Mission Week 69: October 31, 2016

Hola Familia!

L. is doing great!! We are actually going to start teaching his
entire family this week!!! They seem really nice and he is excited to
share the Gospel.

Really, this week for us has been very calm. We worked and worked.

We did have our Halloween party. It was fun. We got there and they
were starting late so I decided to just get some activities going.
Musical chairs, cruise ship, the works.... it was lacking the Patti
party flare, and treat basket, so I tried to bring it. In the end it
was great and the members were dancing at the church until 2am. It was
wild.

Sunday I had another opportunity to put my family skills to the test.
One our members had her grandchildren with her and brought them to
church. One is 3 and reminds me a lot like Krew. He was exploring and
being a little irreverent just like kids are, and I could see the
bishops face boiling. The poor member is this sweet grandma who was
clueless what to do. So I look at him and gesture for him to come
over. He sits by me and I put the children's Book of Mormon on my iPad
and he started looking at the pictures and was really quiet. Then the
song came and I did exactly what mom did with me when I was wild. Put
my finger on the words and sang along with him. He was smiling and
trying to keep up with his hand. A cute little boy. After the hymn I
got my notes app out and let him draw some pictures. At the end of the
meeting, his grandma, who was behind us, says, what did you do? I
thought he was sleeping he was so quiet. I just laughed and said he
was a good boy and that I just did what my mom did with me!!!! Hahaha

So here are the transfer rumors.... Elder Campbell is going to
Barcelona.... I am pretty sure... I am staying here..... but other
than that not much.... we are getting a new ayudante this transfer,
and I think it will be someone from my group, specifically, Elder
Ball. He is a champion!

Halloween is just really dark here in Spain. No candy just death. It's sad.

Today for preparation day we went to a member's and had American
breakfast!!!! It was delicious!!! Pancakes, and bagels and all!!!! It
was great!!!! After we went to the arts and sciences museum here. It
is really famous. It was spectacular!!!! You know me and museums!!!! I
was eating it up!!! So many different things you can do to try and
experiment with!!!!!

So all in all great week.... full of joy!!! Hope the same for you!!!!!

Love you so much!!!!!!!
Elder Tyson

Mission Week 68: October 24, 2016-Visit from President Russell M. Nelson

Happy Preparation Day!!!!!

This week was incredible!!!! Full of the Spirit

I did receive Patti's package!!!!! It was great!!!!!

I did not have time for brownies for the baptism. we were rushing all over. but L. is doing great!!!! He actually helped us take the sacrament to a old member at home yesterday. He didn´t bless, but he was there!!!! He is a champ!!!!! 

Elder Campbell and I this week had a very interesting experience that I would like to share. We were doing our last contact, and we stopped a lady who appeared miserable. She had thick bags under her eyes, countanence low, beaten and torn from the hardships of life. She began to share with us some of these hardships, and we realized this woman needed our help. she told us how she felt soinsignificant in the world and how she had come toaccept that. She had literally accepted a miserable life. We told her that life wasn't meant to be miserable, we were meant to be joyful. She explained that joy wasn't truly possible, and wouldn't allow us to testify how it was indeed. She accepted a card and left. This woman left a big impact on us. Every day this woman is choosing misery. Se is choosing to be down, and beat, and sad. Worst of all, she knows it, and doesn't want to change. I felt such sorrow for her, and so grateful for the joy that is guaranteed to me when I follow Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, this pas Sunday we met M. She is from Ecuador, and is by herself working. We got to know her a little bit and found out that her children are missionaries for another church out there in her country. She said how she loved that her sons had stayed close to God but she felt she hadn't. I told her that God loved her, and has given her the tools to fix her relationship with him and return to His presence. She started tearing up and said that she wanted that with all of her soul. I asked if we could meet on Tuesday, and she asked if we could on Monday, Tuesday being too late. We gladly agreed! we are so excited to see her today and bring her the Gospel! God's love can change everyone of us, if we want it to!

On Friday we had the privilege of a lifetime. Seeing President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Patrick  Kearon was such a treat. I wanted to be so prepared. I came with a question in my heart. When we got on the train in the morning, I didn't want to sleep or chat, I wanted to study. To feast upon the word before hearing it. I studied in chapter four of Preach my Gospel on how I can recognize the Spirit. I studied the whole train ride, and although it was great seeing all of my past companions and things, I was really trying to keep the reverence and stay close to the Spirit. The conference was incredible. It was one of the most Spiritual meetings in my mission, and I believe it was thanks to my preparation. I didn't want to even speak afterwards for fear of losing that temple-like spirit. I learned that we need to attack everything we do with passion and vigor. That this is El Faro and we need to keep acting as such. I was so blessed. So grateful that we got the permission to come up to see an Apostle of the Lord.

