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
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Monday, April 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Week 33
April 6, 2009
Hey,
This week has been kind of blech. Although, I know the exact reason why. Something is going right and the adversary is trying to pull me back down. Something that could change something. So almost every tool has come out against me right now. Good thing I learned something very useful. How to turn the tides on affliction and other things. All you have to do is assess the situation, then see what you can learn from it. It is because of this tool that I can see how often I am barraged with things.
Conference! Superbowl for the missionaries! Priesthood Session was completely awesome! Then the message that Elder Perry gave in the last session on Member Missionary Work. I expect everyone to follow it! We heard that same exact message a couple months ago relayed from Elder Perry to our Mission President to us. No one seems to follow it. Now, there is no excuse. HAHA! Every missionary out here will keep a copy of that talk in their back pocket everywhere they go.
I have been having a hard time sleeping lately. My mind is just far too active for some reason. My mind has been on the fast track to learning doctrine and applying it to life and abilities such as leadership, parenting, education, budgeting, marriage, I cannot possibly list all of the things. I am also trying to focus on how I can help people overcome obstacles like fear, debt, among others. While there are some key points in these roadblocks, the repeating message is clear. If you want to succeed and live life well and happily, keep the commandments of God.
Had a cool experience with film stuff. Not sure if I wrote about this already, but it is still cool. Elder Epps and I connected on this by coincedence. It started when we began sharing the same exact idea. We just looked at each other and said, "We will be working together in the future." From then on, during our free time (as occasion permits), we have been working on my Trilogy. It is coming along well and it is really exciting for me to see how good it is turning out. There are many hidden messages inside and many lessons that people can learn from it. It is quite awesome and keeps me stoked. Yes....stoked. You heard me! It also helps keep my spirits high and it is a release for that excess energy I have.
Doesn't sound like much has been happening at home. That or it has only been the same stuff over and over. Well, transfers are on Wednesday and I do not know if I will be transferred or not. I am fairly uncomfortable with the thought. Oh well. Come what may! I'm ready for it! Argh!
With love,
Elder Austin Waller
Hey,
This week has been kind of blech. Although, I know the exact reason why. Something is going right and the adversary is trying to pull me back down. Something that could change something. So almost every tool has come out against me right now. Good thing I learned something very useful. How to turn the tides on affliction and other things. All you have to do is assess the situation, then see what you can learn from it. It is because of this tool that I can see how often I am barraged with things.
Conference! Superbowl for the missionaries! Priesthood Session was completely awesome! Then the message that Elder Perry gave in the last session on Member Missionary Work. I expect everyone to follow it! We heard that same exact message a couple months ago relayed from Elder Perry to our Mission President to us. No one seems to follow it. Now, there is no excuse. HAHA! Every missionary out here will keep a copy of that talk in their back pocket everywhere they go.
I have been having a hard time sleeping lately. My mind is just far too active for some reason. My mind has been on the fast track to learning doctrine and applying it to life and abilities such as leadership, parenting, education, budgeting, marriage, I cannot possibly list all of the things. I am also trying to focus on how I can help people overcome obstacles like fear, debt, among others. While there are some key points in these roadblocks, the repeating message is clear. If you want to succeed and live life well and happily, keep the commandments of God.
Had a cool experience with film stuff. Not sure if I wrote about this already, but it is still cool. Elder Epps and I connected on this by coincedence. It started when we began sharing the same exact idea. We just looked at each other and said, "We will be working together in the future." From then on, during our free time (as occasion permits), we have been working on my Trilogy. It is coming along well and it is really exciting for me to see how good it is turning out. There are many hidden messages inside and many lessons that people can learn from it. It is quite awesome and keeps me stoked. Yes....stoked. You heard me! It also helps keep my spirits high and it is a release for that excess energy I have.
Doesn't sound like much has been happening at home. That or it has only been the same stuff over and over. Well, transfers are on Wednesday and I do not know if I will be transferred or not. I am fairly uncomfortable with the thought. Oh well. Come what may! I'm ready for it! Argh!
With love,
Elder Austin Waller
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Week 32
March 30, 2009
Hey!
It is getting better out here as far as moods and stuff goes. Work is getting harder because we aren't teaching nearly as much. It will be wonderful when we get back to teaching.
So far, I have lost 10 lbs without exercise. Now think of what it will be when I do start exercising. Whoa. Elder Epps has told me that I naturally pick healthy foods. He was impressed that I could eat Spinach just straight out of the box. I bought some for snacking on. I'm gonna try to actually get exercise in in the morning. Some jump rope, push-ups, resistance tubes, oh yeah...lots of stuff I can do.
