10/28/13
I'm doing great, things couldn't be better! I miss you guys but, I'm doing well. We only have one progressing investigator, but he's so close to his baptism and marriage date which is this mid November! We're excited! So my District is doing great! I'm in charge of 2 sister companionships, an elder companionship and a senior couple. That's a BIG District, ha ha! It's nice though. As a District Leader, I'm the only one and I keep my companion. Zone leaders are the ones who are companions and they're both well, zone leaders.
It's always great to hear about everyone's week! I love it! It's crazy that Alex and Luke have some crazy meets this week! And that Kate and Ellie go all year round!
The most inspirational thing that happened this week would probably be from District meetings last week. One of the Sisters gave training on how to recognize the promptings of the Spirit and she told us how she just followed a prompting and how she felt from doing so and she doesn't know what would've happened if she didn't. She didn't really see a result from it, but she told us how she felt and that was pretty cool to hear!
I can't think of anything that I need right now. I'm doing pretty great :) I do have my snow boots and I don't think it will be snowing in Virginia where I'm at, which is good. :)
Well, I love you all and I'll keep you updated and let you know if anything new comes up!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
10/21/13
I'm doing great! Sarah and Richard (our investigator) have a date for their marriage, November 16th and shortly after he will be getting baptized! Matt has been baptized and I spoke on the Holy Ghost and on Baptism. The spirit was very strong! There were only about 10 people, maybe even less there, but it was nice and peaceful. I'm excited for Matt and his family!
Being a District Leader, I'll be honest, isn't really what I was expecting any time soon and I was a little overwhelmed, okay very overwhelmed to get the call. Everything is working out though and it's a lot easier than I thought it would be. I'm over my area King George, 2 other Elders, 4 Sisters and a senior couple who I have not yet met. I still have Elder Bowen and it's awesome!
Wow, I got pretty emotional when you told me President Perrins passed away. He is a great inspirational leader! I remember when he interviewed me to be a Deacon! He took time to get to know me and to establish a friendship. He will be missed a lot. He's a wonderful man.
Yea, you can send me videos, it is okay, ha ha. I can't wait to see them! As well as the pictures!!! Oh and yes we have a Wal Mart close by.
So, here is what has been filling our plate and will be for awhile. Sarah just took her cousin in who is trying to detox from herroine. It is a rough, hard and painful process. We have been able to give him a blessing and have been able to pray with them. We have never done this before and Sarah has no experience in it either. Please pray for him.
Love you all!
Elder Austin Mounts
I'm doing great! Sarah and Richard (our investigator) have a date for their marriage, November 16th and shortly after he will be getting baptized! Matt has been baptized and I spoke on the Holy Ghost and on Baptism. The spirit was very strong! There were only about 10 people, maybe even less there, but it was nice and peaceful. I'm excited for Matt and his family!
Being a District Leader, I'll be honest, isn't really what I was expecting any time soon and I was a little overwhelmed, okay very overwhelmed to get the call. Everything is working out though and it's a lot easier than I thought it would be. I'm over my area King George, 2 other Elders, 4 Sisters and a senior couple who I have not yet met. I still have Elder Bowen and it's awesome!
Wow, I got pretty emotional when you told me President Perrins passed away. He is a great inspirational leader! I remember when he interviewed me to be a Deacon! He took time to get to know me and to establish a friendship. He will be missed a lot. He's a wonderful man.
Yea, you can send me videos, it is okay, ha ha. I can't wait to see them! As well as the pictures!!! Oh and yes we have a Wal Mart close by.
So, here is what has been filling our plate and will be for awhile. Sarah just took her cousin in who is trying to detox from herroine. It is a rough, hard and painful process. We have been able to give him a blessing and have been able to pray with them. We have never done this before and Sarah has no experience in it either. Please pray for him.
Love you all!
Elder Austin Mounts
Monday, October 14, 2013
Oct. 14, 2013
It's so great to hear that you guys are having fun and doing well!!! We had another pretty slow week, not much happened but here's what did. Our progressing investigator, Richard Strickland, hasn't been able to sleep lately. So, we were able to give him a blessing. I could tell Richard felt the spirit once I finished the blessing and it was so cool to see!!! He was at church with his girlfriend Sarah, who is a member and he wants to get baptized soon!! We are excited for him!!!
The most inspirational thing that happened this week was probably when I gave the blessing for Richard because I feel it was exactly what he needed to hear. :) Oh, and he is our best investigator at this moment, it's awesome! Yea, we are getting to know the members too!!! They're super great at feeding us!!! We also have Brother Winfrey coming out with us this week to a lesson! I feel like I see the Mission President a lot, ha ha! He called me this past Monday and called me to be a District Leader...AHH, too scary, but I'm going to do it anyways! Elder Bowen is fantastic! I love that guy! He and I are pretty awesome friends now!
I love you all so much!!! I miss you a LOT!! It's crazy to think I haven't been home in six months! Just wait til it's two years!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
It's so great to hear that you guys are having fun and doing well!!! We had another pretty slow week, not much happened but here's what did. Our progressing investigator, Richard Strickland, hasn't been able to sleep lately. So, we were able to give him a blessing. I could tell Richard felt the spirit once I finished the blessing and it was so cool to see!!! He was at church with his girlfriend Sarah, who is a member and he wants to get baptized soon!! We are excited for him!!!
The most inspirational thing that happened this week was probably when I gave the blessing for Richard because I feel it was exactly what he needed to hear. :) Oh, and he is our best investigator at this moment, it's awesome! Yea, we are getting to know the members too!!! They're super great at feeding us!!! We also have Brother Winfrey coming out with us this week to a lesson! I feel like I see the Mission President a lot, ha ha! He called me this past Monday and called me to be a District Leader...AHH, too scary, but I'm going to do it anyways! Elder Bowen is fantastic! I love that guy! He and I are pretty awesome friends now!
I love you all so much!!! I miss you a LOT!! It's crazy to think I haven't been home in six months! Just wait til it's two years!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Oct. 7, 2013
We are doing fantastic! The weather just got a little rainy today but it's been in the upper 80's for awhile!!! Yes, Elder Bowen and I are still companions and we love it! We're definitely functioning a lot better now that we know each other better. Sure, we clash at times, but we love each other, he's a good friend. :) President Monson's talk was very touching! I loved it! I loved how they brought up how strong and important the women of the church are. It was a great conference!
I just sent you some pictures so I hope you like them!!! I'll continue taking more! :) You could pray for our investigator, Arthur Shaver, Rainy Matua and Richard Strickland. Thank you for asking! :) My favorite quote this week would probably have to be from President Uchtdorf, "Doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith."
I'm having fun and loving everything we do out here as missionaries!!! Conference was awesome!!! I love you all!!! And so does the Savior and our Heavenly Father!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
We are doing fantastic! The weather just got a little rainy today but it's been in the upper 80's for awhile!!! Yes, Elder Bowen and I are still companions and we love it! We're definitely functioning a lot better now that we know each other better. Sure, we clash at times, but we love each other, he's a good friend. :) President Monson's talk was very touching! I loved it! I loved how they brought up how strong and important the women of the church are. It was a great conference!
I just sent you some pictures so I hope you like them!!! I'll continue taking more! :) You could pray for our investigator, Arthur Shaver, Rainy Matua and Richard Strickland. Thank you for asking! :) My favorite quote this week would probably have to be from President Uchtdorf, "Doubt your doubts, before you doubt your faith."
I'm having fun and loving everything we do out here as missionaries!!! Conference was awesome!!! I love you all!!! And so does the Savior and our Heavenly Father!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Sept. 30, 2013
It's good to hear from you guys. A lot has happened this past week. I'll start off by saying that our baptism for Matt Yokeley is tomorrow! We are excited for him and to see him progress in the Gospel!!
It's great to hear that you found Lily! That's pretty funny how Ellie didn't even notice that her own cat was gone! How big is that cat? Is it fat yet? I wanna come home to a fatty cat! I'm excited and happy to hear that Kate is still in the running for ASB President! She will do well!!! It's good to hear about Luke's Cross Country career too! I know he'll be dropping his time very quickly! Thanks again for sending me the pictures of Alex! They are awesome! I miss my funny seester!
Elder Bowen and I are doing fantastic! We do have a few investigators, I could live with getting a few more though, so we don't struggle with things to do each week. This area is just slow as I said before. It's crazy how different it is here from the West side of the States. I guess that's why we're here! We will be in our church building watching General Conference, so exciting!!! No pictures of baptisms or sites that I've been to yet. I did bring my camera today, only one problem, I forgot the cord to connect it to the computer. I'm still forgetful, ha ha. Yes, I am healthy, no sicknesses just yet.
Oh Dad, I met someone who GREW UP with you!!! His name is Don Cromarty. He told me to tell you hi and uncle Todd! It was pretty crazy. He saw my last name and asked me what my Dad's name was and then said that he grew up with you, small world!
So finally, a dear friend of mine, Elder Jensen, who I came out with, lost his mother this last Thursday night. We are consistently there for him and he is doing well. It's amazing to see the healing power of the Atonement work through him and his testimony of the Plan of Salvation. He isn't bitter or angry, he is moving forward and knows that he will see his mother again and live with his family for time and all eternity. I want you all to know that I love you and know that we'll all be a family forever too. We just have to continue keeping the commandments and staying true and faithful to our covenants we have made with Heavenly Father. I love you all!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
It's good to hear from you guys. A lot has happened this past week. I'll start off by saying that our baptism for Matt Yokeley is tomorrow! We are excited for him and to see him progress in the Gospel!!
It's great to hear that you found Lily! That's pretty funny how Ellie didn't even notice that her own cat was gone! How big is that cat? Is it fat yet? I wanna come home to a fatty cat! I'm excited and happy to hear that Kate is still in the running for ASB President! She will do well!!! It's good to hear about Luke's Cross Country career too! I know he'll be dropping his time very quickly! Thanks again for sending me the pictures of Alex! They are awesome! I miss my funny seester!
Elder Bowen and I are doing fantastic! We do have a few investigators, I could live with getting a few more though, so we don't struggle with things to do each week. This area is just slow as I said before. It's crazy how different it is here from the West side of the States. I guess that's why we're here! We will be in our church building watching General Conference, so exciting!!! No pictures of baptisms or sites that I've been to yet. I did bring my camera today, only one problem, I forgot the cord to connect it to the computer. I'm still forgetful, ha ha. Yes, I am healthy, no sicknesses just yet.
Oh Dad, I met someone who GREW UP with you!!! His name is Don Cromarty. He told me to tell you hi and uncle Todd! It was pretty crazy. He saw my last name and asked me what my Dad's name was and then said that he grew up with you, small world!
So finally, a dear friend of mine, Elder Jensen, who I came out with, lost his mother this last Thursday night. We are consistently there for him and he is doing well. It's amazing to see the healing power of the Atonement work through him and his testimony of the Plan of Salvation. He isn't bitter or angry, he is moving forward and knows that he will see his mother again and live with his family for time and all eternity. I want you all to know that I love you and know that we'll all be a family forever too. We just have to continue keeping the commandments and staying true and faithful to our covenants we have made with Heavenly Father. I love you all!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Sept. 23, 2013
Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun! I'm glad to hear the family is doing well! I look forward to receiving the pictures next week! I will have more this next week to send of me and some other Elders!
So, Sarah had her farewell? How was that? When exactly is she heading into the MTC? We might be getting home at the same time, that's kinda cool! Both East/South missions too. I'm excited for her!
