#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