Happy Happy

Querida familia,

HaaaaaaAaAaAaAaAaPpPpPpYyYyYyYy  DADDYS DAY!!!  Happy bday Daddy!  Hope you got all your little hearts desires, have all you ever dreamed of, and that you lalalove life.

As for Elder Walker.  Well it was another one of those weeks.  So I think Ill just answer moms questions again to take up space haha.  Oh and we had interviews with Mr prez and room revisions.  The interview is always awesome and I always leave a new man.  But revisions are the WORST.  AHHHH.  I can't stand revisions.  I don't have any apostasy but if I have even the slightest thing like a dragon ball z sticker they'll take it and mark me down for not working.  And if there's one dust bunny or footprint on the floor, we still get marked down for chamboning.  Oh the dayss when I could just lounge in my filth in my room and play video games in my dirty underwear and yell at mom to do a room check next week...... huhhh.

Anyways.

What families are you teaching?

Lots.  99% need to get married.

  What is your favorite thing to look forward to each week?

Pday.  lol.  and football on Saturday.  And ward activities.

  What is your favorite Peruvian dish?

HA!  Well if I had to choose....  Papa rellena.  Its a mashed potato re molded with meat, vegges, and sauces in the middle.  That's how you need to do your baked potatoes :)

  Did you make it to the temple (New Year’s Goal to help strengthen your companionship)?

No....  Id rather not say why haha.  In the end, the assistants said no.  But next week si :)

   What is the habit you’ve learned as a missionary that has made you a better you?

Diligence.  The #1 trait described in the scriptures.

  What is the thing you’ve learned the most about working with people?

That Im lucky I was born in a sane family.

  Do you do any service (describe)?

Duh!!  Everyday!  But service service I do once a week.  Wednesdays in the morning.  Usually carrying bricks or bags of dirt up a hill.  I usually try to avoid those services haha but somehow they cheat me and I get sucked in.

  Do you pay someone to wash your clothes or do yourself?

Yes, there's no time to do laundry.

  If yes you have someone, how does this happen?

Once a week we bring them a fatty bag of dirty laundry, and pick it upo the next day.  We pay an old cholo grandma to do it.

  What is the money down there called?

Soles.  1 dollar for 2.9 soles. 

  How is it to the dollar?

oops

  What is the new thing you are learning this week?

The same thing i learn every week.  Patience haha.  I learned a lot about the veil and faith this week.  read ether 12.

  What have you done for your companion this week (service)?

I do a million things for him.  :)

  What is the greatest change in people the gospel makes?

The greatest change, is that they're happy.  Overall they just change as people and smile a lot more.  It shows.

 What talents are you able to share?

Piano, English, rapping, dancing, you name it.

  What are you glad you learned as a youth?

I have a whole list haha. 

  What tactics are you using to help gain the trust and bond with the ward?

Many.  Mostly activities and service.

  Any emotions this week?

Just the usual.  Stress, tired, happy, peace, depression, anger, etc.

  Fear?

Nah.

  Joy?

Yess.  Especially seeing my convert familiy, familia Soto Lara, active and the husband going to be baptized next week.

Have fun reading all that!!!

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

Merry Fishmas, Feriz Año Nuvevo, 2015 . . . Here we go again January 5th

Querido familia,

Hellllllllloooooooooo Walker Family!!!  I hope you're all excited for this new year as I am!  Its gunna be full of work, fun, snakes, blood, sweat, tears, happy moments, not so happy moments, chambonadas, empenadas, and last but not least, at the end a sweet one way vacation to Las Vegas. ;)

I hope you all know you sinned on New Years too.  The Holy Ghost goes to bed at 10.30.

New Years Goals!!  Everybody's gottem.  But!  A goal not written is just a wish.  And all wishes disappear in time.  Therefore, write your goals down and put them on your wall, or ceiling where you can see them every night before you go to bed.  In fact, that's a great idea!  (Revelation!)  Everyone who's reading the email, grab any slice of paper nearby right now.  Look.  Don't be lazy.  Alright now each one of you write down your 3 goals for this new year.  You can write more, but I want you to write 3 main goals. 3 main changes that you want to see in yourself, in your life, and in your family/home this year.  Think about it.  And pray about it too.  I'll leave you some time now to do so.

