December 22nd, 2009 ~ Email from Elder Tyree ~

Greetings!

Okay, well today is not p-day, but President said yesterday at Zone Conference that we have an hour this morning to send emails, to set things up for Christmas calls!

"Natal" is my p-day this week and I'm pretty excited about that. Anyway, kind of sad to open my in-box with nothing in it! I think it would be better if the emails were sent the day before my p-day just in case. It really depends on the schedule of the day for me. Most days it will be later in the day, but as you can tell from this letter, that's not the case. It's okay, I'll be calling home in a few days - I have that to look forward to!

My week was good - First week of the transfer went well. We have two large areas, so it's kind of difficult. It can take 40 mins. walking to one part of the area or 15 mins. The sad part is as Missionaries we can't afford to pay for the bus very often. President Richardson was kind to us and told my companion, Elder Faria, to contact our Stake President and he can guide us on whether to bring another set of missionaries into our area or not. Either way it's fine with me. Both areas have great potential for success and growth in the church. We go to one Ward one week and alternate the following week at a different building. {40min walk apart}. Life's good!

We had two Baptisms this past weekend yeah! Awesome! It was a really nice couple that were going to get married first. So they were married on Saturday and the Baptism was Sunday! Such a good feeling. Another good feeling is making a million contacts this past week. Christmas time is a time for families to really think about the church and the message we have. One day our entire zone got together and we made hundreds of contacts! Just to share a quick message with the people of Brazil about our church ... you can almost tell which ones have been waiting to hear "the message" their entire lives. Life's still good.

Cate+Morgan,

I doubt I'll be talking to you since you are both in Utah - but know that I'm always thinking of you. Hope the end of the semester makes for a great Christmas gift! Be safe and have fun in Colorado.

Love,

Elder Tyree

Mom+Dad,

This Christmas is very different for me because for the first time, I'm not with the both of you. Not gonna lie, it's been tough on me this week. I've been a little homesick for the first time. My Christmas will consist of Futébol in the morning followed by a quick email to you with phone instructions, our Christmas call afterwards, and later that night back to work! I keep telling myself two things. One, I only have to miss Christmas with my family twice my entire life. And two, to always remember that feeling when we're baptising someone. My presents are to my Heavenly Father this year, and helping his children return to live with Him.

May we all remember our Savior during this great season, whatever were going through, whatever country we're in, always remember our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Love you all,

Elder Tyree

Address for family and friends to send letters to:

Elder Kyle Tyree - Sao Paulo South Mission

R. Dr Luiz da Rocha Miranda

8 Andar Parque Jabaquara

São Paulo-SP

04344-010

Brazil

December 15th, 2009 ~ Email Home ~

Minha Família, Então,

This week was great! I ended the transfer with a Baptism! Legal né? But, I am now in a different area with a different companion! My new area is Sao Vicente, located a block from the beach.

Life's good though. I'm happy, another Brasilero as a companion. However, this time he doesn't know any English. I'm really stoked though, he said I am just starting my second transfer and know more than his previous companion. Now, now, I promise that wasn't intended to be bragging but simply to show that I'm learning this language. That feels good - since it can be discouraging at times!

Life is great. Stay positive like Dad says. When I'm upset I think of myself fishing in Alaska with Dad. I can't wait for that! And Momma, you can still take your 21 year old son school shopping, lay out my clothes for the next day, cut my steak so I don't move the table while we're eating, all after the mission- how's that?

Cate+Morgan,

That picture made me laugh with Morgan's stash. Too funny. And I'm glad that you're done with school, that's amazing Cate! Morgan, you're gonna do great bro, no worries. I have faith in both of you. I miss you a lot during this Christmas season. It's really different for me this year but I have the chance to give others the Ultimate Gift. So like I say over and over Vida é mutio bom, né? Life is really good, isn't it?

Mom+Dad,

Love you both very much. While Dad's having a difficult week Mom is going out in a limo with her friends! Happy Birthday Joyce. {Ha - love you mom!}

Dad, you nailed it right on the head. Stay positive. Gosh this Christmas is so different. All on my own. We are all scattered around the globe and yet closer then ever. How blessed we are.

Família, eu gosto meu oportunidade a Convidar as pessoas achegeram-se a Jesus Cristo. Meu amo por meu salvador é cresendo todas meus dias aqui. Ele é meu irmão e atraves ele, nós podemos voltar a presensca a Deus e Jesus Cristo depois esta vida tambem. E eu posso vivo com vocês para sempre. Esta igreja é verdadeiro. Eu amo vocês com todo meu coracão.

