Dear Everyone!
I'm glad to hear things are going well back home. I don't have much time to write at this moment, but more important than writing many words, I thought I would let each of you know that I love and appreciate you. I don't have much to say, other than that this past month and a half has been extremely difficult for me. Though I refuse to give in, I still find myself brought down to the dust. The mission has been a grueling process for me. I have learned so much in such a short time, yet I still feel like I'm at the beginning of it all. The days go by quickly, as well as the weeks, but progression seems to be at a standstill. Not necessarily for myself, but for the area. We have worked hard, but have found little success. It is difficult to go door to door to door and find little, if any, who are willing to listen. I am certain that this is meant to be a trial of faith, and yet, it is something different than I am used to. To me, a trial of faith was being forced to run extra sprints for being late to practice. It was being assigned extra homework because the teacher needed the class to catch up from being behind schedule. It was all sorts of things, but never from going door to door and having continual rejection all the day long for weeks on end. I guess, in a sense, all of these are trials of faith because each of these teach a different lesson. But this one is certainly one of the most difficult I've had. Surprisingly, as difficult as it may seem, it doesn't feel that hard to bear, yet at the same time it is extremely hard to bear. My life is filled with paradoxes. One day I'll understand, but not now. Luckily, there seems to be a positive movement in the Orange Park area, and it is possible that our teaching pool will soon begin to increase. Either way, we'll continue to pray and work hard and hope that we will eventually find those who are truly prepared. Whatever is supposed to happen will happen. Anyways, we'll talk again soon!
I love each of you, and I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Austin
It is very difficult to work so hard and to have little if any success. I think the world is more wicked than it has ever been and hearts are harder to penetrate than ever. He needs to remember that his faith and spiritual work are for him and him alone. Austin has the Holy Ghost and still many will choose not to hear or feel what he is offering. He must not assume his worthiness is a factor in someone elses agency. Having baptisms is not based on Austins worthiness alone, but rather a persons agency to receive what he is working so hard to offer and no matter how stringently he obeys the rules, prays and prepares himself, agency still prevails when offering the gospel. The benefit of obedience, prayer and hard work will be of benefit to Austin the rest of his life, and therein lies the blessings. Austin is a powerful hand for the Lord, but don't get mired down because of peoples wickedness. 2 Nephi 33...my favorite chapter. He needs to separate his effort from another persons free will and choice! What a kid...he is amazing! :)Nikki
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