It Was Good to See You

Hi,

So the week ended just peachy. There really isn't much to say after talking. It was good to see you all. Sunday was great, and Duilio a recent convert received the priesthood  Yesterday, we had divisions with the some elders from the quorum who are preparing for the mission. It's fun to be with the young elders and help them with their preparation. They remind me of me. Wow, am I glad that I decided right away to go on the mission because after it's a lot harder to make the decision.

One thing I noticed in the skype call was that Anna is looking so old. I couldn't believe it. Other than that I think everything has already been said. On Saturday I ran out of things to say, and right now I don't have much else except to say enjoy the New Year's celebrations.

Elder Walker

PS. Here's a picture of Jorge one of our fechas 

Bitter Sweet

Hi,

I just finished reading all my emails everyone sent me this week, and all I can say is that was one of the most bitter sweet experiences of my life. Seeing the pictures of my beautiful sister getting sealed in the temple and reading the words of the sealer gave me a more real image of the special moment that I missed. I'm excited to say that I wasn't too distracted the day of her wedding and worked the whole day without problems. But seeing the pictures today, I think it hurts more now than that day. Well, there's nothing I can do it about it now. It already happened... so it's time to get back to work....

Well last week was a pretty amazing week. We had a ton of miracles at church on Sunday. Jorge and Magarita both went to church, and they are our progressing investigators for now. They've gone two times and this last week they brought their grandkids. It was pretty awesome, and we thought about baptizing them this week, but with the holiday season the baptismal date fell through, but we're still optimistic for January. We also had a less active member go to church for the first time in 5 years. She's the daugter of an active member, and we've visited her just a few times and she unexpectedly walked in the door of the church. My comp and I just looked at each other and started to smile because it was honstly just a tender mercy. When the people want to repent, it is so much easier. 

Anyways in my studies I've been pondering about a scripture in Luke 9.

57 ¶And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

I love these verses. I feel like they apply so perfectly to my life right now. This is a time of year when the distraction of missing family Christmas and weddings and movies can turn the special joy of dedicated service to looking back with sorrow for the missed, if I'm not careful. I can't live like that. I won't live like that. I am happy. Every day is a new adventure the Lord literally walks with us, and I can feel His presence. I'm blessed with my companion; we talk, laugh, and enjoy the work. There is no where I would rather be. So don't worry about me. No sympathy needed here. Love you all so much and can't wait to talk with my family on Saturday and see their smiles and to show them mine.

Elder Walker

PS. We are so spoiled in my mission. Look at the awesome mission Christmas party we had!

Christmas is Coming

Hello,

So this last week was a physical test. The physical demands of the mission are pretty rough sometimes. Besides all the walking we do every day, on Tuesday we played soccer. But you have to understand, we played Latin style soccer. It was a holiday so we invited everyone to come and play with us. We had like 30 people show up, and we had to split up and go to a different field. Anyways we had two semi professional players, and we played in the middle of the day.Needless to say it was intense, and we all ended just dead tired. I was happy though because scored a pretty sick goal :) However, after I was so tired that I couldn't even walk after. My muscles were so sore that I almost cried from the pain. I hurt for the next few days. haha. 

I spent most of the week in pain, but we had a good week. Jorge and Margarita went to church with their son, and wow was it awesome!! Finally. The only other bad part of the week was when I threw up in the street, but I'm better now. 

Why should we think to earn a great reward if we now shun the fight. 

That's my spiritual though for y'all this week. I love the work and love the mission.  Even with Star Wars, wedding parties, and thrilling sporting events going on back home, the mission is still better and the reward eternal. I'm going to stay in my sector for another 6 weeks. Love you so much! 

Best of luck Chloe and Joe at their wedding this week.

Happy B day Clay! Love you big guy!

Elder Walker

PS. I attached a little bit of proof. Walking more than ever.

Chile Santiago Oeste

Hola!

Well things are super groovy over here on the other side of the world, in the southern hemisphere. This last week I learned a lot and had a few amazing spiritual experiences. 

In church we finally had an investigator attend after an entire month of countless hours of hard work. We brought one. His name in Jorge, and he is a 45ish year old man with a wife and kid. The wife couldn't go :( but he went anyways :) He has a lot of questions and knows a lot about the bible and Book of Mormon because he has a Mormon friend. We've been visiting him for about a month and are hoping to baptize him soon. 

