Hey,
Nothing good is happening this week. Sleep is perfectly fine. It is my knees. So I got my new bike, and no knee problems, till maybe Tuesday. It felt as if they were grinding together again. Then on Thusday (or around then) my knee popped just above the knee-cap on my right leg. Since then I have been limping everywhere. It hurts to walk on it for a long time and biking is completely out of the picture now. If I go biking again, my knees will just get worse. Going up and down stairs is not good, especially if they do not have a rail or something to hold on to. I have been getting better lately and am able to walk much better, but still limping. It is likely that we will get a car.
Total on the bike is $600. It is a really good bike. It sold for nearly 65% off the price of a new one. It really does not help now that I cannot ride a bike anymore. If I were using it, I would be happy. But, since I am not, I am kinda frustrated.
That is really the only thing this week. I am still in my original area. Others count their transfers, I don't. It is too confusing. Friday was insane. We were basically stuck in the apartment, not able to do much of anything the entire time except study. We were getting cabin fever. We were able to get out of the house and get rides from people to places. When we got back, the house was full of people. Now I do mean full. Complete with kids running up and down the stairs with lightsabers and playing in our basement. We hunkered down in our room, unable to study because of the noise. Cabin fever made us go insane with all of that going on. This lasted for maybe two hours. After one hour though, the kids were forced upstairs. My mind basically whited out. Here I am, crippled, have cabin fever, and there is noise everywhere and you cannot study or get much of anything done. I was near the point of insanity.
As I said, this week was not good. I hope we can get a mode of transportation soon. By the way, the thing about Elder Packer. Aparently it was primarily towards that group. Many people in there are living beyond their means. I've noticed that here. Houses are at least 3,000 sq. feet. Some have two, one for warm weather and one for cold. That is basically it. I just hope I can get back to work soon. I feel as if I am holding things back because of this knee. I'll be alright...just my moods are down.
Love ya,
Elder Waller
We are concerned about the knee issue. I will have to call to get a better understanding.
Hey,
Forgot to mention something. The people here at the Family History Center are doing work on the Waller line. They found Great Grandpa Waller, his father and mother, some others, and also a line that no one has found out yet. Her name is Mary Land. She is the part of a line no one knew about. When I get this information in a packet, I'll send it out to you.
Love ya,
Elder Waller
I hope he is right about this. We waited a long time for a break. I'll need to get Chuck over there to check it out.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Week 9
Mom notes: I didn't get the names of everyone in the photo. Of course Austin is on the far left. Last week Austin seemed so down, I put together a care package. It had punching ballons, a balloon inflator, Gold Fish Crackers, Nibbles Pretzles, Trail Mix, Halloween Eyeballs with a scripture referenceing "eyes", Gummy dinoasurs, and a cute toy snake stuffed in the bottom. When I got this e-mail from him I laughed to tears in his deep, almost reverent appreciation for the snake. Yep, he is still Austin. This is the kid we had to force to read fiction. Until fiction, it was dinosaurs, alligators, crocodiles, snakes, etc. Even in a collge science class he challenged his professor on some facts and she acknowledged he was right. She wants him to change his plans to major in Film Studies to a science. But he's not blinking.
Hey all!
So, the bad stuff first. I haven't been able to get a full nights sleep for the past three days. The first one, I just kept waking up. Same with the third. But the second is special. Elder Kemer decided to play a joke on us, so he put an alarm on the cell phone. Elder Peters and I were asleep when the cell phone alarm goes off (note that we only use my clock alarm). I get up, knowing that it was Elder Kemer since he was messing around with the phone earlier, and turn off the alarm. I find Elder Peters getting on his knees, seeing how the alarm going off meant morning prayer. What he didn't realize was that it was 2 in the morning. I ask him what he was doing. His response, "Getting ready to pray, what else?" Of course then I tell him to go back to bed that it was 2 in the morning. He lets out this groan and rolls back into bed. Hillarious over here.
I did get the care package today. I love it! It has candy! But that isn't the best part. The eyeballs were very clever, same with the balloons. But what really made me happy was the snake. That REALLY made me feel good. Thanks for that.