Love,

Elder Tyree

~ Email Home ~ Temple Trip for Christmas ~

Então minha família,

I know that you are all wondering why I didn't write yesterday?
My Mission President treated us with a special Christmas gift ~ a Temple trip.

So, we left at 7am and drove 2hrs to the temple. Then we had a reunião com Presidente en o Templo. Followed by some Temple work, and then a long ride home.
But before we left, President told us we could write home for ten minutes.

I wish I had more time, but know that I love you all + this is one of the greatest times of the year. The Saviors birth! It's very different being here this Christmas - 87 degrees and it's not a commercial celebration like it is in the states. Especially not with Christmas lights or many gifts, etc. They show their love for the Savior greatly.

I am doing well ... I may be transferred this week or I may stay? Not sure. We will find out next week. And Momma, it's okay if letters are sent here even after I'm transferred. Missionaries always live here. They could get the mail to me in less than a week, through the zone leaders. No worries.
Thanks momma, love ya.
Love you all,
Elder Tyree

P.S. to Susan and KT,
Thank you so much for your letters. The last three p-days have been very difficult to write any letters. Sorry but know I love and miss you!

~ Email From Mission President's Wife ~

"Elder Tyree is a great missionary. He is happy and hard working. His testimony just radiates from him. I am so impressed with his Portuguese and he is liked by so many missionaries and Brazilians.

We love your son -- he is GREAT! Thank you for sharing him with us these next two years.

Sincerely,
Sister Richardson"

{tear, tear}

~ Email Home ~ CaRaMbA AmIgO ~

Caramba,
Essa Semana estava mutio rapído!

Cate and Morgan,
Eu disse essa semana. Like the Portuguese? {lol}
That's awesome to hear about BYU winning, that must have been so awesome being at the game! Congrats. I'll be praying that you find a job this week Cate. But, you have to pray for me as well. Pray that I can have more patience. ;) Sometimes I'm very stressed and it gets hard. The mission is difficult, but in a way that I wasn't expecting. I'm in great shape, so physically I'm doing well. But mentally it challenges me and it can wear me down. We do almost the same thing everyday but with different people. I don't know the language very well. We work extremely hard and at the end of the day all I want to do is sleep. But - I get up everyday and say Caramba amigo, este missão é mutio rapído. Its so true, I've been out 3 months already. Anyway I hope life is going well for you both. You are in my prayers and so is Morgan.
Love you,
Elder Tyree

Dad,
I'm sorry that your two weeks are already finished, but glad that you enjoyed your time at home and at the farm as well! I miss the farm. It is so peaceful.

It definitely sounds like you and I have had similar experiences on our missions. There have been times when I'm really tired at our last appointment but I have never fallen asleep, and my companion has never fallen asleep during a lesson. I'm blessed. I taught the first lesson quite a bit this week so it helps to have a companion that's awake. ;') I might need him.

Anyway, I'm learning so much ... especially each morning during personal study. Recently, in Alma 17-31 - I have read amazing stories about Ammon and his faith. Its so important to me, to read these stories in the Book of Mormon and know of the true teachings. I'm blessed and blessed to have been raised well.
Love you Dad,
Safe journey!
Elder Tyree

Mãe,

I hear you have a stressful week ahead. I'll be praying hard for you. It's great to hear a lot of my old friends are coming to Brazil to serve missions! Such a great place. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Another blessing is to hear from my other friends, who aren't members, who are praying for me. I'm grateful for Ben, he was a good friend to me on the soccer team and I hope he's doing well. Please send him my best.

Happy that our family is doing well!
Alli + Devin ~ They will both be so big when I get home, ahh. Love Life. Send them my love.

Mom, this was a rough week for me emotionally. I was drained ... we work so hard and I still feel like we could have done more. My language skills hold me back and our baptisms seem so close. Its frustrating, so hard to explain. One minute I'm filled with the spirit so much I think I could be translated! Then you learn a baptism won't is cancelled because they're having troubles ... and this makes me sad and discouraged. Sabe?
But, the good always out weighs the bad.
Example: One family has been inactive for a very long time due to bad experience that they had in the church. Their son, who is a deacon is pretty close to me. One day after church we were walking home, I saw this same boy standing outside his house. As we started talking he invited us inside, to meet his family. They warmly welcomed us and immediately said they love the church but have a few problems with the ward. We talked for awhile and I could really tell that they enjoyed our conversation and that they gained our trust. The second visit, we talked about why they weren't attending church. By the third time, I really felt like family when I was with them. I asked them if they would like to come to church. This past Sunday all but one came to church. They were greeted perfectly, and felt right at home again.

