Fwd: October 10, 2011

That is a pretty funny story.

Dear Readers,

This week has been crazy. Here in bakersfield we have now moved into one of the most dangerous parts of the city, muggings shootings, the works... It is pretty ghetto, aparently it is one of two areas in the mission that are in red * which means its dangerous to walk around at night... And all in this first week, Our car broke and has been in for repairs since Wednesday, We been on bikes, it rained cats and dogs, our apartment started leaking, Our bikes have been having tons of problems and i have been having to fix em. At least i am good at jerry rigging and fixing stuff. Oh and our phone doesnt work. So if i get shot, you can have my stuff ;D jk, i think we will be ok. My New companinons name is Elder Nathan Thomson, he is from alberta canada. He is way cool and i have served around him before. (Woah, i have left greenie status... wierd...) He is as tall as me, and likes basketball too. Our new address is

1000 Pacheco Rd Apt. 107
Bakersfield, CA 93009

But still write to the mission address to avoid confusion.

Anyway, im still having fun and am loving my new area so no worries, i dont know enough to tell you much about it though so, sorry.

Did Thomas Tingey bring you my package?

On Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 9:11 AM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Another week gone.....

So my trip to NY last week was quite eventful -- on Monday when I was traveling to NY -- there was an incident at the IBM site in Sterling Forest, NY -- there is a long back-woods road that is the access to the IBM facility -- the power, communications, and other lines run into the facility on telephone poles running along this road.  Apparently a dump truck or garbage truck drove down the road with its dump trailer tilted up -- and it caught those lines that were crossing the road -- he pulled down 4 telephone poles before he realized what had happened.

This severed all the telecommunications lines into the IBM facility and closed the road both ways into the site -- so we couldn't even get to the site after traveling across the country to get there.

That was interesting -- later on in the week, as I was leaving the site, I came around the bend in my trusty rental car ( SUV ) and lo and behold 2 deer standing in the road -- thump -- I sent Bambi into the next world.  It crushed the front of the grill on the rental pretty good but I thought it was otherwise OK.

The next morning I called the rental place to let them  know about the accident and fill out the required incident paperwork -- but the car was driving fine other than the bent-up grill.  So I didn't worry too much about it. 

Then, on Friday as I left to head back to the airport to come home, the stupid car overheated and I had to stop.  They called a tow truck and I had to have the car towed back to NYC -- well by the time the stupid truck got there, and the car loaded on to his truck, it was prime rush-hour traffic so I missed my flight.  I had to quickly book another flight but there were no other flights out of LaGuardia that evening ( that had any seats left on them ) -- so then I had to get over to JFK --- one of the employees of the rental car place drove me like a madman to JFK so I could get on that one -- and there I was met with HUGE security lines and barely made it on this new flight on time -- it was a nightmare.

So, moral of the story -- don't hit a deer.

Ashley is progressing litle by little -- the Hansens were able to bring her home yesterday for 5-6 hours -- it sounds like they'll be able to do that every week, but she won't be leaving the hospital until Nov 18 now -- she's very discouraged.  Everything seems to be healing OK, but she's having to do rehab to get those fine motor skills back.  Her left eye is still problematic, it doesn't track well with the other eye -- and she can't move it "out" to much - -she can move it up, down, and in pretty well.  Her eyelid is still quite droopy so she's very self-conscious about it.  The doctors think she'll recover completely, but it's going to be a while.

Your brother Wes is down in the dumps -- he has been dealt a poor hand lately what with the driving, and now the toe --- so he's not liking his life right now -- they're going back to the doctor today to get another opinion as it is hurting again pretty badly today.  Arrggh.

Well, let us know what your new address is, your new companion's details etc.

We love you -- Talk to you soon.

Dad

On Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 9:03 AM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning Elder Scott!

How did your transfer go?  How are you settling into Bakersfield?  How is your new companion?

I have heard the weather is A LOT hotter there!  People have said be glad it is October and not the summer!

Well this week was eventful here.  Dad was in NY, so you know that usually means something will happen.

