Surprise

What news!!! I'm so excited, like soooooo excited, for Camron and Tori. Camron had told me a few weeks ago that he bought a ring so I've been waiting for this email, but had thought maybe I'd be home to see it happen. What a cute way to propose and I'm and content to be present for the wedding. It going to be a par...ty. Now I'm going to have two new sibling when I get home' Joe and Tori, and that's going to be fun. 

As for the work everything has been great. We had a good week and have been finding new investigators and working hard. I feel so great here in Olimpo, it's like my home. I know everyone super well and see people in the street all the time from my old sector. We've been teaching a few prepared people, who have been progressing well. Elena and her family are really great. She's a middle-aged, single mom who provides for her family and is super nice. In Chile sometimes it might be hard to get into a house, but something that I don't think I've explained very well is what great manners the Chileans have. When we go to Elena's house she makes us food and gives us soda, and it's just amazing. A lot of the people are like that. Anyways she wants to get baptized but has been really sick the last few weeks and hasn't been able to go to church, but we praying and expecting that she will go this weekend. Apart from her we've been working with a lot of young people. The youth are the best investigators a lot of times because they understand and are searching for a better future, like Daniel he's a great example. 

Something crazy that happened with Scarlet is that she now is living with a family of members on the weekends. Her family situation is a little rough and for various reasons she doesn't like to stay at home on the weekends. The Delgado Family offered her a place, and now she's safe and happy. It was a true example to me of Christ like love as this family opened their doors and pretty much adopted her. 

Well, life is real. I've been pretty nervous because Nick is going back. That weird twin thing is happening, I think. I can't believe that tomorrow he heads home. Trying to stay focused, but it's hard. Anyways, GO, CHILE VAMOS A GANAR LA COPA DE NUEVO! 

Elder Walker

Big Changes: Back to Olimpo!!

Well,

It's been a pretty exciting day. President decided to do a lot of changes in preparation for large group of missionaries leaving, himself included. Basically what happened is that he doesn't want the mission to have to change the whole leadership when he leaves because 15 other zone leaders go home with him, so he split up all the zone leader from my group and moved a bunch of them as assistants. (I guess there's a lot to do in the office for the next 4 weeks.) Probably doesn't sound too interesting for you guys, but for me and for all of us missionaries here, it's pretty crazy. 

Anyways I had changes. I totally didn't expect it because I only have 4 weeks left and for me it didn't make much sense to change sectors for only 4 weeks, but in the end President receives the revelation. The best part is that I got moved back to my old zone, Olimpo, back to where I was 5 months ago and by far my favorite zone! It was to great to go back. It's kind of a bummer at the same time because I left some seeds in Ochagavia, but I'm excited to be where I am. Elder Hunter, my old comp, was a good friend as well so it was rough to say goodbye to one of my best friends in the mission. We spent a whole 3 changes together, or almost 5 months, so he was my comp that I got to know best. He is my friend for life. He went to the office to be an assistant, which was great news as well! I kind of knew something was up with the mission when last week President randomly showed up to at our place to interview us. It was a little weird, but it makes sense now. However, it made me so nervous at the time. 

Bummer that Nick has to go home on his arranged day it would have been a dream come true to meet up in Atlanta, but in the end rules are rules and if there's one thing I've leaned in the mission its to just accept things like that and follow the rules. 

I've got a lot more to do though, and I can't wait to get back to work. This is one of my favorite places here in Maipu and it's so nice to be back. I feel like I came back home. haha. I've already seen some people that I know and its going to be great. It's going to be a great month in June, and I can't wait to see what miracles the Lord has for me here. I'm with Elder Westwood (from Utah) and Elder Olivera (from Brazil), and they're pretty exceptional missionaries. Thanks for everything. 

Love, 

Elder Walker

Capacitación

I’m now starting week 5 of this change and the weeks are going by faster than a tub of Ice cream in my freezer.  Sorry for the ice cream analogy, I just bought tub that I just dropped off at home, and I can’t stop thinking about it.  It’s been about 2 weeks (which feels like 2 months), I think, since the last time I had ice cream, an excruciating amount of time for an ice cream lover like me.

Anyways, last week was great, and we had zone meetings in Maipu, Stake conference and divisions. The zone meetings were particularly interesting this past week because they lasted a really long time. They were the longest I’ve ever had, from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. We had lunch and received special capacitación from President, and it seems like he’s trying to get everyone ready for when he leaves. Actually that’s exactly what he’s doing, and he and his wife focused a lot on the Book of Mormon. It was a great capacitación and what most called my attention was what Hermana Barrerios said towards the end. She related that when Elder Bednar was here she asked him how she could better help her kids and missionaries understand the Atonement. Elder Bednar said that she needed to read the Book of Mormon again and look for the times when God gives strength.

