Hey guys this week has flown by fast!!
Money is running out fast but besides that all is well haha. We all had to spend like $12 to go hike to a volcano, and we were going and it started sprinkling so the guards left and we had to go back down, it was so dumb. But besides that all has been great!
Had a marriage and a baptism, which the marriage is way different than in the U.S. because it´s like not a big deal at all and kids are running around, lawyer showed up an hour late and so did the bride and husband, but they are married now :) And I had the wonderful oportunity (Sorry I can´t spell anymore) to baptize Hermano Siro and now all of their family are members! It was really sweet and they are going strong and want to go to the temple and serve a mission and he wants to baptize his kids when they are old enough!
I also just had a lot of fun this week and everything has just been going good and I have been eating way too good..haha. Also had a fun time going on splits with another gringo and just so many funny experiences! Also last P-day I got to play basketball a little bit with a soccer ball so that was cool!
Just my clothes are all so dirty..haha but they smell good just all stained but it's all good. Pupusas are so amazing and I am going to try and make them all the time when I get back! I have heard some amazing things about Belize though so I am very excited to go there but I´m trying to enjoy El Salvador while I can which really isn´t that hard once you get over how poor it is.
We don´t really have another baptism coming soon though so I´m kinda bummed, have 2 dates set with people but they never go to church even though we pass by before every Sunday. Also drunk people are hilarious here. Also another interesting story was that my companion and I locked our keys inside so we were climbing all over our house to get to the backyard and try and get in and were walking on other peoples houses, and it was so pretty! I will have to take my camera and do it again! haha! But we eventually got in so all is well!
I miss music and driving like crazy but one thing that drove me crazy was I was at a members house, then these 3 guys pulled out their phones or ipods and I heard a familiar noise... CLASH OF CLANS! Hahaha so I told them I played too and they want me to play it with them when I get back haha. But I got 22 months till I can think of that.
But thanks all for emailing me and thank you so much for all your love and support :) I love you all so much and sorry I don´t have much time this email! But I love you all and hope all is well back home! Keep me posted on new stuff good or bad haha I´m a curious person all the time, and keep the spirit with you! It is really cool :) Especially when you are lost at 9 about 30 minutes from your home...haha buses are crazy but it is a cool way of living here that I kind of like to be honest, just some things are annoying like the weather and mosquitoes.
Thanks for all you guys have done to make me who I am today :)
-Elder Awestin
P.S.
A few questions
How do you wash your clothes, washing machine?
bahahahaha!!! A washing machine...
What city or town are you in? We want to find it on the map and just curious exactly where you are?
I am in Sonsonate in the American ward so close to the coast.
How do you send us emails? Where do you send them from?
our stake (church) building has a couple computers so all the missionaries in our zone go there to email and order pizza!
What's your daily schedule like?
our schedule is studying till 12, lunch, and then we walk around all day to different people and teach lessons to people that will let us in and have a dinner with this amazing family and read with them at 9 so it works out!
How many people usually attend your church?
This week we had 50 people so usually around 40-60 but we have like 200 just they are all inactive. That´s the thing I love most about the states is that in the church there are lots of active members who actually live the gospel. A member of the Bishopric was asking me if Mormons in Utah did polygamy and he was serious. It´s kinda sad and there is so much work to be done here.
Monday, September 21, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
Why am I here?
So today went a lot better than last week, just I can´t send pictures today but I just got a really short hair cut haha and I didn´t know all these hair words in Spanish so I just said yes to everything she asked haha! Also I am getting crazy fat.. but this week went a lot better than last week. It still was hard, but it was better.
Families are feeding us like crazy, yesterday we ate at 5 members homes and all gave us seconds...ughh haha and you can´t turn it down. But I love it so much. My companion and I both got sick at the same time, but not bad. Just crazy runny nose but that´s all, no pain or anything except for in our stomachs. Thank you all so much who email me and pray for me, I can really feel your prayers and please pray for me and health everyday because I´m almost positive half of the stuff I eat isn´t the best for me..so thank you so much!! I love you guys with all my heart!
Yesterday I found out that we are having a marriage on Saturday and right after a baptism, and I am the one doing the baptism! The Father is the only one not a member but he is unbelievably nice and although he has nothing he always tries and feeds us and asks me if I will come back after my mission, which last week was a sure no, but this week I actually would really love to come down here as a non missionary with some friends or family.
Something that has made me feel better was that I figured out I have the hottest zone (my companion told me the coolest, and the most rich) and I have the poorest area in my zone. I thought I had it the best so I was scared what could be worse, but now I feel a lot better after I figured all of that out!