So, Weston had plantar warts again.  We had  the same treatment done in August that he has had in the past.  He even had it just last August.  BUT, we didn't go out to Nino Valenti.  We went to one of his partners here in Littleton.  Anyway, he has been healing from that.  He has many in one area, so a lot of injection and cutting around the little toe and fourth toe.  So Monday he started having worse pain.  He came home at lunch and I looked at it.  His fourth toe was very swollen and red.  I called the doctor and we went in.  They put him on antibiotics and pain medication.  He was in SOOOOO much pain. He was also not walking to well on it.  SO, he missed work and school.  He wasn't getting better, so Tuesday night he got a blessing.  Even Ben Tenney thought his foot looked discolored.  It was now moving into his foot.  Wednesday morning, his toe began to look black on the bottom.  SO, again we went into the doctor.  He said "let me numb it and drain the puss".  So we agreed.  Well, he didn't let the medicine kick in and fully numb Wes, so Wes felt the cutting and squeezing.  He was already in terrible pain.  The doctor basically cut a chunk out of his toe.  A little mini surgery, right there in the office!  So, Wes has been on crutches.  No working, no swimming, no drive test, no school.  He is really discouraged!  We are hoping it is healed enough by next week so he can play on Fall Break.  Oh, and his birthday is this week!  So, he is a bit bummed.

That was basically my week.  In addition to having a ton of things for church.  MANY phone calls and emails and texts this last week!  It was crazy.  Brother Armstrong broke his wrist riding his bike.  Steve Hatch broke his foot in basketball.  And many other things going on.  Bishop mentioned that we were the walking wounded ward!

Well, this weekend we will actually be arriving in CA.  We are going to NewPort Beach for fall break vacation.  Kind of weird.  When we went two years ago, we drove through Bakersfield!

I am looking forward to being away. 

The temple re opened.  It had been closed since August.  They got rid of the cafeteria.  We now have a little waiting area where the cafeteria was.  That will be nice for families when the weather is cold.

I went on Friday with Sister Grant.  She was baptized last year.  She took out her own Endowment on Friday.  Then I stayed and did initiatory on 5 names of mine.  Saturday morning we had a RS session at 7am.  I took my five names and handed them out.  It was exciting to get them done.  They had just had the baptisms done in July by the youth before the temple closed.  I now have some sealings to do.

It snowed lightly on Saturday.  It is finally getting chilly here.  It has been in the 80's.  Then BAM!  Saturday snowy and in the 40's.  Crazy Colorado!

Well, I am anxioius to hear from you to see how things have gone this week. 

Here is my scripture of the week:

Mosiah 2:22  And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land:  and he never doth vary from that which he had said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

That scripture makes me think of mission rules.  If you follow the mission rules, you will be blessed and prosper.  Be obedient son.  You will be watched over, protected and you will prosper in the work.

I love you,

Mom

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

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

Fwd: This week in the Mish

Almost Missed me. I'm as good as gravy. Doing great in fact, i would like more musica if possible but no rush. Health strength beastly as always while people crumble in sickness around me ;D. Testimony always growing but getting there. Companion Eh hes alright, still ironing out kinks but mostly we get along fine.

On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 12:03 PM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Sorry, its been crazy.

Ashley is back in CO @ Swedish hospital.  Long recovery ahead, but getting a little better here and there.

How's everything?  Need anything? Health strength? testimony? companion?

On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM, Tyler Scott <scott.tyler@myldsmail.net> wrote:

Dear Readers,

It looks like i have nothing to respond to this week.  This week was fun. We have aquired 4 new investigators which brings our teaching pool up to 7 now. One of our investigators is a kid and his mom. The kis is ranked 3rd in the state of california for skateboarding! and hes only 12! He is a pretty chill guy and his mom is perfect to teach right now because of some trials in her life. We went mountain biking again today, which was fun. Im learning a lot about how my bike works especially since i have been working on it. My thinking is that if i am beating it up enough that it needs maintenance, than i am using it to its full potential. I replace the shifters this week and that was not as easy as i had hoped but, i figured it out. I dont have much else to say today so forgive me. Keep bugging my friends to write me.

