Weeks 17-18

December 15, 2008

Hey,

No, I don't have a new companion. It was a temporary exchange for the day since I was having so much pain. No, I didn't get the push-up things today. Things are getting hard for me. Of course, everyone around me says to stick through it. I'm trying, but no one understands exactly what I am going through. It is hard to focus on anything. That plus lack of sleep does not help. It is still a rollercoaster right now. I'm just really glad about the advice Uncle Chuck gave me.

Other than that, plus other things which just piled up, the week has been alright. We had a baptism Saturday. Marie Gonzales. She's cool. Yeah. Had a lot of success yesterday as far as getting referrals, giving blessings, learning stuff, and finding out how to meet Elder Perry's baptismal, activation, and teaching goals.

I'm only giving this one more shot. I read in D&C today that 3 times is the charm. I forget the section. I have had more injuries, sicknesses, and problems in the time spent here so far than I have ever had in several years at home. It is official...Utah hates me. I'll stick it out as long as I can. Just know that I am doing my best here.

Love,

Elder Waller

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December 22, 2008

Hey,

Not a good week at all for me. All the things that happened were great. But physical pain is just getting intense. I'm playing it off that I have none because they only say the same things over and over. "Rely on the Lord. Trust in Him." They don't realize that I have been doing this ever since it has started. I even tell them this. I have been praying and fasting recently, exercising my faith just so I can get a complete answer to things. Mental anguish is again on the rise. I have set a specific date and place in the basement where I will pray. Dehydration is far to hard for me to control out here. I can't focus on multiple things at once. So it is either missionary work or hydrate. There is only one person here who was a missionary and is now a nurse that really understands my issue. There is far too much stress right now. Far too much. It is all going downhill once again.

I got the Perfect Push-up box today. Didn't get to go all the way through it right now. Some of our investigators are really excited. Two have given me Christmas cards with some uplifting messages. One gave me a hot chocolate mug (YAY!). That is pretty much it.

Don't think I am homesick. I'm not. If anything, I'm having far more spiritual experiences right now than I have ever had. I have been studying on revelation, guidance, the Holy Ghost, and other things relating to that. Prayer has been extremely important for me since all this started. I feel as if I am being prepared for something big. The missionaries tell me that I am going throgh more these first months than they have seen. It is as if I am on this extreme grinding stone, being taken to the very edge. It is hard to explain what is happening. My journal could explain it better. Just please support me all you can. It is hard to do anything right now.

With all the love I can muster right now,

Elder Waller
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December 22, 2008

Hey....again,

I just sent a package to you with stuff I don't need to be lugging around. Also, I need to know how to put up crown molding. Yes, crown molding. One of the people we are working with is doing this and I remember vaguely how to do it. There is a potential investigator that comes from this service.

Love again,

Elder Waller

Austin's address is:

Elder Austin Waller
Utah SLC South Mission
8060 South 615 East
Sandy, Utah 84070

e-mail: adwaller@myldsmail.net