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
Elder Scott Austin
Elder Austin with a 1st Edition Book of Mormon
Saturday, November 23, 2013
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!
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