And I Quote..."Smiling Sack of Crap"

Hello Everybody,

As for now I remain in the Orange Park 1st Ward, however, my companion is off on another adventure somewhere else. I find out this Thursday who my new companion will be. Elder Olsen was great, though. All in all, it was a good transfer--aside from the fact that this area is full of people who enjoy slamming the door in our faces!

The other day I got called, and I quote, a "Smiling Sack of Crap" as I walked away from some guy. Apparently he woke up early in the morning to go turkey hunting, and we just so happened to ruin his afternoon nap. He was devastated. Unfortunately, neither of us felt too bad that he was tired, after all, he was the one who chose to go turkey hunting at four in the morning. After he was done degrading us for a good few minutes, we told him we were sorry for bothering him and walked away (as he continued onward with his rant). I smiled at him and told him to have a nice day as I was walking away, all the while ignoring him talk. He slammed the door, and we continued walking. But he wasn't done. He opened the door right back up and finished the "battle" by calling me a "smiling sack of crap". I laughed, and kept walking. Sometimes I have to wonder what it is that goes through some individuals minds when they choose to speak. Probably nothing or maybe "I'm frustrated, LEAVE ME ALONE!!!". Oh well, it didn't bother me. I just thought it was kind of funny, that's all. One day that man will figure things out, and choose not to be so angry.

As far as everything else goes, we have had slightly more success these past few days. We have set a few baptismal dates, and we met some really nice people. Most of which, however, seem to enjoy the conversation rather than truly attempt to change. Hopefully we can learn to teach them more effectively as we continue to meet with them. The dates, as of now, are going to have to be moved to a later date because none of them came to church with us, but we are still going to try and teach them. Their names are Kimeko, Kiedric, and Dolores. Dolores is the mother of Kimeko (19 years old), and Kiedric is the nineteen-year-old boyfriend of Kimeko. We spoke with them a few hours after the turkey hunting guy. It turned out really well. The dad, Christopher, doesn't believe in God at all, but was open to conversation. I spoke with him as Elder Olsen spent time speaking with the other three. He is a really nice guy, and seems to have a fair understanding of life and what it means to be a good person. We spoke for probably a good hour, and I got to ask him some deep thinking questions to help get his mind going in the right direction. Hopefully it helped. Hopefully he felt the Spirit more than he heard me talk. I guess we'll find out as the story continues with this family. Luckily, they live next door to some members. So we are going to be having them help us teach this family. I pray it will work out in the end.

I got the package the other day, and the hot fudge is still safe and sound! I was really excited to have some, but I didn't have any ice cream, so I'm going to get some today. I think since I have made the Lemon Chicken and the Skor Bar cake, I have everyone in the apartment wanting to cook now. Elder Olsen made the Lemon Chicken last night, and it turned out pretty well. He did a good job, and you could tell he was proud of himself! I was glad. Elder Shirts attempted the Skor Bar cake and as of now it is sitting in the refrigerator waiting to be eaten. It looks good though! I'm sure it turned out well. It's kind of funny to see how something small can make everyone excited. I think your recipe book may have started a cooking revolution within the Jacksonville Mission, Mom! Sounds good to me! We all need to learn one way or another anyways, so why not start now?

I received Marielle's package also, and those golden graham chocolate things were devoured almost instantaneously! Me and Elder Olsen ate most of them, but we still shared with the other elders. I appreciated the letter as well. Especially the cool little picture! Tell Morgan I enjoyed the card she sent me, and thank you for thinking of me. (I also really liked the card that everyone signed that you sent, too! It was pretty sweet to have those guys write me. Tell Carter and Dalton I love 'em, and wish them the best of luck this season! Tell Bayli thanks for her little message as well, and that I hope things are working out for her too!). It isn't quite the end of Miracle March just yet, but tell Robbie to be patient for one more week. I've been reading all his emails and am excited for him and all that he is doing. His mission papers are in and he is just five weeks out from the end of the school year, I can't believe it. I am glad to hear he is doing well. And tell Grandpa I really like his letter. I read all the pamphlets, the talk by Elder Holland, and Grandpa's Mother's Day talk almost as soon as I got them. The Mother's Day talk was my favorite thing to read. It was nice to reminisce about Great Grandma for a moment, and to think about the times we got to spend with her. Anyhow, it was a really good talk, and I'm going to read it again when I go back to the apartment and write some of my thoughts down about what Grandpa wrote. Hopefully I'll find more time to send what I learn to Grandpa sooner, rather than later.