Whew!  There we go.  Well I hope you all really did write your goals.  If not, then thanks for nothing.  2015 will be just like any other year for you haha.

But My new goals are 1.  Work Extra Super Flippin hard and baptize 30 people, including a few familys.  2.  Get rid of my old self once and for all by the time my missionary service ends.  and 3.  Start college ;).

Love you all.  Miss you all like crazy.  But you're all in the Lords hands and I trust hes taking care of you.  2015, lezgo!

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

Pictures:  my pritty Christmas tree

my pritty Christmas tree growing

President bearing his Christmas testimony in front of the whole mission

The view from my roof at night

Talking to strangers

From my view

Feliz Navidad...;)

Our new dolphin mascot!!

Suppose to grow "600%"!

No pasa nada

 Feliz Año Nuevo

Don't worry 9 pm

 

I'm dreaming.... of a (Dec 29)

Querido familia!

Hooo Hooo Hooooooooouu!

What an amazing week it's been :)  Sad to see the Christmas cheer come to an end, but in other good news, I'll be back for the next one ;)

We worked all Monday and Tuesday, then Wednesday we had the huge mission party and feast in the offices!  I got to see all of my good friends, eat super yummy food (real hotdogs and real cheeseburgers), play futbol/dodgeball/other fun stuff, win the mission talent show, and watch the movie Remember the Titans (en español :P).  Then Christmas I got to talk to you guys!!  I honestly enjoyed this skype call more than all the others I've had.  A lot of things have changed at home and in the family.  Weird.  But I'm still the same :D sort of.  But thanks for all your advice, love and kisses.  I expect even more on Mothers Day ;)

Well that's about it.  Had many awesome lessons this week.  Had 17 lessons Saturday and Sunday to make up for Christmas. x)  We also did Christmas caroling, Christmas futbol activities, and other goodness.

Hope you all enjoyed your Christmas, but most importantly remembered Christ this special time of the year.  But now, back to real life HAHA.  Have fun at all your boring jobs and boring lives.  Happy New Year.  Just kidding.  But seriously.  It's crazy that this year is already over.  If you read back to my first email this year, I remember saying, "2014... This is going to be the longest and hardest year of my life... but the most worth it."  It has been worth it.  Just as this year flew by fast, so do our lives and the things we do.  It's important that each one of us search for the purpose of such a short life, and what matters most.  There IS a purpose in this life and there IS life after death.  That knowledge has made me happier than anything this world offers and even happier knowing I get to spend it with my family if we're faithful until the end.  That same promise it to all of your families and loved ones if you too believe in Christ and are faithful to the end.  As we start this new year, think in the things that really matter, and BUILD on them.  The small things we do throughout the year decide the ending.  Start small.  Dream big.  Change your future.  Be happy.

I love you all, I miss you all, and promise I will never miss a Christmas around the tree with you again.

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

PS  HAPPY BIRFDAY MOMMYYYYY!!!!!!  FELIZ NAVIDAD :D

It's the most, trunkiest tiiime, of the year (Dec 22)

Querida familia!

Merry Christmas!!!  Feliz Navidad!  Happy New Year!  Deck the Halls!  Jingle some bells!  Woo!

Well let's start with the bad news and then we'll get to the trunky part.  Well technically it's all trunky.  Meh.  Woo!

Changes.  Well, there weren't changes.  Nuff said.  Spending Christmas with my fatty Elder Sosa.

Other news.  Turns out EFY music was officially banned months ago.  I had no idea.  Not that I was sleeping in the zone meeting...  So I've only been transgressing then ;) but now its a sin I guess.  The sweetest sin....