Call us goofy, but as we were passing a flee market in the streets this morning I caught a glimpse of some wood swords for only 1€. SO of course we couldn't resist. then we made time lapse videos and fought in slow motion.... Gabe and Braden would have love that!!!! It was just a calm day, very fun!!!!

A fantastic week. Loved every second!

Love you!!!

Elder Tyson

 

 

Mission Week 67: October 17, 2016...BAPTISM!

Dear Family,

This was one busy week!!! Isn't that wonderful? Busy-ness is happiness!!!!

We went to Barcelona on Monday for a leadership meeting at the mission
home! The enchiladas were great! Hahaha!!! We got a lot of great ideas
for our Zone! It was fun to be with the other leaders, never a dull
moment!!

When we got back we had our zone meeting for the month, and we set a
big goal!!!  So to take the goal upon them, we had a Jell-O
contest!!! Everyone had a jello on a plate, and had to suck it up!!!!
It was hilarious...lol but  even greater than that was for our
teaching section we played a classic game of PRIMARY
PUNCH-OUT!!!!!!!!!! It was epic!!!! I wish I had pictures!!!! We had
them punch the board for our key indicators, and some had Primary
songs!!!!! The zone loved it!!!! It was a big hit!!!

Then I had an intercambio with new missionary, Elder Haines! He is a
good man! We worked hard and set up the baptism that we had on
Saturday!!!!

On Saturday L. was Baptized!!!!!! He is our friend from
Nigeria!!!!! We weren't sure if he was actually going to be baptized,
but when we talked to him, he was sure!!!!! It was great. The ward was
so helpful in getting the service together! His two daughters also
came!!!! It was so fantastic! He came to church the next day wearing a
really nice African suit!!!!! He looked like a million bucks!!!!!! I
am so happy that I got to be a part of it!!!

Sounds like all is well on the home front!!!!!! Happy you are enjoying the new home!!!!!

We are doing very good!!!! We had interviews with President this
morning, and we are going to Barcelona this week for the conference
with President Nelson!!!! It will be great!!!!!!

Love you tons, have a great week!!!!!

Elder Tyson

Mission Week 66: October 10, 2016

Queridos,

This week has just been a solid one!!!!! We are seeing all kinds of miracles!!!! Mostly coming from the word of wisdom!!!!!! We have seen great miracles!!!!!

L. has his baptism planned for this week, we are crossing our fingers.... it's kind of like when I did the show Into the Woods. No one was quite sure how it was going to end up, but with a lot of prayer and effort, it all worked out!!! We hope this is his week to break a leg, and not because he slips in the font. We taught the Word of Wisdom, and he told us that he drinks tea every morning. We were helping him understand why tea was wrong, when suddenly the member looks up and says, "brother, you can drink chocolate milk, it is not against the Word of Wisdom." A look of relief passed over L., he seemed so happy that he wasn't breaking the commandments and could keep his chocolate milk. So I ask, "chocolate milk is tea?" And they said yes, they call lots of things tea, even though it isn't... oh the African culture!!!! It was hilarious. It was a great miracle to know that He can still get baptized with a chocolate milk addiction.

The other incessant was with L.E. He is doing great. We taught him the word of wisdom and we set a great plan to help him stop drinking. We hope he can get baptized this month.

I feel so spiritually lifted this week. I feel like I have truly caught the rhythm of the mission. Not to hurt feelings, but I can truly say right now that I do not want to go back to the real world. I love missionary work, and I know a lot of that is due to Elder Christian Spencer Campbell! He is a fantastic missionary and a great companion. He is pushing me to be my best, and I hope that I am helping him do the same! Life is great in Valencia!!!!

For preparation day we went to a store called taste of America!!!!! And they had Pop Tarts!!!!! I bought a box and shared them with our district!!! You can't be greedy when it comes to the good stuff!!!!! Just wanted to let you know that they have the big bag of Krusteez pancake mix on Amazon. Some missionaries have received it!!!!!!

And I will go search out the sword that has caught my eye next week, then we will talk... hahah!!!!

I am currently on a train to Barcelona for a leadership meeting!!!! It will be fun!!!

Last thing!!! I love you so much thank you for everything!!! I am so grateful to be your son!!!! Keep serving strong, and enjoy the new house!!!!

With lots of Spanish besos,
Elder Tyson

 

 

 

 

Mission Week 65: General Conference

Dear family,

It was a great week this week. Lots of fun stuff!!!!

