2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." As Paul exclaims here how he has endured well throughout his ministry.. I now know how he felt as I am now having those feelings of excitement and fulfillment. 

These last 2 years there have been a lot of opportunities for me to really have my "faith and patience tried..." as it talks about in Mosiah 23:21-22. I have seen that scripture be manifested in my daily life, and can safely say that my level of patience has gone from Here to Here. (Just imagine a big gap between my arms.)

Another thing that I feel I have improved on is my ability to teach and speak.  Especially on-the-spot kind of things. It just made me realize the importance of obtaining knowledge, so that when times like that pop up, the spirit will have something to draw from our well of knowledge, instead of coming up dry. That will definitely be something that I will continue to improve throughout my life, but I really feel like I have gotten a big head start in that because of my mission. 

From the MTC to the airplane ride coming to the Philippines, to the different companions to the very... unique, apartments. The journey of becoming  a leader for over half my mission; and to learning from and teaching to all those around me. From the homesickness and physical sickness to insanely hot days to the days where the rain was pouring so hard we couldn't even work. To the funky foods I ate and all the great and amazing people that I met. To all the baptisms I was blessed to be a part of and the rescuing of those lost souls. I have seen so many miracles in my mission and have been blessed to serve here in such a wonderful country - The Philippines. 

Looking back on these last 2 years, it feels almost like a dream. There has been SO MUCH that has happened, yet it doesn't even feel like it all happened. I remember it all as if it were a dream. That is why I have really learned and come to understand the importance of keeping a journal. Without my journal I would probably have forgotten almost 1/2 my mission and those experiences, in detail. Thank GOODNESS I was diligent in keeping an updated journal! 

As my mission now comes to a close, I can look forward with confidence, and look back with happiness and a feeling of peace and fulfillment, that the Lord is in charge, and as long as He is first in my life, all other things will fall in place. I know He loves us! This is His work. He guides each and every one of us by the Holy Ghost. I know that this Church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is the truest book on earth and that through the power of the spirit, Joseph Smith translated it. I know that out of pure love, Jesus Christ gave His life for the salvation of Mankind. I love this Church, and I love LIFE!!! 

I love my family! I am SUPER excited to see them again in 3 days. 

Love you all!!

Stay True!!!!

Elder Walstad 

Final baptisms of my 2 year mission in the Philippines

HOLY COW! This is my last full week here in the Philippines! Like... Whaaaaaa?! It's pretty cray cray. This past week was a good one though - we had 2 baptisms. Which are my final baptisms for my mission. It is great to see my goal, of achieving at least 1 more baptism before I go home, was achieved! Also, during this week, actually the day of the baptism, was probably one of the BEST days of my whole mission! We saw some amazing things happen.

I have really been enjoying my time out in San Bernardo.. even though at first I was a little worried about getting transferred there.. it has actually become one of my favorite areas. The members are very lovable, and the area has so much potential! It's sad to hear that the missionaries in the past hadn't done anything to help the area progress, so there has been a big gap the past year or so.. but I have definitely been doing my best ,to put to use all the skills I have learned these last 2 years, to help this area progress again! 

Earlier this week, the day of the baptism, while we were out working, I had the thought "How can I go home right now when there is so much progress that I want to see through!" or "How is it fair that I need to go home now that I am THIS good.." hehe - it's totally the cliche thing to say, but its so true! It really is what comes in mind at the end of the mission!

But the day of the baptism was great! We had our baptism in the chapel that is 35 minutes away riding a Tricy. So that was interesting.. carrying 12 of us over a bridge and through the town to the church for the baptism, but it ended up working out ok, and it was a great baptismal service! We even had a piano for the music! Which is a huge thing here... hehe. Plus - I was the baptizer! Which was special for me since it was my final baptism here in the mission.