The two most important things I learned this week are, First, that as missionaries we see the ones about to let go of the rod and lend them a piece of rope. The rope is our testimony and love for them. They still have the choice to grab hold of the rope, or not to.
This week and entire family grabbed a hold of the rope!
I see joy filled in their home once again and even though I didn't get in the water this week for a baptism, I feel like I shared my same purpose. To invite others to come unto Christ, by "HELPING THEM" receive the restored gospel.

Second, the good always out-weighs the bad. These are some of my personal thoughts for the week. I love you all very much.

Please pray that our two scheduled Baptisms will go well this week.

Love,
Elder Tyree

~ GiVe ThAnKs ~

Boa Tarde,

Well, not the best start to my week but I'm looking for a better ending, this coming Sunday.
Dad nailed it on the head. Igor was not baptized this week, he couldn't schedule a meeting with us for the "interview". I think he came down with the "cold-feet-flu"? ;')
We're not giving up. We have two baptisms scheduled this weekend, if all goes as planned.

My companion is a good trainer, he teaches me so much and I'm thankful that Heavenly Father is guiding the direction of my mission. Elder Tavares told me that I am a good influence on him. Learning a language is really difficult, but I know that without the gift of tongues I wouldn't know as much as I do. I am grateful. So, it's time to stay positive, I received 4 letters this week at zone interviews with President. I must have had a grin the size of a watermelon. Thank you everyone! It'll take me a little while to write back. I did get to play futebol again today, Mom sent me two packages, my family wrote me, life's good.

Cate,
Thanks Sis, I feel the exact same way. I feel like I was just sitting down writing you ... Time does fly by on my mission. I cant believe that my little girl is all grown up, graduating college, a professional photographer, and married to an awesome guy. Your life is pretty awesome! BYU winning a football game is pretty good too.{lol}

Morgan,
Thanks my brother, I appreciate that. You have been a great example for me before my mission, so take credit in some of that. ;)
I laughed pretty hard when you were emailing me the Salt Lake scores. It is so big here! It's to live and die for in Brazil. I was thinking the other day that this is the exact same thing as in the U.S. where everyone wears football + basketball jersey's as well. Here they only wear futebol jerseys! Anyway, I hope school is going well for you and that life's great. I love you both and miss you. I plan on living somewhere close to the two of you after my mission. Look forward to hearing from you both next week!

Love,
Elder Tyree

Mom/Dad,

Number one, thanks Mom for sending me Jeff's email from his blog.
If you wanted to do that every week that would be great. Glad your week was another good one. I'm sure Dev and Alli are very happy having Dad home for this little break. Glad the wedding went well for Justin and Melissa, send them both my Congratulations.

Overall it sounds like the fam is still doing great. I'm very grateful for two wonderful parents that raised me in a great home. I have had some amazing experiences, living all over the world. I'm truly blessed and honored to have you as my parents. Pretty awesome we get to spend forever together. That's a long time, I think. ;)

Its about that time for me to go. Time flies by so quickly when I email .... but I'll be back soon! ;)

Whatever problems you have, know that there's one that can always hear you.
{D&C 121, Alma 38:5}.


Love,

Elder Tyree

~ Photos From Elder Tyree ~ November 2009

Família ~

It's so nice reading your emails once a week. Love it!

This was another wonderful week, so much to tell you.
Lately I've been a little bummed because the language seems to be coming slowly.
Elder Tavares says I'm nuts and that I've improved greatly. So who knows? Anyhow, we taught a ton of lessons this week and they all went very well. I was really stressed, partly because of the talk I had to give last Sunday in Portuguese. It went very well, I received a lot of complements and hugs. Elder Tavares helped me with translations, so I couldn't have done it without him.

Sunday was probably the highlight of the week.
First, I had the talk and then right after lunch we had a very important lesson with a girl named Juliana. She knows about the church and was already taught the first lesson. So we taught her the second, plus two commandments. I was happy because she accepted both of the challenges we asked her and she is planning on being baptized next week.

Following that, we taught the best lesson of the week! Our First Baptism, this Sunday! {AH- HA}. His name is Igor, 21 years old, full of life, has a great heart and love for everyone and the gospel. We've taught him everything he needs to know and he has a strong testimony and desire to be baptized.