That’s what I’m doing now, too.

Have a great week.

Elder Walker

Good Mother's Day Call

Well, that was a lot of fun yesterday talking to the whole family, like Dad said what blessing to be able to do google chat and talk from 4 different devices at the same time. I was doing fine until the end when Dad said his prayer, and I guess I got something in my eye. haha. It was fun and made me want to work even harder in this important time that I have left. At the same time however its funny that in a special meeting that we had the other day with Elder Allen (from the missionary department) when he asked us if we'd like to talk to our families more than twice a year and nobody put their hand up. Or in other words, it's hard for us as missionaries to do it because I don't want to talk to you guys I want be there. I'm doing great though and can't wait to get back in the groove of things. 

Today we played soccer in the zone and relaxed a little bit. It was perfect because we're all Elders and a lot of us love playing so we had a great time. I love screaming in Spanish while we play, it makes me feel like a real player. Other than that we ate and bought some things for the week. 

Hey but there was one thing that I forgot to say yesterday to the family and in specific to Clayton. In our zone we have a missionary whose name is Elder Southam, and he just got the to mission a few months ago. He's an amazing worker and really, really focused. Like for me, it was a super humbling experience learning Spanish and getting used to Chile, but he's a great guy and learning fast. Last week in divisions with him I was surprised to learn that he is the best Kicker in the Class of 2016 in all the nation and actually graduated a semester early to be able to start in 2018 for the BYU team. Pretty crazy, huh? I sent you guys the picture that I took with him. He told me a little bit of his experience going to some big schools getting recruited and playing in like the all star high school football game where all the best high school players get together and play a game on abc. I was impressed by his football abilities, but more impressed by how well he's doing in the mission. Great guy.

Anyways love you all so much and I'll talk to you next week.

Elder Walker

me, Elder Hansen, Elder Hunter

Beautiful Andes Mountains

Patience

Well,

It was a fun week full of divisions and hard work. In our mission here in Chile, we focus a lot on the divisions, and usually do two a week to help the missionaries and to set goals with them. It’s great because I’ve gotten to know a lot of missionaries here in Ochagavia from all over the world. From Argentina and Chile, to Paraguay, Brazil, Colombia, and of course the US. It’s amazing to see how the gospel pulls us together and makes us all Latter-day Saints. So to help you understand more about what I’m doing every week it’s important to know that a lot of times I’m with other missionaries. Even though it’s rough to sleep in another apartment and people end up eating all your food for breakfast back in your own apartment, divisions help advance the work. To give you an example, last week I was with Elder Montero from Costa Rica, and he's a convert of a about 4 years and a great missionary. I learned a little bit more about his family and how after he got baptized his mostly Catholic family supported him but didn't listen to the missionaries. After a few years his Mom decided to listen and ended up getting baptized. He then told me that when he completed 6 months or so on the mission his dad got baptized. Happy day for him! Hearing his strong testimony and teaching at his side strengthened my own testimony. 

Other than the divisions, the week was full of lessons and finding. My Sector, La Victoria, is so much fun. Let’s just say there’s never… and I mean never... a boring day here. It’s been hard these last couple of weeks to help the people progress. After a dismal, rainy Sunday, but mostly dismal in terms of Sacrament meeting attendance, I was a little discouraged. We had few people at church and though it’s happened before it’s still feels like a week’s worth of work was wasted. Anyways siting there and reflecting on the week and listening to the testimonies, I read a scripture that made me chuckle. It was comforting, while at the same time a little sad. In D&C 24:8 it says, "Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days."

Like I said I just smiled when I read it because it’s so true...I love the scriptures. I better try to learn to be patient now because at my old age of 20 the afflictions have only just begun. I love the Gospel.

Love you all so much and can’t wait to see you on Sunday at 7 my time.

Elder Walker

Santiago Oeste

Hello!

Well, this last week was filled with a little more water and a drastic change in the temperature. It’s safe to say the winter is starting up and the jackets and scarfs are out of the bags. I think that winter started a little bit earlier this year and am ready to take on the cold. I mean I should probably get used to it if I’m going to live in Provo. Besides the cold, things have been spectacular here in Ochagavia. We had a good month in Abril and are now looking for May to be awesome.  

