Weeks 49-54

Elder Austin Waller and Elder Collado Aug 28 2009
Week 54 August 31, 2009
Hey,

That is a really good e-mail Aunt Bonnie sent you. Also what you told me about everyone else and the help they are giving really gives me comfort. But about that mission thing.

I guarantee you that missionaries in the field since the bar has been raised will eventually become leaders in the church. Some of us are being pushed to the brink by many afflictions, temptations, and rough trials. It is VERY true that during trials we are only delivered at the darkest hour. Why? I know it. Missionaries in this day and age are being brought up to have the faith of Moroni, Alma and his sons, the sons of Mosiah, and others. We all face trials of many kinds, but unless we move on with faith that all will be right in due time, we cannot progress in the time to come. In the darkest of times comes the brightest of hopes and the warmest of comforts. We must stand as beacons to those around us so they will know where to turn. Never hide your light. Let it shine to the world.

So, there goes my preaching again. It is hard not to turn something into a teaching moment now. You know you've been in Utah for too long when you start recounting wars and you get to the more modern wars and end up calling Desert Storm, "Deseret Storm." Hmmmm...yeah. I call it Utafied. I am getting a bigger dosage of thyroid meds. Good grief, and if I am not hyper enough as it is! This...is going to be fun. Trust me, you will not remember who I am by the end of this mission.

The picture is of Elder Collado and I. I saw something in it that I haven't noticed before. I am thinner! Woo! Am I doing anything different? No. Someone told me that their son had the same problem, took the medication without changing his life, and all the extra weight and body fat literally melted off. I am looking forward to this. Ok, worldly pleasures I know. But this is a good one ok? Anyways, take care and know that I barely mention anything about your condition out here and people begin to pray for you. So many families out here wouldn't even want to think of something like this happening, so they do all they can to help out. Many more prayers are being offered without being asked.

With love,
Elder Austin Waller

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Week 53 August 24, 2009
Hey,

I loved the box! (We made Austin an Halfway Through box. Of course the contents were only 1/2 of each item-mom) The one thing that kinda irked me though was when I got half a tie and one sock. Another tie would be fun, but the socks would actually be useful. This week has been rather tough. I have been using that flower looking thing to keep my cool. We had appointments this week that would have brought us 8 new investigators! Guess what? ALL OF THEM FELL THROUGH! Two of those investigators fell through three times! GAH! Nothing much other than that. Wait...haha! I remember something!

Ok, so this happened once before already. We get out of the house and go out doing our business. Then Elder Parker needs to use the bathroom, so we go to a church building. Then he reaches for the keys in his pocket. I turn around and find him staring in front of him with a pale blank stare. He had forgotten the keys, which also have the key to our home! After telling him that I was going to kill him multiple times if we could not get into our home, we went to the house. Tried all of the doors, which were locked. I noticed one of the doors was not as secure as the others. My mind said, "All I need is a flat-head screwdriver." Then I look behind me, see the shed, and head to the door. I find that the door is locked and look down. And it came to pass that I found a flat-head screwdriver just lying, partially buried, in the dirt. I grabbed it and immediately went to work on the door trying to push the latch in. Guess what? It worked! We got in and got the keys. Then the owners, who were supposed to be getting back the NEXT day, drove up as we were exiting. Then it happened a second time, which we got on film just to prove that it was done. So that was funny, and Elder Parker still lives because I was able to get us in. Talk about following the Spirit! WOO!

Cats? There are plenty around here! ACK! It is crazy! Both rabid ones and docile ones! There are also a couple that have high-blood-pressure and go haywire and bipolar at the same time! We have large ones and small ones. Fat ones and thin ones. Buff ones and scrawny ones. Lazy ones and fanatic ones. CATS ARE EVERYWHERE! Dogs as well.

People out here were kinda pushing me to the brink about your cancer. However, I kept the faith that everything is going to go well. I also just stopped telling people. Made it easier for me. If you find yourself not having the faith to get through it, have faith in my faith. The reason why is because I know you will get through this perfectly fine and you will recover with no incident. Also take note that your name is still in the temple. So move on. Be strong and of a good courage, for the Lord is by your side. So is everyone else.

Dad, it may be hard, but you can get through this. If you ever find yourself in a hole, read the scriptures, listen to music, it will help. Play your violin. It is a good way to express feelings. Also remember hope. It is a limitless source of strength and courage. One of the best things to do is to be optimistic. Optimism will get you through anything. It has been a hard week out here, but we stayed optimistic and learned many things and enjoyed ourselves. It is a contagion of good. Remember that what you do to others will be returned to you. I'm basically going over things I have studied recently, but it applies. Remember that President Uchtdorf, at the MTC, gave a blessing to all the missionaries and their families that everything will be alright and everyone would be safe.

Enough about that. You will be fine. Just know that all is well. How is your violin progressing anyways? I'm not so sure I will be able to call. (Austin was able to call home Aug 29th. It was wonderful to talk to him. We were able to give him more details and we could hear the faith in our voices.) It would be best for you to call Uncle Chuck. Me also. That or just call President Laney. I found out that he did call and he left a message, but for some weird reason it did not come through. So, yes he did call. It just never reached our phone for some reason.

Love ya,

Elder Austin Waller

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Week 52 August 17, 2009
Hey,

The charges were all music, and all have helped keep my mood well. I was fine while doing the e-mail thing about cancer last week. Later in the day my mind went kinda like this. (Wait....WHOA! REWIND! WHAT?!) Anyways, the very next day, your name went into the temple. Hooray!

Things are getting better here as we are trying some new things. It is kind of ironic today that all of our appointments are on the same street. Weird how it worked out.

Cameron is home huh? I know exactly why they are in the mountains. It is really hard to adjust back to reality, kinda why I want to be driven home instead of fly. Arthur is getting married huh? To someone from Twin Falls? Could you ask her if she knows Brandy and Garth Shilling? They moved up there. If you remember, I helped teach Brandy and saw her baptized by Garth. Jeremy will go. If anyone knows, I do. He would do really well because of his family surroundings that he grew up in. Missions are for several reasons. One being self-improvement and growth. Another being for the salvation of others.

Man...things ARE changing at home. When I get back, that kid is gonna be almost a year old! Wait...NON-MEMBERS visiting church! WHOA! That is what we call golden out here! Fellowship them like crazy!

Medications? They are working well. I get to start taking two pills tomorrow. Elder Parker is excited for that since I have become really funny and energetic. He definitely notices a difference.

Uhh....maybe you should start by shifting on the "A" string. Enamel will last longer. Golf is a humbling game. I am pretty sure that is just Heavenly Father saying "Try again, you still have more to learn."

One funny experience I had was when we were trying to contact someone this week. I saw something red, thought it was the persons shirt, and pulled sharply to the side of the road, parked the truck and jumped out. Elder Parker was close behind. Then I see what it actually was. I say, "Carp." ( a word I commonly use since I think it is funnier to use a fish) Elder Parker asks me what. Then I explain to him that I accidently mistook the red mailbox for the person we were trying to contact. Shows you how much energy I have from the medication.

Love ya,

Elder Austin Waller

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Week 51 August 10, 2009
Hey,

Uhhh...I was never contacted about anything. I kept getting feelings that something wasn't right throughout the week though. I felt that it was back at home. Apparently, this is what those feelings were referring to. At least I was warned, spiritually. Don't worry, you will be fine. If I feel comfortable about it, you should. Just read James 5 and you will see why. I had that feeling about Uncle Chuck also. I know he wants to serve 5. Aunt Sharon doesn't want to leave again though. If they want to teach, they could work in the less-active mission coming here. I hear that is really good. They would only have to go to appointments as far as I know.

My thyroid is very underactive and apparently has been for a very long time. Dr. Sundwall was very surprised to see those results from me. I have been taking Levothyroxine since Tuesday. No more back pain. The doctor couldn't explain it. HA!

Shifting huh? First position is where your first finger, index, is on the first note. If you were playing on the A string, your first finger would be on the B. Second position on the A would be C. Third would be D, and so on. The position number just depends on where you put your index finger. It is often easiest to start with Third Position.

Speaking about music, I am learning the piano. Very, very quickly. I am pretty much getting the top notes down on most songs. In some cases, I don't need to look down anymore. "Sad Romance." That sounds as if it is on FF10. FF= Final Fantasy. Yeah it is. I have that game. I remember the part also. HAHA! Don't remember the music though, but it is good. You will find that most Final Fantasy Music is great. Have Dad search for Yuna's Ballad. That is my favorite. He should be able to play that and it will give him some challenge.

Also about music. Listen to it constantly. It has been proven to lift moods, help people heal quickly, and recover faster. Sure works out here!

I have learned out here why so many people felt I was a strong leader. It was because of my example. That is the exact reason why. I'm glad I finally figured this out. By the way, 10 days till I hit 1 year.

