Guess who we ran into today!!!

I received this text today from Jean Hartman. This is a picture of Brad and TJ's dad, Taylor Hartman.

"Guess who we ran into today!!! He is so happy. Doing great. We r having lunch together tomorrow. It is amazing here. We love it!!"

It sure made this mom happy to hear that and see his smiling face!

May 31, 2011 - Last one

    Well the MTC experience has been amazing! But I am so ready to go to Mada! I've learned so much by the spirit. It's crazy how you struggle with something one day, and then you're a pro the next. I believe that can happen to anyone, you don't have to be in the MTC. If you work hard and and the purpose is to help somone else, I truly believe that the Lord will help you. That's what I've learned the most here, you have to work for someone else. It won't just bring happiness to the person you're helping, it will affect others around you that you might not notice. And amazing enough, it will encourage youself to do even better and bring happiness into your own life. I watched a conference talk by Pres. Monson, and it was about gratitude. Have an attitude of gratitude and your day will be blessed. If you are always in a thankful mood, you'll forget about yourself and help others. In this gospel, YOU have to be the first to act and then others will follow. We always talk about being an example, but we never say that we need to be the first example. A thing that I heard a long time ago was, to do something great, you'll have to do something that has never been done before. Something along those lines, you might of heard of it before. The best example again of being the first example is Christ. He performed the Atonement - one of the greatest blessings given to us. If you are the first to be an example, you might just be the greatest blessing in someone's life.

   I haven't gotten my visa so I'm a little scared. I hope we don't have to stay late, that wouldn't be fun. I have malaria pills but I don't need to take them yet. If I'm in Tana (Antananarivo-the capital) then I won't have to. My collar bone is good now, my backpack doesn't hurt anymore. I think my jacket and sweaters are going to be enough. I know that you'll be proud of me when you hear this:  I have offiacially gained 15 lbs. here! I'm a fatty but I'm gonna lose it all anyways when I go to Mada. :)

   I just want everyone to know that I love them, I want you to send me an email every once in a while. I'm going to work my hardest in Madagascar, and I expect you to work just as hard at home. Remember, be the FIRST example, and try to see the blessings in your life. I hope we get another Apostle tonight, so we can make it five! So far Richard G. Scott, Dallin H. Oaks, Neil L. Anderson, and Russell M. Nelson.


              Love,
                  Elder Walker

I got the list - May 24, 2011

Dear Momma,

I got the list I was talking about so here's the rest of the stuff I wanted to tell you.

I'll send the package of pictures at the end of the MTC so I can send you everything that happened here. And I wrote on the back of every one that you needed to know.

I'll have enough room in my bags now that the candy is gone and I'm sending home the insect spray (I might take one, I'm not sure). I should be good to go with my jacket and supplies that I've received and bought. I haven't added anything else. (That was a really poor sentence. Oh well.)

So, Brother Bell's little brother came into the MTC this last Wednesday and guess who his companion is? Elder Collinsworth from BYU b-ball. He looked a little different in person but he seems like a cool guy. They're going to Russia, by the way.

And the last song by Aaron Waite I forgot to tell you was "Now Let Us Rejoice." I love piano! Dani, you better get amazing at it! Become better than me or Melissa and you'll love it more than anything. (I don't know why I said, "me", Melissa's obviously better. ha ha!)

You don't need to send me anymore jackets or sweaters. My teachers said you only need to bring 2 or 3 which is what I have.

[A little background - I have a Girls' Weekend with my daughters each year. We were out to breakfast this last Saturday for it and a waitress came up and said that a table of guys wanted to buy our breakfast. My two married daughters, Melissa & Natalie, had a "deer in the headlights" look like they didn't know what to do. I immediately said, "Where are they sitting?" Sure enough it was all of our husbands - being jokesters!]
That's so funny that Dad, Brian and Adam did that! I wish I was there to see it. I love our family. We always have a good time. But at the same time, we are serious when we need to be. Some people have one side or another and I'm glad that our family has balance.

