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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)