Sunday, December 8, 2013
Holy Cow, today was a crazy day! Church was kinda sad because I treated it like my last Sunday in Clondalkin. Saying goodbye to the members I've gotten to know for 4 1/2 months is very hard. We took pictures and said some goodbyes. Later tonight we headed in and waited for our moves call. So you'll probably know already by the time you get this..... but I'm going to Scotland!!!! The area is called Stranraer on the Southern tip of Scotland. My companion's name is Elder Spackman. And guess what? I'm Senior companion. Ahh, so many emotions going through me at once. It makes me tired, so goodnight.
Monday, December 9, 2013
It wasn't P-Day today, but we email anyway to get that out of the way. I told you all about where Im going and who I'm with. Later tonight we went over to a member's home and watched the Christmas Devotional. If you haven't seen it yet, you should. It's awesome! Russell M. Nelson's talk about becoming little children really nailed it home. I love Jesus and I love Christmas! I had to say goodbye to some more members today and it was really sad. I leave tomorrow night so I don't think I'll be able to see them all before I leave. I'll call all of them so I can at least say goodbye to them.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Today, was filled with visiting and saying goodbye to members. A sad day! I didn't get to see them all, so that didn't make me very happy. I almost teared up when I was talking to them on the phone. They all told me how they loved me and how they will miss me so much. Ugh, this stinks! The zone leaders picked me up and took me to their flat so I could stay the night there. I take the bus out of Dublin tomorrow. I'm gonna miss the big city. It's Christmas time so there are lights and trees all over the place. Oh well, new adventures to be had!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
So this morning we got up at 5 to get ready to leave. There were about 7 elders sleeping there because they were leaving with me including Elder Benesch! I don't know if I told you this, but he's serving in the same zone as me .... Again! I just can't get rid of him! Hopefully we'll serve together soon. My bus left at 7 am for Belfast. From Belfast we took a bus to get on the ferry over to Scotland. I love the Ferry because they have good food. From the Ferry, I took a bus to Glasgow where my companion picked me up. Did I mention we have a car?! No more buses!! We got back to our flat and had dinner and planned for the rest of the night. The flat is nice and roomy. I hope this is a good transfer!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Alright, my first day in Stranraer! Since we have a car, we see so many more people. Elder Spackman took me around to most of the members so I could meet them and get to know them. They're all very nice people and I'll get along with them. I'm not joking when I say this, but we have one lady in our branch who has a beard! I think she may have hirsutism so she has a little chin hairs, it's hilarious. Other than that, it was a pretty normal day.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Our area is really big, so sometimes we have to do a little bit of driving. There are a lot of less-active members so we are doing a lot of work with them. The drives along the coastline are absolutely beautiful! Did I mention that the car is a stick shift? Elder Spackman taught me today and I picked it up pretty fast. I still have some trouble with certain things, but I'm getting hang of it. Today was basically visiting some more people so I can get to know them and so I can get to know the area. They are all very nice and they feed us well, so I'm not complaining!
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Being a leader is hard sometimes, but I'm getting the hang of it. Right now with Elder Spackman, I'm stressing personal obedience to the mission rules. We are taught that personal obedience effects our spiritual conviction. His last companion wasn't completely obedient and didn't work very hard so I'm gonna change that! We are getting out there and not wasting a minute of the Lord's time. Being an example is where it starts so I'm trying my best to do that. Right now we're doing so much less-active work and that is what our day consisted of. Hopefully, we can inspire these members to come back to church!!
Sunday, December 15, 2013
This Sunday was a little different to what I'm used to. It's a really small branch so we don't even have a church building. We meet at a day center in the middle of town. Even though it's not an official building and it doesn't even look like it, I could feel the Spirit during the sacrament. You don't have to have a big chapel with lots of people to have a spiritual experience at church. All you need is a couple of faithful people and the correct authority to feel the Spirit and renew your covenants. This branch is struggling because of the people that keep falling away, but I made a goal with the Lord today. I said that I will try my very hardest to help this branch take a step forward and contribute to the Kingdom of God. Failure is not an option.
Love you!!
Elder Scott Austin
Elder Austin with a 1st Edition Book of Mormon
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Elder Austin's Journal Letters from November 25 - December 1, 2013
Hi Mom!
Monday, November 25, 2013
My second favorite day of the week - P-Day! My favorite part of P-day is probably emailing and see how life is over in the States. I get emails from you, Dad, Erin, a couple of girls, and some friends. From time to time, I talk with Will, Cade and Jake. Can you believe Cade is almost done with his mission? I don't know if you know this, but today is my 4 month mark. Time goes by so fast! Today for P-day we went to the stake center to play sports. Other than that, nothing happened missionary-wise. It was a good start to the week.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Today, was kind of disappointing. We had appointments all day long, but all of them fell through. We planned on getting three new investigators, but we ended up with 0. I sometimes think that people set appointments with us, thinking that we won't actually come. Ahh people are dumb sometimes! Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Today was a better day than yesterday. Thank heavens! We started off by having lunch at a member's house. It was nothing social, but it was nice not having to make anything. After that, we headed out to Ian's house. We taught him about the priesthood and showed him another Mormon Message. You should look up "Sanctify Youselves". It's really good! Later tonight, we went to a less-active's house for dinner. They're Nigerian food. It was chicken, rice and some other vegetables. The mother and father were less active, but the kids aren't baptized so we're going to talk to them about that. Hopefully that will get their family back on track!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Another day of people dodging our appointments. Ahh, I hate this. It's not that I'm sad or depressed, it's just a little frustrating. We did get to see a less-active family that we haven't seen before. Basically, the husband was baptized, so the family did too. So when the husband fell away, the family fell away too. It's like teaching an investigator whose already baptized. We did spark some interest in them so it might be good. Other than that, nothing really happened. Hopefully, this week gets better.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Gosh people need to stop dropping our appointments! We have so many potential investigators, but none of them will turn into investigators unless they follow through with their appointments! Two more people dropped today, but one actually followed through! Her name is Tola and she has been taught before. The lesson went good, but the tricky part is getting her to church. I hope she comes, but she doesn't want to upset her other church. I have to stay positive.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Guess what today consisted of? More people dropping appointments. Being discouraged and sad is not my problem, it's frustration. I'm concerned for the welfare of these people, but I can't help them if they don't have the desire. I'm sorry I don't have many life-changing stories to tell you about. I will keep trying though.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
It was a busy Sunday, but a good one. We had two investigators at church today, so that was exciting. A couple of babies were blessed so the chapel was packed. One of our investigators named Serghei is going through a hard time. He told us today that his family is tearing apart and they aren't doing pretty well. We taught him that God loves him and that He can help in these hard times. We gave him a Book of Mormon and he read a lot of it during church. I hope he can find happiness in the gospel, he really needs it. We might not know what he's going through, but God does. And He's the one that can help the most! Tell Dad I said Happy Birthday! Even though it was a hectic day, I was thinking about him all day long. There's a letter coming to him too! That's all for me this week.
Love You! Elder Austin
Elder Austin's Journal Letters from November 18 - November 24, 2013
Hi Mom!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Ahh, P-Day at last. It's a day where I can rest from all the stress of missionary work. We emailed, got lunch, and just walked around Dublin City Centre. We don't have to do anything special, to me it's fun hanging out with other missionaries. They're starting to put up Christmas decorations in the city and it's beautiful! I can't wait for Christmas.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Today wasn't too eventful. It sucks when you don't have any investigators to teach. I don't know why, but people were so mean today when we were tracking. I did a good job not getting discouraged, but now I gotta work on using it as motivation. I'm sorry I don't have much to write about. I'm really trying my best to find people to teach.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Today wasn't too bad. Again, it's just a lot of knocking on doors and talking to people on the street. We did get a new investigator though! His name is Sergei and he's from Maldova. Maldova is right next to Russia and was part of the old Soviet Union. He speaks Russian and his English isn't that good so that might be a problem. We'll just have to teach simple and clear. He has a beautiful chocolate lab and she loves me. She reminded me of Maggie. I miss my puppy! So overall, today was a good day!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Today was a really good day! We had something called Zone conference where we all gathered together as a zone and get instructed by our leaders and President Brown. They spoke on a lot of good stuff like how we can help investigators in the conversion process. I love conferences like this because I get to see a lot of missionaries that I don't get to see often, including Elder Benesch! After it was over, we went on another exchange. I was with Elder Frost from Copenhagen, Denmark. It's kind of nice not having an American companion because it shows that the church is all over the world. We tried visiting some potentials and did some simple tracking, but nothing too big came out of it.
Friday, November 22, 2013
We had Elder Frost for the first part of the day. Our appointments fell through, but we met some good people on the street who seemed very interested in our Church. We exchanged back and then headed out to the furthest part of our area. Out there we had dinner with a member family who is from the Ukraine. The mother and father moved to Ireland about 15 years ago and that is when they met the missionaries. They now have two teenage daughters and one little boy, and they are all active in the Church. Their family is a lot of fun and they made us some good food! It was a good day.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
I guess when you have a couple of good days, a not so good one comes up. All of our appointments fell through today. It was kind of disappointing, but since that happened, I decided we should go visit some of our less active members. One of them was James Lennon who I told you about before. He needed us because he got drunk last night and had a bad night. We helped him out and had a little lesson on repentance. The next one was Grace Slater and she REALLY needed us. Her daughter has a giant tumor on her back and she's going to get surgery soon. We offered and she accepted a blessing. Even though all our appointments fell through, we were needed elsewhere. Experiences like that help you understand a little bit about how God works.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
In the mornings for my personal study, I've started to read "Jesus The Christ" by James E. Talmage. It is an amazing book and I highly recommend it. It's a long book and it might take my entire mission to read it, but it's great and I love it. You should read it! It covers ALL doctrine about Jesus Christ and why he's important to us. I learn new things everyday from it.
Well Sundays are always great. A lady in our ward spoke about how miracles and ministering of angels still happen today. I love small wards like this because I really get to know everyone. Later tonight, we headed to a young married couple's house in our ward. They have a 3 year old girl and she is the cutest thing ever! We had a good lesson and then headed for home.