Training is hard and I'm not liking it too much, just because with how stressful it can be when it's hard to get along sometimes. He's technically older than I am and tries to play that card a lot when I try to teach him what I'm supposed to and he can get distracted easily at times, but hey that's the life of a trainer and I see why they call it a mission, Dad. It can be hard too when if feels like the whole area is on your shoulders because the trainee is still learning, hard in King George too with the work being super slow in our area. We DO however, have a baptism this next week and we're super excited. His name is Matt Yokeley! The Lord blesses our efforts and prepares His people. It's really His work not ours. I also still have the same companion, Elder Bowen. The ward members are great! Super weird ward, not gonna lie, but nice members. You won't find a ward quite like it though, ha ha! We are definitely getting to know them too because we're having a lot of dinners with them! I really wish I could serve them more, but whenever I ask if there is anything or service we can do for them, they say they're okay and they probably are but, I like service lol. We just had Zone Conference so no Zone Conferences during General Conference. I'm excited for General Conference! That will mark my 6th month mark!!! How crazy is that?! Time is sure flying by! I haven't been in a city or even small city area yet and I kind of want to. Our area is SUPER rural. It's the boonies! Ha Ha!
The weather is MUCH cooler now! It feels SO nice! Elder Bowen complains, saying it's too cold all the time when it's like 70. I'm like, "What are you talking about? This is perfect!" He IS from southern California though, ha ha! ;) We still get a random hot, humid day though. Man, I miss seeing everyone progress in their activities and schooling! I didn't really notice it until now, but I do!
Here's a scripture for the week (It's Samantha's favorite: Helaman 5:12)!
I love you all! Sorry, there's not much to report on this week. It's just been super slow and nothing has turned out for us except the baptism. Missionary work is hard and it totally is 2x as hard when you are a trainer. It's definitely a test in which I pray I will pass! I love you all!!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Grandpa Isom, Happy Birthday!! I will always remember you reading us a story and relating it to the Gospel and inviting the spirit with every family gathering we have. I value your testimony you have continuously shared with us, your grandchildren. I am eternally grateful for the love you show me and everyone else. Thank you for being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Love, your grandson, Elder Austin Mounts
Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun! I'm glad to hear the family is doing well! I look forward to receiving the pictures next week! I will have more this next week to send of me and some other Elders!
So, Sarah had her farewell? How was that? When exactly is she heading into the MTC? We might be getting home at the same time, that's kinda cool! Both East/South missions too. I'm excited for her!
Training is hard and I'm not liking it too much, just because with how stressful it can be when it's hard to get along sometimes. He's technically older than I am and tries to play that card a lot when I try to teach him what I'm supposed to and he can get distracted easily at times, but hey that's the life of a trainer and I see why they call it a mission, Dad. It can be hard too when if feels like the whole area is on your shoulders because the trainee is still learning, hard in King George too with the work being super slow in our area. We DO however, have a baptism this next week and we're super excited. His name is Matt Yokeley! The Lord blesses our efforts and prepares His people. It's really His work not ours. I also still have the same companion, Elder Bowen. The ward members are great! Super weird ward, not gonna lie, but nice members. You won't find a ward quite like it though, ha ha! We are definitely getting to know them too because we're having a lot of dinners with them! I really wish I could serve them more, but whenever I ask if there is anything or service we can do for them, they say they're okay and they probably are but, I like service lol. We just had Zone Conference so no Zone Conferences during General Conference. I'm excited for General Conference! That will mark my 6th month mark!!! How crazy is that?! Time is sure flying by! I haven't been in a city or even small city area yet and I kind of want to. Our area is SUPER rural. It's the boonies! Ha Ha!
The weather is MUCH cooler now! It feels SO nice! Elder Bowen complains, saying it's too cold all the time when it's like 70. I'm like, "What are you talking about? This is perfect!" He IS from southern California though, ha ha! ;) We still get a random hot, humid day though. Man, I miss seeing everyone progress in their activities and schooling! I didn't really notice it until now, but I do!
Here's a scripture for the week (It's Samantha's favorite: Helaman 5:12)!
I love you all! Sorry, there's not much to report on this week. It's just been super slow and nothing has turned out for us except the baptism. Missionary work is hard and it totally is 2x as hard when you are a trainer. It's definitely a test in which I pray I will pass! I love you all!!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Grandpa Isom, Happy Birthday!! I will always remember you reading us a story and relating it to the Gospel and inviting the spirit with every family gathering we have. I value your testimony you have continuously shared with us, your grandchildren. I am eternally grateful for the love you show me and everyone else. Thank you for being a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Love, your grandson, Elder Austin Mounts
Sept. 16, 2013
I'm glad you all liked the pictures! Sorry, the library we are currently going to isn't the best and won't allow me to upload photos because the computers are too old! So, that was the best I could do but, I definitely will write down the names next time! I didn't last time because the mail truck came and I was struggling to get the letter to the mail lady in time! Sounds like y'all really DID have quite a busy week! I sure miss the busy stuff that goes down back home.
So, cool experience that happened this week. We had exchanges with the zone leaders and went finding. I went with Elder Anderson in one part of our area and before we started I prayed to be able for us to find a family that we could share the Gospel with. After a few doors our prayers were answered! We tracted into a Puerto Rican family! We met with them again, but only on the doorstep and this time we brought one of our members, Brother Winfrey. We talked for like 45 minutes and shared our testimony of the Book of Mormon with them and how it can bless families and help them come closer to Christ. They probably won't read too much of it right away but you could definitely tell that seeds were planted with them!
Thanks again for Gabe's email! I'll be sure to write him asap! If you can find Daniel's email too soon that would be fantastic, as well as Danee's. That's cool that our name is from Germany! Thanks for keeping me posted with that, it's fun to learn about!
Alright, so to answer your care package question: some awesome church music would be great! Maybe a cool tie or two?
You also wanted to know what Gatorball is? Well, it's played on a basketball court, or gym. There's a chair under each basketball hoop, but the hoops are up, not used. There's a goalie for the chair and they can pick up the ball that is used (soccer ball) if the ball comes within the three point line. Each team is trying to hit the opposing teams chair. You can kick the ball up to the other players so they can use their hands to throw it to each other, but once someone from the opposing team touches you and you have the ball, you have to drop it and kick again. For points it goes: if you throw it and hit the chair it's 1, 2, if you kick the ball and hit the chair, and 3 if you hit the ball with your head to hit the chair. First to 7 wins! Teams are usually 3-5 players each! It's super fun!
Well, I miss you guys and I hope and pray that you're doing well too! Love ya!
-Elder Austin Mounts
I'm glad you all liked the pictures! Sorry, the library we are currently going to isn't the best and won't allow me to upload photos because the computers are too old! So, that was the best I could do but, I definitely will write down the names next time! I didn't last time because the mail truck came and I was struggling to get the letter to the mail lady in time! Sounds like y'all really DID have quite a busy week! I sure miss the busy stuff that goes down back home.
So, cool experience that happened this week. We had exchanges with the zone leaders and went finding. I went with Elder Anderson in one part of our area and before we started I prayed to be able for us to find a family that we could share the Gospel with. After a few doors our prayers were answered! We tracted into a Puerto Rican family! We met with them again, but only on the doorstep and this time we brought one of our members, Brother Winfrey. We talked for like 45 minutes and shared our testimony of the Book of Mormon with them and how it can bless families and help them come closer to Christ. They probably won't read too much of it right away but you could definitely tell that seeds were planted with them!
Thanks again for Gabe's email! I'll be sure to write him asap! If you can find Daniel's email too soon that would be fantastic, as well as Danee's. That's cool that our name is from Germany! Thanks for keeping me posted with that, it's fun to learn about!
Alright, so to answer your care package question: some awesome church music would be great! Maybe a cool tie or two?
You also wanted to know what Gatorball is? Well, it's played on a basketball court, or gym. There's a chair under each basketball hoop, but the hoops are up, not used. There's a goalie for the chair and they can pick up the ball that is used (soccer ball) if the ball comes within the three point line. Each team is trying to hit the opposing teams chair. You can kick the ball up to the other players so they can use their hands to throw it to each other, but once someone from the opposing team touches you and you have the ball, you have to drop it and kick again. For points it goes: if you throw it and hit the chair it's 1, 2, if you kick the ball and hit the chair, and 3 if you hit the ball with your head to hit the chair. First to 7 wins! Teams are usually 3-5 players each! It's super fun!
Well, I miss you guys and I hope and pray that you're doing well too! Love ya!
-Elder Austin Mounts
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sept. 9, 2013
This week has been a pretty hard week to be honest. Nobody was home from our investigators. There were those who told us to call to schedule an appointment but then never kept the appointment. It doesn't help when you feel like the weight of the whole area rests on your shoulders alone. I do have a companion of course, but he is new as I said and is still learning exactly what is going on and trying to remember everyone. I have had some great experiences these past few days though in receiving inspiration on how to better myself in the work and how to work with the members, during Stake Conference! We also had two miracles happen in receiving two referrals and one of them already wants to come to church! We have yet to contact the other because we received it late last night.
I'm hanging in there alright, I have been praying and seeking the Lord's comfort a whole lot as a trainer of only 5 months. This is definitely something new for me and a challenge. I continually see why we have challenges in our lives. If nothing was a challenge, we would never learn and grow. That is part of God's plan! I'll admit it can be frustrating sometimes, because you really just want to take the easy way out and move on. With this transfer I'm definitely evaluating myself a lot more and seeing how I can better myself without running faster than I can walk. I can be hard on myself a lot and that can be good at times, but I think I can let it get too far too. I definitely hit a breaking down point this past weekend where I just felt it all and was on the verge of tears. Sunday before Conference though I decided to watch Reflections of Christ. I realized I had not been remembering my Savior and all that He's done for me through His infinite Atonement. As soon as I did that and sincerely refocused on Him and prayed to our Father in Heaven, I had the Spirit comfort me as I watched the documentary and slideshow, the DVD contains. God always is watching out for us and will always comfort and reassure us if we just turn to Him and the Savior.
Elder Bowen is a great guy! I'll admit he can get on my nerves at times, but I easily put that aside and refocus on the good about him, well, I do my best, ha ha! We get along though very well and are enjoying our time together. I just want him to talk more with those we see and meet lol. He'll get used to it soon. He's funny and spiritual and serious. I make him laugh more than he makes me laugh so, I'm glad I can do that for him and make his day, ha ha!! When we roleplay, I definitely see the spiritual side of him come out and the spirit is there. I'm having him roleplay a lot because I want to break that social barrier so he's more comfortable talking with others. It's fun, ha ha!
Pdays, we're usually out of the King George area and hang out with the Elders in Fredericksburg. We're never in King George on a PDay because there's nothing to do. We play Gatorball and Bang!We play board games, Yes, mom, I admitted to board games being fun and not boring! Crazy huh? We share food and it's working out well so far, ha ha! Elder Bowen can be kind of picky about what there is to eat and says we need more food but I'm like, we got chicken, rice, stir fry, peas, canned fish, spaghetti, eggs, oatmeal, sandwich stuff, and lots of pasta. Yeah, so I love not having to buy food if we don't need to. He still has time to figure that out because if you do that and don't budget your money it goes bye, bye, bye, ha ha! This is all part of the training right? Elder Bowen and I tease each other a lot and it's well humored tease always. Oh, I'm glad you reminded me with what I have been making to eat, I have learned to make some pretty awesome oatmeal! And most importantly, I have learned or self taught myself how to make a tasty omelet!!!! I used some of the stir fry too, to add in the omelet! So, I DO know there is stuff to eat in the house even though it looks like there isn't because you have to prepare it.
So, another care package? I didn't even think about that! It would be cool to get some more music. Any thing that invites the Spirit! Oh, it would also be cool to get a photo album of some recent family photos of us all over the years and a picture of Kate and Bacon from the fair, well, everyone from the fair! Also, where does our family name come from?
