Tyler Made It Safely to South Africa!

One Last Hug For Mom - Mom didn't want to let go!

Hey Everyone!

I made it to South Africa! The flight went really well for the most part and I
met quite a few people. Missionarys and Non-Missionary's alike. I had some
really cool experiences actually. I started Missionary work from SLC to Atlanta.
However, I don't have tons of time to write this letter so I will share them in
a upcoming letter. I have some bad news. It looks like I will not be able to
receive e-mails or send out e-mails to friends...Bummer! Oh well, I guess

I will be more focused, right? Anyway, if you could send me a list of people's

addresses, that would be great!

Love Elder Ockwig

Tyler Leaves For South Africa early A.M.

This was definitely a Bittersweet time this morning, as so many emotions were going through us. We will miss Tyler so much, but we know he is in the Lords hands, and he will do marvelous things over there, and bless so many lives. He is an amazing young man and many admire him. Our Bishop and Stake President told Tyler at his setting apart, that they would be honored to be side by side with Tyler as his mission companion. As you can see in this picture, Emily will miss her brother dearly, and so will Dylan - who didn't go to the airport as he was too sad to see him leave and had a rough last night with him. We certainly didn't make it easy for Tyler to go, as our tears got the best of us! Tyler - you bless our lives, and as your mom, I am fortunate to have you in my life - it would never be the same without you!!! We all love you very much!

Have you seen Twilight yet?

Today at noon, Tyler and I went to go see, "Twilight." I hadn't read the book, so I didn't know what to expect. But, Tyler had, and he was so excited to go and see the movie and was so glad that he didn't have to wait until after his mission. As we were driving there, Tyler said, "Mom, why don't we just act like you are dragging me along to this movie, ok." I said, "Yeah Tyler, I guess we better, because you know I heard this was a Chick Flick." Anyway, the movie was good I thought, and Tyler really liked seeing it after reading the book. Yes, there were guys in the Theater - mostly husbands that were dragged in there by their wives. No, just kidding...there were some teenage guys too, but about 95 percent women. Since it is only 4 more days until Tyler leaves, we had great quality time together. One more thing, I notice that everytime I go somewhere with Tyler, the girls are always checking him out....what nerve they have!!!

Tomorrow our family, and my parents will celebrate our Thanksgiving together since Tyler will leave just before. I just learned this morning from the church travel office that there will be 4 other missionaries travelling to South Africa - yeah - Ty won't be alone! One is going to Durban like Tyler. The other 3 are going to Johannesburg (mission). They will all be in the MTC together. I am grateful he will have buddies with him!

Review of Tyler's Farewell!

What a beautiful day Tyler's farewell was! It couldn't have been better! Tyler's talk was great, and he had a wonderful topic, "Gratitude!" His sister Emily, sang a solo accompanied by her piano teacher. She sang, "I walk by Faith." She touched so many hearts that heard it. Tyler had so many dear friends and relatives attend - the support was amazing and so much appreciated! All of the BYU girls that made the trek over here to attend are terrific and such beautiful ladies. Tyler has the best friends!!! Your attendance meant a lot to Tyler, especially since so many of his buddies are out on their missions! He is one of the last to go! Gregory girls, we loved having you too - it really meant so much to Ty that you came. Come see us anytime, you are always welcome!

p.s. some of the pictures didn't turn out due to the sun coming in...we will try to lighten them, and post soon.

Thanks so much everyone for coming - it made it even more special!

Maurine

Tylers Farewell

These ladies are the Gregory trio - besides being adorable, and looking alike, they are related!!! Tyler really enjoyed having them come and give their support as well! But, hey - just because Tyler's leaving doesn't mean you can't come see us - neighbor!

Tylers Farewell

Tyler's adorable BYU friends came to attend his farewell! He appreciated their support - it was the best! Thanks so much for coming!

Tylers Farewell

Tylers going to miss ya Rachel! You have been a terrific friend - keep in touch!

Tylers Farewell

What a great time with family and neighbors!

Tylers Farewell

Nichole, Tyler and Nicole - nothing like great friends from BYU! It was so great to visit with you two - Thanks for coming! We will have to chat more about politics though :-) You both are cute ladies !

Tyler's terrific friends

What a journey all three of you will have going your separate ways....but you sure will have a lot to talk about in 2 years!

Tyler spent as much time as he could with his buddies, before taking off to South Africa. These guys have been friends all through High School, and some middle school.

Tyler couldn't have better friends - and they come from terrific families. We consider them our family!

Tylers farewell November 16th at 9 a.m.

That's right, my first baby is leaving the nest for 2 years! It is so hard to let him go, as he has been such a blessing in my (our) lives. What a wonderful example he has been to his younger siblings! I love him to pieces and will miss him so much, but he will be doing such great work and have an experience of a lifetime. He will bless so many lives in South Africa, as he has blessed all of ours. Anyone who comes in contact will be fortunate - because of Tyler's laughter, spirit, love and sense of humor (definitely infectious.) We love you so much Ty! You are awesome!

Winter Is Here!

Ok - waking up this morning in a Winter Wonderland was a beautiful surprise here! We got 8 inches of snow today! This is the first snow of the season. Just a week ago, the tall tree on the left was full of colorful fall leaves.....how fast they fell and now snow. We did have the most beautiful fall - gosh - where can you go and have the best of the all seasons? We love Utah!

Way to Go Dylan!

Practices, practices and more practices - 4 days a week, 2 hours a day, and 3 hours on game days! You did such an awesome job! Even though you weren't always crazy about attending practice, you always participated and never let your team down! Congratulations!

Championship Team!!!

Undefeated Champions!
This is the "Lone Peak" football team!

They won 10 out of 10.

Way to go Dylan!

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir! We listened to the most beautiful voices all in sync with one another. We love to have relatives visit, and the bonus is that we have a great excuse to go to Music and The Spoken Word. We also enjoyed the organ, flute and harp. Wish you could have all heard it with us!

Attending "Music and The Spoken Word" was very memorable. We took relatives from California at their request. We were grateful to take them and had a great time, even with the wind blowing the beautiful fall leaves all around us!

Oh what fun to carve these pumkins, especially when a good friend comes over from BYU! These pumkins turned out so great - and a lot of creativity was put into it! After all, President Uchtdorf stated that we should use our CREATIVITY - and that's what we did!

Our 2 Trick Or Treaters!!!