Love You! Elder Austin
Monday, November 18, 2013
Ahh, P-Day at last. It's a day where I can rest from all the stress of missionary work. We emailed, got lunch, and just walked around Dublin City Centre. We don't have to do anything special, to me it's fun hanging out with other missionaries. They're starting to put up Christmas decorations in the city and it's beautiful! I can't wait for Christmas.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Today wasn't too eventful. It sucks when you don't have any investigators to teach. I don't know why, but people were so mean today when we were tracking. I did a good job not getting discouraged, but now I gotta work on using it as motivation. I'm sorry I don't have much to write about. I'm really trying my best to find people to teach.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Today wasn't too bad. Again, it's just a lot of knocking on doors and talking to people on the street. We did get a new investigator though! His name is Sergei and he's from Maldova. Maldova is right next to Russia and was part of the old Soviet Union. He speaks Russian and his English isn't that good so that might be a problem. We'll just have to teach simple and clear. He has a beautiful chocolate lab and she loves me. She reminded me of Maggie. I miss my puppy! So overall, today was a good day!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Today was a really good day! We had something called Zone conference where we all gathered together as a zone and get instructed by our leaders and President Brown. They spoke on a lot of good stuff like how we can help investigators in the conversion process. I love conferences like this because I get to see a lot of missionaries that I don't get to see often, including Elder Benesch! After it was over, we went on another exchange. I was with Elder Frost from Copenhagen, Denmark. It's kind of nice not having an American companion because it shows that the church is all over the world. We tried visiting some potentials and did some simple tracking, but nothing too big came out of it.
Friday, November 22, 2013
We had Elder Frost for the first part of the day. Our appointments fell through, but we met some good people on the street who seemed very interested in our Church. We exchanged back and then headed out to the furthest part of our area. Out there we had dinner with a member family who is from the Ukraine. The mother and father moved to Ireland about 15 years ago and that is when they met the missionaries. They now have two teenage daughters and one little boy, and they are all active in the Church. Their family is a lot of fun and they made us some good food! It was a good day.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
I guess when you have a couple of good days, a not so good one comes up. All of our appointments fell through today. It was kind of disappointing, but since that happened, I decided we should go visit some of our less active members. One of them was James Lennon who I told you about before. He needed us because he got drunk last night and had a bad night. We helped him out and had a little lesson on repentance. The next one was Grace Slater and she REALLY needed us. Her daughter has a giant tumor on her back and she's going to get surgery soon. We offered and she accepted a blessing. Even though all our appointments fell through, we were needed elsewhere. Experiences like that help you understand a little bit about how God works.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
In the mornings for my personal study, I've started to read "Jesus The Christ" by James E. Talmage. It is an amazing book and I highly recommend it. It's a long book and it might take my entire mission to read it, but it's great and I love it. You should read it! It covers ALL doctrine about Jesus Christ and why he's important to us. I learn new things everyday from it.
Well Sundays are always great. A lady in our ward spoke about how miracles and ministering of angels still happen today. I love small wards like this because I really get to know everyone. Later tonight, we headed to a young married couple's house in our ward. They have a 3 year old girl and she is the cutest thing ever! We had a good lesson and then headed for home.
Love You! Elder Austin
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Elder Austin's Journal Letters November 11-November 17, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Today was a pretty good P-Day, besides the fact that we had to wake up at 5 a.m. Two of the missionaries including my companion had to get their Garda cards. It's basically the Irish DMV where you go to get permanently legal. You have to go there early because it can get packed. We then ate breakfast and did our emailing. Afterwards, we met up with other missionaries and got lunch at a burrito place. We went to a cool place called Dulinia. It's a museum that tells about Dublin in the Viking and medieval times. I like that stiff so we had a good ime. We went to a potential investigators house and talked to him at his door for a while. Out of no where, he collapsed in the middle of the conversation. We found out he was narcoleptic. He got up and pretended that nothing happened. When he closed the door, we just busted out laughing. So it was an interesting day.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Today wasn't too bad. This morning we had district meeting and I got to help teach. I taught about how we should use the Book of Mormon. You should get a copy and put it in your car or your purse. You never know when missionary opportunities are gonna pop up. Other than that, we didn't teach anyone, but today was alright.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Today we had two really good appointments with members of the Clondalkin Ward. The first was with a family named Haji's. They have a wonderful family and I always love going over there for lunch. Later on we had dinner with an older couple named the Keogh's. She makes the BEST dinners ever (besides you Mommy :). We had a good lesson about the Book of Mormon and Sister Keogh brought up a good point. She said the Bible talks about the life of Christ, but the Book of Mormon talks about the atonement of Christ. I'm really starting to see the power and importance of the Book of Mormon. Don't take it for granted.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Today was a lot like yesterday. We had two more appointments with members. This hopefully will establish trust within the ward. The first was with a single mom named Maria Sheridan. The second was with a family named the Connoley's. Not much is going on in the streets when we talk to people, but we're trying.
Friday, November 15, 2013
We actually had a pretty good day today. We visited three less-active members with one being a family. The family was Nigerian and they made us some chicken wings. In the Nigerian culture, after you eat the meat you're supposed to crack the bones with your teeth. It's supposed to be good for your jaw muscles. The marrow is also good for your teeth. Weird, right? I did it and it was so weird! I got the opportunity to teach my first gay people. That we interesting. It was two women and they fell discriminated against by all other churches. I emphasized that God loves them no matter what and they didn't buy it. Those are always hard situations.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Just another weird day in Dublin. We knocked on a door and a black guy answered with no pants. Yeah just another ordinary day. We had dinner at a members house. Have you ever had stuffed mushrooms with lamb casserole? Only in Ireland. . . . It wasn't bad. Weird day, but a good one!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Again, Sundays are always the best days no matter what happens. I love going to church and visiting with members. Its going to be sad when I leave this area, everyone loves me! And I love all of them too. Outside of church, today had its ups and downs. The downside is that we don't have any investigators anymore. They all decided they don't want to meet anymore, so that didn't make me happy. On the bright side, our recent converts made us some African barbecue, so that made me feel better. It was SO good. She made barbecue chicken with beans and rice. I've come to love African food. It that weird since I'm in Ireland? Oh well, it's yummy. Thats all that matters.
Love you! Elder Austin
Today was a pretty good P-Day, besides the fact that we had to wake up at 5 a.m. Two of the missionaries including my companion had to get their Garda cards. It's basically the Irish DMV where you go to get permanently legal. You have to go there early because it can get packed. We then ate breakfast and did our emailing. Afterwards, we met up with other missionaries and got lunch at a burrito place. We went to a cool place called Dulinia. It's a museum that tells about Dublin in the Viking and medieval times. I like that stiff so we had a good ime. We went to a potential investigators house and talked to him at his door for a while. Out of no where, he collapsed in the middle of the conversation. We found out he was narcoleptic. He got up and pretended that nothing happened. When he closed the door, we just busted out laughing. So it was an interesting day.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Today wasn't too bad. This morning we had district meeting and I got to help teach. I taught about how we should use the Book of Mormon. You should get a copy and put it in your car or your purse. You never know when missionary opportunities are gonna pop up. Other than that, we didn't teach anyone, but today was alright.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Today we had two really good appointments with members of the Clondalkin Ward. The first was with a family named Haji's. They have a wonderful family and I always love going over there for lunch. Later on we had dinner with an older couple named the Keogh's. She makes the BEST dinners ever (besides you Mommy :). We had a good lesson about the Book of Mormon and Sister Keogh brought up a good point. She said the Bible talks about the life of Christ, but the Book of Mormon talks about the atonement of Christ. I'm really starting to see the power and importance of the Book of Mormon. Don't take it for granted.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Today was a lot like yesterday. We had two more appointments with members. This hopefully will establish trust within the ward. The first was with a single mom named Maria Sheridan. The second was with a family named the Connoley's. Not much is going on in the streets when we talk to people, but we're trying.
Friday, November 15, 2013
We actually had a pretty good day today. We visited three less-active members with one being a family. The family was Nigerian and they made us some chicken wings. In the Nigerian culture, after you eat the meat you're supposed to crack the bones with your teeth. It's supposed to be good for your jaw muscles. The marrow is also good for your teeth. Weird, right? I did it and it was so weird! I got the opportunity to teach my first gay people. That we interesting. It was two women and they fell discriminated against by all other churches. I emphasized that God loves them no matter what and they didn't buy it. Those are always hard situations.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Just another weird day in Dublin. We knocked on a door and a black guy answered with no pants. Yeah just another ordinary day. We had dinner at a members house. Have you ever had stuffed mushrooms with lamb casserole? Only in Ireland. . . . It wasn't bad. Weird day, but a good one!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Again, Sundays are always the best days no matter what happens. I love going to church and visiting with members. Its going to be sad when I leave this area, everyone loves me! And I love all of them too. Outside of church, today had its ups and downs. The downside is that we don't have any investigators anymore. They all decided they don't want to meet anymore, so that didn't make me happy. On the bright side, our recent converts made us some African barbecue, so that made me feel better. It was SO good. She made barbecue chicken with beans and rice. I've come to love African food. It that weird since I'm in Ireland? Oh well, it's yummy. Thats all that matters.
Love you! Elder Austin
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Elder Scott Austin's Journal Letters November 4 - November 10, 2013
Monday, November 4, 2013
P-days are always good days. They're a lot of fun. Today, we bought stuff to make sandwiches and had a mini-picnic at the Stake Center. The sisters offered to make the food so I'm not complaining. Afterwards, we played games in the gym like football and basketball. We went across the street to check out an old cemetery where important and rich people are buried with fancy graves. We then did our grocery shopping and headed for home. Unfortunately, we didn't get to teach any people that night, but overall, it was a good day!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
This morning we had district meeting then I went on exchanges with my zone leaders. I was with ElderLUna for the day. He's a good guy and I'm glad I got to know him. When you go on exchanges, you try and work on something and the zone leaders helps you. What I focused on was talking to people on the street. I'm not hesitant to talk to people, but sometimes I don't know what to teach or talk about. Everyone has problems that can be solved through the gospel. It's our job as missionaries to identify those problems and teach according to them. That's the hardest thing for me.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. In regards to teaching people on the street, it wasn't that good. But we worked and had some great lessons with some less-active members. We taught a less-active lady named Grace Slater and I could tell the Spirit was was directing the lesson. My companion offered a very sincere prayer and I was inspired to share Matthew 14:24-33. It talks about when Jesus walked on water and he called out for Peter to come to Him. I'll let you read the rest of the story and you can tell me what you learned. After the lesson, I can tell the Spirit touched Grace's heart. She promised to come to church on Sunday. That made me really excited. I hope she comes!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Today was a little tougher than others. I can tell the transfer is going to be one of the harder ones for me. We are trying our best to find and teach people on the street, but nobody seems to want to listen. I've heard a rumor that this is one of the hardest missions in the church in terms of baptisms, I believe it! Rejection is almost expected when you're talking to people, but I'm trying to take Dad's counsel and never be satisfied. I just gotta keep my head down and work!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Again, not much going on today. We tried by some potential investigators, but they were either not home or not interested. I'm trying to find a balance between not being discouraged by failure but not being okay with it. Does that make sense? Am I being crazy? I don't know, we'll see how it goes. You would love one of the less-active members we saw today. He's into classic rock so you two would get along. His name is James Lennon and he said he's gonna name his future son John! He's a good guy so I love going over there and teaching him.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Today was a better day. We got a new investigator named Manoj. He's from India. He's originally Hindu so it's going to be interesting to teach about one God and Jesus Christ. Later this evening we went to a member's house for dinner. One of them was watching the rugby game so we got to watch it too. It was pretty fun to watch. Ireland beat Samoa pretty bad. Ireland plays New Zealand next week so it's my mission vs. Will's! I'll have to email and brag to him if we win.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Today was a great day! Guess what today was in sacrament meeting? It was the primary program! There's about 20 to 30 kids in our primary and they did great! The theme was God is our loving Heavenly Father. It was my favorite Sunday here so far. So many people came to church too! There was 2 investigators and 7 less-active members. It was a good ending to a tough week.
