June 3, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRISON!
I hope that you had a wonderful day. I loved the story of your home run ! You are the man buddy!

Hello there Family!

Thank you so much for the emails and the birthday wishes!

This week was a fantastic week. We received 10 new missionaries from Peru, Columbia, and Bolivia. This week we will receive two from Brazil. That took up a lot of the middle of the week but we took every moment we had to teach the Vasquez Family. The missionaries that got here are solid and well prepared so that makes us feel very good. Every missionary has a story. Some have been members their wholes lives, some only have two years as a member, but all of them will grow leaps and bounds in this time on their mission. I know that God will show them their weaknesses and if they are humble and obedient they will grow so much. 

So the baptism of the Vasquez famliy, was unreal! It was a spirtual power house. All of the family was there. There was a good member turnout. President Parreño and Sister Parreño were nice to come. We were taking pictures right as they got there and as they walked in, Mosies said outloud "What a blessing!" . The Tidei family did the baptismal ordinance and that was really a miracle becuase even though we had taught the family Vasquez with them they had not met Ruths husband, but when they met at the baptism, turns out Hermano Tidei, was childhood friends with him. They hugged and Hermano Tidei told him that his son was going to be baptizing his wife. That was perfect and Luis will for sure be baptized in the weeks to come. Also David, Haydee, and Gabreila were there and they loved it. They are not saying "no" now to our invitations to be baptized, so that is a progress!! We will see what we can do in the next couple of weeks. Ruth and Moises shared their testimonios after the baptism and there was not a dry eye in the place. They talked about how they had been to so many churches, has been so disappointed with so many Pastors, how they had recieved there answer about the Book of Mormon. It was almost too good to be true. I felt like I was watching a church movie. Then yesterday right after they were confirmed by two excellent members (Cisek and Currelef) Ruth, got up first out of everybody and with her Bible in her hand bore the best testimony ever. She challenged her family to take the same step of faith. Shared again her experiences of praying for the Book of Mormon. Then read a Psalms that she said that helped her. I will ask her which one because I can not remember. While she was challenging her famlily to follow...the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric leaned over and looked at me and smiled. Gal, I love this ward. It was 100% pure joy. Like floating in a cloud. It had to been better than whatever type of drug.:) Then our ward mission leader ( martinez) got up and some other people that were at the baptism. The ward has a huge enthusiasm. I am excited for Elder Bird and his new to companion to lick up what we can´t in the next couple of weeks.

Tomorow we have the Mission Leadership meeting. We have done so many now that if feels so normal. I love the spirit that we always feel and it is always a great blessing. 

Dad- Thanks for your letter and being so kind. Are you doing Dave Ramsey this year? Sign me up if you are. We have been going to the gym 2 -3x times a week in the morning and that feels so good. I love exercise so much. I love you Dad. Thanks for BEING...the best father in the world.

Mom- Thank you for your sweet letter.That was so nice of you. I got your package. Thank you so much. I hope that you can get all that you need to get done for moving. I am sure that it will be great.  I hope that the kids can help a lot.

Mikesell- Thanks for sending the letter. I couldn´t read it, but save it for a while. I hope that you can get rid of your cold. I love you sis. I hope that you are ready to practice your personal training skills.  Love you sis.

Brennen- I bet you have spent the next few days rushing throught the tress on your bike truly living a dream. We are so blessed to have Redfish as a part of our lives. I love you bud. Keep working hard and studying daily.

Alex- I always loved the Buhl tourney. Just tear it up have fun and build a relationship with your team. Great learning oppurtinites. I love you Alex. Keep up the good work. 

Harrision. THE GRAND SLAMMER! I laughed aloud when I read about your home run. What a tender mercy. I hope that you had a great day. I sure love you buddy and I hope that you have a great week.Keep being a stud.

McCall.- I sure love you sweetie! I hope that you have a great week and that your school went well. You are best Call.

Well this week I learned that the best way to be happy is to keep our covenants. The best way to do that is to pray, fast, and read the scriptures. The Gospel is simple but so beautiful.

I know that Christ makes our visions clearer and sin fogs whatever dreams or potential that we have.

2. Nephi 31:20

D& C 128:22

D & C 19:40-41

Well, I will talk to you all next week. Have the best one of your lives. Thank you for your prayers and your support.

Elder Austin