I'm sooo jealous, jealous, jelus, gelos...anyways, that Dad saw "Thor." TJ (Hartman) was so mad that he was going to miss it, that's his favorite superhero. There are tons of hero movies coming out! I guess after Batman, Superman and Ironman came out and they saw how popular they were, they wanted in on some cash too. Maybe people are just attracted to the word "man" in a movie title?

Geez! You guys are changing the whole house! I'm not even going to recognize it when I come home. Just for future reference, if you want me to come home before going to live with Phil, I request my room to be painted with a huge picture of the Golden plates, the stripling warriors and maybe Bruce Lee, no Jackie Chan! You don't have to, but I might go over to Phil's house if he has that in one of his rooms...

Don't worry about me calling everyone in the airport. Remember, it takes three days to get there and one layover will be 10 hours or so.

Even though it's hard, it's good to get more responsibility, if not that, at least the knowledge to do something different. One Christlike attribute that is in PMG (Preach My Gospel) is knowledge. We should continually seek knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge. I can guarantee you that if you learn something new every day, you'll be happier. Why? Because it's a Christlike attribute and says we should in the scriptures. D&C 88:18.

Well, I can't wait to see Cache (Guzy) this week and hopefully Jean and Taylor (Hartman). I love you all so very much!!!

Love,
Elder Bradford Kent Walker

13 more days!!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The time just seemed to slow down way fast! These last two weeks are going to be rough. But I just have to remember to stay focused and keep trying to learn as much as possible. I forgot to bring the list of stuff to tell you guys so I'll just wing it. Mom, I don't think I'll take the clothes spray with me, so I'll send that back. My suit cases should be good after that.

In the TRC this week, a volunteer came in that was actually from Mada and has only been living here for ten months! It was crazy how fast she spoke! I can't wait to be in Madagascar and have no hope in being able to understand anyone! haha. But the lesson still went good and everyone is getting along great.
Tomorrow, 28 new missionaries will be coming in! 3 different districts. 2 districts going to Singapore, Malaysia. And then 1 district of English speaking. I'm glad that I'm not zone leader anymore, it takes up so much of your studying time. Now we can really focus and get to work. I just hope out of the 28 missionaries, 1 of them can play the piano. You know, just because I want them to have extra blessings too :) After these elders come in, our whole floor in the residence halls and the classrooms will be completely full. It's going to be fun to have them.
I'm so excited because I can finally say that my district is the next one to leave in our zone! An English district will leave a day or two right after us :) Well I feel bad because I can't remember everything I wanted to say but one last thing, will you please send in a letter or package whichever one you think would be better and send some more Aaron Waite music?

Army of Helaman
There is a Green hill far away
I believe in Christ
? Not sure what it was, Surprise me!

    One last thing, if Phil's not married when I get back, I'm holding the family partially responsible! ;) I love you all and hope you try to work as hard as I do. Change lives.

                                                   Love,
                                                      Elder Bradford Kent Walker

Letter to Melissa - 5/17/11

Dear Melissa,

So I just got your second letter of the week today. So I'll just respond to both. Elder *** packed up his bag and almost left. He was two seconds away from walking home. Luckily, one of the security guards stopped him and said that he needed a ride home and to call his parents first. Long story short, the right things happened, the right people talked to him and now he's OK. And it was because of the exact thing you said. He was too hard on himself, so now he's a little less strict on himself and everyone else. Which I'm happy about. :) It was crazy though cuz Elder *** got a letter from his dad yesterday saying that he had a dream about him leaving the MTC for no reason and it was so vivid he had to act on it. The morning after, he saw that he had a missed call from the MTC. Now I think that is some pretty cool revelation.

That's too bad about Heather. (A friend of mine going through an annulment.) For someone (her husband) to be that lame and stupid, you really have to try at it. I was reading "How to be Totally Miserable" by John Bytheway, and I loved it. It is amazing how much you have to try to be miserable and make other people miserable. There are so many good things in the world. He had an amazing perspective on some things too, I'll tell ya some quotes later.