Thank you for the weekly quotes and comfort you send me! They are a great way to start off a new week!!! I love you all!!!!
Love, Elder Austin Mounts
This week has been a pretty hard week to be honest. Nobody was home from our investigators. There were those who told us to call to schedule an appointment but then never kept the appointment. It doesn't help when you feel like the weight of the whole area rests on your shoulders alone. I do have a companion of course, but he is new as I said and is still learning exactly what is going on and trying to remember everyone. I have had some great experiences these past few days though in receiving inspiration on how to better myself in the work and how to work with the members, during Stake Conference! We also had two miracles happen in receiving two referrals and one of them already wants to come to church! We have yet to contact the other because we received it late last night.
I'm hanging in there alright, I have been praying and seeking the Lord's comfort a whole lot as a trainer of only 5 months. This is definitely something new for me and a challenge. I continually see why we have challenges in our lives. If nothing was a challenge, we would never learn and grow. That is part of God's plan! I'll admit it can be frustrating sometimes, because you really just want to take the easy way out and move on. With this transfer I'm definitely evaluating myself a lot more and seeing how I can better myself without running faster than I can walk. I can be hard on myself a lot and that can be good at times, but I think I can let it get too far too. I definitely hit a breaking down point this past weekend where I just felt it all and was on the verge of tears. Sunday before Conference though I decided to watch Reflections of Christ. I realized I had not been remembering my Savior and all that He's done for me through His infinite Atonement. As soon as I did that and sincerely refocused on Him and prayed to our Father in Heaven, I had the Spirit comfort me as I watched the documentary and slideshow, the DVD contains. God always is watching out for us and will always comfort and reassure us if we just turn to Him and the Savior.
Elder Bowen is a great guy! I'll admit he can get on my nerves at times, but I easily put that aside and refocus on the good about him, well, I do my best, ha ha! We get along though very well and are enjoying our time together. I just want him to talk more with those we see and meet lol. He'll get used to it soon. He's funny and spiritual and serious. I make him laugh more than he makes me laugh so, I'm glad I can do that for him and make his day, ha ha!! When we roleplay, I definitely see the spiritual side of him come out and the spirit is there. I'm having him roleplay a lot because I want to break that social barrier so he's more comfortable talking with others. It's fun, ha ha!
Pdays, we're usually out of the King George area and hang out with the Elders in Fredericksburg. We're never in King George on a PDay because there's nothing to do. We play Gatorball and Bang!We play board games, Yes, mom, I admitted to board games being fun and not boring! Crazy huh? We share food and it's working out well so far, ha ha! Elder Bowen can be kind of picky about what there is to eat and says we need more food but I'm like, we got chicken, rice, stir fry, peas, canned fish, spaghetti, eggs, oatmeal, sandwich stuff, and lots of pasta. Yeah, so I love not having to buy food if we don't need to. He still has time to figure that out because if you do that and don't budget your money it goes bye, bye, bye, ha ha! This is all part of the training right? Elder Bowen and I tease each other a lot and it's well humored tease always. Oh, I'm glad you reminded me with what I have been making to eat, I have learned to make some pretty awesome oatmeal! And most importantly, I have learned or self taught myself how to make a tasty omelet!!!! I used some of the stir fry too, to add in the omelet! So, I DO know there is stuff to eat in the house even though it looks like there isn't because you have to prepare it.
So, another care package? I didn't even think about that! It would be cool to get some more music. Any thing that invites the Spirit! Oh, it would also be cool to get a photo album of some recent family photos of us all over the years and a picture of Kate and Bacon from the fair, well, everyone from the fair! Also, where does our family name come from?
Thank you for the weekly quotes and comfort you send me! They are a great way to start off a new week!!! I love you all!!!!
Love, Elder Austin Mounts
Friday, September 6, 2013
9/3/13
Well, I will try to write down all of my thoughts with the time I'm given. I sure learned a lot from the Zone Leaders and I'm no longer with them, but I am back in King George with my new companion, Elder Bowen. Guess what? he's fresh from the MTC! Yes, you got it, I'm training! I don't know what the Lord is thinking, but He knows that I'll grow and hopefully Elder Bowen will learn and grow from these weeks we have together. I just don't want to ruin the guy, ha ha. The MTC is the Mom and now I (the trainer) am the Dad. Time to really break this guy in, ha ha. I have to push him sometimes when I say, "Hey let's roleplay!" He's like uhh, I don't want to, but I'll do it when it really happens. Ha Ha, he's not backing out of this one mwahaha! He's a cool Elder!
So, from your email, Alex's and Luke's, it sounds like this Labor Day weekend really was SUPER awesome! BTW, the song Alex says they played that y'all loved, is called "Two Princes" not go ahead now, ha ha! I'm a missionary and I still know things! So, how was Kate's birthday? I'm getting her a card when I can. Everything was closed yesterday:/ but it was still Pday.
So, guess where I took Elder Bowen yesterday? Well, before I start, he's from Orange County, California! Woo!!! I'm still going with not having one Utah companion so far! Not that it matters, it's just kinda cool when half the mission is from Utah! He long boards and is going to be 20 in December! So, I'm his mission Dad but I'm younger, weird right? Anyways, back to where I took Elder Bowen yesterday. I took him to...the ER! He had been coughing up blood with his mucus for two days and it turns out it's bronchitis. The humidity can get so severe to cause the coughing up blood with it. It's not too bad, the doctors said and Elder Bowen is doing great. He's on some antibiotics now though and so far he's still pretty well and a little better.
Thanks for the quotes and the testimonies on well, obedience and staying faithful. It has been a little hard being a trainer. Especially when all of our appointments have fallen through this past week, and when nobody wants to talk to you, and when the weight of being relied on 24/7 to know the area and what's going on gets to you, it's stressful. I keep doing what I believe is the best thing we can do for the day. I just don't want Elder Bowen to be discouraged. This definitely is a learning experience! I'll continue to let you all know how it goes! I love you all! Tell Kate, Happy Birthday for me!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
P.S. I met an Elder Nelson, a senior missionary serving in Washington D.C. North Mission. He's from Rexburg, Idaho and came from Idaho Falls. He knows Uncle Glenn!!!! He told me to say hi for him ha ha, small world! Nobody knows a Mounts! Btw, where did our name come from?
Here is a quote:
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this...I can take the next thing that comes along." You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Well, I will try to write down all of my thoughts with the time I'm given. I sure learned a lot from the Zone Leaders and I'm no longer with them, but I am back in King George with my new companion, Elder Bowen. Guess what? he's fresh from the MTC! Yes, you got it, I'm training! I don't know what the Lord is thinking, but He knows that I'll grow and hopefully Elder Bowen will learn and grow from these weeks we have together. I just don't want to ruin the guy, ha ha. The MTC is the Mom and now I (the trainer) am the Dad. Time to really break this guy in, ha ha. I have to push him sometimes when I say, "Hey let's roleplay!" He's like uhh, I don't want to, but I'll do it when it really happens. Ha Ha, he's not backing out of this one mwahaha! He's a cool Elder!
So, from your email, Alex's and Luke's, it sounds like this Labor Day weekend really was SUPER awesome! BTW, the song Alex says they played that y'all loved, is called "Two Princes" not go ahead now, ha ha! I'm a missionary and I still know things! So, how was Kate's birthday? I'm getting her a card when I can. Everything was closed yesterday:/ but it was still Pday.
So, guess where I took Elder Bowen yesterday? Well, before I start, he's from Orange County, California! Woo!!! I'm still going with not having one Utah companion so far! Not that it matters, it's just kinda cool when half the mission is from Utah! He long boards and is going to be 20 in December! So, I'm his mission Dad but I'm younger, weird right? Anyways, back to where I took Elder Bowen yesterday. I took him to...the ER! He had been coughing up blood with his mucus for two days and it turns out it's bronchitis. The humidity can get so severe to cause the coughing up blood with it. It's not too bad, the doctors said and Elder Bowen is doing great. He's on some antibiotics now though and so far he's still pretty well and a little better.
Thanks for the quotes and the testimonies on well, obedience and staying faithful. It has been a little hard being a trainer. Especially when all of our appointments have fallen through this past week, and when nobody wants to talk to you, and when the weight of being relied on 24/7 to know the area and what's going on gets to you, it's stressful. I keep doing what I believe is the best thing we can do for the day. I just don't want Elder Bowen to be discouraged. This definitely is a learning experience! I'll continue to let you all know how it goes! I love you all! Tell Kate, Happy Birthday for me!!!!
-Elder Austin Mounts
P.S. I met an Elder Nelson, a senior missionary serving in Washington D.C. North Mission. He's from Rexburg, Idaho and came from Idaho Falls. He knows Uncle Glenn!!!! He told me to say hi for him ha ha, small world! Nobody knows a Mounts! Btw, where did our name come from?
Here is a quote:
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I have lived through this...I can take the next thing that comes along." You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
8/26/13
I'll get straight to the missionary stuff that's been happening this week. I have learned a lot from Elder Braithwaite and Elder Felt! How to begin teaching is one thing that has definitely been emphasized with them and I've been working on. We have only been in King George two days last week, but we were able to have success! We found some potentials on the last door in this neighborhood we were tracting the last hour of the day. They let us in and were super open to hearing what we have to share! We scheduled an appointment for today, because it was late and we didn't have much time. Then on Sunday, yesterday we were able to go on splits, it was Elder Felt and myself. Elder Felt said to me when we started, "There's someone on this street that the Lord has prepared for us. Now it's our job to find them and trust and rely on the spirit and have the faith we need." Well, we did that and we were able to street contact one guy that we kept coming into contact with and he knew who we were and has a Book of Mormon copy! He's open to us stopping by and seems interested in what we have to say. (You can tell when they have no interest.) We also tracted into one family who let us in and it was interesting. We were there for about an hour and a half. They have a hard time when it comes to the Restoration of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. They also aren't too big into denominations. We did share our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. We continued to invite them to pray and read the Book of Mormon, but they were content with where they were at. We walked away however knowing that, that was just a step in preparing them to receive the fullness of the Gospel. Their son also was super interested in what we had to say, so Elder Braithwaite and Felt will be making contact with them again later on.
I get my new companion this week as you said Dad. I could be training. There will be 144 trainers this next transfer, because we had 37 new missionaries last transfer and 35 this coming transfer. It's something like that. I'm excited and nervous if I do train because I'm still learning the area and my last companion was easy to get along with, but he was getting a little trunky. So, I will be learning the area still when this new companion of mine gets here. Well, today we will be playing BANG! with some other Elders in our Zone and I'm so excited! I will keep you posted on this next week too!!! Miracles are happening everyday!
I wish Luke would email me about Choir Retreat too! How are Kate and Ellie doing?
Oh, the funniest thing about being with the Zone Leaders is observing how they get along and work as companions and it is HILARIOUS to watch sometimes as we plan XD. The weather has been miserably hot! I hate humidity, I miss the west side and the mountains!!! Trees are good, but that's all I see! I like trees AND mountains! Btw, where does our last name come from? I will have to send you a postcard sometime I guess, I don't know what to look for. Like a homemade one? (Ha, Ha)
Tell Shaini (Candland) congratulations for me! I had no idea she was going on a mission, as well as Dayna! Tell them both congrats! Thanks for the quote Dad, I love that movie! My goals for this week, I guess every week is to memorize a quote so I could include that! Grandma Mounts sends me monthly quotes in her letters and I love them, they're fantastic! I'm working on memorizing them! Don't forget to send me those email addresses I asked for please and thank you! Also Kate and her pig Bacon!
Love all of you guys!
