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
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