When we arrived at his house his family and friends started having some sort of debate. It had nothing to do with the lesson, so we were both thinking - this isn't going well. ;')
Elder Tavares and I were sitting there, when Igor sneaks away and joins us on the other side of the room. Five minutes later his family leaves to go to dinner.
Heavenly Father working miracles! We we're talking and teaching and I finally challenged him to be baptized this weekend. His expression changed and he wasn't sure if he wanted to.
All of my enthusiasm and excitement sank. Elder Tavares made a comparison and shared a few scriptures (perfectly timed as well).
Then the telephone rang and Igor stepped out for a few mins, during that time I told Elder Tavares I'll share my testimony. He smiled and said that's what we need.
Igor stepped back into the room and looked right at me. I then started to talk to Igor, and my words seemed like they began a little little choppy. Trying to translate what was on my mind into a different language can be difficult. Pretty soon I just felt the spirit helping me with the words. I start to tear up as I'm talking about his choice in being baptized and through Jesus Christ we can live again. I honestly don't remember everything I said, but he understood everything and the choice he was making. He started tearing up, and as I finished he said he can feel the light coming off of me. That feels so good, knowing that you can help someone change and come unto Christ. As I asked him one more time, steady and sure, Igor answered he wants to be Baptized this Sunday. This is my story of the week. ;) I hope you enjoyed!

Cate-Morgan,

Glad to hear you are finally coming to the end of your college year! And Cate, you are tearing it up in the photo industry. That's awesome!
BYU football seems to be hanging in there recently. I hope you and Morgan are feeling well and having the time of your life.
Love and miss you both!
Elder Tyree

Mom-Dad,

It's nice that I get to write both of you in the same paragraph!
Sad that Dad will be working the only week he is back. But I'm sure your happy to have him for awhile. Thanks so much for the package, cant wait.

Devin+Alli,
I love + miss you both + your happy smiling faces.

Dad keep up the great work and I thought I would tell you that I've played futébol the past two p-days. Its amazing, the Brasileros are stunned to see an American tear it up! I play well when I'm not trying to show someone up, and just play for fun. I decided that right before I played last week + I've payed some of the best futébol of my life!!

Life's great. Remember that I love you all. I'm writing letters soon.
Thanks Allison Sanders my best friend! {My first and only letter from someone outside of the fam. }

Its about that time - cant wait to hear from you all next week!

Love always,
Elder Tyree

Minha Família,

Hello, hello, hello!
It's great to talk to you this fine P-day. Truly my first real p-day!
I don't even know where to start, I have so many things to tell you. I'll respond to your emails first.

Dad,

That is so cool that you are in Afghanistan and have a calling in the church! Can you say, "your the man"?
I really do love Elder Holland, what a great man, called and ordained of God! I am so excited for you, to see the family this week para bems. I love ya Dad, your always in my prayers.

Cate+Morg,

Thanks for everything, life couldn't be better. To answer your question - I'm three or four blocks from the beach. I can see it from my window, but we never go near the beach, we travel in the opposite direction. My companion Elder Tavares has a great heart for the people here and a lot of patience with me. I love our famílias + new pesquisadores, they're the best. We had a great first week. Taught 25 lessons all together, and we have 6 pesquisadores that are waiting to set a Baptismal date. I won't usually post numbers, but I wanted to let you know what my first week was like.

Love my job,
Elder T-cheery

Momma,

Hi Mmmmooommm! Glad you got to party some last week, sounds like a ton of fun + you get to see Dad this week, Christmas came a little early I'd say ;)!

Well family, here's how my week looked, We did the same thing day after day. BUT, the best thing is we meet new people and teach different people everyday. We are always booked with lessons. Such a great feeling at the beginning of the day to know it's going to be a long hard day, because time flies! The language is pretty difficult, but Elder Tavares helps me continually. One reason is Brazilian people use a lot of slang! {lol} So it's coming along slowly. I love making our families happy and bringing them messages, ahaah so awesome. I taught basically the entire first lesson twice this week in Portuguese!

Another thing, American food, way over rated. ;')
Brazilian food is where it's at. I get a full lunch every day for free and a language lesson. It doesn't get much better than that.

Well, I better say goodbye. I wish I could write more, but I have work in 8 minutes!
I love, love, love, you all so much!
Remember to always look for a missionary experience.

Elder Tyree

~ In The Dark ~ Maybe Elder Tyree will have a story to tell ~

~ 11 Nov 2009 ~
SAO PAULO, Brazil

A major electricity outage left tens of millions of people in Brazil's two biggest cities without power on Tuesday night due to problems with the transmission lines that connect to the massive Itaipu Dam.

The blackout affected Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as cities in at least four other states, hitting the industrialized southeastern part of Latin America's largest country especially hard.

All of Paraguay, which gets most of its energy from the dam, was also briefly left in the dark.

Three hours after the blackout, power was beginning to be restored in some parts of Sao Paulo, Brazil's financial capital and South America's largest city. But much of the sprawling metropolis remained in the dark.

