Week 18

June 17, 2013

Hey everyone!

So this week had its ups and downs! It started off on Tuesday and Wedensday when i was sick again!! i was throwing up and all that good stuff. And then i woke up with a rash on my body on Wednesday so i dont know whats happening haha! Last night we got our call from the zone leaders about transfers!! well.........im staying with my companion in the same area!! thats very rare that you stay with your trainer so it must be for some reason!! The work is going good we taught 15 lessons this week and found about 5 new people to teach who seem really good!  Luis and his family are starting to be very frustrating!! we meet with him twice a week and all he does is have question after question. Hes having a hard time listening to the spirit and letting him find out for himself. We've taught the Restoration THREE times!!!!! He and his family love church but they are having a difficult time accepting change. Thay are all sooo ready to be baptized but they are having a hard time with the change. WE are going to continue to work with them. hopefully there is some progress this week. 

Dad:

That's too bad about Luis and his family. I think that is the most frustrating thing about being a missionary. You think a family or individual is so ready and then it seems like they take two steps back. Sorry to hear that but if it's meant to be it will all work out in the end.

That's awesome about 15 new lessons. Sounds like a good week in that sense. Hopefully, a few of those new people will feel the Spirit and want to learn more.

Staying with your companion must have purpose. Make the most of it! I know it can probably be difficult sometimes, especially when you are expecting change. Accept it and move on and continue to work hard. It will payoff in the end.

Kyler:

Yeah it its stressful but i think it will workout with them! and yeah ive accepted it! im ready to start working and baptizing. im ready to baptize someone!!

Mom:

Hi babe!  It's yo momma!  I am so sorry to hear that you have been sick.  Are you feeling better?  

Do you still have the rash?

Dad:

Are you feeling better now from your sickness? 

Is the rash gone? 

What do you think it was from?

Mom:

As far as your companion goes, I know that you really like him and at least you know what he is like.  You just have to do like I said last week...ask him for more help with the Spanish and you take the lead with the work.   I also bet that he will rededicate himself!

Kyler:

Hi mom!! yeah i feel better from the sickness. but no i still have the rash and it itches. i have no idea what its from. im not to worried though.

Mom:

Do you have some anti-itch cream to put on it?  That will help!  I love you bunches!

Kyler:

yeah he will! im not worried about it!! so whats this i hear about some announcment about missionary work??

Dad:

Hey - Guess who I just ran into at our office? Connor Day! He is going to be an intern here for the summer. He is still going to school in Utah. I thought it was Ethan at first. They look a lot alike.

Kyler:

haha Connor!? really? thats awesome! good for him!

yeah i have anti itch cream and it helps!! i can call whenver but i dont want too...its aprocess to go to the doctor and pay for it and all that. im just just gonna play it out!! 

Dad:

By the way Connor wanted me to tell you hello. Not sure if you heard but it appears that Ethan Day is going to join the Navy. That's what I've heard anyway.

Kyler:

Don't know anything about an announcement about missionary work. What

are you hearing?

Mom:

There is some meeting next week that will be broadcast at the church buildings.  They have asked to move any meetings that are scheduled for that evening so that everyone can attend.  So I am sure you will hear about it there, or we can tell you next monday.  I am hoping they are shortening the missions to six months!   That would be awesome!  Ok, not really but you know!!

Dad:

Team Gwinnett participated in the Triple Crown Battle of the South.  They did real well. We went 3-0 in pool play and finished the number 11 seed out of 65 teams. We then won our first 2 bracket games to get into the top 8. We lost to the Homeplate Chili Dawgs 8-5. We were down 

7-0 after two innings. We had a rough start but the boys battled back.  Just couldn't overcome the slow start. It was a good weekend.

Kyler:

nice!! hows kayden playing??

Lexi just told me that the First precidency of the church is making an big announcment about missionary obra on sunday! 

haha yeah i bet you wish that! if anything i bet they lengthen it! haha i guess we will see!!!

But nice! the Navy! Good for him!! i hope all is well with him!!!

Mom:

'Im not sure what it is about, but they sure are announcing it and making sure everyone knows about it.  I don't think they can lengthen it.  But who knows, we'll find out next Sunday!

You just said obra!   I had to look it up and you said it in Spanish!  I love it!  You said somthting last week...you said conversation normal!  It is so cute!

Kyler:

haha crap!! im trying not to do that!! haha sorry!!

Mom:

No, I love it.  And I put it just like that on the blog.  It is so cute!!!  The meeting sounds more like training then a huge announcement.  Maybe? 

Kyler:

yeah thats what I got out of it. i guess we will see. its probably just advice!

Dad:

So my scripture for the week is 3 Nephi Chapter 11:3-5. It took the Nephites 3 times before they understood the voice that was speaking to them.

Don't get discouraged. Sometimes (most of the time) you are just the seed planter. You never know when you are influencing somebody's life.  It might not be until way after you leave and are home before somebody you talked to GETS IT. You will probably never even know that that person was converted but that person will never forget you.

