Palatka, FL
Dear Family~
This past week went really well. Our district led the mission in convert baptisms this past month. Patrick and Cole were both baptized and the program went perfectly. President Barry was actually able to speak at Patrick and Cole's baptism. Unfortunately, however, I have discovered that I am now on my way to my next new area. I am sad to go, especially since Palatka has come to feel like home, but oh well--when it is time to move on, it is time to move on. I knew it was coming.
From last Monday to this Monday, I have undergone a mix of emotions, from great joy to deep sorrow. I hate to have to leave because I have come to love the people here. It was a longer process for me to get used to Palatka than Lake Butler, but it has been the best time I have had on my mission. Don't get me wrong, I love Lake Butler, but as much as I grew there, I grew a lot more here. I think being called to be a District Leader is what sparked the greatest amount of growth within me and I am sure there were other things also, but I have been pushed to my limits with this assignment. I have experienced, up to this point, the greatest ups and downs in my mission here in Palatka. But having my heart wrenched in many directions and my body broken and bruised, my mind burdened with intense stress, my spirit has been refined and cultivated and now I feel more capable than ever to accomplish the purposes God has sent me to this earth to fulfill. Whatever they may be, wherever they may take place, I feel prepared to go to battle.
I will still be serving as District Leader, but somewhere else with some other companion. Elder Pelo called me today and told me I was going to go to a good area with a good companion. I'm not sure if that is what he says to everyone or not, but honestly, I'm not worried. I think every companion is a good companion and every area a good area. It is entirely dependent upon your outlook and your willingness to take on any challenge or circumstance that may or will come. Life is much happier when you choose to love everyone. :)
I was thankful to be able to spend what little time I had to serve with Elder Rasmussen, but the time has come to move on. He has been a good companion. It is interesting to note how similar the two of us are and yet how differently we respond to challenge and adversity. I learned from him the importance of being direct when directness is needed, whereas he learned from me the importance of speaking with softness when directness isn't needed. Loose cannon meets smooth sailor. I'm calm and collected, he's ready to explode. Life is great! Our personalities meshed well together and we learned much from each other. I am sad to leave him, but I am grateful for the things I've learned from him. I know he'll be fine and do well whatever happens to him.
When it comes to the people of Palatka, I have had a wonderful time getting to know each of them. I was thoroughly disappointed when I was told it was time to leave because I have made many good friends here, I don't feel ready to see them go. I told them that I would come back with each of you again, however, it is still tough to go. I felt as though I was really starting to get to know the people here and to build relationships with them, but as soon as those relationships are at the cusp of completion, the Lord calls you elsewhere. Contentment might be a reason. But I think the biggest reason is that now the area is ready for whoever comes next, and it is time for their influence. You do all you can, and when you are done you move on. I don't see myself ever forgetting the people here--hopefully we might always be friends.
I had to laugh when I heard about Aurie attempting to teach the fiery little Sunbeams (3 year-olds). I guess they weren't quiet, cute, and cuddly as she might have expected! Children are wild! One moment it is this and the next it is some other thing. Their minds are racing from one thing to the other in a continuous thirst for knowledge and growth. Coming to this earth must truly be a new experience for those who previously dwelt with Heavenly Father! I guess to a small degree I can understand why Heavenly Father will not hold his children accountable until the age of eight, so much stimulation and so little understanding of how to control their environment would make it difficult to judge a little one. Life is certainly a process of refinement. President Smith, while I was at the MTC said, "Self-mastery is the essence of godhood". That is why we are here, to learn to master ourselves in every way. Sadly, for those who do not understand, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only plan sufficient to make this happen and the gift of the Holy Ghost is the only thing that can permanently change us from a natural and fallen state, to a perfected state. From child to adult--what a transition!--and only possible through the Atonement. President Barry said that the Savior paid for our education here on earth. I thought that was an insightful statement. To me education defined means being given the opportunity to test one's abilities while at the same time having the opportunity to learn from mistakes, becoming better through the journey, not at once.