I had a Pupusa (definition at bottom of post) and holy cow they are so good, and so filling. We were talking to this lady and she has 2 sons that live in Atlanta, and when the people came to take our money to pay, she payed for us and bought us drinks, which is really rare for someone to treat a gringo here. Also along with connections, in my ward there was a guy who served in Brazil, I don´t know his name, but he thinks he knows Elder Alex Jenkinson which is cool!
I hope all is going well back at home, it is going better here! I really wish I could send pictures today and I will keep on trying! And I forget lots of stuff to say during the week so if you have any questions or want to know anything please ask :)
El Salvador is WAY different than the states, they are like opposites in everything. But it´s going good! I think the hardest thing besides walking all day is answering the question so how are the states compared to here? But ya everything is going good!! Just this week mosquitoes have randomly started to bite me all the time when last week I didn´t even wear spray and had no bites... Weird haha but I miss you guys and keep me posted on any cool or weird or even bad changes at home in the states, but I pray for you all as well!!
les Amo mucho! -Elder Austin
Here is a poem I want to share too :)
Why am I here?
I came out to grow, to learn, and become a man
Move away from home, become independent, I didn´t understand.
I would knock on doors, hoping no one would answer
Walking around, eating my life down like cancer.
Why wasn´t I happy? Why aren´t the blessings coming?
Wasn´t I supposed to be happy baptizing or something?
I don´t think I´m growing, actually I´m losing weight
Why is this so hard, I feel like I have so much on my plate
People laugh at me, call me names, reject the help I give
Steal my clothes, steal my money, is this how I´m supposed to live?
I hate this, what have I gained, would it be better to stay at home?
Haven´t done anything, haven´t learned the language, why do I feel alone?
Exhausted after another day, companion said "We´ll get em next time"
Don´t feel we did anything new today, my companion keeps repeating that line
Got home, skipped my prayer, hopped straight into bed.
I just wanted to rest, I have another long day ahead.
I shut my eyes, and that´s when my eyes could see.
I was standing in El Salvador, and Jesus stood in front of me
"Do you know why you are here? Because it is not for you,
Do you know why you are out here doing the things you do?"
I froze for a bit, then hung my head down,
That question hit me like a train, and I couldn´t make a sound.
I said "I´m sorry, I haven´t really been here to serve,
walking around in heat is nothing compared to what I deserve"
He said "I know how you feel, I walked down a similar path,
I know how it feels to sweat, I sweat the blood of God´s wrath.
I´m sorry people don´t feed you, I know how that feels too,
40 days 40 nights, fasting to help people like you.
I´m sorry you have to wear a suit, and people point at you and swear,
I was stripped down to nothing but a crown that put blood in my hair.
I know you miss your family, I missed mine as well.
My mom I missed a lot, I really wish I could have had email.
I felt abandoned too, when I hung upon the cross,
And it makes me sad people won´t believe, and I know it´s just their loss.
I wanted to quit too, thought it was too hard, asked Father to take away my cup,
But I thought about who I was helping, and I decided not to give up.
People are grateful for my choice, people will be grateful for yours as well,
Brandon you are my friend, and after this, with me you shall forever dwell."
I heard some sudden beeping, opened my eyes and realized I was in bed.
So I jumped out of bed and prayed, I had a busy day ahead.
I may not baptize everyone, but neither did the best,
I only have two years to help other souls here come to rest.
I picked up my companions backpack, told him "Come on, let´s go!
There are people who don´t know about someone who suffered for them long ago!"
That day I felt like an angel, I felt wings upon my back,
And I could feel another person with me picking up all my slack.
I still got spit upon and rejected, but I´ll tell you why I had joy,
My 8 year old dreams were being fulfilled, I was no longer a little boy.
Later that week I baptized a small family, thankful for what I did,
Sealed together was a wife and husband, and their 9 year old little kid.
They said I was their hero, said I would never know how much I did too,
said they wished all families could be this happy, and hope my kid will be just like you.
With tears in my eyes I said "Don´t thank me, thank our Savior and Redeemer."
Helping people is all I want to do, now, I know why I´m here.
P.S.
Grandma asked: How is your church? How many people in your ward? Did you get to play the piano again on Sunday?
Yes I always play we have about 120 people in my ward but it´s like only a different 30 or 40 show up every Sunday so I´m working hard to get them all back!!
A pupusa is a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is usually filled with a blend of the following: cheese cooked and seasoned pork meat ground to a paste consistency refried beans, or queso con loroco. Wikipedia
Families are feeding us like crazy, yesterday we ate at 5 members homes and all gave us seconds...ughh haha and you can´t turn it down. But I love it so much. My companion and I both got sick at the same time, but not bad. Just crazy runny nose but that´s all, no pain or anything except for in our stomachs. Thank you all so much who email me and pray for me, I can really feel your prayers and please pray for me and health everyday because I´m almost positive half of the stuff I eat isn´t the best for me..so thank you so much!! I love you guys with all my heart!