Kyler:

thanks dad! i really like that story. yeah maybe thats my job in this area! is to plant seeds! thats all apart of the work!! 

Mom:

Anything you need?

Kyler:

not that i can think of!! my card has been sent? and hows the BYU stuff coming along?

Mom:

Yes, card has been sent.  When you get it you just need to let me know and I will call the bank and they will take the hold off.  Then you will be good to go!  Working on the BYU stuff right now.

Kyler:

awesome! thank you!! yep i will let you know!!! hows it going? is it confusing??

Mom:

It is still the easy information...setting up your profile and basic information.  I'm hoping I will have more stuff next week that maybe you can work on.  essay, etc

Kyler:

yeah!. i dont know how im going to work on that....

Dad:

One more piece of advice this week and then I've got to go.

When you wake up each day, after you've said your prayers, ponder for just a minute how lucky you really are. You are only there for a short time. You get to come home and start an amazing life. Your struggles, your doubts, your fears are just for a moment. You get to come home to all the people who love you and want the best for you. Work your butt off!!!!!

Kyler:

thanks dad. i will remember that. i love you so much! thanks!!

Dad:

Any pictures this week??? You know we LOVE pictures.  Hey Grandpa Sherrell wanted to know if you received his package??

Kyler:

no i havent! when did he send it? 

Dad:

Not sure when Grandpa sent it but I think it was quite a while ago. I will check with him. Hopefully you will get it soon. I think it was some cookies and stuff  through the Dear Elder website.

Mom:

I need to send you a birthday package soon if it is going to get to you in time for your birthday!  :)  

Do you have any requests?

Kyler:

haha crap! not that i can think of! money on my card! and just candy and whatever yall want to surprise me with!! 

Mom:

How are your shoes holding up?  I saw that it was chilly this morning in Cocha and that you have been having rain.  Are you still saving up your shirts?

Kyler:

yeah im totally fine with clothes! i really need new tennis shoes! my nikes have a huge hole and my toe pops out haha

Mom:

Is that something you can buy there?  Or do I need to send some.  (that would be expensive and what if they get stolen)

Kyler:

no i can buy them here!! thats not a problem!

Mom:

Ok, I will put some money in your account for your birthday and you can buy you something very special for your big day!  Wrap it up though, and be surprised! :)

Kyler:

haha ohh okay!! ill try to surprise myself!!! 

Mom:

Sounds like a plan!  I love you so much and I am so proud to say that you are my missionary!  Scottie said yesterday to thank you for being a good example and friend to him. I miss you everyday and look forward to meeting you at the airport and scooping you up like a baby and holding you in my arms! (that would be awkward)  But anyway, just know that you are where you need to be.  You are doing the Lord's work.  Don't get discouraged, keep trusting in Him and He will lead you where you need to be!

Keep the Princes in your prayers this week as they are really struggling.  It has been really hard on Tara as she can remember what they were doing last year at this time. 

Kyler:

Thanks mom :) i love you. yeah i will be thinking and praying for them! tell them i love them so much. 

okay mom! i have to go! i love you so much. please tell everyone hello! have a good week!! i will talk to you all on monday!! i love you!! :)

Mom:

Love you bunches and bunches!  Until next Monday!!

Week 17

June 10, 2013

This week was good!! not much happened at all. It was a pretty normal and basic week. We did whole lot door knocking to find new investigators which went well. We found about 3 or 4 people who are really good! We have appointments this week with them. We didn't get to meet with our strong investigators because every time we went they couldn't meet! it sucked but it happens. But Luis was at church with his family again yesterday and we are meeting with them tonight! so we are excited for that! I can sense my companion is starting to give up on this area. Its kind of frustrating. Hes doing it because he knows hes leaving to another area next week when we have transfers. But other than that i had a pretty normal,and calm week!! how is everyone??

Dad:

Hey, it's Dad - you still there?

So transfers are next week? Are you sure your companion is leaving?  Regardless, you need to keep working hard. I know you know that but don't let him give up on it just because he is leaving.

Kyler:

hey dad! im here! 

yeah transfers are this Sunday. and ill end my training so ill officially be a normal missionary! yeah i know we need to keep working.  I'm going to keep working and if he doesn't want to help then thats his choice!

Dad:

Everybody is good here. Carston and Manning are enjoying their summer. Carston is now done with baseball. They ended up making it to the GGBL championship series against Norcross. They lost the first two games so finished 2nd. Not to bad. Kayden's team started this past week as well. I sent you a letter and explained all the details. I really think they will have a good season. Of course, Berkley is doing her gymnastics thing. It seems like she is always at the gym. Me and Mom are keeping busy. We are trying to straighten up the house and get some things done before school starts again.

Kyler:

awesome!! yeah mom told me about carstons team last week! that was a surprise! so they were decent huh? yeah i cant wait to hear about kaydens team. gosh i miss baseball so much. i didn't think i would but i really do. i miss it all, travel ball during the summer, school ball, going to east cobb every weekend. we have a broken broomstick that i swing everyday just so i don't forget my stance and everything haha

Dad:

Oh the joys of being a missionary! It will test your patience for sure! Just try loving your companion into action! Tell him how much he's helped you and encouraged you and then tell him how much you need his help to get the work done. Try not to let him see your anger or disappointment towards him but rather suggest that your success so far as a missionary has a lot to do with him being your trainer. Let him know though that you are wanting to work hard and you need his help to do so.