Love you! P.S. Elder Lesuma says hi!
P-days are always good days. They're a lot of fun. Today, we bought stuff to make sandwiches and had a mini-picnic at the Stake Center. The sisters offered to make the food so I'm not complaining. Afterwards, we played games in the gym like football and basketball. We went across the street to check out an old cemetery where important and rich people are buried with fancy graves. We then did our grocery shopping and headed for home. Unfortunately, we didn't get to teach any people that night, but overall, it was a good day!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
This morning we had district meeting then I went on exchanges with my zone leaders. I was with ElderLUna for the day. He's a good guy and I'm glad I got to know him. When you go on exchanges, you try and work on something and the zone leaders helps you. What I focused on was talking to people on the street. I'm not hesitant to talk to people, but sometimes I don't know what to teach or talk about. Everyone has problems that can be solved through the gospel. It's our job as missionaries to identify those problems and teach according to them. That's the hardest thing for me.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. In regards to teaching people on the street, it wasn't that good. But we worked and had some great lessons with some less-active members. We taught a less-active lady named Grace Slater and I could tell the Spirit was was directing the lesson. My companion offered a very sincere prayer and I was inspired to share Matthew 14:24-33. It talks about when Jesus walked on water and he called out for Peter to come to Him. I'll let you read the rest of the story and you can tell me what you learned. After the lesson, I can tell the Spirit touched Grace's heart. She promised to come to church on Sunday. That made me really excited. I hope she comes!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Today was a little tougher than others. I can tell the transfer is going to be one of the harder ones for me. We are trying our best to find and teach people on the street, but nobody seems to want to listen. I've heard a rumor that this is one of the hardest missions in the church in terms of baptisms, I believe it! Rejection is almost expected when you're talking to people, but I'm trying to take Dad's counsel and never be satisfied. I just gotta keep my head down and work!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Again, not much going on today. We tried by some potential investigators, but they were either not home or not interested. I'm trying to find a balance between not being discouraged by failure but not being okay with it. Does that make sense? Am I being crazy? I don't know, we'll see how it goes. You would love one of the less-active members we saw today. He's into classic rock so you two would get along. His name is James Lennon and he said he's gonna name his future son John! He's a good guy so I love going over there and teaching him.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Today was a better day. We got a new investigator named Manoj. He's from India. He's originally Hindu so it's going to be interesting to teach about one God and Jesus Christ. Later this evening we went to a member's house for dinner. One of them was watching the rugby game so we got to watch it too. It was pretty fun to watch. Ireland beat Samoa pretty bad. Ireland plays New Zealand next week so it's my mission vs. Will's! I'll have to email and brag to him if we win.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Today was a great day! Guess what today was in sacrament meeting? It was the primary program! There's about 20 to 30 kids in our primary and they did great! The theme was God is our loving Heavenly Father. It was my favorite Sunday here so far. So many people came to church too! There was 2 investigators and 7 less-active members. It was a good ending to a tough week.
Love you! P.S. Elder Lesuma says hi!
Elder Austin's Journal Letters October 28 - November 3, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013:
Hey Mom, today was a slow day. We went into the city centre and emailed. We email at a small internet cafe for an hour. We then met up with other missionaries and got lunch at a kebab place called Zaytoons. Chicken shish kebab, mmmmm! For the rest of the day we just went to members homes and told them the news about moves calls. Nothing too exciting.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013:
Today was a better day for lessons. We visited a few less-active members then had dinner at a member's house, they cooked chili. (Not as good as yours). I got your journal letters this week. I have a comment about them: You are EXACTLY like the mother's of the stripling warriors. Because of you, I doubt not God. I just wish I could be like the stripling warriors. I also got mail from Erin and Alyssa King. So today was a good day. I meet my new companion tomorrow so I'm excited about that.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013:
Today was a really good day! First we did our shopping, then went out to the city centre. We had lunch with other missionaries at a place called Boojim's. It's kind of like Chipotle where you can make your own burrito. Then we headed over to a museum where they had preserved bodies that were found in bogs, awesome! After that, we went to Trinity College to see one of the original 1830's copy of the Book of Mormon!!! I actually held it in my hands . The Prophet of the Restoration himself could have touched that very copy that I held. It was POWERFUL! I'll send you the pictures next Monday. Then I picked up my new companion from the bus station. His name is Elder Merrill from Utah as well. He seems like a good, solid, obedient missionary so I'm excited aout what we can do in this area!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
I got a new pen today, so I'm "back in black"! I don't know if you know this already, but there are four elders living in our flat now. It's crazy and fun, but we work hard too. Today was a day basically to settle in and get everything ready for the flat. It's Halloween and it can get pretty crazy at times especially here in Ireland. So they have asked us to be back at 6:00. We can hear a lot of fireworks and stuff so we understand why we're supposed to be in.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. We went over to a young couple's house to help them move. That took up most of the day. For the last part of the day, we went out and tried to teach people. It's harder now that it's getting darker sooner. People just don't wanna stop and talk in the dark, especially two guys in suits. Oh eel, the work must go on.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Today was a tougher day. Ever since we split up, all of our investigators got split too. That means we have less people to teach, so we have to find more people. We tried to find and tract as much as we could but nobody wanted to listen. Even though Elder Merrill has been out longer, I have to lead because I know the area better. I feel like I'm a terrible leader on days like these. It makes me feel so inadequate. I've developed some thick skin on my mission, but on days where there is absolutely nothing, it's still really hard. I know I shouldn't but I feel like I'm letting the Lord down when I'm unsuccessful.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Today was better, Sunday is always a great day. Church and the sacrament mean so much more to me. During the week, I go out to the wicked world, but Sunday is my day to be in a place where I can worship my Lord and my God in peace. Today was fast Sunday and I love hearing the testimonies of the members of the ward. After church we went to a members home and met with our recent converts. Those are always good lessons, so it's a good ending to a tough week.
Love and miss you! Elder Austin
Hey Mom, today was a slow day. We went into the city centre and emailed. We email at a small internet cafe for an hour. We then met up with other missionaries and got lunch at a kebab place called Zaytoons. Chicken shish kebab, mmmmm! For the rest of the day we just went to members homes and told them the news about moves calls. Nothing too exciting.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013:
Today was a better day for lessons. We visited a few less-active members then had dinner at a member's house, they cooked chili. (Not as good as yours). I got your journal letters this week. I have a comment about them: You are EXACTLY like the mother's of the stripling warriors. Because of you, I doubt not God. I just wish I could be like the stripling warriors. I also got mail from Erin and Alyssa King. So today was a good day. I meet my new companion tomorrow so I'm excited about that.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013:
Today was a really good day! First we did our shopping, then went out to the city centre. We had lunch with other missionaries at a place called Boojim's. It's kind of like Chipotle where you can make your own burrito. Then we headed over to a museum where they had preserved bodies that were found in bogs, awesome! After that, we went to Trinity College to see one of the original 1830's copy of the Book of Mormon!!! I actually held it in my hands . The Prophet of the Restoration himself could have touched that very copy that I held. It was POWERFUL! I'll send you the pictures next Monday. Then I picked up my new companion from the bus station. His name is Elder Merrill from Utah as well. He seems like a good, solid, obedient missionary so I'm excited aout what we can do in this area!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
I got a new pen today, so I'm "back in black"! I don't know if you know this already, but there are four elders living in our flat now. It's crazy and fun, but we work hard too. Today was a day basically to settle in and get everything ready for the flat. It's Halloween and it can get pretty crazy at times especially here in Ireland. So they have asked us to be back at 6:00. We can hear a lot of fireworks and stuff so we understand why we're supposed to be in.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. We went over to a young couple's house to help them move. That took up most of the day. For the last part of the day, we went out and tried to teach people. It's harder now that it's getting darker sooner. People just don't wanna stop and talk in the dark, especially two guys in suits. Oh eel, the work must go on.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Today was a tougher day. Ever since we split up, all of our investigators got split too. That means we have less people to teach, so we have to find more people. We tried to find and tract as much as we could but nobody wanted to listen. Even though Elder Merrill has been out longer, I have to lead because I know the area better. I feel like I'm a terrible leader on days like these. It makes me feel so inadequate. I've developed some thick skin on my mission, but on days where there is absolutely nothing, it's still really hard. I know I shouldn't but I feel like I'm letting the Lord down when I'm unsuccessful.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Today was better, Sunday is always a great day. Church and the sacrament mean so much more to me. During the week, I go out to the wicked world, but Sunday is my day to be in a place where I can worship my Lord and my God in peace. Today was fast Sunday and I love hearing the testimonies of the members of the ward. After church we went to a members home and met with our recent converts. Those are always good lessons, so it's a good ending to a tough week.
Love and miss you! Elder Austin
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Journal Letters from October 21-27, 2013
Monday, Oct 21, 2013
Hi Mom! Today was P Day! First we went to go email. I didn't get an email from you which worries me a little bit. Let me know if there's anything wrong! We then got lunch at Eddi Rockets, which is basically Johnny Rockets. We went over to Trinity College to make an appointment to see the ORIGINAL copy of the Book of MORMON (well, one of the originals). So that pretty much was our day!
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
Sorry about the purple pen, I ran out of my last one. Today, we had district meeting in the morning. We learned how to use family history as a tool for finding people to teach. Does our family have any cool stories? It's hard to use, but I'm working on it. Afterwards, we went to a Chinese buffet called Jimmy Chungs, it's so good! Other than that, nothing exciting happened.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013
Today was a day full of less-active people. We did service for an older lady in the morning, then cooked dinner with a younger guy, about my age. You would like him. He's totally into classical rock. He's a great singer too! He says he's gonna try for the X-factor next year. The only problem with him is he has a lot of piercings and tattoos, but he's a nice guy.