After the baptism, we went back to our area and went out and while we were working, we contacted a couple of new Less-Actives. One is a young women, and her parents are not yet members. So we sat down and her Dad seemed to be a little angry, but the mother was very nice and inviting from the beginning. We tried our best to have an effective BRT with them, which I feel was one of the best BRT'ing I've done my whole mission! I definitely recognized the Lord's hand in helping me in that moment. Then we shared with them, and throughout the lesson, the mother kept tearing up. We taught from Mosiah 23:21-22. About Trials. Even though they aren't members, we were able to use the BOM as our reference, and the spirit was so very strong during that lesson. After the lesson, we invited Nanay (The mother) to pray for us, and after her prayer, she just broke down and started to cry. She explained to us how happy she was that we were there and that we took the time to teach them and get to know them. Both Elder Elicay and I could feel how she felt, and that was one of the more special lessons I have had my whole mission. 

Also, I was totally blessed with the gift of tongues during that lesson. I was able to fluently explain in Tagalog, and discern all their needs and answer all their questions,without missing a beat. I definitely said a quick prayer of thanksgiving after that! #Endofmissionexperiences

Also, on Sunday - both my companion and I were asked to be speakers, right on the spot. We only had 35 people at church because it was raining all morning - and if it is raining on a Sunday morning out here in the Philippines, chances are 50-75% of the members, even the active ones, won't go to church. I'm not quite sure why,  but that is what happens! So we spoke, then I also had to teach Elder's Quorum which was fun... the topic was on Eternal Marriage, which I found out - is VERY difficult to teach in Tagalog! haha. I had some struggles teaching that topic in Tagalog.. but I feel like overall I did a good job and the few people who were there understood me. 

So I am very excited for this last week! It is going to go by SO fast! I feel like I won't have enough time to say goodbye to everyone I want to, and teach everyone I want to, and pack everything, and find more new investigators, and yeah... it's just gonna FLY by!  It'll be good.

Well, I love you all! I hope you all have a good week! The final week in July! #1weeknalang!

Stay True!

See you all soon

Elder Walstad

The Adventure of the Ceiling construction... #2 weeks

"Once there were 2 missionaries who lived in a decent apartment that was owned by a VERY nice landlord, named Chris. One day, Chris called these 2 missionaries and informed them that he would be having some renovations done to the house. The missionaries agreed that it was a good idea and allowed the Landlord to instruct the carpenters to start constructing the ceiling. However... very quickly the missionaries realized how bad of an idea it was to have those people in the house working on ceiling... blocking off the entrance to the bathroom and kitchen. These missionaries did, however, quickly learn the wonderful virtue of patience and Charity. ;)" 

     So this week we had some carpenters constructing the rest of the ceiling in our house... and when they started, they came at the worst time. We hadn't showered yet, and we hadn't eaten yet, and their scaffolding had blocked off both our bathroom and kitchen, so we were unable to even go pee, and cook our breakfast/lunch. So we had to really exercise patience that first day until they finished enough that we could move around enough to at least shower and go out. It is looking nice though, so although it was bad timing/planning, eets okay. ^.^ We took that time to talk to them. Kind of. They were busy, so it was difficult to talk to them sometimes. But they were very nice! 

     One thing that has really made me already miss this area is our current GOLDEN investigator. She is 15 years old, (Her name is Glenda) and at first we thought she was just listening because of "The American.." but as we have been returning and teaching her, she has opened up to us and told us how she has been really curious for a while now of what it is exactly we do as missionaries, and what we believe as "Mormons." She is also retaining EVERYTHING we are teaching her like a sponge, which makes teaching her VERY enjoyable, and she is one of the few investigators that I have had in my mission that has shown such an interest and continued to listen and learn and follow through with our commitments.

     We also have 2 baptisms this coming weekend! We had the interviews this past Saturday, and it is one youth (13 years of age) and one primary (9 years of age.) I was very hesitant to teach the primary at first, because if there is not a lot of support from the parents/grandparents, then it is almost better to just wait instead of just trying to get a #... rather waiting to baptize the SOUL; but he has gone to church every single week, and has great support from his grandmother and aunt. It has been fantastic! As well as our investigator who is a youth - her older sister is a Recent Convert and they are very active every week as well. So we are excited for this coming Saturday, and I will be the one baptizing. It will be a great way to end my mission! With a couple of Baptisms, and a Golden Investigator. 

