible. I'll remember that for the rest of mi vida. I emailed you a description of how I ended up in that choir. I'm so thankful for Elder Tate's charity.
Thst's muy interesante that padre's supposed to home-teach with Dave. I don't see how this will work out. Tiene fe (have faith) I guess. Muy interesante.
Hey Mom guess what?! I run during gym. I dig running. And four square. I run on the elliptical machines most of the time cuz they tell me how far I run. I ran 2 miles once!
Hey thanks bunches for the donuts! Elder Memmott (went to school with me, was in Rhapsody, went to Davis, is now in my zone) was very excited cuz he used to work at Tasty's. I gave him and several others a donut. I made sure to kife the double blueberry. My teacher Hermano Pack kifed the other one.
Hermano Pack told me last night that my Spanish has come a long way. The Gift of Tongues is real. Es verdadero. Es muy importante tener el Espiritu Santo en el C. C. M. (It's very important to have the Holy Ghost in the MTC.)
Guess what? Yesterday in the RC I called a guy, lets say his first name is Juan, and here's what happened:
Me: Hi may I speak to Juan Hernandez?
Guy: Juan Hernandez is dead!
Me: um.....serious?
Guy: Yes Juan Hernandez died in June.
Me: Oh... well... uh... sorry... have a good day!
Yeah that was the most awkward phone call I've ever had. But I sent the missionaries to 2 people so esta todo bien!
My talk/lesson....yeah, my lesson on humility went pretty well last week. I used your favorite scripture Mom! Hermana Grahn told me she was thankful for my lesson and she told me she needed to hear it.
I'm very excited for my '09 version bike! I hope it didn't cost anymore than the '08 one. Everyone her just about died when I said my bike was $300 cuz each of them spent like $700 for their bikes. Sweetaction deal for us, eh?!
Well I hope every thing's going well for vosotros - [Spanish y'all ... sort of]. I hope you know how amazing this gospel is. I know you do. The gospel is hardcore amazing.
I know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and I know Joseph Smith was the prophet of this final Dispensation.
I LOVE YOU!
Love
Tyler
P.S. Hey so this Elder Lewis in my zone [now there's 3 of us...] well, he found a pocket-sized little BoM triple combo that's leather bound! I've always wanted one of those and he said they've started making them again. If you find one at the Distribution Center or Deseret Book or something and it isn't too expensive can you hook me up? I don't need a small bible, but a small BoM triple-combo'd & leather bound would be all sorts of awesome!
Hey how's it going? Como estan?
I can officially roll my R's (not arse) now! Este es fantastico!
So General Conference was amazing, I loved Elder Hollands talk about angels, Pres. Monson's talk about finding joy in the journey NOW and Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about hope. It was a very optimistic G.C. I'm glad I don't have to put up with the political nonsense that's inevitably happening out there. I'm every excited to NOT vote! You can send me an absentee ballot if you want, but you know I'll just write in Bono or the Cookie Monster or someone I can relate with.
The Priesthood Session experience was incredible. I'll remember that for the rest of mi vida. I emailed you a description of how I ended up in that choir. I'm so thankful for Elder Tate's charity.
Thst's muy interesante that padre's supposed to home-teach with Dave. I don't see how this will work out. Tiene fe (have faith) I guess. Muy interesante.
Hey Mom guess what?! I run during gym. I dig running. And four square. I run on the elliptical machines most of the time cuz they tell me how far I run. I ran 2 miles once!
Hey thanks bunches for the donuts! Elder Memmott (went to school with me, was in Rhapsody, went to Davis, is now in my zone) was very excited cuz he used to work at Tasty's. I gave him and several others a donut. I made sure to kife the double blueberry. My teacher Hermano Pack kifed the other one.
Hermano Pack told me last night that my Spanish has come a long way. The Gift of Tongues is real. Es verdadero. Es muy importante tener el Espiritu Santo en el C. C. M. (It's very important to have the Holy Ghost in the MTC.)
