The gift of tongues

I saw a lot of miracles this week with the Gift of Tongues.  Since my current companion doesn't really know English at all, I am forced to speak Tagalog.  I have had many ups and downs with the language this last week for sure.  Some days I am fluent, and other days I have no idea what this language is. haha. But I have noticed that I am really starting to get this language down, and that through my Language study, and with being forced to use the language more, I am really starting to grow in my ability. It is amazing.  And I know that it is definitely the Spirit and the Gift of Tongues working in me; because of how much I have learned in just 2 weeks, and how much I feel like I have improved.  

Yesterday, we were teaching a lesson to our golden investigator family, and it was about the plan of salvation, and how we all have the wonderful opportunity to return to live with our Father in Heaven for Eternity, with our families. It started off kind of rough at the beginning, but after about 2 minutes, I just felt completely overcome by the spirit, and I was, literally, fluent.  It was AMAZING. I understood everything that they said to me, and I was able to explain everything in "depth" as well as answer all of their questions.  One question that they asked me that got me thinking was "I'm scared to die, because I'm worried that I won't make it paradise because of my sins. How can we make sure we go to paradise."  I thought for a second, and my answer was that, of course, everyone has sins.  There aren't any perfect people, but as long as we are striving to do our best, and to live righteously, following the commandments of God and always using the Atonement in our lives, the Lord will make up the rest.  We just need to do the best that WE can. 

The spirit was So incredibly strong during the lesson, and I am so grateful for that amazing experience.  They also told us that they are super ready to get baptized and become members, but they still need to go to Church.  Their desire is so strong, and I am so grateful for them and their strong spirits. 

We also had a special training earlier this week, and we were able to go to a "famous" restaurant in our mission, called Mrs. Bakers.  They serve quality, legit, American food. It was amazing!! I felt back at home a little bit :) So that was fun! And of course, as long as there is food involved, I'm totally down. 

I am so grateful for all of the love and support that I have, and I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I don't know what I would do without it. It brings me true happiness, and I'm glad that I have this chance as a missionary to share this happiness with the Filipino people. 

I love you all, and remember..

STAY TRUE!

Elder Walstad