Week 41

The work you're doing is the most important work the world will ever know" -------Elder Baird

GOODMORNING BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! Last week was just abnormal so here I go...

Tuesday we weekly planned because we had zone conference and a bunch of other things to take care of. That was pretty much our Tuesday. Wednesday we drove down to the the land of craziness, my crib, HELENA. We spent the day in Helena and did some work with the sisters so we didn't have to drive down early Thursday morning to carpool with the sisters. I got to stay in my old place with Sister Labrum and her companion! It was like a family reunion it was so fun. We then got up at 4:45 am to get ready then head off to Bozeman where we had zone conference. By the time we got to Bozeman I was so car sick. Zone conference was uplifting as always and we got our flu shots so that was sooooo cool :) Friday is our service day so we always have a great time with that. Saturday we spent all day in Butte for meetings, interviews, and stake conference. It was a long day! Sunday we went back up to Butte for stake conference and then headed back to our area after that. So basically we spent all week in other places rather than our area. 

Y'all I'm almost to 10 months! Whaaaaaaaaaa! Sister Phillips is almost finished with training and I am so dang proud of her! We have such a great time together and laugh 99% of the time and it's a blast. 

Shane is getting baptized this weekend and we are pumped! I cannot wait! He's come such a long ways and has been doing so well! I'll send pictures next week! 

I have three questions I want you all to ponder on. 

1) What would my life be like without the Book of Mormon?

2) What would I not have?

3) What would I not know? 

I have a testimony that this is Jesus Christ's church. I know that the first person who will receive us when we go home and wrap their arms around us will be the Savior. I know that our Heavenly Father is aware of you. Joseph Smith is the true prophet of the Restoration of the gospel. If you don't know that I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and to ask God if it's true. This gospel has made me the happiness I have ever been and it can fill the missing piece in your life. God has not forgotten you nor will He ever. I invite each of you this week to open up a random page of the Book of Mormon and highlight every reference you see to God and Jesus Christ. You will then see how much the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and how applicable it is to every living being. Keep the faith. 

I love you all so much! 

1) Model Pic

2) HELENA

3) Broke my glasses 

4) Freshest water EVER

5) Once a cheerleader always a cheerleader 

6) My zone 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

PO Box 284 Deer Lodge MT 59722

Montana Billings Mission

Week 40

"I tried to stop smoking before, I literally turned purple, I looked like freaking Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory."- Christine

Yo yo what's up! Another hectic week but welcome to the life of missionary work! Last Monday we went up to Butte and hung out with the other missionaires as well getting our oil changed in our car. We love getting out of Deer Lodge and exploring other places just because Deer Lodge is hecka quiet but we still love it. (Called deer lodge because there is literally only deer here #wherethepeopleat) 

We found a ton of people last week so we are super excited to go back and to teach them more. We still have managed to teach 30+ lessons with some of the changes in the mission that have thrown us off but we are starting to get the hang of it. Thirty lessons a week is for chumps so we need to step it up next week. 

District meeting was the bomb. I was asked to give a discussion and we did a super fun role play with teaching the restoration and it was just poppin. We do alot of driving in this area because it's spread out and our meetings end up in Butte alot so we are kinda stressing on miles this month. Pray for us so I don't have to look all janky riding my bike around. The rest of that day we spent in Philipsburg which is a branch we cover about 20-30 people. We met alot of people and got some great return appointments! We ate at this amazing bbq place and went to the famous candy store there and I regretted every bit of it. Now only having less than nine months left I need to lose the 15 pounds I gained in Great Falls :) what a joy. Okay best part of that night...we went to a Baptist church service. So the back story to this is we were invited to come help with their youth and we thought it would be a great service opportunity. Well we showed up and none of the kids could make it since the flu was going around. SO, we got preached to by the preacher for an hour and it was so awkward and we were sitting in the front so we didn't want to be rude and just stand up and walk out so we stuck it out. They were amazing and such kind people though. We have kept in touch with some of them since then! 

