New pictures of my sister's kids - The Gergen Boys

Parker - I love that smile!

Devon's new haircut! I love it.

Jake and Charlie, the dog. Can't wait to see you play soccer, Jake!

March 26 2009 - Tyson's Update

Things are going incredible in Reading. Jahaira and her kids are getting baptized this Sunday and we have many great people to work with. When I first got here there was basically nothing going on. But the Lord has truly blessed us after three transfers. We have a great amount of people to teach and they are coming to church. Time is going way to fast. I read a article in the ensign about what creates true joy. The article was focused for missionaries. I could not help but tear up when I read that article, because of the truth that it carries. I know have some time left but I will be so sad to leave this missionary field. This is one of the most pure and meaningful things that I have ever done with my life and I don’t want it to end. Ya, of course there are hard times but there is an opposition in all things. There can still be true joy in the lowest and hardest of times. If and only if you see them from Gods eyes. When you have affliction just think as Elder Wirthlin "Come what may and love it." There is a positive to everything! Never forget that. Who cares if you are having a rough day, because guess what...that’s part of life. "All things are done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things." WE are being molded into what God truly wants us to be. Just accept it and work with God, not against him. Just read D&C 18 and you will understand how much love God has for us. Just like the potter and the clay. Do you think the clay has any idea what it could turn into? No way. But do you think that the potter has an idea? Of course! So I guess that the message for the family, Let us be clay in the hands of a perfect potter. I love you guys very much and I hope all is well at home. Transfers are coming up this Sunday, I hope I am staying to reap the fruit of the labor but if not I’ll go where I am needed.
I love you guys!
Love,
Elder Andrus

We've been in Hawaii

Bill and I were in Hawaii for four weeks AND, although it could have been touch and go for brief periods, (ha) we are still married and we even still like each other!!

Here are a couple of pictures I thought you all might enjoy.

Oh, and ...we have more, much to your chagrin. You can't beat bill's new workout look or WHALES!!

AND...that's it, well, I should show off my tan...and say, "Mahalo Maui," you are truly the Island that only knows how to give!

Thanks honey, for a great trip!

March 12 - Elder Andrus Update

Hey yous guys (Reading, PA accent)(No the extra s is not an accident)

Well this week has gone very well, we have some awesome progressing families that we are teaching. Christa's kids have decided to be baptized finally and Jahiara and kids will be baptized soon as well. Her husband will have to wait due to some complications, but he still comes to church. I love these families I’m am so grateful to have known them. We also found another family to teach and they are doing well too. It's pretty crazy teaching the whole family, the lessons are way fun with the kids involved. You can see the parents beam with pride when they see their kids involved in the lessons. It brings a great spirit to see so many lives change through the gospel. I just hope we I will be here long enough to see them baptized. All of them should be baptized this transfer but I would like to stay for one more and bind them to the ward here, to make sure they stay active.
Thank you for the birthday packages, I loved them the Hawaiian candy was highly appreciated from mom and Bill and the box loaded with candy from dad and melody was also greatly appreciated. I am so grateful for the amount of support that I get from you. I could never expect more. Also just to let mom know, Jahaira took good care of me for my birthday she made us a huge Puerto Rican dinner and a cake. Also some lady named Rosalind that we do not even know that well, yet, made me a cake and dinner as well, because our apartment person told her it was my birthday. So it was a good B-day, a little bit too much food but still good.

Well from the letters and emails it sounds like a lot of the family is going through some tough times, I hope all is well and that gods hand will stay over you. I love you and I pray for you always.
Love,
Elder Andrus

Okay, confession: I love dolls as much now as I did at two!