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