Had a spiritual experience. We were trying to find someone to go with us to an investigators home. We needed an adult male to be there. So I call around. Her fellowshippers wife hung up on me. The Ward Mission Leader was gone. The Priests could not come for family reasons. Called some Ward Mission Leaders out of Stake. The UF7 wasn't there. So I was finally able to get Bro. Mayhew. When we had that lesson, those two connected with a similar problem. Both had their original spouse cheat on them. Bro. Mayhew knew exactly how to help her. Also, the scripture we read, Alma 5, applied directly to her at her stage in life. It was amazing. Everyone else was gone so that I could call Bro. Mayhew. When our lesson was ending, Bro. Mayhew said he had a meeting he had to get to. He thought he just lied to end the lesson. When we got to his home, his wife was waiting outside and told him that the RV had been broken into and the police wanted to see everyone at the same time. Funny how those feelings work.
Other than that...nothing.
Business. I have done each and everyone of those transactions. I can only tell you about these on Monday since this is the only day I can e-mail. :P And today will be my last day for huge withdrawals of cash.
Bike. YAY! MY KNEES NO LONGER HURT BECAUSE OF AN OVERSIZED BIKE! The bike I was riding was really killing my knees in the end. I now have a bike that eliminates that for me since it is my size. Not to mention I can travel faster because it a more efficient size. Yay!
Other than sleep deprivation, a new bike, and a spiritual experience, there is only one thing I need to say. Things are going to be getting hard here soon. It seems almost like a second Depression will come. As far as money is concerned, only spend it on what you need. If you can live without it, do it. Minimize your cost of wants. Also, plan on picking me up at the end of my mission. Why? Planes will not be flying here soon. Another good thing is to build up food storage. I see fallout shelters over here full of food. Now you ask, why am I saying this? Elder Packer gave his testimony for 45 min. or so, all about this. President Hinckley said that we would have 7 years of abundance. That was in 2001. It has been 7 years since that conference. From what I heard, this month alone, stocks went from 13000 to 7700. He also said that there would be 7 years of hardship. Guess what, that starts now. I feel that missionary work is going to accelerate because of this. People will be humbled. Also, I noticed that before a big scientific boom, there is a Depression or a big war. Just be ready.
One thing. Could you make a list of good movies while I am on my mission? I would like to see them when I get home. Why do I say this now? It is going by really fast.
Take care, and tell Ace thanks for the snif. It is amazing how good he is with spelling snif!
Love ya,
Elder Waller
So, the bad stuff first. I haven't been able to get a full nights sleep for the past three days. The first one, I just kept waking up. Same with the third. But the second is special. Elder Kemer decided to play a joke on us, so he put an alarm on the cell phone. Elder Peters and I were asleep when the cell phone alarm goes off (note that we only use my clock alarm). I get up, knowing that it was Elder Kemer since he was messing around with the phone earlier, and turn off the alarm. I find Elder Peters getting on his knees, seeing how the alarm going off meant morning prayer. What he didn't realize was that it was 2 in the morning. I ask him what he was doing. His response, "Getting ready to pray, what else?" Of course then I tell him to go back to bed that it was 2 in the morning. He lets out this groan and rolls back into bed. Hillarious over here.
I did get the care package today. I love it! It has candy! But that isn't the best part. The eyeballs were very clever, same with the balloons. But what really made me happy was the snake. That REALLY made me feel good. Thanks for that.
Had a spiritual experience. We were trying to find someone to go with us to an investigators home. We needed an adult male to be there. So I call around. Her fellowshippers wife hung up on me. The Ward Mission Leader was gone. The Priests could not come for family reasons. Called some Ward Mission Leaders out of Stake. The UF7 wasn't there. So I was finally able to get Bro. Mayhew. When we had that lesson, those two connected with a similar problem. Both had their original spouse cheat on them. Bro. Mayhew knew exactly how to help her. Also, the scripture we read, Alma 5, applied directly to her at her stage in life. It was amazing. Everyone else was gone so that I could call Bro. Mayhew. When our lesson was ending, Bro. Mayhew said he had a meeting he had to get to. He thought he just lied to end the lesson. When we got to his home, his wife was waiting outside and told him that the RV had been broken into and the police wanted to see everyone at the same time. Funny how those feelings work.
Other than that...nothing.
Business. I have done each and everyone of those transactions. I can only tell you about these on Monday since this is the only day I can e-mail. :P And today will be my last day for huge withdrawals of cash.