Traffic on the streets of Sao Paulo descended into chaos shortly after the power outage. Thousands of passengers were forced to exit stalled subway trains and walk along the tracks to get back to stations and make their way to the surface

~ First Pictures Sent Home ~ From Mission President Richardson ~

Elder Tyree's First Mission Companion ~ Elder Tavares ~

São Paulo Sul ~ First Area ~ November 4th, 2009

Oi minha família!
Este dia é muita bonita?
Por que? Por que eu vivo aqui en São Paulo.
Então - now, I'll start talking in English. ;)

My goodness am I having the time of my life (I submit that I am).
I met with my Mission President and his Wife about three days ago.
And then again yesterday, when we were getting our area assignments.
I am by the beach, I can see it from my apartment, but we don't go anywhere near it.
My companion, one word - AMAZING.
Love Elder Tavares, Brazilian.
Only has three months left on his mission. He speaks great English!
{Mas, nós não falamos inglés muito}.

We talked forever yesterday, our personalities are very similar. We love to laugh, teach others, make friends with everyone, and being here to serve. So all together I'm very thankful that Heavenly Father answered my prayers.

Where to start? Ah yes, my first day in the field. Elder Tavares and I had a two-hour bus ride to get to our area. So its a little different than the MTC. {lol}
We arrived here and I unpacked for about ten minutes.
{By the way, my apartment is fantastic. Two stories! Living the dream!}
After unpacking, we walked 30 minutes to the church and had our weekly meeting with the Ward Mission leader Brother Bispó. Funny, funny, guy. Then right after that, we had a meeting with an investigator.
Almost turned into a bible bash, but turned out well when he told us that he wanted to come to church on Sunday!
But, he doesn't want to read the Book of Mormon.! And after he left I told Brother Bispó and Elder Tavares that he didn't want to read it ainda (yet) in Portuguese.
They started laughing pretty hard and love how I can bring laughter and hard work the moment I arrived.
That can really improve your day, because I honestly don't understand much. ;')
And don't teach much either.
But, I do what I can and I am constantly learning.

One thing we are surrounded by, that is not very good, are "snakies". {aka creepy girls}.
But Elder Tavares and I handle these problems very well and Christ-like at the same time.
That was about it for the first day. Loved every minute of it.

Dad,

You're a beast! Working in that shop n' all. Also, that car was pretty much the most fantastic thing I have seen. Maybe you should build one as well. {lol}
Hope all is well Dad. I'm excited that you get to see Momma in a few weeks. Keep up the great work!
Love,
Elder Tyree

Cate+Morgan,

Glad that all the hard stuff is getting over and done with.
I'm kinda relieved that I don't have to take any of those things out here.
Please tell Morgan BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY. He's the man.
I love it here! The Americans who have been out for almost two years are having a really difficult time conversing in English. They pause a lot to think what the word is, and sometimes they start talking in Portuguese without meaning to. I cant wait for that to happen to me! Ahah!
Love you both!

Momma,

Most of what I wrote up top, are answers to your email from last week. I'm glad to hear that you are being blessed with great friendships and church callings. You all are missed so much! This is the best work I have ever done. I'm here to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of the people of São Paulo Sul. How great this calling is!

Love you all,
Elder Tyree

~ Email Home ~ October 27th ~

Muito mutio bom mae, e Boa tarde minha família,
Last P-Day in the MTC. Then its out into the real world!

This week has been great so far. I gave a talk on Sunday and the lesson as well. President gave me a big hug afterwards and thanked me for being here. I am going to miss him. President Packham. He knows how to relate to the Elders and keeps us smiling. The funny thing about giving talks on Sunday's, is you never know when your giving one. They call you up after Sacrament. I like that because it teaches you to always be on your toes.

I'm very glad to hear the positive things about my President and his Wife. Looking forward to meeting them next week. This past week, meeting and shaking the hands of an Apostle was incredible. I looked into those eyes for a second and knew that he truly is a disciple of Christ. He is a small man with a large love for the missionaries. His humor and testimony lifted our hearts.

Dad - That is so true about speaking the language. Sometimes it's awkward talking in another language, that I don't know well. I frequently find myself in long conversations with our Brazilian roommates about families, life, mission, etc. I know that its going to be an entire different ball game next week. No problem, I'll get it in time.

Morgan and Cate,
Sorry to hear that you are sick Morgan - hope that clears up soon. Also sorry to hear about BYU getting killed apparently? Who knows ... I don't really care for the sports news these days. The language has started to plateau as the MTC comes to a close for me. They can only teach you so much, you really need to do the work and then I'm sure my knowledge will sky rocket. Still haven't received your snail mail, but looking forward to reading it. Also, a major congrats on the photography contest! Your a pro!
Love you both very much and hope all continues to go well.