Yesterday I found out that we are having a marriage on Saturday and right after a baptism, and I am the one doing the baptism! The Father is the only one not a member but he is unbelievably nice and although he has nothing he always tries and feeds us and asks me if I will come back after my mission, which last week was a sure no, but this week I actually would really love to come down here as a non missionary with some friends or family.
Something that has made me feel better was that I figured out I have the hottest zone (my companion told me the coolest, and the most rich) and I have the poorest area in my zone. I thought I had it the best so I was scared what could be worse, but now I feel a lot better after I figured all of that out!
I had a Pupusa (definition at bottom of post) and holy cow they are so good, and so filling. We were talking to this lady and she has 2 sons that live in Atlanta, and when the people came to take our money to pay, she payed for us and bought us drinks, which is really rare for someone to treat a gringo here. Also along with connections, in my ward there was a guy who served in Brazil, I don´t know his name, but he thinks he knows Elder Alex Jenkinson which is cool!
I hope all is going well back at home, it is going better here! I really wish I could send pictures today and I will keep on trying! And I forget lots of stuff to say during the week so if you have any questions or want to know anything please ask :)
El Salvador is WAY different than the states, they are like opposites in everything. But it´s going good! I think the hardest thing besides walking all day is answering the question so how are the states compared to here? But ya everything is going good!! Just this week mosquitoes have randomly started to bite me all the time when last week I didn´t even wear spray and had no bites... Weird haha but I miss you guys and keep me posted on any cool or weird or even bad changes at home in the states, but I pray for you all as well!!
les Amo mucho! -Elder Austin
Here is a poem I want to share too :)
Why am I here?
I came out to grow, to learn, and become a man
Move away from home, become independent, I didn´t understand.
I would knock on doors, hoping no one would answer
Walking around, eating my life down like cancer.
Why wasn´t I happy? Why aren´t the blessings coming?
Wasn´t I supposed to be happy baptizing or something?
I don´t think I´m growing, actually I´m losing weight
Why is this so hard, I feel like I have so much on my plate
People laugh at me, call me names, reject the help I give
Steal my clothes, steal my money, is this how I´m supposed to live?
I hate this, what have I gained, would it be better to stay at home?
Haven´t done anything, haven´t learned the language, why do I feel alone?
Exhausted after another day, companion said "We´ll get em next time"
Don´t feel we did anything new today, my companion keeps repeating that line
Got home, skipped my prayer, hopped straight into bed.
I just wanted to rest, I have another long day ahead.
I shut my eyes, and that´s when my eyes could see.
I was standing in El Salvador, and Jesus stood in front of me
"Do you know why you are here? Because it is not for you,
Do you know why you are out here doing the things you do?"
I froze for a bit, then hung my head down,
That question hit me like a train, and I couldn´t make a sound.
I said "I´m sorry, I haven´t really been here to serve,
walking around in heat is nothing compared to what I deserve"
He said "I know how you feel, I walked down a similar path,
I know how it feels to sweat, I sweat the blood of God´s wrath.
I´m sorry people don´t feed you, I know how that feels too,
40 days 40 nights, fasting to help people like you.
I´m sorry you have to wear a suit, and people point at you and swear,
I was stripped down to nothing but a crown that put blood in my hair.
I know you miss your family, I missed mine as well.
My mom I missed a lot, I really wish I could have had email.
I felt abandoned too, when I hung upon the cross,
And it makes me sad people won´t believe, and I know it´s just their loss.
I wanted to quit too, thought it was too hard, asked Father to take away my cup,
But I thought about who I was helping, and I decided not to give up.
People are grateful for my choice, people will be grateful for yours as well,
Brandon you are my friend, and after this, with me you shall forever dwell."
I heard some sudden beeping, opened my eyes and realized I was in bed.
So I jumped out of bed and prayed, I had a busy day ahead.
I may not baptize everyone, but neither did the best,
I only have two years to help other souls here come to rest.
I picked up my companions backpack, told him "Come on, let´s go!
There are people who don´t know about someone who suffered for them long ago!"
That day I felt like an angel, I felt wings upon my back,
And I could feel another person with me picking up all my slack.
I still got spit upon and rejected, but I´ll tell you why I had joy,
My 8 year old dreams were being fulfilled, I was no longer a little boy.
Later that week I baptized a small family, thankful for what I did,
Sealed together was a wife and husband, and their 9 year old little kid.
They said I was their hero, said I would never know how much I did too,
said they wished all families could be this happy, and hope my kid will be just like you.