That's good about the Lakers! Who won the Playoffs?

So after this Sunday, another threesome (the Indo's) are becoming the new Zone leaders. I'm glad I won't have a million meetings to go to anymore. I get to play the piano sometimes but not as often as I would like.

I wonder if the prophets are going to start talking about movies, because they are really making those PG 13 movies sketchy...

If you guys go to Portland, look for an Elder Hendricks. He's this big dude with blonde hair and can beat-box like none other! He's also way funny. :) I can imagine not knowing where to go being scary. I had to go through it. The thing that helped me get through it was, stay busy! Even if it is trying to plan for a new job. Never dwell and sit there thinking about problems. Make solutions or at least try to. I feel kind of weird giving advice because you probably already know anything I tell you but I guess it's always good to be reminded every once in a while.

Well I hope you don't get too stressed out. I love you and will pray for you to know where to go.

Love,
Elder Bradford Walker

Missionary Training Center (MTC) district

 Elders Maua'i, Walker, Fryer, Wilson, Thurlow

 Elders Walker, Fryer, Maua'i - companions

Madagascar district plus 2 other elders

Brad always looks so happy!

Hello! May 17, 2011

Thanks for sending the spray stuff [super duper insect repellant], but they actually give us that same kind of stuff when we are in Madagascar. I don't know if that stuff is better or not so I'll pray about it and see what happens from there.

Tell James to look for Aaron Lloyd at the MTC. I think he's going in that same day or close to it. Tell him to look for the guy with a big nose ;)

Brother O'Day is going to Madagascar for his non-profit organization thing. He's setting it up there for the first time. He'll be going there during the summer every year for who knows how long! And i don't know if we're getting a new teacher to replace him or not. If you could put a link on my blog to that website i told you that would be great. Madagascarfoundation.org 

I'll send home all my MTC pictures when I leave. So I don't have to send a ton at different times.

So the Indo district is going to become the new zone leaders next week. I'm kind of relieved because it was so much work but now I won't have control over the piano playing. Haha. Everything is going great, we are teaching in Malagasy and changing the lives of every fake investigator. I can't wait for Madagascar! I know it will be tough and that I won't understand anything for the first 2 or 3 months but I don't care! It will be awesome.

I can't remember if I told you guys but Neil L. Anderson spoke at the Devotional last Tueday. It was a really good talk. Anyways I love all of you very much! One quote that keeps popping up that I love is:
                  "Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies."
                                            -President Thomas S. Monson
It always reminds me that anything the Lord says to do, you can always do it. Even if the Lord does most of the work.

Letter to Melissa - 5/10/11

Dear Melissa,

Sorry if this letter is short, I've just already written four other letters. So you can at least be proud of the fact that your little brother is practically famous. I'm trying to be more mature, but my natural instinct is to be funnier than Phil. Luckily, I don't have to try too hard. :)

My companionship is doing well. We just had to get to know each other more. Beyond what we tell each other. And yes Melissa, I CAN believe you are almost 30! I think I'll just call you "30 yr old sister" instead of Melissa. You better have a baby in your arms when I come down those escalators at the airport!

I miss watching movies. I wish they had Disney movies for us to watch on P-day or something. Did you know people in Madagascar can copy American made movies without it being against the law? They just can't copy Mada made movies, but they suck so who would want them. So you can buy good movies for like 3 or 5 bucks! You can also get way good paintings or custom suits for 40-50 bucks! That's crazy, I want to get a painting before I leave.

I like how patriarchal blessings are kind of a guide. Something to follow and live up to. Even though there is or can be some kind of "fortune telling" in it. Like mine said, "you'll be called to distant lands to serve the Lord." Who knew that I would go to Madagascar! The furthest place you can get to on earth. The Lord did. True inspiration through the power of the priesthood. And I guess that's what I'll tell you to ponder about. What can having the priesthood in life affect? I would write more but I have lots of responsibilities and places to go.

By the way, just cam back from Devotional and Elder Neil L. Anderson spoke about "the merits, mercy, and grace of God." Pretty cool, 3 Apostles so far. Let's hope for 4!

