Week 39: Trusted Associates (April 1, 2019)

"Sister Walstad, if you were in prison you would be leading the pack. People would fear you. And if you were there Sister Howe, you would probably be killed." -Sister B

If that top quote doesn't tell you what my mission has done for me, I don't know what will. It should also make you wonder why my companions and I had that conversation, and I can attest it is because I had corn rows for a bit this week and according to Sister B, "Looked like I was gonna mug somebody." I also went to Wyoming and had a baptism, and moved another mattress. We also went bowling with our mission president, and helped CO2 a crowd of youth at a dance? Wow as I write this I realize that this week sounds so strange. But amazing, as usual. 

The highlight of our week, was the baptism of Brandon! Brandon has been meeting with missionaries since 2015. He has come to church and paid his tithing for half of that time. But, he never wanted to be baptized. About a month ago, I looked at him and said, "Brandon, your birthday is coming up, do you want to get baptized?" And he said yes, and then here we are! We have had some of the sweetest experiences with him. In his prayer the night before his baptism, he said, "Thank you for giving me all of the Elders and Sisters who have helped instill belief in me." And then, he got baptized. 

It was a small group of people, but the Spirit was so strong. Bishop Paulsen cried, and we all had such sweet moments. Brandon tried to sink into the water by himself, and before we could correct them Brother Ahl was saying the prayer and then he was fully immersed and it was done. It was so cute, and so funny, and just an amazing event. He took the sacrament today for the very first time, ever, and it was incredible. I love being a missionary.  

That next day we had an incredible lesson with a couple, Dave and Eva, where Eva only speaks Chechen. It has been so sweet to teach them both, and they are being baptized on the 20th of April. In Dave's prayer he said, "Thank you Lord, for sending us your trusted associates." It was the sweetest phrase. The Lord trusts us. He called us. And we are here for them directly. 

I am so grateful to be a missionary, and to be here in Billings. Going on 6 months here this coming transfer. I have seen so many miracles. It is hard to describe to you all what the pure joy of being a part of someone literally opening the gate to the path the Lord has set, is like. It is like you get to open the gate, and then you get to step back, and watch Him walk with someone through it. I cannot describe it to its fullness, but it is real. It is powerful, and I get to be a part of it every day. 

"If you could see your future, you would be ecstatic." -Jeffrey R. Holland 

It is true, follow Him and you have no idea how many incredible blessings await you. Keep walking, keep going. We are holding the gate open, and He is guiding you through. You're never alone. And that is the important thing to remember. 

P.s. Go watch General Conference this coming weekend! Some huge things are coming. "If you think the church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come." -Russel M. Nelson

10 am and 2 pm MST. 

I love you!

Sister Walstad