With tears in my eyes I said "Don´t thank me, thank our Savior and Redeemer."
Helping people is all I want to do, now, I know why I´m here.
Brandon's pictures came through - yea!
Some city parts of my area
Wish this was my church haha
This is so nice
P.S.
Grandma asked: How is your church? How many people in your ward? Did you get to play the piano again on Sunday?
Yes I always play we have about 120 people in my ward but it´s like only a different 30 or 40 show up every Sunday so I´m working hard to get them all back!!
Random pictures that came through on Brandon's wifi camera last week
A pupusa is a traditional Salvadoran dish made of a thick, handmade corn tortilla that is usually filled with a blend of the following: cheese cooked and seasoned pork meat ground to a paste consistency refried beans, or queso con loroco. Wikipedia
Monday, September 7, 2015
the Lord's time
Well, This is very interesting. I don´t know where to start. Not much happened at the CCM (mission training center) and we left for an hour and a half bus ride to El Salvador and then we had to turn around after an hour and a half and head back due to demonstrations in the streets. They then bought us all airplane tickets and payed for all our luggage and flew us out there.
It is so crazy humid here it is ridiculous. We all slept in a huge house that day with a bunch of other missionaries and it was crazy dirty and we shared 4 people to a mattress, despite that I slept pretty well. Then the next day we all went to a church (churches are so different down here) and got assigned areas and companions. The area and ward I´m in, well not sure on area but the name is America ward (ward is a local congregation which is organized geographically and members attend a ward or branch near their home) . The ward area I´m living in is extremely poor, people have chickens and ducks walking through their dirt floor house, some don´t have roofs, kids just pee in the middle of houses, and no fans or AC. Well the church has fans. I will send my mom pictures slowly but surely so check her blog for pictures. Don´t have time to explain them all but email me if you have any questions about any.
It is so crazy hot here and although I´m living in a pretty nice house for down here, it will take some getting used to. And please pray every night that I will be safe from all bugs and animals. Part of my house doesn´t have a roof so bugs and stuff can always get in. But sleeping isn´t that bad because I have a fan right by my bed :) I saw a tarantula and gave my first blessing yesterday, but it was in English so only I understood it but it went really well.
Also I found out this mission isn´t one of the highest baptizing missions for Central America. The record for most baptisms in a month for last transfer was 5 so that´s pretty good just my mission president had us all expecting a lot more, but I will work hard!! I miss English so much, never thought I would. I don´t understand a thing usually and it is pretty hard. I did play soccer with some Latinos though and I scored the most goals??? I guess being the tallest person here has it´s perks :)
My companion is Elder Herrera, but I still can´t roll my R´s to pronounce it. Sorry for being all over the place but I have so much to say but probably will forget most of it so just saying it while I can. I have 2 members that feed me and my companion, just I´m not sure if it is safe. Also fast Sunday was so hard, this mission is very hard but it is going to completely change me and I will feel like I´m in the Celestial Kingdom (The highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.) when I get back to America.
I played this little electric piano for church yesterday and they were all so happy because most people have never heard a piano before. Also I have drinking out of the faucet 4 times which I know you aren´t supposed to do that but I couldn´t really help it. But good news is I haven´t felt sick this whole time except for home sick :) Tender mercies all around!
Also this family with nothing fed me and my companion and I´m not sure if that was healthy either but it was seriously all they had. There was no way I could say no. But I´m being somewhat careful with what I eat like no pork or fish. Haven´t had a Papusa yet even though everyone else here has...I really want to try one haha! But the food here has all tasted amazing and all the drinks are amazing too!! I have running water in my house too except the first day I had to repent because I had to use a Friend magazine (monthly magazine published by the church for primary age children 3 to 12) to wipe...hehe. I´m about to go to the store though and buy lots of stuff however!!
If I could have one thing from you all I would love a long motivational letter that is too long to memorize so I can read it when I´m feeling down..which is kinda a lot at the beginning. But despite everything I´m doing good :) Also walked around El Salvador with 220 dollars in my pockets because every time you take money out is is 5 dollars so it is best to do it all at once. Everything is crazy cheap here!
And we have two halfway baptismal dates, one from the only guy here who speaks English and I challenged him in English :) Bus rides are crazy I will have to explain a lot when I get home as well! But it is so hot here!! And my shoulders got sun-burnt but not my arms or neck which I´m still trying to figure out how that happened. I have gone to a sit down Pizza Hut which was amazing though and I got to hear American music!!!!
