Toliara

The essence of Toliara

[This is a postcard that Brad sent us on June 11, 2012. We received it a couple of weeks later.]

This is the essence of Toliara. Cows pulling carts in the sand with a bunch of cactus. It is a pain to ride a bike through this sand by the way. I think the guy in front used to play for the Timberwolves. I can't tell though...

You guys better not be having a good time without me! In fact, I don't know if you guys could have a truly good time without me.

This morning it rained pretty hard. It reminded me of Utah a little bit. But no, I did not get trunky, just excited. [I had asked him if our Mother's Day call made him homesick.] I also get excited when I think about the food I'm gonna make you guys when I get back. Is there a place to buy a live chicken? we're gonna kill one and gut it ourselves! And eat it with ground up leaves. It's pretty good if you don't put in all the chicken guts that are chewy.

Well I hope you guys loved this little hello. Make sure Dani doesn't get into trouble :)

Love,
Brad

June 9, 2011 - Letter from the mission president

This is part of a letter we received via email from his mission president. Here you can see where he is assigned and who will be his companion. We are sooo excited for him. A returned missionary from Mada told us that he is lucky because he is near the ocean! Yeah! I can't wait to get his first email on Monday.

Everyone, please continue to write him using Dear Elder. I know he loves those letters! Thanks for your support!

ÉGLISE DE JÉSUS-CHRIST                   DES SAINTS DES DERNIERS JOURS		Mission de      MADAGASCAR ANTANANARIVO                           B.P. 5094           Antananarivo 101 Madagascar    Téléphone 22 417 51 -  Fax 22.418.54                N°        0000-10 / MM-SL

              

Antananarivo, 9 June 2011

 Brother and Sister Walker,

Your son, Elder WALKER arrived safely in Madagascar.  After prayerful consideration, I assigned him to labor initially in Ankirihiry with Elder EVANS. one of our best missionaries.  We will do everything in our power to see that your son’s missionary experience is all that it should be and one that will be a source of strength to him throughout his life.

As your son takes the gospel forth, he will have some new experiences, some of which will probably be a great challenge, especially learning a new language, being away from home in a foreign land and culture, adjusting to missionary life, and getting along with companions and other missionaries.  Experience shows that missionaries who lose themselves in the work quickly overcome any obstacles.

Your weekly letters will greatly influence his success and be an important source of emotional and spiritual support.  Please make letters to him cheerful and uplifting.  Family members are authorized to send emails to their missionaries, subject to the guidelines established by the brethren.

For any package you would like to send to Madagascar use the address below (very important) when using DHL or any other mail company:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints

Madagascar Antananarivo Mission

MISSIONARY’S NAME

B.P. 5094

Dingana III

Andrainarivo

ANTANANARIVO 101

MADAGASCAR

 

Each missionary receives the Missionary Handbook.  Your missionary has committed to living by the principles of this handbook.  You can be of great support to your missionary if you are aware of some of these principles.

Sincerely,

Sean Edmund DONNELLY, President

Madagascar Antananarivo Mission

Phone Call & Letter to Melissa - 6/1/11

At 4:30 today, I got my phone call from Brad. He was in Chicago on his first of many layovers. He sounded really good and happy. He bore a short testimony in Malagasy, which just sounded like gibberish to me, but very cool nonetheless. I think our family is really lucky, because even though my Mom was in Minnesota with Nat, and my Dad, Phil, Dani, and I were all at our different jobs, he got to talk to all of us separately. I guess that's what happens when you have 8 hour layovers between all your flights. I got teary talking to him, but it was really great to talk and laugh with him. I just hope that 20 minute phone call lasts me until Christmas.


Then I got home today, and I had a letter from Brad! Double win!

Hey Melissa,

I am writing not on my P-day so I have to be quick.

Words with friends?! My friend Broc and I were the first ones to use that game! That's funny that everyone is playing it now. I could totally see Mom go "squinty eyes" and start crying after "jus zayin." :)

It's crazy, the snow here! Actually, I haven't seen any snow down here, just rain. I was just trying to be sympathetic. Me and you are or might be moving to places where it's gonna rain a lot! What a coincidence! Quincidence? Agh! I'm going to be the best speller after I got back from my mission!