Lots of Loves,
Bradford Kent Walker

05/10/11

Dear Momma/Family,

Thank you for the blogs. I love hearing their stories.

I’m so jealous you got to hear President Monson speak! You’re going to have to tell me if he spoke about marriage! J

We didn’t get an apostle last Tuesday but Elder Rasband still gave a good talk. I don’t like my P-day being on Tuesday because then I have to wait a whole week to tell you about it.

That’s so awesome that everyone is graduating! It’s awesome that Karli [Blake – his cousin’s wife] has already graduated, it seemed so short. I’m sure it didn’t seem short for them though. Ha ha!

Did Jacob Yates recognize you guys right away or did he think you guys were weird, walking up to him with a huge smile on your face? [A former 5^th grade student of mine graduated from SUU and I was there for my son-in-law’s graduation.] I like to imagine our family to be the overly happy/loud/fun/loving family in America, maybe even the world! And I love it!

I happened upon a talk on LDS.org that Joseph B. Wirthlin gave and the title was, “Come what may, and love it.” You should look it up.

Just got back from the temple. It was really amazing.

Another thing Brother O’Day showed from Elder Holland’s talk was that in order to teach powerfully, you need not be scared to ask for commitments, and you need to remember we have more power and authority than most of the world. We need to act like it, while still being respectful though. And also we need to have conviction in what you are teaching. In order to have conviction you need a testimony in that subject. How do you get a testimony? Study, then pray about it. Even if you’ve gotten an answer about it, ask again for reconfirmation.

Of course Nat would get one of the most prestigious awards! [She graduated from Dixie State College’s Dental Hygiene program with honors and received an award for “periodontal excellence”.] She’s a Walker/Loris J

Did Dad get a tan line from his sunglasses? I always loved it when he came back from golfing with that tan line!

[Melissa and Brian gave me a Mother’s Day card with a little girl on the front who had French fries sticking out of her nostrils. It read: Don’t worry. When people ask me where I get it from …I tell them I got it from Dad!] I laughed so hard just reading about the card! I hope my kids give me a card like that when I’m old, I mean 30…

There are 4 districts in our Zone but one is leaving tomorrow, but two Mongolian districts are coming in tomorrow. So it’ll still be 4. But then next week or the week after, 18 Malaysians are coming in!! 18 Elders going to Singapore is going to be too much of one language. Along with the 5 Indonesians, these two groups only have about 500 words that are different. So it’s going to be 5 Malagasy and 23 Malays/Indos! I hope I can handle it.

If everyone doesn’t see Mom’s emails, I’ll tell ya something. Mom told me that Ned (my car) looks lonely not being driven. So Dani, she is basically telling you to go drive it! Just take the keys and run! [Yeah right!]

Lots of Loves,

Elder Bradford Kent Walker

May 10, 2011 Weekly email

The days are starting to go faster and I can't wait for Madagascar. It was Brother O'Day's last day yesterday... that sounded weird. Anyways, he showed us some videos of Madagascar and pictures and a video of when he was in the MTC. It was cool how much he changed. And the people we teach in the TRC were in his MTC group, it was funny some of the things they said.

Brother Rasolo told us that we were leaving a week earlier than planned! I got so excited! But right before he left he said he was joking. We got so mad at him! It was a good week. He also showed us a talk that Elder Holland gave at the MTC last year and it was about how missionaries need to work harder than ever before. It was really powerful. I figured out that talks given at the MTC don't get distributed to everyone else. Just wanted you guys to be jealous... But I'll send my notes home so you guys can see what it was generally about.

Well it's our 5th week here and it's getting pretty long. I just want to leave for Mada right now. Oh! I almost forgot! Go to Madagascarfoundation.org  Brother O'Day made a non-profit organization to help other non-profit orgs work together. It's a really cool website and a lot of cool info with videos and pics.

