My Last Week in the Mission Field and My last post to this Blog as I return home June 9th 2018 what a great experience it has been for sure.

"You can do hard things" -Sister Wadsworth #HoorahforIsrael

Well here it is everyone, my last email. What a crazy journey it has been! I'm glad I was able to have all of you be apart of it.

First off for some highlights for the week:
~We got to Skype in with Sister Galloways parents for a lesson with the elders down in Texas! So rad! (For those who don't know her parents aren't members).
~ We had lunch with Sister Zullo! Tears were shed!
~I had my LAST interview with President Wadsworth which consisted of tons of tears!
~We had lunch with Sister Thiel, she's always a hoot!
~I said bye to Don along with tons of other people!
~All the missionaries in Billings did temple planting from 9-1pm on Saturday and man Sister Galloway and I are burnt!
~We are now in a trio with Sister Child! We picked her up Saturday!
~We had stake conference as well as fast Sunday for our other stake! (Yes we cover two stakes)
~Yesterday we watched the youth broadcast at the Crossley home and it was a blast! Our prophet is amazing!
~My blow dryer sparked on me big time and put holes through my clothing. It was bad! Almost started a fire!
~Of course I got sick again as well. Gotta go out with a bang I guess!
~I was able to bear my testimony in my old ward Echo Canyon!
~Primary sang "I hope they call me on a mission" to me in church! I was a mess!
~Eric, Sister Galloway and I scared Sister Crossley so bad she peed. Classic! (We love them) 

~Eli Whicker got his mission call to Carlsbad California Spanish speaking!

~Kaleb Morrison got his mission call to Tahiti French speaking! 

Here are some quotes Sister Galloway wrote down for me:
-Sister riley: "We're gonna miss Sister Miles as she goes home right kids?"
-Eric: "Don't worry Sister Miles I'll write you!"
-Michelle: *looks at Sister Miles* "I'm gonna make you gorgeous" *smears chapstick on Sister Miles face*     Michelle: "Perfect."
-Bryce: "Yeah bandit was an illegal immigrant dog at least in these apartments we can't really have pets."
-Don: *talking about Sister Miles leaving* "This sucks, this seriously sucks. Sorry but it does."
-Sister Theil: "People in your emails are gonna think I'm crazy. I'm not, I'm just a pistol packing mama well... grandma now."
-Sister Miles: *driving through a puddle* "I think I just decked those people" *3 people got completely soaked*.

From some of these highlights I wanted to elaborate on some of them.

♡As President and I talked in my last interview, we had a great time reminiscing on all of the things I have been able to overcome. He asked me what my number one take away was from my mission. I responded saying "that there is a God, and He knows me and loves me." This sentence sounds very smooth but it took me about a minute to say that all because I was crying so much. It was the cutest as I looked over at President and he was crying with me. I have the best mission President in the world. He has encouraged me, wept with me, fought for me and laughed with me. A friend I will have for life. As our interview came to a close he looked at me and said, "You'll always be a hero in my book." More tears!

♡Stake Conference was amazing. President Ludwig shared a great story with us that really touched my heart. He shared a story of him and his sons doing a 4-mile hike up a steep mountain. There was a halfway point at the 2-mile mark where they could stop for lunch and take a short break. President Ludwig said that the view from that point was beautiful and they were thinking of just stopping there. But they decided to finish the hike up to the top. When they reached the top he said it was absouletly breathtaking and they were so grateful that they had decided to finish the hike. I relate to this story in alot of ways. My halfway point would have been a beautiful experience but the finish line is what will be breathtaking, like President Ludwig said. My halfway point was a huge change not only in my mission but my life. I had a break down then and that was when I officially decided I was to finish my mission. I testify that everything in life that is challenging is worth the climb.

♡Sunday we were called into primary by Sister Riley and she brought me up to the front. Within that second the piano started and the children stood with colorful scarfs in their hands. They sang to me "I hope they call me on a mission." I was lost for words and my make up was pretty much gone after they sang that wonderful song to me. I looked around the room to find the teachers crying as well. The Spirit was so strong in that room. The innocence is what I love and what their tiny little hearts hold. All their dreams and desires. Jesus says: "And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God." & "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." I testify that Jesus does love little children. The children on my mission have played such a huge role in my life. They have been great examples to me and have helped me to be a better person.