Guess what? Yesterday in the RC I called a guy, lets say his first name is Juan, and here's what happened:
Me: Hi may I speak to Juan Hernandez?
Guy: Juan Hernandez is dead!
Me: um.....serious?
Guy: Yes Juan Hernandez died in June.
Me: Oh... well... uh... sorry... have a good day!
Yeah that was the most awkward phone call I've ever had. But I sent the missionaries to 2 people so esta todo bien!
My talk/lesson....yeah, my lesson on humility went pretty well last week. I used your favorite scripture Mom! Hermana Grahn told me she was thankful for my lesson and she told me she needed to hear it.
I'm very excited for my '09 version bike! I hope it didn't cost anymore than the '08 one. Everyone her just about died when I said my bike was $300 cuz each of them spent like $700 for their bikes. Sweetaction deal for us, eh?!
Well I hope every thing's going well for vosotros - [Spanish y'all ... sort of]. I hope you know how amazing this gospel is. I know you do. The gospel is hardcore amazing.
I know that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and I know Joseph Smith was the prophet of this final Dispensation.
I LOVE YOU!
Love
Tyler
P.S. Hey so this Elder Lewis in my zone [now there's 3 of us...] well, he found a pocket-sized little BoM triple combo that's leather bound! I've always wanted one of those and he said they've started making them again. If you find one at the Distribution Center or Deseret Book or something and it isn't too expensive can you hook me up? I don't need a small bible, but a small BoM triple-combo'd & leather bound would be all sorts of awesome!
October 9th, Letter to Hannah
Hannah!
thanks for the funny pictured! I showed them to some of the sisters in my district and they laughed. We have 5 sisters in our district now cuz a new one named Hermana Biggs was added last week. We have ALL the sisters in our zone in our district!
A zone is a large group of missionaries. It is made up of several districts.
A district has about 10 missionaries. There are 5 districts in my zone.
Well its too bad you couldn't see me sing for the Priesthood meeting of General Conference. I was on camera for about 3 whole seconds! It was so cool to be next to that HUGE organ!
Entonces, como esta? Como esta su perro? Yo estoy muy triste por que no peudo jugar con mi perro favorito. Pero esta toto bien.
So how are you? How is your dog? I am very sad because I cant play with my favorite dog. But its all good.
Yo se la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Himos dias es verdedero y jose Smith fur un de Dios. Yo estay muy animado estar un misionero.
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet of god. I am very excited to be a missionary.
Well, I LOVE you hermanita!
Love
Tyler
thanks for the funny pictured! I showed them to some of the sisters in my district and they laughed. We have 5 sisters in our district now cuz a new one named Hermana Biggs was added last week. We have ALL the sisters in our zone in our district!
A zone is a large group of missionaries. It is made up of several districts.
A district has about 10 missionaries. There are 5 districts in my zone.
Well its too bad you couldn't see me sing for the Priesthood meeting of General Conference. I was on camera for about 3 whole seconds! It was so cool to be next to that HUGE organ!
Entonces, como esta? Como esta su perro? Yo estoy muy triste por que no peudo jugar con mi perro favorito. Pero esta toto bien.
So how are you? How is your dog? I am very sad because I cant play with my favorite dog. But its all good.
Yo se la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Himos dias es verdedero y jose Smith fur un de Dios. Yo estay muy animado estar un misionero.
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet of god. I am very excited to be a missionary.
Well, I LOVE you hermanita!
