Week 27

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.

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 Baker

February 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

...................................................................

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

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

Week 23

Jan 26, 2009
Hey!

Did my week 22 get to Dad? It had a picture in it. Ace sure does have good vocabulary. Alone? Sounds like me sometimes. Although, I only feel alone. Good gosh, if I realized anything today it is that one of my companions loves to take his time. We are late to basically everything. IT DRIVES ME NUTS! But, luckily the squirrels come and take those away. I encountered a moose out here! It was cool! I got a pretty up close and personal picture with it. It came through the wall!

No mail from anyone. I did however get Gran a card and will be sending it soon. It is a good one. And yes, the check should be cashed by now. My companions saw Uncle Chuck and Aunt Sharon at a baptism. I wasn't there, had to help with something elsewhere. I am up to 36 pushups a day. Woot! (Woot is an expression of excitement, Katie Baldwin asked)

I am telling you now. Serving with two Canadians is crazy. Literally. Especially driving. I get in the car, then once the door closes, I am struggling to get my seatbelt on. Really don't like that part. Both of them play the guitar...and the same songs....over and over and over. I have been charged by everyone else to keep them in line. That part is fun, now they just need to listen to me more or I am gonna tell them my charge (contract more or less with the AP's). Still, it is fun. Until we get late for things again.

My first journal is about done, so in the next couple of weeks I will send it home. After this transfer is over, I will have been gone for a quarter of my mission. Kinda fast.

So, Dad, hang in there. Ace might sleep a lot, but he can still provide a...small amount of entertainment. Mom, I'm surprised you can withstand the cold. For a couple days here, we got NC weather. Rainy and warm. Fog got really crazy here too. Kinda spooky. But I loved it. Humidity! No, I haven't been able to keep a record of those letters you send, but I still have them. So you like digital scrapbooking better than normal scrapbooking. A little easier to put together. I'm trying to see if I can get a small instrument out here so I can be a little more creative and have a better atmosphere. Just make me happier. I'm still trying to sell my bike. I'll have to call Elder Peters to see if he actually did what I asked him to. Will do that tonight. Well, will talk later.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

I, mom, am in Illinois taking care of my neices and nephew while my sister and husband take a trip to Hawaii. It was above freezing the day I landed but far, far below that since then. I got word from the guys in Hawaii they met a couple from Minnesota, who experienced a 90 degree temp change. Wow!

Week 22

The picture is of Brandy, Garth, and Devon (the kid) Shilling

January 20, 2009

Hey!

Sorry it is a day late. You were probably freaking out. Well it was MLK day! Libraries and Family History Centers were closed and we cannot use members computers. That is why.

The Urgent message was recieved. I could not cash the check because there are no RBC banks out here. So I had to sign the check over to Sis. Telford so she could go cash it. In the end, all is well. The check should be cashed soon. I have the money.

By the way, I have been transferred! Riverton! Currently the highest baptizing zone in the mission. I am with Elders Baker and Thomas, the Zone Leaders here. We are a threesome. I have been promoted their Secretary of State. Both of them are Albertans. Canadians. They like to sleep with the window open. Well...poor little me gets to sleep on an air mattress, where all the cold air gets sent. Not a pleasing experience. At least they are fun to hang out with.

I did get the mail, physical and electronic, from everyone. It has helped a lot. To name those I remember off the top of my head, Katie Baldwin, Bro. Hanna, Gran, Aunt Sheryl, you.....uhhhhhh Shanna. Who is this boyfriend? Is he a member? Do I need to interview him? I know how! Honestly dad, your quick witted humor has transferred over to your son out here. It is very useful. By the way, the Baldwins said that if we ever wanted to go to Hawaii in the next two years they would be willing to let us use their guest room. Will it happen? No clue. Don't really want to think about it right now. I keep trying to remember to get Gran a card, but I keep forgetting. Please tell her that I thank her, but don't tell her that I will still get her a card!

So, Riverton. Yeah, I am in one of the largest zones of the mission. Also, I am with the Zone Leaders. This means we have the responsibility of covering what goes on in the entire zone. So....it is huge. We have almost every single store you can think of here.

Neat experience had out here. We had to give two talks on Sunday. Everyone came up to me and thanked me for my testimony and talk that I shared. It didn't really hit me till yesterday when my companions talked about it while coming to our apartment. They said that I must know a lot about the gospel. Why? They noticed that I went to the pulpit armed only with scriptures and a testimony. They also noticed that the congregation went completely silent when I talked. It made me feel better knowing that I have a strength to talk like that. An investigator, Carrie, said that she liked it when I talked because my voice was just a complete comfort to her. She wondered if it was baritone. I just smiled. I'm learning a lot more here in Riverton than I did back in Cottonwood. Our area alone covers 24 wards. Yeah. It is really hard trying to keep up with the names of the leaders.

Thanks for the picture everyone. It is good to see the majority of the family smiling there. It helps me get through the day when I come to the apartment after a entire day of proselyting. Just builds me right back up. I have two scriptures for you. Helaman 5:12 and Alma 48:17. Those are my two favorites. My story about Raven, suprisingly has a lot more to compare with my mission than I had previously thought. If only I knew to look at every single detail, large and small. Everything in a story will make a difference, even the smallest of details could make a story or a movie worthwhile. As long as we focus on those small details, all the big ones will come clear. Small changes make the biggest of differences.

With love,

Elder Austin Waller

(The picture is of Brandy, Garth, and Devon (the kid) Shilling. They are by far my favorite family out here. I need to write them.)

Week 21

Hey all!

Uhh...the last e-mail didn't come all the way through. Some of it is apparently missing or you didn't finish it. I got the instructions for crown molding. We will be helping a family put some up for a service project and it could possibly help us talk to someone named Moses (indeed).

Brandy was baptised yesterday! WOO! I got her a blue quad with her name on the front. She totes it around proudly. Peanut and Elaine, her sisters, were there to support her, as well as her dad and grandma. Garth baptised her, having been ordained a priest that day. They are really cool and possibly some of my best friends out here.

Learning a lot about filming out here. We film a lot of choreographed fighting because of all the energy we have needed to be spent. Lightsaber thing! WOO! It is good. Of course...it is amatuer. I should actually be in some other ones we do. I've gotten good behind the camera, now I gotta be in front. It is pretty amazing how much you learn out here, even when you are not trying to. Just step in and do things. The best training is through experience. So, I've done cameraman, director, now I need to do acting (the part I want to do most).

We have been putting our pedal to the metal out here. We will be having 7-8 baptisms this month alone, in our area. Many interesting stories to tell, but not right now. Some are confidential. Until later that is. The real way to go about things is just to use what you know. What did I learn in college? What do I do for fun? Do I have any hobbies? Those are typically the best ways to become friends with someone and get in the door. Just some of the most random things can get you in the door.

Things are lightening up out here. I'm finally getting much better sleep. My joints and back no longer ache as much. It is probably because I started taking a multi-vitamin. A lot easier to focus on things now. It might get dark once again, or even lighter. Why? Transfers are coming this week and I am pretty sure one of us is being transferred out. So, my next companion (if one of us gets transferred) could either make me miserable or help me learn more and be a good friend. Stress comes in many different forms.

Oh well, I know how to deal with things now. I learned that I have a natural strength at being a middle-man. I can see both sides of a picture. Do I like it? No. Is it needed in life? Yes. It is a curse and a blessing.

Keep sending the mail! It helps more than you think.

Love,
Elder Austin Waller

Austin's address is:

Elder Austin Waller
Utah SLC South Mission
8060 South 615 East
Sandy, Utah 84070

e-mail: adwaller@myldsmail.net

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