One of the Elders in my district had a tough trial this week with his family and it's amazing what he said. "No matter what happens there, I'm not going to go home. I know I should serve a mission and that's what I'm going to do." It was amazing because he has been struggling the whole time. But then after, he was happy and postive and seemed like he was learning faster and better than everyone. Even me, can you believe that?! Anyways, it made me think that whoever Satan works on the most, my opinion is that they can do the most good in the church. That's just an opinion. And that's what keeps me going sometimes when I feel down or frustrated. I told this to Mom but I'll say it here. Be happy, it's a choice, and can make your day go better. No matter what, try to be happy and try to make others happy. And that's what Mom helped me figure out. You're wonderful Mom! I love you! And I love everyone else too! And especially everyone who reads my blog. Fun fact, the word for "especially" in Malagasy is "indrindrindrindra". That took me a while to figure out how to say! Haha!

May 6, 2011 - Letters to Momma

[We were out of town for Mother's Day and had asked our neighbors to get our mail for us. When we came home Sunday night I was very anxious knowing there would be a letter from Brad that we had missed before we left. Unfortunately our neighbors weren't home. I was bummed about it. Finally Monday after work I got our usual day's mail and Dani went to get the mail our neighbors had collected. In our Monday mail there was a letter to Brad's dad, Mike, but no one else. Then, Dani came home with a letter to the family. It was great but I was very jealous of that letter to Mike and not one for me! Anyway, once Mike got home he opened it up and there was a note to him that said, "This is for Mom. I don't want her to open too soon but I hope I sent it early enough to get there on time." Then the following letter was enclosed. Well, by that time I was in tears from feeling sorry for myself before I even read the letter! Enjoy!]

Dear Momma,

I love you so much!!! You have already taught me to be a good missionary before I came here. You’ve showed me how to act even when other missionaries don’t realize they’re doing something unchrist-like. And I’m not boasting of myself. Or as it says in Alma 26:12, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God…” I don’t know how I could boast of myself. I have learned love, kindness, sincerity, joy; the list could go on and on, of what you have done for me. But I am most grateful for that last attribute, joy, trying to be joyful or happy all the time. Sometimes it can be tough, after learning the language for 3 hours that day and still struggling, or conflicts with your companion. But that’s where being happy all the time comes into play. I can realize what I’m doing will all be o.k. later and just be happy now, don’t wait to be satisfied with your challenge or obstacle. It makes your day so much better being happy and smiling instead of being sad, disappointed, grumpy and complaining about everything. There is a direct line of health and learning when you’re happy or grumpy. I have seen it in my own district. One elder being grumpy got sick; one being a complainer cannot learn a thing. So that is why I am so grateful to have you as a mom. I would be a whiner and complainer if you weren’t there to teach me. So please, when I bring my children over to your house, will you please teach them that?! I believe it is one of the most crucial attitudes you can have, along with love. I love you Mom, with all the bones in my body, even the broken ones! I will remember you every day, and please don’t worry about me. You know I’m tough, you know I work hard, and you know the Lord will protect and guide me. I’m so grateful to be a Latter-day Saint; it has brought so many blessings to me and the wonderful kids you raised.

Love always,

Your son, Bradford

(This letter he sent home to our Relief Society President to be read in RS on Mother’s Day. Pretty cute!)

My mom is wonderful. She has taught me how to put my clothes in the washer and dryer and how to fold them. She taught me how to make my bed, how to keep my room clean, how to cook and clean the house. But, more importantly, she’s taught me how to love and be kind, how to be friendly to other people and how to serve everyone as much as possible. My mom is wonderful in every way. I would not be the same without her. She is the best and I love her to death.

Elder Walker

May 3, 2011 to Family

Dear Family,     

                                                                        

That’s crazy that Dad went to Canada! I guess we’re all going to strange, far-off places. Me to Madagascar, Mom to Washington D.C., Dad to Alberta, and Nat to Minnesota (or Montana, I can never remember.). Oh, and Phil to Rose Park.

I do know Payton [Hansen – he was also called to Madagascar], that’s pretty cool. Too bad I’m leaving the Monday before that Wednesday.