As far as teaching, we have a few good investigators who have gone to church a few time now. We have to help them understand the doctrine and have a real conversion. We’ve found some awesome new investigators though the last week, and now most of our hope in May is in the people we just found. As a missionary here we enter so many houses and meet a lot of great people, but one thing I always pray for is the the ability to recognize the people that will progress. We have to always find new people, but at the same time be able to recognize those who want to come unto Christ. It’s just another thing on the long list of reasons why we need the Spirit 

On Friday, we had a meeting as a mission. In Maipu we got together, which usually takes us about 45 minutes by bus to get to, ate sandwiches for breakfast, and listened to President. We had to get there early, and President told us that we’d all get a flu shot to protect us this winter. After the shot, what called my attention in the meeting was when President, after a little bit and out of nowhere, started to talk to all the missionaries who go home in the next two month. He told us all not to be Zombie missionaries and to work hard, and he said that he needs us to endure to the end. It was kind of a slap to the face, not because I wasn’t being diligent, but rather that I realized how soon I’m going home, how important it is to finish strong, and how much of an impact it will have on the mission for us to finish strong. 

In my personal studies, I learned a little bit more about the power of the word of God. Alma upon seeing the sins an iniquities of the Zoramites in Alma 31 began to worry about the the well being of the Nephites. "For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of iniquity among his people." The fear was that the Zoramites would go and join themselves with the Lamanites, which would be a huge loss for the Nephites. While some might have wanted to go to battle against the Zoramites, Alma said in verse 5:

"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."

What a powerful verse! The word of God and correct understanding of gospel principles can change our behavior and our hearts, and it can protect us from future temptations and trials. Elder Nelson described it like a shot we use shots to protect us from future viruses and diseases that might harm and kill us (like the flu shot I just had) and in the same way God gives us His gospel to protect us from the spiritual risks in the world. The mission as been so life changing I think because I’ve been able to read, understand and apply the word of God in my life. I’m so grateful for those special hours of scripture study in the morning and hope to maintain the habit always

Anyways, Mom, thanks for the letters yours are always better than mine. haha. I think it would be good to Skype at 7:30 or 7:00 my time so that I can have to time to get back to the pension because we live far away from the church. Looks like things are really moving along over there I’m starting to miss the family even more and sometimes I feel like I’ve missed so much, but the Lord blesses and protects the families of His missionaries. It also makes me happy to hear how well my family is doing. I love you all so much!

Elder Walker

No Time

Dear all,

Sorry I managed my time pretty badly with writing Anna for her b-day, letter to the president and another letter, but things are good here in Santiago. The umbrellas and boots are out because it’s been raining pretty hard. I didn't have changes and stayed in the same sector with Elder Hunter, but we received a new companion Elder Hansen. He’s a great missionary, who I also met a long time ago. He’s a redhead, part Chilean, from Utah, and I can tell that were going to get along great. It was sad to see Elder Bradley leave too fast, but the Lord needed him in another place. This area is great and the mission keeps going. I like Nicholas want to baptize a family and am going to work hard for the next 3 months to do it. I like what Presidente said the other day that there ain’t no rest for the wicked and the good, well they just don’t it. I love when he starts to randomly talk in English like that. Love you all so much!

Elder Walker

Wait Upon the Lord

Well this P-day has been pretty crazy. The secretaries called us yesterday to tell me that I had to go take care of my visa today. So I spent the whole day waiting in lines and spending ridiculous amounts of money for pieces of paper. However, it was fun to walk around the big city of Santiago and see the big skyscrapers. It really is a beautiful city. 

Interestingly enough my scripture of the week is in Isaiah in the 40th chapter and 31st verse. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." I was surprised to hear that same verse repeated when Jeffrey R. Holland gave his Sunday afternoon address and said, "So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever." Those words have stuck with me as my shoes get a little more worn, my feet more tired and my body sore. We must wait upon the Lord and see His blessings in our lives. They’ll come; they always come. 

It reminds of yesterday when we got to church and Veronica wasn't there for her confirmation, and I was pretty startled. We called her and everyone in her family, and after a lot of failed attempts I sat down on the bench and said a pray telling the Lord that I’d trust in Him. Then, I walked outside and saw them! When I got outside the church and looked over, I could see Veronica and her family walking towards the church. Some might call it a coincidence and say that they would of gotten there without my prayer, but the I know that the Lord responds to faith. We just have to wait upon Him. 