Elder Austin Mounts
I'll get straight to the missionary stuff that's been happening this week. I have learned a lot from Elder Braithwaite and Elder Felt! How to begin teaching is one thing that has definitely been emphasized with them and I've been working on. We have only been in King George two days last week, but we were able to have success! We found some potentials on the last door in this neighborhood we were tracting the last hour of the day. They let us in and were super open to hearing what we have to share! We scheduled an appointment for today, because it was late and we didn't have much time. Then on Sunday, yesterday we were able to go on splits, it was Elder Felt and myself. Elder Felt said to me when we started, "There's someone on this street that the Lord has prepared for us. Now it's our job to find them and trust and rely on the spirit and have the faith we need." Well, we did that and we were able to street contact one guy that we kept coming into contact with and he knew who we were and has a Book of Mormon copy! He's open to us stopping by and seems interested in what we have to say. (You can tell when they have no interest.) We also tracted into one family who let us in and it was interesting. We were there for about an hour and a half. They have a hard time when it comes to the Restoration of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. They also aren't too big into denominations. We did share our testimonies of the Book of Mormon and of Joseph Smith. We continued to invite them to pray and read the Book of Mormon, but they were content with where they were at. We walked away however knowing that, that was just a step in preparing them to receive the fullness of the Gospel. Their son also was super interested in what we had to say, so Elder Braithwaite and Felt will be making contact with them again later on.
I get my new companion this week as you said Dad. I could be training. There will be 144 trainers this next transfer, because we had 37 new missionaries last transfer and 35 this coming transfer. It's something like that. I'm excited and nervous if I do train because I'm still learning the area and my last companion was easy to get along with, but he was getting a little trunky. So, I will be learning the area still when this new companion of mine gets here. Well, today we will be playing BANG! with some other Elders in our Zone and I'm so excited! I will keep you posted on this next week too!!! Miracles are happening everyday!
I wish Luke would email me about Choir Retreat too! How are Kate and Ellie doing?
Oh, the funniest thing about being with the Zone Leaders is observing how they get along and work as companions and it is HILARIOUS to watch sometimes as we plan XD. The weather has been miserably hot! I hate humidity, I miss the west side and the mountains!!! Trees are good, but that's all I see! I like trees AND mountains! Btw, where does our last name come from? I will have to send you a postcard sometime I guess, I don't know what to look for. Like a homemade one? (Ha, Ha)
Tell Shaini (Candland) congratulations for me! I had no idea she was going on a mission, as well as Dayna! Tell them both congrats! Thanks for the quote Dad, I love that movie! My goals for this week, I guess every week is to memorize a quote so I could include that! Grandma Mounts sends me monthly quotes in her letters and I love them, they're fantastic! I'm working on memorizing them! Don't forget to send me those email addresses I asked for please and thank you! Also Kate and her pig Bacon!
Love all of you guys!
Elder Austin Mounts
Monday, August 19, 2013
8/19/13
The Fair sounds like it was Super Fun!!! I wish I could have been there to experience it but, I know that I'm supposed to be here on a mission right now! It's pretty awesome! This week has been crazy for me as well, with Elder Barney getting ready to go home! He's now at the mission home and I am with our Zone Leaders, Elder Braithwaite and Elder Felt. They're pretty cool! Elder Braithwaite is from Riverton, Utah! His first name is Taylor. JP, I'm pretty sure you went to school with him for a year or so! Does the name sound familiar at all? I will be with them until the 28th!
I'm digging the garden! What type of gardening style is it called again? Box plot gardening? One guy in my last area did that, his wife was a member and he was atheist so teaching them was kind of difficult when we had the opportunity. I pray it works out for them.
I will have to print out this picture of Kate and Bacon when I get it! I'm super excited! Kate, how was the fair? Did you enjoy it? What was your favorite part?
Here are the answers to your questions:
King George is as hot as: A nice spring day, but can be as humid as the bathroom after a hot shower!
King George smells like: I don't know! Sometimes it smells like pure c__p though! Ha Ha!
King George is as Ghetto as: Umm, not Wakefield, but it's only ghetto in some spots where you expect drug dealers to live.
Elder Barney is as wise as: the next guy
Elder Bird is as funny as: Oh my gosh, I just peed my pants I laughed so hard!
My favorite investigator is as smart as: Umm idk, but he knows how to work and get the job done!
Our most challenging investigator is: Arthur because he can act like a little kid when it comes to goofing off randomly ha ha!
My family is as crazy as: the stereotypical Mormon family
My mission is as awesome as: The leaders I have had and friends that have been extremely awesome examples for me!
My Testimony is as strong as: Iron Man!!! Come on, who is stronger than Iron Man? Well, who could take him down? Hulk doesn't think and neither does Thor! They got no brains like Iron Man does! Ha ha! So, Iron man wins!!!
Love all of you!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
The Fair sounds like it was Super Fun!!! I wish I could have been there to experience it but, I know that I'm supposed to be here on a mission right now! It's pretty awesome! This week has been crazy for me as well, with Elder Barney getting ready to go home! He's now at the mission home and I am with our Zone Leaders, Elder Braithwaite and Elder Felt. They're pretty cool! Elder Braithwaite is from Riverton, Utah! His first name is Taylor. JP, I'm pretty sure you went to school with him for a year or so! Does the name sound familiar at all? I will be with them until the 28th!
I'm digging the garden! What type of gardening style is it called again? Box plot gardening? One guy in my last area did that, his wife was a member and he was atheist so teaching them was kind of difficult when we had the opportunity. I pray it works out for them.
I will have to print out this picture of Kate and Bacon when I get it! I'm super excited! Kate, how was the fair? Did you enjoy it? What was your favorite part?
Here are the answers to your questions:
King George is as hot as: A nice spring day, but can be as humid as the bathroom after a hot shower!
King George smells like: I don't know! Sometimes it smells like pure c__p though! Ha Ha!
King George is as Ghetto as: Umm, not Wakefield, but it's only ghetto in some spots where you expect drug dealers to live.
Elder Barney is as wise as: the next guy
Elder Bird is as funny as: Oh my gosh, I just peed my pants I laughed so hard!
My favorite investigator is as smart as: Umm idk, but he knows how to work and get the job done!
Our most challenging investigator is: Arthur because he can act like a little kid when it comes to goofing off randomly ha ha!
My family is as crazy as: the stereotypical Mormon family
My mission is as awesome as: The leaders I have had and friends that have been extremely awesome examples for me!
My Testimony is as strong as: Iron Man!!! Come on, who is stronger than Iron Man? Well, who could take him down? Hulk doesn't think and neither does Thor! They got no brains like Iron Man does! Ha ha! So, Iron man wins!!!
Love all of you!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
8/12/13
For some reason pictures aren't working this week with the sending :/
Elder Barney is great! This is his last P-Day! I like that he loves doing service for others and loves to get outdoors and have fun! He's taught me that service works with investigators because we have a baptism this next Sunday! He can also lasso a rope so that's pretty cool!
Probably the most spiritual thing that has happened this week was the baptism for this 8 year old that we helped with. Elder Barney performed the ordinance and I was a witness and gave a short talk on what the Gift of the Holy Ghost is. It took this girl, Sierra, like 10 minutes or more before she had the courage to get in the water! Crazy huh? We had to send the kids in front of the glass back to their families so Sierra wouldn't feel so nervous. She feels super nervous when a lot of people are focusing on her. All in all, it turned out to be a great baptism and one of our investigators, Richard Strickland, is going to be baptized because of the confirmation of the Spirit there that he should! We're super excited for him!
Arthur, the investigator who had cancer, isn't coming along as we had hoped. I mean, he listens when we teach lessons, but then he totally changes the subject with something weird. I don't know how he heard about the church. I think he was tracted into actually. He says God has told him to start his own church and that he can make his spirit leave his body at will. Just crazy random stuff like that. We are doing our best to have patience, sometimes we're just caught off guard with what he randomly brings up, ha ha!
No interesting door responses yet. I've only tracted once in this area because we have so many people we are already working with. The most interesting one I can think of is when a guy saw us and shut the door right away, then opened it again and said, "Please don't come back." Then he shut it again. He had a dog, a big dog right there too that he was holding back so we were like, "Okay, cool."
We have a zone conference coming soon. I'm excited to see Elder Bird there!
I love you Too! I love everyone!
Elder Austin Mounts
For some reason pictures aren't working this week with the sending :/
Elder Barney is great! This is his last P-Day! I like that he loves doing service for others and loves to get outdoors and have fun! He's taught me that service works with investigators because we have a baptism this next Sunday! He can also lasso a rope so that's pretty cool!
Probably the most spiritual thing that has happened this week was the baptism for this 8 year old that we helped with. Elder Barney performed the ordinance and I was a witness and gave a short talk on what the Gift of the Holy Ghost is. It took this girl, Sierra, like 10 minutes or more before she had the courage to get in the water! Crazy huh? We had to send the kids in front of the glass back to their families so Sierra wouldn't feel so nervous. She feels super nervous when a lot of people are focusing on her. All in all, it turned out to be a great baptism and one of our investigators, Richard Strickland, is going to be baptized because of the confirmation of the Spirit there that he should! We're super excited for him!
Arthur, the investigator who had cancer, isn't coming along as we had hoped. I mean, he listens when we teach lessons, but then he totally changes the subject with something weird. I don't know how he heard about the church. I think he was tracted into actually. He says God has told him to start his own church and that he can make his spirit leave his body at will. Just crazy random stuff like that. We are doing our best to have patience, sometimes we're just caught off guard with what he randomly brings up, ha ha!
No interesting door responses yet. I've only tracted once in this area because we have so many people we are already working with. The most interesting one I can think of is when a guy saw us and shut the door right away, then opened it again and said, "Please don't come back." Then he shut it again. He had a dog, a big dog right there too that he was holding back so we were like, "Okay, cool."
We have a zone conference coming soon. I'm excited to see Elder Bird there!
I love you Too! I love everyone!
Elder Austin Mounts
8/5/13
Sounds like a fun week! I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing great and that Uncle Todd is recovering quickly! Glad you liked the voice recordings! I'm sorry I didn't get around to any this week, it totally slipped my mind :/ I'll be sure to write it down as a must do this week so I remember to do it! Pictures are so hard to send on the computer. The lds missionary email will only let you send like 25 megabites of memory at a time so it takes FOREVER! It's really rather frustrating, if it was a different email and the computers had iPhoto I could do it all in seconds! Maybe I'll just send the SD card in a letter or something? Our investigators are really...interesting lol! It's Virginia, everyone is unique. Arthur as I told you still is a kid and looks like a giant kid, I'll have to get a picture with him sometime, at his baptism, once he comes to know that the LDS church is the ONLY church with the proper priesthood authority from God and His son Jesus Christ! Our other investigator, Barb, owns like 10 horses, and is currently residing at a ranch. She will probably be moving soon, but it's beautiful out there and yesterday we went out with her to see the horses in their natural habitat, 12 horses in a herd. They just roam the many acres of land and it's so cool! They're very people friendly and we might be able to ride a few soon! I'll be sending pictures and maybe video for sure!
I still have my bike! That thing is going to be lasting me for a LONG time. It's not going to waste. Oh, my noise makers? Yeah, they don't make noise, they just blow up. I blew them all once then threw them away during a deep clean. I just didn't really have any use for them, sorry. No dogs running after us yet but the dogs I have met are super cool and people friendly!
Yes, Elder Bird and I did write the lyrics for the song I sent you. However, we are still not done. Hopefully, we will be companions again!
Can you please get me Daniel's email?
The most inspirational moment this week? Probably when we were doing our best to teach Arthur about Priesthood Authority, even though it was like trying to teach a little kid, and you really had to have patience with him, the Spirit was there. We were guided in what to say and we believed we did our best in teaching by the Spirit. It was pretty great!
Love Y'all! Till next week!
