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
wow..
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