     Also, CRAZY story!!!! So earlier this week, one of the "mayors" of the towns here was ambushed and was killed, along with her husband and 2 of her 3 kids... it is such a tragic story! I refused to believe it at first because that is just so evil.. but it is true. It is sad that even all the way out here in the "wilderness" of the Philippines, there are people who would still think to do those kinds of things. We are going to try and find the family members of those who were killed this coming week, and at least try to give them our condolences. It's such a tragic thing that happened. .. But How blessed are we that we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the fullness at that! And we know the Plan of Salvation, and how we will see all those who have passed on, again! #blessedtalaga

     Well, as the end nears, I am really trying to go out with a B A N G! I wanna make sure I leave behind a legacy that is good, that when people talk about "Elder Walstad," it's good things. That he helped this area really improve from what it had become. That was one of my few goals when I got here to this area, and I am seeing it fulfilled. The Lord really works Miracles. I believe that with 100% of my heart!

I LOVE SERVING A MISSION! 

Well........ I love you all! You are all amazing! Thank you for your love and support.

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

#3 weeks left.... A lot of progression in San Bernardo!

Well this week absolutely FLEW by. We had the chance to meet President Hiatt, shake his hand, and receive some training from both him and his wife.  Actually... what's funny is Sister Hiatt, when I first saw her, reminded me of Ellen Degeneres. She looks almost exactly like her! It's so funny! They will both really help this mission grow.  They have brought in a new set of skills and new views where the Cauayan mission will only continue to progress.  They are both very enthused about missionary work, and will do all they can do make sure that the Lords Gospel will continue to spread throughout the beautiful land of the Philippines! :) What's cool is they actually served a couple mission a year ago, in Manila. They hadn't even been home for 6 months when they got the call to serve, again, in the Philippines, but this time as a Mission President. They have really devoted their lives to this work, and you can really see it and feel it. 

After meeting them, we returned to our area, SAN BERNARDO, and we were surprised to see that some of the youth in our ward had some referrals for us. They actually brought them to the mutual activity talent show that they had on Friday. We were invited to be judges there, and it was great to see the youth bonding.. it reminded me of the days when I used to be a young man.. which is no more. hehe.

So in our area, it is one of the more "Dangerous" areas, so we have a curfew of 6:30 p.m.  We are supposed to be home before it gets dark. There have been some shootings and there are some crazy people, they say, so it is better that we go home earlier than later. The Lord has definitely protected us though, and as we are out doing His work, we will be blessed. But of course, we need to be obedient to those rules :) It's been awesome though, to see the progression in our area. It has been struggling for the past year or so, but I really have felt that I was sent to this area to help it take off again, which it has! I have also been helping our members have more hope and be more positive, and this past week, during our counsel meeting, I could really feel the difference in everyone's attitudes. It was great! :) It really made me happy.. seeing the members working together, wanting to help the branch continue to grow. 

We have 2 baptismal interviews this weekend, so we are excited for that! That was one of my final goals in the mission, to get at least 1 more baptism (Which was a big challenge, considering I was getting transferred to a new area..) but seeing it be completed is awesome! It just shows how hard work pays off, and the Lord will bless us in our endeavors as long as they be good. We have also been trying to help rescue those lost members... which has definitely been more of a struggle. We will definitely be working along with the branch leaders these next few weeks in making an effective plan to help bring back those members who have been lost. It'll be a good challenge! 

Final Companion - Elder Elicay

With Elder Elicay, the Branch President, and a YSA member

So a funny story... Saturday night, my companion and I had some leftovers from the night before (At the youth activity, we were given some food to bring home with us.) So we reheated our leftovers, and then made some mini pizzas as well. After eating the leftovers and finishing off the last off the pizzas, I was SO full. I could barely finish the last few bites of the pizza. I was to the point where if I put anymore food into my body, I would start gagging. However, my companion is a beast, and was still hungry! So as I was sitting there "whining" about the fullness I was experiencing, my companion turned to me and asked me "Do you want some fries?" It was totally random, and the funny thing was he was serious! Haha! It made me laugh so hard because I was so full, and he wanted to keep feeding me! We just had a good laugh... but at least you all know that I am definitely not starving here.. hehe. EVEN THOUGH we are out in the wilderness, somewhat.

