Wow, talk about a full week of awesomeness

So there were so many awesome things that went down this week! We had an amazing leadership council with Elder Schwitzer of the Seventy (He spoke in this last General Conference btw...), then the next day we had an awesome Zone Conference, then just earlier today we went to BANAUE RICE TERRACES!!!!!!!!! It is one of the wonders of the world! And when you see the pictures, you will understand why :D 

So first of all, our amazing leadership council... it was so amazing because he gave us so many wonderful tips on how to become a better leader. Some of those tips include - "Seek to inspire, not to impress." "Simplify your life, so that your tasks you have to do don't dilute your ability to concentrate." And one of my favorites was "Have INTEGRITY and PREDICTABILITY." I thought those were super interesting, and I have been trying to apply those things into being a Zone Leader. It's helped for sure, and I know that it will help me throughout the rest of my life!

Next we had our Zone Conference the next day, which was super great! We learned a lot about Repentance, and the role that it plays in the Plan of Salvation.  We also learned a lot about how to better use the scriptures both in teaching and while studying.  It has really helped me!!! One example that he used for the scriptures was when Nephi chastises his flippin' brothers because they are being so annoying... and he uses the scriptures to prove to them that what Lehi and Nephi have said is true. It isn't that we are here to prove, but really to inspire.... which is one of those Leadership attributes again ^.^ It's all comin' back in a full circle. Yup. SWEEEEET.

Also, to make the week even MORE AWESOMER, we went to the Banaue Rice Terraces.  It was unbelievably gorgeous.  It is nearly impossible to try and describe what it is like in words, and just pictures... but my attempt would be this. With the cool air and incredibly intricate sculpted rice terraces below you, it is so crazy COOL to be there and see the work that has been put into such an amazing work of art. Plus, the hike is flippin insane... it's SO steep, but it was So worth it. :) Yup.. that was kinda a summary of the Banaue Rice Terraces. ^.^ 

So, this week was awesome. More awesome weeks to come. I am going to be here in my area for another 8 weeks, so I am SUPER excited about that! It's gonna be awesome! #Blessed.

Have a super great week! 

Stay True

Elder Walstad