It may seen like a small task to bring one investigator to church, but it really isn't. We have to work hard and commit them to go to church, but without the spirit they don't get there. Without the spirit nothing happens.

The second spiritual experience happened yesterday. We were finishing a good day and my companion had to use the bathroom, so we went into the house of a Flotante someone that goes to church every other Sunday. President wants us to ask for references and help increase the attendance by visiting the flotantes. So we entered the house and immediately I felt a little uneasy, like I felt like we had to leave and visit someone. So I sat and waited for Elder Moreira to leave the bathroom and I felt the same thing but even stronger, a literal force that told me to visit some investigators. I told the member that we had to go, got up and left the house, and we raced across the sector to visit them. We we got there I was confident, but still unsure about what I felt. As we approached to house, I realized that they were home, which is a miracle because they're amazing investigators but they're never there. We knocked on the door entered and taught a great spiritual lesson where they accepted the baptismal invitation. 

I know this is the Lord's work and it is by His spirit that we preach the Gospel. Just like it says in D&C 50

13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained?

14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.

Anyways, I'm happy to be in the mission and more focused than ever, but it's still hard to see pictures of my family and friends that I love so much. Luckily the solution is simple: work, work, work its the only cure to homesickness.

I love you all so much,

Elder Walker

December's Here

Hello All!

Last week was a blast, but the temperature is getting super hot, which tends to make the work a little bit more difficult. I'm not complaining. I love it here and as a Vegas boy don't mind the heat, but I sweat pretty much the whole day. For example, yesterday we taught a lesson at about 8:30 at night right before we had to go home, and I sat down for 30 minutes. When I stood up, I was still sweating. It's good though because sometimes people see us in the heat and let us in their houses :) With stake conference and a surprise reunion for Thanksgiving, I got to spent a lot of time learning from church leaders. There were a few things that caught my attention. 

1. 1 Nephi 14:14

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.

This first scripture was something that President said in the talk he gave to the stake. He talked about the calamities and disasters that would happen and have happened in our days. He said that even though we are few, as testified by Nephi, we have promised blessings and power. It was a scripture that i needed and an answer to my prayers. That same day in the church we didn't manage to bring anyone and spent the whole month of November working harder than ever with few results. I believe these words; however, and know that God has given us more power and more strength today to confront the trials in our life. 

2.Lucas 15:8-10

 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

The second scripture was shared by a member of the 70. Now you're going to have to forgive me because I cant remember his name, but on Saturday he gave a talk for us in the priesthood session. He talked a little bit about church attendance and the importance of the Sabbath day reinforcing the message of the prophets and apostles. Saying that proper church attendance will give us the strength to stay on the path of righteousness. Then he talked about those that have fallen away from the church and shared the scripture above. Christ in Luke 15 uses three parables one of the lost sheep, the second of the lost piece of silver and the last of the prodigal son. Each having importance, but he said that the sheep and the son were lost because they wondered off but the silver was lost because it wasn't taken care of. How many people in the church get lost because of our negligence? I loved it. We have to do everything to help our brothers stay on this path of righteousness. 

I'm doing great and am more and more anxious to talk with the family this Christmas. It's come fast. 

Love, 

Elder Walker

Mission Thanksgiving Dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi,

It seems crazy that Thanksgiving is already here this week, and wow, am I going to be missing those fresh rolls, and turkey! Most of all, I'll miss the good laughs with my amazing cousins! We always laughed so much at Thanksgiving. I'm happy with the work though, so don't worry.

This last week was a rough one. Every week has its struggles, but others are harder to carry than others. We had one investigator at church, which was bad but not terrible. I wanted more, but I'm confident that the spirit will touch them and they will go to church soon. However, I'm really happy for Johan and that he made it to church, and we expect him to get baptised soon in December. 

We had a big surprise reunion this last week, and it seems like were going to have another one this week as well. The President is going crazy because were about to achieve our goal. In the last meeting, he changed the rule and now we don't report our obedience to our leaders. It may seem like a small change, but it was pretty surprising. Before we had to report out obedience every week on things like getting up on time, doing exercises and eating lunch in less than an hour. Every few months for the last year, we've reported more and more things until we got to the point where we essentially lived the law of moses. Now the focus of president is that we can be consecrated missionaries. 