Also doing some movie stuff with Elder Epps. Not really filming, but coming up with ideas. So far, the only hard material that has come out of this is the titles for my trilogy, and a music score for the main theme. It is really neat. I can see this actually coming around. Not sure if I want to go to BYU after the mission. I'll make that a matter of prayer at my halfway mark.
You had rain? Know what we had?! SNOW!!! I'm telling you, the weather is crazy out here! Spring, Summer, Winter, Spring, Winter, Summer, Winter, Summer, Spring, Winter! AHHH! Personally I like rain.
The SanDisk will not play Quicktime formats. It needs to be in a music format, not the movie format. Typically .mp3 or .wmp will work fine. Just check that part of the file name.
It has been hard keeping up with the water, so today I got a 2.2 liter container. I can carry this in the car. Speaking about the car. The car here on the mission. Someone decided to take a rock to the back triangle window while we were sleeping. Nothing was taken. Attack of malice and cost to the mission. So we have been driving around with a taped up window for the past couple of days. It was kinda funny how it was discovered. They had already gotten in the car, noticing nothing. I was jumping in, when I noticed these chunks of blue. I looked up and saw a hole in the window. I then said, "Whoa! There's a hole." It was quite funny since we could immediately tell nothing was missing, and the rock used was just lying there under the window. We carry it around. It was as if someone just knocked the window out, then carefully placed the rock down. Funny stuff!
I like how many friends I am making out here. There are those back in my first area, the Ward Mission Leaders, Stake Presidents, High Councilmen, and the Shillings. Then over here there is Bro. Frazier and his family, Bro. Oh, the Christiansens, the Conklins, Austin Siscenaros (American Idol), and the Jones family. My companions and I have literally been adopted into the Christiansen and Jones family. It really helps knowing that you are welcome somewhere, not just merely accepted.
Love,
Elder Austin Waller
Hey!
It is getting better out here as far as moods and stuff goes. Work is getting harder because we aren't teaching nearly as much. It will be wonderful when we get back to teaching.
So far, I have lost 10 lbs without exercise. Now think of what it will be when I do start exercising. Whoa. Elder Epps has told me that I naturally pick healthy foods. He was impressed that I could eat Spinach just straight out of the box. I bought some for snacking on. I'm gonna try to actually get exercise in in the morning. Some jump rope, push-ups, resistance tubes, oh yeah...lots of stuff I can do.
Also doing some movie stuff with Elder Epps. Not really filming, but coming up with ideas. So far, the only hard material that has come out of this is the titles for my trilogy, and a music score for the main theme. It is really neat. I can see this actually coming around. Not sure if I want to go to BYU after the mission. I'll make that a matter of prayer at my halfway mark.
You had rain? Know what we had?! SNOW!!! I'm telling you, the weather is crazy out here! Spring, Summer, Winter, Spring, Winter, Summer, Winter, Summer, Spring, Winter! AHHH! Personally I like rain.
The SanDisk will not play Quicktime formats. It needs to be in a music format, not the movie format. Typically .mp3 or .wmp will work fine. Just check that part of the file name.
It has been hard keeping up with the water, so today I got a 2.2 liter container. I can carry this in the car. Speaking about the car. The car here on the mission. Someone decided to take a rock to the back triangle window while we were sleeping. Nothing was taken. Attack of malice and cost to the mission. So we have been driving around with a taped up window for the past couple of days. It was kinda funny how it was discovered. They had already gotten in the car, noticing nothing. I was jumping in, when I noticed these chunks of blue. I looked up and saw a hole in the window. I then said, "Whoa! There's a hole." It was quite funny since we could immediately tell nothing was missing, and the rock used was just lying there under the window. We carry it around. It was as if someone just knocked the window out, then carefully placed the rock down. Funny stuff!
I like how many friends I am making out here. There are those back in my first area, the Ward Mission Leaders, Stake Presidents, High Councilmen, and the Shillings. Then over here there is Bro. Frazier and his family, Bro. Oh, the Christiansens, the Conklins, Austin Siscenaros (American Idol), and the Jones family. My companions and I have literally been adopted into the Christiansen and Jones family. It really helps knowing that you are welcome somewhere, not just merely accepted.
Love,
Elder Austin Waller
Monday, March 23, 2009
Week 31
l-r: Elder Baker, Elder Epps, Elder Waller after dinner in the Ballard home.Hey all!
It has been quite a strange week. Not nearly as many lessons as we have had before. Although, now we get to know the members a lot better than we used to which will strengthen those wards and members and result in more work for us. Hooray!
Thanks for the package. The dinosaurs are set up and the candy...set aside. If I could request something, please don't send anymore candy. I still have some left from...I can't remember when, probably thanksgiving. I'm not a squirrel! (Referring to the days when we got dad all those nuts for his birthday. He called himself a squirrel.) I like the card a bunch! Very clever.