Thursday, Oct 24, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. We found out that we are getting another set of elders in this area. They're gonna be living in our flat, so if I stay here, it's gonna be packed! Moves call is Sunday, so I might get moved to a new area. Tonight we helped a part-member family paint the inside of their house. The boyfriend (They're not married) is very interested in the church and we've been teaching him for a while. They bicker and joke around like an old married couple, they are hilarious! They do indeed love each other a lot. We just have to work on them getting married.
Friday, Oct. 25, 2013
So today was an interesting day. We found out we are getting another set of elders in this area and they are staying in this apartment. So if I stay, it'll be packed! Moves call is this Sunday so there's a possibility I might be moving to a new area. Most of our appointments cancelled today so that was disappointing. I keep getting hit on by 12 and 13 year old girls, It's weird! It's happened the past three days. I guess that's the price I pay for being so good-looking! I blame you for that, don't tell Dad!
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013
Today, was a full day filled with service! First, we went over to an investigators house and worked on her yard. Guess what I did? Mowed her lawn.... I can't seem to run away from these childhood chores! Oh well, I guess those chores prepared me for this. We then helped that same part-member family finish painting. I think I got more paint on my shirt then the wall. (It's not my fault). They're such a great family and their kids are the cutest! All three of them are like my best friends, (They're all toddlers.) So it was a fun day!
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013
Today was a good day. I gave a talk in church today on how Heavenly Father knows all things. I focused mainly on how He knows who we are and who we can be. We then had dinner with an older lady in our ward. She asked for pictures of us so I brought the family picture you sent to show her. She said we had a beautiful family, but it was too small. I disagree with that, I think our family is perfect sized! Now we're just chillin' at our apartment waiting for the call to tell us if we move. It's so intense, the anticipation is killing me! I'll let you know if I move. Hope you enjoy my letter. Love you!
Hi Mom! Today was P Day! First we went to go email. I didn't get an email from you which worries me a little bit. Let me know if there's anything wrong! We then got lunch at Eddi Rockets, which is basically Johnny Rockets. We went over to Trinity College to make an appointment to see the ORIGINAL copy of the Book of MORMON (well, one of the originals). So that pretty much was our day!
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013
Sorry about the purple pen, I ran out of my last one. Today, we had district meeting in the morning. We learned how to use family history as a tool for finding people to teach. Does our family have any cool stories? It's hard to use, but I'm working on it. Afterwards, we went to a Chinese buffet called Jimmy Chungs, it's so good! Other than that, nothing exciting happened.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013
Today was a day full of less-active people. We did service for an older lady in the morning, then cooked dinner with a younger guy, about my age. You would like him. He's totally into classical rock. He's a great singer too! He says he's gonna try for the X-factor next year. The only problem with him is he has a lot of piercings and tattoos, but he's a nice guy.
Thursday, Oct 24, 2013
Today was a pretty good day. We found out that we are getting another set of elders in this area. They're gonna be living in our flat, so if I stay here, it's gonna be packed! Moves call is Sunday, so I might get moved to a new area. Tonight we helped a part-member family paint the inside of their house. The boyfriend (They're not married) is very interested in the church and we've been teaching him for a while. They bicker and joke around like an old married couple, they are hilarious! They do indeed love each other a lot. We just have to work on them getting married.
Friday, Oct. 25, 2013
So today was an interesting day. We found out we are getting another set of elders in this area and they are staying in this apartment. So if I stay, it'll be packed! Moves call is this Sunday so there's a possibility I might be moving to a new area. Most of our appointments cancelled today so that was disappointing. I keep getting hit on by 12 and 13 year old girls, It's weird! It's happened the past three days. I guess that's the price I pay for being so good-looking! I blame you for that, don't tell Dad!
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013
Today, was a full day filled with service! First, we went over to an investigators house and worked on her yard. Guess what I did? Mowed her lawn.... I can't seem to run away from these childhood chores! Oh well, I guess those chores prepared me for this. We then helped that same part-member family finish painting. I think I got more paint on my shirt then the wall. (It's not my fault). They're such a great family and their kids are the cutest! All three of them are like my best friends, (They're all toddlers.) So it was a fun day!
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013
Today was a good day. I gave a talk in church today on how Heavenly Father knows all things. I focused mainly on how He knows who we are and who we can be. We then had dinner with an older lady in our ward. She asked for pictures of us so I brought the family picture you sent to show her. She said we had a beautiful family, but it was too small. I disagree with that, I think our family is perfect sized! Now we're just chillin' at our apartment waiting for the call to tell us if we move. It's so intense, the anticipation is killing me! I'll let you know if I move. Hope you enjoy my letter. Love you!
Monday, October 28, 2013
A Tough Week and Zone Training Dated October 18, 2013
Hey Mom!
I got your letter at the beginning of the week and I enjoyed it. Don't think that your boring me with your daily life, I love hearing about it. Also, don't worried about rushing to write me, I understand that you're busy and tired. Just promise that you won't slack or be lazy in writing me. Remember how I used to get excited when I got something in the mail? It's like 10x's more exciting now! Don't deprive me of that happiness!!!! When I talk to older missionaries, they say they wrote and got letters a lot during the beginning of their missions, but now its very rare. I don't want to be like that! Let's make a promise to write AT LEAST once every two weeks, okay? GOOD! I sent you a letter earlier this week, I hope you enjoyed it.
This week has been a tougher one for us in regards to lessons, but we're still trying! We have a Nigerian investigator named Fernandes. This week he fixed us some spicy African chicken with some other weird stuff. I had the intestine, and he made me eat it. It was .......chewy. He's a really good guy, it's just harder for him to believe in some stuff like Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
There's a family in our ward called the Haji's It's a single mother with three boys, but all of them are in their 20's. One of them is married (he's our Bishop), one is about to get married, and the other still lives at home. The son who is engaged is trying to get his fiancee' interested in the church, so he invited us over for a family home evening for the whole family. Me and the three brothers got along very well so we always laugh and joke around. It makes me wish I had a brother. I blame you guys for that!
We also had something called Zone interview training this week. That's when President Brown comes down and interviews us individually while the zone leaders train us. I love President Brown. He's such a loving and caring guy. You can tell he really cares about every single missionary. He said I'm doing great and gave me some good advice. Since it was a zone activity, I got to see Elder Benesch! It's always a good time when we see each other, laughing and joking. I might not see him for a while because we might get moved. Who knows where I might go!!
Alright, that's it for me. I'll try to do journal letters next week. I hope you, Dad and Maggie have a good week! Love and miss you!
-Elder Austin
I got your letter at the beginning of the week and I enjoyed it. Don't think that your boring me with your daily life, I love hearing about it. Also, don't worried about rushing to write me, I understand that you're busy and tired. Just promise that you won't slack or be lazy in writing me. Remember how I used to get excited when I got something in the mail? It's like 10x's more exciting now! Don't deprive me of that happiness!!!! When I talk to older missionaries, they say they wrote and got letters a lot during the beginning of their missions, but now its very rare. I don't want to be like that! Let's make a promise to write AT LEAST once every two weeks, okay? GOOD! I sent you a letter earlier this week, I hope you enjoyed it.
This week has been a tougher one for us in regards to lessons, but we're still trying! We have a Nigerian investigator named Fernandes. This week he fixed us some spicy African chicken with some other weird stuff. I had the intestine, and he made me eat it. It was .......chewy. He's a really good guy, it's just harder for him to believe in some stuff like Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
There's a family in our ward called the Haji's It's a single mother with three boys, but all of them are in their 20's. One of them is married (he's our Bishop), one is about to get married, and the other still lives at home. The son who is engaged is trying to get his fiancee' interested in the church, so he invited us over for a family home evening for the whole family. Me and the three brothers got along very well so we always laugh and joke around. It makes me wish I had a brother. I blame you guys for that!
We also had something called Zone interview training this week. That's when President Brown comes down and interviews us individually while the zone leaders train us. I love President Brown. He's such a loving and caring guy. You can tell he really cares about every single missionary. He said I'm doing great and gave me some good advice. Since it was a zone activity, I got to see Elder Benesch! It's always a good time when we see each other, laughing and joking. I might not see him for a while because we might get moved. Who knows where I might go!!
Alright, that's it for me. I'll try to do journal letters next week. I hope you, Dad and Maggie have a good week! Love and miss you!
-Elder Austin
A Family Home Evening Lesson by Elder Austin
Hello everyone!
I apologize for not coming to family night this past month, I've just been so busy! So to make it up to you, I decided to add something to our minutes:
So I'm sure that my mother has told you all about where I am and all of my crazy adventures. Although I miss all of you, there is no place I'd rather be than here serving the Lord. One of the first few principles we teach as missionaries is that the gospel blesses families. I can testify to this eternal truth. The evidence is in this room (your room, not mine). We have held tight to the rod of iron and have been united through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We have had struggles and weaknesses, as does every family, but I have seen those weaknesses become strengths through the gospel. I am grateful for the righteous examples that our parents have given us, especially the mothers. The stripling warriors had similar feelings. Can someone open to Alma 56:4-48? (Have someone read this please.) Because of their mother's teachings and their dependency on the Lord, God delivered them and I have received the same blessing. I bear witness that we can be together forever with our loved ones who have passed away and also with the ones we still have today. This is the reason why I serve. I serve because I have a loving Heavenly Father who makes that possible. I serve for HIm, I serve for the Lord Jesus Christ, and I serve for you. I leave these things with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love Elder Austin
Friday, October 18, 2013
Balm of Gilead - Letter from Elder Austin Dated October 12, 2014
Hey Mom and Dad!
How is everything? I hope you, Dad, and Maggie are doing well. I'm sorry for not doing journal letters this week, not much happened except a few things I wanted to share. We met with Ian, our recent convert and taught him about the priesthood because he is going to get it soon. At the end of the lesson, he expressed a concern. He said that all of this was happening so fast and that he felt over-loaded by all of this He also expressed that he felt unworthy even though he passed his interview. These concerns made me reflect on my own personal life. Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness have been battles that I have faced. I've done some things in my high school and college years that still haunt me to this day, but I have found hope! The 3rd Article of Faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved...." I have a firm testimony of this article because I too have been saved through the atonement. With the help of many bishops, Stake presidents and my Heavenly Father I have been given the gift of forgiveness. Satan tries to make us feel like we're not good enough when we have sinned. He wants to make you miserable like unto himself, so he makes you relive your worse sins. Please do not fall into this trap! If you sin, repent and change your ways. Know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you, that's why we have been given the gift of repentance. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! But do not settle, keep changing and progressing and those feelings of love and peace will be even stronger. Be a better person than you were yesterday. I expressed these same feelings to Ian and he said, "Thanks for that, I feel better now. I want to get the Priesthood now!" Immense you and happiness overtook me when I heard these words.
