New Companion and Elder Milne's a Trainer!!

 Elder Milne and his companions had some changes this week. One of the Elders was transferred, and they had another Elder join them. His name is Elder Dopp. He is from Ogden, Utah and is a greenie. Elder Milne has been called as a trainer by his mission president. They are still in a threesome, but his other companion is the district leader, so he is busy with that. This past week was quite frustrating for Elder Milne and his companions. The work was slow and nothing remarkable really happened. Ty said that he prayed really hard throughout the week, and he told Heavenly Father that he didn't come on a mission for his own personal growth, he came to serve His son Jesus Christ and to teach His gospel. There were a couple of highlights this week that kept him going. He and his companions have been meeting with a recent convert of just over a year each Sunday. His name is Jerry, and the bishop meets with them as well. Jerry said he spent over forty years searching for the true church, and he is so happy he found it. He used to be a comedian, and he has also done character voice work for Disney. This week Jerry brought his 16-year-old daughter because she wants to start learning more about the church. Her mom is not too supportive of this, but they are all praying that she will have a change of heart. Ty said the Spirit there was very strong, and he is hopeful that they will be able to teach Jerry's daughter. They also had some really spiritual member lessons this week, and Ty has learned the importance of strengthening the members, especially during these difficult times. He and his companions are finding that many of the members are not partaking of the sacrament regularly or participating in the Come Follow Me curriculum. So, they challenge the members to re-engage in these things that their lives might be blessed and strengthened. Ty says that these member experiences have been what has kept him going. He says that it is often hard to feel like a missionary due to the restrictions placed on them, but after their experiences with the members this week and feeling the Spirit so strong with them, He says that this is what keeps him going. He reports he loves feeling the Spirit, and recognizes the rejuvenation he experiences every time the Spirit is present.

Here are this week's letters:

Letter from Blaine:

Hi Ty
This is a great article written about a BYU baseball player. He was Keaton’s teammate in 2019.
It shows us why we should never give up and helps motivate us in times of disappointment and even health problems. He is not a member of the church but because of this experience with the BYU baseball team he says he loves BYU.
I thought this article could help you see many things pertaining to your mission and plan in life.

Love and think of you

Dad
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__byuphoto.exposure.co_overcome-2Dand-2Dconquer&d=DwIGaQ&c=z0adcvxXWKG6LAMN6dVEqQ&r=ryfVf8QXbcFmLQ_bO2PBcZnArjgoT6pWCLfKuswq9lk&m=ZaZhQjDDFgTavdc_MQ9vDEhgV3stXTUVrJXxBIdaPZA&s=nuTynzxXLpJjr-GkNVBPY-9je3R_lgv0E4oucTOhzng&e=

Letter from Ty: Thank you for sharing this dad! I'll have to read it at the church later. Hope you have a good week love you 

Letter from Home:

Dear Elder Milne (Ty)!

 How's my favorite missionary and youngest son today? I hope this email finds you happy and well. I am very happy this morning because last night we had a wonderful rain storm that we have needed for so long. It was definitely a flash flood, and the improvements on Main Street worked because there was no flooding (at least not for us). Bishop Smith texted at about 10:30 last night just to make sure we were staying dry. I am so thankful to Heavenly Father for sending rain in abundance. Southern Utah needed it so badly!

 Yesterday was a wonderful Sabbath day. At 1:00, we had a nice dinner at Grandma Susan's to celebrate Aunt Nanette's 55th birthday. Grandma and Raymond were there along with Nanette, Randy, Carter, Carley, Shelly, and myself. I made all the food - sweet pork burritos, salad, and fruit. Then we had cake and ice cream for dessert. We had a wonderful visit and spent a lot of time laughing and sharing funny memories. We had to leave around 3:30 to drive to Cedar City to Carley's mom's house. Deb also fed us! We enjoyed a yummy spaghetti dinner. Abby was there and Craig. Abby said to tell you hello! We then spent a couple of hours planning Carter and Carley's wedding dinner and reception. We are all very excited, but we will miss not having you here. I am going to order a life-size cutout of you so you can stand in the line and say hello to everyone and they can all wish you a happy birthday!

 When I returned to St. George, I drove over to Jaclyn's to feed her cat. Jaclyn is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. She has been in there since Wednesday evening. I'm not sure when they will let her come home. She is doing better, but they are having a hard time getting her heart to slow down and stabilizing. The doctors are doing some sort of shock therapy on her heart today, so hopefully that will do what they want it to do.

 This week I start back to school. I'm somewhat excited, but mostly just to get it over with. I will have one class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:30 - 5:00. I am seeing between 10-13 clients a week as well. I really love being a therapist! I just want to keep getting better at it. There are so many people with so many problems out there. 