BTW: Hows Ashley?
--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: Re: September 11

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Tyler Scott" <scott.tyler@myldsmail.net>
Date: Sep 12, 2011 6:04 PM
Subject: Re: September 11
To: <bnscott2@gmail.com>, "Tracie Scott" <tlsw3boys@gmail.com>

Dear Reader(s),

Ok to start off with, Crongratulations Mason on your liscense and stuff, enjoy the car, because it will take care of you as long as you return the favor. Dont try to be to dashing or daring to impress people, and if your in a hurry, take direct routes. Dont try to speed through neighbourhoods, it never works. Be safe and concientious of others on the road, even if they are jerks. ALWAYS look before taking off at a stoplight, i cant tell you how many times i have been scared but protected because i followed dads advice. And Last but not least, Driving is a priviledge, not a right, you have to earn it, or you will lose it. But it is ok to have fun doing it! So listen to Mom and Dad, even though you may think you know better, take it from your punk older brother, THEY REALLY DO KNOW BETTER! Love yah, Good Luck and Work Hard.

Weston, dont be jealous, you will have your chance as well, just ask the Shavliks. Ryan had his license for months before Andrew, be nice and dont treat him like a cheufer. And be a good navigator! Everyone needs a copilot!

 Ok. So Ashley is in The ICU. Yikes, i hope she can pull through, and i will definately keep her Mckells Mom and The Hansen family in my prayers. Keep me updated. But Remember that the lord works in mysterious ways.

Ok so now i will give you the summary of my week. We did a TON of door to door treacting this week. Our Zone goal was to beat Bakersfield in Declarations (short testifying opportunities), Who ususually leads the mission. Because over a third of the mission is in bakes. We ended up becoming the leader for this week in the mission which hasnt happened in a long time with a total of 322 Declarations! A new record! And there is only 18 missionaries in our Zone as opposed to Bakes 30something! Hoorah for Israel!!!

We also got 4 new potential investigators this week and are getting really close to my first baptism! YES! Im stoked and i love the time i get to spend teaching!

Yesterday we met a professional Rugby player and coach. His name is Kodo and he is from Fiji! He is huge and could Eat me! But he invited us back!

We went mountain biking again this week. i am tearing my bike apart :/ So now i need to replace the front derailer shifter. hopefully i can do it cheap! But for how much i spent on this bike the use i have got out of it has been phenominal! hooray for free bikes! haha!

As i continue to study i feel that my knowledge is increasing as well as my capacity to teach, i am in late alma, and i hope that i can finish it by the end of the transfer. We will see. Btw those Pictures are the bes i got, sorry, take it or leave it thats all of them!

On Sun, Sep 11, 2011 at 5:45 PM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Elder Scott --

It's been a very emotional week.  Mason passed his driving test on Tuesday so I'm out of the carpool business and I don't have to drive them to seminary anymore freeing up my morning hours!!! Yippee!!  He's been driving all over creation and getting them to and from work and to and from practices etc.  It is SOOoooo nice!!  Weston is still working to get his eagle project moving -- he did get some response from the guy he is trying to get to sponsor the project ( centennial water ) so hopefully things can start moving there soon.

We  had a ward campout this weekend up on Lookout Mountain -- just Mom and I went, Weston & Mason had to work etc. so could not attend  -- plus Mason is realizing that the cost of gas sometimes outweighs the fun of an event ;)    We grilled up some nice tenderloins and corn-on-the-cob and tried to make everyone jealous as they ate their KFC etc.

Elder, yesterday was a very horrible day for us, and our ward.    Last night ( 9/10 ) at 7pm MT --- Ashley Hansen was involved in a very serious car accident up in Rexburg.  She and McKell and McKells' mom were involved --- they were stopped at a crosswalk letting pedestrians cross, and a big truck with a trailer hit their car from behind.  Ashley is hurt pretty badly and was air-evac'd to Idaho Falls.  She has been in the ICU and has a fracture at the base of her skull, some bleeding in her brain.  It is pretty serious.  We have been a mess all day -- Steve and Mary flew to Idaho Falls with Bishop Olsen late last night so they were at Ashley's bedside within just a few hours of hearing about the accident.  McKell's mom was also hurt pretty badly ( broken back ) and will require surgery.  Mckell was not hurt.   Ashley has been unable to move her hands/arms on her right side so we suspect there may be other serious issues.  It has been an emotional day around here.  The next few days will tell more about her prognosis and what all will be involved in her recovery.  Please keep her ( and her mom & dad ) in  your prayers --- we tried to fast for them today as a ward.  Everyone is super worried about her.