There is one other event that happened this week that I wanted to tell you about. I went on exchanges with my district leader, so I was in Bray once again. We visited a guy named Andy, he's preparing to go on a mission to France. After eating the wonderful chicken and rice he made, we watched mormon messages on the computer. During one of those videos, the Spirit punched me in the heart. The video was called "Mountains to Climb". It's based on Henry B. Eyring's talk about the challenges and trials we have in this life. I want you to stop reading this, go to YouTube and type in "Mountains to Climb" mormon messages, then watch it. Continue reading after you watch it.
DONE YET? Okay! So your probably in tears. I was bawling like a baby when I watched it. I was inspired to share this with a member from South Africa. She's a single mother with 3 children. We watched it with them, our recent converts, and some other friends that they invited over. When it was over, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. One of the little children said, "Mommy, I need to pray." It was the shortest, but most powerful prayer I have ever heard. She said, "Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, amen." The Spirit was so strong, I was overwhelmed.
We've watched this video with a few members now, and there's one phrase that President Eyring says. He told us to believe that there is a "Balm of Gilead". That phrase has stuck out to me ever since I first saw it. I didn't even know what it meant, so I was confused. Why did that sentence stick out to me? I studied it yesterday and found out why. Balm is an herb or spice that was used for healing wounds. Gilead is the place where it grew plentifully. I immediately understood that balm represents Jesus Christ. President Eyring was telling us to believe that Jesus Christ can heal your wounds and that you find that healing power within this gospel, or Gilead. Sometimes when we use the phrase, "endure to the end", we use it too lightly. It means exactly what it says, to endure. "When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?" When I look at people who ask this question, the answer that comes to my mind is because that person's faith needs to grow. That is why we have trials and challenges , to try our faith.
I can testify that there is a Balm in Gilead, His name is Jesus Christ. He can heal us of our pains and help us climb these mountains, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Elder Austin
P.S. Share this video with anyone you feel who needs it. Love you!
How is everything? I hope you, Dad, and Maggie are doing well. I'm sorry for not doing journal letters this week, not much happened except a few things I wanted to share. We met with Ian, our recent convert and taught him about the priesthood because he is going to get it soon. At the end of the lesson, he expressed a concern. He said that all of this was happening so fast and that he felt over-loaded by all of this He also expressed that he felt unworthy even though he passed his interview. These concerns made me reflect on my own personal life. Feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness have been battles that I have faced. I've done some things in my high school and college years that still haunt me to this day, but I have found hope! The 3rd Article of Faith states: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved...." I have a firm testimony of this article because I too have been saved through the atonement. With the help of many bishops, Stake presidents and my Heavenly Father I have been given the gift of forgiveness. Satan tries to make us feel like we're not good enough when we have sinned. He wants to make you miserable like unto himself, so he makes you relive your worse sins. Please do not fall into this trap! If you sin, repent and change your ways. Know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you, that's why we have been given the gift of repentance. YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! But do not settle, keep changing and progressing and those feelings of love and peace will be even stronger. Be a better person than you were yesterday. I expressed these same feelings to Ian and he said, "Thanks for that, I feel better now. I want to get the Priesthood now!" Immense you and happiness overtook me when I heard these words.
There is one other event that happened this week that I wanted to tell you about. I went on exchanges with my district leader, so I was in Bray once again. We visited a guy named Andy, he's preparing to go on a mission to France. After eating the wonderful chicken and rice he made, we watched mormon messages on the computer. During one of those videos, the Spirit punched me in the heart. The video was called "Mountains to Climb". It's based on Henry B. Eyring's talk about the challenges and trials we have in this life. I want you to stop reading this, go to YouTube and type in "Mountains to Climb" mormon messages, then watch it. Continue reading after you watch it.
DONE YET? Okay! So your probably in tears. I was bawling like a baby when I watched it. I was inspired to share this with a member from South Africa. She's a single mother with 3 children. We watched it with them, our recent converts, and some other friends that they invited over. When it was over, there wasn't a dry eye in the room. One of the little children said, "Mommy, I need to pray." It was the shortest, but most powerful prayer I have ever heard. She said, "Heavenly Father, thank you for my family, amen." The Spirit was so strong, I was overwhelmed.
We've watched this video with a few members now, and there's one phrase that President Eyring says. He told us to believe that there is a "Balm of Gilead". That phrase has stuck out to me ever since I first saw it. I didn't even know what it meant, so I was confused. Why did that sentence stick out to me? I studied it yesterday and found out why. Balm is an herb or spice that was used for healing wounds. Gilead is the place where it grew plentifully. I immediately understood that balm represents Jesus Christ. President Eyring was telling us to believe that Jesus Christ can heal your wounds and that you find that healing power within this gospel, or Gilead. Sometimes when we use the phrase, "endure to the end", we use it too lightly. It means exactly what it says, to endure. "When I have tried all my life to be good, why has this happened to me?" When I look at people who ask this question, the answer that comes to my mind is because that person's faith needs to grow. That is why we have trials and challenges , to try our faith.
I can testify that there is a Balm in Gilead, His name is Jesus Christ. He can heal us of our pains and help us climb these mountains, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
-Elder Austin
P.S. Share this video with anyone you feel who needs it. Love you!
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Journal Entries from September 26-September 29, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
So, I totally forgot to write this week, so I'll just sum up the highlights of the week. On Monday, it was a beautiful day so we played football in the park with our district. I'm starting to get better at it. Who knows, it might be my main sport by the time I get home. On Tuesday, we had dinner with our golden investigator named Debbie. She made us ham, broccoli (I have no idea how to spell it!), and cheesy potatoes, yum! She's ready to be baptized, but she's going on vacation for a month, which is like 1000 years it feels like. Hopefully, she has the same desire when she gets back. Yesterday, we visited a part-member Indian family. At the end of the lesson, they gave us some Indian-style chicken. It was spicy! Today, wasn't really exciting, but hopefully the week gets more exciting.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Today, we went on exchanges. For the day, I went to Bray, which is south of Dublin on the coast. You can see the ocean from the apartment and it is beautiful! I exchanged with Elder Thomas, a missionary in my group. We're good friends and we teach very good together. Tomorrow, We'll exchange back and I'll go back to Clondalkin.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Today was actually a really fun day! This morning we exchanged back and went to lunch in the city. Then we changed and went to a thing called the Stake Fair. Everyone from the stake teamed up to help raise money for a charity called Child Vision. They help educate blind kids. Each ward set up booths where people could play games, buy food and much more! It was basically like a carnival and everyone was invited. There was a guy named Jason Smith who won a gold medal in the ParaOlympics, and he's blind! So it was cool to have him there signing autographs and taking pictures. Guess what job I had? Fair parking...... No matter where I go, I always gotta park cars for the fair. I'm sure Dad and Papa would be proud.
After the fair, we hopped on a bus back home. It was packed because there was a hurling match, so we squished next to someone to get a seat. Sitting in front of me were a group of girls and an old priest. The priest was talking to them and I could tell they were creeped out by him because I think he was trying to flirt, even though he's like 60. I decided to rescue them from the creepy priest and asked them if they were American. They got excited when they said yes and when I said me too. They were college students on a study abroad program from universities across the U.S. One was from ASU! One said she was from the University of Minnesota, so I told her about how Ashley went to Wisconsin. They said they had friends who went to Whitewater! They asked me what I did, so I told them a little about the Church. The priest was not very happy with me for stealing all the attention. It's not my fault they liked me better. He was giving me death glares the whole time I was talking with them. So that was fun!
We tracted the rest of the night and taught a very nice Nigerian lady at her door. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. so that was exciting as well. Overall, it was a pretty good day.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Today was just a normal Sunday. We went to a Phillipino member's house for dinner. The food wasn't that bad. It was minced pork, rice and chicken curry. Phillipino food is either really good or really bad, but today was good.
Hope you enjoy my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
So, I totally forgot to write this week, so I'll just sum up the highlights of the week. On Monday, it was a beautiful day so we played football in the park with our district. I'm starting to get better at it. Who knows, it might be my main sport by the time I get home. On Tuesday, we had dinner with our golden investigator named Debbie. She made us ham, broccoli (I have no idea how to spell it!), and cheesy potatoes, yum! She's ready to be baptized, but she's going on vacation for a month, which is like 1000 years it feels like. Hopefully, she has the same desire when she gets back. Yesterday, we visited a part-member Indian family. At the end of the lesson, they gave us some Indian-style chicken. It was spicy! Today, wasn't really exciting, but hopefully the week gets more exciting.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Today, we went on exchanges. For the day, I went to Bray, which is south of Dublin on the coast. You can see the ocean from the apartment and it is beautiful! I exchanged with Elder Thomas, a missionary in my group. We're good friends and we teach very good together. Tomorrow, We'll exchange back and I'll go back to Clondalkin.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Today was actually a really fun day! This morning we exchanged back and went to lunch in the city. Then we changed and went to a thing called the Stake Fair. Everyone from the stake teamed up to help raise money for a charity called Child Vision. They help educate blind kids. Each ward set up booths where people could play games, buy food and much more! It was basically like a carnival and everyone was invited. There was a guy named Jason Smith who won a gold medal in the ParaOlympics, and he's blind! So it was cool to have him there signing autographs and taking pictures. Guess what job I had? Fair parking...... No matter where I go, I always gotta park cars for the fair. I'm sure Dad and Papa would be proud.
After the fair, we hopped on a bus back home. It was packed because there was a hurling match, so we squished next to someone to get a seat. Sitting in front of me were a group of girls and an old priest. The priest was talking to them and I could tell they were creeped out by him because I think he was trying to flirt, even though he's like 60. I decided to rescue them from the creepy priest and asked them if they were American. They got excited when they said yes and when I said me too. They were college students on a study abroad program from universities across the U.S. One was from ASU! One said she was from the University of Minnesota, so I told her about how Ashley went to Wisconsin. They said they had friends who went to Whitewater! They asked me what I did, so I told them a little about the Church. The priest was not very happy with me for stealing all the attention. It's not my fault they liked me better. He was giving me death glares the whole time I was talking with them. So that was fun!
We tracted the rest of the night and taught a very nice Nigerian lady at her door. She promised to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it. so that was exciting as well. Overall, it was a pretty good day.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Today was just a normal Sunday. We went to a Phillipino member's house for dinner. The food wasn't that bad. It was minced pork, rice and chicken curry. Phillipino food is either really good or really bad, but today was good.
Hope you enjoy my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Opposition in All Things - Email from September 30, 2013
Hey Mom!