Kyler:

Alrighty!! thanks dad! I'm going to do exactly that!! 

Dad:

Maybe a change in companions will be a good thing. You never know. Sometimes you must be careful what you wish for though. I remember wishing on my mission for a new companion, only to get one and then wishing I had my old one back - lol. It is what it is and unless you both completely understand on a daily basis what it is your there for, it can be difficult. You must learn to put your differences aside and focus on what is bringing you together.

Kyler:

yeah i agree! yeah a change will be good. 12 weeks is a long time to be forced to be with someone. It will all workout! I know it! 

Dad:

12 weeks is a long time but it prepares you for other life long relationships, like marriage. To think that you are always going to get along with somebody is pretty unrealistic. However, it's how you deal with it that will dictate how long you can make that relationship last. Take me and Mom for instant. Whenever I come up with a good idea, I just let her think that it was hers all along. That keeps Mom happy - :o). Just kidding - I know she's on now. I just wanted to say a funny!! Plus everybody really knows that all good ideas that come from the Berretts is from Mom.

Kyler:

haha yeah! actually everyone here says that!! that being with a companion really prepares you for marriage! haha but yeah all the Berrett ideas are from mom!! hahahaha 

Dad:

Wow - hard to believe it's been 4 months! Time is flying by. I spoke to Scottie Higgins at church yesterday. He leaves next Monday for the MTC. He is having an open house next Saturday. I'm sure we will try to get over there. You know Traci will have some good food anyway - lol!! He seems ready to go. I think Traci is having a hard time (like most moms do).

Kyler:

yeah 4 months seemed like nothing!! dang Scottie is leaving soon!! that's crazy!! tell him good luck if you get the chance! he'll be a great missionary!

Dad:

You know, it's funny how listening to every body's prayers take on a whole new meaning for me and mom when they pray for all the missionaries. When you think about all the prayers that are offered up in your behalf, it is truly amazing. The missionary work is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds. You can choose to either dive in and be an essential part of it or you can (like some missionaries do) choose to sit on the sidelines and hope your mission away. I know I keep telling you this but don't have any regrets. I promise you that the end of your mission will come a lot sooner than you think. When that day comes, you want your last prayer to your Heavenly Father before leaving Bolivia to be, "God, I gave it my all. I did everything I possibly could to spread the good news. I hope you are proud of me!!"

Kyler:

Yeah i agree completely. thanks so much! Its hard to remember why I'm here sometimes but when i do i feel so comforted about everything.

Dad:

Are you starting to understand conversations more? I know when you are talking Church stuff it's a little easier. However, are you feeling more comfortable just talking casual conversations with people?

Kyler:

Yeah church stuff is getting really easy. but conversations normal i have to really pay attention and focus. that's what i want to start working on. talking about normal things.

Mom:

Hi babe!  How are you?

Kyler:

Hi!! :) I'm good!! how are you!!?? 

Mom:

We are doing good!  I read through your and dads email.  It sounds like a change will do you good.  I can see that it would be easy to let up on the work when you know you are leaving.  Just exercise patience and all will work out.  How is your Spanish coming along?

Kyler:

yeah it will work out!! Its good! that's another thing that's frustrating with him. he doesn't really help me a whole lot with Spanish. But its coming along! I really need to work on remembering words now. before I've been working on proper grammar and all that good stuff. have you sent my card??

Mom:

I will mail it today.  And it actually was a good thing that I haven't mailed it before now.  The bank called dad on Saturday and said that we have to make a purchase here with it before they can put a freeze on it.  So if I would have sent it before now, it would have not worked anyway.  So good thing I procrastinated! :)

Kyler:

haha yeah good thing!! okay tha'st great!! I'm good money wise! i was just wondering. how are things?? normal??

Mom:

We are all normal!  (if you can call us normal) :)  Kayden was set apart as the first assistant to the bishop yesterday!  He also was asked to be on the panel for the fireside last night.  They talked about social media and he and Tucker, Brianna, and Lauren C., were the panel and the kids asked questions and Brother Cheek was the main speaker.  I think it was good for Kayden.  You know, he never wants to do anything like that, but then always enjoys it and has a good time.  (he reminds me of myself so much)

Maybe your new companion will really be able to help with your Spanish.  Everyone has a something different that they can bring to the table. And maybe he will bring Spanish help and you will be the one to push the work!  Any way, it always works out.  Just don't get too discouraged that you feel like giving up!

Kyler:

that's awesome!! I'm glad he got that call to be the first assistant! that's good for him! yeah i agree! it will workout! so you started my BYU stuff??

Mom:

I've just got your id and now i have to start the process!  I will work on it this week.  It looks like we have rain in the forecast which will keep me inside and I can get on the computer. I will babe!  Promise!  I will get as far as I can and then have Lexi come over.  I know, I will take the laptop to grandmas each week and that will make us work on it .