 Last night I was reading in 3 Nephi, and I came to my favorite chapter - chapter 11. I love this chapter for so many reasons, but mostly because it serves as another powerful witness that Jesus is the Christ. Old Testament prophets saw Christ and conversed with Him, New Testament prophets and apostles spent their days with Him being taught by Him and witnessing miracle after miracle, and of course, stood as witnesses of the greatest miracle of all - His resurrection! And now we have the witness of the Book of Mormon that testifies of His resurrection as well. We have these three powerful ancient records to testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ and his gospel, and now we also have the modern witness of Joseph Smith - the First Vision and other experiences we read about in the Doctrine and Covenants - particularly D&C 76: The Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw the glory of Jesus Christ as He stood “on the right hand of the Father” (D&C 76:20). They saw “the holy angels, and them who are sanctified … , worshiping God” (D&C 76:21) and “heard the voice bearing record that [Jesus Christ] is the Only Begotten of the Father” (D&C 76:23). This remarkable experience led the two witnesses to declare, “After all of the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” (D&C 76:22).

An apostle by the name of Elder Bruce R. Mckonkie used to ask congregations: "How do you prove that Jesus is the Christ?" The answer is - the resurrection. Then he would ask, "How do you prove the resurrection?" The answer is witnesses. You have the witnesses in the Old Testament, New Testament, The Book of Mormon, and Those who have seen Him in our day. The resurrection truly proves that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, and that he was not just another great teacher or prophet. 

 Anyhow Ty, I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I love my Savior. I am so grateful for all that He has done for me and for all of mankind, and I am especially grateful at this time that you have chosen to be one of His special servants as a missionary, to declare His gospel and to testify of His Divinity. What a wonderful privilege this is. Do your best to remember this each day - It is He whom you represent! 

 Love you so much Ty, and I pray for you multiple times a day. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who constantly and consistently answers my prayers. We are so very blessed!

 Have a wonderful day and week!

 All My Love,

 Mom

Letter from Ty:

Thank you for reaching out mom, I always love reading these! I'm glad y'all got some rain it's about time hahah! The dinner with everyone sounds awesome - glad y'all are able to spend time together. I'm so excited for carter and carley! You'll have to send me pictures of it all, and that's so silly about the cut out. I'll start praying for aunt Jaclyn; hopefully everything goes good with that! I'm glad you're staying busy with your clients - they are all lucky to have you. Loved your words about Christ. 3rd nephi 11 is also one of my favorites, the people of peru loved reading that chapter. We had a great dinner Saturday night w 3 member families there. Then we read some of 3rd nephi 11 and had a discussion and shared testimonies. It was great. We are very blessed to have this gospel and to have the help of our Savior in all that we do. My love for him and our Heavenly father has been the biggest motivator out here. Very grateful for you Mom and our amazing family. I will strive to represent us and Christ better this week!

Catching Up!!

 I am going to use this one post to catch up with Elder Milne's awesome emails and experiences. Despite still being under restrictions on contacting people directly, Ty and his companions are finding ways to teach members and nonmembers alike. I love to hear Ty talk about how awesome it is to teach and feel the Spirit testify to the truthfulness of what they are teaching. He shared this past week that he had an incredible experience teaching an investigator friend about Alma the Younger and his conversion story, and how Ty felt the Spirit so strong that it felt someone had their arm around him the entire time. He said it was equal to the feeling he had experienced in the MTC to know if the Book of Mormon was true. He was on cloud nine, and he said he would be in Heaven if they could spend every hour of their days teaching about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Another super exciting thing is they have a baptism scheduled for August 29th, and everything with that is going as planned. They are also teaching a woman who's husband is a less active member that is very interested and progressing, and the young woman who came to the church and found the missionaries they had to give to the missionaries in the singles ward, but as soon as they did that, some other missionaries called with another referral for them. This referral is a man from Morocco. Ty has loved meeting with this man and teaching him. He has so many questions and keeps them on their toes. They are also meeting with a brand new member of the church every Sunday afternoon, and he brings his 16 year old daughter who is not a member. Ty and his companions have also had some wonderful experiences in members homes as they share spiritual messages and sometimes a meal. The members are only allowed to feed them on weekends, so this is a bit disheartening, however, they do schedule visits to share member messages throughout the week. Ty has realized how important it is to strengthen the members, especially during this time that attending church is not possible. He has been surprised at the number of members who are not regularly partaking of the sacrament in their homes, and he and his companions have been strengthening the members by sharing their testimonies concerning the importance of partaking of the Sacrament as often as possible. He has shared with several members the example of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane with His apostles whom he asked to wait with him and they all fell asleep, and he asks them, "could you not wait with me one hour?" Ty compares this hour to spending an hour each week renewing our covenants and reflecting upon the Savior and His atonement while participating in the ordinance of the Sacrament. He said that as he shares this the Spirit is so strong and the members are really touched by this. He said he learned this example from an experience I shared on Dallin's mission blog. It was when Blaine and I were visiting Laguna Beach and we attended sacrament meeting there, and someone talked about this while sharing their testimony.

