Mother's Day Chat

Conversation on May 9, 2010:

New Area

Cool Colo Grafitti

We talked to Elder Nelson on Mother's Day and had a wonderful chat with him about his work in his new area.  He is very excited to be closer to Concepcion.  He indicated that this area is much larger than his last area.  The people are a little richer than in Talca but seem more humble somehow.  He is having a lot of fun visiting with the people and finds that they are much more open to the message of the restored gospel.  He is also having a lot of fun with his new companion and thinks he will really enjoy their time together.  Elder Nelson also talked about how they have a lot more support from members of the ward he is now serving in.

My New Area

Sweet Chilean Sunset

The family is all impressed with how happy he sounds and how immersed he is in the work of sharing the gospel.  He said that even though he loves home, he has no desire to anywhere but out in the mission field and loves the work he is doing.

 Just Proselyting

His Spanish coming along even better.  He has started to think in Spanish instead of translating everything he says in his head from English to Spanish before he says it.  Communication with the people goes pretty well because between the English they know and the Spanish he knows they can share thoughts fairly easily.

Me and Snoopy

We are excited for the work that Austin is doing and can't wait to see what serving in this new area brings.  Elder Nelson sent a few photos the next day instead of a letter and these have been included in this post.

Looking for Food in the Back of a Meat Van After the Earthquake

Me and Emanuel My Sweet Convert

My New Best Friend

Another Sweet Chilean Sunset

Bien!

The Farewell

Austin spoke in sacrament on the Sunday before he left for the MTC.  He also sang "A Window to His Love" with his friend Caroline as a part of the meeting.  (His first ever music solo!)  He was a little anxious and got up to speak before it was his turn :)  Austin spoke about member missionary work and indicated that it was important to be an example and not afraid of who you are.  He said that something as simple as wearing a CTR ring can turn into a missionary moment if we are open to sharing with others.

Family and friends gathered after the meeting to celebrate and say goodbye.

Below:  Austin and his Sister Lexie

The group gathers at the house for an early lunch.

From Left:  Karey (a family friend), Jill (Aunt), Taylor (nephew)

Clockwise From Front Left:  Matt, Jace (brother), Hannah, Ryan, Alex (all the rest are cousins)

Clockwise from Left:  Kilen, Dax, Caleb, Talysha (All Cousins)

Looking at the Camera:  Mylie (niece) and Caroline (friend)

From Left:  Justin (brother-in-law) and Dad

Friends of Austin's

All the boys.

From Left:  Austin, Dad, Jace

Austin and Jace

Austin with Dad and Mom

From Left:  Sisters Lexie and Lyndsay, Dad, Austin, Mom, and brother Jace

Austin with sister Lyndsay

From Left:  Grandpa Merlyn, Austin, Grandma Connie

Austin with Grandpa Wayne

Austin with his Grandpas

Austin and Karli