Driving A Car?!

6.28.10
Lake Butler, FL

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, & Everyone~

It is pretty crazy to think I've been gone for 9 months now and to think that in just 3 months I'll have been out a year...time definitely goes by quickly. First and foremost, HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENDALL!!! You're all grown up now...just kidding. But you're well on your way. I hope it was a wonderful day and that you got all the presents you wanted! If I could come give you a big birthday hug, I would. Sadly I'm halfway across the country so I can't...but look at it this way, this time next year I'll have 3 months left and soon after you'll be able to have all the hugs you want. So keep doing your best and I'll be home before you know it. I love you Kendall :) By the way KJ, did you know that you are my favorite sister? I hope so, because you are :) don't ever forget it!

So, as you all know, I have a new companion. His name is Elder Brown. He has been out a grand total of half as long as I have, yet he is one month older than me. His is originally from California, but he spent most of his life living in Utah and I believe his home town is Blue Bell, near Vernal. He is a cool guy and I'm sure we'll get along well. If you remember Prison Break at all, he kind of looks like the secret service guy that has black hair and that is always foiling everyone's plans. This character, although I can't remember his name, was at the right hand of whatever the woman's name who was running to become president and who hid away her brother and framed his death. Hopefully you'll be able to figure out who it is from there. Anyhow, I'm the senior companion for the first time ever and I get to drive for the first time in 9 months. Luckily, I haven't completely forgotten how to drive, just mostly :) No, I'll be fine, it's just something I got used to not doing and now I'm getting used to it again. The strangest thing ever, however, is that Elder Brown's girlfriend dances or at least danced for Odyssey. He says he met Bayli at least once before and that he has been to all the "Thriller" performances. I though that was pretty wild. Who would have thought?

Aaron, I'm sure that it's somewhat overwhelming being on a team with a bunch of college kids, but let me tell you this, you are good enough to play on any team in the country. Do you remember that feeling when I was a junior and we won the state championship and you ran out and gave me a hug and how badly you wanted to play? Do you remember all the hard work you have put in to get to where you are at now? Can you remember hour after hour of taking ground balls, of batting practice, and of all the running and exercise you have done? All the blood, the sweat, the pain, the blisters on your hands, the sprained ankles, and all the people who told you that you weren't good enough? Look how far you've come and just try and tell me you can't do it, because I KNOW THAT YOU CAN. Do you feel at this moment in time that you are your true self? Or do you feel boxed in and completely stranded? What does the spirit within you drive your soul to do? Are you following your heart? Can you feel the obstacles melt away as you ponder who you really are deep down inside? Don't give in bro, I'm here for you and I know that it will all work out. You are my brother and you always will be so; no matter what happens you have me and you have all your family. One more thing I want you to think about: what do you think the biggest change in your life will be when you are able to know what your purpose here on this earth is? When you consider what things you are meant to accomplish...do you perceive greatness? Or do you see yourself lost in obscurity? If you will prepare yourself to receive your patriarchal blessing you will be able to have answers to these questions and so much more. Do not miss the opportunity to receive your very own personal road map of life while you are still young. It will guide you through every trial you face and give you aid when you think there is none. I know so because that is what mine does for me. Keep going, Aaron, I am so proud of you and how far you have come. I hope you know how much I care for you. All will be well, brother, just keep going.

Billy, I'm excited to hear how well you are doing. I can just picture you out on the field, taking in every part of the game and cherishing every single moment. It goes by quickly, so don't miss anything :) When you look to next season, where do you see yourself on the team? Can you picture being out there next May in the State Championship game, the grass cut short, infield perfectly raked and the stadium full of people excited to see you play? Can you imagine the feeling it will be when you win? Keep working hard and those things can be yours. Don't let anything stop you from getting there, not even yourself. Just think how happy you'll be on that last day to know that you have given all that you have to give. I love you, Billy and I'm so happy that you're having so much fun and enjoying what you do. Soon enough I'll be able to watch you play again, and I can't wait till that day. So until that point, keep having fun because that is what matters most and if you do that, baseball will always be something to look forward to. Go get em' bro!