Something I've been thinking about lately, since I have learned in greater detail what the concept of diligence means--is why it is important to have faith in Christ. Not just faith, but faith in Christ. Because the weeks have been rough, I have had to rely more fully on the Savior than I really ever have in the past. I can't really explain everything that has come to my mind, but to save time, let's just say I see, or am starting to see how it is that faith actually works. It isn't just a nice belief that makes you feel good inside, but it is believing that leads to sincere action. This believing and action always leads to results. As I have tried more sincerely to learn of the Savior and do what He would have me do, I have been better able to understand the doctrines of His teachings. I finished the Book of Mormon Sunday night. The experience was peaceful, and quiet. As I prayed before I went to bed I truly felt the Spirit, and it was so overwhelming it made my entire body quake and tremble. I don't recall ever feeling anything quite so powerful in all my life. It was another divine testimony to me that God exists and that he is aware of me and my situation. Through it all, I learned that I personally needed to be more believing in Christ, that there is much more in store for me if I will show forth my faith in Him. I felt closer to God than I ever have in my life. I felt as if I was in the shoes of the prophets of old as they sought to gain their own personal testimonies. I felt close to all the members of the Church, and I knew that they were all my family. I felt close to home, and felt greater love for my family and friends. It was a unique experience that is sacred to me, and hopefully not the last, I realize I have along ways to go, but I know that I am on the right path. This is the way.

I love each of you and am thankful for our family.

Love,

Austin

It Really is "Miracle March"...Austin is Cooking!

3.22.10
Orange Park, FL

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, and Everyone :)

Life is going well, for now. This past week was a lot of fun. We spent each day running from door to door. All Day. My legs, I believe, no longer function properly. I think my right knee no longer loves me. Oh well, the things you gotta do to make it in this life...

Transfers are coming up in a week--I really don't know how that is possible. Things just seem to fly by out here. I was telling someone the other day, I can't remember who (names just seem to blur together nowadays), that Einstein was right, time truly is relative. I still feel as if I left home yesterday, and sometimes I wonder if I really ever did leave. Of course I come to the realization that I am gone from home every time I wake up in the morning, but other than that, I still feel close. Six months have flown by so quickly. I don't know how it all works that way, perhaps it's a bodily defense to prevent any of us from worrying too much. One day we'll find out, haha!

As far as "Miracle March" goes, we haven't found too many individuals who are wanting to commit to a whole lot of anything. It appears as though ten seconds is the longest conversation we can seem to hold with anyone in this area. It would seem that most people are satisfied with what they already have, and that anything more is simply too much to worry about. I'm sure we will find someone soon enough. I'm not overly worried, although my companion (because he is the district leader) seems doubtful. But he certainly works hard, that is a fact. He is helping me to work hard as well...I don't know where he gets all his energy; he is kind of like the energizer bunny...just keeps going and going...My body is dead, or more tired than anything, but rest is something non-existent except between the hours of 10:30 pm and 6:30 am. I don't know if it's a good thing or not, however, I'll be able to mentally overcome any obstacle the rest of my life after this transfer is over. So it's probably a good thing! :)

I forgot to mention, because of the no fast-food rule this month, I have learned to cook all sort of good things. Actually, I've only made a few dishes from the cookbook you sent me (Mom here: I put together a recipe book with some of Austin's favorites...simplified for the missionary chef!), but they have all turned out nice (except for the hot fudge--it just tasted weird--I think I let the sugar and butter dissolve for too long. It became somewhat like the texture of snow when you are shoveling, and bits and pieces flake off. I don't know what was going on, it just didn't work out too well). I made Lemon Chicken a few times, and everyone loves it. I've made spaghetti a few times, and that is way easier than I thought it was--but everyone seems to know how to make spaghetti, so no crazy reactions to that. But I did make the famous, (my favorite in the world) Skor Bar Cake. It was perfect. I did everything the instructions said, and it turned out awesome! I even took some pictures!

As for things you can send me that I need go, maybe just some tips for making hot fudge better :). And whatever else sounds like fun to send :).

Anyways, I hope everything continues to go well back home. Tell the baseball guys that I wish 'em the best of luck! Sounds like it is going to be a fun year.

I love each of you and will talk to you soon!

Love,

Austin

ps. Mother's Day is coming up next transfer! Can you believe it?

pps. I'm already at General Conference round 2...sooo weird. When Priesthood Session comes around, tell Gramps to enjoy a nice, juicy steak for me, haha--and whoever else wants one too ;)

I Love To See The Temple

Hello My Family & Friends~

Sounds like there has been a lot going on back home. I can imagine the fun you must be having. Things are going well here in Jacksonville. I'm still learning a lot of new and exciting life lessons each and every day, and I feel my understanding of my purpose in life growing. Considering the people I have met, and the sometimes desperate situations and lifestyles in which they live, I begin to realize how blessed we truly are as members of the Church. To have a knowledge of the truth in a world where truth seemingly is unimportant, I am glad I am able to have the direction and guidance the scriptures give me...

...I went to the temple last week and was able to do baptisms for the dead with the youth of the Orange Park 1st Ward. It was a long drive to get there and an even longer one back, but I know every minute was worth it. The temple is a special place, and the peace within the temple walls washes away all of the worries of the world. I know that they are houses of God. I placed each of your names in the temple prayer role, I felt I should. Now I know why. Heavenly Father truly knows each of us and is fully aware of all that we go through. He guided me to the temple during our family's most difficult time, and inspired me to put each of you on the list. You never know how things will work out, or why unexpected things sometimes happen, but the case is true for each of us--that if we follow the guidance of the Spirit we will always be protected. What a blessing it is to have the temple.

Tell everyone I love them and thank you for all the help. I love each of you, and will talk to you soon.

