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