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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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 BakerFebruary 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
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
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
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
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
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)