But anyways...I hope all is well back at home, I miss you all and U.S. like crazy but I don´t wanna be home because this is the Lord´s time. I hope all is well. Also I see over 100 stray dogs and chickens and a couple horses and dogs a day. I probably missed so much but if you have any questions about anything please ask!! And I´ll try and make next weeks email more positive! A cool quote from a guy in the CCM who is in Honduras right now, Embrace the Suck :) That´s his families motto haha and I thought it was pretty funny and helpful. But I hope you all are doing well! I pray for you all every night!! Please keep me in your prayers as well!! -Elder Austin
Thought of other stuff as well!! I am gaining weight definately here and from the CCM, that might change but idk, but for now I´m gaining weight. Also I am a 15 minute walk from a huge super nice city, but my area is the complete opposite. I don´t have any pictures of my area but I will surely take some soon!! Also the "Snakes" (Girls down here who supposedly flock around U.S. boys) I haven´t had any problems with because I can´t understand Spanish so mom you don´t have to worry :P Also I have a mosquito net and I was going to use it for Spiders and stuff, but I don´t fit in it haha!
But people here are unbelievably nice! And you can get in any house thing you want and talk about the gospel and they will tell you they will get baptized and come to church, but none do. But I´m still working! Also J walking on a highway is kinda fun! But I´m being safe! I know I will be protected! Already have been many times! But really the people here are some of the nicest, most humble people I know. And Iĺl send you a poem soon that is a lot better! I have a ton!! If I think of anything else I´ll send it next week!! Have a fantastic week guys!!! I love you all!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Sonsonate 1 Area
Brandon, Elder Herrara, President & Sister Hintze
MISIÓN EL SALVADOR SAN SALVADOR OESTE/BELICE
Boulevard del Hipódromo No. 537
Colonia San Benito San Salvador, El Salvador C.A.
September 3, 2015
Dear Austin Family,
We are pleased to inform you that Elder Austin has arrived safely in the El Salvador San Salvador West/Belize Mission. We are excited to have him join our mission family, and can see that he is well prepared to start serving.
He is serving in the Sonsonate Zone, and in the Sonsonate 1 Area, with his trainer Elder Herrera from Guatemala.
Elder Austin will be able to e-mail or write to you every Monday. Letters from home are a very important part of missionary life. Please write weekly and focus on positive and uplifting things to help him maintain a healthy attitude. The mail system in El Salvador is reliable. If you wish to send packages they can be sent to the mission office. Address them to:
Elder Brandon Jeffrey Austin
Misión El Salvador San Salvador Oeste/Belice
Apartado Postal #81, Correos Multiplaza
San Salvador, El Salvador
We know the Lord will bless you and him as he faithfully dedicates this time to teaching others to follow the Savior Jesus Christ.
Very cordially,
President & Sister Hintze
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
"I'm Just"
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN THE BEST WEEK BY FAR!!!! One more week of the CCM and I´m finally out there!!! I´m so excited!! I seriously am dying to be out there right now!! Today I was going to go listen to a talk by Elder Nelson (see below) and all the missionaries were going to get to shake his hand, but the Church decided it was too dangerous for him right now so I didn´t get to do that. It worked out though :) I went to the temple and this has been the first time I have cried in a temple. When they prayed for the missionaries and in the celestial room...wow. It was amazing!!! I have never felt so clean and full of the spirit before in my life and it is amazing the kind of spirit that God blesses you with if you desire it.
Also tonight I get to watch "The Best Two Years" (see below) so all the missionaries are super excited about that!! Although I miss family and friends and especially music like no one else, this is going by way too fast!! Already over a month!! But thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me become the person I am today!! And...THANK YOU MOM FOR THE PACKAGE!!!! That made my day :) And week..and now I´m not freezing all the time!!
I really hope all is well out there and not too much has changed! I´m not sure if I will be able to write next week cause I leave EARLY next Tuesday and get straight to work, but I´m excited to actually have some cool stories and things to share :) We have learned lots of new tenses this week so I am learning on getting them all down and still need to work on listening to how fast and quiet people talk but I´m still doing pretty good. :)
So...I have written a couple poems with my room and they took the poems and now they are spread throughout the mtc and so many people have copied them down. It´s pretty cool and they all say they are going to share them at their farewell talks..... haha and also are trying to pay me to write their girlfriends poems for them :P I didn´t know I could make poems that good but I wanted to share my first one and shortest one with you guys. The beginning comes from a song though, one of my favorite songs "Broken".
"I´m Just"
A broken instrument in the hands of the greatest,
so if the notes are off it's cause I ain´t nothing to play with.
And you can fault me,
but ain´t we all off key.
Somehow he still makes these melodies
Even though I carry around some felonies
So forget the kings horses, forget the kings men,
The King is coming to put us back together again.
From me a rebel sinner, but I've accepted his call.
Telling the world about the message, we can be saved from the fall.