Bike. YAY! MY KNEES NO LONGER HURT BECAUSE OF AN OVERSIZED BIKE! The bike I was riding was really killing my knees in the end. I now have a bike that eliminates that for me since it is my size. Not to mention I can travel faster because it a more efficient size. Yay!
Other than sleep deprivation, a new bike, and a spiritual experience, there is only one thing I need to say. Things are going to be getting hard here soon. It seems almost like a second Depression will come. As far as money is concerned, only spend it on what you need. If you can live without it, do it. Minimize your cost of wants. Also, plan on picking me up at the end of my mission. Why? Planes will not be flying here soon. Another good thing is to build up food storage. I see fallout shelters over here full of food. Now you ask, why am I saying this? Elder Packer gave his testimony for 45 min. or so, all about this. President Hinckley said that we would have 7 years of abundance. That was in 2001. It has been 7 years since that conference. From what I heard, this month alone, stocks went from 13000 to 7700. He also said that there would be 7 years of hardship. Guess what, that starts now. I feel that missionary work is going to accelerate because of this. People will be humbled. Also, I noticed that before a big scientific boom, there is a Depression or a big war. Just be ready.
One thing. Could you make a list of good movies while I am on my mission? I would like to see them when I get home. Why do I say this now? It is going by really fast.
Take care, and tell Ace thanks for the snif. It is amazing how good he is with spelling snif!
Love ya,
Elder Waller
Week 8
I didn't get an explanation of the photo. Looks like a basement where children play. momHey,
The bike at home will not last out here. The cheap ones out here are not worth it because of all the maintenance costs. A professional is building a bike for me that will be well-to-do for a decent price. As soon as this bike stuff is done, my bank account will be almost completely unused.
I have been eating my vegetables and have lost 8-10 pounds.
I was just able to buy some winter clothing today from Target. All of the purchases you see have been made by me. Don't worry. I just learned today that we can use the missionary fund to buy other necessities as well as food.
E-mail can only be sent to immediate family. If grandma needs me to write to her, I'll need her home address.
The voting thing is too complicated. I did what you said to do and that was what they sent me. I don't have that information.
I can only give you the mission office address. Rules.
Snow yes. Slush no. Just really cold water.
Had two baptisms and confirmations this week. Chase and Alexis Westberg. Really nice.
Had a fireside yesterday. President Laney was the key speaker and kept telling me in front of everyone what an extraordinary missionary I am. I have yet to find out why he and the other missionaries say that, yet they don't say that to anyone else. Has me puzzled.
Again, I'm doing my absolute best with managing the money. The first transfer is always like this. That is what the missionaries have told me. Don't worry. Last night I got an answer to my prayer about some things. One is that money will not be a problem. How will this happen? I have no idea. All I know is that He said it would happen, and as long as all of us have faith, it will. This mission is not just blessing my life. It is yours as well in terms of many things. You don't realize how often I pray for your well being and ability to be well-to-do while still managing to finance this mission. If I told you all the answers I have received about finances, you would be quite surprised. I put a lot of effort into my prayers, knowing that they will be answered.
I don't know why, but I feel really down at the moment. It will likely pass. Anyways, that is really it. It is good to hear that everyone is doing fine. Wish I could write more.
Love ya,
Elder Waller
The bike at home will not last out here. The cheap ones out here are not worth it because of all the maintenance costs. A professional is building a bike for me that will be well-to-do for a decent price. As soon as this bike stuff is done, my bank account will be almost completely unused.
I have been eating my vegetables and have lost 8-10 pounds.
I was just able to buy some winter clothing today from Target. All of the purchases you see have been made by me. Don't worry. I just learned today that we can use the missionary fund to buy other necessities as well as food.
E-mail can only be sent to immediate family. If grandma needs me to write to her, I'll need her home address.
The voting thing is too complicated. I did what you said to do and that was what they sent me. I don't have that information.
I can only give you the mission office address. Rules.
Snow yes. Slush no. Just really cold water.
Had two baptisms and confirmations this week. Chase and Alexis Westberg. Really nice.
Had a fireside yesterday. President Laney was the key speaker and kept telling me in front of everyone what an extraordinary missionary I am. I have yet to find out why he and the other missionaries say that, yet they don't say that to anyone else. Has me puzzled.
