Sunday, June 14, 2009

What's Going On In Sister Walker's Life?

Between end of the school year, graduation, dance recital, vacation and life I've neglected to share some of Chelsee's letters. So, here's an update for the past several weeks:

May 21, 2009
  • Holy MOLY we had a fantastic week last week! We met every single one of our goals for the week! I have never done that on my mission! I was so excited that I called President Sunday evening and told him, he was excited too!!! I know that the Lord is watching over the Paradise Zone and he is placing many people in our paths. The last couple of weeks, the wards have really stepped it up. We are having more lessons with members present (LTM’s) then we have had for a long time. It is awesome!!!

May 28, 2009

  • We played dart wars this morning against another zone and then Sis. Jernigan went to lunch at a members home and by the time we got to the computer lab it was closed so we had to come to the library and reserve a time…. In other words… Here I am so you can take a breath and not worry about not hearing from me this week!!!!
  • So, we went on exchanges on Tuesday and I was in a Spanish area for 24 hours. I felt like a brand new missionary once again because I had no clue what was going on half of the time. Hermana Alvarez was a great companion to have for those 24 hours and she took great care of me. I love the Latin people because they are so welcoming and they are so loving! We finished off our exchanges by going to the mission home and having lunch. It was all of the sisters in the Valley so we were just missing the four that are in Kingman. It was really fun to have just the sisters there and be able to giggle and have a great time! I really missed Paradise while I was gone. I really, really, really feel like home in my area right now.
  • We are teaching so many great people and having a fabulous time. When I do leave eventually, I will feel like I am leaving home again. If I get the chance to bear my testimony in Sacrament meeting it will feel like giving a farewell talk again.
  • Oh speaking of Sacrament meeting… Sister Jernigan were the speakers in the Greenbriar ward last week! We talked about how we can come closer unto Christ by understanding the restoration of the gospel. It was the bomb diggity! I’ll send you a copy of the parts I can remember saying…. You know that whole spirit taking over deal, it totally happened and I have no clue what I said for most of the talk! We have received many, many compliments so I guess they went well! I love speaking in church and I was so happy to finally get a chance to do so.

June 4, 2009

  • NEWS ALERT: It was 77 degrees outside this morning at 7:30. I haven’t felt 77 degrees since February. We had a Zone breakfast outside and it was so, so, so nice! But alas, it is now 97 degrees at 2:30! Fun, fun, fun!!!
  • This is going to be quite the weekend for me folks. Can you believe that it was one year ago this weekend that I opened my call?? And now, here I am! Wow! I can’t believe it at all. It is also my “hump day” next Wednesday! (yep, hint, hint, I will be expecting something good!!!!) Crazy! It actually makes me sick to think that I am half way through but it also gives me the strength to know that I just have to make the next 9 months the best 9 months of my life so far!
  • I have enjoyed my letters from Puff and Colee because they are still so brand new in their missions. They help me to remember what the “greeny fire” is all about and it helps me to continue to try to have that fire!
  • I am just grateful that I have been so blessed while I have served. I have had good health, mentally and physically, amazing investigators, fantabulous baptisms, stellar companions and a mission president who has become my second father! I wouldn’t change a single thing from the past 9 months and I hope the next 9 are even better!
  • On Tuesday we had a mission wide conference call. It was stinkin awesome. I had chills as President did a role call and we were able to hear from every district in the mission. We have NEVER all been together for a meeting at one time. The spirit was powerful! President just wanted us to know that we had broken a lot of mission records the past month and he wanted to remind us to be grateful for all that the Lord has done. And oh boy am I grateful! It is fantastic!
  • I LOVE YOU MORE THAN A PB and H SANDWICH! Yup, that’s a big deal because I LOVE PB and H sandwiches!
  • Oh yeah, there is only 32 and 1/2 days till my birthday! Just thought you should all know! Happy almost birthday to me, happy almost birthday to me, happy almost birthday to to me-e, happy almost birthday to me!!!!! (Her birthday is July 7)

June 11, 2009

  • Yay, I am still in Paradise!!!! So is Sister Jernigan!!!!! We are going to be together for 4 ½ months. That is pretty rare! We are both excited! We did something different though. President called us up the day before transfers and told us that we would be doing a senior swap… meaning that Sister Jernigan is now the senior companion. I think it will be really good for her. I think it will be really good for me too. I need to learn how to lead from behind. It will be a good lesson for the rest of my life.
  • Jillian and Jacob’s baptism was incredible, the spirit was overwhelming! Their mom got up and talked about how they will be working toward the temple now. I am very excited for them.

Vacation in Missouri

OK - when I first heard that Gyle had decided we were going to Missouri for summer vacation ... well let's just say that I was more excited about a week away from work than I was the location. BUT... we had tons of fun! It was a vacation without an agenda! I loved it!

My Baby Graduates from High School

Happy Graduation Tyson Rigby Walker! Cannot believe my baby graduated - when did all of this happen? When did he grow up? When did I grow up? Love you Tyson!!!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre where graduation was held. Morrison, Colorado
Tyson sang the National Anthem ... beautiful rendition and powerfully performed.

The podium... Go Castle View Sabercats!!!

Brailee's Dance Recital

Look how excited and how absolutely adorable little Brailee looks on the day of her recital! What a cutie! While taking the photos, Brailee was directing how she posed and where the photographers (Britnee and Grandpa) should stand. She did a terrific job at the recital and loves being on stage! I gave her some flowers following the recital and she got sooooo excited! She said, "Oh, is this my graduation from dance? Tyson got flowers when he graduated, so this must be my graduation!" How can you not love this precious little one???