Elder Milne also received a new companion this past week. He is still with Elder Provencio, but Ty has been called to be a trainer by his mission president. His new companion is straight out of home MTC. We will find out more about him tomorrow. He is from Ogden, Utah. Here are some of the letters from the past few weeks:

Letter from Blaine:

Hello Elder Milne,

I hope this email finds you well.  I hope you have been able to find purpose for you being there.  I hope you have discovered the Lord’s reason for you being in the Newport Beach mission and how you can be of service to Him there.  If you haven’t yet, I am sure it is more than just giving you an assignment to serve. 
I hope you can get into the work and find joy in the journey.....this is the key to life...

I am positive this same thing holds true for missionary service even though I wasn’t wise enough to serve myself.

I started a story in your family search file for you.
I will have to write in it every so often so it can have some content.

Love you Ty and God bless you

Dad

Letter from Ty:

Hey, thanks for the message Dad. There is a purpose for me to be here. It's a good feeling teaching others the gospel. Just tough when we have days when we don't have anyone to teach. Just trying to stay positive and treating my companions like they're my brothers in battle. And that's nice of you to do that on family search. Love you dad - have a good week!

Letter from Blaine:

Buenas Dias TY,

I thought I better write you an email today.  I hope you are doing well.  You have now returned to the mission field for 1 full month.  

Congratulations!

I hope you can get recharged to do the next month in the Newport Beach California mission.  You are so blessed to get this opportunity to bless people's lives.

I watched a cool movie last night.  At the end they put a scripture up.

Psalms 82: 3-4

3  Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.

4  Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

It was a movie about a black woman and her daughter whose husband who was black died fighting for the Union in the Civil War and his soldier friend who was white promised him he would take care of his family when the war was over.  The black soldier died in this white Union soldier's arms on the battlefield.  

The movie is about this white soldier and how he went home and took care of this man's widowed wife and daughter and the struggle he had with the people around him keeping his promise.

It was a triumph in the end.

I think your mission has been full of struggles and disappointments, but you must have faith that in the end you will triumph.

"Keep your chin up" 

Love

 Dad

I thought of you and what you are doing at this time.

 

Letter from Ty:

Buenos dias mi padre

It's been a month, and I have learned a lot. It's been really good for me. I believe I've seen that movie, I don't remember the title, but it is great. Appreciate you writing dad, I always love hearing from you. This past week was good - we had a lot of success. Hope it continues. I've just kept in mind what our Prophet said to the youth about the gathering of Israel. How this is the mission I was sent to earth for and how this gathering should mean everything to us. That has been a motivator. Hope you have a good work week dad, sure appreciate all that you do. I hope you are taking time to pray and read your scriptures. If not, I invite you to apply that this week .

Love you Father, 

Elder Ty Adams Milne

Letter from Home:

Good Morning Ty,

I hope this finds you happy and well rested. I've been thinking a lot about our conversation on Saturday, and it reminded me of the many struggles I experienced as a missionary thirty years ago. So, then my mind went to "what helped me get through the more challenging times?" and I think it was this: During our premortal existence, our Heavenly Father presented His plan, and 1/3 of His children rejected it and chose to follow Satan. I know that He wept, and perhaps even we wept. Surely, we knew many of them. He also weeps when His children here on earth choose to not follow His plan. Our job here, just as it was there, is to make sure we do our part in sharing His plan with all of His children in hopes of reminding them of the choice they made long ago to follow our Heavenly Father's plan, which of course includes following our Savior Jesus Christ. In Jacob 5 we read about gathering scattered Israel, and so many times, when the Father witnesses His children not choosing his plan, He weeps. But within that chapter there are a few powerful verses that always kept me motivated: 

70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant (YOU); and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.

71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.

72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things. (Always remember that the Lord is laboring alongside of you - This is His work and He will help you succeed)

73 And there began to be the natural fruit again in the vineyard; and the natural branches began to grow and thrive exceedingly; and the wild branches began to be plucked off and to be cast away; and they did keep the root and the top thereof equal, according to the strength thereof.

74 And thus they labored, with all diligence, according to the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard, even until the bad had been cast away out of the vineyard, and the Lord had preserved unto himself that the trees had become again the natural fruit; and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.

75 And it came to pass that when the Lord of the vineyard saw that his fruit was good, and that his vineyard was no more corrupt, he called up his servants, and said unto them: Behold, for this last time have we nourished my vineyard; and thou beholdest that I have done according to my will; and I have preserved the natural fruit, that it is good, even like as it was in the beginning. And blessed art thou; for because ye have been diligent in laboring with me in my vineyard, and have kept my commandments, and have brought unto me again the natural fruit, that my vineyard is no more corrupted, and the bad is cast away, behold ye shall have joy with me because of the fruit of my vineyard.

I also like these verses from the Doctrine and Covenants: D&C 81

3 Therefore, verily I acknowledge him and will bless him (YOU), and also thee, inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto you (MISSIONARY), in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren.

4 And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord.

5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.

6 And if thou art faithful unto the end thou shalt have a crown of immortality, and eternal life in the mansions which I have prepared in the house of my Father.

