Transferred!

Dear Readers,
This has been an odd week in the mission field. Not much has happened on account of the fact that i was sick for a few days with awful stomach pain and diarrhea. Yay. Its been nice here in TO [Thousand Oaks] but it is time to move on. I have realized how much i have learned reading in my journal and reminiscing. I am so glad i write in it every day because i can actually have a tangible record of my progress, its awesome. I am getting transferred to South Bakersfield now so this should be fun, i hope the work will be more progressive than here. Its an uphill battle with all our investigators. Im sad because i wont get to baptize Ellen, but anxious for a new setting. I am going to miss all the wonderful people in this area and YES time is flying!
Conference was awesome! i love president Monson's Cheery disposition and humor! I loved how holland made me feel like a vile sinner as a football coach in priesthood session, he laid down the law! i have so much more of an understanding and respect for conference i wish i had paid more attention when i was younger.

Mom, I broke my sunglasses... again, after fixing them...
I need another journal soon.
I would like some more cds.
Birthday, Hmmm... Maybe a watch or something, idk?
Bike is all good i replaced the shifters.
MORE COOKIES and some recipes, im turning out to be a pretty proficient cook :)
I'm sending a package with Elder Tingey for your birthdays. So be on the lookout for him stopping by.
That is all..

On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 8:58 PM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:
Greetings Elder Scott !

Well, by our calculations you should be having transfers this week -- we're betting you will be involved.  Let us know as soon as you can, we're dying to know where your next adventure might be.

I sent you a copy of the letter that I sent to my mission president on my way out of the mission field.  I sent it via dearelder.com but I'm not sure they actually copied you on the note in email.  I'll send it here again too, just in case.   I wanted you to read some of the things that I mentioned in that letter -- things that I learned that were important in order to have the most success in the areas I served.  See if you can find those, let me know what you gleaned from that letter. 

I've been going through all my mission stuff --- reminiscing about all the adventures I had in Argentina.  Its funny because alot of the things you tell us were the same kinds of things I wrote in my journals.  I regret not writing more details in my journals -- because now, 22+ years later, it is hard to piece together what happened.  I scanned all the negatives I had from pictures I took, I found over 300 pictures -- alot of them were crap, alot had me with people I baptized or were very close to, or both.  Make sure you write in your journals who these people are so you can remember the things you did and saw and share them with your kids someday.

The reason this has all come up was because Bro. Hansen and I were talking to Austin -- who is getting ready to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina in a couple of months -- so I said I'd come over and tell him all about the experiences I had and share my recommendations for him.

One of the things I realize from reading all my journals is that -- we wasted alot of time.  It probably did not seem like it at the time, but you have to realize that you are only in the mission field for 2 short years, which is about 102 weeks total.  Each day you probably have about 12 hours of usable time to find &  teach, if you do not make the most of each of those days, soon your week is over and you will not have met your goals for the week, and soon your weeks will be over and you'll be saying to yourself that you could have done more.  So, take my advice and avoid those regrets.  Do not waste a moment of your time not getting along with your companion, or being stubborn with things that cause you and he to not see eye to eye.  I know that you and I have had our differences through they years, mostly because, son, I think you are EXACTLY like me.  The things that interest you,  the things that don't, your inclination to "have fun" with the people you meet etc. -- all these things you have shared are unbelievably familiar as I read my journals.

There were areas on my mission about which I wrote wonderful things -- how I felt so blessed to have been assigned there at that time, and we had so much success.  There were others where It was pure drudgery -- every day a painful series of events through which I had to suffer.   The differences ( according to my own notes between those areas were 1) my attitude at the time.  Was I humble?  Was I being cocky?  2) How well I gelled with my companion 3) how hard I was working 4) how obedient to the mission rules I was being ( no matter how stupid they may have seemed )