I love this church and I have loved my mission. I have had wonderful companions. I have had wonderful experiences. This has been a life changing experience for me which I will never forget. Jesus Christ has been my saving grace. The Atonement has healed me beyond what I have hoped for. Jesus Christ did suffer in Gethsemane for you and for me. God does love you. Seek to know His will and you will find that joy you are looking for. The Book of Mormon is true and it testifies of Christ. Joseph Smith is the prophet of this last dispensation. I am grateful for his courage and determination to spread the gospel to all he knew.

I wanted to express my love for each of you. Thank you for all of the emails, packages and letters I have received. Your encouraging words have helped me to conquer the greatest challenge I have had in my life. This was not easy but it was 100% worth it.

Lastly to my companions. Thank you for strengthening my testimony when I was weak. Thank you for putting up with my stubborn heart and crazy personality. I wanted to share with you all what I have summed up to describe each of my companions.

•Sister Robertson~ Diligent.
•Sister Decker~ Loving.
•Sister Cannon~ Passionate.
•Sister Packer~ Patient.
•Sister Labrum~ Bold.
•Sister Phillips~ Talented.
•Sister Lewis~ Selfless.
•Sister Mounteer~ Gentle.
•Sister Hunter~ Positive.
•Sister Galloway~ Brave.

I love all of you! Reminder my homecoming talk is this Sunday June 10th at 11 am at the LDS Peachland Building on Peachland in Newhall, Ca and the open house will be from 2:30-4:30 pm! at our home in Newhall See you soon!

Keep the faith.

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission

WEEK 70

 "I got my headstone done 10 years ago so my kids wouldn't have to worry about it when I die. Sometimes I go up there to see how I'm doing. Birds are always pooping on it too." -Sister Thiel

Hey family and friends! Wow, one more email after this and then I'll be on my way home. As each day goes by my heart aches even more than the day before! I love the people here! They have become my family and I'll definitely be leaving the majority of my heart here when I leave.

Enough with the sappy stuff...here's this week!

Highlights:
~I shared in my last email about how sick I was on Sunday and I continued to be sick until Wednesday this past week so that took some time to get over.
~The Shiloh sisters came to my rescue as I sent them a text for 911 and needing ice cream! Totally cured my sickness haha!
~We got to see Peggy again and we continued to teach her about temples just to clarify everything for her. She will be trying to stop smoking so she can go so extra prayers wouldn't hurt!
~I had to start backing up all of my photos and information to a usb and it took a good chunk of hours. Shoutout to Sister Rash for being techy and helping me!
~We had my last dinner with the Riley family and it was so sad! But Sister Riley makes amazing brownies that she gave to us and I'll just say my life is forever changed!
~With the warm weather coming around, mosquitoes have been attacking us! It was about 65° in someone's house and I was sweating! My body isn't ready for California!
~We got to help clean Cove Creeks church building on Saturday and we got stuck with the good ole bathrooms haha. It was great to do some service since a couple less showed up so they needed the help.
~We did some service for Sister Thiel and got to help her write some things and such. We also had a great lesson with her and she's just amazing! We have lunch with her this week and I will miss her so much! She has become a true friend.
~We saw the Greens and had an amazing visit with them! Sister Green has surgery the 5th of June so please keep her and her family in your prayers! They found out not only is she in the 3rd stage of liver failure but also her kidneys are failing.
~We had dinner with the Murdock family who has all crazy boys (bless their hearts). We did the paper cross lesson with them and ended up making a ton since each of the boys wanted to learn how to do it.
~Yesterday was technically my last Sunday with Monad Ward since we have stake conference this week so Bishop Allen asked me to bear my testimony one last time and it was so sad! This place has become home. 

~Said a final goodbye to Kenzie Crossleys as she heads off to the MTC this week to serve in the Philippines!

The rest of the open time we tried a few people to visit and didn't have much success there but overall it was a good, spiritual week!