Love ya,

Elder Austin Waller

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Week 50 August 3, 2009
Hey,

2 more weeks till my half-way mark! AHH!

I kinda had to go during the middle of the e-mail talk. Sorry about that. I had a feeling that you would eventually come to the knowledge that it could be kidneys. When Uncle Chuck mentioned the possibility, I felt as if I had a death sentence put on me. Yes I did go to the doctor, and found out that I am perfectly fine? Uhh....pain does not equal fine! At least pain like that! And the warning about the ibuprofen came a little late, not on your part. On Friday I took some and had the worst flare of pain ever and could not find relief after that by laying down. Trust of ibuprofen now is completely kaput! I am still confident that it is not muscles. I have had muscle pains before. These are not alike. Not dehydration either. Your anxieties may be calm, but I am still trying to figure out how a nothing can cause a something! It can also be real hard when you companion starts going insane and slightly impatient...oh well. I should be figuring out later today about the blood test they are doing.

So, other than laying in bed a ton, really nothing exciting except for flares of pain and agony. Oh yeah...horrible week. I had a feeling something wasn't right, and shortly after, look what happens! WHOA! A new refrigerator? Cool. Literally. At least you actually HAVE storms. What they call storms out here are barely even showers back at home!

Back still hurts, not as much. Still trying to figure it out. At least I am on my feet a lot more and able to get out and do stuff. But the pain is mostly in the kidney area, which still has me concerned. I don't care what the doctor says, something is going on. I'll be fine, but I would ask that you pray that this thing will be discovered so that I can stop thinking about it. Sleep has improved slightly. That is really it.

Still can't find a post office around here.

With love,
Elder Austin Waller
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Week 49
July 7, 2009
Hey,

I figured out what the whole "something wasn't right" thing. It started only a few days ago. My back began to hurt. And it only got worse. It has gotten to the point that I cannot concentrate on anything else because of the pain. The only way to relieve it is to lay down. It hurts whenever I am sitting or standing, and yes it does hurt a lot right now. That is only one of the things. I have insomnia now. My mind is telling me to go to sleep, but my body is saying that I need to go and DO something, time to wake up, rise and shine, yet it is midnight. I've been getting at least an hour of sleep per night. So from 10:30 to around 5 each morning, I have been awake and could not help it. President Laney told me to call Uncle Chuck today, so that is my next step. Anyways, that is the bad news.

So they think that missionary work is all fun-and-games huh? Good! If I told them what happens in the reality of missionary work, they wouldn't go on one. No one will ever SHOW what happens during the actual work. One way to show them is by getting the Preach My Gospel DVD. It covers the activities of a district over a period of time. They probably wont understand it completely, but that is missionary work.

So Henry and Shanna will be in J2? I like it! Funny story about the car. Trujillo sounds familiar, same with Skyler. Ask them if they know an Elder Collado (Kol-ee-ah-doh) or Elder Zobell.

New pictures of baptisms and such, just forgot my camera thing. Dang. We helped an eight-year-old named Lizzy, I might have told you that. Also we had Eric Gardner baptized on Wednesday. I found a nasty scorpion with a glowing stinger in the Bishop's garden. Also met Dolores, a creepy Black Widow Spider that Eric's fellowshipping family had caught in their garage. YIKES! I don't like the thought of those nasties. Ow....ok that hurt. Got a little excited and jumped. Not a fun result I might add.

President Laney holds Uncle Chuck in high regards. I will be glad when I talk to him today, as long as he is not in Alaska or something. Hopefully we can figure this thing out. Don't ask me if I took ibuprofen or anything, that was one of the first things I tried. Didn't even dull it. I already went through everything Sis. Laney would have told me to do. My point is, it started on Wednesday and hasn't gone away. I do hope it isn't something bad.

Elder Austin Waller,

With love of course

Week 48

July 20, 2009
Hey,

I've been doing what I can over here on my end for her. Fasting every Sunday is probably one of the more effective things I can see. My only problem with the mail thing is that I don't know where a post-office is in this zone. That and my hand-writing! AGH! Anyways, I'll do what I can.

On Sunday I had to give a talk on preparation for Eternal Life. The doctrine behind it is simple. Faith in Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, Enduring to the End, receive and keep temple covenants. Most of mine was based on the extra things we can do. After I was done, there were at least twenty people at the end of the meeting that told me I was on fire, or that I had answered their prayers. One came up to me and said, "Welcome to the Seventy!" I found that a little funny.

The rest of Sunday was kind of hectic. Why? Well, Elder Parker began to have chest pains. Two hours later, he still did. So he called someone who came over and checked him. She is an RN and his former landlady. So that was fun. Today we had him in the hospital for an appointment with a cardiologist. She did an EKG and put him on a 24 hr Halter monitor. Fun stuff.

Not much else other than being a little discouraged. No one is ever home nowadays. NO ONE! So, trying to encourage myself in hard times is really hard in itself. Needless to say, I have been listening to the CD every night. Every time I do I get the feeling that I need to 'arise from the dust.' Almost as if now is the time. It helps keep me going.

A couple days ago I woke up feeling that something wasn't right. Everyday I have felt that way. I haven't seen anything or felt anything. It is not a loss of the Spirit because I can still feel it. It is something else. I have been praying about it, but nothing so far. I really just do not know.

Good to hear from ya.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 47

July 13, 2009

Hey,

Three words. I love you. I have already listened to the CD nearly 5 times now. My favorite! It was very unexpected to get that one. Thanks for the notepads! I needed those. (we sent Austin a newly compiled cd from some movie soundtracks. It is a difficult process to find those appropriate for our missionary-no upbeat or intense music-I found 4 selections from Transformers and most of the Finding Neverland Soundtrack.)

Now down to something that I feel is a little more pressing. Our friend has cancer again? For some reason I just feel really compelled to ask for you to do something. Ask for a Book of Mormon from the Sisters over there. Write your testimony about prayer inside. Print out the section that I am going to type after this paragraph and insert it. Mark Moroni 7: 26 and either read it to her or ask her to read it. Tell her that I asked you to give it to her. Ask her if she would like to learn more about the principle of faith. Tell her that you know two sisters who would love to share that with her. It may seem hard, but that is missionary work. The meek change the stumbling blocks set in our way into stepping stones that can improve our lives.

(Name withheld), I hear you are fighting hard against cancer still. I have learned from the mission I am on that there is a way to come off conquerer. That is by prayer. It may seem silly, but God loves you. He wants to hear from you, no matter how your day is. There is a scripture in Moroni 7: 26 which is on page 523 of the Book of Mormon. Christ gives us very important counsel here. I know that if one will pray with a sincere desire and real intent, God will reach out with His arms and comfort you. He loves all of His children. You, me, your family, my family, everyone. He will give answers to our prayers, we just need to listen. There is a good chance that He will not answer with a big booming voice or a bright neon sign, but you will recognize when He does answer. I have experienced this many times throughout my life. If it wasn't for a prayer, and some steps of faith, I would not be where I am today, or who I am today. Prayer changes the night to day. Never forget that. When life seems hard and is not going your way, pray. You can pray anywhere. He hears all heartfelt prayers and WILL answer. I know this with all my heart. I bear witness that prayer will bring you through any tough ordeal with added will, strength, and courage. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Elder Austin D. Waller

I really want you to do that for me.

I have been having an alright week. Nothing really spectacular. Well, maybe one discovery. I realized that I learn through music. Words or not. I learned the importance of sacrifice after listening to wordless music. It just makes me think. I now have a very strong testimony about the need for sacrifices in our lives. Just as it states in "Praise to the Man," sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.

Thanks for everything and sorry for writing so late today. The Family History Center wasn't open for a long time. Yes my companion is ok, he is getting better. We still don't know why it was happening though. The music can be listened to as we wish. There are some CD's my companions have had that I would rather not listen to. Like the Singles Ward or the RM. But, this is perfectly fine. Gotta run!

With love,
Elder Austin Waller

Week 46

July 6, 2009

Hey,

Did not know Uncle Chuck was in Alaska at the time till he said it at the end of the call. All I knew was that my companion, Elder Parker, needed some advice and the people in the mission who are supposed to give the advice were not answering their phones. So I thought it would be best to call him.

I like this area much better. The homes aren't nearly as big and people actually appreciate what they have. Meaning, they don't go on spending sprees. The people here are much more humble, the part I like most.

Well, I kinda forget how old people are. It just sounded like he was already there! I was thinking....naw....really? Anita hurt her ankle....uhh...news to me!