Austin asked how you were doing, he said he will try to write you.  I will send him your address.  He doesn't leave for the MTC until the end of November -- it will have been 5 months since he received his call.  Thats a long time!  His address is

2642 Rockbridge Way
Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129

We got your pictures, you'll have to explain some of them -- Darth Vader?  Temple wedding?  What is up with that?  The pictures of the flag-raising at the top of the hill were pretty cool, but I think you said that event was back in June, right?  Can I request that you send pictures with YOU in them?  Have someone else take the picture so you can be in it!

We had stake conference today -- President Grover gave a great talk about members' influence on each other.  He gave a good analogy about nuclear medicine and about how the radioactive particles injected into a patient will allow doctors to use a special camera to see the extent of progression of a disease.  He compared this to how when we live the gospel, that influence can be felt by others because we radiate hope, happiness and love. 

Another brother, a new member of the high council ( I forget his name ) gave another analogy --- about sharing the gospel.  He said if a stranger offers you a plate of warm brownies, you are hesitant to partake -- but if a trusted friend shares the same plate with you, you don't hesitate to devour the delicious brownies.  Even though its the same plate of brownies, they are received in completely different ways.  This was likened to members of the church sharing the gospel with friends, it is much more readily received, if the giver is a trusted friend -- so we as members should make sure we share our beliefs and warm brownies with our friends and families as it will be received much better than when strangers knock on a door to share the same.

I hope everything is going well for you and your companions there in Ventura.  I have to go back to NY this week for another customer event, I'll be gone thru Saturday.  I love you and wish you the best.  Be good, do good.  I'll see you soon.

Love Dad.

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Dear Brother and Sister Scott

September 9, 2011

Dear Brother and Sister Scott,

I have had the opportunity these last 3 weeks to serve as your son's companion.  We have a lot in common!  We both love mountain biking and snowboarding.  I've enjoyed learning about Elder Scott.  He is very dedicated to the things he believes in.  He gets along with people and the members here really love him.  He is a great missionary.  The second lesson I taught with him as to a woman named Ellen.  The lesson started out slow, but as we started sharing some scriptures with her, the Spirit made his presence known.  We all felt it.  Then Elder Scott boldly invited her to be baptized.  She accepted without hesitation.  Your son will be a positive influence in the lives of many people.  In the short 3 weeks I've been with him, he has helped me become a better missionary.  He is still a little shy when it comes to talking to people in the streets and tracting ha ha, but he can relate to people well and I think he will quickly overcome that shyness.
 I look forward to the rest of the time I server with your son and the things I can learn from him.

Sincerely,
Elder Jason Williams

Fwd: Labor day 2011

Dear Readers,

As far as the biking pictures go.I had a helmet silly haha that was after wards i was wearing my hat. It has healed up perfectly like wolverine style. And Chillax of all the missionaries with us i have the most experience. No worries i know what i am doing :D.

Anyway. This week has been pretty good. we pretty much spent the whole week updating our ward lists and finding out if people still live here. Alot of the people we went to go see told us to buzz of unfortunately. As far as our teaching pool goes We have dropped down to only 3 investigators. 2 of them dropped us over the last couple weeks, :( but we will be having a baptism on October 1st if everything works out. Yesterday we went mountain biking again and i tore it up! All the experienced adults that were with us think i am an animal when it comes to downhill haha. they make me lead the way because of how fast i am, its pretty awesome. i have definitely put this bike through the test and i will be replacing the plastic petals because i broke both of them! GNARLY hahaha. Anyway i am loving my mission so far and hope you are all doing well at home.

I am getting along really well with my new companion, at first i thought he would be really lame, but i have warmed up to him now. I still miss Tingey, my "father", dearly but he will be visiting you guys when he goes home in October. he lives in Colo Springs area.