Anywho, Love you all! The church is true, and Pizza is super yummy.

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

With Elder Valdez for the last time

San Bernardo... The wilderness area. #4 weeks left...

Happy 4th of July to every body... and their dogs! So far so good out here in San Bernardo. The area is finally starting to show some great potential. Actually this past Sunday we had some leaders come from the Stake to inform our branch that the San Bernardo Branch is now the new focus of the Tuguegarao South Stake. They are really putting their focus on bringing back Priesthood. There are a potential 79 Less-active priesthood holders that we can help return. It is a big task, but it is VERY doable. There is just a lack of positivity among the members, most especially with the Priesthood holders that are active. Which is difficult to deal with. When they speak negatively about a situation, or say that something is impossible... everyone else believes them. So I spoke up after one of the leaders said how hard it will be.. I just said "We need to stay positive and have Faith, and the Lord will bless us." It kind of humbled the one who said the negative things.. #powerofthespirit.

While we have been putting a heavy focus on rescuing Less-active members, we have been trying to bring some balance into our work by finding new investigators. We have been blessed this week with 5 new investigators, and one of them is a part member family.. so we are hoping to teach the rest of the family this coming week. Their mother is the member, and has been less-active/inactive for the past 20+ years; however, we had a powerful lesson on Faith, and we saw the fire spark in her eyes, again. So we are hoping that over the next few weeks her heart will soften and that she will attend church along with her family, before I leave! We also have a few progressing investigators with baptismal dates for the end of July. They are primary and youth age, but they have a lot of support and are super willing to listen, pray, read and go to church. It's great to see such youth progress so quickly through the gospel.  

Well...as most of you know, it was my birthday yesterday, and I am now 21 years old. That is kind of weird, but it's exciting! I'm now a legal adult! hehe. We also went to a super yummy burger joint today for my b-day lunch, and when I got the burger.. there was banana on it! I gotta tell you.. I really didn't expect that. Haha. I was super shocked, and I wasn't quite sure that it was gonna be good... but it was actually good! I will definitely be encouraging everyone back home to try putting a banana on their next cheeseburger. (Make sure you boil it first ;) Not raw..) Also, another thing that is interesting here in the Philippines... when it is your birthday, you will treat everyone else to a meal, or you will make food, or do something.. but whatever you do, you treat others.  Unlike back home, it's your day to be treated. Hehe - it's very different here! So everyone was asking me what I was going to prepare for them.. and I had no idea.. haha. But I will be bringing some ice-cream for them maybe, just so they feel like they are loved. 

Sooo... as I near my last days here in the mission, I have felt more and more of an urgency to help my area the best I can. It's been a challenge, but definitely something that I have been enjoying. We also have a new mission president right now, President Hiatt. President Rahlf is now back in America, touring around the states visiting all their family that they have missed for the last 3 years. President Hiatt seems like a great man, and I am excited to learn from him (Even though it will only be for 4 weeks.) I know that he will do a great job in helping this mission continue to grow and progress.

Well I love you all! Hope you have a super duper great independence day! 

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

p.s - sorry I don't have pics this week... next week I will remember my camera. 

New/Final area

Well, this past week has flown by. This past week, a lot has happened. It's crazy that I have been transferred to a new area only to "die" there in, now, 5 weeks.

So my new area is up near Tugeugarao City... which is the hottest place in the Philippines.. one of the hottest places in Asia! So pretty much, moral of the story, it's hot; however our apartment is pretty nice. It stays cool throughout the whole day, so when we get back after work, it's not too miserable. We are also super far from everything, so we have to buy all of our groceries and then cook all of our meals ourselves. It's kind of annoying, but it's a good thing to get used to, since it can get super expensive to eat out. My area is called San Bernardo, and it is a small branch. Actually there are almost 300 members there, but only 40-60 are active. It's a big challenge, but one that I am excited to continue to help our branch tackle. We have also been trying to find some more investigators, but a lot of the people out there are very hard-hearted and hard headed. (Their ulo's and puso's are matigas.) 