Kyler:

haha okay thanks!! i just really want to do it while everyone is on a mission haha thanks :) 

Dad:

Hey Bud - I've got to go. I love you and we pray for you always! Know that you are never alone. 2 Nephi 31:20. Endure to the end!!!! I sent you a letter last night with some updates on baseball and other stuff. Keep your head up and always be thinking ahead. Don't get distracted! Be proactive! Be a leader! Always keep in mind that just because you are the junior companion doesn't mean that you can't lead. It's just in how you do it. Love ya bud!! Until next week!!!!

Kyler:

Thanks dad!! that means a whole lot. ill remember that! ill talk to you next week! i love you too! 

Mom:

I just want you to know how much i love you!  You have given up so much to serve the Lord and I couldn't be more proud of you!  I pray for you (and your companion) each and every day.  I know at times you will struggle and wonder why you are doing this.  But remember, you are doing this because the Lord has asked you to and that He knows that you can!  He is always right there by your side.  When you are feeling down, just know is right there with you.  Pray to Him, ask for His guidance.  Let Him be your companion!  He will never not want to work.  He is always there supporting and encouraging you!

Kyler:

 thanks so much mom. Knowing that everyday helps me so much. i have so much comfort knowing that you guys are thinking and praying about me. it helps so much. i know why I'm here. for that i will stay and continue through!! I love you so much.

Mom:

I love you too!  I can't believe that you have been gone for four months!  I know it doesn't feel like it, but it really is going pretty fast. (in hindsight) :)  You sound like you are doing really well.  I can tell that you are feeling okay.  I know that you get homesick every once and a while, and that's okay.  That is normal!  In the words of Dori, just keep swimming!

Kyler:

hahaaha thanks mom! okay i have to go! i love you so much! tell everyone i love them and miss them!! ill talk to you next week!!!! :) i love you :)

Mom:

We all love you and miss you too!  We will continue to pray for your well being and for your companion!  Remember who you are and know that He is right by your side!  I LOVE YOU!!!!

Week 16

Monday came and went without an email from Kyler.

At first, I didn't think anything of it.

Then...

all sorts of things started going through my head...

1.  He or his companion is sick and they are stuck at home...OR

2.  His President is in town and called an imprtant meeting...OR

3.  It is too unsafe in the city and the missionaries have been asked to stay in their homes...BUT

What actually happened is they had a super busy day and would have to write on Tuesday.

{at 6:00 I finally got this from him}

hey mom! we had a crazy day and i dont have time to write today! we are going to write tomorrow! so be ready! sorry for making you guys wait!  thanks! tomorrow!!

kyler love you

So, we waited until Tuesday!

Hey everyone!! you there??

so this week was good. just another week! haha we worked hard! our numbers weren't our best but its okay! that happens!

Tuesday was great!! i got my package from you!! i was so happy!! haha packages are great!! i love the gatorade and i really needed my pillow cases!! so thank you!! i also go like 20 letters the same day!! so it was fun to sit down and read everyone's letters!! my zone all took a look at the book i got from Lexi!! they loved it and said it was awesome!! they all told me that when she gets married while im here im going to regret having that!! haha i dont care!! haha The work was good!! we don't have a whole lot of investigators so we've been knocking a whole lot of doors which im a professional at now!! my knuckles are sore! Wednesday was our zone conference!! that's a first for me! i thought, going into it it would be an hour maybe an hour and half but nope.....it was from 10am to 6pm!! they talk about everything there!! it was good though! we had some good lessons and they fed us lunch!! that was nice! i saw Elder Roth there so it was great to talk and catch up with him!! Friday i had quite the experience  we spent the whole day with Elder Thurston and Vasquez as we were helping them think of a skip for their ward talent show. we went to lunch with them where the sister that lives there cuts hair. well she ended up not being there but her sister who was there told me she thought she could do it....so i said sure why not. i only want a size 3 buzz all the way around....how hard could that be!!?? well turns out she had no idea what she was doing. i told her i wan a 3 and she started in the back where i couldn't see......and just as she started the elders watching screamed... HERMANA NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! i thought it was a joke but nope..... it wasn't  she didn't even put the clip on!! buzzed me with a 0!!!!!!!!!!!! so Elder Thurston took over and did a 3 but half way through the clippers broke!!!! so we ended up walking to a professional where i got it buzzed down to a 2. hopefully i can avoid president for a few weeks!! haha i have pictures of the experience. Saturday was good! we taught a few lessons and visited members most the day. we are trying to strengthen the ward and get them to help us so we've been doing that too. Sunday was disappointing at church because none of the investigators showed but we are meeting with them  tonight and tomorrow so hopefully everything is all good there!! okay hurry and type me back!!

Mom:

Are you there?

Kyler:

here!!!

Mom:

I read your email! Sounds like you have been super busy! I want to see pics of the hair cutting :) How are you doing emotionally?

Kyler:

okay!!! hold on!! im doing great!! really!! im just fine! 

crap!!! the computer im at wont let me down load pictures!!!!

