I feel like my Heavenly Father has carefully set up each and every day to help me move closer to him.

This week has gone by so fast!!  We were able to meet a lot of new people this week which is basically what this week is comprised of.  We met with K... again this week and she is really committed to being baptized.  We went with our Ward Mission Leader, Brother Searle, and when we were leaving her 2 year old boy started crying uncontrollably. it was so sad that we had to leave, and he was just screaming as we walked away.  We talked about the commandments and she understood. Everything really well.  She wasn't able to make it to church yesterday, because she had work, and also one of her cousins passed away.  She is ok, but we are going to have to bump back her baptismal date now.  She is still having trouble quitting smoking, but she is trying hard.  Her uncle, who is always offering her cigarettes, is part of the problem but she told us she yelled at him to cut it out so maybe that will help, haha.  She really wants to raise her son in the church, because she knows that it will bless his life.  We will continue to work with her as she tries to conquer smoking.  Keep her in you prayers!

 I also went on exchanges again this week with Elder Bolton a Spanish missionary, and we were in our area so it was cool to kinda lead the way for once.  We went and talked to this lady who has been inactive in the church for a while.  She has a good testimony, but her beliefs have been a little distorted from the past.  We are going to try and get her to read the Book of Mormon to help strengthen her, but we will see.

Transfers are coming up soon!!  It will be my first transfer in the field even though there is almost no chance I am moving since I am in training, but other missionaries in my area will.  It will also be nice to say that I am not in my first transfer haha.

I have begun to realize that each day that I am given I learn something that can help me in my life.  Every day no matter if we have great success or not at all, I continue to be strengthened in the work.  I feel like my Heavenly Father has carefully set up each and every day to help me move closer to him, and I have begun to see it more and more clearly especially when you have the spirit.  I am so grateful to be here in Castle Rock and I love everyone I meet, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else and can't wait to see what lies in the future.  I hope that I can continue to study and pray and ponder for the welfare of others.  Not a day goes by that I don't think of home, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Miss you guys and talk to you soon!!

Love, 
Elder Austin

7/21/2014