Dad - Those photos were muito legal (means way cool) (le-ga-ll).
I showed them to my companions, very impressed. The photo with your backs turned and the children holding your hands is my favorite. You can feel the love they have for you. Great stuff Dad. Hope your week continues to go well!
Love,
Elder Tyree

Momma,
Mom your email was a joy to read. The love that your friends have for our family is much needed. Not only for our family but for the benefit of this church. On many occasions missionaries see converts slip away from the church due to the lack of friendships or hospitality.
Please thank Joyce, Cathy, and Taylor for me .. for helping you at church this week.
If you ever see the opportunity to welcome a new member, please do. A simple hello can change them.
I'm glad to hear that everything has fallen into place while we're gone. I pray that this continues and your opportunity to serve in your new calling will bless you greatly.
Happy to hear that the kids are loving life, Devin always has a great attitude for school.
Alli was always great for me ;) so she better stay that way, while I'm gone.

Well fam, keep the good news rolling-in and look for missionary opportunities.
Love to all of the family please!
Eu sei este igreja é verdadeiro, com todo meu corãço.Eu amo vocés.
Elder Tyree
Thank you for the addresses, I'll email you my new one next week.!

~ Email Home ~ October 20th ~

Minha Família,

Hope you are all doing well! My week was great. Mainly because I have some exciting news! My Mission President called and asked for my departure date to be pushed forward to exactly two weeks from today, rather then four more! I am not nervous at all, yes I don't know the language whatsoever, but that will come in time and practice. I am ready to work with the people of Brazil!

{P.S. Mom if you could please let everyone know that sending mail via snail mail after today, won't get to me because I will be leaving the CTM for my mission area.}

We have our Brazilian roommates now. They are really helpful and fun to talk to. It seems the best subject to talk about is futébol. Ha, what a surprise!! Once we start that conversation at lunch, we´re booked for the entire time! Afterwards you've just become best friends, even if you don´t like the same teams. ;') The fact that a "gringo kid" {what they call me} knows the same amount of soccer knowledge as they do, surprises them ... good times!

At night we read a chapter in Portuguese aloud and my Brazilian companions are learning to read the English version. For me, I think when you read the scriptures in another language you tend to learn faster. Of course I'm no genius, but I think that's one of Heavenly Fathers gifts to us! :)

The food here is awesome! ... I'm told daily that I should enter myself in an eating contest of some sort!
I sing twice a week in choir - making a difference I hope.
I play volleyball everyday now - and I love that!
Sometimes I let myself get upset over little things, so praying with a sincere intent to be better, has calmed me tremendously.

Elder Richard D. Scott is speaking to the 300 of us here on Friday. I will shake an Apostle´s hand for the first time, so I am really looking forward to that!

Dad,
That's great to hear about the progress in Afghanistan. I know you're making a great difference for the people and country itself. I also hope you are able to travel home before Thanksgiving, that would be awesome! Thanks for the motivation you give me weekly. Your in my prayers Dad.

Love,
Elder Tyree.

Cate+Morgan,
When I see that you two write me, I always want to combine your names. Jeff had that tendency as well. So, if I say hey Catgan, it sounds like a gun of some sort.

If I say Morcat, it sounds like some sick guy asking to hand me the plate of cat. Sorry, I just really needed to get that off my chest ;') ha! Ummmm .... Anyways, I hope you two are doing great and that all of your tests will go well. Keep up the hard work! Your in my prayers.
Love,
Elder Tyree

Momma,
Sounds like Virginia is getting better each time I write to you, I know it's hard without Dad.

Hope that Allison starts to perk up and put some rose in those cheeks of hers.

I'm sure that you'll be hearing a lot about Devin missing horses. Maybe we should get him one ;) haha {just kidding}

Keep me updated on how life is at the house. I know that you are being watched over while Dad and I are away. You are in my prayers daily.
Love,
Elder Tyree
PS - Mom I need those addresses I requested last week please. For Weston Fischer + Jeff Whitaker. My best bet for finding them would be through their Momma's.

Also, just in case you were wondering "mission ties".com is similar to dear elder.com - If you would like to send letters that way. I think its 4 dollars a month. Maybe you could look into it ...
Well family I love you all. You are all in my prayers!

Elder Tyree's Email Home ~ October 13, 2009 ~

Hello my awesome, familia and friends!
So glad that I can write to you today to tell you how life's been.

Up until today, the week has been very challenging for me.
My companion went home for reasons I can not discuss, but it was family related. So that really crushed me last Wednesday.
I didn't know what to think ... it was the most unexpected thing.
So I am teamed up with my other two roommates and we are doing amazing. We are all devoted to this work and striving to push one another.