Wow you decide to wait till I'm gone to go on all these vacations!?? That's okay, I'm on a 2 year vacation. I'm glad you had fun in San Diego. How was the beach? Pinetop too?? Wow you are lucky! Was it just our family and Rob's family that went? That's pretty cool! You took Maggie? This is just my opinion, but you have to much faith in her to like other people. You have to understand that she was abused as a puppy and she has a hard time trusting people. Don't terrorize my puppy!!! Journal Entries Dated September 15-22, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Today was pretty good! We had 3 people confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was Ian, Yolanda, and Lindi. I personally confirmed Yolanda, it was my first time so I was scared! But I think I did okay. Other than that, nothing really happened.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Today wasn't the best day. All of our appointments AND our backups fell through. We tried teaching people on the street, but nobody wanted to listen. Oh well, there's always tomorrow! The highlight of my day was seeing a drunk guy get thrown off the train, that was funny!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In my opinion today was pretty good. We taught a lady named Debbie. She was a media referral through mormon.org. She basically said she's been drawn to the Mormon church and has been researching us for a while (aka reading the Book of Mormon, researching all of our beliefs). She said since we responded so fast, she took that as her answer, She wants to be baptized! She's a solid investigator. Later we had dinner with Bishop and his wife. They have a 3 month old baby and she is so cute! We went out and saw one of his home teaching families with him. This lady had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We gave her a blessing. I anointed it and Bishop sealed it. I got a letter from Papa today and it had a picture of me and him when I was little. I'll take a picture of it and show it to you!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Since this week is transfer week, today was P day. We toured around Dublin and went to a museum, it wasn't that fun. I think it's just because touring and shopping aren't really my thing, I just wanna do something physical! But it was fun hanging out with other missionaries. I got some funny pictures along the way as well. We tried to catch a bus home so we could get to some appointments, but there were riots and protestors and the Garda (Irish Police). They were crowding the streets so no buses could get through. Ireland is a crazy place! I got your package and it was great! The jacket was nice but the pictures made me the happiest! The frame is set up right by my chair were I study.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Today was .....interesting. We had a lesson with a born-again Christian whose sole purpose in meeting with us was to prove us wrong. He was saying a bunch of weird things about the end of the world. He took the parable of the 10 virgins literally and said in the end, we would marry Christ. Weird, right? I just sat back and tuned out because I know it wasn't going anywhere. We had dinner with the 1st counselor in the bishopric and his 4 kids. We shared a message in Mosiah 18:9 and how we need to look for those people who need our help. I was prompted to share the story of Sadie and Barney. I shared how Barney led Sadie to the food bowl every night when she was blind. I also shared how he kept taking her food bowl out to her after she died. I could tell the story touched their hearts. I was grateful that I listened to the promptings of the Spirit and that it helped me know what to say at the right time.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Today was pretty good. We met this guy from Nigeria. His name is Fernandes. He sat down with us and told us he wanted to follow Christ. After the lesson, I committed him to baptism! He's a great guy, he's reading the Book of Mormon, and praying to know if it's true. He asked if the baptism he already had wasn't valid. That is the toughest question anyone can ask but he took our answer quite well. The only other interesting thing that happened was when a drunk guy stopped us. He basically told us we don't know God, so that was interesting.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Today we saw Debbie, our "Golden" investigator. We sat down to teach her the Plan of Salvation when she told us, "I got my answer, I wanna be baptized!" She's already read through all of 1 Nephi and half of 2 Nephi. She is our most solid investigator. Other than that, nothing really happened today.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Today, was pretty good. Instead of Sacrament Meeting, it was Stake Conference. All the missionaries in the zone were there so I got to see Elder Benesch! President Brown was also here too. We had dinner with a member and some recent converts. We had South African barbecue. It was delicious. So overall, it was a pretty good day.
Hope you enjoyed my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
Today was pretty good! We had 3 people confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was Ian, Yolanda, and Lindi. I personally confirmed Yolanda, it was my first time so I was scared! But I think I did okay. Other than that, nothing really happened.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Today wasn't the best day. All of our appointments AND our backups fell through. We tried teaching people on the street, but nobody wanted to listen. Oh well, there's always tomorrow! The highlight of my day was seeing a drunk guy get thrown off the train, that was funny!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
In my opinion today was pretty good. We taught a lady named Debbie. She was a media referral through mormon.org. She basically said she's been drawn to the Mormon church and has been researching us for a while (aka reading the Book of Mormon, researching all of our beliefs). She said since we responded so fast, she took that as her answer, She wants to be baptized! She's a solid investigator. Later we had dinner with Bishop and his wife. They have a 3 month old baby and she is so cute! We went out and saw one of his home teaching families with him. This lady had just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. We gave her a blessing. I anointed it and Bishop sealed it. I got a letter from Papa today and it had a picture of me and him when I was little. I'll take a picture of it and show it to you!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Since this week is transfer week, today was P day. We toured around Dublin and went to a museum, it wasn't that fun. I think it's just because touring and shopping aren't really my thing, I just wanna do something physical! But it was fun hanging out with other missionaries. I got some funny pictures along the way as well. We tried to catch a bus home so we could get to some appointments, but there were riots and protestors and the Garda (Irish Police). They were crowding the streets so no buses could get through. Ireland is a crazy place! I got your package and it was great! The jacket was nice but the pictures made me the happiest! The frame is set up right by my chair were I study.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Today was .....interesting. We had a lesson with a born-again Christian whose sole purpose in meeting with us was to prove us wrong. He was saying a bunch of weird things about the end of the world. He took the parable of the 10 virgins literally and said in the end, we would marry Christ. Weird, right? I just sat back and tuned out because I know it wasn't going anywhere. We had dinner with the 1st counselor in the bishopric and his 4 kids. We shared a message in Mosiah 18:9 and how we need to look for those people who need our help. I was prompted to share the story of Sadie and Barney. I shared how Barney led Sadie to the food bowl every night when she was blind. I also shared how he kept taking her food bowl out to her after she died. I could tell the story touched their hearts. I was grateful that I listened to the promptings of the Spirit and that it helped me know what to say at the right time.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Today was pretty good. We met this guy from Nigeria. His name is Fernandes. He sat down with us and told us he wanted to follow Christ. After the lesson, I committed him to baptism! He's a great guy, he's reading the Book of Mormon, and praying to know if it's true. He asked if the baptism he already had wasn't valid. That is the toughest question anyone can ask but he took our answer quite well. The only other interesting thing that happened was when a drunk guy stopped us. He basically told us we don't know God, so that was interesting.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Today we saw Debbie, our "Golden" investigator. We sat down to teach her the Plan of Salvation when she told us, "I got my answer, I wanna be baptized!" She's already read through all of 1 Nephi and half of 2 Nephi. She is our most solid investigator. Other than that, nothing really happened today.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Today, was pretty good. Instead of Sacrament Meeting, it was Stake Conference. All the missionaries in the zone were there so I got to see Elder Benesch! President Brown was also here too. We had dinner with a member and some recent converts. We had South African barbecue. It was delicious. So overall, it was a pretty good day.
Hope you enjoyed my experiences! Love you! Elder Austin
Monday, September 23, 2013
No Other Place I'd Rather Be
Hey Mom,
I received your package with the food and my jacket. Thanks for that, it helps a lot! I'm feeling much better and my health has gone up, so I'm fine!
I did not get the pictures of the mutual kids or the letters they sent me yet, but everything else I've gotten. I'm sending out my journal letters today. There's a letter in there for dad too, HIS EYES ONLY! But everything else is for you.
I did not get the pictures of the mutual kids or the letters they sent me yet, but everything else I've gotten. I'm sending out my journal letters today. There's a letter in there for dad too, HIS EYES ONLY! But everything else is for you.
I'm glad you had a good time for Cara and Ashley. Ashley seemed really happy to be home, and I'm glad you got to see her. I have that family picture on my desk where I study and plan everyday, it helps me in hard times.
I'm so jealous you get to go to San Diego, I miss it there. But the weather here right now is GORGEOUS! It's a beautiful day, so we're going to go play football (soccer) in the park!
Just know that I'm okay. I know you worry a lot, but I'm just fine. I love where I am and there's no other place I'd rather be. "If we shall die, before our journey's through, happy day! All is well!" (I'm not gonna die, it just states that whatever happens, we have the gospel.) I taught someone named Debbie this week the Plan of Salvation. She had someone close to her die, that's what made her question her faith in the Catholic church. I promised her that whatever bad things happen, there's comfort in knowing that there's always something more, and that is how I feel here. Danger may cross my path numerous times a day, but I know what I know to be true, and that's all I need. Look this up for me, Helaman 5:12. No matter what storms or hail Satan throw at us, we have Christ as our foundation. We are wise men who built our house upon a rock :)
So I'm fine and I always will be. I love you and miss you so much!
Elder Austin
P.S. There was a picture at the mission home that read: "A missionary is one who leaves their family for a short period of time, so that other families can be together forever!" :)
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| Spreading the Gospel to all who will listen!! Even Statues! |
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Letter from Elder Austin dated September 10, 2013
I had an experience today that I thought I would write you about. I am currently in the Bray District of the Dublin Zone. We are a very close district and we call ourselves the Bray Family. There is about 10 of us and we are always together on P Days and other missionary activities. We have recently received a new addition to our district. A sister missionary named Sister Lewis has been reassigned from her mission in France to the Scotland/Ireland mission. She has no idea why. She has teamed up with the sisters in our district. Today we had a district meeting at the stake center in the heart of Dublin. It was a great meeting and we learned about how to be more unified. After the meeting was over, Sister Lewis and her companion said they needed us and they took me and my companion into one of the classrooms. Sister Lewis said she needed a priesthood blessing. She looked at me and asked me if I would do it. Why she chose me out of all the elders in our district still questions me today. She said since her reassignment, she felt stressed and upset, so she asked for a blessing of peace and comfort. I laid my hands upon her head and gave her a blessing. I did the best I could to listen to the Spirit and to know what to say. I was afraid it would not comfort her in her time of need because I didn't think it was that great of a blessing.
After I was finished, there was a brief period of silence. She then stood up, looked at me with tears dripping from her eyes, and smiled. Still smiling and slightly crying, she said, "Thank you so much Elder Austin." When she said that, it was like the Spirit punched me straight in the heart. I know right then and there that she was comforted. After we left the room, Sister Lewis went straight to her journal and with the help of her companions, wrote the blessing down that I had offered. I still do not know why she chose me. There were about 20 elders in the building, all of them hand been on their mission much longer than me and had more experience. I looked in my Patriarchal Blessing and it said that I would be called upon at random times to give blessings to those who need comfort. That look on her face and those tears in her eyes testified to me of the power of the Priesthood. Even though it was not the greatest of blessings (in my opinion anyway), her countenance told me that the Spirit had touched her and she felt peace.
