weeks 19-20

This is Austin in his "Winter" clothing. What should we title it? Ninja Snowman? Abominable Snowman in Classic Black?

Beware, the following letter is very negative. Austin was obviously not in a happy mood. I included it, because we all go through frustration. It is a natural part of our mortal experience. Also, remember he has just gone through his 1st Thanksgiving and Christmas away from home. We did get to talk to Austin on Christmas and he sounded very good. I commented on how mature and good he sounded in my letter to him after the Christmas conversation and this letter was his reply. Life can be hard. mom

December 29, 2008
Hey,

I might sound good and that is probably the reason why no one believes me over here. The books, got them for free and want to read them when I get back. Mail? It is very confusing out here and everything costs money.

Awww....forgot most everything. What about the crown molding?! Kinda need that. I've just been getting very frustrated out here. Pains are at a high intensity again. Not fun at all. That and I hate this slow pace that we are going. Well, it's not slow....it is stop sprint. Cannot take that. Then it goes to here is the plan, oh let's go here first, oh wait we gotta do this, wait a second lets stop here. It is driving me insane! We always get to our appointments late! AGHHHHH! Stress is driving me up the walls and exercise doesn't help! Anyways...sleep hasn't gotten any better, just to let you know.

I can't find any stress relievers. Trust me, I'm looking. It is just getting harder for me to stay sane. I honestly have no idea how to solve this.

Snow, we actually got 12" or somewhere close. Not to mention ice and parking next to a snowbank so I step in this deep snow or slush salt mix. I've nearly died (expression, not real) from slipping on packed snow and ice more times than I wish to count. Didn't fall...yet.

Any good news? None, nada, zip, zero. For some reason, everything just took a complete fall off a cliff ever since Christmas. I'm trying my best to look around me to find something to grab onto just to keep myself afloat. Needless to say, treading water only lasts for so long. I'm trying, but all my strength (both physical and spiritual) is being exhausted just keeping myself afloat. Keeping my mind focused. It is hard to do this when sleep is severely lacking and stress is abounding.

Love,
Elder Waller

Austin countinued to strive to come home. I sent him a letter suggesting his successful completion of a mission would be for his good. It would give him experience to endure his choice of a career. The field of tv/film which he knows could be very carnal in nature. mom

January 5, 2009

Heya!

About the carnal field thing. Had I not stayed, I wouldn't have met the person I did yesterday at a Genesis Group Meeting. Rick Macy is in The Restoration (the DVD we use to visualize the vision) as Joseph Smith Sr. and The Testaments (another movie we use) as Helam. Got some good advice from him and wrote it in my journal. I have a picture with him. Also learned the strength of my own testimony during one of the meetings earlier in the day.

The thing that really kept me from coming home was I was talking to President Brew and the phone died. That was hard because I was telling him something really important. Talk about a blessing in disguise. I guess it brought out my true feelings as to why I wanted to go. I never knew these feelings, but once this was answered, I felt completely better.

By the way, the dark suit from Jos A Banks is ruined from an irreparable hole and vomit. Luckily, I got money from Christmas to buy a new one! WOOT! The jacket is fine. I will be sending it plus some pants, and maybe the larger suit home, sometime soon. New Years Eve, five people ate a certain ham. Three of them got food poisoning. I was not one of them. But Thursday night, I became sicker than them and was out for two days instead of one. Was not fun. Then, yesterday, had a full meal, then was pressed to eat another with an Armenian couple by a spanish sister companionship of three. Guess what, the lack of a gall bladder acted up and I have felt horrible since. I will tell you this, I will not be hard pressed ever again like that.

Just a really tough time. Found out from President Brew that I was supposed to be getting monthly mail from them. I have only received one, while in the MTC. If there is anything I need, it is support. Support will really help.

Uhh....anything else this week? We hit black ice and hit a mailbox. No damage to anything, just a bent liscense plate. Uhh......nope, that is pretty much it. I just wish these aches and pains would leave me alone. WHOA! Oh yeah! The family that I connected with through Dungeons and Dragons. Brandy is being baptised after 5 years worth of missionaries! WOOT! She has been on a long trek through this and is being baptised on the anniversary of her mothers death, Jan. 11. After her confirmation on the 18, she will go and do baptisms for the dead, one being her mom, at the SLC temple. IT IS AWESOME!!! They got me a tie for Christmas! Yay! That is the best news I have right now.

See if you can rally some of the ward to send me some supportive mail, e-mail or not. Both really help. Thanks for the Christmas cards everyone! Transfers are next week on Wednesday. Don't know if I will move or stay.

Love ya,
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