I have been so blessed to have been able to serve in this area for six months. I have witnessed so many miracles. Here is one of the recent miracles:

♡ When I first met the Green family I had been in the area for about three weeks. They were a new move in to the ward. I was so drawn to them and wanted to get to know them as soon as I could. When I first met them we had talked for two hours and just got to know each other. Ellsie the daughter wasn't super active and was struggling with her testimony. She would ask questions with so much doubt in her heart and I just wanted to fix everything for her and help her to know that she had a Heavenly Father that loved her. Ever since I have been here, I have visited with the Green family every week. Sister Green started to go back to the temple regardless of her health problems. Ellsie recently shared with us her testimony and it felt as if my heart was to big to be inside and was bursting out of me. She has actively been attending the YSA ward, attends the temple weekly, reads her scriptures, prays, and now knows that their is a God and that He does answer prayers. When I first met Ellsie she was the definition of a having broken heart and a contrite spirit. She now plans to be married in the temple and so much more. ♡

I testify that there is a God and that He does answer prayers and that He does love us. I know that the Savior gave his all for each person that has and will ever live on this earth. The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and his love for us. Have you read the Book of Mormon lately? When was the last time you knelt down and said your prayers? Have you asked God who needs you today?

I invite you all to ponder these questions and to act. I love this gospel and the peace it has brought me, as well as direction in my life. Have a great week everyone!

Keep the faith. 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission

Week 69

Sister Stevenson: *Eats off of husband's plate* "I don't want you getting fat."

This email is just going to consist of pictures! Love you all! 

Keep the faith. 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission

Week 68

Sister Thiel: "Honestly the Book of Mormon is good but if I am on a deserted island I'm gonna take a tall dark man with me. Nothing weird just to hunt and keep me warm at night it's just common sense."

Goodmorning lovelies! Wow I can't believe I have about a month left until I return home! Time won't stop! I have yet to accept the fact that I can't be a full time missionary forever! Happy early Mother's day to all the wonderful mothers I know!

Well we had a pretty good week! It felt like we were running around constantly and we could never catch a break! With that we had alot of fun things happen and got alot done!

Tuesday was our last day to attend the temple for a few weeks while they are closed for maintenance so we soaked all of that up! This week and next we get to help clean the temple! I'm mostly excited to clean the chandelier in the Celestial room! First experience! Anyways, we had some lessons Tuesday morning and then we had to go pick up treats for our fun get together with Don. We had a great turn out! We wanted to keep it a good size so 10 of the members, including our ward missionaries, came and we had a good time! Don cooked some deer for us and he begged me to try it. I did and it wasn't bad but I said "Don don't be offended if I hate it, I'm picky." I love that Don and I have that goofy relationship. Investigators are the best! Tuesday night we went to the church to meet a bunch of missionaries that were transferring. I got to see my sista Sister Phillips and her and Sister Miller got to stay the night at our place! That night was sadly a time for goodbyes for people I would not see for a good while. Sister Larsen was one of them! Yes I cried when I said goodbye to her! I absolutely love both Sister Phillips and Sister Larsen. They both have touched my heart and strengthened me. I'll be empty until I see them again!

Wednesday was transfer day so I had to sneak over to the mission home to see my bestie (girl husband) Sister Lewis! It was the last time we would see each other until she returns home in July! I adore Sister Lewis beyond comprehension. As she got into the transfer van I couldn't hold myself back from singing "God be with you till we meet again." Haha she wasn't having it.

Thursday besides having tons of planning, we went out for visits with the Cove Creek ward! We had a person or two tell us not to contact them and then a member that wanted their name removed from the church. So...it was interesting and sad at the same time. We also did service for Sister Nadeau that day and helped her clean out her fridge.

Friday was packed! We started off with service at the food bank at 10 and were there for a little. We made sack lunches for the homeless and it was great! After we went over to the Greens to help Sister Green pack for her trip! They are going to be in Utah until the end of May! While we were there Ellsie shared her talent with us and played a few songs on the guitar and sang to us! I had chills! I just love the Green family and don't ever want to leave them! Later we saw Sister Hodges and we always enjoy our visits with her. She's the sweetest women! For dinner that night we went out to Olive Garden with Sister Thiel and it was the best! First time having that in over a year!

