March 14, 2016

HEY YA'LL WOW WOW WOW!!! This week has been crazy with everything from
getting my "energy" read by a lady on the street during a contact to
watching people get chased by Zombies at 12:30PM. Terrassa is soooooo
good!! And Elder Islas is the greatest!!!!!!! This week has been jam
packed, full of miracles and just absolutely amazing! Elder Islas and
I really get along well and are thoroughly enjoying working together.
Elder Islas and his old companion had a pretty tough time here and
worked hard but just really didn't see too much success and that has
changed big time lately. We started off the week working hard and
EVERYONE shut us down super hard, people yelling at us and such haha,
but we pushed forward! Then at about Thursday the Lord just started
giving us Miracle after miracle and somehow we tripled the numbers
they had been getting on average for the past several months. For
example, they had been averaging 8-10 other lessons taught to
investigators and 4-5 new investigators per week, and this week we
taught 29 other lessons and found 12 new investigators! It was soooo
amazing!!
Elder Islas and I have really clicked and we have a ton of fun and are
working harder than I've ever worked before in my mission, I'm
absolutely exhausted but it's good! Elder Islas is from Dallas, Texas
and reminds me of a combination of Uncle Ben and Ian! We loves Legos
and drawing but also is super funny and loves to longboard. He's one
of the most Christlike people I've met and very humble. He's a convert
of three years and is Nicaraguan/Mexican/Filipino and super nice.
So on Saturday night we say our prayers and law down in bed when
suddenly we heard a loud commotion outside, then someone running and a
bunch of people screaming. So we look out of the window of our
apartment and there's ALL these people dressed up in Zombie costumes
and chasing people around the whole city, IT WAS LEGIT. I guess the
city of Terrassa set up this game of Zombie Survival and it went all
night Saturday to Sunday morning, and EVERYONE was soooooo loud! There
was some type of base or something below our apartment so it was like
nearly impossible to sleep. Sunday was a very long day haha.......not
being able to sleep as a missionary is killer, because you have no way
of catching up or napping, it's just go go go go! Elder Islas and I
are still recuperating from not being able to sleep that night.
Really things are soo great here, the Ward is small but strong and I
actually know the Bishop from before! His name is Obipso Leo Ferro and
he is from Argentina, he is the fixer man for the church in this area
and for our mission so he was always working on the chapel in
Barcelona and so I had actually talked to him several times before. In
Sacrament he announced to the ward over the pulpit, "Ward we are sooo
blessed! This week we received Elder Miller and he is amazing!!" And
said some really sweet things, he reminds me of Dad in the way he runs
the ward and acts! He's the best, and also my Mission Leader in the
ward is super great and on top of things. This ward is super great and
I'm super excited!
This week I've been working on relying on the Savior to give me
strength in all I do and I've realized that he doesn't just make up
the difference in our faults, but he really gives us everything and we
wouldn't be able to do anything without him. His grace can help us in
everything we lack. I've felt a little frustrated a couple times when
I need to teach something and my mind just blanks or I somehow
suddenly forget how to speak Spanish(or it seems), but as I've relied
on the Savior, words have come and I've been able to testify of gospel
truths. This gospel can bless everyone, no matter their situation,
place or mindset.
I remember talking to my Dad before my mission about how I can really
make a difference for the world and others during my life and he told
me something that will forever stick with me, "Austin, the BEST way we
can ever help someone truly better their lives and make the world a
better place is to share the gospel with others". I testify that this
is true, I know that there are lots of things we can do to help others
but as we share the Gospel with others that is the best thing we can
EVER do to help our fellow men. I invite you all to think about ways
you can share the Gospel and be bold in doing it! You will better your
own life by doing so and undoubtedly bless the lives of those you
share the gospel with. I love you all so much and hope you can do
this! Have a great week and open your mouth and share the Gospel!
-Elder Miller



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