Bye Bye Kasama! (Kasama = companion)

Well, it's official. My companion, Elder Tadeo, is going home.  He goes back to Manila on Wednesday, but leaves for the mission home tomorrow. So I will be companion-less for a day and a half. I feel like this cycle has just flown by. It really feels like we just became companions yesterday. I have really learned a lot from him, and I will miss him a lot - but he has finished his two years strong, and it's an exciting time for him!

Earlier this week, we had our Leadership counsel meeting, and President Rahlf taught something that really brought tears to my eyes. The Spirit was so strong. There was no denying that what he taught was true. He told us how Satan has pre-emptive strikes, and counter attacks.  With Pre-emptive strikes, he tries to strike right before we have a spiritual experience, or when we will have something good happen. And Counter attacks, which is right after having a good experience, or spiritual experience, he will attack us.  Satan is very real, and very powerful... but Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are more powerful.  He said, (And don't quote me on this) "Satan has power on us, but NOT OVER us." It's so true - our agency gives us the choice of whether or not we will follow or listen to those temptations.  It hit me so strong, and really made me want to strive harder to NEVER give that power to Satan.  

I am enjoying this mission, fo sho! It's hard, but the feeling of fulfilment and the rewards/blessings are so great, that the 2 years of struggle/growth will be MORE than worth it. 

I know that this Church is True, and I KNOW that Jesus Christ, our Saviour and brother, loves us, and knows us personally. 

Have a great week!
Stay True

Elder Walstad

(Teaching an English class)