My health? Well, the digestive booster you sent me...I can't swallow at all. Everything else is fine. Yes, I am getting in plenty of water. Why wouldn't I? It is 95 stinking degrees out here! Every home we stop by we get water from. Brother Farnsworth mentioned that to Aunt Sharon huh? (mom-that Austin looked pale) I don't know what could be wrong then. Iron intake is better than ever. Grape Nuts helps with 90% in one serving. Luckily I love Grape Nuts and all those healthy cereals. I did see one thing wrong, or rather felt. On Sunday I was depressed all day. No clue as to why, especailly during testimony meeting! GAHH! I haven't been feeling cold or anything like that. So...I really just do not know.

I need input on something. My vision is getting worse. I prayed about it and felt like it wasn't necessary to get it checked out. I also was impressed that if I felt so inclined I should talk to you about it. What do you say?

Independence Day out here is literally a warzone. There is smoke everywhere, fireworks lighting up along the way, bottle rockets flying everywhere, bombs literally bursting in the air. People shouting at you as you drive home to turn off your headlights...which I didn't. Oh yeah, I'm driving a truck! WOO!

Teaching time! The importance of prayer! Read D&C 39+40. Then go to D&C 10:5, 3Nephi 18: 18-19, and Helaman 5:12. When you read those, you will realize how vital prayer is in our lives. So pray always!

Take care!

Elder Austin Waller

Weeks 42-45

June 29, 2009

Hey,

Answer to the movie question. Do NOT post it on the internet. I will repeat that. Do NOT post it on the internet. You can show it to people, but not online. Yes, I would very much be appreciative to have the memory back. Good to hear that it got to you alright. Thank you Mom. The pianist is Elder Epps. He is really good and can you believe that it was improv? Well it was! WOO!

We had a baptism this week. His name is Alan Battles. Very neat guy. I really like teaching people older than me because you learn from them as they are learning from you. It is really cool! Still, this area is really slow, but we are doing what we can to prepare the stakes for member missionary work.

My companion, Elder Holden, is leaving for Alabama Thursday morning. He likes to write a lot. Today he is downtown and will be going through SLC temple. Nice.

The talks were great! It made me feel really good when Dad used Joshua 1:9. Thank Dr. Piper for the Detroitosaurus Wrecks. (We sent Austin a copy of the cover of a magazine-The Economist- which had a T-Rex made of car parts-very clever) My companions liked it a lot, but of course I had much more appreciation for it. Why? I love dinosaurs! WOO!

Hmmm, so the lack of communication gene comes from Dad huh? (In reference to a funny misunderstanding story I told Austin) I'm managing. We had a communication thing out here as well, so I can relate! We were in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house at the baptismal font. We were stopped, explaining to someone we were taking through what the temple font was for. The lady behind us stopped and backed up the line. Elder Makiyama asked for her to go on by. For some reason she pointed at the font and said, "You first." This really confused him so he asked her again. Again she said for him to get in the font. I came to the rescue and explained to her that he wasn't telling her to get into the font, he was telling her that she could go past us. It is really funny to us now, telling a non-member to go by and she thinking he wanted to baptize her. Goes to show you what people immediately think about us when they see us. That is why only Sister Missionaries are on temple duty!

Anyways, transfers are coming up and I am wondering what will happen. I hear that Transformers 2 is out. I heard it was really good! Of course, I don't care had they said it was horrible, when I get back I will watch it. You don't see my smile right now because all you see is text! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (laughter)

Hey, where is Matt serving?

With love always,
Elder Austin Waller

Austin's address is:

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

e-mail: adwaller@myldsmail.net

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June 22, 2009

Hey!

Nearly forgot the week number? Wow...I have to look either at this or the last one I sent. You just lose track of time out here. It is merely a day of the week with a number attached to it. Sundays are hard. Mondays are fun. Tuesdays are tiring. Wednesdays are difficult to find work. Thursdays are similar. Friday has a lot of planning. Saturday is also difficult, especially when most everyone ignores you. Holidays are the worst because NO ONE IS HOME!

I got the package but have yet to open it. I hope there is a list of the songs. Don't worry, I'm confident you found the appropriate ones. We like the exact same stuff remember?

This week has been...interesting to say the least. Ok, so it was quite creepy. Dangerous? No. Just creepy. An example is that one of the nights we had a call come through our landlords, the Henries, home phone. It says the name of the caller. Well, the caller was zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero-zero. We were freaking out. We only learned about two days ago that it was a reverse 911 warning us about the mudslides happening. Nothing happened to us, so don't fret. That was just one of them. The others, uhh, I will leave for another time. Can't really express those in written words.

I got to do something that missionaries rarely get the opportunity to do. I got to sit in on a patriarchal blessing! WOO! Rudy Vidal is awesome. I only taught him new member lessons but he is cool. More missionaries witness sealings than patriarchal blessings.

Did you get the pictures I sent? Hopefully they don't just leave it at the door. That would not be good. I would be EXTREMELY upset. Anyways, let me know.

Love to all,
Elder Austin Waller

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June 15, 2009

Hey,

This week has been really hard both physically and mentally. Physically because we had to evade huge storms in which there was lightning every 10 seconds. Mentally because of all the stress occurring. It is good to know that there are two coming my way. I don't specifically care, just as many as you can find.

I'm telling you, words have far more impact on lives than people realize. Both constructive and destructive. I wish people would look at the things they are saying more often.

So most everyone is moving huh? Not cool. I was able to see President Cottrell, the new mission president for the Raleigh mission. He said he already has it scheduled to meet President Brew and maybe come out and see the ward. Yay! He is a nice guy. You will like him. I told him about the elders being pulled out of the ward.

I really like teaching people out here who are older than me. This is because they teach things to you as well! Anyways. The Toms sent me a card with a Brittany on it. Has a lot of "Hi's." They expressed an appreciation for your talks, calling them great and other really good descriptive terms. Thanks! I'll look forward to next week.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

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June 8, 2009

Hey,

Sounds fun over there. Did that necessarily happen here this week? Uhhh...not at all. Lets just say that patience is wearing VERY thin. So this was a frustrating week.

Anything cool? This morning was possibly the coolest moment this entire transfer. One of our investigators, an "eternal investigator," told us about a dream he had a while back. In that dream he was told to read the book of Titus. Of course, he didn't even know that the book of Titus existed at the time he had this dream. Later on he found it. At the end, we all exchanged scriptures to read. Today we read Jeremiah 23, the scripture he gave us that talks all about false prophets and some qualities of true prophets. We felt inspired to read Titus. Three chapters, three companions. The book of Titus answers ALL, EVERY SINGLE ONE, IN FINALITY, OVERALL, EVERYTHING, COMPLETELY, ALL of his questions. We were literally jumping out of our seats for this one. At the end of Titus, it even gave us instructions! Now how about that? Talk about being smacked in the face by the Spirit...in a spiritual way of course.

About the pictures. It would probably be easiest for me to send it by way of mail in the USB flash-drive. Why? It can hold 8GB of memory, that's why. Plus, I have many pictures which would require more than one CD.

Spider adventures? (mom wrote -Well, it is Asiatic Garden Beetle season. If the Milky White Spores we put out in March made them sick, I can’t see it. I’ve been gathering about 20 per night in a 15-20 minute time period. Although, I did take a break for a few days this week because of a surprise collected item. I came in from the dark and was showing Danny my catch, when I spotted a plump, crab looking spider. Aaaaaaaahhhh!!!!! (Temporary loss of breathing ability, loss of focus, creepy feelings for hours-fear). When I could look, the little guy looked so out of place, I felt sorry for him. “Trust me little guy, you were an accident.” I asked Danny to release him, but, he said “he got caught, let him die”. So, after calming down and truly feeling sorry for Crabbie, I isolated him from the beetles and VERY CAREFULLY partially opened his corner of the zip lock bag. I quickly withdrew after Crabbie creeped out. He seemed to look back with a thanks and disappeared. This is outside of course.) Hmm....I could picture that happening. Crabbie. Although how it got in the bag, I am clueless. Somehow, you grabbed it thinking it was a coffee bean beetle (they look like coffee beans), then put it in the bag. You know that was a jumping spider right? Consider watching Eight Legged Freaks again. Yeah...you know it. Hooray for goofy sounding spiders and carnival music! YAY!

Speaking of music. Could you perchance be able to select some of the calming songs from the movie soundtracks, burn them to a CD, then mail it here? No upbeat or intense music though. Just that. If so, then...YAY! Are my "YAYs" making me sound more real? I think I was just really happy that day. Don't know why.

Off to save the Valley!

Elder Austin Waller

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June 1, 2009

Hey,

Very good news! I was able to sell my bike for $400. Yay! We also had a baptism! Yay! He was Russian! Yay! I have a headache! Yay! I am being as optimistic as I possibly can for this week! Yay!

So it was a very good week at parts. Most of it though was one big headache. I gave a talk on Sunday as well. It was based on fear and faith. I just seem to give really powerful talks when I base missionary work on that. Many people get up to shake our hands after it. There are some times where I wonder whether people like the person or the title.

