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
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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