First, WE FOUND THE HOLY GRAIL TODAY!!!!!!!! It was in a cathedral, and it was pretty anticlimactic. But the pope has declared that this one is the real one, so it has to be real.

We also went to a great store that sells SPANISH SWORDS!!!!!! I couldn't resist, I had to buy a dagger!!!!!! It is really cool!!!!!! I would love to buy a sword, like Enigo Montoya from the Princess bride!!!!! I was wondering if that would be possible, I would send it home of course. But they are something that is super Spanish!!!!!! Something very unique to Spain!!!!!! 

One miracle we saw was with L., a great friend who is preparing for baptism on the 15th. We taught him the plan of Salvation and he told us how he wanted his wife and children to know this plan. He loved it and really wants his family to unite with him in the Gospel. We hope that by his example, his family will accept the Gospel.

This week I had an experience like never before on my mission. We were out contacting and we starting talking to a Spanish woman about the Gospel. She started by telling us she didn´t like the churches of the world because they made it all about money. They pay their pastors and don´t give to the poor. She said that thought that the leaders should be normal men, not receiving special education for their position. She then talked about how she believed that after the the death of the apostles, the true church was lost. Then, above all, she told us how her husband had died and no church could bring him back. I almost lost it. I wanted to shout for joy, sing praises and tell her that SHE COULD SEE HIM AGAIN, that we do have normal men as leaders, we do give to the poor, the church was lost, but it is here again. 

We did all we could. I pleaded with her to give us just thirty minutes of her time. I knew this was what she was looking for. We testified and she didn´t want anything. She denied. She said, something like that can´t exist, it´s gone... I was destroyed. I knew that we had exactly what she needed, and she didn´t accept. I felt the true love of the Lord for her. I feel so sad that she chose to use her agency in a bad way. We gave her our information, and I hope she calls!

I also loved General Conference! It was so inspired by the talks, and especially the music. I was really inspired by the message of M. Russell Ballard. He spoke about the conversation with Jesus and His disciples and Peter said, "To whom shall we go?" It was great for me to remember that this is the only church that can save us. There is no other place to for the truth. I also loved how he brought back the ol' ship Zion. Although there are big waves, and a great storm, we have to remember that Christ is on His ship, and He can calm the Tempest.

We had transfers this week, nothing changed in our piso. It was really chill. Thank you for all your letters and support!!!! Hope you have a great week!!!!!
Elder Tyson

Mission Week 64: September 26, 2016

September 26, 2016

Oh dearest family whom I love so dearly!!!!!

Valencia, the land of miracles, and joy! And a week of miracles it was indeed. Elder Campbell and I had the opportunity to do two different intercambios in our zone and they were great experiences for the both of us. We were able to learn and teach and really help the areas grow. 

Elder Campbell and I are on fire in the work. We just had our first Enfoque together and we think it went very well. We set a big goal to have 40 fechas in the zone at the end of this week!!! We know that as we apply what we learned from the conference with the Zwick's we will no doubt be able to reach our goals.

I learned so much from the conference but I would just like to share five with you.

I learned that if I dont have a great relationship with my companion, I wil never be able to establish good relations with anyone I am trying to set goals to serve my companion everyday. I am so blessed to have him, no missionary can do this work alone.

I learned that we need to teach like the Savior by becoming like him. The Savior taught simply, with a lot of intensity, and testified always. I learned that as we let him become a part of who we are we will undoubtedly teach in the way that he taught. Elder Campbell and I are really focusing on getting back to the basics, and teaching with power.

I learned that we can never stop. We have never arrived. There is always more growing that we can do in our lives. We need to just endure. There is no end. I loved the quote by Oliver Cowdrey that was shared. He said, "never cease striving, until you've seen the face of God." That really made me think about the kind of missionary that i want to become, and the person. I need to always ask Myself the question that Alma asked all of us, "Can ye feel so now?"

I learned hat we will always be placing our foundation in Christ. None of us have reached the moment in the which we are now growing to the sky. Every day we can work to put our foundation in Jesus Chist.

Finally, The Spirit showed me how blessed I am. Blessed to be here serving in El faro. Blessed to be born of goodly parents, blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Blessed to be around such great and devoted servants of the lord.

I know I am going to try improving by repenting, and becoming more like my Savior Jesus Christ. We are going to teach simply and with the Spirit and I am going to love my Companion.

I am so grateful for Elder Campbell. He attacks contacts with the ferocity of a tiger, he is relentless in inviting like a female moose attack, and above all, he leaves a great impression on everyone he speaks with, like an encounter with the tentacles of a jellyfish. All jokes aside, he is truly a great man, and a great companion.