Thursday's and Fridays are always great because we get to do service at the senior center as well as the food pantry and it's a blast. They give us free food so I'd say it's a plus. Thursdays of course are slower with weekly planning but we think we are starting to get the hang of the new area book! Friday we had great lessons. One was with Shane one of our investigators who is set for baptism on the 28th of this month! He's a tough cookie! Shane used to be one of those people that would chase the missionaires off because he used to practice I guess "Satanism". It's crazy now seeing who he is and his desire to change. This is what I love about missionary work. I love seeing the growth and the light in their eyes, it's priceless. The other lesson was with Will and he's a trooper. Will has been waiting on a kidney transplant for a while now and was told four years ago that he wouldn't make it this far. But hey he did because he's awesome! The greatest thing of that lesson was hearing Will laugh and just being grateful for the life he has been given. He's such an inspiration! There are alot of great people here that are being prepared and I'm pumped! We need to always be thankful! "Happy people are thankful but thankful people are happy." 

HOLD THE PHONE. So remember Kristy Vandeberg from Great Falls? She was a member I taught there and I just love her to pieces! We got to go up and see her and she's just a crack up. She's wild but I love her. She said she wanted to come to church and surprise the bishop so we were like yes you should come! She was kinda on the fence about it but when we walked into sacrament yesterday morning there was Kristy sitting down. I ran over to her and was so excited. This was her first time to church in 20 years. I am so proud of her! She looked over at the bishop and I and said she came because of us and my heart was full. I was like wow someone actually likes me haha! Little miracles. 

Yesterday we also had a convert baptism! His name is Keith! Keith has been taught back and forth by missionaires for over a year I believe both here and in Kalispell. I didn't get to know Keith very well but just by the few times I have met him I just always knew there was something special about him. Every baptism is amazing because you get to witness seeing God's children come back into His fold. 

I just have to say...my companion is awesome. One day we sat down and had a deep talk that left us both crying. She inspires me and I am grateful that I have this opportunity to learn from her. I've often been reflecting back on my first couple months out on the mission and how lost I felt. I couldn't teach for anything! Sister Phillips is so prepared and a rockstar! 

I have a strong testimony of this gospel. Happiness is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. A quote from the movie "The Otherside of Heaven" says: (forgive me if I mess up the words) "How do you know it's true?"...."I believe you and I know it is true otherwise you have come an awful long way to tell a lie." I know that this church is true and that I am here serving because I love the Lord and because I know that he lives. I am grateful for his atoning sacrifice and to know someone loved me enough to do that. Jesus Christ didn't just pick a few of us to die for, he died for all of us. I love you all dearly! Keep the faith. 

"We owe God the same faithfulness that He gives to us"

Pictures: 

1) The amazing Sister Shaw who I miss so much! 

2) Former BOMB missionaires from this mission (they are so cute) Sister Fronk, Sister Dayes and Sister Shoemaker! 

3) Keith! (I'm so awkward) 

4) Me being me 

5) HOT MESS

6) My cute companion 

7) Just waving to my friends 

8) Bbq place HOLLA (I didn't realize the nachos were this big) 

Love,

Sister Austin Miles ♡

PO Box 284 Deer Lodge MT 59722

Montana Billings Mission 

Week 39

"Look out they're creepers looking for converts"-kayla

Goodmorning! Well I got transferred up to Deer Lodge finishing Sister Phillips training. Wow she is a rockstar! She is such an amazing missionary! She just takes the lead! There is one ward here and we cover a branch in Phillipsburg about and hour away. I ended up back in a small town again just like my first area and I'll be honest I'm struggling. It's hard coming from the city to a small quiet town. Everyone here is much older so there aren't alot of kids around. Definitely facing alot of homesickness due to the gloomy weather and loneliness of the town but I know the Lord will help me get through just like he always has. Yesterday was a slower day for me and I was discouraged but after a few tears and a break I decided to keep going. Being on my mission I have learned a great lesson that I can do hard things. 