At the Draper Temple dedication I was able to meet Uncle Dwaine's new missionary trainer. Rick Brown was his name. He says hi to Uncle Dwaine and that he is doing well. Of all things...it is snowing here! A couple days ago, the wind was crazy! I thought it was a day of Pentecost or something.
About the PS3, I don't think the same way I used to and was honestly thinking about most everything but the games. I was thinking about the all-in-one package.
Is Ryan Neale doing all right? Yeah I know him, he's one of my friends. You have a picture of him. Blonde hair, glasses, I think a long-sleeved button up blue-striped shirt. I wish they would send me something, just letting me know how they are doing. Steven is the only one that has contacted me, or at least the only one I have received. I think of them all quite often and wonder what is going on.
Anyways, the week is still going. Haha! Now that I have a little pirate attitude (from the card) I think searching for the treasure (scriptural truths and investigators) will be much easier.
Yo Ho! Yo Ho! A Missionary's Life For Me!
Elder Austin Waller
It is Austin's birthday on Wednesday. We purchased a pirate themed card then emblished it. We also created a dinosaur activity...leading into a missionary theme of course. mom and dad
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Week 30
March 16, 2009
I have a dental appointment (free) for Thursday. I don't exactly know how I will get mail on Monday because someone in the mission got into a preventable accident, which causes everyone to be grounded during our P-day time on Monday. So that day there might not be an e-mail...which really stinks. Elder Epps is from Raleigh. I thought I mentioned receiving Aunt Sheryl's packge earlier? Well I also received Sis. Dalton's. No I have not read the Bible, although I use it everyday.* It is not hard at all to be a missionary. I will try to answer all the other questions the activity day girls gave me in a later message.
About the present, I wanted a rain-check on a PS3 for when I get home. It will be cheaper then and it is a Blu-Ray, DVD, music, game, and other stuff player. Just an all-in-one system to say the least. Just a rain-check.
Missionary work over here has seen many miracles. People have just been popping up. We have had what I call a heart-attack investigator. He took himself off date, put himself back on, that again, then called the morning of his baptism only to ask who was giving him a ride. We were freaking out! Big fun! Pretty much all that has happened here. This year is going to be strange since there will be no family around for my birthday. Anita said the same thing about me not being there.
Thanks for everyones support.
Love,
Elder Austin Waller
*Austin may not have sat down and read the Bible as he did the Book of Mormon, cover to cover. But, he did study it from beginning to end for a year in Early Morning Semimary. mom
I have a dental appointment (free) for Thursday. I don't exactly know how I will get mail on Monday because someone in the mission got into a preventable accident, which causes everyone to be grounded during our P-day time on Monday. So that day there might not be an e-mail...which really stinks. Elder Epps is from Raleigh. I thought I mentioned receiving Aunt Sheryl's packge earlier? Well I also received Sis. Dalton's. No I have not read the Bible, although I use it everyday.* It is not hard at all to be a missionary. I will try to answer all the other questions the activity day girls gave me in a later message.
About the present, I wanted a rain-check on a PS3 for when I get home. It will be cheaper then and it is a Blu-Ray, DVD, music, game, and other stuff player. Just an all-in-one system to say the least. Just a rain-check.
Missionary work over here has seen many miracles. People have just been popping up. We have had what I call a heart-attack investigator. He took himself off date, put himself back on, that again, then called the morning of his baptism only to ask who was giving him a ride. We were freaking out! Big fun! Pretty much all that has happened here. This year is going to be strange since there will be no family around for my birthday. Anita said the same thing about me not being there.
Thanks for everyones support.
Love,
Elder Austin Waller
*Austin may not have sat down and read the Bible as he did the Book of Mormon, cover to cover. But, he did study it from beginning to end for a year in Early Morning Semimary. mom
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Weeks 28-29
l-r: Elder Waller, Elder Baker, Elder Thomas, Susan Johnson, Elder Peebles, Elder Epps
Uncle Chuck Waller, Elder Austin Waller and Aunt Sharon Waller (Austin's aunt and uncle just happen to currently reside in his mission field. This was a surprise meeting. Chuck and Sharon have served 3 foreign missions.)March 2, 2009
Hey!
For one thing, the home I am staying in is not anywhere near 9000sq ft. There are some around here that have more than that. But, not many. Yeah I'm doing fine. Still learning and all that missionary stuff. My new companion is Elder Epps. Still in the threesome with Elder Baker though. I've been losing weight. Yay! That is a good thing since we have a lot of fast food around here and we basically have to stop at one once a day, except Sunday.