Anyhow, things are going well right now. Elder Brown and I will have a lot of fun this transfer, I'm sure. It will be weird for President Newman to go home and it will be weird to have a new mission president coming. We basically have already had our last goodbye's with President Newman and when President Barry comes he will come visit each of our zones so we can meet him. Other than that, it's about all I know. As far as my hands go, I guess they are kind of cleared up. After freezing them, they have definitely shrunk, but I don't think they have completely left yet. I may have to do another treatment, we'll see. I did get Marielle's package, and the rice krispie treats were yummy! Me and my companion have been munching them down haha! I got Macey's cool story as well, and I enjoyed hearing about the "not so beautiful sleeping beauty". I thought it was written really well and I laughed through the entire thing! Go Macey! I don't think there is anything I need at this very moment, except I do need you to get that book and read it Mom :) I know you'll be glad you did! Tell everyone that I love them and that I hope they have a good week. Happy 41st Birthday coming up, Dad! And Happy 42nd Birthday coming up, Michelle!

Love you~

Austin

Ps. Don't you think it's strange that Dad is 41 and Kendall is 14? All you gotta do is flip the numbers around, haha. How cool! Love you :)

Mia Theresa Baptized

Lake Butler, FL

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, & Everyone~

First things first, Mom, I have discovered a new book...the book is called, "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life". I think you should get it. :) It's written by Wendy Watson Nelson, who is Elder Nelson's wife. Cool book. I like it. But, one more thing, when you read it, make sure you have a notepad nearby--it is very necessary. Truly, if you change your questions, you'll change your life. You'll see what I mean as soon as you get it!

Back to the important things (not that that book isn't important), I'm glad to hear you were able to go to President and Sister Barry's farewell and that you enjoyed it so much. It is neat to hear that the scripture that gave Sister Barry comfort was the one I have on my picture. Doctrine & Covenants 68:6 is a good verse, and the more I think about it, the more thankful I am that that is the one I have on my plaque.

Yesterday we had a baptism. Her name is Mia Theresa and she is one of the most solid individuals I have ever been able to take part in teaching. She is the one whom I have made slight mention in the past. She has been reading and praying, and doing all within her power to come closer to the Lord. She quit smoking and after a few trying days the Lord took her desire to smoke completely away. A week and a half ago we gave her a blessing, well her grandfather gave her a blessing, and in it he said that the Lord would make it easy for her to quit. And now we see that the Lord fulfilled His promise and it was because Mia overcame the trial of her faith.

So, all in all, things are going well here in Florida. I will be staying in Lake Butler another transfer and my companion will be leaving. For some reason or another, all my companions aside from Elder Pelo have been six week companions. Who knows who my next one will be, but I'm sure he'll be good. If not, then he will be by the end :) (I'm trying to see the glass half full). It is pretty crazy to see President Newman go, but I am certain that President Barry will be perfect. And yes, President Newman is a "firecracker"...but President Barry will fit in just right. I do know that I am very grateful for all that President Newman has done for me. I know he has helped me to be confident in who I am, and has helped to give me the strength to stick up for myself and my beliefs. For that, I am forever grateful.

Before I leave, tell all the dads Happy Father's Day for me! I hope it was a good one! I hear Grandpa made some pretty good salmon cooked with some "other" stuff. Tell everyone that I love them and hope they are doing well! Until next time, I love you and I'll talk to you soon! Again, Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Love~

Austin

ps. I will be sure to tell Brother Peacock thank you! I was so excited that he called as well--I wanted to shout something out, but I figured I'd better not...I didn't want to get in trouble.

Darn Tree Frogs...

6.14.10
Lake Butler, FL

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, & Everyone~

Sounds like last week was pretty eventful--I can't believe the crazy weather that is going on in the world lately. Apparently, at least I heard, and besides the oil spill which I also just heard about, there was an earthquake in India. I have yet to see flooding in Utah, so I guess you'll just have to enjoy it for me. I guess food storage IS important. Things are going well here in Florida, although it has been very hot. I think the average temperature has been 94 degrees, but with extremely high humidity--and a few days ago it got up to 104 degrees. We're cooking out here in the South!

Aside from the exciting weather, the missionary work in Lake Butler is in a forward motion. For the coming week we have two baptisms scheduled and both of these individuals are doing so well. It is amazing to see how much they have been able to grow these past few weeks and it is because they are taking the steps necessary to gain a testimony and all we do is invite and give them the opportunity to decide, and they take it. The Spirit is a powerful tool, and without it, all of our teaching would be useless; but we have been working extremely hard to be worthy of that Spirit and because of it we are able to teach in ways that we haven't ever been able to do before. I can also say the scriptures have opened up in ways that I have also never known. One of the things that has always boggled my mind was how General Authorities were always able to pull a story out of the scriptures they read, when seemingly there is hardly any detail. I mean, when you read a novel you can tell all the twists and turns, yet sometimes with the scriptures it is hard to visualize that story.