We actually contacted one man who, when we talked to him, told us that he had already been taught by the missionaries before, and that he already knows everything.. however he doesn't believe that there is one true religion, so he doesn't belong to any religion. We invited him to go to church and he immediately rejected our invitation. A lot of the people we have tried to invite have been very blunt in rejecting us. So that has been a difficult struggle, but as it says in the scriptures, to not fear man. So we'll keep goin! 

I am also the first American/foreigner to be assigned in San Bernardo in 3 years! It's fun though.. There are a lot of people who want to talk to me just because I am white.. haha. So we try to use that as a way to get our message in. Somehow. 

Not too much else has happened so far this week. It will be crazy though.. President Rahlf goes home this Thursday. We will officially have a new Mission President this weekend. Then I will be turning 21! WOO!!! Where has the time gone? I'm not sure, but I'm just tryin' to make the most of what I have left :)

Sorry this email is a little shorter than normal, but next week I will have a lot more to say, and I will have pictures of our apartment :) 

I do want to share, quickly, something I learned from my studies this week.. I have been studying about Jesus Christ more, while reading both the New Testament and Jesus The Christ. It's super interesting how even when he would tell those he had healed or helped to not say anything, they would almost always go and tell everyone! Sometimes that meant that Jesus Christ would have to leave the cities because all his "haters" would try to find him to persecute him. I have also been thinking a lot about the atonement and how important it is for each and every single one of us. That would definitely be my challenge for each and every one of us.. to study the atonement more, and try to obtain a deeper understanding of what it really means for us, as children of our Heavenly Father.

I hope you all have a fantastic week!

Stay True!

Elder Walstad    

Transferred, again

Well, earlier today we received the list of those missionaries who will be transferred in our zone, and there were only 2 names on there; and my name was one of those two. I didn't believe it at first, so we called the AP's to confirm it.. haha. It's true. I'm gonna be transferred! It's kind of crazy that I only have 6 weeks left and I will be transferred to a brand new area, only to "die" there. I'll make sure to go out strong! Give it my all. 

Earlier this week, we had our final training/meeting with President and Sister Rahlf. During the meeting they taught us about the Atonement, and they helped us realize not only how important and sacred the Atonement is, but how necessary it is for our salvation, and how much we really do not yet understand, and probably will not understand until the veil is lifted from our minds. 

Also, during our final meeting with President and Sister Rahlf, they did their "famous tie cutting/cloth cutting ceremony," where they cut the ties of the Elders and Cloth's of the sisters before they go home; however, they are the ones going home, so they cut everyone's ties. Hehe. It was a special moment :) And they are going to combine everyone's pieces and make a big quilt. How cool is that?! They are just the best. They will be missed so much!

So on Sunday, we went and attended my old branch (Mallig) Which was my first area. It was so great to see everyone again! It was funny, some of them thought I was going to be transferred back there.. hehe. I just told them I was just visiting. It was so fantastic too, because a lot of the baptisms I had there, they are still active, and some of them have, either, gone to the temple or are going! It is such a great feeling to see your converts progressing and becoming stronger in the Church.

OH yeah, and we had a BAPTISM THIS WEEK! It was SO great :) It was Katheryn, and she was probably one of the most difficult investigators to teach, but in the end she followed through, and her desire to be baptized was stronger than her shyness. WOO! It was a great service, and she was super happy. It was a great feeling to watch her as she went under the water, then came back up. Even though at first we weren't sure if it would happen, seeing her become a member of the true church brought a feeling of peace (very much needed peace, since she had tried our patience more time than I can count.) to my heart. 

Well, this last cycle has just FLOWN by, and it's hard to believe I have 1 more left. Time to go out with a B A N G!

Love you all! 

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

Interviews and Baptismal Interview Success!