I love each of you and am excited to hear about all the fun things your are doing. Billy--a "fullet" (fullet = faux-hawk mullet...in case you were wondering)? You are crazy, you know that?! But if anyone could ever pull it off, you can. :) I hope all goes well with baseball, Aaron. Stay fired up and you'll play soon enough. Let me know how it goes, alright?! KJ, my favorite sister :) You are an amazing dancer. I love you! I hope you are well Mom and Dad. Thanks for the weekly Robbs' Report. I look forward to the next one. :)
Love~
Austin
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Happy President's Day!
Palatka, FL
Dear Family~
I hope each of you have a wonderful President's Day as well! It was a little difficult finding a computer to use this morning, but the library happened to be open, so we are good to go. Mission life is going well. I am learning much about service as well, Mom! Surprise, surprise :) I like the idea behind, it however. When you think outside yourself, let go of your own problems, and seek to strengthen and bless the lives of others, your days are much happier and your personal burdens float away.
I was asked to give a talk in our last Zone Conference, which I thought turned out well enough. I wasn't expecting to speak, but it was a good thing I was prepared. Elder Pelo called me up to speak right after another missionary, and I happened to be in the restroom as I was assigned. Similar to being put in the game with little or no warning. I hurriedly got back to the room and prepared for action. I was happy to share my thoughts with the zone. I wasn't nervous or anything, just thankful to be a part of the show.
I've had several missionaries tell me as of late that I have exceptional writing skills. I don't know why this seems to be the case, because I wouldn't consider myself that "exceptionally" talented at writing. But it is nice to be complimented. Of course, there are others who have so graciously applauded some of the things I have written (namely you, and family, and friends)--I think whatever the case may be, I got it from you, Mom. You wrote most of my reports growing up anyways. :)
We have a possibility of two baptisms coming up this weekend. Patrick, who is eleven, and Cole, who is nine. We've been working on coming up with ways to teach them most effectively since they are so much younger than everyone else we are used to teaching. Simplicity is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, therefore, we have decided simplicity will be the mode of our teaching henceforth, but especially for Patrick and Cole. Elder Oaks said that to be brief and powerful is key to effective gospel teaching. In Preach My Gospel it says that true genius is to take a complex thought and to explain it so simply a child can understand, or perhaps not misunderstand. The Spirit works more powerfully in plainness, and in the Book of Mormon it says that the Lord delights in speaking in terms of plainness to His people, after the "manner of their own language".
Honing in a complex mind and using it to simplify and not complicate is, and ever has been my test. Elder McFarland pointed that out to me yesterday over the phone and he challenged me to use my ultra-concentrated mind and learn to simplify. He invited me to use thirty minutes to finish my training at District Meeting--no matter if the lesson called for longer (i.e. this coming lesson is supposed to take at least an hour and a half of training). I like the idea. Succinct. Precise. Powerful.
I think Grandpa MacKay is a good example of using few words to paint a broad picture.
Another thought:
Obedience unlocks the door to freedom. The purpose of life is to have joy. Joy requires freedom. Life is to be lived and loved. Obedience makes all such possible.
I have decided that whatever I do, I am going to always be obedient to the gospel. And in so doing, I am always going to love my life. Prayer, scripture study, service, and hard work are a few fundamentals of joyous living. Jesus Christ made it possible for us us to have joy, so joy is what I'm aiming for. My point being--Elder McArthur, one of my missionaries, has almost convinced me that I should go with him to BYU-Hawaii. I thought about it, and I like the idea. We can discuss more later. I guess the big thing is, I have always striven to choose the right, but I haven't always allowed myself to be happy. I think I want to try something new. Something I don't think I would have ever considered. Perhaps it will work and maybe it will be fun. As long as I do what I'm supposed to do, I can always find joy. :)
Mosiah 2:41
"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week. I hope that Aaron, Billy, and Kendall are able to continue to enjoy themselves and to live happily. I pray for you, Mom and Dad, and am grateful for all you do for me. I am thankful to be your son and to be able to serve a mission. Tell everyone I love them and that I also hope they will have a great week as well.