I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority to act in the name of God. It is the SAME POWER that Moses used to part the Red Sea and it is the SAME POWER that Jesus Christ used to heal the sick and give sight to the blind, and raise the dead. That SAME POWER is in me. It may not do such extreme things as it did in ancient times (or at least not that much anymore), but it can give comfort and peace to those who seek it. That to me is a miracle and I have witnessed it first hand.
When Sister Lewis smiled at me, it was a smile of pure happiness. I have only seen that smile a handful of times in my life, and only one other time on my mission. It was the same smile Yolanda gave me right after her baptism. I recognized it because I felt the same way, truly happy. I live and I serve because of that reason. I live and I serve for that smile.
I hope you liked my experience and my feelings toward it. I love and miss you!
Elder Austin
After I was finished, there was a brief period of silence. She then stood up, looked at me with tears dripping from her eyes, and smiled. Still smiling and slightly crying, she said, "Thank you so much Elder Austin." When she said that, it was like the Spirit punched me straight in the heart. I know right then and there that she was comforted. After we left the room, Sister Lewis went straight to her journal and with the help of her companions, wrote the blessing down that I had offered. I still do not know why she chose me. There were about 20 elders in the building, all of them hand been on their mission much longer than me and had more experience. I looked in my Patriarchal Blessing and it said that I would be called upon at random times to give blessings to those who need comfort. That look on her face and those tears in her eyes testified to me of the power of the Priesthood. Even though it was not the greatest of blessings (in my opinion anyway), her countenance told me that the Spirit had touched her and she felt peace.
I know that the Priesthood is the power and authority to act in the name of God. It is the SAME POWER that Moses used to part the Red Sea and it is the SAME POWER that Jesus Christ used to heal the sick and give sight to the blind, and raise the dead. That SAME POWER is in me. It may not do such extreme things as it did in ancient times (or at least not that much anymore), but it can give comfort and peace to those who seek it. That to me is a miracle and I have witnessed it first hand.
When Sister Lewis smiled at me, it was a smile of pure happiness. I have only seen that smile a handful of times in my life, and only one other time on my mission. It was the same smile Yolanda gave me right after her baptism. I recognized it because I felt the same way, truly happy. I live and I serve because of that reason. I live and I serve for that smile.
I hope you liked my experience and my feelings toward it. I love and miss you!
Elder Austin
A Tough Week
Hey Mom,
Yes I have heard the news and it has been very hard for me as well. I met with President Fagan onWednesday and he told me all of the details. President Brown wanted to tell me himself, but he was in a Mission President's Conference in France. President Fagan and I talked for awhile. When he first told me there was a tragedy in the family, I was so scared because I thought something happened to you, Dad, Erin, or Ashley. When he told me about Jesse, I was very shocked and sad, but I was relieved that you guys were alright. My prayers this week have been focused on Weez and the Bowler Family. Thank you for telling me all the details and I'm glad that you got to see Cara and Ashley this week.
Along with all of this, I think I'm starting to get sick. It's getting colder and I'm not feeling great. I have a soar throat and my nose is running, but I'll be fine with that, it's just not very fun. Transfer call came yesterday and I found out I'll be staying in Clondalkin for another six weeks. I have now been on my mission for 2 months!
So enough with the sadness. We had another guy baptized on Saturday! His name is Ian and he's 22. He's from Malowi and he's a great guy, I love em! I didn't baptize him, but I got the chance to speak at his service. I don't know why but I got really nervous about speaking. I didn't even know if my talk made sense, but one of our investigators that was there said he really enjoyed my talk and he really felt the Spirit. That made me really happy! Attached is a picture of Ian along with some cool pictures of beautiful Ireland!
I love you and all of our family so much. These hard times are tough, but who said enduring to the end would be an easy task? Elder Holland said, "Salvation is not a cheap experience. Be prepared to walk the path the He (Christ) walked." It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Elder Austin
Emails from Mission President Fagan regarding the Death of Jesse Bowler (Scott's Cousin)
Email to President Brown from Rosanne Austin (Elder Austin's Mother)
Email Reply:
Email from September 11, 2013
Dear Sr Austin I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jesse,I will be seeing your son Elder Austin at 3:45 and will send you a report later on. I know that our Heavenly Father will bless and comfort him at this difficult time.
Best regards
Ray Fagan
Dear Sr Austin and President Brown I have met with Elder Austin and find him well and enjoying serving The Lord. He was quite shocked to hear the sad news about Jesse but knew that was a possibility from experience he had in the past. Although difficult for him he was alright with it and felt that he could handle it. I met with him in private that's the way he wanted it but I did encourage him to share it with his companion after I left if he felt to do so. At this time he feels that he can do most good by continuing to serve. I think he will be fine and will look forward to hearing from you by email on Monday. I also put his name on the Temple Prayer Roll. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of having such a wonderful young man serve in the mission field. His companion Elder Johnson and he get on really and are a great support to each other.
Kind regards
Raymond Fagan
Dear President Brown,
I am not sure how to handle this situation, so I am writing you to ask for your guidance. My Son is Elder Scott Austin who is serving in Clondalkin and yesterday his cousin, Jesse Bowler, committed suicide by a drug overdose. I didn't want to tell Scott by email, so I am writing you. I feel he needs to hear this from someone that he may want to talk to. I don't feel that a call is necessary either from us unless you feel he needs to talk to someone.
I feel if you are able to talk to him about it and if he has any questions, you can answer them for us. We are all doing fine. His aunt is understandably upset and we are planning to have his funeral service this Saturday.
If you or Scott have any questions, please email me or use whatever means you need to contact me. Please let me know what your protocol is in these types of situations and I will follow through with whatever is needed. I don't want Scott to have any distractions while he is Serving, but I feel he needs to know about this situation.
Thank you so much for watching over my son. From his letters and emails, he is very happy and so excited about serving the Lord.
Sincerely,
Rosanne Austin
Email Reply:
Dear Sister Austin,
I am in France this week for the annual mission presidents seminar so all I could do is phone him but I’ll copy President Fagan one of my counsellors who lives near Dublin in on this email and he may be able to pass on this tragic news.
President Fagan – would it be possible for you to contact the Clondalkin Elders and pass this news on to Elder Austin?
Kind regards,
President Brown
Email from September 11, 2013
Dear Sr Austin I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jesse,I will be seeing your son Elder Austin at 3:45 and will send you a report later on. I know that our Heavenly Father will bless and comfort him at this difficult time.
Best regards
Ray Fagan
Dear Sr Austin and President Brown I have met with Elder Austin and find him well and enjoying serving The Lord. He was quite shocked to hear the sad news about Jesse but knew that was a possibility from experience he had in the past. Although difficult for him he was alright with it and felt that he could handle it. I met with him in private that's the way he wanted it but I did encourage him to share it with his companion after I left if he felt to do so. At this time he feels that he can do most good by continuing to serve. I think he will be fine and will look forward to hearing from you by email on Monday. I also put his name on the Temple Prayer Roll. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of having such a wonderful young man serve in the mission field. His companion Elder Johnson and he get on really and are a great support to each other.
Kind regards
Raymond Fagan
Pictures of Elder Austin- September 9, 2013
1- I present to you, Yolanda and Lindi. I baptized Yolanda(next to me).
2- Me and Elder Benesch! He's in my zone, so I get to see him every once in awhile!
3- Meet our Bray District family! Elder Gill is a comedian!
2- Me and Elder Benesch! He's in my zone, so I get to see him every once in awhile!
3- Meet our Bray District family! Elder Gill is a comedian!
Two More Baptisms - Email dated September 9, 2013
Hey Mom!
Everything is going great! This week has been SUPER successful. Yesterday we had two convert baptisms. A 13 year old girl named Yolanda and her mother Lindi. We have been teaching them for about 3 weeks now. Yolanda asked me to baptize her!! I'm going to send you some pictures of me and her. Afterwards she came up to me and said, "That was amazing! I wish I could do it again!" It made me so incredibly happy.
I have not gotten to write you anymore letters yet because I've been so busy, but I'll try to work on that. I haven't received any letters from you or the youth. When did you send them? I did get Erin's letter though and I did get your birthday package. I am still enjoying the candy :)
Those are some good talks, I've heard them before. Those will be great for your lessons. How are the young women doing??
I haven't spoken in church yet, but we teach gospel principles every Sunday in addition to the many lessons we teach people throughout the week.
I don't quite know what I want for Christmas. You guys don't have to send me anything, I'm happy the way I am :)
When I was talking to brother Corrington he said that after he sold the house in Phoenix, he married a lady from the UK and moved to Ireland with her. He's now temporarily in my ward! So we talk about things over there quite a lot. Another guy moved into our ward from Gilbert! He says he has a brother in Glendale and I think he goes to YSA. Mcfarlene was his last name, but I don't know if you know him.
Well I love you and miss you a whole lot, but know that I am very happy where I am. Remember to share the gospel with everyone! Love you!
Elder Austin
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Dublin City Center and the Liffey River. Scott and the missionaries in his District
Email to Mommy - Three Baptisms!!! September 1, 2013
Hi Mommy!
Things are going absolutely WONDERFULLL!! By this time next week, I should be sending you BAPTISMAL PICTURES!!!!! Yes that's right, a 13 year old girl named Yolanda and her mother Lindi are getting baptized next week. We have been teaching them for about 3 weeks and they have made the big decision! And here is the best part, Yolanda has asked me to baptize her!!!!!!! I'm so excited and so happy. Also another investigator named Ian who is 22 told us he wants to be baptized as soon as possible! So we scheduled him for the 14 of September. So much success = A HAPPY ELDER AUSTIN
The weather is getting colder and colder :p but not too bad, it rains every once in awhile. Me and Elder Johnson are doing alright, we teach fine together, but like I said, I have to step up a lot. (Don't include that in the blog). I don't know what we're doing today for P day, we're gonna meet up with our district and see what we can do.
I don't care if you're letters are boring, I just wanna see how normal life is going! And yes, I received your package. I'm enjoying it as we speak ;) You'll just have to send me another one for my birthday ;)
I'm glad that you guys are staying busy and that you're hanging out with Erin. I pray for her every single night, not for a boyfriend or more friends, but for happiness and peace. Last week I assigned her a little scripture and to pray. I hope she did it.
I haven't received mail from anyone besides you and Erin, but I have gotten a lot of emails which makes me happy. Marisa says you write stuff about me on Facebook, is it my account? That's fine if it is, I kinda like that idea. How's my facebook doing? Anything interesting or any of my friends try to talk to you? And also, did you change my facebook name to Elder Scott Austin? Please and thank you!