I’m so excited that Camron brought home a girl!!! I mean after what Elder Uchtdorf said in the men’s general conference session, I think that it’s pretty clear that we all have to date. Doing the math I feel pretty safe in saying that if things work out with her, he won’t get married before I get back. That’s good. Anyways, I love you all so much. Have a great week.

Elder Walker

What a Week!

Wow!

What a week in the mission! General Conference has been a time of hope and of spiritual rejuvenation when I so desperately needed it. General Conference has been so important to me in my mission. I remember when I first got to the mission field, and the mission really humbled me with the language difficulties, new culture, etc, and Conference was a spiritual lift to my troubled heart. General Conference has also served as landmarks to mark the progress and time in my mission. This last Conference was especially wonderful to me because it will be my last before returning home. There is nothing better than General Conference on the mission!!

     Some of the talks that I really enjoyed were the talk by Elder Renlund and the the last talk by Elder Holland. Elder Renlund talked a little bit about the entitlement that we sometimes feel as the distance increases between us and the giver. I was touch by the example that he used about the Sacrament that was given personally to a Sister that didn't receive it during Sacrament meeting. Individual, personal, just for me: we sometimes miss that aspect of the Atonement in the Sacrament meeting when were in a congregation of 200 people. It was a talk that helper me and was then followed by an amazing number by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir that really touched my heart. The words of Elder Renlund and of the Choir help me come to important conclusions about my 20 months of service; as the choir sang I felt the Spirt so strong that Saturday morning session. Then there’s the talk by Elder Holland! The stage was set so perfectly for him to be the last speaker. His motivation was and is us as latter-day members, and his love for us touched me and made me think that my motivation in my ministry in the mission are my investigators.

Veronica was baptized after the Sunday afternoon session, and it was such a spiritual experience. Her conversion was a miracle as she fought doubt and family members in order to get to the waters of baptism. Her conversions definitely shows to me that this is the true work, and it’s is directed by the Savior himself.

Thanks so much for everything. I love you all.

Elder Walker

PS. Daniel, who I taught in my last area, got baptised with his family last weekend!

Easter

Hi!

Here in Santiago the temperature is changing, it’s starting to get pretty cold in the morning while at the same time, it’s still hot in the afternoon. Winter is coming in the Southern Hemisphere. There was a lot of fog this morning, and I couldn't see more than 20 yards. As the climate changes, we keep working. Last week went by fast and was full of success. We confirmed Ivonne and Emiliano in sacrament meeting and are now getting ready to baptize the sister of Ivonne, Veronica. The gift of the Holy Ghost is so special, and it reminds me of the talk by Elder Bednar about actually receiving the Spirit in our lives. The significant phrase that was said on Sunday, "Receive the Holy Ghost,” is something that we have to do every day of our lives. That’s what keeps missionaries safe, and inspires and converts people to the Gospel.

Even though you can’t really tell because these are just words on a computer screen, I’m more than a little excited to listen to General Conference this week!!! We’re planing on setting up a room to watch conference in Creole (the native language of the Haitians) so that they can enjoy more the messages of the Prophets. It’s incredible to see the missionary work with the Haitians because they are so humble. Something about being a foreigner makes people more humble and open, and we spend a lot of time teaching them. 

At church we had to teach a class in French because a lot don't speak Spanish. Elder Bradley can speaks good French, and so I would say something in Spanish, he would translate it into French and then a Haitian would translate it into Creole. Only in the true church of God does that happen. The message goes beyond language, cultural and other barriers. Like I’ve said before I feel the the Celestial Kingdom is going to be a lot more diverse with many more different cultures and traditions than we sometimes realize in the U.S. 

To finish up, I also learned the another family that I taught in my last area with Elder Moreira, the missionary that I trained from Brazil, got baptized yesterday. I love the mission! Love this work and hope to stay strong for the next 3 months!! 

Elder Walker

PS My companions say thanks for the Easter gifts. Here is a picture of us wearing our Easter ties on Easter Sunday. Love you!

March: A Month of Trials and Miracles

Hello family!

First things first, I haven't gotten any packages, but I could get one this Wednesday because the mail comes that day. 

This last week was a blast. I'm not sick anymore!! I’ve enjoyed the mission more than ever these last few weeks, and I think that it’s something best explained by Elder Bednar. We had a meeting on Tuesday with the whole mission, where I feel like I know fewer and fewer people as more of my friends leave, and Presidente showed us a clip of a devotional with Elder Bednar. He was recently in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, in a devotional with the youth. A future missionary asked what he could do to prepare for the mission. He said that a lot of missionaries get out to the field and say, "The mission isn't meeting my spiritual needs right now,” or, “I'm so obedient and humble why don't I have more success,” or, “What's wrong with my investigators?” It’s a hard trap not to fall into, and when we think more about me and I instead of the people we’re serving, our chances at peace or happiness go down exponentially. Elder Bednar helped remind me why I’m here and what I’m doing. It was never about me. What we do without modern day prophets!? 