I used to push away his pierced hands, the pains I never felt,
But now my hands are His, and He still uses them to help.
His body was sacrificed, his pains I will never feel,
His blood is used to clean, and his love will forever heal.
For those who seek the truth, and honestly search,
I know it´s been restored, I belong to the church.
People spit in His face, whipped his back, ripped through His body with nails,
Don´t know how He still loved them, but His grace still prevails.
Through my hands he will still heal the deaf, sick, and blind,
Through me miracles will happen, He put my imperfections behind.
From me just a boy, 18 years of age,
Christ took my life, changed it, turned it to a new page.
I used to be a rebel, putting filth inside my soul,
I would go up to play hymns, but kept climbing down the hole.
Knowingly breaking the rules of Father, and still He showed me love,
I never looked up at Him, but He kept watch from up above.
After time I opened my eyes, and guilt hit me like a train,
I cried up to him, asking for help and immediately took my pain.
The Lord helped me overcome sin, so His cross I will forever carry,
I am His servant. I am His missionary.
"Elder Austin from GA"
P.S.
We are´t allowed to have gum on the mission which really got me sad cause I brought like 30 packs and then the ones you sent me but the president said we could have gum at night so I have one a day and I love it! Thank you so much!!
Well we are the older group now so that is cool! And the two new groups that have came in I´m not the shortest anymore, I´m like the 40th out of 200 so it's getting better! Soon I will be the tallest in El Salvador! haha! It´s 6 hours but it will be so fun! It´s on a nice charter bus too I've heard.
Also I don´t have my visa yet but I haven´t asked, only one person has had a problem here but in my mission if I don´t get my visa in time I just go to Belize so it all works out :)
Elder Nelson
https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng
https://www.facebook.com/lds.russell.m.nelson/info
The Best Two Years
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377038/
Also tonight I get to watch "The Best Two Years" (see below) so all the missionaries are super excited about that!! Although I miss family and friends and especially music like no one else, this is going by way too fast!! Already over a month!! But thank you to everyone who has supported me and helped me become the person I am today!! And...THANK YOU MOM FOR THE PACKAGE!!!! That made my day :) And week..and now I´m not freezing all the time!!
I really hope all is well out there and not too much has changed! I´m not sure if I will be able to write next week cause I leave EARLY next Tuesday and get straight to work, but I´m excited to actually have some cool stories and things to share :) We have learned lots of new tenses this week so I am learning on getting them all down and still need to work on listening to how fast and quiet people talk but I´m still doing pretty good. :)
So...I have written a couple poems with my room and they took the poems and now they are spread throughout the mtc and so many people have copied them down. It´s pretty cool and they all say they are going to share them at their farewell talks..... haha and also are trying to pay me to write their girlfriends poems for them :P I didn´t know I could make poems that good but I wanted to share my first one and shortest one with you guys. The beginning comes from a song though, one of my favorite songs "Broken".
"I´m Just"
A broken instrument in the hands of the greatest,
so if the notes are off it's cause I ain´t nothing to play with.
And you can fault me,
but ain´t we all off key.
Somehow he still makes these melodies
Even though I carry around some felonies
So forget the kings horses, forget the kings men,
The King is coming to put us back together again.
From me a rebel sinner, but I've accepted his call.
Telling the world about the message, we can be saved from the fall.
I used to push away his pierced hands, the pains I never felt,
But now my hands are His, and He still uses them to help.
His body was sacrificed, his pains I will never feel,
His blood is used to clean, and his love will forever heal.
For those who seek the truth, and honestly search,
I know it´s been restored, I belong to the church.
People spit in His face, whipped his back, ripped through His body with nails,
Don´t know how He still loved them, but His grace still prevails.
Through my hands he will still heal the deaf, sick, and blind,
Through me miracles will happen, He put my imperfections behind.
From me just a boy, 18 years of age,
Christ took my life, changed it, turned it to a new page.
I used to be a rebel, putting filth inside my soul,
I would go up to play hymns, but kept climbing down the hole.
Knowingly breaking the rules of Father, and still He showed me love,
I never looked up at Him, but He kept watch from up above.
After time I opened my eyes, and guilt hit me like a train,
I cried up to him, asking for help and immediately took my pain.
The Lord helped me overcome sin, so His cross I will forever carry,
I am His servant. I am His missionary.
"Elder Austin from GA"
P.S.
We are´t allowed to have gum on the mission which really got me sad cause I brought like 30 packs and then the ones you sent me but the president said we could have gum at night so I have one a day and I love it! Thank you so much!!
Well we are the older group now so that is cool! And the two new groups that have came in I´m not the shortest anymore, I´m like the 40th out of 200 so it's getting better! Soon I will be the tallest in El Salvador! haha! It´s 6 hours but it will be so fun! It´s on a nice charter bus too I've heard.
