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!)

April 6, 2011

Dear Family,
Manahoano! (Hello) Inonano no vaovao? (What is new?) You learn so much in just the first day! You can definitely tell this is a place of God.
I met Landon (Smart) in the cafeteria today, hopefully he'll teach me how to teach later before he goes.
I love my companions! Yes, I have two companions! Elder Mauai'i, from Hawaii. Mauai'i sounds like Hawaii. And Elder Fryer. He used to live overseas, I think Russia but has lived here for quite some time. I love them both and I can't wait to learn some more.
Well, I don't want to tell you everything or you won't write me back with questions. :)
I love all of you and stop worrying about me!
Sincerely,
Elder Walker

P.S. Don't make fun of me for writing Mr. & Mrs. Michael Walker. (He addressed the envelop that way.) It was just habit from all the thank you cards.

He's Gone!!

It was a long morning finishing the last minute packing, buying luggage tags and just waiting for the time when we could leave. 

Brad mentioned it had been a long two months since he broke his collar bone, just waiting for this day.

Dad, Mom & Elder Walker

Dani, Melissa & Elder Walker

Stopped for lunch at Sizzler before going to the MTC

 Dropping him off at the Missionary Training Center (MTC).

Unloading at the curbside

Handing him over to the elders. Look how happy he looks!

We all cried a little but we did pretty well. Once we handed him off to the elders he didn't look back.

The elders were so friendly and thanked us for our missionary. Overall it was a good experience and a lot less painful than if we would have had to say a long goodbye.

We're so happy he's going and couldn't be prouder. He'll be great!