Moving on is hard to do...

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