Do not buy any memory for my camera! I have plenty! I just bought a USB so I can put my pictures on it and send it. It would be much easier that way. The letter quote is very true, probably why there is much humor found in it! (mom wrote-On Saturday, Dad talked with Uncle Brian. Together they came up with this short description of a mission from a parental view. “Write a letter, read a letter, write a check (repeated over and over).” Having sent out three missionaries, Brother Tom especially appreciated it. He let out an extra big laugh when dad delivered it.)

AHH! PACKAGES! While they are nice...they can be a hassle. Ummm.....I really have no idea. I can't really think of anything. My mind is just whirling with things that need to be done and cannot slow down to think for myself. Now you are making me think.....there is nothing that I really NEED. I can suggest things not to send. No candy or hygiene items. I seem to be in excess of those. Be creative.

Still it is good to have a day of rest after a long hard week. That is my favorite commandment, Keep the Sabbath Day. Why? It commands you to REST!!!

Love to all,

Elder Austin Waller

week 41

Elder Makiyama, Elder Waller, Elder Holden, New Convert

June 1, 2009

Hey,

Very good news! I was able to sell my bike for $400. Yay! We also had a baptism! Yay! He was Russian! Yay! I have a headache! Yay! I am being as optimistic as I possibly can for this week! Yay!

So it was a very good week at parts. Most of it though was one big headache. I gave a talk on Sunday as well. It was based on fear and faith. I just seem to give really powerful talks when I base missionary work on that. Many people get up to shake our hands after it. There are some times where I wonder whether people like the person or the title.

Do not buy any memory for my camera! I have plenty! I just bought a USB so I can put my pictures on it and send it. It would be much easier that way. The letter quote is very true, probably why there is much humor found in it! (mom wrote- Saturday, Dad talked with Uncle Brian. Together they came up with this short description of a mission from a parental view. Danny used it in a talk he gave on Sunday. “Write a letter, read a letter, write a check (repeated over and over).” Having sent out three missionaries, Brother Tom especially appreciated it. He let out an extra big laugh when dad delivered it.

AHH! PACKAGES! While they are nice...they can be a hassle. Ummm.....I really have no idea. I can't really think of anything. My mind is just whirling with things that need to be done and cannot slow down to think for myself. Now you are making me think.....there is nothing that I really NEED. I can suggest things not to send. No candy or hygiene items. I seem to be in excess of those. Be creative.

Still it is good to have a day of rest after a long hard week. That is my favorite commandment, Keep the Sabbath Day. Why? It commands you to REST!!!

Love to all,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 40

May 25, 2009

Hey!

Before you ask, yes the charges are mine!

Progress on the temperature situation. Well, I had the worst possible week on the mission. I was visiting the bathroom quite frequently during the day and night, puking out my guts. Digestive issue. Might have been due to lack of gall bladder. Temperature, getting better.*Anyways, I have seen the plumber syndrome here many times. Ace sure does seem to stick his nose into things he shouldn't...still. (mom wrote - *Plumber: We had a plumber come over to fix the bathtub's leaky faucet. Okay, I have heard about plumbers pants but never really took it seriously. Now I do. The very pleasant, tall, thirtyish plumber was nice enough to remove his high top, lace up shoes at the doorway. But, as he squatted down and bent over, is was obvious his low riding pants were a little big for him. Startled at the flesh flash, I monetarily lost control of Ace. You know Ace loves new odors. Instantly he had his nose where it had no business. I was so embarrassed. With great effort I hauled Ace into the extra room for penitence. But, because I don’t think he could repent, the door was tightly closed. Although a worded sign, “No customers allowed to observe while work is in progress” was not posted, the message was clear. Observe the plumber at your own risk. The faucet does not drip any longer.)

(mom wrote - Any words of wisdom you would like to share with our ward? Your dad and I are the main speakers for the 31st of May. We are to speak about Missionary Work. Since we have been given the general topic, I thought a little bit of speaking to the future missionaries would be a good idea. Plus, I am thinking about speaking to the mothers of future missionaries. Shortened, that would be “Mothers, you have a very difficult task ahead of you.”) Missionary work huh? You could talk about the power of words, examples, the actions we do, there are many. Something I have focused on is fear and doubt. Go over all the scriptures in the Topical Guide, pray about those things, and you can get a talk. One of my favorites is Joshua 1:9. But if you really want some good sources, just look in Preach My Gospel. Talk to the Young Men's President, Bro. Kipfer I think. He can get you one. If you mention what you can do as members of the church and state the importance of it, you will have a great talk. If people actually start doing what you say, you will see the Elders back in the ward. I can promise you that.

I'm starting to cook more. Scary thought huh? Don't worry, I know how. I do eat things other than Mac and Cheese. Usually rice, corn, beans, tuna, chicken, anything that sounds good. It is healthier than what would be eaten! Yay!

Trust me when I say I know what you are going through. I can tell because of the title. *64 weeks to go? Good grief. Also, every ward has at least two missionaries on a mission, so we meet those mothers every Sunday. We think it's funny because we know our moms are back at home doing the same thing. Hey, we get fed really good here because of it! If I can do missionary work 24/7, you can wait for 2 years. Keep yourself busy and it will fly by. (mom wrote - *I titled this week's e-mail week 40 - 64 to go)

To the Young Men and Women. Thanks for the letters and the supplies! Helps save on the budget I have here. The candy...built up my little (HUGE) stash of candy. Hey! You all need to get ready to go on a mission! Start now! You will not regret it if you get to know the lessons you share right now. I guarantee you that. Always be of good courage and never lower your standards. It is those standards that make you an example to others. Read Joshua 1:9. You will understand.

Love you all!

Elder Austin Waller

weeks 38-39

May 11, 2009
Hey,

It was really good talking to you. I was thinking that my one year at UNCW would be sufficient for me to transfer to BYU. If not, I'll go to UNCW. Still, the information would be nice. It is nice to know that some people have faith in my choice of career. It is being contended out here by some other missionaries, but I'm not letting that get my hopes down. My abilities are improving rapidly and it is also helping me see what I need to work on. Of course, that is done in free time. When the gospel is applied, the equation changes.

Thanks also for the information about being cold. I get the feeling that more activity would change that problem around. I might need to take Dad's advice and literally, roll out of bed.

The lesson last night did not happen, sadly. He was off doing Mother's Day stuff (something good). It is good to hear that about your prayers. One thing I would like to ask is that you pray that I can remember the things I learn, especially the doctrine I teach. It will help, I know it.

How is Alec doing as far as the stuff I am giving him? Is Jeremy using this as well? How are Shanna and Henry doing? What about the rest of the family? It would be nice to hear how they are doing as well. I trust they are doing fine, but I would still like to hear. Love you all.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller
-----------------------------------------------------------------
May 18
Hey,

This week was good, up until yesterday. Oh it was terrible! I am still feeling its effects. It had to be dinner or something. Sunday was not a good day. So, my faith in acting is growing rather quickly. Rudy Vidal (a recent convert) said he would gladly help me with contacts from New York after my mission. YAY! Two people we are teaching said that I reminded him during one of my talks of Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Jack Nicholson. He said it was weird that I was planning on being an actor and he thought those things. Coincedence? Quite sure it wasn't.

We are seeing what we can do about this sickness thing. Apparrently more people are getting worried about my always being cold. So we took my temperature. It is a whopping 95.2 degrees! That spurred me into action to really find out what is going on. Pray that everything will come to light.

For memory, I have been writing in my study journal. Yes it works, but not as good as I would like it. It is frustrating, but some things just don't work fast in me, unlike other things. Anyways, not much else is going on around here except for trying to find people. I just wish people would take us seriously and try to find people.

To the Kipfers. Thanks for the packages. I haven't opened them yet because I don't want them to be raided by 12 missionaries! I'll try to remember it in the next e-mail.

Love to all,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 37

May 4, 2009
Hey,

Yes, I am playing the flute. Sad thing though, it doesn't reach that high, but it still sounds really good. Just I am very limited to the time I can spend with it. *I thought it was quite funny when you called the mission office because right after I sent the e-mail, I was called by them. They thought it was a little funny as well. The bike? I just need to find a place to sell it. My knee is starting to give me problems every now and then just from walking. Lots of popping there. Not so fun! (*mom wrote - I had a question about a credit card charge that wasn't explained in Austin's e-mail and did not want to wait another week for the answer. I called the mission home and asked them to call him with my question. The secretary spoke with Austin and got back to me within 15 minutes with my answer. Great secretary.)