Well, recently I was able to see just how perfectly the scriptures were placed together. It was an incredible thing to witness and it happened as I was studying to teach the early morning seminary class. We had been asked to attend so that we could get to know the youth of the ward a little better, and the seminary teacher asked us to teach for one of the lessons. It was on infant baptism in Moroni 8; let me tell you as I read that chapter I had no idea what to teach the class...So I studied and studied some more and finally it all came together. I discussed what I had learned with Elder Bagley and at first he was a little skeptical, but as I showed him and reasoned with him, he too was able to see the incredible truths I had discovered. It was really a neat experience for both the both of us. Perhaps I'll let you try and discover what me and my companion discovered as well. That way it will be more interesting and exciting. Let's just say that it connects the purpose of Moroni 7 to Moroni 9--and how chapters 7-9 teach us about the importance of certain divine characteristics which enabled Christ to do what He did. Sounds fun, doesn't it? :)

One of the lessons I learned from this study was how important it was to ask questions about what you read and then using a pen and paper to write down those questions, and to ponder the answer. I realized that the more questions you ask, the more knowledge you gain. In order to ask good questions you need to study so you can have the knowledge to ask good questions. Prayer unlocks the ability to find these questions and answers and the Spirit teaches you the truth as you study with an open mind and heart. Sunday I got to teach the 14 & 15 year old Sunday school class and we had a lot of fun. It is crazy to think of all the things you learn as you actually take the time to prepare and ponder on the lessons. Hopefully I can maintain this attitude throughout my life; as long as I'm persistent I think I'll be okay.

Anyhow, things are going well and they will continue to go well. One other lesson I learned the importance of good friendships--I'll explain another time, if I remember. Read this month's Ensign article Elder Bednar wrote and you may get an idea of what I learned. There is another article that talks about the need to not be in such a hurry, also a good one.

Anyways, my time is running short, but I want each of you to know I love you and am grateful for all that you do. I finally got the pictures Grandpa sent of Aaron and Billy (playing baseball), and man, it was hard not to cry--it is strange how much you can miss just being there. I'm glad to know that we can always be together because being on a mission would be too difficult if that weren't true. Tell Trisha and Glen thanks for their funny emails. It's always good to have some humor in your life! Tell everyone hello for me and tell them I love them. I'll talk to you soon and I hope you have a wonderful week! :)

Love~

Austin

ps. first time in my life, I have been subject to itching and annoying warts on my hands--I thought they were insect bites, but I guess not. Apparently frog urine can give them to you and I just so happened to get pissed on by a couple tree frogs...what is the world coming to?! Haha. Oh well, I 'm going to freeze them off anyways, so it isn't so much a problem as it is irritating. Also, I made the cake with the Heath Bar Bits and I shared it with everyone again, everyone loved it. I think Skor bar cake may well be the best cake ever, Mom. It's crazy though, no one has ever had anything quite like it before, but everyone enjoys it! Love you!

Doomed to Look Like His Grandpa...

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron (Mr. I'm done with high school, sweet!), Billy, Kendall, and Everyone~

First and foremost, I can't believe you're finally done with school, Aaron! I hope you had a wonderful night celebrating the end of homework--for a time--and the start of a new life. Soon you'll be off to college, and probably have a whole year done before I get back...crazy guy. Congratulations on making it through...and alive!

Secondly, I got a hold of Natey Boy and let me tell you he has changed a lot! His words are much softer and sweeter...you can tell the sincerity of the things he writes. Here are some of his words:

"Yesterday we were tracting and we talked to this very nice family and they were of some other different faith and they asked us 'How do you have the courage to go out and share the gospel with others?'. And when they asked us that I thought about that and I have asked myself that since I got here. I mean nothing of what I have ever done in my life. Here you talk to at least 50 or more people from tracting each day that you never met before. It's definitely the spirit. When they asked me that question I told them first before you can walk on water you need to leave the boat and have faith that you can do it. Faith leads to action and that is what gives us the courage to do what we do and never fear what may happen cause fear is the opposite of faith. They told us they admire us for what we are doing."