Mom:

That's so good to hear! I mostly care about your well being! That's first for me! :) All is well here! 

Kyler:

haha good!! hows summer going!!?

Mom:

So far, so good! Busy, but that's normal for us. Do you need anything from us?

Kyler:

nope!!! not right now!! but that's good! whats everyone up to?

Mom:

Kayden went to help at the baseball camp today. Berkley just got home from the gym. Carston and Manning slept over at the Humphrey's. Dad's at work and says, he can't get on right now, but he loves you and is always praying for you.

Kyler:

awesome!! sounds like nothing has changed!! haha tell dad i love and miss him too! 

Mom:

I sure will! I will go ahead and send your debit card. Also, the girl in grandmas ward is leaving for Peru next week. So you can watch for her in two months or so. So how did the skit with Elder Thurston go?

Kyler:

okay sounds good!!  but yeah she emailed me!! so i've been talking to her and helping her out!! we ended up not doing it bc we couldn't think of anything in time because my hair incident took a while to fix up and sort out.....so that was a waste of a day...

Mom:
So you are going tonight to check in with your investigators?

Kyler:

 yeah we have a few appointments!! so we found this less active family that wants us to reactivate them! so we are working with them!! they haven't been to church in 7 years!! they want their 11 year old son to be baptized! we've been teaching him as well and we have a date to baptize him on the 29th!! 

Mom:

That is wonderful! Is Alejandra still getting baptized on the 22nd?

Kyler:

yeah but we haven't been able to meet with her bc of a family emergency shes had lately so i doubt she will be ready by the 22. maybe, who knows!! we are going to try!!!! 

Mom:

Just keep working on her! We've been working in the front yard. We're trying to get it in shape and planting some shrubs and flowers. Carston has his GGBL championship game tonight. So hopefully they will win and he can enjoy the rest of his summer :)

Kyler:

his team is in the championship??? really?? oh dang i didn't realize how good they were!! that's awesome!! 

Mom:

That really have struggled this year. So it's kinda surprising they are in the championship.  We beat NG last week to go to the finals.  We will probably play them again tonight. They went into last game with too much confidence. (You know, the NG confidence) :) so they will come out ready to play tonight! 

Kyler:

oh wow!! dang thats so awesome!! i hope pull that off!!! beat them please!! haha

Mom:

I know. It's always good to beat NG!! Any talk of transfers?

Kyler:

transfers are in 2 weeks!! my companion is most likely going to leave and ill get a new companion!! who knows though. transfers are unpredictable. okay i have to go mom!! i love you and everyone so much!!! tell everyone hello for me please!! LOVE and miss you all!!!! :)

Mom:

LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!

So everything ended up being just fine!  Nothing horrible like I first imagined, just busy with the work!

Weeks 12, 13, 14 and 15!

This past few weeks have been super, crazy busy around The Berrett household. 

{So please forgive me for not posting sooner!} 

Week 12 went by with a email chat with Kyler.  He didn't have too much time online and we just went over our plan for Mother's Day! :)

Week 13 started with a Mother's Day Skype session with Kyler!  
It was so nice to be able to see him and chat with him!  

We celebrated Mother's Day with dinner at our house.  
He called on the phone around 6:00ish 

to let us know he would be getting on Skype in 30 minutes.

So I starting panicking and hurried to set up the computer.

We were able to chat with him for 2 hours and 34 minutes!  It was so wonderful!  He wanted to talk to everyone together and then asked if he could have a few minutes alone with everyone.  He was very upbeat! {although he did break down a little, but I am sure that it was just him being home sick!}
He is thoroughly enjoying his time in Bolivia.  He is loving the work and also the people.  

What a great Mother's Day gift!
{looking forward to Christmas, to be able to chat again!!}

On Monday, Rick got an unexpected phone call from Kyler.  He called to let us know that he had lost his debit card! :(  We are working on getting him a new one.


Week 14

Mom:
I got your new debit card on Friday.  I will get that in the mail to you.  Grandma sent you a package last week and I am waiting to see when you get it.  She used Fed Ex this time and we are hoping it will get to you a lot quicker. If it does, then I will send it Fed Ex. (Grandma gets a huge discount through her work)

So a lot of things this week.  Only 4 more days of school and then I can finally clean the house!  (after I sleep in of course) Baseball banquet is this evening. Lexi's graduation is on Saturday.  She invited me and dad, and grandma and grandpa.  So that will be nice! 

How has your week been?  Anything new with investigators? 

Kyler:

Okay sweet! is my pin number the same??? yeah im not sure which is better!!! i guess we will find out!! 

Awesome!! gosh i cant beleive its already time for another banquet! and Summer!! wow!!! 

oh thats nice! yeah she would love if yall went! thats awesome! get me some pictures!! :) 

things are good!!! so my companion was in a bad mood one night and not really talking. and when we went to our appointment with Alejandra, (the 17 year old girl) i could tell he wasn't going to be up for talking a bunch. so we got there and chatted a good bit and he started to lighten up a little. well, before i had prepared myself to talk a whole lot with her and i was getting really nervous because i didn't know what to teach! well to make a long story short, after an hour of teaching and answering questions (eventually my compaion snapped out of it and started teaching and being happy) , i asked her to follow the example of Jesus Cristo and she is getting baptized on June 22!!!  so how is everyone?