Lastly, I had another somewhat frightening experience with another missionary when he unexpectedly called me in the morning during our studies. He expressed a host of feelings of stress and disappointment and had a break down. He just was carrying a really heavy load and needed to talk about it. It made me think of a scripture in Mosiah 18:8:

"Willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life."

As part as our baptismal covenant, I know that we are called to lighten the burdens of others, lift the hands that hang down, and help each other in this journey. I hope that we can all help our neighbors in this hard life we live in and live worthy of our covenants. 

Elder Walker

The Mission

This past week flew by just as this year has flown by. I had one of the most vivid dreams of my mission last night, and I normally don't dream at all. In the dream I was at home and with all my friends and family and the only thought in my mind was, "Wow! That was fast!" It kind of scared me to have that dream. 

My comp. and I are having a great time. I think Ive been more tired these past few months than any time before in the mission. Training can get kind of hard sometimes, but Elder Moreira and I get along great. He has a great attitude and is focused on the goals that we have. Last week we found 15 new investigators, which was the goal that we had set. He was so happy. I love to see the excitement of a new missionary, and it's something that wakes me up to the divinity of this work. What we need though are investigators that go to church. We found a few amazing people, people that I already love and the challenge is helping them go to church. We are trying for 6 investigators in the church this week. I don't exactly know how were going to do it, but I know we can. 

In the mission we have kind of a slogan: Just Work. Trabajar no mas. It's one of the most important things that one can learn in this life I think: the ability and self-discipline to work. I taught a little bit about this in my district meeting. I read a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard who quoted a few things about Self Discipline that I loved. 

"The longer I live, the more weight I attach to a man’s ability to manage and discipline himself. The longer I live, the more firmly convinced I become that the essential factor which lifts a man above his fellows in terms of achievement and success is his superior capacity for self-discipline."

"For my part, I have concluded that the quality which sets one man apart from another—the factor which lifts one man to every achievement to which he reasonably aspires while the other is caught in the slough of mediocrity for all the years of his life—is not talent, nor formal education, nor luck, nor intellectual brilliance, but is rather the successful man’s greater capacity for self-discipline.” 

I completely and totally agree with these quotes. We must have the self discipline required to reach the goals we want. In a more spiritual sense, it's controlling who we are by putting off the natural man and becoming humble and submissive to the will of God. I feel like this is a principle that has blessed me in my life more than any other. I am not smarter nor more talented than others, but when I or any other person for that matter, apply myself I have been able to achieve great things. Where then do we get the strength to put off the natural man? Perhaps the most important factor of this principle is the realization that this inner strength and power comes from the Savior and His atonement. He gave us the power and through covenants that we make with Him, we can receive that inner power. Elder Holland said, "The power of your covenants is greater than the power of temptation." 

Just working hard and love you all..

Elder Walker

New Companion

Hello!

This last week past by lightning fast! First things first, I received a new companion on Wednesday, Elder Moreira from Brazil. (He lives on the coast of Northern Brazil about a 5 minute walk from the beach.) He is an incredible missionary that has a huge testimony. He is the only member in his family and had to fight a battle, as we all do, against the world to make it out here, but he did it without the support of his family. He is an example to me, and I have already learned so much from him and his experiences before the mission.

I already have four and a half months in my sector, and it looks like, because I'm training, that I'm going to be here for another 3 months. That will make it seven and a half months here. haha. Kinda crazy. I'm excited though, because I love a lot of people here and have been able to create many eternal friendships. So I'm excited for the next 3 months with them! 


Right now we have a few good investigators that were teaching, but this change is going to have to be one of faith. I know that we can baptist more, and we just need to find the people. We've been spending a lot of time in the streets suffering a little bit to find the chosen. That's what we always say we have to find those chosen people that God has prepared. It's tough at times after hours of rejections, and one can start to feel a weight on their shoulder but God always gives. In the end, He prepares the people and we'll find them. 


Thanks so much for all the support love you lots! 

Elder Walker

Special Week

Last night I found out that I don't have transfers and that I'll be staying here for at least the next 6 weeks. I'll probably receive a different companion, and I am excited to find out who he is tomorrow morning. My companion, Elder Benavides, is a great Chilean, and we get along well. We have been working 2 sectors these last 2 weeks so it will be nice to return to normal this week. 