So dad was able to make everyone smile really big in the office huh? That is great! There are similar pranks pulled every now and then by other missionaries causing them to get up at say 2am. (mom wrote - Danny didn't play a prank but misread the clock, said goodbye to everyone, was in his car at the edge of the parking lot, when he realized it wasn't as late as he thought. He parked the car, came back into work - to eveyone's amusement.)

No, don't send the viola. I don't want it to get stolen. I am still trying to get back a hanger, a good one. It is making me anxious. Yesterday I actually woke up having a panic attack. Plus, the size would make it difficult to lug around. I wouldn't be able to play any music, though appropriate, either. Really, some of these things just tick me off. Let me think a little more before making the decision final.

I really don't like it that the day we get to call is a Sunday. SUNDAY IS OUR BUSIEST DAY! IT IS NOT A DAY OF REST! AGGGH! So a specific time is not capable of being given. We simply do not know our schedule for that day at all.

I have something else for Alec. Read D&C 88:123-126. This is the Doctrine of Preparation. If you do these things, you will be a very strong missionary at the get-go.

There is something I would ask you to do. I teach it to everyone. Just try it if you haven't been. Pray together in the morning, such as when you get out of bed. Pray together when you go to sleep. Before eating dinner, have a spiritual thought from the scriptures. Just those things will change your entire day. I am still trying to get that picture. Plus something else I felt inspired to get you.

It is funny how much you can learn. I am seeing a promise being fulfilled here on my mission. The more I learn about the gospel, the more I am blessed with knowledge about film and acting. It is crazy! I wish you well and wish I had more to report on. One more thing. I can't really look at schools right now, but the time is coming up where I need to start. Sadly true. Also, could you try to plan on picking me up at the end of this? I would like to spend time out here with you showing you around. Maybe Uncle Chuck would like to play golf?

Love,

Elder Austin Waller

Weeks 36

April 27, 2009
Hey,

Yeah, I met Uncle Mike's parents, or rather his mom. Talked with his dad on the phone. It is comforting to know that there is family in your area. They said if I ever needed anything, just call them. Have to stick to mission rules as much as possible, but if I ever did need anything, I will call.

A terabyte? I knew they had them out before, but they were expensive. So, did you get that or the 500GB. Apparently there are many flat screens out that are in the $300 range. To me, that is insane. When I left they were still going for $1000 or more! You want to know how much I have changed? Time is being spent how to utilize time in work and see satisfaction from that rather than time in fun and temporal satisfaction from that.

So Gran is alright? That is good. Shanna and Henry are getting married. I didn't doubt it for a second. Of course, here I am in the heart of Utah. Imagine that.....done imagining. I am sure that Bishop Carpenter will be able to find a job. Mosiah 2 promises that as long as you keep the commandments of God and go forth with a purpose of good works, you will be able to provide. Reading Nephi's story of the broken bow and building the ship might help.

Speaking of LONG, HOT DAYS. I am going to have many. Out of which, there will be much walking. Just not nearly as much humidity. Speaking of hot, I hear there is a bad fire in Myrtle Beach.

Happy Birthday Mom! It is tomorrow! Yay! I am assuming you want that painting? I will probably be able to get it somehow. I'll have to go to the Deseret Bookstore.

If there is anything I want right now, it is my viola. Could you send it to me? Just got the package now. The poker chip? Oh I just found it on the sidewalk and picked it up. Then I was given the tie. I just thought the two went together well. So I took it! Yes a photo was taken, but it wasn't very good. Plus, it is kinda hard to send photos right now...especially since there are no USB ports on the computer I am using! ARGH!

Now that I know when Mother's day is, I am panicking less. I will have to call you after all my meetings are done. So it will be 2 when you end at 4. All I can really say is...stay home. I have no idea with this schedule.

Talk to you soon!

Elder Austin Waller

Weeks 34-35

April 13, 2009
Hey,

Well, right now my computer is working horribly. I have been transferred to an area right next to my last one. Different zone though. Our area covers the Draper Temple and is literally surrounded by enormous homes. I personally do not like homes that are huge like this. Too flashy, but it is good to live in.

It is really hard over here since most everyone is either extremely rich and completely set in their ways or you just cannot get a hold of them. We do not have a single person to teach. It is quite bad, but we are doing what we can.

As far as good stuff, I was able to meet Elder John H. Groberg. If you watch the movie, "The Other Side of Heaven," he is the missionary. We were able to have a fireside with him. I also met the new mission president coming to the Raleigh, NC Mission. President Cottrell. He seemed really excited to see a missionary from the area he will cover for the next 3 years. He might come by over there and say hi.

My new companions are Elder Makiyama and Holden. Another three-some. At least I have an actual bed this time. I have been sleeping much better now. Not much else.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 20, 2009

Hey,

No, last week I was just on a very bad computer. Now I mean that it was bad! AIYEE! As far as things for Alec, read and get to know the 5 lessons in Preach My Gospel (it will help you out a ton in the long run, no memorizing), read the Book of Mormon and take notes as you read, go out with the missionaries as much as you can. Other than that, the MTC will take care of everything, and then it will all change once you get into the mission field. FUN!

Talk about a rollercoaster week. Our moods have been up and down, side to side, all about. Lots of tracting (knocking on doors). Frustrations have been made present. Other things that have been good though are the studies that I have been doing. I recently started focusing my studies on purpose, desire, commitment, service, work, and dedication. It will continue, but so far it has helped out a lot. I am beginning to see a lot of my patriarchal blessing come true. Some very noteworthy stuff is happening in my answers that I am getting from these studies. These are concerning my future work, family, and the now.

About these flashy homes, they are huge and scary! I don't like them AT ALL! Speaking about Gran, my companion's Grandma (the last living) is on life support and has in her will to only be living on life support for a week, then they pull the plug. So...apparently there is a lot of drama going around. Tell Gran I hope she feels better soon and that I love her.

Mother's Day is coming up. It is Sunday by the looks of it. I'm not sure, but I will be told when it is every time I enter someones home. This IS Utah after all.

I can tell that there is a lot changing just by looking inside members homes. Flat screens are everywhere, the normal cell phone out here has a touch screen or a keyboard, it is making me wonder how I will transition back in! It will be like living in the Twilight Zone when I get back! AHH!

Anyways, got to get to work here soon. Well...not necessarily work today until 6. Just know that when you are in a dead area, you receive lots of personal revelation. That is what the reward is of the hard work you put in to shock the area back to life. When it comes back to life, you get to see baptisms.

Love to all,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 33

April 6, 2009

Hey,

This week has been kind of blech. Although, I know the exact reason why. Something is going right and the adversary is trying to pull me back down. Something that could change something. So almost every tool has come out against me right now. Good thing I learned something very useful. How to turn the tides on affliction and other things. All you have to do is assess the situation, then see what you can learn from it. It is because of this tool that I can see how often I am barraged with things.

Conference! Superbowl for the missionaries! Priesthood Session was completely awesome! Then the message that Elder Perry gave in the last session on Member Missionary Work. I expect everyone to follow it! We heard that same exact message a couple months ago relayed from Elder Perry to our Mission President to us. No one seems to follow it. Now, there is no excuse. HAHA! Every missionary out here will keep a copy of that talk in their back pocket everywhere they go.

I have been having a hard time sleeping lately. My mind is just far too active for some reason. My mind has been on the fast track to learning doctrine and applying it to life and abilities such as leadership, parenting, education, budgeting, marriage, I cannot possibly list all of the things. I am also trying to focus on how I can help people overcome obstacles like fear, debt, among others. While there are some key points in these roadblocks, the repeating message is clear. If you want to succeed and live life well and happily, keep the commandments of God.

Had a cool experience with film stuff. Not sure if I wrote about this already, but it is still cool. Elder Epps and I connected on this by coincedence. It started when we began sharing the same exact idea. We just looked at each other and said, "We will be working together in the future." From then on, during our free time (as occasion permits), we have been working on my Trilogy. It is coming along well and it is really exciting for me to see how good it is turning out. There are many hidden messages inside and many lessons that people can learn from it. It is quite awesome and keeps me stoked. Yes....stoked. You heard me! It also helps keep my spirits high and it is a release for that excess energy I have.

Doesn't sound like much has been happening at home. That or it has only been the same stuff over and over. Well, transfers are on Wednesday and I do not know if I will be transferred or not. I am fairly uncomfortable with the thought. Oh well. Come what may! I'm ready for it! Argh!

With love,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 32

March 30, 2009
Hey!

It is getting better out here as far as moods and stuff goes. Work is getting harder because we aren't teaching nearly as much. It will be wonderful when we get back to teaching.

So far, I have lost 10 lbs without exercise. Now think of what it will be when I do start exercising. Whoa. Elder Epps has told me that I naturally pick healthy foods. He was impressed that I could eat Spinach just straight out of the box. I bought some for snacking on. I'm gonna try to actually get exercise in in the morning. Some jump rope, push-ups, resistance tubes, oh yeah...lots of stuff I can do.

