Tyson is Home- He wrote this on the plane.

I'm so afraid of home,
what's there for me?
The only thing that comes to mind
is my family.

I made the right choice,
I loved my sacred call,
I worked every day,
no doubt I gave it my all.

But Jesus Christ atoned for my sins
that I might be clean if I turned to Him,
with broken heart and spirit contrite,
with pen and pad these feelings I write.

The Savior rejoices for the soul that repents
but for those who do not know, it may not make sense

Oh Lord, I humbly come unto Thee,
please lift these burdens, that I may be free.

That selfless act you did for us all
has power to lift me, if I so happen to fall,

That's why I come to Thee on this path to Eternal life,
That seems afflicted, rocky, rough, and full of strife,

So I ask if Thou wilt walk with me just but a mile,
but I know You'll do more, and carry me on lifes road of trials.

I ask for one but you have gone twain,
and even more in the garden as you suffered my pain

At times it may be hard to stand adversity's flood,
but find peace in the fact that our garments can be cleansed
through His blood

The Spirit will return and will dwell in my heart,
as I return home to make a fresh start,

The Comforter is back and has whispered peace to my soul,
Oh thank you Lord for the Gospel, and repentance that I may be whole.

March 15th

Hey Guys,
It sounds like everything is good, The work here is moving along good. I'm so freakin tired. We're out of water, and it's like survival right now, seriously, it's bad this time. The ZL's are sending out water tomorrow tho. I got two letters on the same day. I got my D-Backs tie and another envelope. I loved the tie guys, thanks!! I'm glad you liked my poem, I wrote it during my personal study, I never take time on my poems, I just write them, I have to be in the right mood. Well, our 4 baptismal dates turned into 2, one other girl we were teaching still wants to be baptised but she moved to the ZL's area, so now they'll be baptising her.Guys, when I get home, lets golf!! ha ha and fish!! man I miss doing that stuff with the fam I'm not gonna be a bum, but I might have to fish and golf a tad with ya'll k? I hope you got the pic card I sent. I'm working on a new one too. I think I put too many videos and not enough pics. So how is Rance doing? He got my letter? I hope he liked it.
Man! right now we're still out of water, we have to go shower in the ocean or in a little well. I'm way dehydrated but I'll live. The ZL's are bringing water today.

March 20
Still no rain!!!

March 21
There is mail for me on Weno, It's from you and Kenzi I think, I'm having a friend letter dry spell, haha, I love mail from ya'll but friend letters are good too, cuz they are unexpected ya know?

March 22
RAIN!!!!! Oh yes my friends!!! we got some rain yesterday!!! enough to have a good shower and stuff!! We still have to conserve, but we got some, In a good storm our tanks fill up in like 5 min, but we got about a quarter of a tank now. We go in to WEno for zonwe conference so I'll send this, I'll be on WEno for 3 days, Well gotta go, Love you all,
Elder Peterson

E-mail from Chuuk ( really rare treat)

hey mom. well i sent you a letter yesterday and stuff. i hope all is well. i miss ya'll. things are good here. the language is good and elder south its doing alright. he's i good guy. i'm way tired, but i guess thats what this work does to you. i love it tho. i need to put my trust in the lord. i know there will be troubles but i know the savior has suffered them for me. seriously i feel so humbled. we had a welfare meeting today. so the economey is way bad i hear. we just need to obey with exactness. i am nervouse to get home and start a life and a family but i know if i obey the lord will bless me with the things i need. man i am nervous for home. i feel like folks are blowing it out of proportion but who knows. i cant tell here. its to remote to tell. i miss you all. keep writing. tell everyone i said hi and i love them

