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!