So we had our Quarterly interviews with President Rahlf this week. It is all of our final interviews with him, since he will be going home in like 17ish days. I always love having interviews with President Rahlf. He is so smart, and I always learn a lot from him. He is a very wise man. I will miss him a lot, but I am excited for our new mission President, President Hyatt. (I'm not positive about the spelling... haha.) And I don't think he is the same as Hyatt hotels.

During our interviews, we were challenged to pick a Christ-like attribute to focus on, and so I have decided to focus on Knowledge. While I was deciding on what attribute to work on, I was reading in D&C and I read the verse that talks about the advantage we will have if we obtain greater knowledge in this life. So that is something I will be working hard on, to increase. Not only towards the end of my mission, but of course, the rest of my life.

So we have an investigator (Katheryn), who we call Kat-Kat. (I always call her Kit-Kat.. hehe) Anyway, we had scheduled katkat's interview for Saturday, and when we went there Friday to teach her, she refused to pray. She is a very very very shy person, to the point where we will sit there for an hour trying to convince her to pray/read. So we told her that she had 5 minutes to pray, and if she didn't pray, we would leave and come back later that night and try again. She didn't pray so we left. We called that night and asked her if she would pray and she said no. So we thought that we would have to move her baptism, since she isn't prepared yet; however, we felt that we should give her one more chance on Sunday. So Saturday night, we went to teach her, and after working alongside her sister (Joan), she prayed AND read. We were Ecstatic! 

The interview continued on Sunday, and she passed! So we have a baptism this coming Saturday. We are so excited, and so glad that we listened to the small prompting to give her a "3rd strike." Also, on Sunday - our "Golden Investigator Family" attended Church for the 2nd time in a row! They came late, so when we got there early, we started to get sad because it had been an hour and they still hadn't showed up. So as we were getting ready to go inside, I saw them pulling up on the Tricy, and I couldn't help but jump and shout for joy! Haha. They probably thought I was a little crazy, but it was the BEST feeling to see them come to church. We also had a few Less-Actives finally come to church, after helping bring them back for a few weeks now. 

We also attended a baptism in our zone. The San Pedro Elders. It has been almost a year since their last baptism, so it was a special time for those members. But, crazy/funny story, when we pulled up, some of their young women were outside, and when they saw me, they literally screamed at the top of their lungs and came running towards me begging me to take pictures with them. Haha. Good times.. haha. 

The time is flying by so fast. It's hard to believe that this cycle is going to be ending in a week. I know that as long as I go out giving my all, there won't be any regrets, and I'll be able to enjoy these last weeks. 

I love you all! Have the best week ever!

Stay True

Elder Walstad

Golden Investigator and Final MLC with President Rahlf.

There are a lot of big changes coming up this month! One of them is President Rahlf will be going home! He leaves June 30th, and our new Mission President, President Hyatt, will be replacing him. President Rahlf took some time to talk to us about the "Passing of the Baton" during our MLC. He pleaded with us and told us that "If we love President and Sister Rahlf, that we will love and switch out loyalty to President and Sister Hyatt." The spirit was really strong in that moment, and I could really feel the love that President and Sister Rahlf have for each and every one of us missionaries. As sad as it is that President Rahlf will be leaving soon, it is exciting to be here, even though it's only a month, and experience changing mission presidents. 

President and Sister Rahlf also taught us about being women and men of God, and how, especially in this day and age, we have to be diligent in following the commandments of God and "Being a light on a hill that cannot be hid." "Letting our light so shine before all men." (3 Nephi 12:14-16) Our examples will be more and more important as we approach the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The world will only worsen, but we can, as Latter-Day saints, improve and be better. We can continually strive to become more like Jesus Christ. "Be in the world, but not of the world." 

So for the past few weeks, we have been really trying to improve our relationship with our branch. So one thing we have been doing is trying to have them work with us. Earlier this week, we texted the second counselor in the branch presidency, and invited him to come work with us in one of our further areas. When we got there, our first lesson was with one of our Recent Converts, and during our lessons, she opened up to us and told us how she doesn't really have a strong testimony of President Monson.. but she believes that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. The member that we worked with, President Amaro, is So smart! He used the bible to answer all of her questions, which was perfect since before she became a member, all she used was the bible. The lesson was about an hour or so, and I have to say that I probably learned more from President Amaro than our Recent Convert did! Then after that lesson, we went and contacted a referral which we received from the sisters a few weeks ago. After talking to that Nanay, we decided to teach about families, and then the spirit was super strong! 