Mom:

That is awesome about Alejandra!  How exciting!

We are all doing good.  Berkley has 8th grade promotion on Friday.  I can't believe she will be at the high school next year.  Kayden is doing good.  The little boys are so ready for summer and have their end of year parties this week as well. (of course, cause next week we won't be here) :)

So how are you getting along with your companion?  
Does he get that way often?

Kyler:

awesome! yeah i cant believe it either!! geez!! she cant go there! at least Kayden is there!

 i cant believe its already summer!! 

no hes never like that!! we all just have our bad days! its wasn't a problem! the mission can take its toll on you here!!

Mom:

I am sure it is hard at times.  Those are the times that you need to pray more often than normal, and don't get discouraged.  I know that is easier said than done.  

Did you know that you have almost been gone 100 days? 

How are you doing for real? 

I know that it can be hard at times, but it will be so worth it in the end.  Also, the longer you are gone, the easier it will be.  Just when you are loving it and wanting to stay there forever, it will be time to come home.

Kyler:

yeah i know. i really am doing well. I'm enjoying my time and trying to love every moment because i only get this chance once. yeah my 100 days is on Thursday! thats crazy!!! i cant believe how fast that was!!

Mom:

So are you keeping track of your time too?  How are you doing money wise?

Kyler:

haha no its just that the other day at our zone meeting they gave us a statistic that there are 108 missionaries out of the 260 in the mission with less than 100 days. so i wanted to know if i'm in that group! 

Money wise....not good because i lost my card haha i have 50 Bolivianos for the rest of this month. thats about $8 dollars. haha buts its okay! its normal for missionaries!! ill be fine!!

Dad:

Hey bud - It's Dad - Are you still there?

Kyler:

hey dad!! yeah im here!!

Mom:

Do you have any pictures for us today?

Kyler:

only this!! sorry! Elder Vasquez had his one year so we celebrated with a giant pizza!

Dad:

You haven't answered back yet but I've got to go to a meeting. Just

know how much I love you and praying for you. I sent a letter through

DearElder so you should  get that. Keep going 100%. Don't ever let up,

not even for a second. Love ya - Dad

Kyler:

hey guys sorry!! i have to go!! I love you guys so much! tell all the kids i said i love them and that i pray for them and you guys everyday!!! i love and miss!! stay safe and ill talk to you guys on Monday!! be ready! i don't know what time ill be!! I love you!!

Mom:

Ok!  Looking forward to it!  I LOVE YOU!!!!

Week 15

Kyler:

Hey mom!! you there!??

Mom:

Hi babe!  Yes, you there?  How are things with you?

Kyler:

hi!!! :) things are great!!!! how is everyone??

Mom:

We are doing great!  Today is Memorial Day so dad is off and we are planning to play a little later with friends.

Kyler:

awesome sounds fun!! so its summer there!?? dang, thats crazy!!! excited?? what are you guys doing tonight?

Mom:

Me and dad are both on.  How are things with you?  Anything new to report?

Kayden:

Yo Kaybreezy, it's ya brother kaybay!

Kyler:

yo KB!!!! whats up man?? i miss you bro!! hows ball?? 

Kayden:

I miss you too man, and just laying in bed being a bum, and it's good, we've got our second practice tonight at 7 at west hall!!

Kyler:

nice!! i wish i could be a bum for 10 minutes! haha but sweet! how yall looking? whens your first game? 

Kayden:

Yeah I know, I'm sorry! I'm not meaning to rub it in, and we will be pretty good I think! It will be really fun!  And I think not this weekend but the next!

Dad:

We are going to the Nugent's to swim and eat. We have Kayden's first Team Gwinnett practice tonight. How is the work going? Any new investigators? Is that 17 year old girl getting baptized?

Kyler:

yeah we have a date for her!!! the 22 of June! and the work is good! this week we taught Luis and his family with president!!!!!!!  he asked if we had any important appointments this week and if we did if he could join. well he came and it was a great lesson!! we committed Luis and his two daughters to be baptized on the 22nd also!! we are working on his wife. she came to church and loved it and she loves our messages and encourages hrre husband with it but she is so set on staying Catholic. we are going to work on her!! 

Dad:

Hey - will you do us a favor - each week will you start your email by giving us a quick recap of your week? Especially about the work. We LOVE to hear all of that.

Wow - that's pretty cool to have your President there with you. Were you nervous? How much longer does your President have until he goes home? Do you feel like you are understanding more and more (Spanish)?

Kyler:

yeah ill start each week by doing that!! sorry! i get a little anxious to talk to you guys!!! 

yeah he told me my Spanish is really good and that i did a great job teaching! im sure he was just being nice haha! yeah i was way nervous but it all worked out!! he has about 15 months or so! maybe 14. yeah im understanding a whole lot more!! im studying very hard so hopefully it all comes together and clicks!!