Love
Tyler
Thursday, October 9, 2008
October 9th, 2008 (Email)
Hey! Priesthood session was an AMAZING experience. Here's how I managed to get into that choir: Elder Tate, who is now a zone leader along with Elder Jensen, already got to be in the choir for priesthood in April and he wanted to give someone else the opportunity. So one day he walked into class and asked "who wants to be in the choir?" and I jumped on the chance. Since there's so many Elders in the priesthood choir Bro. Brenchley (the choir director) probably didn't remember who I was when Elder Tate and I approached him with the unusual request to have me replace someone in the choir. He asked why Elder Tate was doing this and then he said something I found odd yet foreshadowing: "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven, correct?" to which we agreed. So of course it turned out later that Bro. Brenchley decided to allow both of us to be in the choir. I definitely had enough experience to be in that choir. It turned out that they chose randomly so there were definitely several very tone-deaf Elders in that choir, but overall I think we sounded great. I TOUCHED THE ORGAN! Not the pipes cuz I was at the very front, but the actual legit organ. And I made eye contact with Elder Holland! It was very strange to watch conference from behind. I tried to find Dad and Grandpa amongst the mass of white shirts and ties and suits but it was impossible. It was like Where's Waldo? Extreme Edition. Well that was a once-in-a-lifetime-gig and I am VERY grateful that Elder Tate gave me the opportunity to experience that. We got to watch the tape of it on Tuesday. Yeah I had a pretty close-up face shot! I knew it would happen cuz the camera was RIGHT IN MY FACE and it made me very self-conscious and nervous. Some people didn't even spot themselves so I feel lucky that I got to have some spotlight. Hey Mom if you want to see it the DVD of Conference should hit distribution centers in a few months. Elder Tate told me it costs like four dollars.
Anyhow GUESS WHAT? I have received the gift of rolling my tongue! It truly is a miracle. My tongue-rolling skills still pale in comparison to others' but I am grateful for what I have. Elder Kemp and I taught lesson 1 en espanol to four little latina girls and an R.M. hermana last night. That was a great experience! I can truly testify that the gift of tongues is real. We've only been here for a month and a week and we can already do so much!
This morning I finally had another chance to go to the temple. I haven't gone for three weeks cuz I had to sacrifice a couple sessions for the choir. I had celestial biscuits and gravy at the temple after the session. It was so amazing. I've also had their celestial waffles and celestial omelettes. So beats the food at the MTC. The MTC food is still doing terrible things to me but I'm coping fine. I don't think I need those pill things cuz I discovered a different and highly effective...medicine...the MTC offers for free: Granola and Life cereal! It's magic! I've gained some weight I think. I'm not sure though cuz I fluctuate so much. Sometimes I'm 127, sometimes I'm 128, sometimes I'm 129... Gym's always after either lunch or dinner so that plus my shoes makes every weight completely inaccurate I'm sure. But still I think something's must've happened.
My district just got flooded with leadership positions. Elders Tate and Jensen are zone leaders, Hermana Choi's the leader of the hermanas(I don't know what that calling's called), and Elder Kemp's our new district leader. I'm senior companion now but that doesn't mean much cuz I've been here just as long as everyone else. It pretty much just means I'm more responsible for planning and making sure Elder Kemp and I are using all our time effectively.
Question: Do I need to have my call letter with me? Everyone else has their's but I don't know what we'd need it for. Do you think you could make a copy of my call and send that to me along with my line of authority? I'm not sure if I have that or not either. Do you remember if I took that with me? If I did I forgot where I put it. I don't have much time to look through my stuff in the room.
Well I'm still doing fine. I'm very very excited to get out of here though. Two months is a long time to be stuck in somewhere so small. It was great to go back to SLC Saturday night. A whole afternoon and evening out of Provo! Hooray! I hope everything's going well with work and school. I LOVE YOU!
Love, Tyler (Elder Lewis)
Anyhow GUESS WHAT? I have received the gift of rolling my tongue! It truly is a miracle. My tongue-rolling skills still pale in comparison to others' but I am grateful for what I have. Elder Kemp and I taught lesson 1 en espanol to four little latina girls and an R.M. hermana last night. That was a great experience! I can truly testify that the gift of tongues is real. We've only been here for a month and a week and we can already do so much!