Elder Austin Mounts
Sounds like a fun week! I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing great and that Uncle Todd is recovering quickly! Glad you liked the voice recordings! I'm sorry I didn't get around to any this week, it totally slipped my mind :/ I'll be sure to write it down as a must do this week so I remember to do it! Pictures are so hard to send on the computer. The lds missionary email will only let you send like 25 megabites of memory at a time so it takes FOREVER! It's really rather frustrating, if it was a different email and the computers had iPhoto I could do it all in seconds! Maybe I'll just send the SD card in a letter or something? Our investigators are really...interesting lol! It's Virginia, everyone is unique. Arthur as I told you still is a kid and looks like a giant kid, I'll have to get a picture with him sometime, at his baptism, once he comes to know that the LDS church is the ONLY church with the proper priesthood authority from God and His son Jesus Christ! Our other investigator, Barb, owns like 10 horses, and is currently residing at a ranch. She will probably be moving soon, but it's beautiful out there and yesterday we went out with her to see the horses in their natural habitat, 12 horses in a herd. They just roam the many acres of land and it's so cool! They're very people friendly and we might be able to ride a few soon! I'll be sending pictures and maybe video for sure!
I still have my bike! That thing is going to be lasting me for a LONG time. It's not going to waste. Oh, my noise makers? Yeah, they don't make noise, they just blow up. I blew them all once then threw them away during a deep clean. I just didn't really have any use for them, sorry. No dogs running after us yet but the dogs I have met are super cool and people friendly!
Yes, Elder Bird and I did write the lyrics for the song I sent you. However, we are still not done. Hopefully, we will be companions again!
Can you please get me Daniel's email?
The most inspirational moment this week? Probably when we were doing our best to teach Arthur about Priesthood Authority, even though it was like trying to teach a little kid, and you really had to have patience with him, the Spirit was there. We were guided in what to say and we believed we did our best in teaching by the Spirit. It was pretty great!
Love Y'all! Till next week!
Elder Austin Mounts
Thursday, August 8, 2013
7/29/13
I'm doing pretty great! Yeah, I've been trying to respond to everyone at once with the emailing so that it saves time and I've got a lot more emails to respond to now with these Birthday wishes and my trainer writing me. I need to get Daniel Suoms email address and Jordan Moreno's. It would be nice if I could get those as well as Bryce, Parker's and Dallin's, thank you!
I used my card to buy food recently because I ran out of my MSF for the month. But the month is almost over and I had used the money on my MSF right before transfers so I was upset that I wouldn't be able to take most of what I bought with me.
So Wakefield and King George are different in the fact that Wakefield is SO much more ghetto. That's pretty much the only difference, ha ha! We can see the coastline and some factory. A big bridge connects Maryland to Virginia in the view that we have.
Oh, sweet, you're with the Reagh's!!! Please get me JP's email address! Give them my love for me!
Elder Barney is great! He's from Arkansas and loves sports and roping. He's going home in 4 weeks! I will have yet another new companion.
Mom asked how we get most of our investigators and it's still mainly tracting and referrals from other missionaries. This area has a TON of less active members so we're working really hard to invite them to come back and offer any services we can to them! Our most interesting investigator is a man named Arthur. He is 32 years old, but because of cancer he had when he was a young kid, he acts like a 15 year old boy and his testosterone is like gone. We are working with him to determine which Church is the true church for him. The one he currently attends or the LDS church. He said he received an answer saying that the one he was attending currently was the one he was told to go to. I then asked him if he had been reading from the Book of Mormon. He said he had not. I then told him that if he wanted to receive the answer he was looking for, because he really loves the LDS church and was disappointed in his answer, that he would have to put forth the effort and read from it. I invited him to read 3 Nephi 11, the crowning point in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites and to read Moroni 10. Then pray and continue to read and then he would receive the answer that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true Church and that The Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith indeed was a prophet of God, called to restore the fullness of the Gospel on the earth today!
Love y'all!
Elder Austin Mounts
I'm doing pretty great! Yeah, I've been trying to respond to everyone at once with the emailing so that it saves time and I've got a lot more emails to respond to now with these Birthday wishes and my trainer writing me. I need to get Daniel Suoms email address and Jordan Moreno's. It would be nice if I could get those as well as Bryce, Parker's and Dallin's, thank you!
I used my card to buy food recently because I ran out of my MSF for the month. But the month is almost over and I had used the money on my MSF right before transfers so I was upset that I wouldn't be able to take most of what I bought with me.
So Wakefield and King George are different in the fact that Wakefield is SO much more ghetto. That's pretty much the only difference, ha ha! We can see the coastline and some factory. A big bridge connects Maryland to Virginia in the view that we have.
Oh, sweet, you're with the Reagh's!!! Please get me JP's email address! Give them my love for me!
Elder Barney is great! He's from Arkansas and loves sports and roping. He's going home in 4 weeks! I will have yet another new companion.
Mom asked how we get most of our investigators and it's still mainly tracting and referrals from other missionaries. This area has a TON of less active members so we're working really hard to invite them to come back and offer any services we can to them! Our most interesting investigator is a man named Arthur. He is 32 years old, but because of cancer he had when he was a young kid, he acts like a 15 year old boy and his testosterone is like gone. We are working with him to determine which Church is the true church for him. The one he currently attends or the LDS church. He said he received an answer saying that the one he was attending currently was the one he was told to go to. I then asked him if he had been reading from the Book of Mormon. He said he had not. I then told him that if he wanted to receive the answer he was looking for, because he really loves the LDS church and was disappointed in his answer, that he would have to put forth the effort and read from it. I invited him to read 3 Nephi 11, the crowning point in the Book of Mormon when Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites and to read Moroni 10. Then pray and continue to read and then he would receive the answer that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only true Church and that The Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith indeed was a prophet of God, called to restore the fullness of the Gospel on the earth today!
Love y'all!
Elder Austin Mounts
7/22/13
Kate and Ellie, it's good to hear from you! Sounds like you are enjoying life and doing well! I pray you're doing well!
Elder Barney is my new companion. He is from Arkansas. I don't know too many details about my new area yet. We live in a nice apartment and it's pretty clean. Our ward is a bunch of either scientists or navy people. The ward is quite young and just barely big enough to be a branch. We have quite a few investigators whom I have yet to still meet, some I have and I'm trying to remember their names. One guy is named Arthur, he's 32 and he had cancer when he was younger and removing it caused his testosterone to not really develop so he looks like a big 15 year old who acts about the same way, but he's pretty open to us and likes us! We are reactivating the Alvarez family who is an older couple and they are great! They are very nice and Brother Alvarez is funny!
I'm almost finished with Alma again in the Book of Mormon. I love the war chapters! It's pretty cool how you can see the Lord work through his people and protect them. Just look at the 2000 Stripling Warriors!
I'm in the old Washington DC South mission because of the boundary changes. We can see Maryland like daily! It's pretty cool!
Elder Barney is about to go home. I'm "killing" him off, it's crazy! He's a nice guy! President Wilson is a great guy, very soft spoken though so sometimes it's really hard to understand him, but I like him!
Thank you for the Birthday package!!!!
Love Y'all!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Kate and Ellie, it's good to hear from you! Sounds like you are enjoying life and doing well! I pray you're doing well!
Elder Barney is my new companion. He is from Arkansas. I don't know too many details about my new area yet. We live in a nice apartment and it's pretty clean. Our ward is a bunch of either scientists or navy people. The ward is quite young and just barely big enough to be a branch. We have quite a few investigators whom I have yet to still meet, some I have and I'm trying to remember their names. One guy is named Arthur, he's 32 and he had cancer when he was younger and removing it caused his testosterone to not really develop so he looks like a big 15 year old who acts about the same way, but he's pretty open to us and likes us! We are reactivating the Alvarez family who is an older couple and they are great! They are very nice and Brother Alvarez is funny!
I'm almost finished with Alma again in the Book of Mormon. I love the war chapters! It's pretty cool how you can see the Lord work through his people and protect them. Just look at the 2000 Stripling Warriors!
I'm in the old Washington DC South mission because of the boundary changes. We can see Maryland like daily! It's pretty cool!
Elder Barney is about to go home. I'm "killing" him off, it's crazy! He's a nice guy! President Wilson is a great guy, very soft spoken though so sometimes it's really hard to understand him, but I like him!
Thank you for the Birthday package!!!!
Love Y'all!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
7/15/13
That's awesome that you got to go to Silverwood! Kate is fearless with the rides! I have toughed out the weather at Silverwood before too and it's awesome because you definitely remember it! That's so cool about Parker and Bryce's farewell and then Gabe's next week! You will have to tell me about it all!
I am getting transferred out of Wakefield. Best birthday present ever...Not really, I'm pretty bummed and we won't know where till the day of so, I don't know where to tell you to send my stuff. I get transferred right as we get 3 new investigators and 2 progressing, lol. Elder Bird freaked out that he is staying and training AGAIN lol, he said, "I don't want to ruin another one!" :) I'm sure going to miss him, he's my mission dad as we call it out here.
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
That's awesome that you got to go to Silverwood! Kate is fearless with the rides! I have toughed out the weather at Silverwood before too and it's awesome because you definitely remember it! That's so cool about Parker and Bryce's farewell and then Gabe's next week! You will have to tell me about it all!
I am getting transferred out of Wakefield. Best birthday present ever...Not really, I'm pretty bummed and we won't know where till the day of so, I don't know where to tell you to send my stuff. I get transferred right as we get 3 new investigators and 2 progressing, lol. Elder Bird freaked out that he is staying and training AGAIN lol, he said, "I don't want to ruin another one!" :) I'm sure going to miss him, he's my mission dad as we call it out here.
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
7/12/13
This is a letter that was emailed to us by our friends, the Bleazards. Their parents are serving in Austin's mission and they met him last week! They also gave more info about what is happening in their mission and new mission president so we decided to share a portion of it:
Tuesday, we had our first mission conference with our new mission and mission president. The president and his wife are super-very loving and interested in everyone. His name is E. Bradley Wilson. We're sure they're going to do a great job. We're excited about the new missionaries from the south part of the DC mission. We've added two Stakes--Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The chapel was almost completely full, about what it looked like when we first got here. The missionaries are coming in like crazy! Our next transfer there are 30 coming in and only 9 going home. THE SURGE. We saw Elder Mounts and he seems to be doing great. His companion can't say enough nice things about him.
This is a letter that was emailed to us by our friends, the Bleazards. Their parents are serving in Austin's mission and they met him last week! They also gave more info about what is happening in their mission and new mission president so we decided to share a portion of it:
Tuesday, we had our first mission conference with our new mission and mission president. The president and his wife are super-very loving and interested in everyone. His name is E. Bradley Wilson. We're sure they're going to do a great job. We're excited about the new missionaries from the south part of the DC mission. We've added two Stakes--Fredericksburg and Woodbridge. The chapel was almost completely full, about what it looked like when we first got here. The missionaries are coming in like crazy! Our next transfer there are 30 coming in and only 9 going home. THE SURGE. We saw Elder Mounts and he seems to be doing great. His companion can't say enough nice things about him.
7/8/13
Our 4th was fine, just some fireworks and we were given the evening off because the higher ups thought it would be ineffective for us to go out. So, we went to the Harter's and they had a huge 4th party for the Branch and more. It was great! We were told we could wear our regular clothes so people were more open to us it seemed like. We met our new Mission President this week and got some of the DC missionaries. The DC missionaries are an hmm interesting group, ha ha. It's going to take some getting used to.
We also got bikes this week! WOO!! It was about $200 for the bike and more for a few supplies I needed like a helmet and light and such. So, around $300 altogether. We bike every morning for our exercising now, it's fun! We are trying to save on miles by having bikes because we had to borrow some this last month. Hopefully, it works!