Also I don´t have my visa yet but I haven´t asked, only one person has had a problem here but in my mission if I don´t get my visa in time I just go to Belize so it all works out :)
Elder Nelson
https://www.lds.org/church/leader/russell-m-nelson?lang=eng
https://www.facebook.com/lds.russell.m.nelson/info
The Best Two Years
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377038/
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Look for God's hand...
Hey guys!!!
TODAY HAS BEEN SUCH AN AMAZING WEEK!!! I can´t explain it, I have just been so happy!! Everything just seems to be going good and it´s great!! Just went to the Guatemala City temple again, and I love it every time!!
I lost some of my best friends though, the Latino companionship in my room and I was pretty upset about that but they wrote in my journal and my pillow case and they just were so nice to me. Elder Castillo bore his testimony in a broken English to the room and it was incredible!! He was crying and it made everybody else cry! I got his email so I hope to stay in touch with him for the rest of my life!! He is a trooper!
I am pretty used to the food now and honestly it is pretty good! And I have also been learning about my area in San Salvador and apparently it´s kind of like a city like Atlanta just not as big, and I will have house maids who will do my cooking and clean my clothes so I feel kinda spoiled like back at home!
I have 3 poems that I have written but I don´t have them with me so I promise next week!!! I won´t forget!! My Spanish is completely taking off and so is my basketball playing!! Also I kind of like it here because playing basketball and walking to the temple we have body guards that walk with us with shotguns and pistols and it makes me feel really important haha! But I still cannot wait to get out into the feild and start teaching people!! It´s weird to think in 2 days I will have been a missionary for a month..it only feels like a week! It´s really cool but scary at the same time!!
Guys here are so amazing and nice and we all talk about doing cool stuff in Utah after missions and are pushing each other to be the best we can be now!! Also I looked D&C 68:2-4 (see below) and if any of you get the chance to read it it is a really cool missionary scripture. I urge you all to read your scriptures EVERYDAY!!! I´m not gonna lie it can be boring if you read it cover to cover, so look up a topic and find cool scriptures and promises and just study them!! It´s an amazing thing!!
Also pray to know the love that Heavenly Father has for you and I know he will answer you as he has answered me! Look for God´s hand and I know you will be able to find it . Seek and ye shall find! I hope you all had a great week and will have another great week!! Thanks for keeping up with me and writing me! I love every single email!! Stay true to the end!!
-Elder Austin
P.S. I had a really sweet experience yesterday and I have a thing I´m going to work on for my mission which is not ask for stuff I don´t need because there are some people out here who you wouldn´t believe how hard they have it and how lucky they are to be on a mission from their circumstances!! But Thank you so much for sending the suit and if I do need something I will definately ask I just ask that you guys keep emailing me! It makes me so happy reading all these emails :)
Doctrine and Covenants 68:2-4
2 And, behold, and lo, this is an example unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—
3 And this is the example unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
TODAY HAS BEEN SUCH AN AMAZING WEEK!!! I can´t explain it, I have just been so happy!! Everything just seems to be going good and it´s great!! Just went to the Guatemala City temple again, and I love it every time!!
I lost some of my best friends though, the Latino companionship in my room and I was pretty upset about that but they wrote in my journal and my pillow case and they just were so nice to me. Elder Castillo bore his testimony in a broken English to the room and it was incredible!! He was crying and it made everybody else cry! I got his email so I hope to stay in touch with him for the rest of my life!! He is a trooper!
I am pretty used to the food now and honestly it is pretty good! And I have also been learning about my area in San Salvador and apparently it´s kind of like a city like Atlanta just not as big, and I will have house maids who will do my cooking and clean my clothes so I feel kinda spoiled like back at home!
I have 3 poems that I have written but I don´t have them with me so I promise next week!!! I won´t forget!! My Spanish is completely taking off and so is my basketball playing!! Also I kind of like it here because playing basketball and walking to the temple we have body guards that walk with us with shotguns and pistols and it makes me feel really important haha! But I still cannot wait to get out into the feild and start teaching people!! It´s weird to think in 2 days I will have been a missionary for a month..it only feels like a week! It´s really cool but scary at the same time!!
Guys here are so amazing and nice and we all talk about doing cool stuff in Utah after missions and are pushing each other to be the best we can be now!! Also I looked D&C 68:2-4 (see below) and if any of you get the chance to read it it is a really cool missionary scripture. I urge you all to read your scriptures EVERYDAY!!! I´m not gonna lie it can be boring if you read it cover to cover, so look up a topic and find cool scriptures and promises and just study them!! It´s an amazing thing!!