Also doing some movie stuff with Elder Epps. Not really filming, but coming up with ideas. So far, the only hard material that has come out of this is the titles for my trilogy, and a music score for the main theme. It is really neat. I can see this actually coming around. Not sure if I want to go to BYU after the mission. I'll make that a matter of prayer at my halfway mark.

You had rain? Know what we had?! SNOW!!! I'm telling you, the weather is crazy out here! Spring, Summer, Winter, Spring, Winter, Summer, Winter, Summer, Spring, Winter! AHHH! Personally I like rain.

The SanDisk will not play Quicktime formats. It needs to be in a music format, not the movie format. Typically .mp3 or .wmp will work fine. Just check that part of the file name.

It has been hard keeping up with the water, so today I got a 2.2 liter container. I can carry this in the car. Speaking about the car. The car here on the mission. Someone decided to take a rock to the back triangle window while we were sleeping. Nothing was taken. Attack of malice and cost to the mission. So we have been driving around with a taped up window for the past couple of days. It was kinda funny how it was discovered. They had already gotten in the car, noticing nothing. I was jumping in, when I noticed these chunks of blue. I looked up and saw a hole in the window. I then said, "Whoa! There's a hole." It was quite funny since we could immediately tell nothing was missing, and the rock used was just lying there under the window. We carry it around. It was as if someone just knocked the window out, then carefully placed the rock down. Funny stuff!

I like how many friends I am making out here. There are those back in my first area, the Ward Mission Leaders, Stake Presidents, High Councilmen, and the Shillings. Then over here there is Bro. Frazier and his family, Bro. Oh, the Christiansens, the Conklins, Austin Siscenaros (American Idol), and the Jones family. My companions and I have literally been adopted into the Christiansen and Jones family. It really helps knowing that you are welcome somewhere, not just merely accepted.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 31

l-r: Elder Baker, Elder Epps, Elder Waller after dinner in the Ballard home.

Hey all!

It has been quite a strange week. Not nearly as many lessons as we have had before. Although, now we get to know the members a lot better than we used to which will strengthen those wards and members and result in more work for us. Hooray!

Thanks for the package. The dinosaurs are set up and the candy...set aside. If I could request something, please don't send anymore candy. I still have some left from...I can't remember when, probably thanksgiving. I'm not a squirrel! (Referring to the days when we got dad all those nuts for his birthday. He called himself a squirrel.) I like the card a bunch! Very clever.

At the Draper Temple dedication I was able to meet Uncle Dwaine's new missionary trainer. Rick Brown was his name. He says hi to Uncle Dwaine and that he is doing well. Of all things...it is snowing here! A couple days ago, the wind was crazy! I thought it was a day of Pentecost or something.

About the PS3, I don't think the same way I used to and was honestly thinking about most everything but the games. I was thinking about the all-in-one package.

Is Ryan Neale doing all right? Yeah I know him, he's one of my friends. You have a picture of him. Blonde hair, glasses, I think a long-sleeved button up blue-striped shirt. I wish they would send me something, just letting me know how they are doing. Steven is the only one that has contacted me, or at least the only one I have received. I think of them all quite often and wonder what is going on.

Anyways, the week is still going. Haha! Now that I have a little pirate attitude (from the card) I think searching for the treasure (scriptural truths and investigators) will be much easier.

Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Missionary's Life For Me!

Elder Austin Waller

It is Austin's birthday on Wednesday. We purchased a pirate themed card then emblished it. We also created a dinosaur activity...leading into a missionary theme of course. mom and dad

Week 30

March 16, 2009

I have a dental appointment (free) for Thursday. I don't exactly know how I will get mail on Monday because someone in the mission got into a preventable accident, which causes everyone to be grounded during our P-day time on Monday. So that day there might not be an e-mail...which really stinks. Elder Epps is from Raleigh. I thought I mentioned receiving Aunt Sheryl's packge earlier? Well I also received Sis. Dalton's. No I have not read the Bible, although I use it everyday.* It is not hard at all to be a missionary. I will try to answer all the other questions the activity day girls gave me in a later message.

About the present, I wanted a rain-check on a PS3 for when I get home. It will be cheaper then and it is a Blu-Ray, DVD, music, game, and other stuff player. Just an all-in-one system to say the least. Just a rain-check.

Missionary work over here has seen many miracles. People have just been popping up. We have had what I call a heart-attack investigator. He took himself off date, put himself back on, that again, then called the morning of his baptism only to ask who was giving him a ride. We were freaking out! Big fun! Pretty much all that has happened here. This year is going to be strange since there will be no family around for my birthday. Anita said the same thing about me not being there.

Thanks for everyones support.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller
*Austin may not have sat down and read the Bible as he did the Book of Mormon, cover to cover. But, he did study it from beginning to end for a year in Early Morning Semimary. mom

Weeks 28-29

l-r: Elder Waller, Elder Baker, Elder Thomas, Susan Johnson, Elder Peebles, Elder Epps Uncle Chuck Waller, Elder Austin Waller and Aunt Sharon Waller (Austin's aunt and uncle just happen to currently reside in his mission field. This was a surprise meeting. Chuck and Sharon have served 3 foreign missions.)
March 2, 2009
Hey!

For one thing, the home I am staying in is not anywhere near 9000sq ft. There are some around here that have more than that. But, not many. Yeah I'm doing fine. Still learning and all that missionary stuff. My new companion is Elder Epps. Still in the threesome with Elder Baker though. I've been losing weight. Yay! That is a good thing since we have a lot of fast food around here and we basically have to stop at one once a day, except Sunday.

Had a baptism yesterday. Susan Johnson, someone who has been investigating the church for...8 months? Elder Baker calls her a super model. I'm not so sure. I had a chlostraphobic attack while waiting for her to get dressed. The room was packed. I was concerned we needed to move into the chapel. As far as missionary stuff is concerned, we have had investigators pop out of the woodwork pretty frequently. That kind of thing makes a missionary giddy.

Everybody around here says I look so sad all the time. They don't realize how happy I am. My response is typically, "I'm sorry that I express happiness in a different way than you are used to." Makes it kind of hard for me. I just don't want to be some creepy person walking around with a smile on their face all the time. It would be like Jack Nicholson's version of the Joker!

Trying to think of what happened this week. Nothing much that I can think of. Just still going to work everyday...everyday. It can be (is) tiring. You just go and go and go, then when you get home, the Lord unplugs you and you just go to sleep within seconds. Then you wake up at 6:30, get ready, then the Lord plugs you back in and you zip zoom everywhere. Process repeats.

It is colder at home than it is here? Maybe I'm just too hot for this weather. It drove the cold away. No, I'm still in my big jacket, minus the scarf. Here that form of snow is called popcorn snow. I found it funny when I first heard that. I'm glad the snow is finally going away. Winter is no fun out here.

It is March now. Birthday is here soon. Wondering what is going to happen. Probably nothing. Likely nothing. Maybe some food at a restaurant, the only thing we can ever do to celebrate. Anyways, just keep that movie list running. I keep hearing of all these movies that interest me greatly. Are people trying to send me mail? If so, I haven't received much of anything. Anyways...

Love,

Elder Austin Waller
Austin's address is:
Elder Austin Waller, Utah SLC South Mission, 8060 South 615 East, Sandy, Utah 84070
e-mail: adwaller@myldsmail.net


l-r: Elder Waller, Elder Epps, Elder Baker, unknown, Elder Thomas
March 9, 2009
Hey,

No, I cannot accept the conference tickets. I would if I could, but I literally can't. As far as the letters, I'm sorry that I am only given an hour to write family, friends, anyone else, plus the missionary weekly report to President Laney. That would be one explanation as to why they might seem a little harsh. And trust me, every single letter is received very well. I have seen other missionaries do much worse and not accept the mail they get at all.

So Henry and Shanna like each other that much huh? I have seen quite a few of these things happen already. Advice, make it a matter of prayer! That is the message I am getting out here anyways. Speaking of which, what is with this expectation of me marrying maybe a couple months after I get home? It has been happening to the other missionaries, so I kind of figured it would only happen in time, such as, a little closer to the end? Don't do that....it makes me think of how to propose :). I might be writing them down. *

Had a lot of fun yesterday with the Frazier's, the Christiansen's, and the Conklin's. Do you remember Danny Frazier? He was a big name in college basketball during your time. Broke his neck? Yeah, we went over there yesterday and had some food. The Christiansen's are a big time fellowshipping family. Hans, the father, is from Denmark and has a cool accent. They are very encouraging out here and like to feed us as well. They want to keep in contact with me so that when my name gets big (talking film here) they can say they knew me well. I am making lots of friends out here. The Conklin's are a family that we baptized their youngest son Braden in. We stopped by yesterday to see how they were doing. They are going to church without us reminding them! YAY! Shared some stories with each other. Honestly, at the end of this mission, drive out here to pick me up! I want to introduce you to some of these families!