For Christmas, bought myself my first pair of church pants in Peru.  My old ones have many holes in the trasero from sitting on various objects during lessons.  But they're still good so hopefully they last till October :)

NAVIDAD!!!  I can NOT wait!!!  .....Till navidad 2015 hahaha.  jk.  This Wednesday, the whole day well be in the offices playing, jumping, skipping, singing, frolicking, just spreading Xmas cheer.  The whole mission will be together until 5 in the afternoon.  Then We are going Christmas caroling as a ward. :)  Woo!  Navidad is going to be crazy.  Each night There are more and more fireworks.  Here in Peru, the whole town EXPLODES with fireworks!  Way cooler than anything we do in the states.  Its totally Illegal, but no one here even cares.  Even the police shoot off fireworks.

But most importantly, lets not forget the true meaning of Christmas. :)  PIE!!!  jk. ("Lights Please") Many people forget that the true meaning of Christmas is the story of a baby, born in a manger.  A new star fills the sky as the Son of God is born into the world.  And they shall call Him Jesus.  He is the Christ.  The Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior of the World.  This Christmas season take a time to remember Gods greatest gift to the world: His Son.  That through Him, all mankind- men, women, children, black, white, diseased, poor, young, old, everyone and their families, can be together forever if they follow Him.  Follow Him, and you'll find a happiness the world cannot offer nor buy.  I invite all of you to take one minute and watch this video here: christmas.mormon.org

To end this epistle, read these verses too: Helaman 14:2-8, 3 Nephi1:13, and John 3:16.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Believe.

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

Photos:

Mama Noel?

Goodbye Elder Sanshez

Rat!!!

Pinning rat

Companion with rat

December 15-I'm sailing on-Good-bye Las Lomas

Querida familia,

Como estan?  Que bien.

Excitement and pressure are high as changes are TODAY.  Reminds me a lot of when I was with my companion Elder Pizarro.  Super cool guy.  But everyday praying that changes and my day of liberation would come... LOL.

This week was super chill.  I did a few work visits, and members were constantly accompanying us to do visits.  Lessons are a lot more spiritual when you have the testimony of a normal member there.  Therefore,  accompany your ward missionarys!!!  Yet after all my hard work, only 1 investigator came to church.... yup time for changes LOL.

My favorite investigator of all time is Edwin Saucedo.  A fun, relaxed joven 16 years old who's teaching me how to breakdance, but at the same time is converting into a Disciple of Christ.  He understands everything we teach, and actually reads and prays!!!!  Can believe that??  Someone who actually reads and prays by their own will.  He didn't come to church this week.... but its ok cuz he still is progressing haha.  He told us of spiritual experiences hes had praying, and even how God has answered his prayers.  One of them being that his best friend would be protected and make a good decision instead of something that would ruin him, and it came true!  Ever since then hes known that we´re here for a reason and what we teach is true.  Love that guy.

To end this epistle, Ill answer Moms bonus survey.

What was the most exciting thing that happened to you this week?

The most exciting thing of my week.... going to church?

  What lesson did the Lord teach you this week?

That you cant force the spiritual.  It comes through peace, love, and time.

  What was the most humbling moment?

Most humbling is my own failures that I blame my weak faith for.  I should know and do better and not get lazy.

  What gospel principle did you study this week and feed your testimony?

I was studying in Revelations especially chapter 17 and was hit by a doubt, because alot was exactly what Nefi saw in his vision in 1 nefi 11-14.  I read and compared, and had no idea that Nefi also saw what John saw.  In the end, I honestly felt the Spirit burning in me that it is true, and made my testimony 100 times stronger in the prophets, especially Joseph Smith, and that revelations are real.

  What Peruvian Christmas tradition do you find most interesting and why?

I absolutely love how everybody in the whole town sets off fireworks.  EVERYbody.  Its kind of dangerous.  They also consider it good luck to rub your face with a guinea pig......  I'm going to have a lot of good luck this year ;)

  How does this year compare to last year?

I'm a'lot more mature and not even 100th bit trunky as I was last year.

  Are you and your companion enjoying opening a package every day?

Its amaazzzinnnnnng!

 How is the coloring coming?

Sometimes I forget....  buts its beautiful.