This morning I finally had another chance to go to the temple. I haven't gone for three weeks cuz I had to sacrifice a couple sessions for the choir. I had celestial biscuits and gravy at the temple after the session. It was so amazing. I've also had their celestial waffles and celestial omelettes. So beats the food at the MTC. The MTC food is still doing terrible things to me but I'm coping fine. I don't think I need those pill things cuz I discovered a different and highly effective...medicine...the MTC offers for free: Granola and Life cereal! It's magic! I've gained some weight I think. I'm not sure though cuz I fluctuate so much. Sometimes I'm 127, sometimes I'm 128, sometimes I'm 129... Gym's always after either lunch or dinner so that plus my shoes makes every weight completely inaccurate I'm sure. But still I think something's must've happened.
My district just got flooded with leadership positions. Elders Tate and Jensen are zone leaders, Hermana Choi's the leader of the hermanas(I don't know what that calling's called), and Elder Kemp's our new district leader. I'm senior companion now but that doesn't mean much cuz I've been here just as long as everyone else. It pretty much just means I'm more responsible for planning and making sure Elder Kemp and I are using all our time effectively.
Question: Do I need to have my call letter with me? Everyone else has their's but I don't know what we'd need it for. Do you think you could make a copy of my call and send that to me along with my line of authority? I'm not sure if I have that or not either. Do you remember if I took that with me? If I did I forgot where I put it. I don't have much time to look through my stuff in the room.
Well I'm still doing fine. I'm very very excited to get out of here though. Two months is a long time to be stuck in somewhere so small. It was great to go back to SLC Saturday night. A whole afternoon and evening out of Provo! Hooray! I hope everything's going well with work and school. I LOVE YOU!
Love, Tyler (Elder Lewis)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
October 2nd, 2008 Letter
Mom & Dad
Things are going great here at the MTC. Elder Kemp and I are getting along well. We have a unity when we teach and we always feel positive when we use our study time wisely.
There was a fireside on Sunday where this man named Bro. Allen spoke about not doing stupid stuff on your missions. He used examples of things missionaries decided to do the week before: "hey! let's make bombs!", "hey! lets drive 130 km/hr!", " hey! wait over there Elder while I go... do naughty things I don't really want to talk about!" Yeah, apparently Elders make some really dumb moves sometimes. It was an awesome Fireside. Bro. Allen was all hellfire & damnation Isaiah-style. He called out an Elder & a Sister in the audience, pointed at them and condemned them for flirting! So entertaining!
Hey thanks for the package! That was hilarious. I gave Elders Darbro, Clark & Kemp a cup of Flarp each. soon enough the room sounded... well, not much different. Don't be deceived, they all turned into 10-year-olds in a blink of an eye. But the percentage of fart-noises probably only increased by a decimal point. The candy was a hit too. There's probably only a quarter of it left. And of course the cookies are gone. Meanwhile I weight the same. thanks for my retainer/Skousen talk/pictures/ hilarious enveloped television news as well! Much appreciated. I was amused by the letters from my cousins as well. I don't think they comprehend what I'm doing.
At the moment I am drinking a pina-colada flavored Sobe cuz coconut's a natural laxative and I have high hopes it will help me with some personal dilemmas.
I've got to teach my district a lesson about Humility today. I'm going to use the example of the conversion of Saul. It'll be fun.
I only have about 36 pictures on my camera so far. It'll be a little while 'til I send you that SD card. No time, y'know?
I've sent missionaries to several people across the country via the R.C. I thoroughly enjoy the diverse people I get to talk to. Especially the ones from the South. Elder Kemp talked to a guy for 45 minutes! I'm pretty sure that's a record. He taught some Indian man the 1st lesson.
Oh how I miss working in the yard. some people mowed the lawns here this morning and it smelled amazing.
So I had 10 spare minutes when I emailed today, so I take it back; email all you want! I've go time plus Elder Jensen discovered a printer in one of the rooms.
Still working hard. Still doing good.
I Love You!