Ty's letter March 11th

Hey Family,
Man, I'm tired, I guess that means I'm doing it right haha. I wish I could get mail from some of my friends also serving. So far Emerald is my best writer. How is everybody? man, I miss you guys! How's the J-dogs, (his nephews) and Kenzi? Still haven't heard from Paul, hope he's ok. Well I'm still on Tonoas, I have a new Comp named Elder South, Elder Matuato and I are training him. It's kinda snug in this house with three people, but things are good. Seriously it's like I woke up last week and I knew the language so things are good. I enjoy the work and making fun of little kids. They always lose to me in the come back battles ha ha. Guys, these single drink packs rock! I love them! Thanks so much, and I can't wait to try the hooks. I'm stoked big time, I got some skatos for you. Well I go to Weno today cuz the Warners are leaving so we're having a going away dinner. They're being transfered to Yap. I hope the new couple will be good. I hope they cook as much and as good as Sis Warner. We're out of water again, It stinks!!! Oh well, we'll survivie. Things are good, I can speak and teach now. It's crazy that I get to call again so soon, I'm stoked!! You might want to find a good calling card this time. Well guys sorry this letter is short and kinda pointless but I have been way busy, I love you and love the work I gotta go I miss you, Tell everyone Hi for me, I'm out Peace
Love,
Elder Peterson

Chuukese Children

click on the pics to see them better!

Tyson's latest letter!

Hey Family,
I just got your valentines day package, man it was great! Mom, you're the best, thanks so much for having my back on valentines day. I just read all the letters from my friends, I love them. the e-mail you got from Kellin was awesome, I love that guy. I miss "the gang" but man, what a blessing it is to serve the Lord, and I get to share this opportunity with my friends. What a reunion that will be, eh? Mom, you know me I'm an internal guy, you used to hate when I wouldn't open up, and I still stink at it, ha ha. But I love you guys and I love this work, our Savior lives and loves us, I feel of his love everyday, I see His hand in all things. If it wasn't for Him, I would have crumbled under the pressure a long time ago. He supports me always and especially in my weakness. Through humble prayer and trusting in Him He strengthens me in my weak times. Between my local companion and running out of food and water and many more things, it's safe to say I have been tried, but Jesus Christ has felt it all and he willingly took my troubles, trials, and sins on his shoulders. I'm not worthy of a love so pure, but he willingly gives it. The Gospel is true, I feel it each day. I was teaching a man last week who has given up so much to be baptised, he is being baptised on Feb, 28th and I can't wait, he is so humble and sincere, his faith is unshakeable, I can truely say I love this man, his name is Retan, he is a stud!
Another thing that happened this week was that I prayed to know who would accept our message, I pray for it everyday, but it's usually just words, but I recommited myself before the Lord and said a sincere prayer with the intent to act on the answer that was given, As I finished I got the thought of a girl on island visiting,, later that day, i saw her and it's like the spirit took control of the situation, A man who is a member was talking to her and he called us over and said" this girl needs the gospel" How about that answer to a prayer slapping me in the face? I couldn't have missed that if I would have tried. Long story short she loves the gospel, and should be baptised soon. Last conference Elder Bednar spoke on prayer I loved his talk. Pray for the youth of our Ward and Stake, It sounds like tough times back home, and pray that I'll be transfered, JK. Six months on an Island this size is tough tho, Ha ha.
Love and miss you guys,
Elder Peterson

Letter Hilites Feb, 13th

Hey Mom and Dad,

Right now I'm on a 4 week stretch of never leaving this Island. I'm doing everything I can not to go insane. I hope you guys are getting my letters I send in on the boat, I don't wanna leave you guys letter less. How's life? next week the ZL's are coming out for a meeting so maybe I'll get mail then. Dude these people choose the worst names ever. There is a kid named cement block, no joke ha ha. So I'm not getting any good name ideas for later.
Have you guys listened to the Nashville tribute to Joseph Smith? You sent it to me for Christmas, I love it, you guys should get it if you don't have it.
I'm fasting today, It's kinda tough to fast in these conditons, but I love it. It really helps me to recognize the spirit. Have you guys ever really studied the Sermon on the Mount? It's so good, I'm studying 3 Nephi 13 right now, I try to study about fasting around fast sunday, I have a new testimony of fasting I used to not enjoy it but now it's an opportunity to feel the Spirit closer than ever. I wrote poem last night, I'll put it in with the letter. We have 4 baptismal dates set this week, Hopefully they all work out. The work is good, The Branch is getting better, I'm working hard to get it running like a Branch should. I love the work, I love the Gospel, I love my family and friends, I think about you guys a lot. I am working hard and growing lots. I have grow out of some things and into others and some things are still there, maybe the things that are still there are there for a reason, but one thing I do know is that I am closer to the Lord and more sensitive to the Spirit than ever before.
Well guys, I am sending this in on a boat, I hope it gets to you. It's now 2/4/09, I'm starting my 9th month, I hope you're as happy about my mission as I am. Love you guys.
Tong, Elder Peterson