My companions are some of the greatest people I know. Elder Hunter has an incredible work habit and is always trying to do things better. He is focused and determined, and surprisingly he says he was a beach bum before the mission in the sense that he surfed a lot. He’s kind of an interesting combination of super hard worker and laid back at the same time. Then there’s Elder Bradley, he is a smart, witty guy who has us laughing during the day. He studied for a year in Virginia in the small university there supported by the church. He's easy to get along with, and we three have a great time teaching and baptizing. This last week from our balcony we could hear concerts going with bands from the U.S. The stadium/arena is pretty close to our apartment building so we go to hear some of the bands we know. It was an interesting interruption to our day. 

I’m happy to say that Ivonne and her son Emiliano got baptized yesterday.We felt like they were ready and after teaching Ivonne and seeing her diligent study of the scriptures and prayers, we interviewed her. It’s miraculous to see the spirit of understanding work in the people when they open their hearts. Sister B taught us about the difference between having a knowledge about something and understanding it. Understanding comes from an open heart. A good example is Abinadi when he taught the evil king Noah and said,

32 And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God.

Our understanding depends on our ability to open up our hearts. The baptismal service was after church, and a lot of the ward attended. The service went according to plan without any problems, which is a miracle. I’m so grateful to see the miracle of conversion in the mission.

Ready for another week.

Elder Walker

Hey Hey Hey

Well,

This last week was an interesting week of work and record breaking. We broke my personal record of lessons and new investigators found, and were able to bring some of those new investigators to church. We have been teaching a bunch of Haitians, and they are so receptive to the gospel. They almost always let you in to teach. Anyway, we are teaching a Haitian couple the man is named Philip, and he is so great. We found him last week, he speaks more Portuguese than Spanish so it was fun to speak in Portuguese to teach him. I don't speak perfectly, but it’s good enough to be understood. When they went to church on Sunday they loved it! It’s always a little nerve racking to bring an investigator to church for the first time, but it was a success. We got to watch a special Satellite transmission from Salt Lake for all of Chile. President Nelson directed the meeting. Elder Bradley looked at Philip and his wife when Elder Nelson went to talk and said this is an apostle of God...the spirit was so strong. 

We’re also teaching a sister called Ivonne and her sister Veronica. They’re amazing as well, and have listened to us for the past month. I love to teach them because they have a real desire to learn and to try. When we went to teach her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we asked her what she understood from the pamphlet that we left her to read. Her response was perfect. She said that baptism really called her attention, and that she felt the need to get baptized before it was too late to repent. We've been trying our best to turn that desire into faith. She worked a few Sundays, but we’re optimistic about the future and are confident that she’ll get baptized. 

Other than that I got a cold, but I’m getting better now, so no worries. I’m really enjoying being here with Elders Bradley and Hunter! It’s been really entertaining, and we spent most of the day teaching and laughing. It’s not always easy, but it is fun to be a missionary and a lot of that fun depends on how well you get along with you comps. In that respect, t I feel like I’ve been really blessed here on the mission. Thanks so much for all the support. Love you guys lots!

Elder Walker

OCHAGAVIA

Hi all,

Today we had changes, and out of no where we got a new companion!!! His name is Elder Bradley, and he's from Utah. He's a great friend who actually started the mission with me in Talagante. Elder Hunter and I are happy to be in a trio again and to be able to enter any house. It's also great because Elder Bradley speaks French, and in our sector there are a lot of Haitians. In Haiti they speak Creole, which is a French based language. Now we'll be able to communicate better with them. Many of them speak Creole and Portuguese, but not much Spanish.  I've been trying to learn a little Portuguese for a few transfers now. I'm going to try to learn a little French as well, so maybe I'll get back speaking Spanish, French and Portuguese.  haha. I love the mission. Things are great, and I've been learning a lot. Sorry don't have much time. Love you lots! 

Elder Walker

Almost March

Hello!