Do you know my oakley rain jacket, in my closet? Can you send that you the mission office address, the same one you sent the other package to, in Scotland? It'll get to me, they forward mail to all the missionaries. Also can you send a mini hymn book too? It would help a lot :) Thanks Mommy!
Well that's my life so far! I'll try and write you more letters and send you more pictures. I love and miss you so much!
Elder Austin :)
E-Mail to Dad - Crazy Coincidence September 1, 2013
Hey Honcho!
Thanks for keeping me updated on all the sports news. It's all about soccer and rugby here, it's intense. I wanna try and get a soccer jersey, if I can find one for cheap.
Keep looking for those cabins, I wanna visit you guys up there when I'm older!
It's crazy about Will, I've been emailing him back and forth and he has changed a lot. I think he threw away his pride and went to work which is so cool.
So guess what!? I was at a church barbeque and I met a visitor named DON CORRINGTON. He looked at my name tag and he said, "Austin....like Austin Brothers refrigeration? In Arizona?" My jaw dropped and I told him all about the company and you and Papa. He said, "Did you grandpa live in Flower Circle in Phoenix?" I was so shocked. He said he was the one that lived there before grandma and Papa. He said he was the one that signed it over to him. Small world huh? That is so crazy that I met him all the way in IRELAND. Make sure and tell Papa the story!
Thanks for the email dad. Love you!
Elder Austin
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Letters from Elder Scott Austin August 18, 2013
So today was Sunday and our church starts at 11. I love my ward. There's only about 50-60 members, but there are some good, strong saints here. There's a Spanish lady in my ward who is struggling with the language. I speak a little Spanish with her, but it's hard for me to understand. She was very discouraged, so she asked for a blessing. I was shocked, but honored when she asked me to give it.
Our ward is hosting a barbecue called "Meet the Mormons". It's gonna be big and all of our investigators are gonna be there. It's a great idea, you should pitch it to Bishop King! Members should be much more involved in missionary work, it makes it so much easier. I challenge you and Dad to talk to the missionaries and help in anyway possible, especially in JOINT TEACHES with investigators, please do it for me, then tell me about it.
We are teaching a 13 year old girl named Yolanda and her mother Lindi. We saw them today and we taught them about the Sabbath, praying, and scripture study. Please convince dad to have family scripture study. I never realized how important it is until now. The blessings are countless.
I'm tired, the Garda (Irish Police) busted a drug dealer in our apartment complex late last night. It kept me up late (yawn). Love you! Elder Austin
Letters from Elder Scott Austin Dated August 17, 2013
Not much happened today. We taught a less-active, went to a member's house, then taught some Filipino's. The Filipino's is a member who brings all his extended family over for dinner and a lesson (they're all non-members). They made a whole roasted pig! It was delicious, and they make so much food. We taught them the Word of Wisdom. They're all of different faiths so I don't think these lessons are going anywhere. They think as long as you have faith, you'll get to Heaven. The kids are interested though and that's our target. They do this every week and Elder Johnson thinks we should keep seeing them but I said we should drop them because these lessons aren't getting anywhere. Oh well, love you. Elder Austin
Letters from Elder Austin Dated August 16, 2013
So today wasn't that exciting. More people canceled on us today, but I was feeling better. We did have a few interesting things happen though.
The first experience was when we were walking to the bus stop. We saw our bus coming so we literally sprinted to try and make it. The nice bus driver stopped for us. When we got on, he said, "Sorry guys, you won't qualify for the Olympics." It was funny.
The second experience was when we were tracting. A young woman who was VERY immodestly dressed answered the door. She reeked of marijuana and her whole body was shaking as if she just did cocaine. She told us that there was no God. We gave her a pass-along card anyway and she got really excited. She kept giving us hugs and it was really awkward because we're not allowed to do that, but we didn't wanna tell her that and offend her. She then sprinted back inside and slammed the door. Weird, huh? Well, that was my unusual day. Love you! Elder Austin
Letters from Elder Austin Dated August 15, 2013
So Today was a little tougher for me. We were supposed to have a jam-packed schedule of teaching investigators and less-actives, but everybody kept canceling. We tracted instead, but nobody wanted to listen and most people were rude. I became discouraged and questioned my effectiveness as a missionary. I just figured this is another trial I have to face. I remember Dad always saying, "Nothing ever gets accomplished when your frustrated or emotional". So I've just got to put it all behind me. What else helped me is a quote from President Uchdorf in the Ensign from this month. The article is called "Worlds Without End". It's pretty cool. He said "Compared to God, we are nothing; but we are everything to God." It made me think about a story President Monson told about a gardener cutting down a bush. At first, the bush asked why, but would soon come to realize and say, "thank you for loving me enough to cut me down". At the end of this, I have to say the same thing to my Heavenly Father. Elder Austin
P.S. Look up that Ensign article and that conference talk about the gardener. They're good.
Letters from Elder Austin Dated August 14, 2013
I've only been here for a week and I'm talking like the locals. I use the phrases like "I need to use the toilet" or "that's a really posh area". It's crazy! Sooner or later I'm gonna be saying "tanks" instead of thanks or "tink" instead of think. I had a bitter-sweet lesson today with a less-active older lady who lives alone. We talked about the importance of faith and how trials make us stronger. She said because of all of the deaths in her family and the trials it brought, she has all the faith in the world. She had a couple of newborn babies die so she used to have a hard time. She even said she felt the veil being removed right before someone died. She said that even if she never went to church again, because of what she went though, she could not deny the truth. I was so happy because of her faith, but so frustrated because of her inactivity. I don't get people sometimes. Oh, well....that's all! Love you! Elder Austin
Letters from Elder Austin Dated August 13, 2013
So today we did something called companion exchanges. That's where I go with the district leader and his companion goes with Elder Johnson for a day. The district leader's name is Elder Van Den Bron. He's from England. He is probably one of the funniest Englishmen I've ever met. We went up to his area which is Bray, Ireland. It's a very posh (means rich) area.
We went to lunch with our district after our meeting and had kebabs, they were delicious. But the bad news is we had a dinner appointment two hours later. I did all I could to eat and not offend this Portuguese family. Their house was total chaos. Their little kids and teenagers would not listen to the lesson. Van Den Bron said that's how it always is. We just did some simple tracking and street contacting, but no luck with that either. So we just went back to our own apartment after that. Sorry there wasn't much excitement today. I'm staying the night here in Bray then going back to Clondalkin in the morning. Love you! Elder Austin
Letters from Elder Austin Dated August 12, 2013
So today was P day and we did some fun stuff! We first went to the Dublin City Center. It's a big outdoor shopping center right in the middle of Dublin. We went to an internet cafe and did our emailing. I emailed you, dad, Lyssa, Jake (or Elder Meyer I should say), Marisa and Darrell. We then met up with some missionaries and ate at a place called Toleca which is basically a Chipotle, it was good! Then we walked around a little bit and saw all the street performers. After that (sorry the pen ran out) we played volleyball with all the missionaries in our district. We then did all our grocery shopping. (Yes Mom, I know how to make food other than Pop Tarts.) P-day was over after that so we went over to a less-active family FHE. We taught the importance of repentance and then we played a little game. They made a LOT of food and we took some home. And that was my day! Love you! Elder Austin
Food of the locals & a mug shot! Email from August 26, 2013
1-The Mug Shot and description that is hung up in the Clondalken Building. Thanks for talking me up Bishop!
2-I have officially been kebab-tized in the name of the donner, of the lamb [meat], of the holy coke!
3-Me and my district in front of a monument in Dublin on P day. A face only a mother could love :p (I don't know what monument.)
(Scott forgot to download the last picture of him and his district!)
Everything is well here. I should have my first baptism here in the next couple weeks. It is a 13 year old girl named Yolanda and her mother. They are so excited to get baptized and I am too! When I tell people that I've only been out for a month, they are so surprised. Some people say that I look like I've been out for a year! A random guy on the train asked about the mission I was on and he said he was shocked at how young I was and my dedication. He left the train telling everybody that, "See this kid, he's a star in the making". It made me so happy and I feel like Heavenly Father was proud of me.
To end on a funny note, there was this drunk guy in the park by our flat (as usual on a normal Wednesday afternoon). He saw us and said, "Guys, I like drugs, so infect my mind." I laughed for a good 10 minutes after he left.
I love you and miss you! Have a good week.
Elder Austin
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Email from Elder Scott Austin dated August 19, 2013
Here is Scotty's latest email. He was basically answering all my questions from a previous email. He would love to receive letters from everyone, also.
I'm doing great! That guy I invited to be baptized, his name is Ian. He's 22 and lives alone. He says he feels really good when he meets with us, and wants to continue. I think his baptismal date is September 14, or somewhere around there. I don't know if I'll baptize him or not, it doesn't matter if I don't, but either way it'll be a great experience for both him and me. P days are great. Last week we just hung out with all the missionaries in our district and played volleyball. We mostly stay in Dublin.
That blog idea is cool! I don't know if I can write anything in it, but you should keep adding stuff. I'm sorry I don't take a lot of pictures, I'll try to work on that.
My ward is great! There's only about 50-70 people in it, but they are a great group of latter-day saints. Some of the youth just got back from EFY in England and they all bore their testimony, it was awesome! I love our ward mission leader, he's just a young guy in his late 20's, but he helps us out a lot! We're currently teaching about 5 or 6 other people at the moment. We do all sorts of things to try and find people to teach.
It's really hard to tell you about all the cool experiences that I go through, so what I did is I sat down and wrote a letter to you every night telling you of my experiences of that day. I'm putting it the mail today or tomorrow. Elder Johnson says it takes like 2 weeks to go through the mail.
I'm so excited about all those letters!!! I can't wait to read them!!
Yeah I know Edi. I'm so glad he's made that decision!!!! He's a great kid!!
I love you all so much and miss you tons, but I am having the time of my life out here! I'll talk to you in a week! Love you!
Elder Austin
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Elder Austin's first teaching exeriences in Clondalkin
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The view from top of Pratt's Hill. (Arthur's Seat)
Elder Austin Arrived in Scotland
Brother & Sister Austin ,
Just a brief e-mail to let you know that your missionary, Elder Austin, arrived safely in Scotland from the Preston, England Missionary Training Center. Upon arriving he had the opportunity to climb Arthur's Seat where he committed to serve the Lord, similar to what Orson Pratt, an Apostle of the Lord did in 1840.
His trainer is Elder Johnson , and they are laboring in Clondalkin.
On Monday you can expect an e-mail which will provide you with more information about his companion and area.
Thank you for all that you have done to prepare Elder Austin to serve the Lord for the next two years.
Alan H. Brown, President Scotland/Ireland Mission
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