Another baptism!!

This is what it is all about! Tyson, Miss, Branch President, Brother, and Tyson's favorite companion. Tyson really loves this Branch Pres, he knows how to have fun, and knows when to be serious. The new members are brother and sister who are thrilled to belong to the church. This is also Tyson's favorite companion. He is from the north end of Brazil, up by the jungles. They learned to work well together and really made a good team!

Elder Spackman at Jaguaro Brazil

This old structure was once a hospital in the 1850's. It was damaged over time by war with Uruguay. Jaguaro is about as far south in Brazil as you can get. Tyson says there is a bridge just outside of town and going across it will put you in Uruguay. Elders from the Uruguaian missions are allowed to come to the Brazil side, but the Brazillian Elders are not allowed to cross to Uruguay. Something about a Visa and other border issues. When you look on the map, Jaguaro is straight west of Johannesburg, South Africa. That gives an idea of how far away he is!

Tyson and Companion Baptism

Tyson is witness to another baptism in Brazil. This young lady is Maria, and she is what he calls "elect", meaning she was truly ready for this big step in her life. He is still in Rio Grande, very far south in Brazil. A big resort town with the beach nearby. This was taken in about June of 2010.

A Little Uno

Here is a nice photo of the Elders having a little R&R on a Preparation Day. Didn't know they liked Uno in a place so far away from the good old USA. Most of these young men are from Utah and nearby western states. Tyson is pictured on the left. Wish I could hear their conversation!

T B Phone Home!

Customary for LDS Missionaries, they are allowed a phone call to home on Christmas Day, and Mother's Day. It was so good to talk to Tyson today. His Portugese is amazing, and he sounds so grown up! He is serving in Brazil and has been out just a little more than 7 months. He is having a ball and is so grateful to have the chance to serve the Lord in this capacity. We really miss him, but know he is where he needs to be right now. Way to go, Elder!

Most Brazilian people are Catholic and not interested in learning about a new religion. Tyson says teaching some of those folks are about like teaching this statue, you don't get much response. But there are some that are so humble and ready for the gospel. Fantastic experience for our son!

Uncle Butch

We mourn the loss of a great man today. Glen W Taylor passed from this life at 2 a.m. due to complications from vascular surgery. He will be sorely missed by many friends and family. Funeral services to be held Saturday Nov 21, 2009 at the Cub River LDS meetinghouse in Mapleton Idaho.

Super Den Meeting

These two young men are our Webelos Scouts, and we are in the process of Den Meeting. With only 2 we went lots of unique places this summer. They had a ball on this day! We toured the Hill Aerospace Museum and then Adam gave us the royal treatment at his work. This is his helicopter that he works on every day, and makes sure it is in prime condition. Ryan (blue shirt) and Jorgen (red hat)

said they would both like to be pilots, (right after they become world champion bull riders. These two are cowboys!) But we saw 2 Apache helicopters and and 3 Blackhawks take off while we there. Not too many Cubs can say they sat in the gunner seat and pilot seat of an Apache that has been to Iraq. Great day for all of us! Thanks Adam for your patience and expertise!