How was Pirates 4? Movies now aren't as good as they used to be. Ya know, back in the good ol' days. :) Be sure to watch Kung Fu Panda 2, and tell me your favorite line from it though! :)

Well, I don't have anything wise to share with you. I guess, just read my last email. Ooo, and get a cool quote from it! I've always wanted my own quote. :) Because if I became famous, you could say, "Hey, I gotta quote from when he was 19, oh and he's my brother." But I'm sure people would care more about the quote. I guess I did have some wisdom to share. ;)

Well, remember to work hard, be obedient, be thankful, love one another and be patient. I'm praying for you.

Love,
Elder Bradford Walker
(Brad then tried to sign his name really spiky like our dad does.)
am I becoming like Dad yet?

Post script: Tell Momma thank you for all the extra sheet music too! Oh, and that Carol Campbell and Nyla Miller sent me some cinnamon rolls and made me a cool animal pillowcase.

May 31, 2011 - Excited to go!

Hey Momma,

I'm so excited to go to Madagascar! It's going to be kind of weird not seeing you for so long. I think the longest I have gone without seeing you is a week or two. You are so amazing. I want you to know that you have made me what I am today. I am so glad to have you as my mom. It seems like I have learned how to act around certain people, what to say, and see a different perspective so much more than most missionaries. So techinically, technacally, technically (too bad I wasn't better at spelling though) you are the one helping the people of Madagascar.

I knew Gentry [Anderson] and we were friends but we didn't hang out much. That's cool that he's going to Alabama. I've seen Cache [Guzy] and we actually have almost the exact same schedule. Everything is the same except TRC [Teaching Resource Center]. It's so good to see him 5 times a day but it's also bad. :)

My Travel Itinerary:

SALT LAKE CITY AT 11:15 A.M.  JUNE 6TH

CHICAGO                  3:30  P.M.

LEAVE CHICAGO AT 8:05 P.M.

ARIVE LONDON        9:45 A.M  JUNE 7TH

LEAVE LONDON      7:10 P.M.

ARIVE JOHANNESBURG  6:55 A.M.

LEAVE JOHANNESBURG  10:00 A.M.  JUNE 8TH

ARRIVE MADA           2:10 P.M.

If I don't get the calling cards, Elder Fryer is practically nomadic, so he knows a lot about that stuff. I'll call you in...no matter where I call you, you might be at work. I have plenty of time, just tell me when you want me to call. Just expect a call 6/6/11 while I'm in Chicago around 6:00 p.m. That might be 5 or 4 in Utah. Tell me if you want something different, I have plenty of time.

I'm praying for all of you. I love you all!

Love,

Elder Bradford 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

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

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 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! ;)

April 26, 2011 to Dan.....i (He thinks he's funny!)

Tired of studying Malagasy

Excerpts from his letter to his sister Dani:

I gave Melissa and Nat a challenge to have a baby before I get back and Phil to be married, but I never gave you one. So, here it is. I challenge you to become as funny as Phil before I get back. And if you become as funny as me, I'll take you to dinner. Unlikely, but I thought I'd give you an option.
-----
I will love you forever. Keep writing and I will keep giving you "elderly" advice. Get it? - "elder-ly!!" Oh, geez, what am I gonna do with myself?

Sincerely,
Bradford Walker

April 26, 2011 to Momma

I do get your letters everyday. We check the mailbox a lot because Elder Wilson in my district always wants to check it.:) I'm good on stamps but I do need some envelopes. Could you give me Phil's address so I can write him?

The studying is going great! We just started the second lesson in Malagasy. It's pretty cool. I love the Plan of Salvation. My talk on it was good too. I shared D&C 14:7 (my favorite scripture) and said that we need to trust in the Lord to help us keep the commandments so God can give us the greatest gift of all which is eternal life. And, of course, had a little humor in it.

This letter might sound weird, but it's because I'm just answering your questions as I read through.:) Yes, I want you to forward my emails to everyone because I only write you. And you can take out or put in anything you feel is appropriate.

All the missionaries get to go to the temple on P-day and then just walk around the temple on Sundays. I went today, it was awesome. We also ate at the temple after because at the MTC cafeteria, all the employees are going home for summer so only one line is open, so it takes forever to get your food. I just get cereal first and then get the meal after the line is gone.

I've gotten all your letters so don't worry. And, by the way, if you send 19 more letters through MTCdelivery.com then I get a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, even though I already have enough candy!:)

I've also gotten letters from Aaron and Kate Berry, who I went to Prom with, and Trevor left me a letter the night before he left. I love getting letters and emails, even though it takes me about 3 hours to respond to everyone. It's still worth it.