Yeah, we have been eating just great! Members feed us and we cook real food, nothing like your smoked meat though, Dad. No one out here can compete with that!
So, this last Sunday I was prompted to share my testimony of the Restoration so I did as well as a few other members! I kind of took the lesson of the Restoration and First Vision and used it in my testimony! It's nice to feel the Spirit confirm to you that what you are saying is true! I also felt prompted as Elder Bird was saying a prayer for an investigator, that this investigator, Carlton, needed a Priesthood Blessing. I wasn't sure if it was me or not though so I just was pondering it when Elder Bird asks Carlton, "Would you like a Priesthood Blessing?" I then told myself, oh, that was the spirit prompting me to ask Carlton too! I was then able to give Carlton a Priesthood Blessing and Elder Bird stood in. I guess Carlton was inspired to have me give it because he asked me to!
Well, I will get you more pictures next week! It's just been slow with the pictures! I also don't know what I want for my birthday, I honestly still don't feel like it's July at all. If you could send me my side pack from college that would be great because missionaries are no longer going to be using backpacks. Crazy huh? They're saying it doesn't look professional and that it hurts the back. Don't send me goodies because I don't need junk food, lol.
I am so glad Luke got to go to EFY and that Alex will be going in July! It is such a spiritual experience! Now, I hope they don't do what I did and let it die so quickly, I hope they continue to be an example to those around them and continually read what they wrote when they were at EFY. You have to continually strengthen your testimony. We need to always trust in our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ and be like a stripling warrior, never wavering!
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
Our 4th was fine, just some fireworks and we were given the evening off because the higher ups thought it would be ineffective for us to go out. So, we went to the Harter's and they had a huge 4th party for the Branch and more. It was great! We were told we could wear our regular clothes so people were more open to us it seemed like. We met our new Mission President this week and got some of the DC missionaries. The DC missionaries are an hmm interesting group, ha ha. It's going to take some getting used to.
We also got bikes this week! WOO!! It was about $200 for the bike and more for a few supplies I needed like a helmet and light and such. So, around $300 altogether. We bike every morning for our exercising now, it's fun! We are trying to save on miles by having bikes because we had to borrow some this last month. Hopefully, it works!
Yeah, we have been eating just great! Members feed us and we cook real food, nothing like your smoked meat though, Dad. No one out here can compete with that!
So, this last Sunday I was prompted to share my testimony of the Restoration so I did as well as a few other members! I kind of took the lesson of the Restoration and First Vision and used it in my testimony! It's nice to feel the Spirit confirm to you that what you are saying is true! I also felt prompted as Elder Bird was saying a prayer for an investigator, that this investigator, Carlton, needed a Priesthood Blessing. I wasn't sure if it was me or not though so I just was pondering it when Elder Bird asks Carlton, "Would you like a Priesthood Blessing?" I then told myself, oh, that was the spirit prompting me to ask Carlton too! I was then able to give Carlton a Priesthood Blessing and Elder Bird stood in. I guess Carlton was inspired to have me give it because he asked me to!
Well, I will get you more pictures next week! It's just been slow with the pictures! I also don't know what I want for my birthday, I honestly still don't feel like it's July at all. If you could send me my side pack from college that would be great because missionaries are no longer going to be using backpacks. Crazy huh? They're saying it doesn't look professional and that it hurts the back. Don't send me goodies because I don't need junk food, lol.
I am so glad Luke got to go to EFY and that Alex will be going in July! It is such a spiritual experience! Now, I hope they don't do what I did and let it die so quickly, I hope they continue to be an example to those around them and continually read what they wrote when they were at EFY. You have to continually strengthen your testimony. We need to always trust in our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ and be like a stripling warrior, never wavering!
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Rain and Humidity
7/1/13
First off, it's been the same this entire last week! I can't even remember a day where it didn't rain or flash lightening this whole week! One thing though, is that I know that the humidity is WAY worse here, just saying, ha ha! Everything's always wet even when it's scorching outside!
How did Luke's party go, btw? How was that trip to Tacoma?
I guess I forget some stuff when my mind is constantly trying to figure out how to help the people out here more. It is hard out here. Our investigators aren't really going anywhere. It is because they don't keep commitments. That's the one thing you try to do as a missionary is help them develop that relationship with Heavenly Father, and it's sad when they do not have a desire to do so. But, we are trying and putting forth the effort and that's what matters!
-Love Elder Mounts
First off, it's been the same this entire last week! I can't even remember a day where it didn't rain or flash lightening this whole week! One thing though, is that I know that the humidity is WAY worse here, just saying, ha ha! Everything's always wet even when it's scorching outside!
How did Luke's party go, btw? How was that trip to Tacoma?
I guess I forget some stuff when my mind is constantly trying to figure out how to help the people out here more. It is hard out here. Our investigators aren't really going anywhere. It is because they don't keep commitments. That's the one thing you try to do as a missionary is help them develop that relationship with Heavenly Father, and it's sad when they do not have a desire to do so. But, we are trying and putting forth the effort and that's what matters!
-Love Elder Mounts
Monday, June 24, 2013
6/24/13
This week has been pretty crazy! Anthony is the one who got baptized! Thanks for the workout plans btw, I try to stay faithful to them as best I can! Tell Bryce congrats for me! That's so exciting that he got to go to the temple! I wish I was there to see him and Parker give their farewell talks!
Our investigators aren't really going anywhere right now. None of them really keep commitments and the amount of education most people have here in Virginia is probably like 4th grade. That's the people we usually teach anyways, so reading the Book of Mormon for them is hard even though we get them audio recordings. With this last Missionary Training Broadcast, Elder Bird and I have an even stronger desire to do better. There's always room for improvement and I feel as if I always need to do better. A mission is hard, but I'm just praying I'm doing all I can. We're trying harder to get members present at lessons, but it's hard in a branch. We're confident we can do it though! We'll keep praying and trusting in the Lord to guide us to investigators and even less active members who are in need of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Dad, here's a great talk for you and maybe even Luke, "The Hands of The Father's" by Jeffrey R. Holland. Mom, Alex has one I sent her called, "To Young Women" by Jeffrey R. Holland. Finally, there's also, "Witnesses of Christ" by Elder Holland. We downloaded all his talks and are listening to them throughout our days.
Love y'all!
Elder Austin Mounts
6/17/13
Mom, the work is going great! We were able to have Anthony's baptism this last week! He was the one that was a devote Catholic and he's very knowledgeable of both the Bible and now the Book of Mormon! He was confirmed yesterday and he will be receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and then going to the temple to do his ancestor's temple work, including his parents!
My favorite missionary scripture currently is Proverbs 3: 5-6. Mission split is effective July 1st so I'm in Richmond area and Eli (Gremmert) is in Chesapeake. Sad day :/
I have received a letter from Grandpa and Grandma Isom. I'm the worst at replying to handwritten letters, sorry! I have not made Hootenanny just yet but I plan to.
I spoke on Father's day also, Luke! It was on obedience. There is no such thing as a small thing when it comes to obedience. Also, we should be obedient to the Lord not for the blessings but because we love Him and that should be reason enough. If Father's day is a day to honor and show our love to our fathers then we should remember our eternal, perfect Heavenly Father and show Him our love by willingly being obedient to the commandments. Love your son, Elder Mounts
Dad,
I have your card and I'm getting it to you as soon as possible, as well as Luke's. It's hard when you're only allowed to write on P-Day's! I wasn't even thinking last week either! I hope you enjoy it! I'm glad you had a wonderful Father's day! I wish I could've been there to enjoy it with you all, but hey it's only two Father's days to miss! I was assigned the topic of obedience. It was a lot harder to prepare than I thought, but I was able to have the spirit with me and give a 10 min. or so talk. I learned, or reestablished, that there is no such thing as a small thing when it comes to disobedience. Yesterday, I was able to truly see my appreciation for you and all you have taught me as the Patriarch of the home. I realize that I know all I need to be a missionary because of the example you have set for me and I also know that I still have A LOT to learn. I also was able to remember our Heavenly Father whose love is infinite and appreciate all He has blessed me with, especially my family, you and mom and the knowledge of the Gospel you have both brought me. There are some things only a father can teach his son though and I am continually grateful for the teachings and counsel you continuously share with me. Thank you Dad!
Love your son, Elder Mounts
Mom, the work is going great! We were able to have Anthony's baptism this last week! He was the one that was a devote Catholic and he's very knowledgeable of both the Bible and now the Book of Mormon! He was confirmed yesterday and he will be receiving the Aaronic Priesthood and then going to the temple to do his ancestor's temple work, including his parents!
My favorite missionary scripture currently is Proverbs 3: 5-6. Mission split is effective July 1st so I'm in Richmond area and Eli (Gremmert) is in Chesapeake. Sad day :/
I have received a letter from Grandpa and Grandma Isom. I'm the worst at replying to handwritten letters, sorry! I have not made Hootenanny just yet but I plan to.
I spoke on Father's day also, Luke! It was on obedience. There is no such thing as a small thing when it comes to obedience. Also, we should be obedient to the Lord not for the blessings but because we love Him and that should be reason enough. If Father's day is a day to honor and show our love to our fathers then we should remember our eternal, perfect Heavenly Father and show Him our love by willingly being obedient to the commandments. Love your son, Elder Mounts
Dad,
I have your card and I'm getting it to you as soon as possible, as well as Luke's. It's hard when you're only allowed to write on P-Day's! I wasn't even thinking last week either! I hope you enjoy it! I'm glad you had a wonderful Father's day! I wish I could've been there to enjoy it with you all, but hey it's only two Father's days to miss! I was assigned the topic of obedience. It was a lot harder to prepare than I thought, but I was able to have the spirit with me and give a 10 min. or so talk. I learned, or reestablished, that there is no such thing as a small thing when it comes to disobedience. Yesterday, I was able to truly see my appreciation for you and all you have taught me as the Patriarch of the home. I realize that I know all I need to be a missionary because of the example you have set for me and I also know that I still have A LOT to learn. I also was able to remember our Heavenly Father whose love is infinite and appreciate all He has blessed me with, especially my family, you and mom and the knowledge of the Gospel you have both brought me. There are some things only a father can teach his son though and I am continually grateful for the teachings and counsel you continuously share with me. Thank you Dad!
Love your son, Elder Mounts
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
6/10/13
Luke, way to go on your promotion ceremony and performance! I'm excited for Dallin (Candland)! That is so awesome (his mission farewell)! You'll have to send me pictures of the garden! I'm looking forward to seeing it! BTW, grandma (Mounts) sent me a letter! Tell her I thoroughly enjoy the quotes she sends me and that I truly feel the spirit when I read her letters. They make me feel good! I love it out here!
I took pictures of the recipe's so I can write them down, thanks! My clothes are doing just great, lol! It's weird, church clothes are so much more comfortable than regular clothing!
Elder Bird and I are doing just great! However, Elder Bird did get sick this week, Friday, with the flu. It was pretty bad. I have yet to be affected by it...Waiting for him to get better has been really boring, all I can do is study, which is awesome! I can only study for a couple of hours though and then I get tired so I sleep again. Sickness is not fun for either companion, just saying.
We visited with a lot of less actives this week, not too many investigators though. But there are enough members here to become a ward. There are just a TON of less actives. It's very saddening because they don't have that sure foundation in Christ so when temptations come they fall. :/ We visited with a less active couple in their 60's, both converts, the wife was Methodist and the husband was Baptist. She just started going back to the ward in Hopewell but he is still like a full on Baptist. He holds firm to John 3:16 and only that scripture. He doesn't believe in authority and that all baptism is valid as long as you have faith. While I was listening to the wife talk, Elder Bird kind of bible bashed with him, well, the husband wanted to but Elder Bird and I were full of the Spirit because we visited them because we care about them. We trusted in our Heavenly Father and the Spirit! Elder Bird confounded him with everything thrown at him and we were bold but loving. It was awesome! I love the Spirit!