I've been out a whole pregnancy! Whoop whoop NINE months! Who would have thought I would have ever made it this far (because I sure didn't believe I could). I am now in my fourth area and have had seven companions! Time is starting to fly by. In just less than three months I'll be able to Skype home again! How crazy! In the spirit of the wonderful October month please go all out on Halloween for me since I can't. 

Alot of things are changing in the mission so it's been a hectic week trying to figure everything out and get situated. Sister Phillips and I gave talks on Sunday and I'll be giving a discussion at our district meeting on Wednesday. When youre the new person in the area you get asked to do everything. All the prayers, talks, discussions, etc. It's great haha. 

Well Wednesday was transfers and of course I was super sad to leave Sister Labrum. We went through some crazy stuff together in the wild Helena 4th area but I am forever grateful for her. She's the best! I also got to see Sister Cannon who I just adore so that was fun! Also I was so sad because Sister Medley won't be my sister training leader anymore! She went to Missoula. I love all of the people you meet on a mission and the friendships you build. 

Throughout the week we found a few new investigators so that was exciting! We have five people on date for baptism here and one getting baptized this weekend! We had a ward baptism yesterday and three investigators came! The rest of the week we did service for the senior center and the food pantry which we do every week! They give us free food so it's the best. Today we are going down to Anaconda for preparation day! We have to get our oil changed as well. 

I just want to share one of my favorite quotes from this last conference!

"God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt helpless, confused, or angry. Yet, no matter your history—if you have faltered, failed, feel broken, bitter, betrayed, or beaten—know that you are not alone. God still calls to you.

Turn your soul toward the light. Begin your own wonderful journey home. As you do so, your life will be better, happier, and more purposeful." -President Uchtdorf 

I love you all so much! Keep the faith 🌼

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡

PO Box 284 Deer Lodge MT 59722

Montana Billings Mission 🇧🇿

I'll miss my sweet companion Sister Labrum and all of our fun adventures. As well as all the mice we had in our apartment :) I'll miss Zoozoo too! But isn't my new companion adorable?! I just love Sister Phillips! And below is a sweet picture of me when I was in my first transfer to now...wow what nine months can do to ya. I'll take more pictures next week! 

Week 38

Hello friends! Well I will be getting transferred and will be going to Deer Lodge....TO TRAIN. I'm finishing Sister Phillips training! I'm super nervous but really excited! 

How was General conference? It was amazing! Libby our investigator stayed for three of the sessions! I'm sorry this email will be short it's been quite a stressful week haha. I will email everyone separately! Here are some pictures! 

Love,

Sister Austin Miles ♡

Montana Billings Mission 🇧🇿

Week 37

Well, today is deep clean Monday and Sister Labrum and I have been ripping apart our apartment and

trashing so much stuff.  We realized how much unnecessary stuff we own so we decided to let it go.

We find out transfer news on Sunday so that's exciting!! So this week was interesting as usual.  We

went to see one of our investigators Libby and she kicked us out of her apartment because she has

bed bugs!  We are in the clear but her reaction was hilarious.  We also got stopped by this guy on

the street who wanted us to meet him down at the laundry mat.  He had a few questions.  Turns out

he had questions about Vampires and the book of Enoch.  It was so strange. Never a dull moment!

Sister Labrum birthday was this week so we trashed the apartment with confetti all thanks to the

package mama Miles sent.

We had interviews this week as well.  President Wadsworth is just the best!

General Women's Conference was great.  I definitely needed the spiritual boost.  Ya'll need to watch

General Conference this weekend.

I was sick for 3 days so the work this week has been slow.  Had to go to the doctors and all that fun

stuff but I am better now.  Thank you for all of your support.

I leave you with my Testimony that when you are lost or feel abandoned, "The good Shepard will

find you" Press forward onto the Tree of Life that represents the love of God.  I invite you all to

read 1 Nephi chapter 8.  Love you all.  Keep the Faith

Love,

Sister Miles

Week 36

Good morning lovelies! Well another crazy eventual week in the Helena 4th area with my amazing companion Sister Labrum. It went from the high 80s to SNOWING here! I had sent home all of my winter clothes so I was wearing my companions for a few days. She's a lifesaver. 