Love,
Tyler
Things are going great here at the MTC. Elder Kemp and I are getting along well. We have a unity when we teach and we always feel positive when we use our study time wisely.
There was a fireside on Sunday where this man named Bro. Allen spoke about not doing stupid stuff on your missions. He used examples of things missionaries decided to do the week before: "hey! let's make bombs!", "hey! lets drive 130 km/hr!", " hey! wait over there Elder while I go... do naughty things I don't really want to talk about!" Yeah, apparently Elders make some really dumb moves sometimes. It was an awesome Fireside. Bro. Allen was all hellfire & damnation Isaiah-style. He called out an Elder & a Sister in the audience, pointed at them and condemned them for flirting! So entertaining!
Hey thanks for the package! That was hilarious. I gave Elders Darbro, Clark & Kemp a cup of Flarp each. soon enough the room sounded... well, not much different. Don't be deceived, they all turned into 10-year-olds in a blink of an eye. But the percentage of fart-noises probably only increased by a decimal point. The candy was a hit too. There's probably only a quarter of it left. And of course the cookies are gone. Meanwhile I weight the same. thanks for my retainer/Skousen talk/pictures/ hilarious enveloped television news as well! Much appreciated. I was amused by the letters from my cousins as well. I don't think they comprehend what I'm doing.
At the moment I am drinking a pina-colada flavored Sobe cuz coconut's a natural laxative and I have high hopes it will help me with some personal dilemmas.
I've got to teach my district a lesson about Humility today. I'm going to use the example of the conversion of Saul. It'll be fun.
I only have about 36 pictures on my camera so far. It'll be a little while 'til I send you that SD card. No time, y'know?
I've sent missionaries to several people across the country via the R.C. I thoroughly enjoy the diverse people I get to talk to. Especially the ones from the South. Elder Kemp talked to a guy for 45 minutes! I'm pretty sure that's a record. He taught some Indian man the 1st lesson.
Oh how I miss working in the yard. some people mowed the lawns here this morning and it smelled amazing.
So I had 10 spare minutes when I emailed today, so I take it back; email all you want! I've go time plus Elder Jensen discovered a printer in one of the rooms.
Still working hard. Still doing good.
I Love You!
Love,
Tyler
October 2, 2008 Letter to Hannah
Hannah!
Hola hermanita! I heard you've learned how to sing "I Am A Child Of God" en espanol! That's so cool! I have to sing at least 2 Spanish Hymns a day. It's fun! I have a little green Spanish hymn book.
Mom told me Rosie's still being a stinker. I hope she goes back to normal soon. She can't be bad/sad for 2 years!
The MTC's really cool. Remember the huge mountains? I love seeing those every day. One of them looks like Pride Rock off of the Lion King.
So it's true. The food constipates you. I haven't drank any orange juice yet, but all the other food still does strange things to my body. I still weigh the same though. I exercise a lot. I mostly run, but sometimes I play basketball, volleyball and baseball.
There is this Hermana (sister Missionary) in my district named Hermana Choi and she speaks FOUR languages: Korean (she's from Korea), Mandarin (which is a Chinese language), English and Spanish. Isn't that amazing?
Well I'm still doing the same stuff: studying the gospel, practicing teaching the gospel, and learning how to teach the gospel en espanol.
I LOVE YOU!
Love
Tyler
Hola hermanita! I heard you've learned how to sing "I Am A Child Of God" en espanol! That's so cool! I have to sing at least 2 Spanish Hymns a day. It's fun! I have a little green Spanish hymn book.
Mom told me Rosie's still being a stinker. I hope she goes back to normal soon. She can't be bad/sad for 2 years!
The MTC's really cool. Remember the huge mountains? I love seeing those every day. One of them looks like Pride Rock off of the Lion King.
So it's true. The food constipates you. I haven't drank any orange juice yet, but all the other food still does strange things to my body. I still weigh the same though. I exercise a lot. I mostly run, but sometimes I play basketball, volleyball and baseball.