7 Behold, and lo, these are the words of Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

I hope these verses help you TY! I love you and pray for you every morning and night! Press forward with faith and courage, and I promise you that miracles will follow! Take care of yourself and I'm looking forward to speaking with you later today!

All my Love, 

MOM

 

Letter from Ty:

I loved all of this mom - thank you so much. Was much needed. We had a successful day yesterday, and yes, I will tell you about it later. Love you so much I'll be calling around 2 or 3 my time.

Letter from Blaine:

Hello Elder Milne,

We are here in New Mexico this weekend together. Carley and Carter came with your mom and Millie Friday night. I came down from Bloomfield after working there Thursday and Friday of last week. They didn’t get to Albuquerque until after 2am. I woke up at that time after hearing some noise in the lower floor of the house but figured it was them getting here.
I decided to go see them because the noises kept up.  I got downstairs to find Carley and Carter but no momma.  Millie was even there. They said your mom was at the ER after getting the fishing pole’s hook stuck in her foot. I was completely upended in disbelief. How could that happen? Well long story short, Carter and Carley went and got her at the ER around 4:30 am after the hook was removed.  She will send you a picture of that frightful injury.  What a trip for her.

Last night we went down to my practice at Celebrate dental and put Carley’s implant crown in.  It was nice to see her tooth go in. Your mom will send a picture of that too.

How are you doing?  I hope you are doing well. I hope you have been able to find meaning to your call to Newport Beach. I remember some of the most important words that have ever been spoken to me. Some of those words came from you. The time was when I walked into our home in Minnetonka, Minnesota in late January of 2011 after having totaled my car on that iced winter day being pushed up the interstate highway by a semi-tractor diesel truck.  There was no explanation why I escaped that horrific car accident without a scratch. I walked in the door with your mom after she came and got me at the car repair shop. You said these famous words, “Heavenly Father has a plan for you.” You were but 10 years old and in primary. Those were incredible words spoken to me.

You were right. God did have a plan for me. After all the effort to form a dental career it seemed at that time everything was a failure. I now had totaled two vehicles while living in Minnesota and now was never going to be an Oral Surgeon. I thought I had paid enough price to get the support from the staff there I needed to finish Oral Surgery, but I was wrong. I was going to now create a new life for my family. We ended up moving to St George and life changed for us all.

I bring this up because “Heavenly Father has a plan for you too.” I think perseverance on your mission is maybe Heavenly Father’s plan for you.  I think this might be the experience that can give you some identity and value to your life going forward.  I hope you feel the same way.

Got to go for now. Carter is doing home sacrament for us right now.

Love,

Dad

Letter from Ty:

Dad, thank you for thinking of me and reaching out. That's crazy on what happened to Mom - sure hope she’s okay! I am glad they were able to come down and spend some time with you! Happy that you are all having the sacrament. Dad i invite you to reflect on all that our savior has done for you. And make time this week for scripture study so you can be strengthened spiritually. It's awesome how you brought up the time in Minnesota, I was looking over my baptism picture today and saw my big grin with us dressed in white. I too thought about when I told you God had a plan for you. I'm so blessed to have you and our family. I am learning more everyday, and I've had some great spiritual experiences that have strengthened my testimony on that I need to be here. I will be training this upcoming transfer which is in 2 days, so I'm excited for that. Love you and appreciate your love and hard work. Have a great week!

Letter from Home:

Greetings Elder Milne!

How’s my favorite missionary today? I hope this finds you happy and well! I  on the road this morning with Carter, Carley, and Millie, heading back to Utah! We stayed in flagstaff last night. We had a fun weekend with dad, despite the fishhook incident- LOL! We had the Sacrament Sunday afternoon then had a nice Sunday dinner and dessert - chicken fettuccine Alfredo, salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, and garlic bread. We had that peach dessert you like with the ice cream, peaches, Carmel sauce, and biscotti cookies. We FaceTimed Dallin and Hayley and visited with them. They are doing really well. Kobe got a haircut. He looks so cute. We then headed to Flagstaff as dad gave Buster a bath.

Well, it looks like you’ve made it to your first transfer in your new mission, and it sounds like you’re staying in a threesome, but getting a brand new missionary that you’ll get to train. That is exciting. We will look forward to hearing all about it. It also sounds like you e got a lot of good things happening in your area - a baptism coming up and other people to teach; that is so awesome!

This past week I had a lot of therapy clients. I am learning so much, and I hope I’m helping my clients at least a little. Two things have stood out to me as I have encountered different people with different problems: 1. There is safety and happiness in keeping the commandments, and 2. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, and it provides hope and healing for all who will accept it. Many of the problems I witness are a direct result of not keeping the commandments. All choices, good and bad, have consequences. Many of my clients are dealing with the consequences that come from a series of poor choices either they or their loved ones have made. The saddest thing I see is how Innocent children are affected by the poor choices of their parents. However, there is healing that can occur. Bottom line is, we all are in need of the effects of Christ’s Atonement, and there is safety and happiness found in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Everyone needs to know this - this is why missionary work is so important. So much suffering can be erased by choosing to accept Christ and His gospel and by keeping His commandments!