Again, I'm doing my absolute best with managing the money. The first transfer is always like this. That is what the missionaries have told me. Don't worry. Last night I got an answer to my prayer about some things. One is that money will not be a problem. How will this happen? I have no idea. All I know is that He said it would happen, and as long as all of us have faith, it will. This mission is not just blessing my life. It is yours as well in terms of many things. You don't realize how often I pray for your well being and ability to be well-to-do while still managing to finance this mission. If I told you all the answers I have received about finances, you would be quite surprised. I put a lot of effort into my prayers, knowing that they will be answered.
I don't know why, but I feel really down at the moment. It will likely pass. Anyways, that is really it. It is good to hear that everyone is doing fine. Wish I could write more.
Love ya,
Elder Waller
Friday, October 10, 2008
Week 7
Hey,
So conference! WOO! YEAH! TV! Hey, during the first two sessions I made myself a winter hat (beanie thing). Yay! No picture of it yet though. Ends up that I will indeed have to buy a bike. Bummer. Now watche me buy it and find myself in a car this next transfer, which is in about 2 weeks.
We have been teaching more and more people. Our baptismal projection for this month so far is 24. It is likely to rise. We are already past our projected goal. Yay!
There really hasn't been anything exciting happening out here. I was able to participate in a priesthood blessing for this sister who needed comfort. It was amazing how fast it happened. Then we met this guy named Paul Clemens. He is a convert and looks up to Paul, the apostle. Really neat stories he has. Was wondering how he could do missionary work, and we told him about referrals. Oh yeah! Elder Peters and I ran into this really cooky lady. She had the truth, she just didn't use it to the fulness. She said salvation is through Christ (correct) but that baptism is done at birth (wrong). She thought born of water means birth and born of the spirit is conversion. Elder Peters called her a Born Again Christian. I really wanted to tell her that faith without works is dead, but that would have led to an argument.
I have heard possibly the most honest and sincere prayer ever. Doug Dunford is an inactive who only made it to the office of teacher. He knows the church is true, but certain members drove his family away by their constant judging. This was during an exchange, so he is not in my area. He wants to be able to feel the spirit again, and he said he could feel it while Elder Kemer (batman) and I were there. He said he wasn't ready, but we came at just the right time when he needed it most. He is a film editor (YES!!!). Anyways, we offer a prayer and told him that we would like him to offer a prayer at the end. At the end of our prayer, he automatically goes into his own prayer. I will tell you, the spirit has never hit me so strong in a normal home as it did to me there. He did not have a Book of Mormon, so we got him one. I grabbed one from my bag and remembered that I had written my testimony on both. I grabbed both and skimmed over it. Honestly, one of them had the perfect testimony for him. I gave that one to him and he nearly broke down into tears (again). He said it was very personal for me to do that. He is the first person that I wrote down his mailing address because I want to keep in contact with him. It was a sad story with a great ending. Elder Kemer and I set up a return appointment, of which I would not be there, and left feeling great that we had truly helped someone.
That is about it. Nothing else other than a couple from Germany. I'll have more stories on them later.
So how is everything going?
Love ya,
Elder Waller
So conference! WOO! YEAH! TV! Hey, during the first two sessions I made myself a winter hat (beanie thing). Yay! No picture of it yet though. Ends up that I will indeed have to buy a bike. Bummer. Now watche me buy it and find myself in a car this next transfer, which is in about 2 weeks.
We have been teaching more and more people. Our baptismal projection for this month so far is 24. It is likely to rise. We are already past our projected goal. Yay!
There really hasn't been anything exciting happening out here. I was able to participate in a priesthood blessing for this sister who needed comfort. It was amazing how fast it happened. Then we met this guy named Paul Clemens. He is a convert and looks up to Paul, the apostle. Really neat stories he has. Was wondering how he could do missionary work, and we told him about referrals. Oh yeah! Elder Peters and I ran into this really cooky lady. She had the truth, she just didn't use it to the fulness. She said salvation is through Christ (correct) but that baptism is done at birth (wrong). She thought born of water means birth and born of the spirit is conversion. Elder Peters called her a Born Again Christian. I really wanted to tell her that faith without works is dead, but that would have led to an argument.