So last Monday we went on a fun train tour with the other sisters and this was my second time going since Sister Labrum had never gone. It was fun but super hot! Later that evening we met a man named Sunny who was a referral from some members. Nicest person ever! Him and his wife are actually Hindu so I won't lie I was careful with my words. We set up a time to come back so that was exciting! We went back over later that week and Sunny wasn't there but we met his wife and guess what her name is...Gina! She is seriously so sweet! She invited us in and we chatted with her for a little and she expressed that she was comfortable with her religion but wanted us to come back because she wanted to learn more! No lie I have never taught anyone who practiced Hinduism so I'm nervous but excited! 

Tuesday was exchanges and I got to be with Sister Medley again! Let me tell you, Sister Medley is the most kind and loving person on this planet. At the beginning of the exchange her and I talked for a good 45 minutes and just venting basically. As I cried she continuously expressed her love for me. Sister Medley is an example of a Christlike person hands down. She truly is a huge example to me and I love her to pieces! We both had a great day teaching! That day I was able to see the joy of missionary work since I had been struggling lately to see the good. Tuesday was an uplifting day! 

Wednesday was district meeting and as always I leave there spiritually uplifted and recharged. The rest of the day was a bit challenging. Not a lot of people answered their doors and were interested in talking with us. We did however put our investigator Kayd on date for baptism! Kayd is 10 and just a crack up. At the end of the meeting we asked Kayd if he would say the prayer and it brought tears to my eyes. He said this: "Thank you for sending me people to help me find the way. Please never leave me." A 10 year old! The gospel is good. 

Thursday...the most traumatic day of my life. HAIR EMERGENCY. So Wednesday night I decided I would bleach my hair to get it lighter. After I had done that I realized I had made a horrible mistake. My head was like five different colors. I had another box of hair dye that was red so I figured the red would even it out and fix it. I colored it that morning again and boy did I make a huge mistake. My hair was blotchy and funky. In the morning it didn't look to bad but throughout the day I began to realize that my head was actually orange. I looked like thanksgiving literally! I even matched my Halloween oreos! We had a stake meeting that night and there was no way I was showing up like that. So with the little time we had we ran to Walgreens to get hair dye and I ended up coloring my hair at a less actives home while Sister Labrum washed my head in the sink. After coloring my hair THREE time within 24 hours my head was so stiff. I had to put tons of coconut oil in my hair that night and woke up luckily with softer hair. Basically I'm lucky to have hair on my head. 

Another fun thing happened when we went to go visit an investigator. We knocked on the door and a lady answered. She had said that Troy was hooked on meth and broke into someone's home threatening them and went to jail. We really have the most interesting area ever. This week was a little slower for us and we dropped alot of people so it's been a challenge but when life gets rough, keep going! 

This week as I was studying in Preach My Gospel, I was looking into Christlike attributes. I studied faith one day and the story of David and Goliath. David blows me away at the great faith he had. There's a scripture is 1 Samuel 17:45 that says:

"Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied." 

David came in the name of the Lord. We have Goliaths in our lives that we have to face but we need to run at the Goliaths and have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. We doubt because Satan tells us that it's okay. Christ even said "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" 

I have a growing testimony of this gospel and in my Savior Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is my safe place in times where I may lack peace in my life. I know I can always turn to the Book of Mormon and be uplifted. 

This week is Sister Labrums birthday so her and I are going to party it up on Wednesday! I actually took her discussion for her so she didn't have to speak on her birthday haha. Also transfers are October 4th (my nine months mark)!

I love you all so much! Keep the faith. 

Love,

Sister Austin Miles ♡

1557 COLORADO GULCH 
HELENA, MT 59601

Montana Billings Mission 🇧🇿

Week 35

Zone Conference

why not jump on the bed?