We are so very blessed to have the knowledge we have and to be part of this great gathering of Israel. Enjoy the time you have to do this full-time.

Love you Ty! I can’t wait to talk to you today!

Mom

Letter from Ty:

Thank you for another great letter mom! I love you dearly, and I'm sure your clients love you and the spirit you bring. I'm glad everyone is doing well and y'all were able to spend time w dad! I am loving spreading the good word of the atonement to everyone and am looking forward for this upcoming transfer. Keep these coming - love it!

Photos from Home this week:

 

A Change of Heart

What a difference a week makes, and what a difference prayer makes. We have all been praying for Ty and the frustrating circumstances he is trying to do missionary work under. The Lord has heard and answered our prayers. I could see it on his face the minute we started our phone call. His missionary glow had returned - he had once again caught the vision! He shared that as he visited with different members this week he began realizing that they too needed service and blessings from the missionaries. He shared that many of them had confided that they were struggling staying on track spiritually since attending church has not been an option. He and his companions are now seeking to strengthen the members in their "Come Follow Me" studies, and in any other way they can. Elder Milne has realized that whether we are already a member of Christ's church or if we are a stranger on the street, we all need to come unto Christ. I shared with Ty that his number one responsibility as a missionary is to bring souls to Christ - whether it be his, his companions', the members' or anyone they meet. If this is his goal, the Lord will take care of the rest. Elder Milne shared how he had enjoyed spending time doing service projects, strengthening the members, and even teaching a few discussions this week. They do have one lady who has committed to being baptized, so they are super excited to help get ready for that. She has set a date for August 26th. She fed the missionaries the other night - soup like from Olive Garden, so Elder Milne was in Heaven.

Letter from Home:

Dear Elder Milne!

How's my favorite missionary doing today? I hope you are doing well and that you are happy! I am here in New Mexico for this week, and I am enjoying my time here with dad and Buster. Dad and I attended Sacrament Meeting yesterday with Bishop Caton and a few members of his ward. A member of the stake presidency spoke for a few minutes and then Bishop Caton spoke. It was so wonderful to sit in a sacrament meeting and partake of the sacrament while reflecting upon the significance of the Sacrament and how vital Jesus Christ is in our lives. It is so important to always remember Him so that His Spirit will always be with us. It is equally as important to remember His atoning sacrifice and the price He paid so we can successfully navigate through this mortal existence and return to our Heavenly Parents. I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ and all that he has done for me. He has not only made it possible to be cleansed from my many sins and to be strengthened in my weaknesses, but to also be enabled to become my very best self - to become all that my Heavenly Father created me to be. 

One thing that really stood out during the meeting yesterday was that "Change is inevitable, but misery is a choice." There are a lot of changes going on for all of us right now, especially due to this stupid virus, but, how we respond to it, and all the changes surrounding it, is a choice. We can choose misery, or we can choose to learn and grow from it. One of the greatest gifts our Heavenly Father has given us is the gift of agency or our freedom to choose. Regardless of what life hands to us, we still have that power to choose how we will respond to it and if we will choose to includue Christ in the details of our lives. Happiness, just like misery, is a choice. For me, I am choosing happiness - I am choosing Christ. When we choose Christ, we also choose peace. Peace can be our constant companion when we choose Christ to help us through whatever trials may come our way. Most often, our Heavenly Father will not remove the obstacles causing us pain and frustration, because there is something to be gained or learned from this adversity, however, as we choose to include Christ in our day to day life, we will have peace, comfort, strength, and guidance through even the darkest of times. I was so happy to hear you relate to me how you had experienced this very same thing recently. I am so proud of you and your decision to see things in a better light and to stay the course. Our perceptions are powerful, but what is even more powerful is we have the ability to change our perceptions! When we rely upon our Savior and the Holy Ghost, our perceptions can become Their perceptions, and we are able to see adversity for what it really is, and we are able to more clearly see the love as well as the plan our Heavenly Father has for us. Keep up the good work Ty! Allow your perceptions to be shaped by the Savior and His love for you and all His children.

I forgot to grab your mitt before I left for New Mexico. I am so sorry. As soon as I get back next Monday, I will find it and put it in the mail. Is there anything else you can think of that you need or want? Also, Mike Tornow texted dad and me yesterday and told us he had met an older couple that was on their way to serve in the office of your mission - Elder and Sister Hobley. He told them to look for you! I think they are going to be over the finances and apartments in your mission.

Take care of yourself Ty, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers every day! And always remember, your primary purpose as a missionary is to bring souls to Christ, whether it is your own soul, your companions soul, the ward members' souls, and the stranger on the street. Your Heavenly Father has blessed you with some amazing gifts to do this. Recognize these gifts and use them in the way He intended you to. Love you to the moon and back!

Mom

Letter from Elder Milne:

Mom, I needed this more than you know! love you so so much and love these letters. I will look for Elder and Sister Hobley. Keep theses coming - have an amazing week!