I wish I could upload pictures and recordings onto the computer but you can't get on any other website besides LDS.org, Mormon.org and LDSmail.net. So you'll get some pictures in the mail in a couple days. And hopefully the computers in Madagascar are better.

Elder Scott shared D&C 8:2, but I think you should read the whole section, it's good. One of the quotes he shared was "we'll never be prompted by the Holy Ghost for something we cannot do." I wonder who tonight's speaker is going to be?

I can definitely feel your hug and kisses! I remember them well.:)

With all the love in the world,
Your Son

April 26, 2011 - Dear Dad

Dear Dad,
I heard from Mom that you have sold something like nine franchises! It's amazing wherever you go, you make things better. I'm just so blessed to have a father like you to teach me how to work hard, be obedient in life and the gospel. You've taught me how to be respectful and nice, have fun when it's appropriate and to be clean, how to take care of myself, to do my own laundry, to mow the lawn, to love everyone, and last but not least, to play golf. Mom has helped teach some of these things too.:) I can hear Mom's scream right now. You'll have to send me a picture of it.
Well, I'm working hard, and like I said, it's because of you. Basically, anyone that is baptized by me is because of the family you and Mom raised to help me through life, to get me there. I love you and will always write back.

Sincerely,
Bradford Walker

April 21, 2011 to Melys-a

Dear Melys-a,

I'm glad you didn't give me a hard time for spelling your name wrong. I'll keep the tradition going. :) Ya, so I only have 5 people in my district. It is the smallest one I've seen besides my Zone leaders. They only have two. There was supposed to be 4 but 1 didn't show, and 1 left after the first day. They are going to Mongolia, they are pretty chill. I guess you could say they're my best-friends right now. Well besides, Olex of course! I don't know if I told you cuz I right a lot of letters and type emails but I saw Olex but we never get to talk for a long time. As you have probably already seen in my email I sent. I really do need to speed up my typing cuz it is really hard to send a full email or at least what I want to put in. So Richard G. Scott came and spoke to us. It was really cool. It was survival of the fittest to get the closest seat though! Some old people almost got knocked over! But everyone was o.k.

Sorry, I kinda got side-tracked. Everyone in my district is going to Madagascar. But as we were sitting in class one day, my teacher says that the Mission President, Pres. Donnely, wants every missionary to learn both Malagasy and French! So they are not restricted to one island or another. So if that happens, us missionaries will just have to learn while we are flying over to the other island. It would be cool and useful after my mission, ya know, cuz the ladies like da french. Haha! But I would still not want to. :) The last time I checked, I weighed 6 lbs. more than usual. I'll have to check tomorrow though. My district is not the most fun people to be around. Except one, Elder Shaw. He's not my companion, but our whole district usually stays together anyways. He actually does have 4 younger sisters. I lied in my email or letter I sent, I can't remember. Phil better be married by the time I get back! I know I said, "at least engaged", but I'm raising the bar. Because that's what missionaries do. We go to the Temple every week. Actually a temple walk on Sundays and then we actually do a session on Thursdays.

I love you and will continue to write!

Oh, and tell Mom to put my address on the blog if she hasn't already. Cuz G&G sent me an email asking about it.

Sincerely,
Elder Bradford K. Walker

Will I ever be mature?
I hope not!

April 21, 2011

Dear Momma,
I wish I could write back as soon as possible, but I never have enough time, ya know cuz I'm studying so much...:) My P-day is Thursdays, so if you send emails Wednesday and letters Tuesday, that would be awesome!

I did meet the seam ripper lady, but she was handing out the ID cards instead. I did still say I wanted to meet her though. (We saw her on TV during the MTC special between General Conference sessions. Brad purposely didn't open the seam on his suit pocket where they put the name tags because he said he wanted to meet the "seam ripper lady". What a nut!)

I got the family history stuff and I also got the Hep A & B stuff too.

I've only seen Olex a couple of times but we are not in the same building or mealtime, but he is in the same room as Priesthood right before me. I think the people in charge of assigning kids to rooms knew that we were trouble, so they tried to keep us as far apart as they could.

Being in a threesome is hard. You don't just have to cooperate with one companion but two! We have our differences, but we work it out. I hope I'm just in a twosome when I go to Madagascar.