Love~
Austin
Dear Family~
I hope each of you have a wonderful President's Day as well! It was a little difficult finding a computer to use this morning, but the library happened to be open, so we are good to go. Mission life is going well. I am learning much about service as well, Mom! Surprise, surprise :) I like the idea behind, it however. When you think outside yourself, let go of your own problems, and seek to strengthen and bless the lives of others, your days are much happier and your personal burdens float away.
I was asked to give a talk in our last Zone Conference, which I thought turned out well enough. I wasn't expecting to speak, but it was a good thing I was prepared. Elder Pelo called me up to speak right after another missionary, and I happened to be in the restroom as I was assigned. Similar to being put in the game with little or no warning. I hurriedly got back to the room and prepared for action. I was happy to share my thoughts with the zone. I wasn't nervous or anything, just thankful to be a part of the show.
I've had several missionaries tell me as of late that I have exceptional writing skills. I don't know why this seems to be the case, because I wouldn't consider myself that "exceptionally" talented at writing. But it is nice to be complimented. Of course, there are others who have so graciously applauded some of the things I have written (namely you, and family, and friends)--I think whatever the case may be, I got it from you, Mom. You wrote most of my reports growing up anyways. :)
We have a possibility of two baptisms coming up this weekend. Patrick, who is eleven, and Cole, who is nine. We've been working on coming up with ways to teach them most effectively since they are so much younger than everyone else we are used to teaching. Simplicity is the beauty of Heavenly Father's plan, therefore, we have decided simplicity will be the mode of our teaching henceforth, but especially for Patrick and Cole. Elder Oaks said that to be brief and powerful is key to effective gospel teaching. In Preach My Gospel it says that true genius is to take a complex thought and to explain it so simply a child can understand, or perhaps not misunderstand. The Spirit works more powerfully in plainness, and in the Book of Mormon it says that the Lord delights in speaking in terms of plainness to His people, after the "manner of their own language".
Honing in a complex mind and using it to simplify and not complicate is, and ever has been my test. Elder McFarland pointed that out to me yesterday over the phone and he challenged me to use my ultra-concentrated mind and learn to simplify. He invited me to use thirty minutes to finish my training at District Meeting--no matter if the lesson called for longer (i.e. this coming lesson is supposed to take at least an hour and a half of training). I like the idea. Succinct. Precise. Powerful.
I think Grandpa MacKay is a good example of using few words to paint a broad picture.
Another thought:
Obedience unlocks the door to freedom. The purpose of life is to have joy. Joy requires freedom. Life is to be lived and loved. Obedience makes all such possible.
I have decided that whatever I do, I am going to always be obedient to the gospel. And in so doing, I am always going to love my life. Prayer, scripture study, service, and hard work are a few fundamentals of joyous living. Jesus Christ made it possible for us us to have joy, so joy is what I'm aiming for. My point being--Elder McArthur, one of my missionaries, has almost convinced me that I should go with him to BYU-Hawaii. I thought about it, and I like the idea. We can discuss more later. I guess the big thing is, I have always striven to choose the right, but I haven't always allowed myself to be happy. I think I want to try something new. Something I don't think I would have ever considered. Perhaps it will work and maybe it will be fun. As long as I do what I'm supposed to do, I can always find joy. :)
Mosiah 2:41
"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
I love each of you and wish you a wonderful week. I hope that Aaron, Billy, and Kendall are able to continue to enjoy themselves and to live happily. I pray for you, Mom and Dad, and am grateful for all you do for me. I am thankful to be your son and to be able to serve a mission. Tell everyone I love them and that I also hope they will have a great week as well.
Love~
Austin
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day
Palatka, FL
Dear Family~
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I'm sorry to hear that last week's email didn't go through. That is a little frustrating, however, life continues on. This is another one of those weeks where I don't have much time to write, but I'll be as informative as possible.
Kerry's baptism went very well last week and so did his confirmation on Sunday. He is excited and happy to be a member of this Church. His friend, Larry, the one who baptized and confirmed him, is so pleased to have his long time friend as a brother in the Church. Considering Kerry's background, which I or my companion couldn't hope to fully understand or know, Brother Larry sees the massive change in Kerry's life. Kerry is full of light and joy and I am grateful to have been part of the teaching process and to watch him grow in the gospel.