Since I am only able to hear from family once a week it has been very difficult for me. - But Dad's advice to me (or) should I say Mom's advice to Dad really helped. Suck it up son! ;)
{Mother's Note:I did not say this.}

Also, going to the Temple for the first time today was incredible!
I have been to 3 different Temples on different continents. I was able to do Initiatories with my companions and loved it, because they took us to the Celestial room afterwards. I prayed with my companions for about 45minutes. It changes your attitude completely!
Then on our bus journey home, overhearing several missionaries talking about one of their companion's who isn't a very good worker, etc. - I wanted to yell at them and say: "you know if you spent as much time helping this Elder rather then making fun of him then you and him would be better! - But I held back because during my first or second week, that's what I probably thought. Trying to be more Christlike on my mission starts with my very own companions. Good lesson.

Its very strange but I believe I'm in the best shape of my life. I wake up and work out for a short while, go to gym and work out, and go to bed working out. Sooo nice to exercise, with all of our studies. Helps the mind. ;)

Cate + Morgan, Love you both!! It's okay that there isn't much going on in Utah. My days don't change much either! But I'm grateful you write to me anyway.
Morgan, South America is the place to be! The people are slightly hard to understand but extremely warm and friendly. When you both are rich, we'll come back down for a visit.

Mom and Dad, glad to hear that you are keeping a positive attitude. I can honestly say that I know how you feel. My solution to this problem-One, I live in Brazil! Two-This is my 5th week out. Time flies! You´ll be home before you know it and you can retire Dad and be home with Mom and the kids, buy a fishing boat, and your sports car. Life's good! ;)
{Mother's note: where did this idea come from?}

Mom you are not chopped liver! I am your biggest fan. Remember that! So glad to hear that I could help you out with the move to Williamsburg. Love you!

Maybe this joke will help you out this week:

"So at the recent General Conference Thomas S. Monson was leaving in his Protected Van. Several minutes into the drive, President Monson asked if he could drive. The chauffeur agreed, pulled over, and President took the wheel. A few minutes later lights start flashing in the rear view mirror, President pulls over and waits for the officer to talk to him.

The officer takes a few steps and realizes who the driver is. Frantically he runs back to his car and radios the Chief.
Chief, We have a problem. I just pulled over someone famous!
Was it another cop?
No, someone really important.
Well did you pull over a Chief?
No, someone even bigger.
The commander of the army?
No! Someone really, really, really important!
For heavens sake is it the President of the United states?
Well sir, Thomas S. Monson is driving the van, so I'm pretty sure God is in the back.
(sorry if you thought it was dumb, a teacher here shared that to us and I thought it was funny)
My humor is a little different now, I can feel it slipping away from me. {Sad Day}

Devin and Alli, keep being who you are. Devin you are a Pro at horseback riding!
Alli I miss your smile!
Family I miss and love you and I look forward to hearing from you next week!

Eu Amo VOCÊS!
Elder Tyree
{Mother's note: we love you too Elder Tyree}

~ Second Email from Elder Kyle ~

Boa Tarde Familia,

I miss you all very much. I'm glad you decided to type one giant letter. Works better that way. I have so many things to tell you and I'm trying to send you photos as soon as I possibly can! The minutes go quickly.

Oh where to start?
I know, the 10 hours of TV we watched this weekend. {lol}
General Conference was the greatest part of my week.
I took 13 pages of notes. Personal Record!
My favorite talks were definitely during the Priesthood session. Elder M. Russell Ballard was a favorite.
First talk, I actually teared up. It was all about fathers and sons. And as I was writing down the tips for sons and fathers, it struck me how grateful I am for my Dad.
At this very moment he is thousands of miles away from our family supporting not only the Country we live in, but our family too.
He works so hard and has raised us so well.
My Colonel Father kept me in-line and a Mother that is in charge of the Colonel. Loved it! {lol}
It helped me realize that everything Elder Ballard talked about was everything Dad has been to me. Helping me grow in the ranks of the church and helping me prepare for the future. To be the Father I would like to be. Thank you Dad.

Learning the language is something I'm adapting to. Although I'm more concerned with understanding the lessons in Portuguese at the moment. On Friday my companion Elder Wilson and I are giving the entire first lesson in Portuguese. Very excited about that.
I Honestly feel like we know more about the lessons and Portuguese than other missionaries leaving in a week. Our teacher brightens our day when we're told with our excitement in teaching the lessons and our language knowledge thus far, we will have great success on our missions. Great words to hear.