Phil, you should volunteer as an investigator here so that afterwards you can give my district a "joke" seminar. I'm strugglin' over here alone! I need my partner in crime, so we can double team 'em. I think that's the thing I miss the most is having fun and joking around. My district is so serious and not fun. They tell any Elder that's talking to a Sister to "choose the right." It's cuz ALL of them don't have sisters, so they think talking or laughing with a Sister is a sin. Man, I need help! At least the other districts are cool, so I can have fun with them.

Don't worry, Carol, I'm keeping an eye on Olex so he doesn't do anything silly.

I love you all so very much and will keep writing!
Mandra pihoana! Mazotoa!
Sincerely,
Elder Bradford Walker

April 14, 2011

(Excerpts from letter to Melissa, one of the sisters)

Hey Melissa!

I almost spelled your name with an "i". :) And just because the Lord knows I won't see it again doesn't mean I wanted it either! (I said it was his fault we were getting all this snow, because he won't see it for 2 years.) It's cold wearing just your suit jacket. So hopefully, that was the last snow storm. It was pretty funny because one of my companions is from Hawaii. His name is Maua'i, which sounds just like Hawaii, if you're struggling to say it out loud in your apartment. And he was so facsinated by the snow because this was his first time seeing it. And then two other people in my district are from Arizona, so they normally don't see snow. And my other companion (I have two if you didn't catch that) has rarely seen snow, so I'm the only one in my district, which is 5, that wanted it to stop snowing and get warm! But gladfully, it's warmed up now. That's awesome that Brian is so close to graduating. I know you guys will be fine with whatever happens. I still don't know what I want to major in. I guess it's good I have two years to think about it.

...

(I was having trouble spelling in my letter to him, so his response was:) And don't worry about spelin' words cuz I'm bat at tht to. Haha!

...

They just need to "do their best, and the Lord will do the rest." That quote is one of many favorites that I've heard. Except it's "your" instead of "their". I hope you don't mind me not making a new paragraph in the right place. I just don't care that much. :)

I'm love in the MTC so far. It's crazy how fast you can learn with the Spirit helping you. I know how to pray, bear testimony, have a short conversation and give a quick, simple first lesson, in Malagasy. It's hard to keep learning everyday though. It just reminds you how much you need to rely on the Lord. The first 4 1/2 days were the hardest because it's so jam packed you don't have time to do anything, but now it's good. My companions are Elder Maua'i from Hawaii and Elder Fryer from overseas but went to school in New York before he came but was born in Utah. (Elder Fryer's doesn't ryhme as well). There are two other people in our district which makes 5. And no, it doesn't sound like gibberish anymore, (the Malagasy) just a little jumbled when my teachers talk really fast. I'll just share two more quotes that I like because I have to go.

"Salvation is not cheap, it takes hard work."

"Look for the miracles" (every day) I like to add that end part.

I love you and will keep writing!

Mandra pihoana! (See ya later) Mazotoa! (Be diligent)

Sincerely,
Elder Bradford Walker

April 8, 2011

READ OTHER LETTER FIRST!

Manohoana!
I am learning so much everyday! I love my teachers, Rahalahy (which means brother) O'day, Rahalahy Rasolo, he is from Madagascar, and then Rahalahy Bell. Each one is a different teacher and I love every way!
I started to feel frustrated and very overwhelmed but I pray each time I have those feelings and even if I am not concious of the Lord helping me sometimes, I just remember what I am doing this for. The MTC is not just about learning a language or learning more about the gospel, it's about teaching the person. Not just teaching itself. When you teach a person for the first time , especially a Malagasy person, you have to be very, and I mean VERY simple in the way you teach. In the way you say or word things to the very words you use! Like "the gospel was lost", instead of "apostasy" or "guidelines" instead of "gospel". And the way they form sentences is backwards. If is was in English it would be "loves us God" instead of "God loves us". It might seem hard to learn but with the Spirit helping you constantly, you pick it up abnormally quick.
Tia my filazantsara aho sy mianatra tia ny teny gasy aho. Nahafantatra Andriamanitra tia insika aho. Amin ny anarani Jesoa Kristy, Amena. (I love the gospel and I love learning Malagasy. I know God loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.)
Sorry for the confusion of letters. We didn't have time to go to the mailroom, so that's why I sent both at one time.
Sincerely,
Elder Walker

P.S. They need more clear records on my Hep A&B shots. Which shot was which Hep. Thank you and I love all of you. Mandra pihoana! (see you later!)