Putting a squirrel out of its misery

Hey everyone!

Welcome to another exciting week in the life of Sister Miles. Helena
is full of smoke and it's residence are slowly withering away. The
inside of my lungs are probably black and everyone we talk to is
positive the end is near.

This week had it's ups and downs, but I would like to focus on the ups.

I got my haircut on Monday at the only salon open in town
due to Labor Day.  We were the only ones, along with the hairdresser
who started asking questions about the church! She said that she hoped
to see us around so we left her with our number and I'll probably go
back to get my hair done soon.

That night while driving around we saw this less active. we pulled over and Sister Labrum yelled "MICHAEL! COME OVER HERE!" And I am positive she scared him half to death since he had no idea who she was. But once he saw me hop out of the truck all was cool.

Tuesday we pretty much street contacted all day and no one was interested.

Wednesday we woke up early and dropped our car off at the body shop.
The Sisters from 6th Ward picked us up and we drove to Butte for zone
conference.

But zone conference was really great and uplifting. I learned a lot of
great stuff about helping people make and keep commitments and really
felt the Spirit.

The next 2 nights we stayed with some members, the Zullos, since their
house is in a central location and we could easily walk to most of our
appointments. At one point we were walking when I decided
I just really needed chocolate. We walked in a gas station when a
lady approached us and said she always wanted to met with missionaries
but her boyfriend was against it. They have since broken up and she
moved out. Also turns out we are teaching her sister and she lives
there too!

Thursday was really great. We had our first lesson with a new
investigator named Terry. We taught him the Restoration and he told us
he could feel the Holy Ghost telling him what we said was true. Sister Labrum
invited him to be baptized and before she finished the sentence he said
yes and set a date for October 14th!

That night we met this man Sister Labrum and I now call "Spiritual
Scott". The conversation started off normal as we talked about Christ,
faith, and all that good stuff. Then he started going on about child
birth and crying and it was really weird. At one point he started
telling me how beautiful I was and then he turned to Sister Labrum
and said "And you have really bad acne." A sentence which really
boosted her fragile self esteem. And we keep running into him! Like
everywhere! It's super weird.

Friday was rough and a day that I don't want to go into detail about
but some events from the day include guys rolling joints in the
library and finding a member of our ward on the side of the road
drunk.

We got our truck back early that evening and were able to go back to
our house. The next morning we were greeted by the Nielson's cats, who
brought us a mangled ground squirrel, still alive and writhing in
pain. We couldn't just let it suffer. I suggested we crush its head to put it out of its misery, but Sister Labrum suggested a more humane approach. So we put it in a trash bag and tied it to our exhaust pipe. Afterwords we held a funeral service for the rodent in its grave of pine cones.

That day we also taught Steve. Missionaries have been meeting with him
for a long time and he's never gotten completely on board with the
entire gospel yet. We asked him if he believed the church was true. He
said that he's read the Bible and from what he can gather, we have the
closest organization to what Christ established when he was on the
earth, but he wasn't sold that we were in fact, the same church Christ
established. Sister Labrum asked him if he believed Joseph Smith was a prophet and he said yes, in which Sister Labrum rebutted "If Joseph Smith was a prophet, then isn't this Christ's church established on the earth today? The one, true church?" In which he reasoned "I guess you're right. guess that means I need to get baptized now. I'll pick a date and tell you next week." And he went on his way.

Libby came to church on Sunday! She told us she was only going to stay
for Sacrament Meeting but ended up staying all 3 hours and she loved
it! She said she was definitely going to come back and that church
inspired her to clean her house more.

But Sunday was also pretty rough. We had a rapid succession drop fest
of people telling us they were no longer interested in meeting with
us. Including one investigator who we couldn't get a hold of for 2
weeks. She came to church and we stopped by her house that night, in
which she yelled thorough the door that if we ever stopped by again
she would call the cops on us. We're not sure what happened to make
her feel that way but it was definitely heartbreaking.

I love you! 

Love,
Sister Austin Miles ♡