I’ll definitely write Parker [Nichols, his cousin]. I miss that little/tall guy! Haha!

I’m glad I wasn’t in the room with Grandma [Barlow – Les’ mom who at 86 now has a boyfriend!] & Lorne, I would have been laughing so hard! Well that’s good that those two can be together.

And yes! Melissa! Is! Old!!! I’m glad that I can be the young, fun uncle! I do miss me some Walker chicken. Today at the temple, we went to the cafeteria afterwards. I got the “Champion Chicken”. Let me tell you, it was a champion! The food there is so good, all the time.

I’m so jealous of you guys, you’re going to hear President Thomas S. Monson speak at the graduation! [Dixie State College’s 100 year celebration and Natalie’s graduation.] Maybe he’ll make a quick pit stop at the MTC before!?!?

So being Zone leader, I just welcome in any new districts, go to practically every meeting on Sunday and am in charge of assigning people to bless and pass the sacrament, opening & closing prayer and to play the piano. So it’s pretty busy sometimes, but I like it.

One day during this past week we read and discussed Alma 40 for about 3 ½ hours. Talking about the Plan of Salvation is my favorite, because it has the most mystery.

Well, I gotta start writing some family members now that I have their addresses. Love you all, keep writing, because if you don’t…. you don’t wanna know. (mad face)

LOVE,

Elder Bradford Kent Walker

Another Late Posting 4/26/11

Dear Nat,

I was hoping you would like the explanations.  The pen I used was really bad. Sister Norton is pretty cool, so is her district. They are like my sisters away from home. Sister Kubota is in their district and she is so funny, I joke around with her a lot.  I don't know what I'm going to do when they leave?! Haha! Oh and I'm pretty pro at volleyball now.  I usually serve, but one time my team received the serve and they hit towards the wall (if it hits the wall it's out) and I ran up the wall like Spiderman and hit away! It was alright... I mean, I didn't even try that hard.
I can't even pick a favorite part of the MTC. I love Gym, I love eating in the cafeteria talking to other people and believe it or not, I love learning Malagasy with my teachers. That's basically what I do here. I can't remember if I put it in the email earlier today but our schedule has changed. Which has only happened I think when "Preach my gospel" came out, but that was mostly just the way they teach, and now.  It's crazy, we barely have any time with our teachers now.
I'm so glad that I got to hear from an apostle while I was here.  Elder Scott talked about missionary work and the promptings from the Spirit. He shared D&C 8:2 but I like the while section. He said a quote, "We'll never be prompted by the Holy Ghost for something we cannot do."  I like that a lot.
I bet you passed your board exam. You always do great.  And just know, whatever happens in your life, is supposed to happen. The Lord will always help you.  I can't wait to see your graduation picture! And yes, I am very jealous that President Monson is speaking at your graduation!! I love you so much! Please keep writing.

Your favorite sibling,
Bradford

Late Posting 4/18/11

Dear Nat,

I wish I could to your letter as soon as I get it, but you only have so much "free time" which is actually called study time. Haha! I have met Sister Norton! She is in the class right next to me and is in the same district. We play volleyball together everyday, and we compete for who has the better serve! She wins of course because she has actually played volleyball before, but I'm still pretty good! I was a little confused when you used "PSYCH!" after you said you got accepted but don't worry, I'll teach you how to use it when I get back ;) <- this is a wink, trust me. (<- keep this letter so you remember to remind me.)
That's so cool about the staircase in the Temple! I know it would be irreverent but I would just want to run up those stairs as fast as I could! I totally know how you feel, trying to make sure you have everything before you move and it being so soon. Of course I had 6 months to prepare, but it sneaks up on you, "like a wildcat, it's comin' to get you!" What song is that from? Hint: They are like the fantastic four. But don't worry you will be totally fine in Minnesota.  If you can go to St. George by yourself you can do this. Just don't marry anyone within a year (or something) when you get there ;) (another wink) Just think, whenever you think you have it hard, I'll have it harder. Cuz I'll be with someone that doesn't speak English, half across the world, and then you be, "ok this is easy." You know I"m just kidding and that I love you. I just have to get all my teasing out cuz my companions are stupid and don't laugh at my jokes! I need my family to laugh with! (tear) I really do miss you and love you with all my strength. Mandra pihoana! (see you later) Mazotoa! (Be diligent)

Sincerely,
your brother,
Elder Walker

May 3, 2011 to Melissa

Happy birthday Melissa!!!!
(Well, two days late)

You're 27 years old, you grandma! I'm so glad to have you as an older sister. You are so fun to be around and have taught me so much.

