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 ;)