Elder Tanner Walstad: I'm a District Leader, and I'm "Training"

This week has been a crazy one full of so many changes. So on tuesday night, after Elder Maagad had already left, I went and slept over at the Zone Leaders Apartment. Around 8:30 President Rahlf called me, and told me that I have been called to serve as a District Leader. I was pretty excited actually. As stressful as being a leader can be, there are SO many opportunities to learn and grow, that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. I am so excited to watch myself grow even more. And being a leader also gives me the chance to not only serve the Filipino people, but all the other missionaries in my District. There is so much service goin on right now, and I keep thinking of the scripture Mosiah 2:17.

President Rahlf also told me that I will be getting a part-time missionary as a companion. I was a little confused about it at first, but when we arrived in Cauayan for Transfers, I met my new companion, Brother Bilog. He has his mission call right now, but since he doesn't leave for a while, he is getting a taste of what being a missionary will be like for the next 4ish weeks. Another FANTASTIC thing is Brother Bilog doesn't really speak or understand english... I was freaking out at first, and I was worried that it was just gonna be silent for the next 4 weeks. Haha. But actually, it has been the complete opposite. I feel like I have improved ten fold in my language skills, and I KNOW without a doubt in my mind that it is the Spirit and the Gift of Tongues. My testimony of the Gift of Tongues AND the Gift of the INTERPRETATION of tongues, has grown SO SO SO much. I am so grateful to have this chance to train because I am seriously improving so much in all aspects of everything. hehe.

I have also been having to lead my area, and start off the conversations on the street, and I feel like I have been blessed with so much courage and faith to be able to accomplish the things which the Lord would have me do. We actually talked to a lady a couple days ago, and she told me that "If I was blindfolded, and I could only hear your voice, I would think that you were a Filipino." And she kept telling me how fluent I sounded. haha. It was very nice of her to say that, and it helped me see that I really am improving. Line upon line, precept upon precept. I have been making a lot of mistakes though too, which sometimes is funny.

Being a missionary is such an amazing blessing, and I am so grateful for this time I have to be serving my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the Spirit which I have with me, and for all the things I am learning.

Have a fantasmasticle week errybody

Stay True,

Elder Walstad