It was a great week full of special reunions and a lot of work. We've been looking and finding and teaching a lot here in Ochagavia. It seems like here, more than anything, we have to find the chosen or in other words find the investigators who are going to progress. We’re working though so although were not always wet from baptizing, I am confident that we’ll find those elect and baptize in March. I’m extremely grateful to be here in a stake were the missionary work is so needed and there’s so much to do. It’s fun though. I’ve never enjoyed those short hours of sleep every night so much in my life. 

We also had a special training reunion with Elder Bednar on Wednesday. We watched a broadcast from Buenos Aires Argentina to the Southern Region of South America. It was more than special to hear the words of a prophet and his counsel in a missionary based setting. He taught a lot of things, but what really stuck to to me was what he said at the beginning—We are not objects we are agents. We have been given power from God to choose for ourselves, and more than that we must treat others as agents and not as objects. I think that is something that we all do as teachers and leaders or really in any situation, we treat others more like objects, or we expect them to do what we want when in reality they are agents.

This eternal principle of agency is somethings that I have really enjoyed learning about and applying in my life here as a missionary. We also had another awesome meeting where we ate lunch with President (Mexican Tacos just in case you were wondering). We talked a little bit of the same principle. Let me quote a scripture that called my attention. DyC 58:

 26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

I love that phrase, “there the power is in us.” Let us live accordingly. I love the mission and can’t wait to see the miracles that come this week Elder Bednar blessed our stewardship and all of us missionaries to be fruitful at this time. Our missionaries cant wait to see those fruits..

Elder Walker

PS. Shout out to my friends that got engaged: Tanner and Braize!!

PSS Fotos from eating lunch with the zone. We ate tacos and had lemon pie for dessert. Delicious :)

Chhhhiilleee

Hello world!

Greetings from the southern hemisphere! Things are quite splendid here. I’m happy today, really happy to send you a photo of some converts that got baptized a few weeks ago in my old sector. Remember me talking about them! It’s a special blessing to be an instrument in the conversion process. My son in the mission, Elder Moreira, was able to baptize them and it just made me so happy to see that picture. For some reason, I don't know why, it seems that everyone is ready to get baptized when I leave a sector, but I’m just happy to be a part of the work. 

This last week was a blast full of divisions and contacting. I learned the the humble are the only ones that really learn in the end, and I spent time with the missionaries in the Zone. Every missionary to me is just incredible, and I love getting know them and serving with them. This past week I was with Elder Rocha, he’s a Brazilian missionary that has a grand total of about 15 months in the church. Two years ago he was an atheist and let two missionaries in his house. It’s stories and people like that that keep me going. 

Doris’s fecha fell through :( she had a fight with her mom about religion and getting baptized and then made the decision to slow things down a little bit to think. The problem is we haven't been able to talk to her, but I’m confident that we’re doing everything that we can and that the Lord is content with our work. She's an amazing person, and it makes me sad to see her not get baptized. But I still have hope for her. 

On the bright side, we brought another person to church named Ivon with her son. She has a cousin on a mission and is interested in the church. The best part was last we when we taught her she gave us ICE CREAM. WOW! Nothing makes me more happy on a hot day than teaching and eating ice cream. haha.

In my personal study, I read Moses today. It’s incredible to me how much God knows and loves every child he has. We are numbered, he says, and made in the image of is Only Begotten. Those phrases made me think of the love He has and the power He gives to each and every one of us. So let’s keep working! 

Love,

Elder Walker

La Mision

 Hola,

This last week was interesting with my companion finishing the mission, getting a little stomach sick, almost getting punched by drunk guys, and teaching investigators. We’ve been teaching a lot of people here in the Victoria that have a wide ranch of problems. Our focus is simply and was recently taught by the first presidency to teach repentance and baptize converts so that’s what we’ve been doing. 

Doris, our progressing investigator, is doing great. We were a little discouraged when we had to change her baptismal date due to sickness, but we’re optimistic about this Saturday. It’s crazy howSatan just keeps trying to get his licking in, if not earlier then later. We had an interview planned for Thursday and talked on Tuesday to make sure that everything was all right. Then like I said she got sick and had to go to the hospital. The good news is that she’s doing better and we’re going to have the interview tomorrow and she’ll get baptized the 20th. So a lot of prayers por favor because she’s so great and needs to get baptized. It would help her so much.