This last week was a special one, one that taught me about the responsibility that we have as members of the church. So one of the recent converts here in my ward experienced a tragedy when his son of 33 years died in the hospital. It was a sad event, one that left the family shocked and confused. Duilio (the recent convert) had just gotten baptized, and he wondered why God would test him so painfully. Arriving at their house under these circumstances was a little difficult. The family was in the house with many friends, and the room was filled. The body of the son was in the middle of the room as the people gave their condolences to the family. I was surprised when the family asked us as missionaries to say a few words to the people there. I could see the pain that they all had and taught about death and what it really is--the separation of the body and spirit. Then, I bore my testimony the best I could of Jesus Christ and that through Him we will all live again. A verse came to my mind and I read, Mosiah 16:8 and 9.

8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

 9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

We has missionaries were able, through the spirit, to console a hurting family and friends. We as latter-day saints are to be a light and example to the people. We have an incredibly great responsibility to help those in need as members of this church, because we have been blessed with the knowledge of the restored gospel. Knowledge that comforts and helps us through difficulties. We have the knowledge and spirit that others need to feel when life gets hard. Reflecting on these experiences of being an example and raising a spirit of hope and confidence, reminded me of the a specific story from the talk of our beloved prophet Thomas S. Monson.

"At that time, leaders of the Church met with officials in Jerusalem to work out a lease agreement for land on which the Church’s Jerusalem Center would be built. In order to obtain the permissions needed, the Church had to agree that no proselyting would be undertaken by our members who would occupy the center. After that agreement had been made, one of the Israeli officials, who was well acquainted with the Church and its members, remarked that he knew the Church would honor the no-proselyting agreement. “But,” he said, referring to the students who would attend there, “what are we going to do about the light that is in their eyes?”  May that special light ever shine within us, that it might be recognized and appreciated by others."

We need to let that special light ever shine within us. My mission has been full of experiences like this. I love the work. Thanks so much for all your support. Miss you all more than you can imagine, and I love you all more.

Elder Walker

De Santiago Chile

Hello!

This last week was full of work. My new companion is Chilean, and his name is Elder Benavides. He is from the south of Chile. He's a great little guy, and we get along well. We actually already knew each other pretty well because we've lived in the same apartments for the last 3 months. This last week his comp went home too, so President put us together for what we think will be these next 2 weeks. We have to work in both his sector and mine so last Sunday we went to both meetings  of church from 9 to 2 o'clock. 

Last week we had another miricle with Elias. He is an 11 year old kid that knows almost everything about the church. His Uncle was a Bishop, and his grandma is an active member. He knows way more than I knew when I was his age. Anyway,s we started teaching him 2 weeks ago, and he's just super smart so on Tuesday we asked him about his baptism that he was going to have on the 31 of October. He told us he was super excited for his baptism, and that he actually wanted to get baptised sooner. So we told him that he could get baptised the same weekend. It was incredible to see the faith of such a young person, and last Saturday he got baptised. Elias is a special boy, and I feel like he's going to help his family come into the church in spite of such a young age. His Mom is less active and his Dad isn't a member. The baptismal service was spiritual, and he and his parents were all really emotional. It was a warming experience that built my faith.

I'm doing great here in Chile. I try not to think about the house too much, but it's pretty hard sometime. Everybody always asks about the family. I can't help but to think that Christmas isn't the only thing I'm going to miss this Christmas season. With Chloe's wedding and all. I did the math the other day, and it's impossible for me to become an uncle on the mission, so there's something. On the bright side, I'm happy to be a missionary. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Elder Walker

Arenas Family!

Week of Surprises

Dear Reader,

I had a very eventful week one that was full of unforgettable experiences. Duilio decided to get baptized. This probably had to be the biggest of most eternally important news of the week. He is an incredible man that had so much desire to get baptized. His life wasn't in a good place and the Gospel has really given him a chance to experience a happier life. His conversion is living proof to me of the validity of the church. Something that was fake and made up, or simply a guideline to a better life, could not cause such an influential change in the life of another person. Only God can do that. 