Tong, Elder Peterson

Tyson's New Poem " The Badge on my Chest"

This Badge on my Chest,
It's not just for show.
Just look at it closely,
and maybe you'll know.
It's not just a tag
that holds my name.
It's not for advertisement,
I'm not looking for fame.
It holds the name of our Savior,
Redeemer and Lord.
For this reason we preach
and testify of His words.
There is another name
found just above that of Christ's
The name of a man who raised, cared
and helped give me life.
So I do what I can
to make two names proud,
by going and sharing
the testimony that I've found,
The other name is my Dad's
that was passed on to me,
carried with love,
on this badge that you see
So now maybe you know
there is not one name, but two,
and I hope to make the Lord Proud,
and my Father too.

Elder Tyson Peterson 2/1/09

Highlights of Ty's letter February 8th

Hey Mom and Dad,
How's it going? I got the letter with pictures and the package. Jaxon is a cutie for sure. They said i have another letter from ya'll at the Warners but I won't be able to get it until Wednesday, that's when I go in to shop and when I will send this. So if I don't answer the questions or talk about that letter, no worries cuz it'll be in the next one. I loved the cards you sent thanks:) The glasses are way nice I like them a lot. We threw the ball around for a while when it came, but I sent it to Weno cuz I wanna save it for zone p-day. Dad looks old in the pic with Jaxon and skinny, I was laughing pretty hard. You better hit the weights Harry or I'm gonna toss you when I get home! ha ha JK. The language is good I an growing a lot. I feel like my testimony has grown a TON.
Feb 10th.....
Today is good, we have taught some good lessons so far. We went to a guy named Morphy. He lives on the top of this mountain that I hate. ha ha but they are way good so it's alright. It's lunch time I had a can of tuna with pepper on it. Sounds good eh? I miss variety. I can't wait for sundays at G-mas again. I could go for some good Mexican food. ha ha, I say Ha ha a lot. I think I'm going nuts out here. It's ok I'll snap out of it. Well gang the Church is true, I boldly testify of that every day and I love it. Jesus is the Christ, our Lord and Savior. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, the keystone of our religion, and was translated by young un-educated boy by the power of the Holy Ghost. I know these things are true by the power of prayer. I have recieved a personal witness of these things.I feel the truth of the Book of Mormon every time I read it. The BOM references Christ 2,143 times, it truely is another testament of Jesus Christ. You can't read a page without finding it talking about our Savior. I love the work and I am working hard at it. I love you guys, but I best be going.
Love Elder Peterson

I wrote these questions on a separate paper and had him answer them and send it back

1. Do you still have the same Comp Whats his name and where is he from?
Yes until March 1st that is when the transfer ends. his name is Elder Matuato and he is from New Zealand.
2. How many people go to your Branch? There are 84 on recordd, but only 40 to 50 show up each week.
3. Do you Teach at your Branch? Yes I teach the Youth Sunday School
4. Can you teach a Chuukese lesson yet? Ya, It's kinda rough still, but I can do it.
5. Are your ears doing alright? Yes for now.
6. How often do you go to Weno? 2 times per transfer
7. How was your baptism who was it? It was way good, His name is J.J. he's a stud.
8. Have you made good friends on Tonoas? Everyone likes us I think, I'm friends with a lot of them.
9. Do the members feed you? No, they say " Sia Mongo" that means, we eat. But they just do it to be nice they don't really expect you to accept.
10. Have you had any cyclones or typhoons? Nope, you would probably see them coming before me, we're cut off from the world.
11. Do people have pets? Um not really some do but they don't feed them haha. Some kids have a rooster on a string.
12. Do you eat dogs? I have eaten dog but I don't often. I know they do eat it tho. We only eat at our house. the worst thing I have eaten is Sea Cucumber and Sea turtle guts.

