Missionary Work

Palatka, FL

Dear Mom, Dad, Aaron, Billy, Kendall, Family & Friends~

Thanks for the uplifting email, Mom. :)

I am quite positive that I've been needing some of that lately. Sometimes I think that life can be really difficult. I don't always know why that is the case, but that is just the way it seems to have been for me the past little while. However, moving past the difficult times, I think things might be on the upswing here in Palatka, Florida. I'm not sure what to expect in the coming weeks as far as missionary work goes, but finally [this week] we were able to meet with our Ward Mission Leader and Bishop for the first time. It really helps when you have their support as a missionary, because without it, you might as well not even start. Or rather, start with a focus on finding new people. The goal immediately has to be changed to earning the trust of the Membership. Visiting members, getting to know their names, serving the members, and most importantly, ALWAYS being a good example are key to building trust in the ward. At this time, that apparently needs to be our focus. However, and very thankfully, our Bishop seems very willing to help us and to let us help him.

My sickness seems to be on the downswing, finally. I went back to the doctor's last week and they put me on a different antibiotic. It seems to be working. I think it is called Amox-Clav Potassium Tablets, but anyway, the pills are huge. They also had me take Mucinex -D. Hopefully within the next few days, or week, it will all clear up!

I am glad to hear Uncle Mike got called as a Bishop. I think he will be great! I enjoyed being able to go on hikes with him last summer and it was always good for me to be able to talk with him. He always knew what to say to help me the most. I know he will be able to do the same for the people he now has the opportunity to serve. Tell him and Aunt Jenni, and my favorite little cousins Evan and Nora, that I love them and that I know they'll be wonderful.

I think I know one reason [Mike's stake president] spoke to Aaron--nearly one of the first things President Monson said during General Conference was that every young man should prepare themselves to serve a mission and then to be faithful to go and serve when they are the right age. I was surprised that was one of the first things he said, but as I have thought about it, I understand why (obviously not as well as he does, though). All I have to do is take a look in the mirror and see how I have grown and changed over the past year to know that a mission can work miracles in someone's life. Of course, if you are serving for the wrong motivation or reasons, it may not be as great an experience, if not damaging. I do know that I would never take back the decision I have made to serve a mission if all the money in the world were offered to me. The testimony I have earned through being on a mission is worth more than this world has to offer. I know I have a lot of room to grow, but I am forever grateful that I can serve and that the Lord has allowed me to help in His great work. Truly, missionary work is one of the greatest blessings I have ever been given.

Elder Lucas is doing well. It is kind of surprising that we are almost more than halfway with our first transfer together. I don't know where the time has gone. He has grown a lot these past few weeks and is doing a good job with his efforts.

I only have ten minutes left, so I better hurry and finish. I am glad you were able to talk with Coach Crawford. Those were some very kind things of him to say. Perhaps maybe when I come home I will help coach, you never know. I hope the team continues to do well and I am glad to know that Billy is going to get the opportunities he needs to be able to succeed. I know Billy will be great and I can't wait to be able to watch him play on my team. Tell Aaron, Billy, and Kendall I love them and hope they have a good week. I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. Until next week, I wish the best for each of you. I pray always that Heavenly Father will watch over and protect you, my family.

Love~

Austin