More than that I had a welcome surprise when I was sitting waiting for my Gospel Principles Class to start. A member came in and said that someone was looking for me, and my first thought was YES an investigator. I then left the room and came out to see a young woman in her twenties, and thought well I have no idea who this is. She then explained to me that she was a friend of my sister, and I realized it was Tammy. She is an angel just like you told me, Chloe, and it was a very pleasant experience talking with her about my family who she was with just 5 day or so ago. I was glad to hear from the family and to learn that you still haven't forgotten me. It was clear to me; however, that she came with a message from my Mom that I had to write better letters. She said it in the nicest way giving me a bunch of ideas of how to write, but the message was loud and clear. Then she told my comp to listen to me and follow my counsel that I give him. After that I sent Michele a little video telling her not to prepare the getting home party yet because I still have a lot of time.

Now for “How I took the big news.” So Chloe's going to get married. The first thing I asked Tammy or the first thing I remember asking is who? Joe? Did they even date for a week? Wow! When I got home that night, because in the day I was focused and didn't really have time to think, I was a little nostalgic. I couldn't help but to think that I’m going to miss one of the most important events if not THE most important event of my sister’s life. I’ve been to her dance recitals and pageants but those seems to be worth very little when compared to the eternal marriage. Then, I opened my package and read a letter from Chloe that said she was going to get married on the 19th of December. Two weeks ago for me in my little world she wasn't even dating, and now she's engaged and going to get married in 3 months well less than that really. I didn't sleep well that night. Anyways I hope my Skype call doesn't get in the way of her honeymoon. Haha. However, I am super excited to be related to Sam. Haha. Well congrats you two. Joe it’s good to have you in the family. We’ll have to go golfing someday with my Dad so I can get to know you. 

Right now I’m in a trio because my comp goes home on Friday, and another Elder in my District had emergency changes today. The mission is sometimes full of difficult challenges and it’s a humbling experience to see people leave so fast. It is really sad to see my companion go home for knee surgery. It was just a few weeks ago that I met him and started his training. He was so full of hope and enthusiasm. So this is really hard for him. I’m working hard here every day.

These last few weeks have been hard. My District has been having a hard time. I know that my role as a district leader is somewhat minimal, but still it's been difficult. In addition to my awesome companion having to go home for knee surgery, many in my district are not only having a hard time with the work, but also with serious personal challenges. I’m  trying to learn how to lead and how to help people with compassion, and I want to do the best I can. I haven't been sleeping very well lately because of the worry. I'm fine, but it's been really hard to deal with so much. Thanks so much for your support.

I love you all,

Elder Walker

Incredible Week!

Wow!! Chloe and Joseph! That's got to be one of the craziest stories I have ever heard in my life.  Talk about a 180 turn! Like 20 seconds ago my Sister was complaining to me that wasn't even dating and would never get married. haha! Trust in the Lord, Mom! I'll keep praying for you. You actually sound better than I would expect in such a situation. Anyways I know that people can change and audacity is a good characteristic, too. We walk into people's houses, Mom, every single day and tell them to get baptised. That's also a pretty audacious thing to do. 

This week was incredible. The Arenas Family got bapitsed and I am more happy that I can fit into a little message. The husband of Catherine, Gonzalo, baptized the family  and it was so special. Patricia before the baptism told us how she felt like her life was about to begin. I love these people with all my heart and am so grateful to have been a small part of their conversion  I just working of here!

Love y'all,

Elder Walker

Unexpected Challenges

Hi all,

Thanks so much Dad. You're so right these next 6 months are huge, and  I am experienced and the most important part is to enjoy it. Mom what more can I say than Motherhood. Wow Elder Hollands talk was just incredible! It tore me apart a little bit as my thoughts turned to you.

This last week as full of unexpectied turns and drops as we preached the gospel. My companion, Elder Ruiz, will most likely have to return home in the next week or so. He has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, and it's recommended that he go home for the recuperation. He has been fighting tough pains in his knee from day one. He is one of the most dedacted missionaries I've met and has such a desire to preach. It was a difficult moment to have to translate that message to an excited 18 year old that the English only speaking doctor says he has to go home. It really made me think about my own desires to be here and what a blessing it is. That and a million other things have really kept me worried this week. And that's why I think the first talk by Elder Uctdorf about simplifing my life to enjoy the gospel and enjoy this life really caught my attention this week. It's sad but sometimes we deprive ourselves of the joy we deserve because of the superfical things that happen. I loved this week and can't wait to send you some pictures next week si o si.

Elder Walker

First Companion from South America

Hello!

