3.21.11

Fleming Island/Orange Park

Dear Family~

I am grateful to see that our family is doing so well. I am always amazed at how far we come each week. All of us are growing and reaching new heights daily. I thought it interesting to read about John Martinez being talked about across the the U.S. and still knowing that he is my friend. I saw a picture of he, Isi Sofele, Kenni Kaufusi, and Stanley Havili all standing together in their university uniforms--they looked to be having as much fun now as they did when they [were playing high school football]. I'm happy they are happy!

Johnathan and Michael's baptism was wonderful. They were both so happy! After coming out of the water both had grins plastered to their faces that could not be removed for the remainder of the day! In fact, at Church yesterday, though I may not have seen a continual grin on each of their faces the entire day, I could see that they were both smiling from inside--they were at peace and both felt great contentment and happiness. Brook and Jacen (3 yr. old) were also happy. It has been a great blessing to see their family come together in harmony and peace. Brook and Johnathan are determined to bring the gospel to the rest of their family...I think they simply cannot contain the joy they feel. Each time we speak with them they always tell us "thank you for bringing us the gospel." I wish I could understand the depth of their gratitude and joy. They have found a hope they didn't know they could have, or that even existed. I stand in awe as I witness the Atonement work in their lives. The power the Lord has to change the hearts of men in unfathomable. It makes me realize how unowrthy I am for all the blessings I've been given and why the Lord would allow me to come to such a place to share His gospel. I wish I could experience this power and feel the change take place in their live. Oh, how it hurts when those we speak with deny the great blessings they could have...

If only all could recognize that there is a God who lives in Heaven and He loves us...and that we are His children...His power is evident in all things and yet people turn from it and deny the truth! Why, after experiencing such great love and comfort could anyone ever go away from the joy of the gospel? The world is such a cold, dark place, but Heavenly Father is there to warm our broken hearts and help us to smile. If we could all know that Jesus Christ lived for us and died to save us from darkness, wouldn't more of us be happy? Wouldn't we all want to receive all He has given us? Why not?

Missions are hard because it causes you to suffer when you cannot help another to openly receive all that they can have. How helpless I sometimes feel when I see others walking down the streets, not knowing what to do to help them find their way in their own search for happiness.

Patience, long-suffering, and love are the only things that will ever help. President Uchtdorf, for the monthly First Presidency article in the Ensign, talked about looking for the good in ourselves and others. Everyone has something good within them...sometimes it gets covered in tar, becomes hard to see...and is painful to remove...but they are nevertheless worth loving because they too are Heavenly Father's children. There may be more darkness than light within our own souls, but God still centers His focus on the light and carefully watches over it so that it may grow brighter. I know there is much that I don't understand and perhaps may never so long as I live, but one thing I do know, that love is the only answer. And that because of Jesus we can be filled with love.

Tell everyone I love them. :) I know the time is soon that I will be home again...it is certainly different to think about...but each of you has always felt so close to me throughout my mission, though we are so far apart. When I return it will be as though I never left.

Love~
Austin

ps. I shaved my own head a couple days ago. It turned out pretty good! I also received a painful toe infection this week and discovered while at the office of the podiatrist that I had more ingrown toenail that hadn't been removed yet, to be removed. He got it out alright, without any painkillers or anything! :)