Week 25

Hello! I've missed you! Man it's been a long week but I'm grateful it's finally Monday! How has everyone been? 

Well this week we have two baptisms. One is a convert baptism and one is a excommunicated member getting re-baptized and we are super excited! We have been in the process of finding new investigators and we are working hard! We have found about six so far these past couple of weeks! Well one of our investigators who is getting baptized this week was having a black tea issue. So she agreed to quit so we were pretty pumped! One day when we went over to teach her she showed up with a drink and I was nervous it was tea. Well....me being the weird person I am...when she wasn't looking I drank out of her drink to make sure it wasn't tea....and it wasn't! The things you do for your investigators haha. 

Well I just want to bear my testimony on the love that God has for each and every one of you. I was thinking about those who have children and I wanted to share a scripture. "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6 

This scripture specifically says that you as parents have the divine role of teaching hour children which way they should go. Though at times they may turn astray, they come back because they remember the things they were taught. 

I love you all and pray for you constantly. Have strength and keep the faith. 

When life gets bad, try looking up. 

Heads up! Transfers are next week so don't send anything. If you do just to let you know it has to be here before the 11th :) 

Also just a request from me..from now on I would like every one to just call me Austin. (Not sister miles please) I had a hard week and someone asked me who is Austin and honestly I've forgotten. I've been struggling a lot with some things and I would just like to be called Austin from now on. I love you all, thank you. 

Our investigator Shanelle whose getting baptized tomorrow! 

Love,

Sister Miles ♡

Week 24

Hello! Well this week was pretty slow and not too exciting. The work has been slowing down a bit and a lot of things have been decreasing in the area. More than normal so we are pretty drained and beat up! This week was pretty rough for me. One day I took a two hour nap and cried for the day. Things have been hard since Sister Decker left. I grew extremely close to her and put all of my trust in her. I miss her a lot. She helped me through a lot of my bad times when I had no one else. Fourth of July will be my six month mark which is insane. We have plans to watch fireworks with Kirby. Our curfew was pushed back to 10:30 so we get to stay out for a little longer! What a better way then to celebrate six months. 

lot this week on what I could bear my testimony to you today and it's this, If you aren't reading, praying and going to church, life won't change. You shy yourself from so many blessings that Heavenly Father wants to give you. Just act. No more excuses! I love you all so I'm going to give you some tough love since you always did to me haha. Get your butts to church or you'll be miserable when I have to drag you there when I come home! Mom and dad....I challenge you every Monday night to gather everyone together for family home evenings. We need to be united as a family. Whether you believe in the church or not, you can't go wrong with family time and feeling the spirit. Life gets busy and things come up, but when are we going to take charge of our lives and say today is the day? It's like saying you're going to exercising..."I'll start tomorrow" tomorrow comes..."I'll start next week". Now is the time. We say we will do these things and next thing we know it's been years. I used to say that with praying and reading daily. "I'll start to build that habit next week." Next week turned into months then years. No matter how painful and annoying it may be to take the next few steps, I promise its worth it. I can't go a day without praying and reading. Just like us as humans we need food to survive physically. What about surviving spiritually? Feed your soul. 

Do you know what has been keeping me out this whole time? You. Everyday is hard and I struggle but I love my family and friends so much that I dare not to take away the blessings you will receive as I serve. I don't know if you have noticed the difference in your lives since I have left but I have. Now I'm not saying it's all because of me because it isn't...its all because of Jesus Christ. I was promised that if I served my family would be extremely blessed for it. I could care less the benefits for myself. Jesus Christ has changed me, you have changed me, the people have changed me. I want you to every morning right when you wake up to get down on your knees. Don't even take another step in the day before you pray. I promise you your days and your life will change as you make time for God and Jesus Christ in your life. One day when I get married (yikes) I dream of my whole family being there with me in the temple. Now I'm not here to take away your agency I'm here to tell you that you can amount to anything if you just trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Quit saying you can't because you can. One of the hardest things I have had to adjust to since being out here is changing my nature. It's a hard thing. If you're used to drinking or smoking or using bad language and so on...it can be a hard thing to change. Let me ask you this, who do you want to be when the Savior comes? I think of this question everyday. I am not a perfect missionary but I am trying my best to follow in the Saviors footsteps. Take it day by day. 

Are you all keeping up to date on my Facebook? If not go and watch or read some of the things I have posted. I have posted them because I have felt inspired and know you can all benefit from the messages.

"....for a man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." - 1 Samuel 16:7

I testify that the Lord knows each and every one of you personally. He looks at your heart and your desires. If no one in the world may understand you I know that Jesus Christ does. I know that in order to survive spiritually we have to involve the gospel in our lives. How excited do your children get for church? The Lord said: "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:4 

Though they may be little, the children of this generation are so wise. They are our examples. What's my favorite part about attending church here? Seeing the children and how innocent they are. They keep me going. I know that God loves each and every one of His children. 