At the end of the lesson, we invited her (Nanay Venjita) to pray. At first she refused, because she was shy, but after the member we were with, took some time to explain to her the importance of praying - She prayed! It was just a very short and simple prayer, but it was powerful! Then we invited to her go to church, and yesterday, she was one of the first people to show up! Then, one of the members in our branch is a really good friend with her, and when they saw each other, she had an immediate fellowshipper. As well as with her son - one of the young women is his classmate, so it worked out perfectly. 

This past week, we have gained 7 more new investigators, and the work in our area has improved So much! It has been such a huge blessing to see all these people that the Lord has prepare for us. We are hoping that our baptism will also continue this coming June 18th. We will see! 

Well, I love air conditioning and doing pushups! 

Love you all! have a Great week!

Stay True!

Elder Walstad 

Last week of May, 2016..

Well this week has really flown by. Every day was SOBRANG MAINIT! (Super hot) But Elder Marano and I have fun together. We have a lot of good laughs and we are seeing a lot of progression in our area right now, so that is a big thing that encourages us to go out in the heat. 

We had one day where we walked to an area (Almost one hour) on a path without any shade, then we walked about another hour back (No shade again) and I was Soaking wet from sweat. It was probably some of the most I have sweat EVER. I could have taken my clothes and wrung them out. 

So this past week we have had another pair of Elder staying at our apartment. (Elder's Lechoco and Igleski.) Their apartment is currently under renovation, so they don't have a home right now.. so we have been keeping them at our house. It's been fun. We play some Uno at night.. and just tell some stories, jokes, etc. We have a lot of laughs :) Laughing is the bestest.

We had splits this week with the AP's. That was fun. I always learn a lot on splits. It's great because it helps me see what I am doing well at, and the things that I need to improve. During our splits, (I was with Elder Navarro) we contacted a house, and it turned out to be a GOLDEN family. The Nanay, Tatay and their 2 children were so intrigued the whole time. They even prayed at the end of the lesson, and committed to go to Church. Every time that we teach a family like that - that are so willing to listen to us, and then commit to follow our invitations, just gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. 

Earlier this week we also made "Chicken and Waffles," but instead of waffles it was pancakes. Super masarap! (Super delicious). 

Also, my companion and I are practicing with our young single adult members to sing in the choir during our District Conference. It's funny... I'm the only one there who can hit the low bass notes.. so they are all depending on me to hit those notes, with strength and volume. So that's been fun.. haha. I never thought I would sing in front of other people like that.. but I guess the mission helps us overcome our fears/weaknesses. 

In my studies this week I have been trying to finish D&C, and I have been studying a lot about the second coming and about other "Deeper" gospel topics.. and it's been interesting to see how many signs have been fulfilled, and it makes me want to really make sure I am prepared for the future... it's going to get pretty intense, but I know that as long as I am living in a way that I can have the spirit with me, it'll be all good in the hood! "If you are prepared, you shall not fear." :)

Anyways, I love good food, and Root beer; but there isn't good root beer here.. it's too bad. 

Love you all! 

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

A hot week. A funny week. A week of Allergy attacks. Yay.

This past week, we had a dinner appointment every night. #Blessing. I definitely have a strong testimony about dinner appointments and missionary work. (Alma 8:19-22) They are so necessary, and the relationship between the missionaries and the members increases one hundred fold. 

