Letter from Elder Austin dated May 12, 2014

Hiya Mummy!

So this week, I'm not going to do a journal.  One of the reasons is that not much happened this week and another is that these kinds of letters express my feelings, spiritually and emotionally.  It was very good to see and talk to you yesterday.  You all seem to be doing great which makes me happy.  I know it was hard for you, but trust me when I saw it will go by fast.  The trick is to not worry about it and find something to do.  Get engrossed into your work and calling.  Focus on strengthening your relationship with Dad.  These things will help time go by a lot quicker.  Sister McLean really enjoyed talking to you too!  She said she's going to try and call you more often.  I love Nancy to death!  She truly is my Scottish Mummy!

So like I said to you, I realize that today is Papa John's birthday.  I'm wearing the tie to remember him.  It's weird, but I feel his presence even more now that I'm out here.  I feel like he helps me whenever I need him most.

We received some training at this last conference in Glasgow.  It was entitled, "The Why Behind it All".  They compared Nephi to Laman and Lemuel.  Nephi's brothers kept the commandments, but there's a major difference between them and Nephi.  They just went through the motions but Nephi had sincere desire and motivations to serve the Lord.  They asked us if we were just going through the motions or if we had the love and desire to serve.  Have you listened to "Missionary work and the Atonement?"  You NEED to listen to it, then you will know how I feel.  It will also help you in your calling.

This week was pretty slow, but it had some funny moments.  I remember we tracted into a Protestant Minister who tried to convert us.  He raised his hand and said "I pray that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and that you will actually become Christians!"  I tried to contain myself but I couldn't help but laugh!  He kept trying to convert us but we ended up just walking away because we didn't want to argue with him.  I find it astounding that 20 year old kids can be more knowledgeable in the scriptures than priests who have studied all their lives.  It's remarkable to see that the Lord is keeping His promise when He said, "You will not be confounded before men".

Well, I'm sorry this is not as long as other letters, but I told you mostly everything yesterday.  I will continue my journal letters next week.

Love and miss you!    Elder Austin