Ward Carnival

If you are struggling with something please open up to me and I'm sure I can find something that can help and uplift you. Remember you don't have to do this life alone. "God does notice us and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs." - President Kimball 

You all amaze me. I love you deeply and miss you terribly. I know the Lord will strengthen me and my weaknesses. I promise he can do the same for you. 

Sister Austin Miles

Week 23

 

How is everyone doing? Today is going to be a short email just because nothing crazy happened this week...just the usual. We went to cafe rio twice because sister cannon LOVES it. Yesterday I ate frog legs and it wasn't too bad. I just couldn't get passed the thought of eating a frog leg haha. Greg our amazing investigator is making huge progress! He's praying about July 8th for his baptism date! Shanelle is on date for July 4th and Bonnie on date for July 5th so a lot of exciting things are happening! I'll be sad once I leave great falls. I have seen so much progress in this area since the time I got here. The blatters are getting sealed on July 1st so that's even more exciting! Kirby also said he will go to the temple for baptisms if we go with him so we are pumped! Can't believe that July 4th is officially my six month mark...time is starting to fly by. Hope everyone had a great fathers day! Love you all! Keep the faith.

Love,

Sister Miles ♡

107 19th Street N
Great Falls, MT 59401

Week 22

Good morning! Hope everyone had a great time last week! How are we all doing? This transfer is off to a rough start but I am keeping as positive as possible! Sister Cannon has been sick most of the week so we haven't been as busy as usual but the work cannot go on if us as missionaries aren't well! 

what...I'VE GAINED 15 POUNDS since being on my mission. I hate Montana(jk ). So in the mornings we are going more hardcore and eating less snacks which is smart haha. What was not smart or us last week was eating a almost two pound burger. Yes about two pounds...why? Well Brother Bailey said that the elders weren't able to finish the burger and gave up so we accepted the challenge to beat them. It took us an hour to eat it and we were force feeding ourselves to a point of almost vomiting. The rest of the day was downhill. We were bloated all day and I couldn't even eat dinner. Have you ever seen the movie whitechicks? Well we were having our own whitechicks moment with the bathroom scene. Tmi sorry but you know me! Honest! Last Monday we played chair soccer and wrecked the elders. I have bruises all over my body but it's cool. WE'RE BEASTS. Sister Cannon and I are so much alike it's kinda scary. She's interested in law enforcement because her dad is a sheriff so we share interests in some things! She's a lot of fun and very down to earth, I love it. I gave my discussion last week on accountability and it wasn't bad! Responsibility is so important. Last week was pretty hard. We had the sister training leaders show up Saturday unexpectedly. Sister Wadsworth has been worried about me so the sisters drove down for a day exchange. I had sister Keezlee and she's amazing. I admire her a lot. It was nice to have someone to talk to. I get to have exchanges with her at the end of June so I'm excited! 

Last week we saw a less active that Sister Decker and I had visited twice or so and it was very touching. The first time I met her she looked much healthier and was so much more mobile. Now she is completely immobile and has lost a lot of weight. She had open heart surgery recently to help with her cancer. The doctors finally told her that there was no more that they could do and that her time was coming. When we showed up we had asked her how she was doing because I hadn't seen her in two months. She looked me in the eyes and said "I'm dying and I'm scared". Tears filled both her eyes and mine. I immediately grabbed her hand and hugged her. In that moment my testimony of the plan of salvation has never been stronger. In that moment I was also angry at myself that I had lacked the visits with her when she could have needed me most. I then thought I can't look back, I can only look forward. We brought her flowers, cookies and a card the next day and she loved it. Though I wasn't there then I'm here now and I hope I can have her leave this world with knowing that someone loved her and knew of her worries. I bore testimony to her that the Lord loves her and that we have somewhere to go and that everything will be okay. I cried the whole day after that experience. Don't ever deny a prompting you receive. If the spirit is telling you that you need to go and see someone...go. I bare testimony that you all have a purpose in this life. Serve others. Love them. You are all leaders. I have seen so much joy in those that have found the gospel and have an opportunity to change. Share that great news to people. In the adjusting to missionary life book it reads:" Remember, Heavenly Father loves you. Trust in Him and in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to heal and redeem you. God has a perfect plan for His imperfect children; this is the good news you carry to the world." 

I have a testimony of this gospel. It has changed my life. Though I may struggle, I am the happiest I have ever been. I promise you that as you give your whole heart into this great work and this amazing gospel, you will never be led astray. Keep on keeping on. I love you all! Keep the faith.