  Did you give the mission president’s wife her gift?

Snot Christmas yet....

Have a great week!!!!  Stay tuned for changes!!!!!

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

My Fan Club and a better one

December 8, Hoppy Holidays; Merry Fishmas; So much Christmas Cheer

Querida familia!

Woo!  This week was SO excited!!  I saved a cat from a train, stopped an armed robbery, and baptized 50 llamas.

Ok so you already can tell nothing interesting happened this week.  Surprise.  No, to be honest I was a chambon and didn't write anything during the week to tell y'all, so I'll just answer moms questionnaire :)

"Your turn to talk.  Tell us about your experiences this week-by detail.  How do you feel during the discussions?

I feel... pressure.  Well it depends!  I try to be their friends at first and joke around, but most people are boring and don't like my jokes... lol.  So we teach and depending on if they understand the message, I get pumped and start to testify until we are taken away by the spirit and start to sing angelic halelujahs!!    Something like that.

  Has God answered any of your prayers?

Yes.  1% of 100.  He only answers when I actually pray for a good reason and true sincerity.  But when he does answer, its an unforgettable experience/feeling.

  Do you get promptings?

Always.  But mostly when I see pizza half price.

  What’s the most exciting thing that happened? 

Most exciting thing?  When I saved the cat from getting hit by the train.

 Funny? 

Baptizing 50 llamas

 Disappointing? 

Turns out you're not allowed to baptize llamas.

 Learning?

Learned I cant baptized llamas anymore.  but they didn't say anything about alpaca...

  Where do you feel the most growth is? 

The most growth Ive felt is the green mold in my toe nails.  LOL jk mom.  The most growth would be my own maturity and testimony of the plan of salvation.  Also that keeping the commandments bring us more happiness than not.

 What have you changed the most? 

Ive changed how lazy and ungrateful I was.  Ill never forget how good we have it in America...  And Ive learned obedience even if I dont understand why.

 How do you like your package?

BEAUTIFUL!!!  HERMOSO!  MUUUUUUUUCHAS GRACIAS!  Que Dios te bendiga!  Es lo maximo!  Everyday I have a little surprise to wake up to.  Thuper cool.

Well that's where the questions end.  For all of those who dont know, the Church is doing (How is it in English?)  "He is the Gift"  En español EL ES LA DADIVA.  Its a super cool video/program to remind the world that besides the gifts and family and holiday cheer, Christmas is about remembering the birth of Christ.  The greatest gift the God gave us.  For God so loved the World the He sent His Beloved Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, the same should not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16.

Remember this Christmas, your Savior.  And what truly matters most.

Con Amor,

Elder Walker

Pictures:  Exito!!!  So Much Christmas Cheer

*I mailed his package the middle of November fully expecting it not to arrive by December 1st because it usually takes 6 weeks.  The Peruvian post office was even on strike.  I was so surprised when he told me the package arrived December 1st-two weeks later!  I had included a count down calendar with tree, ornaments and something to open daily for he and his companion.  Thus the pictures.  Mama Walker 

Can you see the picture of his girl?

 

Hamsters can swim . . .

Querida familia,

Thanksgiving!!!  How exciting if you actually have friends.  And money. And food. I have none of those so I passed it eating a bag of Oreo with milk filling out the area book.  Whoop.

I got called to migracions again this week,little to my surprise that after 1 year I FINALLY GOT MY VISA!!!!!! Whoop.

The wife and daughter of my family were baptized last Saturday. Such a special day :)  I shed one tear bearing my testimony for added effect.  I gave them a picture of the temple as a gift but sadly will already be in Vegas before they get sealed in the temple... But the husbands getting baptized next month so stay tuned :D

Sorry this letter sucks.  I ate Way too much aji hot sauce last night and payed for it this morning.  Still suffering, but when I get better, thinking Ill go for another round of aji tonight... Whoop.

I love you.

Con Amor,

Elder Wafer

baptisms!!!

Fam soto lara. My favorite family yet. Very spiritual baptism, wish you could all be there.  The husband will be baptized next month...