I am doing well here i feel, it is very hard because of the pride of the people of this area and they don't want much to do with us, but it is very rewarding when finally get in a door. I don't have any huge spiritual experiences this week, and every time i have had one i have let you know. we did have testimony meeting this Sunday and i love to hear all the different ways and things people bear their testimonies on. I don't really know what else to say, I'm healthy-ish and i have finally lost 3 pounds! YES

On Mon, Sep 5, 2011 at 9:32 AM, Bret Scott <bnscott2@gmail.com> wrote:

Happy Labor Day!

Elder Scott -- another week gone.  I hope this letter finds you in good health and good spirits.  That picture you sent of the road rash on your elbow made me laugh.  You can't afford to get hurt like that, take it easy -- did it heal up OK?  I'm sure it is red, tender, swollen and overall generally sore.  I'm not sure how I would know that...How exactly are you mountain biking without a helmet etc?  That doesn't seem like a good activity -- perhaps you should be playing BBall or something a little less dangerous.

Not sure if you're going to be able to email today -- the library is probably closed due to the holiday, hopefully you can get it done tomorrow.

Our hockey team won the league championship -- it was a rough game -- we won 4-3 in OT -- Brother Rothey got hurt -- some loser on the other team checked him head first into the boards and jacked up his neck.  He came back to the game in the OT period and I believe he made the winning assist.  I've attached a picture here.

Derek Munsey left for the MTC this week -- how exciting.

Mason finished his eagle project write-up last night -- and signed off -- so he'll be getting his drivers license after he passes his driving test tomorrow ( frightening ).  Weston is still struggling to get his project going -- but as soon as he can connect with the guy, he should be on his way too.  Fingers crossed.

How is the work going in Thousand Oaks?  How is your teaching pool?  Anyone progressing?  Any commitments to baptism? 

How are you getting along with your companion?  Have you settled in with the anti-Tingey-ness?  Pray for more love for him and be kind and forgiving.  Remember that the best thing you can do is love him, serve him, respect him and you two will be come close and therefore immovable in your teaching power. 

The church is starting a big media campaign here in Denver to promote the mormon.org website -- they want all of us to fill out facebook-like profiles so people can relate to real-life mormons.  They will be running TV ads and internet ads etc. promoting it.  The TV ads are pretty well done from what I've seen.  Should be interesting.

Our Elder Smith is being transferred this week -- he's been out just as long as you it seems.  He's been here for 2 transfers one each with 2 companions.   You might remember he is from Mesa, AZ.

Anyhoo Elder, I'm burning prime holiday daylight here inside on the computer.  My bike broke on Saturday so it is in the shop, I'm hoping they call so I can still get a ride in today.... we'll see.

We love you.  We are very proud of you.  Please try your best to let us know how things are going with you.  Things like:

1.  How are you feeling?
2. Energy level?
3. Attitude level ?
4. Things you've learned this week ?
5. Testimony builders
etc.

Talk you you later!

Dad
--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott

Fwd: August 28, 2011

Dear Everyone,

This week has been a lot...different. Now that Tingey isnt with me i have seen many of his traits manifest in me. its kinda wierd, and my new companion, Elder Williams is a polar opposite of him. He is from Saint George, UT and is the youngest of 8 kids. I have kind of been senior companion for now because this is his first time being district leader and he doesnt know the area. It has been stressful, and i guess i am kind of a control freak... But i am working on it. There is another elder that was in my MTC group that is training and apparently next transfer my companion thinks i can, so we will see what happens. On Friday we set an investigator with a baptismal date of October 1st, it was a really spiritual experience because she came to her own realization of the truth, and admitted she needed to let her pride go.  Today we went mountain biking again and i endo'd big time at the end, but i got huge air! I was probably going a little too fast, but i took  a jump, and when i landed there was sand and my front end sunk, it could have been a lot worse though, i attached a picture haha. Our suicidal guy is doing great he has started cleaning himself up and has been to church the last couple of weeks. I did get my care package and i found my sunglasses!!!

Anyway everything is going well and i am working hard to show my new companion the ropes.

