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
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