Also pray to know the love that Heavenly Father has for you and I know he will answer you as he has answered me! Look for God´s hand and I know you will be able to find it . Seek and ye shall find! I hope you all had a great week and will have another great week!! Thanks for keeping up with me and writing me! I love every single email!! Stay true to the end!!
-Elder Austin
P.S. I had a really sweet experience yesterday and I have a thing I´m going to work on for my mission which is not ask for stuff I don´t need because there are some people out here who you wouldn´t believe how hard they have it and how lucky they are to be on a mission from their circumstances!! But Thank you so much for sending the suit and if I do need something I will definately ask I just ask that you guys keep emailing me! It makes me so happy reading all these emails :)
Doctrine and Covenants 68:2-4
2 And, behold, and lo, this is an example unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—
3 And this is the example unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
Here is a new picture :)
Brandon is in the back row, right center, yellow tie (his favorite color)
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
peace to my heart
Hey Family and Friends :)
I hope all is well with you guys! Just got out of the temple again and it never fails to bring peace to my heart! Today was a really good week and this week my Spanish has took off! I talk to the Latinos here all the time and don´t translate in my head anymore. It is so cool and I just cannot wait to be out serving the people!!!
Alright I´ll do bad news first, actually awful news. I had to get a shot this week because they changed the rules for tetanus shot and it hurt :( But my stomach has been feeling better and I keep switching in and out of the 2 and 3 club (for the bathroom) unlike most people who are just in the 3 club!! This week I also haven´t been as tired as a usually am so I think my body is getting used to it.
We got two new Latinos in my room so that is helping with my Spanish a ton and his story is crazy!! He is 23 and has been a convert for only a year and a half. His mom died when he was a little boy and his dad left him when he was like 10 so it was just him and his sister. He is the only member in his family now and worries about his sister all the time but knows he will be blessed for it. Cool stuff.
Also those who signed my pillow case I finally pulled that out and almost started crying because of how sweet you are. Thanks to all of you who have helped make me who I am. And no I´m not perfect but I wouldn´t change a thing about me or what I have grown up through or to become. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to serve the Lord here and to serve the people.
I hope school is going good for all of you who are in school, having the worst time of your lives while I´m having one of the best...hahaha not to brag but hang in there! Miss you all a bunch but I know I will get to see you all again soon! It´s flying by! 3 more weeks! I´m someone who has left my family for 2 years so others can be with theirs forever and although it´s hard I know this is the right choice. I made a poem I want to share with you all tomorrow but I forgot my journal so I will do it next week!! Can´t wait to be out and start sharing all my stories and teaching real investigators instead of teachers!
Les Amo :)
P.S.
In the CCM everything is fine and in Guatemala where I'm at the city is so nice!! Like there are the nicest houses everywhere and such nice cars driving around! Water is perfect here!
I hope all is well with you guys! Just got out of the temple again and it never fails to bring peace to my heart! Today was a really good week and this week my Spanish has took off! I talk to the Latinos here all the time and don´t translate in my head anymore. It is so cool and I just cannot wait to be out serving the people!!!
Alright I´ll do bad news first, actually awful news. I had to get a shot this week because they changed the rules for tetanus shot and it hurt :( But my stomach has been feeling better and I keep switching in and out of the 2 and 3 club (for the bathroom) unlike most people who are just in the 3 club!! This week I also haven´t been as tired as a usually am so I think my body is getting used to it.
We got two new Latinos in my room so that is helping with my Spanish a ton and his story is crazy!! He is 23 and has been a convert for only a year and a half. His mom died when he was a little boy and his dad left him when he was like 10 so it was just him and his sister. He is the only member in his family now and worries about his sister all the time but knows he will be blessed for it. Cool stuff.
Also those who signed my pillow case I finally pulled that out and almost started crying because of how sweet you are. Thanks to all of you who have helped make me who I am. And no I´m not perfect but I wouldn´t change a thing about me or what I have grown up through or to become. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to serve the Lord here and to serve the people.
I hope school is going good for all of you who are in school, having the worst time of your lives while I´m having one of the best...hahaha not to brag but hang in there! Miss you all a bunch but I know I will get to see you all again soon! It´s flying by! 3 more weeks! I´m someone who has left my family for 2 years so others can be with theirs forever and although it´s hard I know this is the right choice. I made a poem I want to share with you all tomorrow but I forgot my journal so I will do it next week!! Can´t wait to be out and start sharing all my stories and teaching real investigators instead of teachers!
Les Amo :)
P.S.
In the CCM everything is fine and in Guatemala where I'm at the city is so nice!! Like there are the nicest houses everywhere and such nice cars driving around! Water is perfect here!
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