Love,
Sister Miles ♡

107 19th Street N
Great Falls, MT 59401

Week 21

Hi! 
Well last week was transfers. Sister Decker left to Wyoming and I got Sister Cannon as my new companion! She's been out for about 8 months! Last week was crazy busy and stressful now that I'm in charge of this area. Driving wears me out! It's getting really hot down here so we are always sweating. We have quite a few people we are teaching so the work is moving along! We are planning to get three people on data for baptism this week so we are praying real hard! Last week was extremely hard for sure. We were in the middle of a lesson with Kirby and I had to run outside because I was about to throw up due to all of the stress. Yesterday I asked brother bailey to give me a blessing because I had cried every single day last week and was just struggling. I have a testimony of the power of the priesthood. It lifts you up and strengthens you. I feel a much better than I did last week and that's all because of the power of the priesthood. Brother bailey and Kirby said they each got two hours of sleep Saturday night after they had seen the shape that I was in. Sister Cannon said I looked extremely pale and not well. Brother bailey was so worried he called my mission presidents. Sister Wadsworth talked with me yesterday and said "You can do this." I immediately felt motivated. It's nice having a ward family that cares so much about you. Since I don't have my family here to hug me, they do. I am doing a lot better so don't worry! Yesterday being fast and testimony meeting I went up and bore my testimony. I bore my testimony on the importance of studying the scriptures daily and praying as a family. It is so important, do not take it lightly. I promise you more blessings and happiness will come to you as you obey God's commandments. I have seen many miracles since being on my mission. I know that the reason those miracles have happened is because I have been striving to be the most obedient I can be. Salvation does not come easy, it is earned. If Jesus was to come to earth tomorrow would you be ready? Ponder on that...don't wait tomorrow, or next week, or next month to change something. Do it today. I love you all and I miss you so much. You have so much to offer to the world. Go out and share it. Keep the faith. Have the best week! 

Love,

Sister Miles ♡

107 19th Street N
Great Falls, MT 59401

Week 20

She hasn't lost her goofiness!

Hello,

Today's email is going to be short since my new tablet is not set up and I'm using sister Decker's iPad for now! Well its transfer week! I'm staying and leading out the area! Whoop whoop! Sister Decker is sadly leaving me but she is going to Wyoming and is becoming a sister training leader! Exciting news for me....we had interviews last week and I told my mission President that I wanted to train so he is considering me! As well as other crazy news...talk is that I may be becoming a sister training leader sometime down the road. What!!! My new companion is Sister Cannon. I've met her once and she seems super awesome! I'm excited! I am now the designated driver so sweet! "I'm the captain now". Well there was a murder across the street from our place so we had to stay the night at the other sisters place for safety. All is well now. They have the guy in custody. Anyways...we had exchanges last week and I stayed with Sister Wagstaff and she's awesome! I learned a lot from her! I was stressed about the whole driving thing but I survived! Well a really good lesson from the week was Greg. He said that he knows this church is true and he's praying to pick a baptismal date! I'm so excited! Last week was busy and stressful but I learned a lot. I can't believe that by the end of this next transfer I will be at 6 months. Crazy! I love you all so much and I'm sorry I don't have all the time in the world today but my tablet will be all worked out by next Monday so then I'll actually be able to talk more! I hope you all had fantastic weeks! Keep the faith. 

Love you! 

Sister Miles ️

Pictures:

1. Naomi's birthday party(investigators daughter) 

2. Katie a less active we are teaching 

3. The Mathews! 

The rest is random! 

week 19

Hello again! Well not much to report on since I just saw your lovely faces yesterday! I hope you all had a wonderful week! It was so amazing to be able to see all of you yesterday and to talk with each of you. I really needed that. Shout out to my amazing mom who was so willing to give up her mother's day Skype time to have everyone else see me. Thank you all for all of your support. Next time I Skype I'll be just about at my year mark! It's gonna fly by! I love you all so much and I hope you have the most amazing week! Keep growing! Keep progressing! God and I are cheering you on! 

I leave you with my testimony that there is no greater joy than having and living the gospel of Jesus Christ. I gave up 18 months of my life to serve others and to help others find the joy that I have with the Gospel. I hope each and every one of you can find that in your lives. Life is tough but it is possible with Jesus Christ. I bear witness of that because I have experienced that for myself. God loves you, remember that. 

My heart is aching today. I miss you all so much. I think I'm still in shock that I saw you yesterday and was able to have conversations with you. Don't change too much while I'm gone! You are all amazing and I think of you everyday. Something that I would love is if you sent old pictures. I love looking back on the good ol times. I'll probably be crying for the next week but it's because I have the most amazing family. You make life worth it. 

In honor of Mothers Day here's a quote: "Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother" -Unknown

I invite you all to keep reading your scriptures and praying as a family! I promise you that God will bless you as you make time for Him in your lives! Go to church! Haha 

Keep the faith. I love you. 

Below one of the pictures is with Alyssa! It was her birthday and Sister Decker and I stopped by and gave her her card! We are teaching her and her family! 

Love,

Sister Miles ♡

What you do on Pday

I Love my Mom