This week was crazy with all that changes that happend in the mission. The mission literally got flipped upside down. Almost every missionary in the whole mission got changed. I got a new companion, but stayed in my area.  I had a great time with Elder Ewell. He has been one of my best comps, and a real friend. I can't wait until after the mission to hang out. More than that we really got the work done, and we both helped each other out.

So I got a new comp, and right now I'm training a Latino!!!! (Technically he's not my first latino companion, but Elder Molina was born and raised in California. So he is latino, but also from the U.S.) Elder Ruiz is my first companion not from the United States after 14 months in the mission! Finally! He's from Salta Argentina, which is a city in nothern Argentina. He is an amazing missionery and has an incredibly strong testimony. I'm basically not even training him because he is so prepared. The conversion story of his family is amazing. His mom is a member and got baptized when she was 13 and is Dad isn't a member. I'm so grateful to be with Elder Ruiz and know that were going to have a great time together. After more than a year of gringos I'm ready for a comp from South America. It's a little different having a comp that speaks better Spanish than me.

This week we also brought Juan and Patricia to church along with Juan Pablo. Please keep praying for them all because there going to get baptized, and they need to live the commandments. I love these people so much, and I want to see them in the water making sacred covents with God. It amazing how much the investigators can teach the missinoaries when the missionaries are supposed to teach the invetigators. For example, Juan Pablo knows so much about the Bible, and when he has had questions sometimes I haven't had the anwsers. So I have studied, studied, and studied some more. I read the whole New Testament in a few weeks to try to answer his questions and understand his point of view. Then, Juan y Particia Arenas have taught me about love. They really have such a strong light of Christ within them. Juan dresses up as Santa every year for the little kids in the block. He goes around giving away presents in a car. I love talking to Patricia because she's just so excited to talk with us.

This week has gone by really quick, and it has been a great one. With a lot more resposiblitly it has been a pretty big transfer, one that I need to get used to. Love you all so much.

Elder Walker

Aftershocks and Fiestas

Hi all, 

So sorry for not sending pictures for like the last month. I lost my little pen drive to send pictures, so I'm going to have to buy another one to send some pictures. I've been taking a lot with Elder Ewell. 

This last week was amazing. We had a fat earthquake, las fiestas patrias (the independence day of Chile that is more like a week celebration, not a day), and some great missonary experiences. 

To be honest there have been a few more earthquakes, aftershocks, that have been pretty big, but I guess thats what you get for living on a huge fault. The biggest one was a 8.4, and it destroyed a lot of things north from us and on the coast because of the Tsunami that they had. I feel that much more Chilean having experienced an earthquake. 

The independece day celebration that they have is crazy. On the 19 of September they celebrate and show their Chilean pride. It's such a fun experience to feel and be apart of another culture. They had traditional food and dances with a whole bunch of games. It's hard to explain everything, but let's just say that they make a lot of meat...like a lot. I think I broke the Word of Wisdom for eating so much meat.

The missionary work was pretty rough to be honest during that time, but haha we enjoyed it a ton. 

Elder Ewell and I have had some sucess and really seen a change in our sector these last few weeks. Juan and Patricia are progressing great and are set for the 10 of October to get baptized, and I just want you guys to keep praying and putting there names in the temple so that they can make the date. Juan went to church for the first time last week and he's doing great looking for his anwser about the Book of Mormon. Last week President wrote me something that really struck me. In response to one of my questions, he told me that the investigators have to feel something to have the desire go to church. They're not just going to appear from nowhere or show up because we invite them. I love President so much, and know that he's called from God. 

This will be my last day with Elder Ewell tomorrow. He's going to leave the sector after only one transfer here, and I'm going to receive a new missionary to train. I'm super excited.

Lots of love, 

Elder Walker

PS. One more random, cool thing a bank just got robbed across from where we're at right now.

Terremoto!

Hi,

So yesterday night, I don't know if you guys saw, there was a huge earthquake in Chile. On the Rictor Scale they're saying that it was an 8.2. Elder Ewell and I were walking in the street when all of the sudden a man walked out of his house and said, "We're having an earthquake," so we stopped and started looking around. It was one of the craziest feelings of my life. The ground just started to move like waves and people started screaming in their houses. It was super long as well and lasted about 2 minutes. Luckily, Chile is prepared for earthquakes and a 8.2 didnt really affect anything. The only scary part was the Tsunami warning afterward because all the missionaries on the coast were evacuated. Right now everything's fine and President told us to write our families to tell them that we're all right. Pretty crazy stuff! Love you lots talk to you guys on Tuesday.