I thought it was pretty neat. Nathan is a good man and I know he'll continue to do well. I find it interesting so many of us are getting sent to the East coast. I believe Chase's mission is bordering my northern boundary, but I'm not sure. Either way, I think it is cool that all of us are so close together. Spencer is left to take over California on his own, but that's okay, he can do it! But be sure to tell Chase congratulations on his call and that I'll be waiting for him here on the other side of his mission! I really can't believe Chase and Robbie are going to be there [the MTC] at the same time, however, how exciting is that?!

There have been some storms since last week, yet most involve torrential downpours rather than the explosion of thunder and lightning. Nevertheless, it certainly has been raining quite a bit lately. Many of the people we have met have said the weather is out of character, but then again, I wouldn't really know. I enjoy the rain. I don't necessarily love getting wet because of the rain, but I still enjoy watching it. Sometimes it's as if the rain appears out of nowhere as though the key to the floodgates in heaven were turned and all the water dropped down upon us. I don't know why, but (random fact, literally two seconds ago my companion and I were coerced into taking a picture for the library wearing rabbit ears for the summer children's program..I swear, sometimes I just have to wonder) the rain just likes to pour out here in Lake Butler.

On Saturday I was able to go and take part in the baptism of some of my very first investigators that I met in Jacksonville. I don't know if you remember the names Brian and Erica and their two year old daughter, Patience--but they finally got married and finally they were baptized. It was such a neat thing to be a part of. Little Patience was sick and so during a break I was able to give her a blessing. That was a special experience, especially considering a few months before I had given her a blessing because she had the flu (this was in Normandy, just in case you weren't sure). After the baptism, which Elder Pelo performed, I was able to confirm Erica a member of the church. Brian was going to do his during Sacrament meeting and Erica did hers early because she might not have been able to attend church the following day because of work. Anyhow, I was glad to see them and how much they have grown over the past five or so months I'd been gone (perhaps not that many, I can't remember). We took one of the young men with us and his name is Albert Brand. He has a brother serving in the SLC South Mission, he was in West Valley area last I heard and is currently the Assistant to the President. Perhaps you'll get the chance to meet him? They've got a good family and they've been kind enough to feed us just about every week.

The ward is still taking care of us in all we do. During fast and testimony meeting one of the members got up and spoke of how thankful she was to have us in the ward, and especially to have us over at her and her husband's home and the influence we were for her young children and the sweet spirit we brought with us every time we stopped by. I thought that was really nice of her. Me and Elder Bagley have spent a lot of time trying to build up the ward and although some missionaries think we ought to be spending all of our time knocking on doors, I feel that we have been doing well to visit and do our best to take care of the ward. Within the next few weeks we should be having a couple of baptisms, both of which come from part-member homes. I'll let you know more about them next Monday, but for now let's just say they are well on their way. It is amazing to see just how much the Spirit can touch a person's life and change it for the better--if only more people were willing to listen then everyone would be able to see changes in their own lives. Too bad it isn't always the case...

Aside from being fed almost every other day, I haven't been able to cook as often as I would like, but this morning I did fix German pancakes for the Waters' family (where we do our laundry). They turned out kind of interesting, though. They still tasted fine and everyone liked them, but it came out more like a cake than anything else. The texture was very spongy. If I had to guess, and I may be totally wrong, but I think it could be there was just too much flour. Mom, I'm sure you have some thoughts :) I also made mapeline syrup and they all liked that as well, so I left them with the leftover syrup. Today, hopefully I'll be able to make another skor bar cake. I have got all the ingredients, now I just need to do it.

...I have noticed unfortunately, that my back has been killing me lately. I'm not sure why, but more often than usual I'll move around and my back will seize up and send my whole body through a wonderful shock of pain. Who knows...but I hope it will go away! Don't worry too much about it though, it isn't enough to send me to the hospital or anything, it just hurts. I have found I relate to old people much better because we can each complain about how great our backs feel together. Perhaps I can start a fun discussion with somebody and then turn around and teach them a lesson, haha.

...Other than that, I'm good. If you want to start making things again, I welcome your cooking Mom. Whatever you feel inspired to make I'm sure will be perfect. But I miss the treats you make from home :) and if I get too carried away, I can always share them with the neighbors--I guarantee they'd love them!

Tell everyone hello for me and that I hope they're doing well. Tell Grandpa Harold I hope his treatments turn out well. Also, you can tell Grandpa MacKay that I saw a recent picture of myself and it reminded me of some of the younger pictures that had been taken of him! I guess he was right, I'm doomed to grow up and look like him!!! :) hahaha!