Elder Epps actually moved in with us. I am still on the air mattress. Sleeping isn't very good, especially since the spring forward. Blech! I am considering buying a sleeping aid. Talking about Elder Epps, both Elder Baker and I have lost weight. He knows how to eat healthy and make it good, on a missionary budget. When we had Elder Thomas, we ate out at least twice a day. We have only ate out twice since Elder Epps came in. Eating out is including fast food. Elder Baker lost 15 lbs. I lost 8. Amazing! We talk a lot about film and things of that nature. Quite fun!

We had three baptisms on Saturday. It was a great day! So what is happening out there? Ace still walking around....much? The country hanging on to the edge of its seat (the answer to that question is yes, we do get some of the events of the times here)?

You asked me in the letter what I would want for my birthday since it would be my last one before becoming "legal"? I never knew I was "illegal".** Uhhhh.....here is my question for you. Does it have to be sent out here? Which means, can I ask for something that I can use when I get home? If it can stay home, then I know precisely what I want. If it can't....it may take lots of thought.

With love,
Elder Austin Waller
* I printed and sent Austin a harlarious internet article telling the story of a proposal that took place after an LDS Institute class in New Mexico. The couple was featured on the Today Show. Danny and I watched the video after reading the article. If you would like to read it, type in "Gulp! She swallowed her engagement ring" at MSN LIVE, etc. I suggested he share this with his missionary companions for a "what not to do" proposal.
**Austin will turn 20 on March 25. Jokingly, I told him this was his last year before he turned legal.

Week 27

Feb 23, 2009
Hey all!

Had a great week this week. Many things that I have learned just seemed to click immediately. I have noticed quite a bit of focus on me. I still don't know why. But there is some really good news at the moment. My mind has been set and all it needs now is fine tuning. Of course, I still have some things to learn as far as doctrine. Other than that, doing very well.

I have been helping various people out here, investigators as well as missionaries. Makes me feel good knowing I can help a wide variety of people. While being sick none-the-less! Many of the missionaries out here are getting sick, and of course the investigators.

I have been having recurring dreams...every night. Always the same. I don't know why. All I can do is wait and question. Is something coming up? The only thing that is is the transfer meeting this Wednesday. All I know about that is that there is a ton of leadership leaving. That and my companions asked me if I would like it if I was transferred. So I gave them the honest answer. I'll go where the Lord wants me.

I got the package. Thanks for all the candy and the card. I find it funny that I am staying at a steady weight while everyone else is gaining. Maybe because I am watching my intake more than others. Oh well...still funny. Keep up the music. Just keep practicing the actual music, then you can focus on the actual dancing once the music is mastered. I have no control over when the e-mail is actually sent. All I can do is write it and hope for the best.

So...you are exercising! Guess what...I do as much as I can. Some days do not allow for it, such as Sunday and Tuesday. I'll have to check about the local teeth cleaning. Some dentists around here give some cleanings, exams, and whitenings for free! Big thing for us missionaries, that word called free! Love you all a bunch and say hi to everyone for me.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

PS: The creation vs evolution. Put a basketball, football, tennis ball, and volley ball into a bag. Swirl the bag over your head several hundered times. When you dump it out, check to see if you have a soccer ball.

Weeks 25-26

Feb 7, 2009 l-r: Elder Waller, Elder Thomas, Unknown girl, Unknown man, Elder Baker and Elder Peebles (Elder Peebles is the grandson of friends from our Ward)
Feb 14, 2009 l-r: Elder Thomas, Elder Waller, unknown girl, unknown man, Elder Baker

February 16, 2009
Hey!

This week was kinda up and downhill, but overall it was alright. I finally got my missionary fund card again. Remember that my other one was hacked into somehow.

Transfers are next week on Wednesday the 25. My companion, Elder Thomas (Elder Baker didn't join in this), kept asking me things about what I liked and learned this transfer. He also asked where I want to be transferred to. I kinda got confused at this and mentioned that I wanted to be where I am needed most and can learn the most. I have noticed that there is a lot of focus on me. Apparently my name is brought up in every Zone Leader Council. So, I really don't know what is happening there. All I do know is that there is a lot of leadership leaving this transfer. One Assistant to the President, several Zone Leaders, and a couple of District Leaders.

Had a baptism this week. Megan Stanley. Yay! Our Zone has the highest projection of baptisms in the mission currently. 37 for this month. Don't know exactly how we do it, other than that we put a lot of work in and trust in the Lord. Yesterday, we had an Eternal Investigator decide to be baptized, a person who dropped off the face of the earth contact us again with the same desire to be baptized (could be this Saturday), and a good referral for someone down the street from a member. Fasting works! Woo!

Haven't been able to open the package yet. I will get to do that soon. A violist huh? You talked church with her? Great! Keep at it! That is what we teach every single time we give a talk. I have the ability to walk up to the podium and just speak for 20 minutes or more on a topic. Of course, I give credit completely to the Lord. I cannot recall things on my own, so I can only do that if I am feeling the Spirit. Pretty cool. There have been several people who come up and thank me for what I share. So keep at it! Mosiah 2:17.

Hope you all are having a great time.

Love,

Elder Austin Waller
In reference to "A violist huh?". I was waiting in an airport to fly back home. I saw a young woman carrying a pack that looked like a viola case. I asked her if it was a viola and I was awarded the brightest smile. Many confuse violins with violas. During our wonderful conversation religion was brought up and I was able to carry on the missionary spirit. mom

...................................................................

February 9, 2009
Hey all!

It has really been a roller coaster this week, but full of learning. It was about how to be a great leader. I just felt that it was completely necessary for me to learn these things. I have this drive to learn about leadership that I have NEVER had before. I have been dreaming about it, I have been studying about it, I have been thinking about it. I am completely certain the Lord has a hand in this because of everything that has been going on. I have been noticing the qualities that the "best" leaders have. The ability to support others without question, being able to lift others in times of need, knowing how to do it, being able to communicate, lots of confidence, being an example, those only to name a few. But the biggest thing I noticed is the ability to help those you are leading. In other words, charity. My mind is just completely focused on this and just today I realized the one thing that I need to study that would cover all aspects of leadership. The Atonement.

Sure, it has been hard, but diligent efforts can pull you through the biggest of pits. We were able to witness two baptisms from our efforts this week. On Friday we "Spirit tracted" a person who was completely ready to hear the message we share. That was the best day I have ever had. You wont believe how many people are being baptized out here. Utah it is, but full of non-members it is also. Also, my biggest weakness has been found. It is also my biggest strength. My mind. My very own two-edged sword.

Well, there is something that has happened that has been quite a bummer. Apparently someone has taken some of the missionary card numbers and has been using them. Mine is one of those. That is why I am using the home accounts, so don't freak out about it. It should be taken care of shortly.

I have finally taken off the scarf. Things are warming up around here and actually becoming a little humid. Noticed how I said a little. It has to actually rain here to become that. Snow is almost completely gone, except for the random mounds of snow. I am glad that you are finally able to get the violin in tune to the level that it should be. That will make the sound and tone much better. The song selections I especially like. It is funny how you don't miss Ace mom. Trust me, you will be very happy to get home. The Stake Presidency sent me a letter finally. It is good to have that extra support. If I didn't have that support, it would be hundreds of times harder out here. I will tell you another thing. I have made possibly one of my best friends out here. Elder Zobell has been a great example to me and has been a huge support. He will be going home this transfer, but will be giving me his address home. When I get this, I would like you to thank him for all he did. I will be hand-writing him a letter as well. I was able to send Gran's letter today, finally.

Anyways, there has been a lot going on, especially with this thing with me and leadership. I honestly don't know why, but I have a feeling it is something big. Something I need to learn and experience so my future will be more successful. I only know that Heavenly Father has something in plan for me.

Love you all,

Elder Austin Waller

Week 24

Feb 2, 2009
Hey!

Haha! You got snow. Trust me...I'm utterly sick of it. It is like seeing grass and trees back at home. It is everywhere. Luckily, the temperature here is rising. About the viola. DO NOT SEND IT! It is far too expensive to send out here and just be left around, and left in the sun in the open during transfers. There is too great a chance for it to be stolen. I'm just lucky I haven't left anything yet.

I am learning far more this transfer than I have during any of my others. Elder Zobell, one of the AP's now, helped me get together a list of characteristics I would like to have. With that we made goals on how I could do that. Sort of a mind-set of what I wanted to accomplish. Speaking of accomplishments, last week there were 6 people I taught that were baptized. There will be 2 more this week. There will be yet another one on the 21st and 2 more sometime later, plus the ones we are currently working on in this area! I don't know for what reason or purpose, but I am finding myself around leadership all the time. My companions are ZL's, I get along the best with the TAP's and AP's. I have prayed about this and have only received answers in the form of, more leadership things to learn everyday. Hmmmmm....