On Sun, Aug 28, 2011 at 8:53 PM, Tracie Scott <tlsw3boys@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Elder Scott,

How are things going with your new companion?  Tell me all about him?  Are you a senior companion now?  Are you also a trainer?

How is it going with the new contact?  How is the guy that you gave a blessing to? 

Did you get your care package?  I will send your garments and eye glasses cleaner this week.  I wanted to wait and make sure you weren't the one being transferred.

So this week has been a crazy week for us.  Monday was Back to School night.  Mason has Mr. Prouty for Honors Chemistry, he also has Mrs. Orsini for English.  Tuesday Dad spent in Boulder, then played hockey that night.  He has been complaining of wrist pain since the middle of June.  He has nursed it along and thought it was healed.  Well, after hockey it hurt A LOT worse.  So he finally succumbed and went to the doctor Wednesday!  SO Wednesday was the DAY OF THE WEEK!  Weston had an appointment for his plantar warts---have to get those taken care of before swim begins again in September.  Then Dad had his appointment.  His wrist is not broken, but he has to have an MRI--they think he has torn a ligament.  Possible surgery!  Then Mason hurt his shoulder playing church softball.  Oh, how I hate softball now!  So when I took him to work on Monday, they sent him home.  Because he had so much pain lifting trays, they said he couldn't come back to work until he had a doctor's note.  SO we went to the doctor Wednesday afternoon.  Well, they think he did the same thing Dad did to his.  So another MRI and possible surgery!  Weston also has been having shoulder pain with swimming.  He now has one clavicle sticking out further--it is slightly dislocated---most likely from shoulder problems.  He also went the National Jewish a few weeks ago to have a thorough work up for his asthma!  So it has been a little crazy here!

Then, Thursday IBM called Dad and told him to go to NY.  Hurricane Irene was expected to cause damage to areas in which there are businesses that IBM supports.  SO Dad works in Disaster Recovery, so off he went.  He got there Friday afternoon.  He went to the store and got water bottles and PB&J stuff.  The storm has subsided now.  Just dealing with flooding.  He spent Saturday in the IBM building.  Then he spent today in the hotel.  They couldn't get back to the IBM building due to the flooding.  He just got a ticket to fly back home on Tuesday!  I need to talk to Trina to see how Chris is since he is in North Carolina.

So this week should be MRI's and decisions!  Mason is supposed to do his driver's test September 6th, hopefully no surgery so that he can get his license.  I REALLY need them to be driving!

So the Poulsen's spoke in church today.  You probably don't remember them.  He has been the bishop of the Sand Creek Ward-the young single adult ward.  Now it is Tom Redd.  Anyway, they spoke on what they learned from their time serving in the ward.  They talked a lot about seeking after the one.  They talked about those that came back to church after periods of inactivity.  They said that those individuals would come to church with their heads down, no light in their eyes.  The ward would open their arms to them and love and friendship them back into activity.  Those individuals would often comment on how they thought that living away from the church and the "rules" would be easier, but instead it made their lives harder.  They talked about the importance of seeking out those that need a friend.  The spirit was very strong in the meeting.  Then RS and Priesthood was about the conference talk on Atonement by C. Scott Grow.  It fit very well with what the Poulsen's talked about.  Healing and forgiving others and ourselves. 

It has been a busy week and a busy Sunday.  My day began with two meetings before church.  Church, HT's, VT's, Mason had a YAC meeting--oh yeah, he got called to YAC, then the boys had BYD.  Lots of phone calls and emails.  Walked the dogs, scriptures and prayer.  I am pooped and ready for bed.  Let another week begin!

Here is my scripture of the week--we read it tonight.Jacob 2:18-19  "But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good--to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and to administer relief to the sick and the afflicted." 

You are doing this.  You are seeking for the kingdom of God, to do those exact things.  You are not like other 19-20 year old boys--seeking for riches.  I am proud of you.  The Lord will bless you with riches to administer to those in the California Ventura mission.  Keep up the good work.  The boys LOVED hearing from you.  They went to bed already, so I will make sure they get an email or note off to you next week! 

I love you,
MOM

--

Love, Elder Tyler Scott