This week was actually a really great week - with exception of being stung by hornets as we completed a service project LOL! We met with more members this week. One even knew dad. She went to Pine View High School and is three years younger than dad. She remembers dad. We also have been able to meet with the lady that wants to be baptized on the 26th of August. She is doing really well, and we have also been teaching another lady that is interested in learning more. Her husband is a less-active member. He doesn't really want anything to do with the church, but she is progressing well. We also had an interesting experience happen the other day while we were at the stake center. The doors were locked while we were doing some family history work inside. We heard a knock on the door so we answered it. It was a girl, probably around the age of 20, and she asked if we were the missionaries. She recognized our car out front. We told her yes, and she was so happy. She said she was taking the lessons from some missionaries awhile back, but she moved to Missouri and lost track of them. She has now returned to California and wants to continue with the lessons. We reviewed the first discussion with her and she was so interested. The only bad thing for us if we may have to turn her over to the single adult ward missionaries, but oh well, it was still a cool experience. I have really noticed how God has changed my heart this week, and I am able to see His tender mercies and miracles in my life each day. I do recognize that everyone needs the Savior, so I will continue to do my best to uplift those around me. I have been very happy this week, even when I was stung by the hornets - I was like, "this is no big deal." I think I had for sting marks - LOL! Have a great week mom!

Elder Provencio Picking-Up Chicks!

Smiles even after being stung by hornets!

Sporting the Masks...

Another Difficult Week...

Elder Milne is still feeling a little down and frustrated about the current circumstances for missionaries in California. He says he is trying hard to hang in there, and he is trying to see the positive in each day. He says he sometimes he gets frustrated because he feels his time could be so much better spent back home in school or working. He misses Peru because they were always busy there, and he was able to feel a sense of accomplishment each day. He vowed to hang in there. He said he is determined to not come home until he has completed his mission! I admire him for this. I have been saying extra prayers for him - I pray if the circumstances can't change, that the Lord will change his heart and the way he sees things. One thing I have learned in life is that it is all based on perception - our perceptions of any given situation will determine our feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Letter from Home:

Dear Elder Milne!

I hope this finds you happy, well, and surviving the restrictions placed on your missionary work. I know these restrictions make life as a missionary somewhat miserable, and I know you feel at times that your time could be must better spent, but I also know that Heavenly Father will bless your efforts, and one way or another, His work will progress. 

Dad and I didn’t get to go to see the Lewis’ because the day before we were supposed to go, dad received word that one of his assistants has the corona virus, and dad had to wait six hours in line to be tested starting Sunday morning at 6:30. He will know in a few days if he has it. Hopefully he doesn’t, because that would make both of our worlds difficult.

This coming week I get to see eight different therapy clients. I’m nervous but excited! I’ll also be getting more clients because I’ve finally been approved as a Medicaid provider. Thankfully, I only have nine months left of school and as an intern, then hopefully life can normalize a little for me and dad!

Buster has been enjoying his time in New Mexico! It’s definitely cooler there and he has more room to roam. Carter says Millie is doing well in Cedar City. I wonder if they miss each other! 

I’m sitting on an airplane back to Utah right now! I left the truck for dad and Buster. I hate wearing these stupid masks. I seriously can’t breathe!!! I am so sick of this stupid COVID virus! I’m slowly enjoying my snack and water so I don’t have to feel so claustrophobic! 

Everything else is about the same. You’re definitely not missing much back home! Dallin and Hayley are loving Florida! We will need to visit them soon! Another beach vacation is just what I need!!! Carter and Carley are staying busy with school, work, and Millie. Dad is working like crazy as usual. I don’t know where he gets his energy from!

I pray every day you will witness the Lord’s tender mercies as you do your best to do His work! Look for them each day. They are always there. I also pray you will be kept safe from harm and the evils of this world! Use the extra time you have due to quarantining to really study and understand the scriptures, and to recognize how the Lord speaks to you. This is a time in your life, like no other, where you can really work on strengthening your relationship with your Heavenly Father, your Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. By doing so, you can move forward with a sure foundation of love, light, and knowledge, and the courage and confidence to face whatever may lie ahead. Your Heavenly Father loves you very much, and he is pleased with your desire to serve Him and His Son. 

Gain an unshakable testimony of the Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith. There will be many trials and even persecutions ahead that will try and test your testimony. The world is quickly ripening in iniquity, and only those who have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored gospel can weather the storm. We now live in a day where good is considered evil and evil good. We require the Holy Ghost’s companionship to rightly discern truth from error and good from evil. Our prophet President Nelson has promised us that if we read and study the Book of Mormon each day we will not be deceived. This is a great promise! Use what extra time you have on your mission to really study this magnificent book! As you do, you will come to realize that it was written for our day, and that it not only testifies that Jesus is the Christ, but that it shows us the things we need to do in our day to be preserved as children of God, as a church, and as a nation. Notice the many patterns that are so applicable today! I love the Book of Mormon with all my heart, and I know that it is true!!! 