I’m doing fine, and I love the members so don’t let this next story make you think otherwise. It’s just meant to be funny. On Thursday, I think it was, we ate lunch with an hermana. I don’t know very many people yet but the Sister was really nice and had an incredibly nice house. We got there really late because we didn't know how to get to her house (we are still learning our way around the area) and when we got there her boy was crying. He went on to cry for the next 30 minutes, but that’s not the point. After waiting for her to finish making lunch and almost leaving to go contact (because we only have 1 hour to eat), the lunch was finally served. It was a typical lunch of rice with meat and a whole bunch of salads, and it smelled great. We ate for about 5 minutes and all of the sudden one of the missioners looked at me with big eyes and then looked at the hermana and said, “Hermana are there maggots in the rice?” Needless to say the next day all 4 of us spent a considerable amount of time in the bathroom, which can be kind of complicated as a missionary in the streets. haha.
       
Elder Perugorria went home…finally. haha. No just kidding. I love that man a lot, but he was tired and had a girlfriend. I learned a lot from him and hope that everything goes well with his wedding and future family. Anyways now it’s just Elder Hunter and I. Two gringos walking the streets of the barrio La Victoria! haha. It’s great. 
       
That’s just about it for this week. Everything is awesome. I’m excited to be an uncle and can’t help but to say that Uncle Marcus has got a nice ring to it. 

Elder Walker

Teach and Preach and Work

Hello!

Well this last week was pretty special. We had a great time planning a lot of meetings and preaching to a lot of people. As a trio, we do a lot of divisions, which means that we go to other sectors to help missionaries and serve them for a day and then return to our area. It’s easy for one of us to just leave, and I’ve already done a ton of divisions, which is great because I’ve been able to learn from the other missionaries. I think that it’s more fun to be in a trio because there’s never any silence, and we make a lot of jokes. My comps are awesome. To answer your question being in a trio isn’t too common. There are only like 4 or so trio companionships in the mission, and my companion, Elder Perugorria, is going home this Thursday. Then, it'll just be Elder Hunter and I. It’s a little hard to be with a missionary that’s ending...trunky. 

We had a great week in terms of teachings and I think that my favorite lesson was with Doris. She's a Peruana who has two adorable little daughters. We've been helping her a lot, and she has real desire to follow Jesus Christ and loves the church. However she has a little bit of fear to get baptized. After asking a lot of inspired questions, she finally opened up and said that she felt like she needed to forgive her sister. It surprised me to hear such a simple answer, and I didn't really understand at first, but she later said that she hadn't talked to her for 2 years. I felt the spirit so strong, and we ministered to her of the atonement of Jesus Christ and the power to heal us when we act. I know that when she acts, she’ll receive the answer that she needs. So pray for Doris, so that she can get baptized. 

Loving the mission,

Elder Walker

New Area and Trio

I’m in Ochagavia in the ward Ochagavia, which like a said last week is one of the more humble parts of the mission, actually probably the most humble part (at least economically speaking). It’s humble like where I started the mission, but instead of country it’s all inner city. My companions are from California and Uruguay. Yes, I have two companions: Elder Hunter and Elder Perugorria. They’re amazing missionaries, and I love them both to death. Actually Elder Perugorria and I lived together in La Isla when I first got to the mission, so he's an old friend. And Elder Hunter and I were together in my last zone. We get along great, and we’re working on the communication because it’s a little different as a trio, but everything is fine. 

The ward is great, and I’m still getting to know everyone. haha. It’s hard to compare because I spent so much time in my last sector and really love the people there, but I'm getting used to it here. We’re working really hard, and this month is where the opposition is the greatest because of the heat. February is a month of miracles, and we’re going to baptize. Si o si.  It’s when it makes the most heat, and when nobody's there but that’s when the Lord blesses us. I loved to hear about the hike of the young women and the message about enduring to the end. It’s so important. In the mission it definitely applies. I have to endure to the end of every day, of every month, and to the end of my mission. I think that the goal isn't just making it to the end, it’s a lot more than just that. We have to endure, yes, but endure well. Enduring well for me is like you said thriving. I’m trying to live like that. Just like the Lord said to Joseph Smith when he was in Jail

 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

 9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.

Every day has to be like that. Working hard! Love you all.

Elder Walker

Hola from Ochagavia

So I got changed!!! Right now I'm in Ochagavia, which is a little bit more towards the center of Santigao. It is one of the more humble parts of the mission, and it's going to be a great experience for me. I've been here all of 30 minutes so I'll tell you more about it next week. I think that I could end my mission here, and I just have so much faith that there are people that are waiting for me. Here in this sector I have to find them and baptise them. On another note I've trained for 18 months of the mission finding, teaching, baptizing, and now I have the chance to teach others how to do it while being the example. I pray for the faith to fufill my calling. It's kind of overwhelming. I didn't really understand the power and imoprtance of my calling at first but now i konw.