Saturday was wild and tiring! We had service with Sister Thiel at her daughter's house. Our assignment was to clean 10 feet + windows for a relief society activity we are having this week. The windows had bugs, mud and water spots all over them so she wanted them to look presentable haha. We did that for about three hours in the scorching heat and I almost got stung by a bee and fell in the pool. That would have been an interesting one to explain to President. By the end of it we smelt terrible and we had to run over to the church to have interviews with the sister training leaders. Poor Sister Wilson had to sit with me for about 40 minutes! I love love Sister Wilson and her cute personality. She loves the people she serves and is the sweetest! After all that I had to run home to take a shower because it was that bad! The rest of the night we visited people and dropped off cookies!

Sunday we had ward council super early so that was rough! Yesterday was fast Sunday so usually I'm a bit slower haha. We had such a fun time with both of our wards. I bore my testimony in each and teared up for sure! I'm so sad to be leaving these people soon. It doesn't feel real. That night we had dinner with the Combs family and it was a blast! We had elk!

We had a great week! Super busy and we have another busy week ahead of us!

I love my Savior and I truly am grateful for his grace and patience with me. Have a great week!

Keep the faith. 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission

WEEK 67

Sister Galloway: "If you go less active when you go home I'm freaking going to come and fly to California and slap you upside the head." Sister Wadsworth: "That's a good friend."

Hello hello! Well here it is for my last transfer news...I'm staying here with Sister Galloway with six months in this area! I am so happy to be finishing my mission here! I will be the second companion Sister Galloway has sent home so she's not too happy about that but I'm so glad I will be finishing my mission with a friend.

This week was full of visits! Since being here in this area, I have made a goal to visit every member in the ward whether they were active or not. Sister Galloway and I are just about there and there are about 500 people in Monad! We now are doing the same with our new Cove Creek Ward. I just love the people here so much and it makes my heart hurt to think I will have to leave them soon!

We had our last district meeting of the transfer and Elder Jackson of course made me cry! He always shares the most spiritual things that have me messed up. We went to Cafe Rio (of course) after with all the sisters and it was a party! I got to see the lovely Sister Mchoes as well! After lunch we went over to see the Seavys to visit. We hadn't seen them for two weeks so I was missing Hailey and Heidi!

We had a great lesson with Don which was full of questions after he attended church for the first time.  Two of our stellar ward missionaries joined us and it was great! Tomorrow we and a few other ward members are having a mini party at Dons house! Whoop whoop! After the lesson we had dinner with the Fonda family who I just love so much! I always feel the spirit so strongly in their home. During the lesson half of us were tearing up and in that moment I realized that I never wanted the feeling of peace to ever go away. I love the Holy Ghost and his presence. That day I received another witness that the Holy Ghost is sent from the Father to comfort us and stand as a witness of Him. I love the gospel!

For a couple of hours each day I worked on a list for the ward to help them to know who had moved, wasn't interested, or didn't want to be contacted and man I was tired! That's why our week was full of alot of visits because we have been trying to help Monad Ward adjust after the boundaries changed back in November. So that took some time!

Every dinner, except two cancelled on us this past week so we did alot of eating out haha. Especially Cafe Rio and smoothies. We also had dinner with the Bishops family! I love the Allen family so much and they have a baby boy whose about four months old! Man I cannot wait to hold babies when I come home! Hardest rule on the mission!

Saturday we went early to the mission home so I could say goodbye to some of my favorite sisters! Three of which who were my companions went home! Can't believe that will be me soon! Yikes! The rest of the day we had some lessons and of course more people to visit!

Sunday is always great because I love seeing the members of both our wards. I even got to see some people from my old ward Echo Canyon! I miss them! Third hour of the Cove Creek Ward was so spiritual. The bishopric had me crying the whole time! We talked about the new ministering program we are doing now instead of home/visiting teaching. We as children of God and those members of the church need to do as the Savior and minister to the one. We need to take time with individuals, take interest in their lives and their struggles and support them. We need to do as the Savior commanded and that is to love one another.

