MTC Third Week - May 11, 2016

Brazil, São Paulo West Mission
São Paulo, Brazil

---

Tylor's Email

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Hey, I'm on now!

When I am in the field I will be able to speak more on the phone, maybe even FaceTime or Skype.

I am only online for 45 minutes so I will try to read your email.

I would have more time on panic day if it wasn't for some people being a half hour late to the bus every time... and these keyboards are weird so I keep screwing up when I try typing.

I hope to be able to buy the things I need. An American group that left the MTC on Tuesday gave us a map on Monday with all the cool stores in the MTC boundaries.

There are multiple districts on the bus to the temple. We don't have any new people in our district, and we will not be getting any. We're called district 17-A ING. There are no Brazilians in my district. But we were the only American district on the bus. The MTC chartered a bus. Those two Brazilians make everyone wait. There are like 50 people on the bus.

The MTC frowns upon picture taking inside the MTC and there is a white board with instructions in Portuguese telling us that we have to sit next to our companion, we can not connect any cameras or thumb drives to the computer, and we can only use it for 45 minutes.

To buy things, I think it has to be my companion that goes with me, but districts typically go together.

Tell Dad I love him, too!

So, you were saying something about two Pizza Parties at Mr. Cheney's that Elder Burt and Elder Wrights moms sent us? One is pepperoni and the other is Supreme. Thank you!

It doesn't help that Wifi doesn't exist in the MTC and any outside Wifi is unsafe. Too bad I keep trying to find the network but it doesn't work. I have never felt more restricted in my life.

Jeffery R. Holland is coming to the MTC to give a devotional on Sunday!

I'll try to send pictures next week. No good way to say this, but time is up.

I love you too! Don't cry please. Bye!

Tylor would love to hear from you: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

MTC First Week - April 29, 2016 and Second Week - May 4, 2016, Mother's Day - May 8, 2016

Brazil, São Paulo West Mission
São Paulo, Brazil

--
Friday, April 29, 2016

It was a nice surprise to receive an email from Tylor. His MTC preparation day is Wednesday, when he has 30 minutes of computer time for emailing. Preparation Day for missionaries is their one day off during the week where they complete their shopping, laundry, and emailing families and friends. Getting an email on a day other than their preparation day is completely unexpected and loved!

--

Elder Houghtaling's Email

Friday, April 29, 2016

Subject: Mother's Day Phone Call

I've been told that Mother's Day (May 8th) we will be able to talk for 30 minutes beginning 2:45pm here, and 1:45pm for you. I hope to talk to you then. You can email me any day, any time. But I will only be able to check it and email you once a week on preparation day (Wednesday). I hope to hear from you!

I love you!

Elder Tylor Houghtaling

--

Elder Houghtaling's Email

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Hey Mom, I'm on now for the next 30 minutes.

I am doing good. How are you? I can't send photos because Wifi isn't available at the MTC. You were telling me about Elder Banham having a new companion. Elder Banham's name is Banham not Bantam.

We went to the temple this morning and got back at around 2:30pm so I haven't had time to get the cookies that you sent to me and my district using Mr. Cheney's Cookies. You asked if I was eating enough. I am actually gaining weight; I am around 160lbs now.

Church was 10:30 last Sunday. I'm not sure how to describe Sundays here yet because last Sunday was Fast and Testimony meeting.

There is room for four in the room that I sleep in. It is only me and Elder Hynst in that room. The other part of the district is in the room next to us with room for six.

I get to spend a lot of time with Kyle Burt and Michael Wright. They're in the same district as me. Elder Cazier (District Monkey), Elder Burt, Elder Wright, Elder Siglin (District Leader), Elder Hynst (my companion), and Elder Houghtaling (me). A District Monkey is the District Leader's companion. He gets drug around to every leadership meeting that the DL has to go to.

I have not been able to purchase anything. Chip cards are highly recommended here, #Skimmers. I'm only using cash until I run out. Oh yeah! Can you transfer money back into my Savings from my Checking? For the Just in Case? Like only leave $50 in my checking?

Am I as busy as you think I am? You have no idea.

From me: Te amo mais que tudo (I love you more than anything!)

From Tylor: I love your too! Tamdem! u amor voce! (I love you!)

De Nada! Obrigado! Speak to you Sunday. I love you!

--

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was wonderful. Kevin and I drove to my parents house in Lansing, Michigan, to talk to Tylor for the Mother's Day phone call so his Grandma and Grandpa Berger could hear Tylor and talk to him, also.

It was a busy day for Missionaries at the MTC calling home to talk to their moms and family. Tylor's phone call came about 10 minutes late, but when his call came it was wonderful to talk with him. He said he was talking using an internet communication that was developed at BYU. He was doing well. He now has two more room mates, both from Brazil. I asked about laundry at the MTC and he asked about the correct way to clean his suite pants and jackets. It was so nice to hear his voice and to talk with him. The time went too fast. It was a wonderful Mother's Day!

The only times Tylor can call to talk to us, except  for things like family emergencies, is on Mother's Day and Christmas. It is a long time until Christmas...

Tylor would love to hear from you: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

Arrival at the Brazil MTC

Brazil, São Paulo West Mission
São Paulo, Brazil

--
Tuesday, April 26, 2016 - Thursday, April 28, 2016

Once Tylor arrived in Atlanta, he met five other elders traveling to Brazil. Their seats were grouped together. While at the Atlanta airport, Elder Kyle Burt let Tylor and the other elders call their moms using his phone to let them know they arrived in Atlanta safely. Hearing Tylor's voice and that he was OK and happy made me so much happier! While talking with him, Tylor said he had Chick Filet while at the Detroit Airport. Kyle also took this picture of Tylor and him sitting next to each other on the flight from Atlanta to São Paulo, Brazil. Kyle's mom, Paula Burt, made sure I saw this!