We also had a baptismal interview this week up in my first area! It was cool to go back and actually interview the Sister who, when I was there, didn't want to even be taught by the missionaries. Now she has been baptized and confirmed. It's so great to see how over time people's hearts soften and they accept the gospel into their lives. BUT! FUNNY STORY - As I started the interview off, i started to feel some allergies come on. I wasn't sure if they had a cat or not. So I just continued on, but 1/2 way through asking questions, I really started feeling it. My eyes watered like crazy, my nose stuffed up and I could barely focus. Luckily I was able to finish the interview before i started to have a sneezing fit. Then I had to run to a nearby store to buy some tissue so I could blow my nose. That was fun... and it turns out that those members have 2 cats. So that's exciting. I love cats! (I'm just kidding. I'm being sarcastic ^.^) So that was definitely one of the most interesting interviews I have ever given. 

Also, there was another time while I was praying to start a lesson, I said something that, for some reason, struck both mine and Elder Marano's funny bones. I could barely say Amen without laughing. So here, we call older ladies NANAY, which means grandma or "old lady" kind of. Anyways, during the prayer I said "We're grateful for the time we have to teach Sister...Nanay..." And then I just cracked up. Then She asked me why I was laughing, and I just told her "sorry, I just messed up." She didn't catch it, but it was hilarious. #Awkwardprayer

(Elder Marano)

Finally - during my studies this week, I have been really focusing on studying JTC along with the New Testament, and I have really gained such a deeper understanding of the importance of the teachings of Jesus Christ - Especially in Chapter 6 and 7. I have also been reading through D&C and it has really helped me appreciate Joseph Smith's life even more. My testimony of Joseph Smith is rock solid. I have no doubt whatsoever that he was and is a true prophet of God. And that he was lead and chosen to help restore the true church to the earth in these, The Latter-Days. 

Well, I hope you all have a fantastic week! I love you all!

Stay True!

Elder Walstad

Transfer Week/Mother's day

Well Mother's day has come and gone, and it was great to have some time to skype with my family. It is crazy. Everyone has changed. Some more than others. Madilyn is kind of the same.. maybe a little more matured. Kassidy looks more mature and taller! Sydnee and Afton have probably changed the most. They are growing up so fast! (Literally.) I think I definitely have the most gorgeous sisters ever. And of course my parents are still looking young and beautiful as ever. ;)

Earlier this week we had Transfers. I got a new companion, Elder Marano. He is a brand new ZL, so I am training him right now. I'm taller than him. Of course.. So that's a +.

Also earlier this week we had Air Conditioning installed in our apartment, so now, pretty much, our apartment is just full of happiness. (And cold air)

We had our Zone meeting earlier this week and we taught about Prayer. It was a great topic to focus on, and it really helped me realize how important prayer is. How important that relationship is that we have with our Heavenly Father. Sometimes when we pray, especially the people here, they sometimes forget that our prayers are aimed towards our Father in Heaven, through the name of Jesus Christ. When we are praying, we are strengthening that relationship we have with our Father. President Rahlf shared an interesting thought about that. He said "Heavenly Father is all powerful. All knowing. Busy. Yet, he created us. His Children. And he takes the time, and wants us to turn to him in prayer. He wants to hear from us. How are days are. What we are grateful for. The things we need. How blessed are we to have such a loving Father in Heaven?" When he said that, it really clicked with me of how important prayer is, and when we teach members or investigators, we need to make sure we are showing them that we believe that through our example. 

I'm not quite sure where I would be right now without prayer. I have said some of the most heartfelt prayers and some of the most genuine prayers here in my mission. I have a testimony that our prayers are heard and answered. Not always in our timing, but they are answered. As long as we are doing our part. Just like Gordon B Hinckley said "Pray as if it all depends on the Lord, then do all you can as if it all depends on you." Something along those lines.. :)

We have 4 new investigators, and 5 more on the way (hopefully) who we will be giving baptismal dates to this next week. So we are hoping that everything will turn out ok and that we will be blessed to save 9 more souls, at least, through the sacred covenant of baptism! 

Also, during my personal studies this week, I have been really studying 2 Nephi 4, and the more I read that, the more I feel the urgency that Nephi felt, to be better and improve, and to give our all to our Heavenly Father. 

Well, I love you all! Have a great fantastic week full of Kaligayahan and kabaitan. ;)

Stay True!

Elder Walstad