Also one of my favorite guys in our district is also a roommate of mine. We get gym five times a week sometimes 6, and we run about two miles a day. Then do two sets of pull ups, push ups, sit ups. Then play volleyball. My loved sport is forbidden to be played in the MTC! Ouch - But we are still aloud to juggle. I do that at least three times a week.

Cate and Morgan,
Love you both- and thank you for the encouragement/updates on Byu!
Still love 'em. {lol}
All is well, cant believe how fast time is flying. Three weeks in! Once again I'm very sorry that I don't have much time to write. Reading the e-mails and trying to write one giant message is very time consuming.

MAIL-the strike is over!
It takes exactly one week to get here, one week for you to get back my letter typically.
I usually respond the same day. I have 45 minutes before bed to write letters. I can receive packages. Everyone here is getting them. However, don't send any three weeks from now because i may be in the field before It would arrive.

Devin and Alli- I cant tell you how much I miss you. Your smiles, hugs, and sweet spirits are constantly an example to me. Thanks you two!

Well Family, I'm sorry to say that it's about that time.
My P-Day is coming to an end.
I love you all with all my heart. I love this chance I have to serve the Lord. ;)
How blessed we are.
Once again thank you for your prayers.
I pray for you all, in another language though ;) {lol}
Elder Tyree

~ First Email from Elder Kyle to Family ~

Dear Mom ~

Well the time has finally come, I'm in the beloved nation of Brazil. The most amazing and loving country I have ever visited. The day coming to Brazil was surely a thrill, but the wait was worth it. I had a great talk with a woman on the plane ride to Sao Paulo. She was traveling there to attend her mothers funeral. I felt like I should share things about my own family and our beliefs - that families can be together forever. It was comforting to her to hear those things, and she told me that I had a great spirit. I loved hearing those things.

The view from my room is indescribable! The four of us in our room open the window every morning and night and gasp, DANG. We´re in Brazil! I love the Elders in my group, the four of us have grown close and enjoy being roommates. We can always have a laugh, but also can turn on our work and focus button the moment we walk into class. Perfect!

Mom, Thought I would tell you that my new address is being mailed to you and should arrive this week. I would like to thank you for the way you raised me. Many guys don´t seem ready to work and I feel blessed that I'm ready to be out here. And when I get back I'll simply let you pick out Mrs. Tyree for me. Mama knows best.
My time has run out for computer time. Cant wait to hear from the family again next week.
Write when you can - I love hearing from family and friends. I need pictures!
Voce Ama,
{Love you}
Elder Kyle Tyree


Dad!!!
Its working, I'm so happy to hear from you! I love Brazil with all my heart. The slums to me are the most beautiful site I have ever seen. I'm taking pictures that I'll try to send within the next month or so. I am honestly so blessed to be in such a wonderful city, where the people are loving and dying to hear the gospel. Tell me how is life going in Afghanistan? I have heard recent stories about the US getting further involved in Iran, and its very scary knowing that these things are going on during my mission, but I don't know the details or latest news. Then it's also comforting to know that I'm serving on the greatest side there is! ;) I have been thinking a lot about you recently and hoping that you're well.
Voce Ama,
{Love you}
Elder Tyree
P.S. I Cant wait to go fishing with you in Alaska when we both get back!

Cate,

Thank you my favorite older sister, I can´t describe how much it means to me when I get a letter from you and the fam. It's one of the most amazing times in my life, but when you don't get to hear from family its sometimes sad. Hence, why they give us P-DAY's when we can re-energize our two year batteries ha ;)

I gave Mom my new address so if you wouldn't mind sending me some snail mail ones, I can respond longer. Cate I love these people, I walked around today for the first time around Sao Paulo and wanted to cry for a minute. So many faces that look sad. With two words in Portuguese I have the ability to change their view of the day. Boa Dia, Good morning. They simply can´t help but smile back and say the same two words.

I tried placing my first Book of Mormon at the airport, but she had several. I wasn't discouraged and we still talked for a while. I also talked with a woman on the plane whose mother had just passed away. Plus - that conversation was mostly in Portuguese. ;) I am learning this language very fast. I can say a full length prayer, bear my testimony, and teach the first two principles of the first lesson. It's just an - all out - amazing experience!

I miss you and Morgan, hope you both are doing well.

Voce Ama,
{Love you}
Elder Tyree

~ September 15th, 2009 ~

Elder Kyle David Tyree ~

Departed Williamsburg, Virgina on 9/15/2009 and traveled to the MTC in Provo, Utah where he will wait for his next transfer to Brazil.

Joyce chauffeured us to the airport, just in case Mommy had a crying fit while Cathy lovingly watched Alli and Devin sleep.

Two years .... and counting.
Love you Elder Tyree!