Love Elder Mounts
Luke, way to go on your promotion ceremony and performance! I'm excited for Dallin (Candland)! That is so awesome (his mission farewell)! You'll have to send me pictures of the garden! I'm looking forward to seeing it! BTW, grandma (Mounts) sent me a letter! Tell her I thoroughly enjoy the quotes she sends me and that I truly feel the spirit when I read her letters. They make me feel good! I love it out here!
I took pictures of the recipe's so I can write them down, thanks! My clothes are doing just great, lol! It's weird, church clothes are so much more comfortable than regular clothing!
Elder Bird and I are doing just great! However, Elder Bird did get sick this week, Friday, with the flu. It was pretty bad. I have yet to be affected by it...Waiting for him to get better has been really boring, all I can do is study, which is awesome! I can only study for a couple of hours though and then I get tired so I sleep again. Sickness is not fun for either companion, just saying.
We visited with a lot of less actives this week, not too many investigators though. But there are enough members here to become a ward. There are just a TON of less actives. It's very saddening because they don't have that sure foundation in Christ so when temptations come they fall. :/ We visited with a less active couple in their 60's, both converts, the wife was Methodist and the husband was Baptist. She just started going back to the ward in Hopewell but he is still like a full on Baptist. He holds firm to John 3:16 and only that scripture. He doesn't believe in authority and that all baptism is valid as long as you have faith. While I was listening to the wife talk, Elder Bird kind of bible bashed with him, well, the husband wanted to but Elder Bird and I were full of the Spirit because we visited them because we care about them. We trusted in our Heavenly Father and the Spirit! Elder Bird confounded him with everything thrown at him and we were bold but loving. It was awesome! I love the Spirit!
Love Elder Mounts
Monday, June 10, 2013
6/3/13
Mom,
I am doing well and fantastic! We are eating at members about 2-3 times a week. It's regular food, nothing really different. Ruby hasn't really spoiled us LOL and that's okay. The weight machine I've been using and now push-ups are a piece of cake because I've been using the chest press on a higher weight setting. (It doesn't give you the amount of weight you're lifting.) The weight machine was also donated to us from the Boy Scouts in the Branch! Thanks for the programs btw! Oh, I am jumping rope too! I heard from this guy who is a crazy workout guy in the branch that 3 minutes of jump rope then resting a minute X3 is equal to about 3 miles of running so I can get a lot done in a half hour!
Tell Sarah (Law) Congratulations!!!! I honestly don't even know who reads these, but YAY!!! She will be a fellow East Coast Missionary!!!
Elder Bird and I are doing great! We're not getting transferred and we're staying on in the Richmond side of the mission! The Branch President is cool, we only see him at church but he's awesome!
Ruby is doing great and idk about her friend. We're following up this week though.
Thanks for the quote and I'm glad Dad got his card! I'm almost out of time so I'll tty next week :)
Love you all!!!!
Dad,
Dad's that's awesome that you know someone that's interested in the church. I really wish we had an investigator like that! We have 2 progressing though and at least 2 more who might be! BTW, did you get my card? I hope you did! We have one investigator, Anthony, who wants to be baptized!!! But because he is on parole for a very long time, he can't be. There is a slim chance that he might be able to! I've been fasting and praying that he will be able to. He is one of the greatest guys I know and I know that he has truly repented of his past wrong. Ahh, you really get to love the people especially when you see the joy the Gospel brings them and they want to be baptized!
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
Mom,
I am doing well and fantastic! We are eating at members about 2-3 times a week. It's regular food, nothing really different. Ruby hasn't really spoiled us LOL and that's okay. The weight machine I've been using and now push-ups are a piece of cake because I've been using the chest press on a higher weight setting. (It doesn't give you the amount of weight you're lifting.) The weight machine was also donated to us from the Boy Scouts in the Branch! Thanks for the programs btw! Oh, I am jumping rope too! I heard from this guy who is a crazy workout guy in the branch that 3 minutes of jump rope then resting a minute X3 is equal to about 3 miles of running so I can get a lot done in a half hour!
Tell Sarah (Law) Congratulations!!!! I honestly don't even know who reads these, but YAY!!! She will be a fellow East Coast Missionary!!!
Elder Bird and I are doing great! We're not getting transferred and we're staying on in the Richmond side of the mission! The Branch President is cool, we only see him at church but he's awesome!
Ruby is doing great and idk about her friend. We're following up this week though.
Thanks for the quote and I'm glad Dad got his card! I'm almost out of time so I'll tty next week :)
Love you all!!!!
Dad,
Dad's that's awesome that you know someone that's interested in the church. I really wish we had an investigator like that! We have 2 progressing though and at least 2 more who might be! BTW, did you get my card? I hope you did! We have one investigator, Anthony, who wants to be baptized!!! But because he is on parole for a very long time, he can't be. There is a slim chance that he might be able to! I've been fasting and praying that he will be able to. He is one of the greatest guys I know and I know that he has truly repented of his past wrong. Ahh, you really get to love the people especially when you see the joy the Gospel brings them and they want to be baptized!
Love,
Elder Austin Mounts
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Elder DaPonte and Elder Mounts at the MTC
Companions at the MTC
(Elder Mounts and Elder Fuhriman)
Inside Wakefield LDS Church
May 28, 2013
Sorry about your head Luke but way to pull through and be a Scout though! WOO!! Virginia ia okay, I hate the humidity! But the other day it was like being in Carnation so that was awesome! Tell Adam I said Hi! I will write a letter to the ward next week!
Elder Bird is doing great, Eli is too! We have some investigators! We're trying to have 6 baptismal dates by the end of the week! Our District Leader kind of challenged us to but it was more like a joke, but we're gonna do it anyways! We put names to each number!
I MISS THE TEMPLE! You are so lucky and blessed to get to go! Ruby's baptism was awesome! I'm excited for her to continue her journey to the Celestial Kingdom and be an example to her friends and family! She's already bringing a friend to church with her this Sunday! We've also given her friend a Book of Mormon and talked to her about the Plan of Salvation! We're excited for them both! I wish I could have used what I know now when I was in High School...
I've heard nothing of the mission split. Could you please get me Jordan's email? Well, I Love you all!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Wakefield, VA
LDS Church in Wakefield
Elder Bird and Elder Mounts
May 13, 2013
I feel like I don't really know what to say today because I pretty much threw everything at y'all on Mother's Day. I can't believe you didn't get your card from me yet! It's the best present, just saying!
Okay, so Ruby has been visited by Elder Bird for 6 months. She used to be a pretty strong Baptist apparently but hey, look what happened! You really see the spirit work through you as a missionary! I read my patriarchal blessing on a random day and it just so happens that Ruby had kept saying later that day, that she wanted direction from God that day! I was completely constrained by the spirit to tell her about Patriarchal Blessings and that she can be blessed with that opportunity. I shared with her how amazing it is that it's directly from God through his servant to us! He truly does love us!
I am glad Mother's Day was awesome! I'll have more to write next week because I just talked to you yesterday. So, I'm all out of stuff to say, ha ha! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Sunday, May 12, 2013
5/6/13
Hi!
Well, Eli is in the other area right now that is going to be going into the other mission. IF he is transferred to the Richmond area then we will end up being in the same mission so I'm praying that that will indeed be the case. I'M SO SORRY I FORGOT MY CAMERA AGAIN!!! I do have pictures, I promise I have them! Maybe next week they'll be better ones though!
Thanks for Daniel's address btw, I can't wait to write him!!! My trainer acts like Cody and is FUN like Cody! I did get all of the letters and I loved them!!!
Dang, so when I leave, you guys do all these cool things? I see how it is ha ha, just kidding! That's so cool! If you have any pictures, I'll have to see them! I think Samantha has been there because she's done that wand game thing before so that sounded familiar when you mentioned it.
It was funny when I met President Perry. He came up to me and started talking about Moses Lake and asked me if there was anything that I wanted to tell him, almost like he expected me to have something for him! He kept saying, "This Elder is from my home!" He also asked about President Baker!
Did you share your testimonies yesterday? I did and I loved it! My companion told our District Leaders on the phone that I sounded like Elder Holland with how bold I was in saying it! Ha ha! A high councilman was visiting and in his testimony he said that we should pray for the missionaries and people by name. He said Elder Bird's name and then he said he was sorry he couldn't remember mine. SO, when I got up I said, "Just so you all know which Elder to pray for, my name is Elder Mounts..." That got the whole branch laughing, especially the high councilman ha ha!
I then proceeded with my testimony, Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have no doubt about that. He loves me and because He loves me, He suffered for me individually and for each and every one of us because of that love. Heavenly Father loves us all as well, because He sent His only begotten son to suffer for us. THEY LOVE US! I know that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of God, our Heavenly Father. NO man could make up the Book of Mormon especially with the amount of education that Joseph Smith had. God worked through Him and Joseph Smith restored Christ's true and living Gospel on the Earth in this dispensation. How do I know that? I have prayed my heart out, and poured my soul into prayer to my Father in Heaven and have come to gain that testimony of it's truthfulness. I have seen my prayers answered time and time again through the words in the Book of Mormon, the truest of any other book. I know Jesus lives today. That is my testimony simplified as best as I can. Invite others to receive a testimony of the truthfulness of it! If you do not yet have one, GET ONE NOW! ACT! I'm talking to everyone at this point.
Being a missionary is amazing! I can't wait to write to you all again! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Well, Eli is in the other area right now that is going to be going into the other mission. IF he is transferred to the Richmond area then we will end up being in the same mission so I'm praying that that will indeed be the case. I'M SO SORRY I FORGOT MY CAMERA AGAIN!!! I do have pictures, I promise I have them! Maybe next week they'll be better ones though!
Thanks for Daniel's address btw, I can't wait to write him!!! My trainer acts like Cody and is FUN like Cody! I did get all of the letters and I loved them!!!
Dang, so when I leave, you guys do all these cool things? I see how it is ha ha, just kidding! That's so cool! If you have any pictures, I'll have to see them! I think Samantha has been there because she's done that wand game thing before so that sounded familiar when you mentioned it.
It was funny when I met President Perry. He came up to me and started talking about Moses Lake and asked me if there was anything that I wanted to tell him, almost like he expected me to have something for him! He kept saying, "This Elder is from my home!" He also asked about President Baker!
Did you share your testimonies yesterday? I did and I loved it! My companion told our District Leaders on the phone that I sounded like Elder Holland with how bold I was in saying it! Ha ha! A high councilman was visiting and in his testimony he said that we should pray for the missionaries and people by name. He said Elder Bird's name and then he said he was sorry he couldn't remember mine. SO, when I got up I said, "Just so you all know which Elder to pray for, my name is Elder Mounts..." That got the whole branch laughing, especially the high councilman ha ha!
I then proceeded with my testimony, Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have no doubt about that. He loves me and because He loves me, He suffered for me individually and for each and every one of us because of that love. Heavenly Father loves us all as well, because He sent His only begotten son to suffer for us. THEY LOVE US! I know that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of God, our Heavenly Father. NO man could make up the Book of Mormon especially with the amount of education that Joseph Smith had. God worked through Him and Joseph Smith restored Christ's true and living Gospel on the Earth in this dispensation. How do I know that? I have prayed my heart out, and poured my soul into prayer to my Father in Heaven and have come to gain that testimony of it's truthfulness. I have seen my prayers answered time and time again through the words in the Book of Mormon, the truest of any other book. I know Jesus lives today. That is my testimony simplified as best as I can. Invite others to receive a testimony of the truthfulness of it! If you do not yet have one, GET ONE NOW! ACT! I'm talking to everyone at this point.