That's so cool that Brian might have a job soon. I actually went to his uncle's business/building thing when I was in school. I hate going to interviews too! That's why I was never in one. Haha! I wish we could get massages here. It is just so stressful not having to make our meals, beds and just walk from building to building all day. I don't know how us missionaries do it. I guess you could say, I get spiritually massaged everyday, that is the nice part.

I loved your lesson on the Atonement & Resurrection! (We teach Nursery, so it was a VERY simplified lesson.) It made me laugh. That's pretty much how we teach people in Madagascar. Just switch "happy" and "sad" with "gospel on the earth" and "no gospel on the earth". I can't wait to go to Madagascar, it'll be so exciting!

Fast Sunday was pretty cool. I wanted to share my testimony but when I was going to stand up there five more missionaries stood up and I didn't want to be that last person up when it's 5 minutes past the time. We had mission conference and some good talks were given. And then we had a good fireside after that. The days are good here. Elder *** said that he was going home last night but thankfully Brother Rasolo talked to him for a bit and he decided to stay. I guess he just had to get that out of his system. I'm actually missing home a lot, I might come home.

Well, I love you so much, keep writing.

LOVE, lovey, dovey, wuvey,

Elder Bradford Walker

P.S. Totally kidding about the coming home thing. I'd much rather go to Madagascar than stay here!
P.P.S. What does P.S. stand for?
P.P.P.S. Why don't you add the "S"?
P.P.P.P.S. "The Lord helps those, who help themselves." - Dallin H. Oaks

Wuv u! ;)

May 3, 2011 - a little bad news

So I have a little bad news, we won't be able to call on Mother's Day. They said they don't have enough phones for 1,600 missionaries, ridiculous huh?! I'll send a letter though, of course and we'll be able to call when I am in the airport, so just hold out another month. :)

Thank you for all of my friends' blogs! [I've been copying some of his missionary friends' blog entries and sending them to Brad so he can keep up with how they're doing.] It's so exciting that the people there are so enthusiastic about the gospel! I hope the Malagasy people are like that. (I'm sure they are)

I think remember reading somewhere that James [Brad's cousin] got his mission call or turned in his papers, but I can't quite find where I read that. Maybe I'm starting to go crazy or something.

So Fast Sunday was way good. I wanted to share my testimony but too many people went before me and we ran out of time. My old Zone Leaders left for Mongolia yesterday, I was getting kind of nervous for them! The sisters that were right next to our class (Sister Mikelle Norton was one of them) left yesterday also to Singapore. [Mikelle Norton went to Brighton w/Brad's older sister, Natalie.] I'm gonna miss them, they were like my sisters away from home. Even though no one could replace my actual sisters!

Tonight is another devotional, I wonder if we'll get another apostle. I can't remember if I told you but Elder Dallin H. Oaks came last Tuesday. Last time four apostles came in a row, so we'll see if we get another.

So much to say and so little time! The language is coming along great. We taught the second lesson in Malagasy at the TRC (Teaching Resource Center) this last Saturday, and it went really well. So now we have started preparing the third lesson, and it's only our fourth week. I guess that's pretty far along but it's still amazing how fast you can learn by the spirit. I strongly suggest all you kids in high school (I can say kids now cuz i'm not in high school) to ask for the spirit to help you learn everyday during school. you'll see an improvement.

Well, I got to go. I love you all and keep praying, cuz I sure need it! Haha!

Love Elder Bradford Walker