Dad:

Kayden was called to be the 1st assistant to the Bishop in the priest quorum yesterday. He was a little concerned because of baseball, but it will be really good for him.

Kyler:

Thats awesome!!! he'll love that!!!! i did that for a while!!! he'll love it!! its fun!! he just needs to take it serious and be dedicated! 

Dad:

You still able to work out? What is your favorite food now? Any new pictures you can share?

Mom:

I went to Lexi's graduation on Saturday. That was nice, and then we went out to dinner with her family. She is anxious to get going with school and all. The busier she is the quicker the time goes. How are you doing? How are your spirits? Is it getting easier? How is the Spanish coming along?

Kyler:

no i don't have pictures this week! ill try to remember to take my camera with me everyday so i can have more!! my favorite food is called Pika! its a mountain of french fries covered in hot dog slices, beef, and drenched in ketchup and mayonnaise ! hahaha sounds gross, looks gross, tastes amazing!!! i can eat so much now, oh my gosh its ridiculous. yeah i workout everyday!! its fun because i can see myself getting bigger! haha i have full on chin hair now!! haha i have to shave almost everyday!!! wat up!!!!!???'??? its about time!!! yeah, she told me that yall were there! thats great :) im doing a whole lot better!! i feel good! the Spanish is good!! im working on it!!

Mom:

Sounds delish! lol  Do you get sick from the food or water anymore? Have you been sick since the one time? Have you got a package recently?

Dad:

Do you have any plans today for P-day?

Kyler:

no not really! i might get sick again who knows. but yeah like 2 days before mothers day i was sick all day! i threw up 6 times!! i totally forgot to tell you guys!! i remembered after i turned off the computer i realized i forgot to tell you. sorry! haha no i havent gotten a letter or anything for a month! liiteraly!! they've been coming but the zone leaders haven't gone to get them! they went last night and called me and told me i have 22 letters and a package! so im going to get that from them today!!! i cant wait!!! whose the package from??

Mom:

We sent one, Grandma Joan sent one and Grandpa Sherrell sent one, so it could be from anybody!

Kyler:

hahaha oh okay!!! sweet!! i cant wait to get it!!!  yeah!! its mothers day actually!!! so happy mothers day!! :) i love you!! <3 but anyways we are going to a members house for lunch to celebrate, which is good because i literally have 10 bolivianos to last me this week so i need a free meal. and then after we are going to play basketball with the bishop of our sister ward! hes white and speaks english!! haha

Mom:

Let us know whats inside of the package.  We like to know if anything was taken. haha  Kind of a mystery to see if it arrives. :)

Just be wise with your money next month, just in case it takes forever for your debit card to get there.  It really could take like 6 weeks or more.  So go easy with the cash :)

Kyler:

yeah i already budgeted my money more next month!!! i did it last night!! im not letting it happen again!!! so have you sent it?? was all my money on the card?? or did someone use it??

Mom:

No one used your card.  The last thing purchased was at a store for 7 or 8 dollars.  Only one thing that day so I'm sure that was you.

Kyler:

yep!!! that was me!! awesome!! okay i have to go!! ive been on here too long!!! i love you all soooo much. tell everyone i love them and to enjoy the summer!! :) i love you all so much!! stay safe!! until next week!!!! :) 

Mom:

LOVE YOU MORE!!!!

And then he was gone!  He mentioned on Mother's Day that he loves to get letters.  He says that he looks so forward to hearing from everyone.  It keeps him going!  If you have a minute, he would love to hear from you!

Until next week!!!

Week 11

Another good week!  I checked my email on Monday to find one from Kyler...
 and he was still there! 

Yay...oh happy day!

I must say, that I love to be able to chat with him, but at the same time, it is so hard.

Now I know why they limit the phone calls and any other communication!

{after we're done, I just cry my eyes out}

He didn't send an email we just went back and forth for 30 minutes. 

So let me break it down for you....

But first....you will see that is mixes in a little Spanish with his English.  It's too cute to correct, and I want to leave it the way he sends it.  Because essentially this will end up being a very awesome journal for him. 

{now if only I could get to writing one for myself}

Kyler:

Hey Mom!! you there??

Dad:

Hey Kyler - it's Dad!! Not sure if mom is on. How is everything??

Kyler:

Hey!! Its good!! Im doing well! I spoke in Church yesterday!!! for 7 minutes!! hahha

Dad:

That is so cool! Did you do okay? Did your companion help you write it in Spanish?
You feeling 100% now (health)?

Kyler:

Yeah im fine health wise!! Nope!! He didnt help one bit!! I talked about Faith in Jesucristo. It was great! Everyone said i did a great job!!

Dad:

I write you every Sunday night and probably repeat everything on Monday. So, sorry if you you get a double dose of everything.

{this is where I log on and see an email}

Mom:

Hi.....It's me...your mom!!!!

Kyler:

{Now he is replying to my email}

{A little confusing, sorry}

HI!!! How are you?? :) is everythigng good??  sounds like everyone is doing awesome!! :) that makes me happy!!