After 7 and a half months in Las Naciones, I was finally transferred. The last few weeks in Las Naciones were such a miracle. We has 6 investigators at church and 4 of them have baptismal dates for February Sofia, Daniel, Paloma and Nayomi. They are special people for me and all of them are teenagers. I feel like I was blessed a ton in my last sector and hope to be able to participate in the baptismal service that they'll have. Thanks so much for the support and love.

Elder Walker

Bye Bye Teenage Years

Hola!

I'm 20!! I'm happy to say that I turned 20 today. I can't help but think about the personal progression that I've gone through the last year and half. It seems that I've become more of a man in past 18 months than in the previous 18 years. Crazy but true. Thanks for all the emails and congratulations. I feel so blessed to have such great family and friends. 

So, I'm still in my same sector, but this next Monday we have changes again like normal. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to leave. Elder Moreira is doing great and has really learned a ton as a missionary in these 3 short months. He's going to be a great leader in the mission for the future. This last week was pretty special and we are preparing one girl that's 15 years old to get baptised. Her name is Sofia she's gone to church two times and already is friends with all the young women. She just needs the permission of her mom. So lots of prayers for the mom so that she softens her heart a little bit. It's hotter than ever here in Santiago. I'm getting more blonde every day and very tan even though I put on suncreen like 3 time every day. haha The work is better than every though. There are so many miracles.

Love you all. Can't wait to see where I am next week!

Elder Walker

Changes

Hi,

This last week was a little bit different, and brought some unexpected changes. President decided to have transfers in the middle of a change. One day was normal and the next day it seems as if most of the mission got moved. Almost everyone was transferred. That and we changed our schedule again back to Mondays as our P days, and we don't have a transfer meeting anymore. I stayed to finish Elder Moreira's training, but my zone is very different now. Things are different, but I think that change helps one thinks a little bit more and my mind focuses a little bit better with change. President is very wise. I think a good example of this is in golf. Sometimes if someone changes clubs, it can help them just because they focus more. It's something that my Dad taught me with putting. When he told me to change clubs, and I did better; however, it can also be a little risky. The point is the the mission is dynamic and change is the only preditable thing. 

I however have not had very many changes, right now I've been in the same sector for the last 7 months. I love it!! My sector is amazing and the people are so great. This week a good friend leaves on his mission. Jaime is a kid that has been visiting people with us for the last few months, and on Thursday he leaves for Argentina. I feel blessed to have been a part of his preparation and happy to see another missionary join the ranks. It's small but meaningful things like that that each day that keep me going during the weeks and months. 

On Sunday we had one investigator that attened!!! Her name is Sofia, and she has 15 years old. Ahh I mean she's 15 years old :) Despite her age she is very mature and has to be one of the most prepared people that I've taught. She reads, prays, and goes to church. What a miracle or no?!? When she first went to church she loved it, and now she has friends in Young Womens. I'm hoping that tomorrow we can put a baptismal date with her so that she can receive the forgivness of her sins to live with God eternally. 

I'm doing great and feeling a little old to be honest. The next time we talk I'll be 20!! That's like a fifth of a century! Haha love you all so much!!


Elder Walker

2016

Hi,

Wow it's here! 2016 has arrived! It was a little bitter sweet to say good bye to 2015. 2015 was the year I spent entirely in the service of the Lord. It was my year of learning and of great blessings. I can't help but to feel a little bit old in the mission and in life now that I'm going to turn 20, and I've been on the mission for over 17 months. I can't believe it, time really has gone by fast! Luckily I still have over 6 months left in the mission.

This last week was great, but it also had its ups and downs. To start, we had a special miracle on Wednesday morning. Just so you understand the mornings can be hard with the heat, hunger, and lack of people in their houses, but in our mission the goal is to find a new investigator before lunch. On Wednesday morning we found a less active member named Tatiana who has 2 daugters that aren't members. She was alone so we returned to her house later with a member and had one powerful lesson. She has an incredible desire to return to the church after going through some heartbreaking experiences. She started to cry and said that the night before she asked God for direction in her life to know what to do and that we had answered her prayer. The daughters want to learn more, and we're going to visit them again today. 

There are miracles all the time in the mission, and this is just an example of one. But they happen regularly. I know that God is a God of miracles and results, and if we know Him, stay in the path of righteousness and put our confidence in Him we will see those miracles  (Mormon 9:20). I have half of this year to give everything I have. Thanks so much for the support. I'm doing the best I can.

Elder Walker