It is so wonderful that I was able to meet Paula Burt and another mom, Maria Wright, whose son is Michael Wright. Our sons were called to the same mission, Brazil, São Paulo West, to report to the Brazil MTC on April 27, 2016 at 10:00 AM. We met because of the video of Tylor opening his mission call that I posted on YouTube. Paula and Michael both contacted me. Now the moms and sons can experience this together as good friends. Being Brazillian, Paula has given me such great Brazil advice for Tylor!

When Tylor arrived in Brazil, he sent me this email:
--

Elder Houghtaling's Email
Wednesday, April 27 at 11:13 AM

Hey Mom! Hey Family!

Just letting you know that I am here safe and sound with all of my luggage here intact. The drivers down here are nuts... There are motorcyclists that speed between cars using the dashed lines as their lanes. The flight from Atlanta to SP was really long and uncomfortable, but I´m here and relatively well rested. My prep-days are on Wednesdays so you can hope to here from me in a week. There were six elders with me to SP but I can´t remember their names, so I will be sure to get them for you by next week.

Love you!
Tylor Houghtaling


Then today the Mission President emailed the families the following:
--
Mission President's Email
Thursday, April 28 at 2:56 PM

Your missionary's arrival at the Brazil MTC

Dear Parents,

Sister Grahl and I are very happy to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil Missionary Training Center.  What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they begin their missionary experiences with us! We will surely take good care of your missionary.                                                                                                     

The missionaries now have companions and are settled into their rooms.  They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study.  Their branch presidents and wives will meet them this Sunday.  These wonderful couples are richly blessed as they work with, motivate, and interview the missionaries assigned to their branch.

The MTC has a full-time live-in physician to care for their health needs.  He is assisted by his able wife who is a nurse. We are also happy to report that the MTC food is plentiful, healthy and very good.

Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple.  This will be either Wednesday or Friday, depending on individual assignments.

Your missionary is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of many others. President Lorenzo Snow said: "There is no mortal man that is as interested in the success if an elder when he is preaching the Gospel as is the Lord who sent him to preach the Gospel who are the Lord's children". We love these missionaries as if they were our own.  We will watch over them carefully to ensure they are ready for a wonderful missionary experience after the rewarding time they will have in the MTC.

We thank you for preparing such a wonderful representative of the Lord.

Pres. Paulo R. Grahl and Sister Zuleika M. Grahl

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

PlEASE DO not send packages to the Brazil Missionary Training Center. All packages must be sent directly to the mission where your missionary will be serving, not the MTC. If you have already mailed a package to the Brazil MTC, please understand that the package cannot be forwarded to his or her mission and will be returned to you.

WE Strongly eNCOURAGE sENDING HAND WRITTEN LETTERS. Please write your missionary´s first and last name. Your missionary will provide you with his district and box number. Also, please DO NOT SEND ANYTHING BY FEDEX, DHL, UPS, or other private carriers.  The cost to process this type of correspondence is exorbitant.

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.

Tylor would love to hear from you: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

Saying Goodbye

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

It was so hard to say goodbye to Tylor. I almost made him miss his flight.

You can email Tylor at: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

Final Sunday

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Special time with Tim and Cathy Doot.

Tylor's Grandma and Grandpa Berger were able to meet us to give Tylor these beautiful towels and washcloths that Grandma embroidered for Tylor.

You can email Tylor at: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

Tylor's Farewell Party

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Tylor enjoyed spending time with friends and family at his Farewell Party. He is loved by so many! They all wished him the best.

His Grandma and Grandpa Berger brought the beautiful decorated cake, which was beautiful! The cake decorator at Sam's added the cross to the cake. Nice touch! :-)

My sister friend Lisa and her husband Terry. Lisa helped us so much!!!

A creation of branches and plastic tubing, constructed by my nieces, Julienna and Lola.

You can email Tylor at: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net

April is Here!

As the date of Tylor's departure drew near, much of the preparations were already complete. Thankfully, Tylor received his Brazil Visa about one month before his mission start date. I thank Pauline Jensen for giving me good paperwork advice to make this happen. She has been so helpful with this and other mission preparation items.

Tylor's last day of work was April 1st. He loved his job and the people he worked with, but he is looking forward to the new experiences he will gain in Brazil.

Going to the Detroit Temple on April 9th meant a lot to him. Spending time with family was something he loved. We now know where to have the best macaroni and cheese... at the Clarkston Union in Clarkston, Michigan. Thank you to Wendi for suggesting this!

April 1, 2016
Tylor's final day at work before leaving on his mission

April 9, 2016, Detroit Michigan Temple
Tylor's big day at the Temple with family 

Clarkston Union - Clarkston, Michigan
Famous Macaroni and Cheese

New Scriptures and a Mission Ring for His New Adventure

April 17, 2016, Tylor's Farewell Talk
Good friends Don and Melanie Swejkoski drove from Lansing to be there for Tylor and us.

April 22, 2016
Tylor's last haircut from Cara St Clair at Regis Salons, Crossroads Mall, for two years.

You can email Tylor at: tylor.houghtaling@myldsmail.net