Mom:

We are doing great!  More importantly, how are you?  I see your happy and healthy!  That's good!  And you spoke in church.  From what time to what time?  Cause maybe we were at the pulpit at the same time.  I'm crazy. I know

Kyler:

Good!! It went well because we also had investigators there!! They said they loved the church and want to come back next week! It is a 37 year old man named Luis and his 12 year old daughter. his wife didnt come. we are working on her. right now they are top priority.

Dad:

Any new investigators?
Do you feel like you are understanding more and more Spanish every day?

Kyler:

Yeah i really am!! Im finding out that when i obey the rules with exactness and try my hardest everything is easier and better. new investigators?? not really. We have one nuevo her name is Gloria and about 40 years old. We are really working hard everyday.

Mom:

{Kayden came in and wanted to say hi}

Kayden says whats good shawty?  He's on his way to see coach D!  He says he misses you and loves you and that the Braves are doing really bad right now.  They are 15-8.  Kayden and Pete are thinking of buying season tickets and they are about to get mohawks for the play-offs.

Kyler:

why is he going there!?? tell him what up  and that i miss him! did he get my emial?

Mom:

He has a torn muscle in his hip flexor that he has been out for a week and a half.  He's fine, just goes for therapy and will be back Wednesday for practice.  Did you just now email him?  He didn't know you emailed him.  We just went and read it and he had to leave but says he will email you back for next week. Let me know if ever you email or are going to email him and I will have him check his emails.  He just he loves you and misses you.  He had to get to coach D.

Kyler:

Okay thats fine! yeah I will tell you from now on!!

ahhh crap that sucks. hopefully he will be starting again. no i emailed him next week. hows the college stuff going?? and have you made me and yall a skype account yet??

Mom:

It is on my list of things to do this week.  I already have one, so I will make one for you and then me and dad will test it out. 

Kyler:

okay great!! hows all the college stuff going??

Mom:

I have not started anything college wise but I did talk to Lexi about it.  Remind her to start working on it with me.  (cause I know you are chatting with her right now, too) :)

Dad:

Is your mission splitting?
We've heard rumors that you guys might be losing some of your southern areas.
Any truth to that that you know of?
 It sounds like you are still getting along with your trainer. That is a blessing. It makes your first few months so much easier.

Kyler:

yeah its spliting after this next cambio. about 40-50 missionaries are going to the new Santa Cruz South mission. It wont be me. they are taking guys with more than 6 months experience who can go and be various leaders.  

{He included some pictures}

We walked to the cristo statue this morning!! It was fun! I have more! hold on!

Me flexing/pointing to the temple!! The view was amazing!!

Me and my companion, Elder Rodriguez.

Kyler:

yeah dad we are getting along great! hes so funny! and a great teacher to me and to investigators!!

Dad:

Love you so much bud!! I've got to go. I will fill you in on baseball and other things in my letter.

Kyler:

awesome! I love you too Dad! I miss you! Know that im working very hard and everything is going well!!!

Mom:

Berkley is here now and she says hi!  She misses you and loves you!

Kyler:

Hi Berkley! I love and miss you too!!! I hope everything is going well! Im doing good!!

Mom:

She's gone now.  Has to get to the gym and their ride is here. 

Kyler:

oh okay! how is eveything?? good??

Mom:

we are all good!  anything you need or want from here that I can send you?

how are you money wise?  did you get the picture of Kayden

Kyler:

Gosh i dont know. not that i can think of. what are you sending so far? i sent a bunch of letters today. to all grandparents in Utah, the kids, Lexi and crap i cant remember the others.

yeah i got that one!! it was awesome!! I love pictures!!

Mom:

I haven't sent you a package yet at all.  I know, I know....that's a bad momma!  I wanted to wait to see if grandmas got there and then I wanted to wait for a request from you. So I will send it soon.  I hear the missionaries all like to get peanut butter cause you cant buy it there.
 Is that true?
And do you want some?

Kyler:

no im okay with the peanut butter. But yeah all the other missionaries say that packages from the US always get here! its from the other latino countries that have problems! soo start sending stuff all the time :) hhaahahah i love packages!!

Mom:

I know you do and I would too.  It's so just costly.  You do or do not want peanut butter?
And how are you with money?

Kyler:

no i dont. its okay! and im fine money wise for this week. have you started my collgege stuff with lexi?? remember alll my extra curriculars like student body president senior year, beta club, chorus, and all that!!

Mom:

I have to go get in carpool and get the kids.  I will continue to chat on my phone but I don't always get good reception out there.  If I'm not able to chat again, just know that I love you so much and miss you even more!  I am so proud of you and so happy that you are mine!  You are the bestest boy in the world.  I love you bunches and bunches!!

Kyler:

ITs okay i have to go!! I love you all so much!! I cant wait for next monday! do me a favor and tell Kallie case that i will respond to her email next week! I love you!!

Mom:

I LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!!!! MUAH

And with that, he was gone! 

....Looking forward to next week!