Being a missionary is amazing! I can't wait to write to you all again! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
5/1/13
Hey Family,
I am safely here in Richmond! We're at the Stake Center and just ate dinner! I'm very out of it but I'm sure a good nights rest will solve everything! Well, this is only supposed to be a short note. Till my next P-Day!
Love you all!
Elder Austin Mounts
Okay, we have more time than I thought, sweet! Okay, so first off, I hated flying today. Motion sickness ALL day long! It was only really bad when we were landing in Atlanta, Georgia.
How is everyone doing?
Oh, I am so tired. Traveling does not suit me very well. Did see the lovely trees though, out the window! It's so weird though, NO MOUNTAINS! CRAZY! JUST TREES! I'm not really sure what else to say or ask, it is time for me to go though. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
I am safely here in Richmond! We're at the Stake Center and just ate dinner! I'm very out of it but I'm sure a good nights rest will solve everything! Well, this is only supposed to be a short note. Till my next P-Day!
Love you all!
Elder Austin Mounts
Okay, we have more time than I thought, sweet! Okay, so first off, I hated flying today. Motion sickness ALL day long! It was only really bad when we were landing in Atlanta, Georgia.
How is everyone doing?
Oh, I am so tired. Traveling does not suit me very well. Did see the lovely trees though, out the window! It's so weird though, NO MOUNTAINS! CRAZY! JUST TREES! I'm not really sure what else to say or ask, it is time for me to go though. LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
4/29/13
Ah, Bryce is awesome for taking Daniel! Looks like he got my letter then! You need to keep your testimony strong and keep it full like my companion Elder Bird came up with! Keep filling up our buckets because there's that hole in the bottom and it's gotta stay full if we are to stay strong in the church!
Thanks for the exercise program by the way! It will come in handy with our crazy weight set that's more like a gym!!! I forgot to get my camera cord this time but I will have even more pictures for next P-day!!! I still haven't received your package yet from the mission home :/ I am REALLY looking forward to it!!! Yeah, that would be great if you could get me Daniel's address! I would love to write him!!! I heard about Eli! I actually looked through the papers lol. I'm sad though because that probably means we aren't going to be in the same mission :( Elder Bird, my companion is from Salmon, Idaho! He totally reminds me of Cody Morrow!!! Having him as a trainer is a true blessing! He really teaches by the Spirit!
We've got one investigator named Ruby. She is so awesome and funny! She's in her 60's, a nice black lady! I'm still in a bit of a culture shock over here! So many black people! They're cool! Also tracted my first day! We may have another investigator because of it! We will see, we are meeting with her again this week! We did run into a Baptist lady and that was very interesting... Many different sects here. She was nice though!
Wakefield is probably the most rural place in the mission. The Branch is super small! I also gave yet another talk this past Sunday! I based it off of Richard G. Scott's talk on prayer! I felt it was very good because I could feel the Spirit! Elder Bird gave a great talk too, on the Gospel of Christ! Spirit again!
It's super beautiful out here! It's like Moses Lake and Carnation combined except more of Carnation and just country for Moses Lake, ha ha! I love it! I'll show you picture next week, I promise!!
Luke, Alex, congrats again on making Chamber Choir and Jazz Drummer! I'll talk to you all again and soon! I'm almost out of time! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
PO Box 964
Wakefield, VA 23888
Ah, Bryce is awesome for taking Daniel! Looks like he got my letter then! You need to keep your testimony strong and keep it full like my companion Elder Bird came up with! Keep filling up our buckets because there's that hole in the bottom and it's gotta stay full if we are to stay strong in the church!
Thanks for the exercise program by the way! It will come in handy with our crazy weight set that's more like a gym!!! I forgot to get my camera cord this time but I will have even more pictures for next P-day!!! I still haven't received your package yet from the mission home :/ I am REALLY looking forward to it!!! Yeah, that would be great if you could get me Daniel's address! I would love to write him!!! I heard about Eli! I actually looked through the papers lol. I'm sad though because that probably means we aren't going to be in the same mission :( Elder Bird, my companion is from Salmon, Idaho! He totally reminds me of Cody Morrow!!! Having him as a trainer is a true blessing! He really teaches by the Spirit!
We've got one investigator named Ruby. She is so awesome and funny! She's in her 60's, a nice black lady! I'm still in a bit of a culture shock over here! So many black people! They're cool! Also tracted my first day! We may have another investigator because of it! We will see, we are meeting with her again this week! We did run into a Baptist lady and that was very interesting... Many different sects here. She was nice though!
Wakefield is probably the most rural place in the mission. The Branch is super small! I also gave yet another talk this past Sunday! I based it off of Richard G. Scott's talk on prayer! I felt it was very good because I could feel the Spirit! Elder Bird gave a great talk too, on the Gospel of Christ! Spirit again!
It's super beautiful out here! It's like Moses Lake and Carnation combined except more of Carnation and just country for Moses Lake, ha ha! I love it! I'll show you picture next week, I promise!!
Luke, Alex, congrats again on making Chamber Choir and Jazz Drummer! I'll talk to you all again and soon! I'm almost out of time! I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
Elder Austin Mounts
PO Box 964
Wakefield, VA 23888
4/18/13
So much has happened since my last letter. I've been here just over a week and I finally got my first P-day in the MTC! I have no idea when my next one will be but my guess is a week from this coming Monday. It's frustrating having to wait that long to do laundry, yes I seriously said that Mom and Dad.
Anyway, I love Elder Fuhriman, he's awesome! My whole District is! I've seen my old roommate Sterling and McKayla Earl, Sydnee Jones again and Michael DaPonte! It is nice to see someone you know!
I've really grown a lot in this one week that I've been here. My testimony has never been stronger than it is now. I KNOW without a doubt that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of our Heavenly Father, who loves beyond ANYTHING we could imagine. I know that we can feel His love through prayer that is sincere and when we pour out our souls to Him. He LOVES us! I know that Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. We have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of Joseph Smith. I am so grateful for the Atonement. I feel as if I'm constantly using it. Don't forget you can use it! You can come unto repentance through prayer. I've come to a realization, or my testimony of prayer has grown SO much. Heavenly Father wants to hear from us ALL THE TIME! Please remember that when you pray and that He was so loving to give us the gift of prayer. Don't just go through the motions, picture Him right there, standing in front of you with His hand on your shoulder. It helps because I believe He is. STUDY and PONDER the scriptures and Preach My Gospel! You will learn more about the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Be willing to ACT to receive answers to prayers. Remember the reason we're on this Earth is to learn and grow. Humble yourselves and trust in Heavenly Father, He Loves You!
I'm repeating some of Richard G. Scott's words, at least I feel that way because we had the opportunity to hear from him this last Tuesday. He is a man of God and he knows who his Savior is and it's amazing. He helped strengthen my testimony. I have like 4-5 pages of notes, ha ha!
Well, I still have more letters to write and so little time!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Elder Austin Mounts
P.S. You can send packages to the MTC! And Luke, keep me posted on Jazz Choir! I got your letter and Mom, I got yours! I love getting them! It's an awesome place Luke, strive to follow and know Jesus Christ your Savior and you will find eternal happiness. Alex this goes for you too! Kate and Ellie continue to grow and learn! Love you all! Oh and I leave the 24th early in the morning!
LOVE YOU ALL!
So much has happened since my last letter. I've been here just over a week and I finally got my first P-day in the MTC! I have no idea when my next one will be but my guess is a week from this coming Monday. It's frustrating having to wait that long to do laundry, yes I seriously said that Mom and Dad.
Anyway, I love Elder Fuhriman, he's awesome! My whole District is! I've seen my old roommate Sterling and McKayla Earl, Sydnee Jones again and Michael DaPonte! It is nice to see someone you know!
I've really grown a lot in this one week that I've been here. My testimony has never been stronger than it is now. I KNOW without a doubt that Joseph Smith was a true and living prophet of our Heavenly Father, who loves beyond ANYTHING we could imagine. I know that we can feel His love through prayer that is sincere and when we pour out our souls to Him. He LOVES us! I know that Joseph Smith truly did see God the Father and Jesus Christ. We have the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of Joseph Smith. I am so grateful for the Atonement. I feel as if I'm constantly using it. Don't forget you can use it! You can come unto repentance through prayer. I've come to a realization, or my testimony of prayer has grown SO much. Heavenly Father wants to hear from us ALL THE TIME! Please remember that when you pray and that He was so loving to give us the gift of prayer. Don't just go through the motions, picture Him right there, standing in front of you with His hand on your shoulder. It helps because I believe He is. STUDY and PONDER the scriptures and Preach My Gospel! You will learn more about the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Be willing to ACT to receive answers to prayers. Remember the reason we're on this Earth is to learn and grow. Humble yourselves and trust in Heavenly Father, He Loves You!
I'm repeating some of Richard G. Scott's words, at least I feel that way because we had the opportunity to hear from him this last Tuesday. He is a man of God and he knows who his Savior is and it's amazing. He helped strengthen my testimony. I have like 4-5 pages of notes, ha ha!
Well, I still have more letters to write and so little time!
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Elder Austin Mounts
P.S. You can send packages to the MTC! And Luke, keep me posted on Jazz Choir! I got your letter and Mom, I got yours! I love getting them! It's an awesome place Luke, strive to follow and know Jesus Christ your Savior and you will find eternal happiness. Alex this goes for you too! Kate and Ellie continue to grow and learn! Love you all! Oh and I leave the 24th early in the morning!
LOVE YOU ALL!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
4/10/2013
Hey Guys!
Today has been so overwhelming! Nothing really prepares you for all that happens in that first day! So, I met my companion right off the bat, Elder Fuhriman (Fur-man), he is just as excited as I am and eager to learn more about the Gospel!
Oh, I saw Sydnee Jones here at a distance twice, and I ran into Makayla Earl and got to talk to her!
Okay, so we did these live teachings with like 40 of us missionaries with either actor members or actual investigators, you never knew! The spirit really works through Heavenly Father's servants. I loved seeing the Spirit touch each person through the testimonies that were shared. I'll be honest though, us greenies need some work! Ha Ha! The sister missionaries though, have such a love for the people, you could feel it! They have the tenderest of hearts. I have a new one liner, "Love like a sister missionary."
Oh, and I forgot to mention the power and spirit you feel when singing with many missionaries! Dad, you were spot on about the Spirit you feel!
Well, I wish I could write more but it's bed time. I'll write to you again soon! Oh, I'm here for about two weeks, just letting you know! Goodnight!
Ow! My hand hurts from writing too fast, ha ha!
Love you all!
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Elder Austin Mounts :)
Today has been so overwhelming! Nothing really prepares you for all that happens in that first day! So, I met my companion right off the bat, Elder Fuhriman (Fur-man), he is just as excited as I am and eager to learn more about the Gospel!
Oh, I saw Sydnee Jones here at a distance twice, and I ran into Makayla Earl and got to talk to her!
Okay, so we did these live teachings with like 40 of us missionaries with either actor members or actual investigators, you never knew! The spirit really works through Heavenly Father's servants. I loved seeing the Spirit touch each person through the testimonies that were shared. I'll be honest though, us greenies need some work! Ha Ha! The sister missionaries though, have such a love for the people, you could feel it! They have the tenderest of hearts. I have a new one liner, "Love like a sister missionary."
Oh, and I forgot to mention the power and spirit you feel when singing with many missionaries! Dad, you were spot on about the Spirit you feel!
Well, I wish I could write more but it's bed time. I'll write to you again soon! Oh, I'm here for about two weeks, just letting you know! Goodnight!
Ow! My hand hurts from writing too fast, ha ha!
Love you all!
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