I am so grateful for my mission and the new perspective it has given me on others and on life. Below I wanted to attach a bible video that I love so much as young Jesus teaches at the temple. He was always about His Father's business.

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week! Keep the faith. 

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-01-003-young-jesus-teaches-in-the-temple?lang=eng

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission 

WEEK 66

"I'm a freaking elephant cause I'm gettin trunkyyy"-Sister Galloway 

Wow! May is around the corner! What is happening!

I hope everyone had a great week! Mine was filled with alot of drama but hey elders are going to be elders ;)

We got to do some fun service this past week! We helped at a care center and got to play cards with some of the residents! We also got to go to the Greens home and help make some cute crafts for a ward activity! Lastly (my favorite) we got to help at a dance competition! A few of us held open doors and informed the dancers what number was next up, and Sister Galloway and I got to hang around the metals! The whole scene took me back to my cheer days and I just felt at home! We loved it!

We had interviews with President as well and those are always my favorite! President and I were reminiscing on my mission and how far I have come. After all we talked about he ended with "Well Sister Miles...you've challenged me." Haha we both laughed. I'm grateful for the Wadsworths and all they do! We find out this Sunday our transfer news (MY LAST TRANSFER NEWS)! So sad...I hope to stay here with Sister Galloway but we will see! Our week was a little on the rough side so nothing crazy happened. We continued to visit alot of members from the ward and sadly had to drop a good amount of investigators.

Here's for the real excitement...DON CAME TO CHURCH! It was a big step and took alot for him to be there but he made it! That was our miracle of the week! Also another cool thing, my MTC Mission President and his wife were in my ward yesterday! They are the parents of a sister in monad! I was so excited to see them! My group was the last group they had before they ended their mission so I felt unique! (President & Sister Burgess)

Sorry for the boring email this week but I will attach pictures to describe my week! Last Monday Sister Wadsworth came out and played volley ball with us so there's a picture added! 

I love you all and thank you for your continuing support!

Keep the faith.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." -Alma 34:32

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission

Week 65

Ben: "Have you seen Matilda?" Brother Vance: "That's just disturbing." 

Another week down for the books! Man time is just flying by now and I'm not sure how I feel about it! We had another wonderful, busy week! I just love every second with Sister Galloway!

This past week was full of lots of visiting! We went and visited alot of the old folks that can't make it too church that often so it was fun spending that time with them! We have been having a blast with our new ward mission leader for the Cove Creek ward! He's on it! This week we are taking two youth with us that are leaving for missions soon to a lesson with Don! One is going to the Philippines and she's awesome! We figured we would throw them into the fire before they head out into the real world haha.

We had exchanges and even though I wasn't feel too hot, I had a blast with Sister Wilson. We were so busy, it was great! I met alot of fun families that I just adore now! We of course went to Cafe Rio with all the sisters! We can never miss an opportunity for Cafe Rio!

Our cute eight year old Harlee was baptized on Saturday and what a special thing we were able to be apart of. I will miss all those fun lessons we had and the kids fighting over the pamphlets! I love love love teaching kids! They have such a gentle spirit about them that I just admire. I will miss moments like these!

When Sunday rolled around we were exhausted! We are currently still covering three wards. We are at church from 9-4pm! By the time we hit the last ward I'm just barely hanging on but hey we love the people! The exhausting Sunday was all made right when we went over to the the Greens home for dinner. Brother Green never ceases to make us laugh.

We saw lots of wonderful people this week! Including the Vance family! Can't forget them! Sister Vance is too good to us and we love her more than anything!

I love my mission regardless of how challenging it has been. It has been disappointing, frustrating, exhausting and so much more. But I am grateful for the people I have met that have given me a new perspective on life. They have taught me what it means to love, what it means to forgive, and what it means to be committed. I am grateful for a loving Father in heaven who knows me. I am grateful for Jesus Christ because he truly has been my Savior throughout all of my struggles. The church is true and I know it with all my heart and I could never deny it.

"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." -Luke 22:32

Share your faith with others and share your divine witness that Jesus is the Christ.

Love you all, keep the faith. 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

2215 Monad Rd. Apt. 4
Billings, MT 59102

Montana Billings Mission