So I'm including a couple of those pictures here -- you may not have seen these ( in fact I can almost guarantee you haven't since, they've been in negative form for the past 20 years ).  Can you believe that your old Dad was so young?  It's kinda funny.  In the picture where my comp and I are standing in a "pool" with a sister in white -- we actually found that "font" that day, filled it as fast as we could, and had 2 baptisms that day.  This lady had been wanting to be baptized but we did not have a font to baptize her in, so when we finally got our hands on it, we finally got it done.  That was the area called Marcos Juarez -- me and 3 other missionaries opened the area -- there hadn't been missionaries there ever before.   I was actually the branch president and had to conduct the Sunday meetings etc., do interviews etc. --- we started finding old members of the church that had obviously fallen away, and slowly the church started growing.  That day we got the font, was the first 2 baptisms ever in Marcos Juarez.

So what did you think about conference?  I will have to listen to it over and over again to catch the messages -- its hard to get the meaning of things when  you're sitting here at home with all the distractions ( that's read Weston & Mason ) around --- I did like the message this morning from Elder Tad R Callister in which he said the Book of Mormon is either from God or from Satan -- there is no middle ground.  He bears his testimony that it IS from God.

Well, Elder Scott -- you have been in California, now for going on 5 months.  It's amazing how time flies.

Update on Ashley -- she's at Craig rehabilitation hospital.  She is doing great although she's very discouraged and impatient.  Everything seems to be progressing towards normalcy faster than everyone thought -- except for her left eye.  It is still having issues, it is getting better, but very slowly -- so she's upset about that.  She'll probably be in that hospital for at least another month -- then she'll be home to continue rehab there ( I believe ).  We're all pulling for her.

Well Tyler -- I am off to New York in the morning, so I am writing you this tonight -- I'll be back at the end of the week, <sigh>.  I love you and hope you are doing well.  Remember who you are and what you're there to do.  Before you know it, it'll be over, so no regrets!

Until next week,
Dad

On Sun, Oct 2, 2011 at 8:58 PM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Elder Scott --
I have been reminiscing about my mission experiences, looking at pictures etc. and I came across this letter I wrote to my mission president at the end of my mission. I thought you might find it interesting to hear what I learned on my mission and what I found to be the secret of success. I hope it helps you find the same success. This was written with pencil in Spanish, so I've tried to translate it back to English here -- so it reads a little choppy -- but you get the gist.
----------------------------------------------

Beloved President Lindheimer,

At the end of this stage of my life, I can look back and say that it has been an experience more than pleasant. The service that I have provided has been useful and the fruits have been many. I hope the Lord will tell me, "Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things".

I have really learned the importance of the work we do as ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have seen changes in people's lives, including mine. I have developed gifts and talents that the Lord has given me, I have matured, and obeyed. The adventure called the Argentina, Cordoba Mission began in Mendoza with a 'Starry-Eyed' boy who could barely speak his new language. Soon I learned to depend on my companion and use him as a model. The scriptures became my companions and in those first few months I came to know the Lord through them. The personal study of the revelations helped me comprehend the "WHY" of my stay here in La Republica Argentina. The difficulties became less important to me, the heat and discomforts became insignificant details. Soon I became accustomed to the rhythm and became a "missionary" like those that surrounded me. Soon I would pronounce the words that I had memorized in the MTC "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen" The first time I had said them for real as His true representative. It was marvelous. Gernan Gorbalzcuk could never be erased from my memories.

Like it is always said, the only thing that remains the same is change itself. The Lord relocated me in what seemed another world in Villa Mercedes. Once again adjustments. Adjustments with the new companion. I didn't understand why he didn't want to do this or that, why were we not going over there? Why the change? I decided to remain firm; if my companion supported me, great, if not I would drag him. My eyes were opened a bit more to learn to lead and make decisions regarding our stewardship. My desires were being purified. I desired like never before. "The Eye of the Tiger" grew within me and I wanted to be the missionary of whom everyone spoke. I felt like Ammon "I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom… Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God," I thanked the Lord for giving me the gifts that I was developing, the language came, the missionary attributes were polished in me. I recognized like Ammon that without Him I am nothing. I needed Him and through the Book of Mormon His mysteries were becoming clear. I learned why they call the Book of Mormon "The Keystone of our Religion: A firm testimony that Jesus is the Christ".