There is this Hermana (sister Missionary) in my district named Hermana Choi and she speaks FOUR languages: Korean (she's from Korea), Mandarin (which is a Chinese language), English and Spanish. Isn't that amazing?
Well I'm still doing the same stuff: studying the gospel, practicing teaching the gospel, and learning how to teach the gospel en espanol.
I LOVE YOU!
Love
Tyler
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October 2, 2008 (Email)
Hey!
Mom & Dad, Thanks for the amazing package! That made my day! The cookies were fantastic! I let one of my teachers, Hermano Pack, borrow "The Meaning of the Atonement" cuz I knew it would probably blow his mind just about as much as it blew mine. And the little updates about The Office and CSI were hilarious! I thought they'd be letters or something so I waited til the end of the day to open them. I showed them to a bunch of the Elders in my zone. Some of them celebrated, some of them scolded me for dropping the news, and some of them looked at me blankly and asked "are Jim and Pam an aunt and uncle or something?" Oh sheltered souls.
Well things are going great with Elder Kemp! We have this unity about us now when we study and when we teach. We've come a long way. We're "tight like unto a dish" now (Ether 2:17). We have the positude. I can't believe I've been here for a month now. It's crazy!! I feel like it's been an eternity yet at the same time I feel like I just got here yesterday. I'm way excited to sing at the Priesthood Session on Saturday. It'll be great to get out of Provo for an entire afternoon and evening. It's going to be weird sitting there knowing that Dad and Grandpa Lewis are in the same building looking at me. It'll be a unique and amazing experience I'm sure. The choir teacher's awesome. His name's Doug Brenchley and he's practically famous. He's been conducting for a couple of decades here I think.
Well my Spanish has definitely improved. I can almost teach the first lesson en espanol now. Last night Elder Kemp and I taught Lesson 2 in English at the TRC and we did pretty good I think. It was probably our smoothest TRC session thus far.
Yeah I'm eating more than salad I promise. This morning for example I had french toast and hard boiled eggs. One day we had stew in a bread bowl. That was awesome.
Well I've gotta wrap this up cuz we're way restriced on time for email but just know that I love you and the church is true!
Love, Tyler
Mom & Dad, Thanks for the amazing package! That made my day! The cookies were fantastic! I let one of my teachers, Hermano Pack, borrow "The Meaning of the Atonement" cuz I knew it would probably blow his mind just about as much as it blew mine. And the little updates about The Office and CSI were hilarious! I thought they'd be letters or something so I waited til the end of the day to open them. I showed them to a bunch of the Elders in my zone. Some of them celebrated, some of them scolded me for dropping the news, and some of them looked at me blankly and asked "are Jim and Pam an aunt and uncle or something?" Oh sheltered souls.
Well things are going great with Elder Kemp! We have this unity about us now when we study and when we teach. We've come a long way. We're "tight like unto a dish" now (Ether 2:17). We have the positude. I can't believe I've been here for a month now. It's crazy!! I feel like it's been an eternity yet at the same time I feel like I just got here yesterday. I'm way excited to sing at the Priesthood Session on Saturday. It'll be great to get out of Provo for an entire afternoon and evening. It's going to be weird sitting there knowing that Dad and Grandpa Lewis are in the same building looking at me. It'll be a unique and amazing experience I'm sure. The choir teacher's awesome. His name's Doug Brenchley and he's practically famous. He's been conducting for a couple of decades here I think.
Well my Spanish has definitely improved. I can almost teach the first lesson en espanol now. Last night Elder Kemp and I taught Lesson 2 in English at the TRC and we did pretty good I think. It was probably our smoothest TRC session thus far.
Yeah I'm eating more than salad I promise. This morning for example I had french toast and hard boiled eggs. One day we had stew in a bread bowl. That was awesome.
Well I've gotta wrap this up cuz we're way restriced on time for email but just know that I love you and the church is true!
Love, Tyler