Chuuk Zone Conference

Zone Leaders Hill and Fox coming to the baptism

Tyson's Letter Jan 18th

Hey Mom and Dad,
How's everything back in Ol' RV? So Marin had a tough time with the Ol Congo Comp eh? Did she speak English or no? If she spoke English, tell her to suck it up! HaHa JK.
I am working on filling you guys a memory card, I just got my camera back yesterday so I'll get crackin'K? We had a baptism yesterday. Pres Dowdle was able to come cuz he was on the Island for Zone Conference. The kid's name was J.J; He's a great kid. I am happy for him. He is way excited too so I'm stoked. I taught Sunday School today, It went o.k. I can teach some now, Still a little shaky but I'll get it. Edit Edit Edit Edit I'd erase that but it's in pen! haha (those of you who know Ty just use your imagination) I've noticed I am as bad with writing what I'm thinking as I am at saying what I'm thinking, stuff just comes out!! I haven't lost my sense of humor at all, I'm still a smart Alec. I don't think that will ever change. I miss you all but I'm doing good, hows my niece and nephews, I miss them. Tell Shane and Jessica Congrats! and they better greatly consider Tyson or Tysonella for a name. I'm kinda thinking Chuck Norris Hamblin has a ring to it, tell Shane that for me , Ha ha It's a little insider me and him have. The mail is still way backed up from the week they took off, it is really hurting my mail intake, I'm about to go postal on these people, ha no pun intended. Tell Tell I'm gonna kick him if he doesn't get off his high horse and write me back, Im' his blood brother! He owes me a letter!
I want you guys to know that I know without a doubt that the BOM is true. Zone Conference was so good! I'm going to get my notes squared away and write you what I learned. It's amazing! I've read it twice in the past 2 months. I love It! Anyways I just got transfer calls. I'm staying here at least another 6 weeks, I was hoping for a change of scenery I've been here 4 transfers, and that's way long, but I best be going, i miss you guys love you. I'll write more soon.
Tong, Elder Peterson

P.S. Dad you shared one of my favorite scriptures with me, D&C 123:17 I love that scripture. It's one of my favorites, If you like that one then check out Mosiah 24:15
Alma and his people are in bondage from King Amulon, but they put their trust in the Lord and submit to his will. The Lord doesn't take away their afflictions right away but he strengthens them in their trials. The Lord will either calm our storms or let it rage while he calms you. These people humbled themselves and let the Lord work his miracles in delivering them from bondage.... So Good :) Also I had an answer to my prayes in Alma 36:3 instead of Helaman, put Tyson in it. I was having a hard time and I prayed and this was the first scripture I read. I love how the Lord works. I kept writing for a while after I said goodbye but now I really have to go. Love you Dad Miss you. You're in my prayers. Chommong Tong ngenikemi.

Tyson's letter Jan 12

Hey Guys,
Well it's been about a week since I wrote you all last, This one will be in the same envelope as the last one. I have been stuck out on Tonoas for a while. We have ran out of food, water and minutes on the phone so we can't call for help, ha ha. The ZL's are coming today tho and bringing some food. There hasn't been much rain at all so our tanks are empty. We have been living off the land for about a week! haha It makes me really appreciate how lucky we are in the states to have stores on every corner. We drink a lot of coconuts so we're good, I don't want you to worry tho mom, by the time you get this I'll already be shopping on Weno for food. The post office is all backed up from being closed all week and now they're not sorting the backed up mail, so hopefully I'll get some soon, as of now I've gotten nothing for about a week or so. But I better get going I have to finish reading the B O M this transfer again President Dowdle has asked us to and I'm a tad behind, well gotta go, I love you guys, I hope everythings good, I miss you guys.
Love Elder Petersom

The Thick jungle on Tonoas