All Smiles!!! - August 29, 2011

Well I don't know where to start... This week has been phenominal... (is that how it's spelled). I first heard that President Donnelly and  "The Psychologist" were coming up to talk to the missionaries. No one would tell me what their names were but I was praying so hard that it was The Hartmans. And I was right! I just lit up when I first saw them! They gave me cookies, candy, pocket Book of Mormon, they are so generous! Elder Hartman talked to us about a ton of stuff and I've probably forgotten a lot but it's planted in my head somewhere, so I can think of it later. I just love talking to Elder Hartman! He is so fun to be around, I just loved talking to someone I've known for a long time. Anyways, the Hartmans are awesome and an inspiration to me.

Second, uh!!!!!!! I'm an aunt!!! I'm so happy, when I read that, it was so hard not to yell for joy! I actually made this weird sound trying to keep it in and this girl next to me might think I'm weird now :) I am so happy for you Melissa and Brian! The sad thing is, is that Phil will have a year head start on being the fun uncle! I guess I can just claim the fun aunt title... sorry Nat and Dani. That is so amazing, you better give him/her a good name so I can give him/her a cool nickname; because if it's not cool, I'll just give him/her a nickname that has no relation to his/her actual name haha! I'm so happy for you guys!

So some other changes happened also, Elder Evans got transferred, and moved to another city. I got Elder Austin Smith as a new companion. He is from Boise, Idaho, he is in the second oldest group and he is so fun to be around! It was kinda stressful for like three days cuz me and Elbakri (Elder Roney left too) had to go to both of our areas for two whole days and cut out certain appointments. It was just hectic but now it is all good and under control. I am kinda just the senior companion because I am the only one that knows where all the investigators are, what times they are, what lessons they have already been taught and just learning how to schedule. But I guess you have to try everything for the first time anyways right? But we get along perfectly so it's great!

I have forgotten to tell you guys for like the past month or so but since the piano player for my branch is 15 and she went to Tana for school vacation, I have been the piano player for every Sunday. I only play the right hand though, because I can't keep up with the chorister but it's still good. They still ask me every week so at least I'm good enough to keep around :)

So the pictures show how much time we sometimes have during the day. I had to buy bananas and literally eat on the go in between appointments. When I get home you better expect "can eat bananas while riding a bike" on my resume!

• How are your investigators coming along? They are doing good so far, me and Elder Smith are going to try to get a lot more though so we don't have any spaces in between appointments sometimes.
• Any new baptism dates set? We are expecting at least three to be baptized on the 10th of September.
• Do you work in a branch or a ward? I am in a branch.
• How many stakes are there in Mada? There are two stakes and two districts in the mission.

Well I'm sure you have read enough of my silliness today so I'll end by saying something by Elder Hartman, "Motivation and confidence come by doing, not by thinking about it." He also talked about or it just popped into my head but also, not being so self conscious all the time, worrying about what people think about you. Just be you and try to strive for Christlike attributes. I can't remember everything I wanted to say on this but just try to please the Lord and please others.
Love,
Elder Walker