Elder Walker

PS Go look a video if you can. It was actually pretty cool.

Prayers are Working!

Hi all,

Please keep praying!!

Anyways,  just want to say that we have the best investigatores. Here is a little bit about them.

So first of all Juan Pablo, who is a body builder and is just a huge guy. He lives with a less active family. He's a baller and super spiritual, like more than I am and I'm a missionary  He speaks great English, and he and my comp just turn in to little girls after the lessons talking about famous body builder. It's pretty funny to watch, and for sure no accident that Elder Ewell, a body builder was transferred her just in time to teach him. He's going to get baptized, and I love him and know that he's going to get baptized despite some personal struggles. He has to be one of the most generous people I know and likes to buy us food. I love that big guy so much.

After that there're Juan and Patricia, and they are the best investigators ever! They have a son in law that is a returned missionary, so when we met them (from contacting) they already knew everything.  They have a goal to go to the temple already and want to be there for when their daughter Catarina gets sealed to her husband. It's an interseting situation because she isn't baptized either, and it seems like she's just waiting for her family to get baptised so that they can all to it together. They went to church last week so the prayers are working!!

I'm out of time, but everything's great. We have changes this week so well see what happens.  I feel like I'm going to stay, but we shall see. 

Love you,

Elder Walker

One Year Lunch

Hey,

So sorry a lot of people wrote me today, and it took most of my time to write back. This week was awesome.

The biggest event was probably going to eat lunch with presidente. Everyone here in my mission after a year gets to go eat lunch with president. (One year in the mission field). It was an awesome time to just relex for like 2 hours and be with the same people from my MTC group. We talked about a lot of things, but to be honest it was incedible to see how fast time has gone by. 

Anyways nobody went to church, but it's okay we still have a lot of faith. I realy believe that this week they're going to go to church. Out best investigators are the Arenas family. They're so great and are going to get baptised in October I think. We are super excited for them. Thanks so much for all the letters and support. Love you guys, 

Elder Walker

Trusting God

Hey,

Send me more pictures of you and dad, Mom. I haven't seen that old guy in forever. haha. You send pictures of everyone but you and Dad. Likewise I know I need to send you some pics, but I forgot my camera. Sorry.

Anyways, this week has been super great! I love the mission and the people. We have two main families that we're working with: the Familia Arenas and the Familia Monriquez. The first is a familiy of 6 the parents Juan and Patricia then their two kids Catharine and Patricio and the spouses Gonzalo and Maria. They're all super great and Gonzalo, as I've mentioned before, is a returned missionary who went to Argentina. They are honestly so prepared, and it's just amazing to see the way God prepares people for us. We're mainly focusing on Juan and Patricia right now so that they get baptized in Sptember. They're so ready because they want to get sealed in the temple already. Then, the Familia Monriquez is a famliy of 4 and they're so amazing and went to a ward activity the other day. All 5 of them in total want to get baptized the bigest challenge we're facing is the attendance to church. It's been super dificlut for them to got to church with work and soccer. 

One thing I've learned is we just have to put our faith in God like the Nephite soldiers in Alma 58 when they were without supplies and troops and super dissapointed in the government. At that time they turned to God and prayed for strength. I feel a little like that because we've done so much and worked so hard and the people are so great, but they haven't gone to church. Elder Ewell and I are putting our trust in God, trying to give a pure testimony, and offering direct invitations. We need help this week for them. Anyways, we're doing really, and well thanks so much for everything. 

Ya, and thanks Mom for the reminder to brush and floss more. Haha!

Love you all,

Elder Walker

Quick Letter

Hey,

So, I don't have much time, sorry, but I had a great week. I love being with Elder Ewell and have already learned so much about the power of prayer. The other day we were in the street with nothing to do and all the lessens had fallen through so we went and said a prayer, and then the next two houses let us in so teach them. Prayer is real and the power is real. 

Other than that Juan and Patricia are progressing super well. Juan told us the other day that he wants to go to the temple for when his daughter gets married. These people are so prepared. We need your prayers to help them get baptized on the 19 of September they still have to go to church and everything, but please pray. 

Love you all so much,

Elder Walker