Had a baptism yesterday. Susan Johnson, someone who has been investigating the church for...8 months? Elder Baker calls her a super model. I'm not so sure. I had a chlostraphobic attack while waiting for her to get dressed. The room was packed. I was concerned we needed to move into the chapel. As far as missionary stuff is concerned, we have had investigators pop out of the woodwork pretty frequently. That kind of thing makes a missionary giddy.
Everybody around here says I look so sad all the time. They don't realize how happy I am. My response is typically, "I'm sorry that I express happiness in a different way than you are used to." Makes it kind of hard for me. I just don't want to be some creepy person walking around with a smile on their face all the time. It would be like Jack Nicholson's version of the Joker!
Trying to think of what happened this week. Nothing much that I can think of. Just still going to work everyday...everyday. It can be (is) tiring. You just go and go and go, then when you get home, the Lord unplugs you and you just go to sleep within seconds. Then you wake up at 6:30, get ready, then the Lord plugs you back in and you zip zoom everywhere. Process repeats.
It is colder at home than it is here? Maybe I'm just too hot for this weather. It drove the cold away. No, I'm still in my big jacket, minus the scarf. Here that form of snow is called popcorn snow. I found it funny when I first heard that. I'm glad the snow is finally going away. Winter is no fun out here.
It is March now. Birthday is here soon. Wondering what is going to happen. Probably nothing. Likely nothing. Maybe some food at a restaurant, the only thing we can ever do to celebrate. Anyways, just keep that movie list running. I keep hearing of all these movies that interest me greatly. Are people trying to send me mail? If so, I haven't received much of anything. Anyways...
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
l-r: Elder Waller, Elder Epps, Elder Baker, unknown, Elder ThomasMarch 9, 2009
Hey,
No, I cannot accept the conference tickets. I would if I could, but I literally can't. As far as the letters, I'm sorry that I am only given an hour to write family, friends, anyone else, plus the missionary weekly report to President Laney. That would be one explanation as to why they might seem a little harsh. And trust me, every single letter is received very well. I have seen other missionaries do much worse and not accept the mail they get at all.
So Henry and Shanna like each other that much huh? I have seen quite a few of these things happen already. Advice, make it a matter of prayer! That is the message I am getting out here anyways. Speaking of which, what is with this expectation of me marrying maybe a couple months after I get home? It has been happening to the other missionaries, so I kind of figured it would only happen in time, such as, a little closer to the end? Don't do that....it makes me think of how to propose :). I might be writing them down. *
Had a lot of fun yesterday with the Frazier's, the Christiansen's, and the Conklin's. Do you remember Danny Frazier? He was a big name in college basketball during your time. Broke his neck? Yeah, we went over there yesterday and had some food. The Christiansen's are a big time fellowshipping family. Hans, the father, is from Denmark and has a cool accent. They are very encouraging out here and like to feed us as well. They want to keep in contact with me so that when my name gets big (talking film here) they can say they knew me well. I am making lots of friends out here. The Conklin's are a family that we baptized their youngest son Braden in. We stopped by yesterday to see how they were doing. They are going to church without us reminding them! YAY! Shared some stories with each other. Honestly, at the end of this mission, drive out here to pick me up! I want to introduce you to some of these families!
Elder Epps actually moved in with us. I am still on the air mattress. Sleeping isn't very good, especially since the spring forward. Blech! I am considering buying a sleeping aid. Talking about Elder Epps, both Elder Baker and I have lost weight. He knows how to eat healthy and make it good, on a missionary budget. When we had Elder Thomas, we ate out at least twice a day. We have only ate out twice since Elder Epps came in. Eating out is including fast food. Elder Baker lost 15 lbs. I lost 8. Amazing! We talk a lot about film and things of that nature. Quite fun!
We had three baptisms on Saturday. It was a great day! So what is happening out there? Ace still walking around....much? The country hanging on to the edge of its seat (the answer to that question is yes, we do get some of the events of the times here)?
You asked me in the letter what I would want for my birthday since it would be my last one before becoming "legal"? I never knew I was "illegal".** Uhhhh.....here is my question for you. Does it have to be sent out here? Which means, can I ask for something that I can use when I get home? If it can stay home, then I know precisely what I want. If it can't....it may take lots of thought.
With love,
Elder Austin Waller
* I printed and sent Austin a harlarious internet article telling the story of a proposal that took place after an LDS Institute class in New Mexico. The couple was featured on the Today Show. Danny and I watched the video after reading the article. If you would like to read it, type in "Gulp! She swallowed her engagement ring" at MSN LIVE, etc. I suggested he share this with his missionary companions for a "what not to do" proposal.
**Austin will turn 20 on March 25. Jokingly, I told him this was his last year before he turned legal.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
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.
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