Love,

Austin

The Refiner's Fire

Hey,

This past week has been way busy. There are many changes in the mission going on this month, maybe the rest of my time here--I'm not sure. First things first, no more contact with anyone outside of the family. Anyone can email me, but I cannot respond. (Starting last Tuesday) No fast food. No music inside the apartments. We work from 10 am to 9 pm, no coming inside the apartments for lunch or dinner, and so we must pack our food. These guidelines are quite difficult I must say, however, I'm sure it is for the better. I think it might have to do with the goal which the mission set for the month of March, but I'm not sure. (Update: It is "Miracle March" and the missionaries are all sacrificing some of their favorite things in order to make miracles happen in the Jacksonville Mission this month...so don't feel too sorry for Elder Robbs!)

So far we have had little luck with finding new investigators. Many of the people we contact shut the door before we can even say hello. My guess is that most of these people have had so many different people come knocking on their door that they simply do not care who it is that is trying to talk to them unless, of course, it is family or friends. Yesterday we had some guy threaten us with his giant, fat dog. I laughed about it afterwards, yet it seems interesting to me that we seem so scary! The dog was certainly growling at us, but I didn't care too much. I looked at the guy, smiled at him, then walked quietly away. This area is proving to be the most difficult I have experienced. I'm sure there will be plenty of harder ones, so there is no use worrying too much about it. Aside from all that fun stuff--I have decided the lesson I am supposed to learn in this area is gratitude. Because let me tell you, there is plenty of things I could waste my time complaining about...it takes a lot of effort to control your thoughts when everything around you seems to be negative. But it is ok, I will be able to figure it out soon enough.

I had Elder Olsen give me a blessing yesterday. In it, I was reminded that the earth is a time for testing and trials, and that one day I would be able to look back with much gratitude for all the things I have gone and will go through in my life. These trials help us to become like our Heavenly Father, so it is absolutely necessary that each of us go through them. As long as we remain faithful to the end, all will work out the way it is supposed to.

Grandpa sent me a letter, and he wrote about the "refiner's fire". I thought it was really neat. As he said, silver in its pure form can perform things that silver with the least degree of impurities cannot perform. It takes all levels of heat, different fluxes which force out impurities, and time. The stress of the refining development causes much agitation with the silver; yet, when it is all said and done--it is perfect. I figure we all get to go through it, and sometimes the flames are hotter than at other times, however we are all still in the process of becoming who we are meant to become. I'm sure the sting of the added "flux" makes all of us cringe. But in the end, it won't matter.

Brigham Young said that after we we had returned to live with Heavenly Father and had gained salvation, we would look back millions and millions of years past on the small moment that was our life on earth and exclaim, "What of all of that?!". He goes on further, but the point of it is that what we go through here on earth really is small in comparison to how long we will exist with our Father in Heaven. If we can make it through this little blip on the eternal spectrum of our lives, it will all be worth it in the end.

Anyhow, I love each of you and I'm thankful to be in our family, and to have the friends I have. We've got a good group :)

Talk to you next week!

Love,

Austin

Wal-Mart Contacting?

Sounds like everything is continuing to go well back home. Good! I'm glad to hear it. Things are going pretty well here also. We are working very hard, let me tell you. This past week, we literally ran from door to door. I wouldn't be surprised if we do it the rest of the transfer, if not the rest of the mission. We taught just over 100 lessons, but most of them didn't seem to be real great, just because people seem think we are slightly crazy. Oh well.

We did Wal-Mart contacting in the parking lot the last two days. That was a lot of fun. Yesterday we were kicked out because someone complained about us. I can't say that I absolutely love contacting in a Wal-Mart parking lot; however, it served its purpose and I got to enjoy plenty of awkward stares! I am sure by the end of my two years there will not be any person on this earth that I am afraid to go and talk to. Period.

I still find it odd that so many people in the South think we are some cult or another. Some guy yesterday tried to tell me that all we have to do is believe, and that doing missionary work is only going to get you sent to outer darkness. I told him that that was untrue and that he needed to prepare himself to be baptized into Christ's Restored Church, where God has called a living prophet and where the authority of God resides. He didn't listen. Our conversation ended nicely, at least.

I am certainly learning a lot each and every day. Especially about the importance of reading the Book of Mormon. I can't say that I spent as much time [reading] as I should have before I left, but I do know that is going to be changed for the rest of my life. I see the truth of the Book of Mormon every time I go out each day and I feel the words flow through me as I testify of this book. I know it is true and I am so glad I know. It would be so hard to be in this mission without that knowledge. There are so many distractions out there, but as I have focused more and more on reading and finishing the Book of Mormon, I am able to overcome all of those obstacles.

I don't have much time to finish writing at this time, we are at a member's home and he is about to leave for work. Tell everyone that I love them and that I am so thankful for our family. Tell all my friends I love them as well, they are the best. I know without each of you I couldn't be here.

Love~

Austin

p.s. I haven't been able to go to the (baseball) field yet, but I see the little kids out there running around all the time. I have been keeping in shape...I'm at a solid 208 at the moment ;)