I Love You,

Austin

Thunder, Lightning and Baking Up a Storm

5.31.10

Dear Home~

It's good to hear that things are still positive and looking up, aside from all the crazy things going on in our family and the world. Tell Grandpa Harold that I hope he is doing well and that I love him. I don't have much on my mind right at this moment, or maybe it's just I have a lot on my mind and can't figure out how to focus! Who knows?

Lake Butler is doing well and things are moving right along, albeit at the pace of a snail, nevertheless, they're moving. There are many struggling youth in the ward, particularly the young men, and so, Bishop Cabral, as well as many others in the ward, are going to have us spend as much time as we can with the young men. Hopefully we can help. I can say that it's been a while since I've been in a ward where I'm around a group of young men right about my age--it's almost like being on a team again, but not quite.

Last night we had a pretty hard storm come through the area and it was a lot of fun to watch. Me and Elder Bagley tried to do our best to film lightning as it came out of the sky and every once in a while we got lucky. Elder Bagley could feel the electricity in the air, but for whatever reason, I didn't notice it as much. Maybe my body isn't as sensitive to such things as his body. It was interesting to watch the thunder clouds as the wind blew them by--for a time I thought I saw the clouds start to rotate, as if by chance to produce a nice little funnel cloud, but no such luck. They just blew on past and then rained on us. It's always fun to listen to the powerful roar of the thunder and to watch bolts of lightning light up the entire sky. More than likely it's going to storm again tonight and perhaps even the next few days, but all is well, I enjoy the view.

I made the Lehi Roller Mills brownies and shared them with some of our neighbors and they seemed to love them! I baked them just about the perfect amount of time. I had an issue as I mixed it together, unfortunately I couldn't find the automatic mixer, so I eventually had to resort to a fork...and then even my hands. The batter was very thick and stubborn. I had difficulty using anything other than the fork, but it all worked out. I bet with mint frosting, the brownies would have been perfect. Next week I'm going to make breakfast for the family who lets us do laundry at their home. I'm going to make them some German pancakes. Hopefully, if all goes according to plan, they like it. :) I'm also going to make a skor bar cake again soon and either give it to another family who cooks us dinner all the time, or just share it with the other missionaries in our district, or maybe I'll just share it with whoever wants some. Our landlord was very impressed that I "know" how to cook--I still don't feel that I'm there, but I'm doing my best to introduce home to Florida. Slowly but surely Utah flavor will take over the world ;) but then again, whether we want that to happen or not is entirely another question, haha!

Anyhow, big wheels keep on rolling and the mission continues. Tune in for next weeks' adventures Monday afternoon.

Love~

Austin

Elder Nelson Visits Jacksonville

5.24.10

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, & Everyone~

I'm sorry to hear the [baseball] team took 2nd, but I'm glad to hear Aaron hit a home run in the same place I did. I hope he is doing well. It's tough to lose and I almost want to sit here and cry for him...but I've certainly been praying for him all week and I'm glad to hear that he played his best...

I've been getting somewhat difficult letters these past few days...first Grandma Mary told me of Kevin's weapon jamming, and then from you, his humvee was bombed... Oh, how I hate to hear such sad things...I can only imagine how he must be feeling. But, on the brighter side, he still has feelings. He's still alive. His body will never be the same, nor will his outlook on life, but his heart will always be there. Kevin is a good man and although he is in the most precarious situation he has ever been in before, I know he will be okay. My heart and prayers are with him, and so are many, many others. The Lord will protect him and bring him home.

Elder Nelson read us a scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants...concerning our families. He sensed that many of us in the audience were troubled with things going on back home, that some of us had been praying and fasting for their welfare and so he showed us what the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith concerning Thomas B. Marsh and his family:

1 [Insert your name here], my [son/daughter], blessed are you because of your faith in my work.
2 Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones'; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church.
3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.
4 You shall declare the things which have been revealed to my servant, Joseph Smith, Junior. You shall begin to preach from this time forth, yea, to reap in the field which is white already to be burned.
5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.
6 Behold, verily I say unto you, go from them only for a little time, and declare my word, and I will prepare a place for them...

After Elder Nelson read these words, I knew everything would work out with our family. I knew we would be okay. "Your family shall live" is the phrase that struck me. Consider what the Lord means when he tells Thomas B. Marsh his family shall live, then perhaps you will see why those words meant so much to me.

I love all of you and I know everything will work together for our eventual good. Until next week, I hope and wish the best for you.

Love~

Austin