I have heard possibly the most honest and sincere prayer ever. Doug Dunford is an inactive who only made it to the office of teacher. He knows the church is true, but certain members drove his family away by their constant judging. This was during an exchange, so he is not in my area. He wants to be able to feel the spirit again, and he said he could feel it while Elder Kemer (batman) and I were there. He said he wasn't ready, but we came at just the right time when he needed it most. He is a film editor (YES!!!). Anyways, we offer a prayer and told him that we would like him to offer a prayer at the end. At the end of our prayer, he automatically goes into his own prayer. I will tell you, the spirit has never hit me so strong in a normal home as it did to me there. He did not have a Book of Mormon, so we got him one. I grabbed one from my bag and remembered that I had written my testimony on both. I grabbed both and skimmed over it. Honestly, one of them had the perfect testimony for him. I gave that one to him and he nearly broke down into tears (again). He said it was very personal for me to do that. He is the first person that I wrote down his mailing address because I want to keep in contact with him. It was a sad story with a great ending. Elder Kemer and I set up a return appointment, of which I would not be there, and left feeling great that we had truly helped someone.
That is about it. Nothing else other than a couple from Germany. I'll have more stories on them later.
So how is everything going?
Love ya,
Elder Waller
Week 6
We received this message October 9 although we should have received it Sept 30. di
Danny thinks this Liahona bike runs on faith.
Hey,
This week. Man that is a lot to remember. I would have to say the most exciting thing was this little rat of a Chihuahua. Here are Elder Peters and I, tracting around in this apartment complex. I knock on this door and a member pops her head out, trying to keep the door shut. We begin to talk and then this black thing shoots out the door. She starts screaming for her kid to get it! We look and realize it is a Chihuahua! So here we are, in white shirts, slacks, backpacks on, and me with a Book of Mormon in my hand, chasing and herding this dog back. The sucker was quick! I managed to block its movements with the power of The Book of Mormon. It is a powerful book, I will testify to that. It cannot read and it still felt the spirit! Wow! Anyways, I grab the dog and get it back to the lady. We had quite a funny discussion after that.
Oh, what else happened. Spiritual experience! Sunday, I had this horrible cold. It was near migraine capacity. The lights hurt, sound hurt, I could hear the lights if they were on. Miserable. So I prayed that the Lord would heal me. During it I also asked if it would be better for me to stay at the basement or go to church. Of course, go to church. Here is where it gets cool. I basically have no energy at all. My muscles could barely get me up the stairs. Got on the bike, and began to pedal. I could not feel my legs. All I was doing was steering. I found my legs moving by some other force. It was cool! This happened the entire day. Also, each sacrament meeting we attended, my health improved. Really cool.
Another thing that happened that day. Not so cool. Elder Peters thought it was hillarious though. I nearly got ran over by a car I was trying to get into. A 91 year old was driving and thought I had got in. Well.....I wasn't in. Long story short, we got the guy to stop. I almost had to dive inside.
One thing I do not like about Sundays. It is required that we wear our suits. Being on a bike makes this sort of inconvenient. We have to put our coat in our backpack, and make sure our suit pants do not get caught in the chain or gears. I've already seen the damage those things can cause. Elder Peters is a testament to that.
Speaking of bikes, that free one is only worth parts. The only good things on it is the reflectors and the seat. Nothing else. Very sketchy. I'm going to have to either get a new one or get one from either Elder Kemer (batman) or Elder.....someone who is about to leave. Kemers is a Liahona (one of the worst bikes in the world) and the other one is very good (according to Elder Peters). He doesn't know what brand it is.
By the way. I need all the genealogy information you can get me. All of our family information. Both Harper and Waller sides.
Q and A time.
I don't have time for Thermal Garments. Just need regular thermals. Hi Sis. Momerak! An alarm for my blog? AMAZING! Hey, just be glad those books got me into a better relationship with a prospective baptism. Everyone asks where I am from. No one can detect an accent. Really funny. I get offended when some refer to everyone in North Carolina as hill billies. I have gotten pretty good at hiding my true feelings. I've pretty much solved to problem with the lessons. Just need to keep at it. Uncle Chuck is coming here? Does he even know which Zone I am in? Technically, I can't make those appointments. Do I care...not really. The acting advice...nearly everyone around here. Of course, they all talk highly about BYU, trying to convert me to BYUism. I am staunch UNCW. Yes the Bears are members of the church. The parents did all the work, the kids played. Five people in the family total. No, luckily it was not raining. I knew it! I shall be happy when I don't have a crazy companion who loves lightning and rain. No...the font does not make me hungry.
