Good Morning to You!

Alas, they did not leave me alone. I just got moved to Scioto to be a Zone Leader. I'm excited, but at the same time a little sad. Luckily, i feel comfortable leaving the Work in Elder Upton's hands. We rode in Alberto Mancuso's 1964 Cadillac to transfer meeting, and it was strange to see Elder Upton take off with someone else so soon. Zanesville was starting to feel like home. It was strange to sit back and analyze the changes in my style of missionary work. I work much differently than when i first came out. I'm familiar with the feelings of productivity and have finally learned some of most effective ways to attain them.

My new companion's name is Elder Whittle. You have a homework assignment. Track down his family and go out to dinner with them. He's from Parker. His family is in the Running Creek Ward. How cool is that? President Jensen said we have to limit the Broncos talk. haha. Elder Whittle's been out about 3 months longer than me. He came out with Elder Soffe. The Scioto Ward covers a small part of Columbus and a number of suburbs including Grove City and Grandview. It sounds like the work is doing really well, so i'm excited to keep it going.

More fun news... Elder Jones, who was trained by Elder Maylett, is now training. I have a great grandson. President said i'm beginning to look like Abraham. I think seeing that productivity of the elders i've trained is one of the most rewarding parts of my mission.

Alright, biggest new of the week. We were on the phone with Alberto last night talking about our ride to transfer meeting when he said, "that reminds me, Elder Montgomery has to find a ride back to Zanesville on the 13th." When we asked why he said, "Because that's the day Brianna and Karleigh are getting baptized." I just about cried. He said that they'd talked about it as a family and Brianna, the oldest daughter, and Karleigh, the youngest, had prayed and felt ready for baptism. Luara and Jossi will take a little while, but i'm so excited.

Your pictures are coming this week. I just merged them all onto a flash card to send to you. There's also some clips of the uke with a couple of songs i wrote.

If i have any input, i'd prefer to come home to that same place, although the Mero's basement would be satisfactory. At least then we'd be back in their ward.

Have you given Devin the same talk you gave me a few years ago when i complained about singing with Voices of a New Day. You said it wasn't all about me -- that's something i think Devin is learning right now.

Tell Dakota he has to get better. No more bad stuff is allowed to happen while i'm gone.

I've been so impressed the last few weeks by the influence of the Holy Ghost. It is amazing the direction that it gives us and how much it teaches a humble. The Savior really did keep his promise to not leave us comfortless. I was talking to president today about how some experiences don't seem as deeply spiritual as they used to be. He reminded me of when Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon recieved a revelation and afterward Sidney collapsed from exhaustion. Joseph's response was the Sidney wasn't used to it yet. The Spirit is such a wonderful thing to get used to. I've learned that there are 3 key elements that play into properly recieving revelation. 1: The application of past experience. 2: The exercising of agency. 3: The presence of the Holy Ghost. When those three things are present revelation occurs in abundance.

Well, I gotta run. I miss you guys. Don't move without telling me.

Love,
Austin