Upon desiring more new responsibilities, the Lord gave me more. A new area, new stewardship, new opportunity to grow. In the city of Marcos Juarez, I realized that the Lord had confidence in me. I appreciated that. Like a pioneer, a good example and good behavior toward the locals were essential. My faith in the Lord and His work grew together with my knowledge of the restored gospel. Once again, many mysteries were revealed to me. Even though I did not know much of what was required of me, I knew that anything was possible with the Lord. Sadly my time there was cut short. Another set of circumstances was presented me to be refined even more.

Before this point in the "adventure", I had not realized totally the importance of being "one" with my companion. I saw impairments when that was not the case. I promised myself to be "one" with all the companions that followed. The humility was a big factor. The love for the people of Plumerrillo was more important, other attributes that could improve were added to the growing list. Upon dedicating myself to the work and obeying the rules, the Holy Ghost was my guide. We were literally guided to families who were prepared to accept the Savior – Instant testimony. I observed the love and beauty of the principle of repentance. I saw the weight of sin lifted, the faces brightened, and the miracle of forgiveness. It was all beautiful. I did not want to be in any other place. To serve the Lord and help the Argentines was pure joy. The success and momentum there brought with them unjust desires. I wanted to advance and be a leader. I wanted to be "seen" by all the others. But, once again, the Lord taught me "Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should [advance] at this present time…Stand fast in the work wherewith I have called you,… and you shall be lifted up at the last day. Amen." It was clear that He wanted me to remain where I was, that I should not worry myself about greater responsibilities at that time. That I was to be patient. "OK, Understand" I agreed. The thought did not cross my mind again. But… as Berugo Carambula used to say….

It is said that the Lord works in mysterious ways and for a second time I was transferred to replace Elder Cullum who was mysteriously taken sick for a second time. I believe in God. I know he lives. In Catamarca, it all came together: the love for the people and my companions, a positive attitude, faith, knowledge, personal revelation, diligence, and wisdom. It all summed up to be success. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth". I experienced miracles. I saw the lives of families completely turn around. I loved them. I still love them. My companions and I were and are "one". I am what they were, and what they taught others, a compilation. The Holy Ghost was my companion during baptismal interviews, and He never failed me. "men are that they might have joy.." That was pure joy. To leave was detrimental; I almost could not do it. But my stewardship there ended and I was given another. Constant progress.

I returned to familiar land. In Santa Ana the challenge was to be a good example and serve the other Christian Soldiers. There I leaned to direct the elders, a great responsibility. One time after another, I saw the marvel of repentance. The people need us. I lamented to see the people need and and to hear them say "no my son, at this stage in my life, I cannot change". Why do they reject it? Why do they not open their eyes? I suppose that I was taught the importance of free agency. I continue to acquire wisdom, once again.

The change did not stop. Now a place called Leones. A land somewhat familiar. The Lord loves me and knows what I need. With the responsibility of Zone leader together with the management of a branch in Zion, it demanded much of me. Never will I forget what I experienced there. I mended, repaired, straightened, and intended to set right the affairs as best as I could. Patience and long-suffering were necessary for me. I saw lives destroyed because of the disillusion caused by sin. I made myself a promise that I would never get myself into a position where I would have dig out of such a deep hole. Wickedness was never happiness. I saw it, I don't want it. I have received plenty. The gospel has blessed me beyond all other and in many aspects I had not even realized it. I totally appreciate it now. Humility was necessary for me once again. I enjoyed the work and the accompaniment of the Holy Ghost. Service is Joy.

The adventure is ending. I have seen much progress in myself, like in others. I am better. I served others and I helped them to help themselves. I have done was commanded of me. Now I end these circumstances and will continue in others
I feel well and happy for what I have done. I am grateful for the stewardship that has been given me. It has made me better.

Thank you
Elder Bret Scott
----------------------------------------------

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott