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 :)
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