Anything else? If not...
Love ya,
Elder Waller
In the last paragraph, Austin is responding to some questions I asked him. Such as, do people ask you where you are from based on your accent? And answers in reference to comments from his previous letters. di
PS: This message was returned back to me because I tried to send pictures. So I did send it, it just didn't make it.
Hey,
This week. Man that is a lot to remember. I would have to say the most exciting thing was this little rat of a Chihuahua. Here are Elder Peters and I, tracting around in this apartment complex. I knock on this door and a member pops her head out, trying to keep the door shut. We begin to talk and then this black thing shoots out the door. She starts screaming for her kid to get it! We look and realize it is a Chihuahua! So here we are, in white shirts, slacks, backpacks on, and me with a Book of Mormon in my hand, chasing and herding this dog back. The sucker was quick! I managed to block its movements with the power of The Book of Mormon. It is a powerful book, I will testify to that. It cannot read and it still felt the spirit! Wow! Anyways, I grab the dog and get it back to the lady. We had quite a funny discussion after that.
Oh, what else happened. Spiritual experience! Sunday, I had this horrible cold. It was near migraine capacity. The lights hurt, sound hurt, I could hear the lights if they were on. Miserable. So I prayed that the Lord would heal me. During it I also asked if it would be better for me to stay at the basement or go to church. Of course, go to church. Here is where it gets cool. I basically have no energy at all. My muscles could barely get me up the stairs. Got on the bike, and began to pedal. I could not feel my legs. All I was doing was steering. I found my legs moving by some other force. It was cool! This happened the entire day. Also, each sacrament meeting we attended, my health improved. Really cool.
Another thing that happened that day. Not so cool. Elder Peters thought it was hillarious though. I nearly got ran over by a car I was trying to get into. A 91 year old was driving and thought I had got in. Well.....I wasn't in. Long story short, we got the guy to stop. I almost had to dive inside.
One thing I do not like about Sundays. It is required that we wear our suits. Being on a bike makes this sort of inconvenient. We have to put our coat in our backpack, and make sure our suit pants do not get caught in the chain or gears. I've already seen the damage those things can cause. Elder Peters is a testament to that.
Speaking of bikes, that free one is only worth parts. The only good things on it is the reflectors and the seat. Nothing else. Very sketchy. I'm going to have to either get a new one or get one from either Elder Kemer (batman) or Elder.....someone who is about to leave. Kemers is a Liahona (one of the worst bikes in the world) and the other one is very good (according to Elder Peters). He doesn't know what brand it is.
By the way. I need all the genealogy information you can get me. All of our family information. Both Harper and Waller sides.
Q and A time.
I don't have time for Thermal Garments. Just need regular thermals. Hi Sis. Momerak! An alarm for my blog? AMAZING! Hey, just be glad those books got me into a better relationship with a prospective baptism. Everyone asks where I am from. No one can detect an accent. Really funny. I get offended when some refer to everyone in North Carolina as hill billies. I have gotten pretty good at hiding my true feelings. I've pretty much solved to problem with the lessons. Just need to keep at it. Uncle Chuck is coming here? Does he even know which Zone I am in? Technically, I can't make those appointments. Do I care...not really. The acting advice...nearly everyone around here. Of course, they all talk highly about BYU, trying to convert me to BYUism. I am staunch UNCW. Yes the Bears are members of the church. The parents did all the work, the kids played. Five people in the family total. No, luckily it was not raining. I knew it! I shall be happy when I don't have a crazy companion who loves lightning and rain. No...the font does not make me hungry.
Anything else? If not...
Love ya,
Elder Waller
In the last paragraph, Austin is responding to some questions I asked him. Such as, do people ask you where you are from based on your accent? And answers in reference to comments from his previous letters. di
PS: This message was returned back to me because I tried to send pictures. So I did send it, it just didn't make it.
I think this is Elder Peters, Austin's 1st companion.
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