It is kinda hard in this area for me to get anything personal done. I have to literally construct my bed everyday and take it down the next morning, only to make it again. I'm working through it though. Don't necessarily like it. My space in the apartment, all the knooks and crannies I can find. My companions don't like it, but...who says I do? I feel more like a guest than a resident (temporary of course being a missionary).

I got the mail you sent on the 21st...today. The one with the squirrel picture in it. I have a picture for you. It is of furry little devils. They have an "at" in their name. They like to congregate outside one of our investigators homes. When you drive up, they run to the car or halfway and stare at you. Kinda cool, and creepy. Anyways...Utah is still Utah. Guess what...they can still keep it. Till then, it is work. Work? Did he actually say the name? Yes he did. By the way, when I get this mind-set down, I will be far different than you can imagine when I come home...August 2010 of course. Draper Temple Dedication? No idea if I get to go. There was a less-active I was working with in Union Fort that was proposed to in the Sealing room. Once in a lifetime experience. Other neat people I am working with. Not yet. Not really any neat people yet. Maybe soon. Lots of kids though. For some reason, Utah forgets to baptize its 8-yr olds.

Love you all,
Elder Austin Waller

Week 23

Jan 26, 2009
Hey!

Did my week 22 get to Dad? It had a picture in it. Ace sure does have good vocabulary. Alone? Sounds like me sometimes. Although, I only feel alone. Good gosh, if I realized anything today it is that one of my companions loves to take his time. We are late to basically everything. IT DRIVES ME NUTS! But, luckily the squirrels come and take those away. I encountered a moose out here! It was cool! I got a pretty up close and personal picture with it. It came through the wall!

No mail from anyone. I did however get Gran a card and will be sending it soon. It is a good one. And yes, the check should be cashed by now. My companions saw Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sharon at a baptism. I wasn't there, had to help with something elsewhere. I am up to 36 pushups a day. Woot! (Woot is an expression of excitement, Katie Baldwin asked)

I am telling you now. Serving with two Canadians is crazy. Literally. Especially driving. I get in the car, then once the door closes, I am struggling to get my seatbelt on. Really don't like that part. Both of them play the guitar...and the same songs....over and over and over. I have been charged by everyone else to keep them in line. That part is fun, now they just need to listen to me more or I am gonna tell them my charge (contract more or less with the AP's). Still, it is fun. Until we get late for things again.

My first journal is about done, so in the next couple of weeks I will send it home. After this transfer is over, I will have been gone for a quarter of my mission. Kinda fast.

So, Dad, hang in there. Ace might sleep a lot, but he can still provide a...small amount of entertainment. Mom, I'm surprised you can withstand the cold. For a couple days here, we got NC weather. Rainy and warm. Fog got really crazy here too. Kinda spooky. But I loved it. Humidity! No, I haven't been able to keep a record of those letters you send, but I still have them. So you like digital scrapbooking better than normal scrapbooking. A little easier to put together. I'm trying to see if I can get a small instrument out here so I can be a little more creative and have a better atmosphere. Just make me happier. I'm still trying to sell my bike. I'll have to call Elder Peters to see if he actually did what I asked him to. Will do that tonight. Well, will talk later.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

I, mom, am in Illinois taking care of my neices and nephew while my sister and husband take a trip to Hawaii. It was above freezing the day I landed but far, far below that since then. I got word from the guys in Hawaii they met a couple from Minnesota, who experienced a 90 degree temp change. Wow!

Week 22

The picture is of Brandy, Garth, and Devon (the kid) Shilling

January 20, 2009

Hey!

Sorry it is a day late. You were probably freaking out. Well it was MLK day! Libraries and Family History Centers were closed and we cannot use members computers. That is why.

The Urgent message was recieved. I could not cash the check because there are no RBC banks out here. So I had to sign the check over to Sis. Telford so she could go cash it. In the end, all is well. The check should be cashed soon. I have the money.

By the way, I have been transferred! Riverton! Currently the highest baptizing zone in the mission. I am with Elders Baker and Thomas, the Zone Leaders here. We are a threesome. I have been promoted their Secretary of State. Both of them are Albertans. Canadians. They like to sleep with the window open. Well...poor little me gets to sleep on an air mattress, where all the cold air gets sent. Not a pleasing experience. At least they are fun to hang out with.

I did get the mail, physical and electronic, from everyone. It has helped a lot. To name those I remember off the top of my head, Katie Baldwin, Bro. Hanna, Gran, Aunt Sheryl, you.....uhhhhhh Shanna. Who is this boyfriend? Is he a member? Do I need to interview him? I know how! Honestly dad, your quick witted humor has transferred over to your son out here. It is very useful. By the way, the Baldwins said that if we ever wanted to go to Hawaii in the next two years they would be willing to let us use their guest room. Will it happen? No clue. Don't really want to think about it right now. I keep trying to remember to get Gran a card, but I keep forgetting. Please tell her that I thank her, but don't tell her that I will still get her a card!

So, Riverton. Yeah, I am in one of the largest zones of the mission. Also, I am with the Zone Leaders. This means we have the responsibility of covering what goes on in the entire zone. So....it is huge. We have almost every single store you can think of here.

Neat experience had out here. We had to give two talks on Sunday. Everyone came up to me and thanked me for my testimony and talk that I shared. It didn't really hit me till yesterday when my companions talked about it while coming to our apartment. They said that I must know a lot about the gospel. Why? They noticed that I went to the pulpit armed only with scriptures and a testimony. They also noticed that the congregation went completely silent when I talked. It made me feel better knowing that I have a strength to talk like that. An investigator, Carrie, said that she liked it when I talked because my voice was just a complete comfort to her. She wondered if it was baritone. I just smiled. I'm learning a lot more here in Riverton than I did back in Cottonwood. Our area alone covers 24 wards. Yeah. It is really hard trying to keep up with the names of the leaders.

Thanks for the picture everyone. It is good to see the majority of the family smiling there. It helps me get through the day when I come to the apartment after a entire day of proselyting. Just builds me right back up. I have two scriptures for you. Helaman 5:12 and Alma 48:17. Those are my two favorites. My story about Raven, suprisingly has a lot more to compare with my mission than I had previously thought. If only I knew to look at every single detail, large and small. Everything in a story will make a difference, even the smallest of details could make a story or a movie worthwhile. As long as we focus on those small details, all the big ones will come clear. Small changes make the biggest of differences.

With love,

Elder Austin Waller

(The picture is of Brandy, Garth, and Devon (the kid) Shilling. They are by far my favorite family out here. I need to write them.)

Week 21

Hey all!

Uhh...the last e-mail didn't come all the way through. Some of it is apparently missing or you didn't finish it. I got the instructions for crown molding. We will be helping a family put some up for a service project and it could possibly help us talk to someone named Moses (indeed).

Brandy was baptised yesterday! WOO! I got her a blue quad with her name on the front. She totes it around proudly. Peanut and Elaine, her sisters, were there to support her, as well as her dad and grandma. Garth baptised her, having been ordained a priest that day. They are really cool and possibly some of my best friends out here.

Learning a lot about filming out here. We film a lot of choreographed fighting because of all the energy we have needed to be spent. Lightsaber thing! WOO! It is good. Of course...it is amatuer. I should actually be in some other ones we do. I've gotten good behind the camera, now I gotta be in front. It is pretty amazing how much you learn out here, even when you are not trying to. Just step in and do things. The best training is through experience. So, I've done cameraman, director, now I need to do acting (the part I want to do most).

We have been putting our pedal to the metal out here. We will be having 7-8 baptisms this month alone, in our area. Many interesting stories to tell, but not right now. Some are confidential. Until later that is. The real way to go about things is just to use what you know. What did I learn in college? What do I do for fun? Do I have any hobbies? Those are typically the best ways to become friends with someone and get in the door. Just some of the most random things can get you in the door.

Things are lightening up out here. I'm finally getting much better sleep. My joints and back no longer ache as much. It is probably because I started taking a multi-vitamin. A lot easier to focus on things now. It might get dark once again, or even lighter. Why? Transfers are coming this week and I am pretty sure one of us is being transferred out. So, my next companion (if one of us gets transferred) could either make me miserable or help me learn more and be a good friend. Stress comes in many different forms.

Oh well, I know how to deal with things now. I learned that I have a natural strength at being a middle-man. I can see both sides of a picture. Do I like it? No. Is it needed in life? Yes. It is a curse and a blessing.

Keep sending the mail! It helps more than you think.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

Austin's address is:

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

e-mail: adwaller@myldsmail.net