Our Zone Enfoque was epic folks!!!! We got there early and blacked out the whole church. Made it like pitch black in there. Then we hid flashlights under every chair and 40 baptismal signs all over the church!!!! When we got to the moment, we turned off the lights and we talked about how Jesus Christ is the ultimate lighthouse, but we are his lower lights, bringing the people safely into shore. So, using their flashlights, they had to find the signs, and not let their lights go out. We then put them on the board in the shape of a 40 and screamed quite a bit. It was epic!!!! We also had a little segment with the elders about locking our hearts and flirting with the sisters. I told them that my dad had always taught me that I should think before I speak. Still working on that one, but we just gave a little reminder that flirting is for after the mission. Here we convert, not flirt.....

Right now the members are helping us a lot. We have a great teaching pool right now which helps. The members are out with us every day helping and sharing the Gospel its been great! We and the members are getting really excited for General Conference. It is such a great time to relax and here the words of the Prophet!!!! I am praying for the Eagle Mountain temple!!!!!!!

I have learned a lot this week. I have been actually really happy for the guilt I have received when I have sinned.... I have felt Godly sorrow and it has really helped me to repent. I was so excited to take the sacrament this week!!! I truly felt the power of Jesus Christ.

D. is doing great. He has been crying because a girl lied to him and broke up with him, but we just shared some of our break up stories and calmed him down. He also dropped his phone while he was texting in the shower, so its ruined.... oh teenagers

Now its time for funny/frustrating stories with elder Tyson!!!!!

SO there I was. I went to a chinese thrift store to buy some stuff for our enfoque, and I had to use a 50 bill..... well the corner was ripped.... barely.... like not even through the margin and the lady freaks out that it is not real and says that she wont take it. So we went to the grocery store to change it out, and the same story, they said it was good, but that they couldn't take it for some reason. So we took it to the bank, and the lady says, do you have an account with us? I just no, I just want to change my 50. She said that they could only change it for members of there bank...... so then I say.... so what you are telling me, is that I could give this bill to the man behind me, and him, being a member, could change the bill out??? She was speechless..... she looks at the other ladies and they all shrug there shoulders, she makes up an excuse and we leave. We go to another bank and glory behold!!!! The other lady was so kind and changed it immediately!!! Anyways!!!!!

Well it was so great to hear from you!!!! Thank you for everything!!! Hope you have a great week!!!!! 

Elder Tyson

Mission Week 63: September 19, 2016 Visit from Elder Zwick of the 70

What up family!!!!!!!!

First off, I am so happy for Kalee!!!!!! What a champ!!!!! I
absolutely love the temple!!!! It was incredible..... I wish I could
go right back and do a session!!!!!

Happy everyone is getting back to the swing of things... Loved ZACH'S
haircut, by the way!!

How lifted I was this week after the conference with the Zwick's! It
was very powerful and impacted me and our companionship a lot! We felt
so blessed to learn so much, and already have the opportunity to apply
those things in the work. Specifically with the simplify, intensify,
and testify. Really using our stories to help those around us. We had
special opportunities the past few days to share personal stories, and
to see that these people are really starting to understand. No wonder
the Savior always taught with stories. It works miracles.

One thing that stuck out to me in this conference was putting the
message on our heart, and not forgetting what we have felt. I feel
like that was specific for me because sometimes I feel like I just get
into the motions of missionary work and having this conference and
those teachings have helped me relight the fire, and remember that the
Spirit doesn't work through just going through the motions!!

The conference was solid.... The Zwick's were fantastic. I personally
loved the stories of Scotty!!!! Felt like family!!!!

For preparation day today we went and rented a four seater bike and
took it in the park...... It was wild!!!!! The. We went to the mall,
and after got haircuts!!!! It was a blast!!!!!

Time for my favorite part of the letter!!!! FUNNY STORIES WITH ELDER TYSON!!!!!

So there we were, eating lunch in the leadership meeting on Saturday.
To my right, Elder Campbell. Across from me, Elder W. Craig Zwick, a
general authority. And to my right, who could it be? Just a humble
Sister Barbara Perry. The sister of President Dayton, and the wife of Elder
L. Tom Perry. Well the chitchat is happening, as usual, and I am
making jokes with sister Perry that she was five years younger than
President. Good times. President raised a brow at that comment, but we
just laughed. I wanted to throw out a signature, "hola reina" but
something was telling me that wasn't the best idea.

So that's it, that's my week!!!! I was a crazy one!!!!! Love you!!!!!

Elder Tyson