Hang in there my precious son! I know your struggle is real, but I also know you have a heart filled with courage, faith, and love!! You can do this! I love you to the moon and back!!!

All My Love,

Mom

Letter from Elder Milne:

Hi Mom!

Loved reading this! Thank you so much - keep this coming. I've loved reading the Book of Mormon here and, I've definitely noticed the things that were written for our day today. Love you so much! Tell Dad he's amazing and that I love and appreciate him!

Reality Sets-In!

The reality of Covid-19 and its far-reaching effects has set in for Ty once again. Things in the Newport Beach Mission are a little slower than he would like them to be, and he is finding it difficult to remain positive at times. He and his companions are trying to be creative about their use of time and how they interact with members and those who may be potentially interested in learning more about Jesus Christ and his gospel. Ty has spent a lifetime doing hard things. I am confident he will get through this difficult journey as well. Lots and lots of prayers for Elder Milne and all the missionaries throughout the world!

Dear Elder Milne (Ty Guy)!

I miss you so much, but I am happy you have returned to serving your Savior Jesus Christ. I know the circumstances under which you are serving are less than ideal, but I am confident that Heavenly Father is mindful of you and your desire to serve and teach, and with some patience and creativity you will find ways to do just that if you seek His help, forget about yourself, and lose yourself in the service to others. I know it may seem that a lot of what you are doing is a waste of precious time, but maybe you can use this time to pray a little more fervently, study a little longer, and do what you can to improve a little each day. For now, it may seem this virus has slowed and even halted missionary work, but I know for certain that our Heavenly Father is in control, and He will use this evil that has come upon us to further His purposes. I know that as things continue on, this virus and the stress and circumstances that accompany will be turned into incredible opportunities to bring souls unto Christ. Hearts will be softened, doors will be opened, and the work will continue to move forward at an accelerated pace. I feel compelled to promise you that if you can just hang in there a little longer, you will be blessed to reap the harvest that all of this will bring. People will be hungry for truth. They will be seeking for peace, answers about the very purpose of their lives, and ways to renew and strengthen their relationship with God as their Father and their older brother Jesus Christ. I know it is super hard right now, but if you can exercise a particle of faith (remember Alma 32), I know that faith will grow into a perfect knowledge that God is in control, He is mindful of all of His children (especially His missionaries), and He will always open the doors necessary for His work to progress. 

I am super proud of you for being willing to return to the mission field. It was definitely harder to let you go the second time you left. I went home and cried myself to sleep. However, I too must have faith that Heavenly Father has His hand upon you and He will bless and prosper you. I know that it is hard to believe, but I do know that He loves you even more than I do. That brings me so much comfort and peace. Hang in there my precious son. You have done hard things your entire life. This is just another hurdle, but rest assured you have Heavenly help on both sides of the veil. I pray daily the Lord will send His most valiant angels to protect you and buoy you up. 

Take care of yourself Ty. Know you are loved beyond measure. I ordered you a new phone, because no one in St. George had one in stock. It will be here tomorrow (Tuesday) and I will send it in the mail with your golf pants. Was there anything else you needed me to send? Happy P-Day!

All My Love,

Mom 

Letter from Dad:

Buenos Dias

How are you?
Where are you? What city are you in?

How many companions do you live with?  Who are they?

What is the COVID status of your area there in Orange County?  Can you attend church yet?

Is your mission Spanish speaking or what?

What else is going on?


Love,

Brother BG Milne

Letter from Elder Milne:

Hey Dad,

Thanks for writing! I'm in Rancho Santa Margarita. The name is Spanish, but I am speaking 0 Spanish. Still have language study. But my area is English. I have 2 companions - Elder Zento and Elder Provencio.  We have nothing in common, but i'm trying to be positive. I am in quarantine, and we don't have church. You were right Dad - not doing a ton.

But I had a great day yesterday. My companion was on the phone with a non- member woman, and he wasn't doing to well. I was on my bed reading the scriptures in the other room, and I had the impression to say what was on my mind. I ended up talking to this lady about The Book of Mormon and bore my testimony. She then invited us to teach her a lesson, so we'll see how that goes. Then about 30 mins later, another lady called, and I talked to her the whole time.  She wants to learn more.

Honestly Dad, this has been very hard on me. I was having a hard time wondering why I'm here with not much going on, but after the day I had yesterday, I recognize that there is work to be done and that God has called me here for a reason at this time. So I hope things start picking up quickly, but I know I'm gonna get through this. 

Appreciate all you do Dad!

Love,

Elder Ty Adams Milne 

Welcome to the California, Newport Beach Mission

On Tuesday, July 7th, Elder Milne flew out of the St. George Airport at 8:30 am. Later in the day we received an email from the mission office stating he had arrived. Elder Milne was able to meet his mission president and his lovely wife - President and Sister Reeves.

California Newport Beach Mission

Weldon J. Reeves, 55, and Kathryn N. Reeves, four children, Clear Lake 1st Ward, League City Texas Stake: California Newport Beach Mission, succeeding President Glen B. Thomas and Sister Kim W. Thomas.