Today we've played a little basketball already! I won a couple games of lightning, which was fun. I know I'm still not the best, but why not go for broke--what's the worst that could happen? I lose? I am already expected to fail, so what's the point of giving up?! Some of the missionaries are pretty good at basketball and are also very competitive, but I'll give 'em a run for their money if they aren't careful. :)
I'm excited to hear about the upcoming baseball season. Aaron off to Colorado! I can't believe it! I like this quote: "Light a match and set yourself on fire, and people from every corner of the world will come and watch." One of the High Council representatives, who is a very successful businessman shared that with us. Tell Billy good luck with his basketball and also his baseball season: Will Smith said this concerning success: "I am not the best at my job there is, there are plenty better. But put me up against the best there is, and one of two things will happen--number one, I am going to win; number two, I am going to die trying." Tell KJ to keep up the good work, even if starting from scratch is somewhat aggravating--the foundation she will lay for herself through her hard work will bless her forever.
My shoes are still in decent condition. I've tried to take care of them. There are, of course, a few minor cuts and scratches on my shoes. I guess they are kind of beat down--but they will survive the remainder of my mission if I do my best to keep them "safe".
Tell Grandma and Grandpa congratulations on their anniversary for me! 46 years is incredible! And to think, they've got eternity to go. :) Tell them I love them and am grateful to be their grandchild. I hope the new wedding ring fits perfect and is exactly what they want!
I love each of you and hope that you will all have a good week and I look forward to talking to you next week! Tell Dad good luck with his Crossfit competition! Tell him his next challenger awaits him deep in the "jungles" of Florida, and is ever-preparing for the Crossfit war he didn't realize he was getting signed up for!
Love~
Austin
Dear Family~
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
I'm sorry to hear that last week's email didn't go through. That is a little frustrating, however, life continues on. This is another one of those weeks where I don't have much time to write, but I'll be as informative as possible.
Kerry's baptism went very well last week and so did his confirmation on Sunday. He is excited and happy to be a member of this Church. His friend, Larry, the one who baptized and confirmed him, is so pleased to have his long time friend as a brother in the Church. Considering Kerry's background, which I or my companion couldn't hope to fully understand or know, Brother Larry sees the massive change in Kerry's life. Kerry is full of light and joy and I am grateful to have been part of the teaching process and to watch him grow in the gospel.
Today we've played a little basketball already! I won a couple games of lightning, which was fun. I know I'm still not the best, but why not go for broke--what's the worst that could happen? I lose? I am already expected to fail, so what's the point of giving up?! Some of the missionaries are pretty good at basketball and are also very competitive, but I'll give 'em a run for their money if they aren't careful. :)
I'm excited to hear about the upcoming baseball season. Aaron off to Colorado! I can't believe it! I like this quote: "Light a match and set yourself on fire, and people from every corner of the world will come and watch." One of the High Council representatives, who is a very successful businessman shared that with us. Tell Billy good luck with his basketball and also his baseball season: Will Smith said this concerning success: "I am not the best at my job there is, there are plenty better. But put me up against the best there is, and one of two things will happen--number one, I am going to win; number two, I am going to die trying." Tell KJ to keep up the good work, even if starting from scratch is somewhat aggravating--the foundation she will lay for herself through her hard work will bless her forever.
My shoes are still in decent condition. I've tried to take care of them. There are, of course, a few minor cuts and scratches on my shoes. I guess they are kind of beat down--but they will survive the remainder of my mission if I do my best to keep them "safe".
Tell Grandma and Grandpa congratulations on their anniversary for me! 46 years is incredible! And to think, they've got eternity to go. :) Tell them I love them and am grateful to be their grandchild. I hope the new wedding ring fits perfect and is exactly what they want!
I love each of you and hope that you will all have a good week and I look forward to talking to you next week! Tell Dad good luck with his Crossfit competition! Tell him his next challenger awaits him deep in the "jungles" of Florida, and is ever-preparing for the Crossfit war he didn't realize he was getting signed up for!
Love~
Austin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