Brother Reeves is a former stake president, stake presidency counselor, ward Young Men president and counselor, seminary teacher, bishop, and missionary in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo Mission. He was born in Redwood City, California, to Donald Lawrence Reeves and Lucinda Payne Reeves.

Sister Reeves is a former stake Young Women presidency counselor, ward Relief Society president, institute instructor, seminary teacher, stake music chairman, and Relief Society teacher. She was born in Salt Lake City to Talmage Whiting Nielsen and Dorothy Levie Nielsen.


Here is the email we received:

Dear Parents,

Your wonderful missionary arrived safely to the California Newport Beach Mission today.

After greeting our new missionaries at the airport, we drove to the California Newport Beach Temple for pictures, then to the mission office where we had a very good meal, time to e-mail home, opportunity to pick out bedding and then to various locations for a much-needed rest. We are excited to have them in our mission.

Thank you for entrusting your missionary to us for their great assignment and call from God.

Sincerely,

Weldon J. Reeves, President
California Newport Beach Mission

The In-Between....

On March 31st at 10:30 pm, Elder Milne flew into the St. George Airport after a long and unsettling journey from Peru. The missionaries in the Ica and other areas outside of Lima had a lot of difficulties getting to the international airport in Lima due to local officials. This Covid-19 virus has made people crazy, and for a few minutes, Ty and the missionaries he was traveling with didn't think they would be allowed to get on the bus to take them to Lima. The missionaries in Peru were flown out the country on a jet chartered by the US government. The US embassy workers in Peru, including the head of the embassy all left on flights two weeks ago. President Donald Trump stepped in and had military personnel escort the flight out of Peru. Ty, as I'm sure all the other missionaries, was very glad to reach American soil. By the time we had him in the car heading to our home in Washington, UT, he broke down in sobs. He said he couldn't believe he was finally home and expressed how stressful the past 24 hours had been. It was good to have Elder Milne with us safe and sound at last.

For the next two weeks, all the missionaries returning from foreign countries had to quarantine for two weeks. I thought we would all lose our minds, but we made it through. Ty did find ways to connect with those outside our family who wanted to see him. He met many friends outside the house in the open air, and maintained a six foot distance from them. Once the two weeks was over, we all rejoiced. A day or two after returning from Peru, Ty was released as a missionary by President Carnavale. It didn't take Ty too long to get back into the pre-mission life, however, we enjoyed hearing of his many experiences he didn't share in emails or phone calls. Now the waiting began - where and when would he be re-assigned? Would he be allowed to return to Peru - a country and culture he had grown to love in such a short amount of time? Once church headquarters announced that missionaries could be reassigned if they chose and then given the option to return to their original mission, we were elated. We had fasted specifically that Ty would have the opportunity to return to Peru once the country was deemed safe to return to. It seemed to take forever to get Ty's reassignment. He was the last one in our stake to get his new assignment, and even then, he still had to wait six more weeks to leave. He was thrilled to be reassigned to the California, Newport Beach mission (this mission would allow him to use his Spanish some of the time). We were all so excited!

Knowing Ty still had six weeks, we told him he needed to find a job. The Lord was merciful! The first job he inquired after, a car wash and detailing center close by our house, hired him on the spot and he was able to begin the next day. He worked, on average, forty hours a week up until one week before his leaving to California. He was paid $8.00 an hour, but typically made around an additional $60.00 a day in tips. This gave him some spending money and the ability to pay for a few more months of his mission. When Ty wasn't working, he was going on a date or doing a variety of fun things with friends. He enjoyed every minute of his time back home. Before he left for California, we were able to do some fun things as a family. One thing we all really came to treasure was Sundays. We often met as an entire family to partake of the Sacrament and study the Come Follow Me curriculum. We also held testimony meetings and assigned uplifting talks or watched conference talks together. We also spent four days in Oxnard, California. We rented a beautiful beach house right in the harbor. Carley's parents and sister Abby joined us, along with Ty's Aunt Nanette. We had so much fun just hanging out at the beach for a few days, eating out at yummy restaurants, kayaking in the harbor, playing spike ball and air hokey, singing and playing guitar around the outdoor fire, and just being together. A few days after returning home, we headed to the Beaver Mountains where we rented a large cabin and had a family reunion with several of my brothers and sisters and their families. We really had a great time. We enjoyed lots of yummy food, hiking, fishing, boating, playing games, and of course singing songs and playing the guitar. It was a wonderful way to end his in-between time. The night we returned from the reunion, Ty was once again set apart as a missionary, and President Carnavale gave Ty a beautiful blessing. The next morning, we were once again at the St. George airport telling Elder Milne goodbye. I believe it was harder the second time around to let him go. I returned home and cried myself to sleep. However, I am so happy he was able to return, especially under such interesting circumstances. The Corona virus is still prevalent, especially in California, so we are unsure what missionary life will be like for Elder Milne once he arrives there.