A Thought From Chelsee 10-29-2009

It is SO COOL having another missionary in the family. I can feel it. I can't describe the feeling but I can feel that he is serving right along side me. I have been thinking about him all day and thinking, "oh, this is probably what he is doing right now" and "oh, I hope he likes this part".... etc. It is bringing back floods of memories from the MTC. I feel like I was just there last week. It is unreal to me that I have been out so long. Dad, almost 14 months. I cant even get a grasp on that. I AM SO FREAKING TERRIFIED OF COMING HOME! I'm just not going to think about it. I was joking around with President the other day and he did say something about me staying till 2011. I told him that I would just extend till the end of their mission and then I would just fly home with them!!! He thought it was a great idea!

It's Time for a Sister Walker Update!

Okie Dokie - let's get an update on Chelsee:

I have never felt so exhausted in my life. I have also never felt the spirit so strong in my life!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't even know where to begin. The Book of Mormon challenge was life changing! It was hard but it was SO worth it! It was a lot like running a race. I started off strong on Monday morning and finished off even stronger. Of course I could only sit for about 20 minutesat a time so I did a lot of standing and walking around as I read. By the time 3 am hit, I was pooped. I am pretty sure I actually fell asleep while standing up and I almost fell over a couple of times. I decided to take a quick shower to wake up and that helped a ton. Then around 5 I decided I needed a quick 30 minute nap then it was back to reading. Luckily it was pretty windy outside so I went out on our balcony and the wind blowing in my face kept me awake while I read and read. I hadn't quite finished by the time we needed to go out on Tuesday evening so I decided to save the last chapter for when we were at the church on Wednesday morning. I was able to go into the chapel to finish reading and when I was finished I went into a corner and prayed. I didn't have to pray to ask if the book was true because I had already had that witnessed to me. I just thanked Heavenly Father for the incredible testimony that he has allowed me to have! I KNOW IT IS TRUE!!!!!!!!! I had never done something that took so much out of me but every inch of energy that I used to read was replaced 100 fold by the spirit! I am so filled with the spirit right now that I could just.... well, I don't know....We were at the church for a zone meeting and that is where the spirit hit me like a ton of bricks. Each of us took some time to share our testimonies of the Book of Mormon. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the room by the time we finished. Being in a room with 21 stalwart young men and an incredible companion, while listening to testimonies of the Book of Mormon, would change even the stoniest of hearts. I wish you could have all experienced what I had yesterday morning. I always thought that I had experienced a burning in my bosom before but it was nothing like what I felt yesterday. It changed my mission and it changed my life.


We have 4 baptisms this weekend! I am SO SO SO Excited for all of them! They have been the most prepared for baptism of all the people I have taught!!! So amazing! We are still receiving
Blessings like CRAZY! Heavenly Father is leading us right to his elect! I am constantly amazed!

I'm a Proud Mama!!! I LOVE SISTER JOHNSON!!!!!!!! Oh man, I am so blessed to be serving with such an incredible missionary. She is making this whole training thing a piece of cake! She has an amazing testimony and she is constantly happy! I couldn’t have asked for a better baby! We are having such a great time together and we are working our batooties off!

Holy Moly, it is finally cooling down. It has been right around 100 degrees the past couple of days and it has been so nice! Yes, I know, I am crazy and the heat has gotten to me! I never thought I would think that 100 degrees was nice weather... but it is! In fact, this morning at 6:30 it was only 75 and it was CHILLY! I had to put on a sweater to go outside and I considered turning on the heater as we drove to the diner for breakfast... but, don't worry, I didn't.

During Sunday school on Sunday my mind started wandering like it usually does when I am in a confined space for more than a half hour. Don’t worry, it was wandering to good places. I started thinking about one of our investigators, Craig, and his ex-communicated wife, Donna. They have been doing so wonderful the past couple of weeks. Craig had been sober for 11 days and Donna is just plain ready to get back into the church. As I was thinking about them, baptism popped its way right into my head and I couldn’t help but start thinking of different baptismal dates for Craig. November 21st kept coming to mind so then I said a silent prayer and asked Heavenly Father if that was the date for Craig to be baptized. He said yes, yes, YES! As soon as Sunday school was over, I turned to Sister Johnson and said, we need to go set Craig for baptism right now. She looked at me and laughed a little and then said, okay, lets do it! So we ran out to the car, drove to Donna and Craig’s, jumped out of the car, knocked on the door and… no one was home. I said another little prayer asking Heavenly Father to provide some sort of way because I had felt so prompted to set them right then. About 30 seconds later, they pulled into their driveway. I was ecstatic! When they got out of their car, I told them that we had something we needed to talk to them about. They were a little hesitant but said ok and we went into their house. We said a prayer and then I just blurted, out, “we feel impressed to set you for baptism on November 21st.” I wish I could have had a video recording of their faces at that exact moment. We talked it over a bit and then Craig said Yes and Donna said that she would like to talk to the bishop and make plans to be baptized on that date as well!!!! WAAAAAAAHHOOOO!!!!!


Mom, it has been FREEZING here the past couple of days. Like in the mid 50's. Now, I know that that isn't that cold BUT, I have become a desert wimp and I AM SO COLD! Luckily I have my coat... I just need to crack out the gloves and such. I guess I've just been here long enough that my blood has thinned out and when it gets down to 65 I freeze my batootie off. I cant even imagine snow right now. I heard that you are getting hit pretty hard today. I get my weather updates from the old guys at the diner on Thursday mornings! They are excited for the snow to hit the Rockies because that means that we will have water here next summer! Wahoo! I like snow for that reason but otherthan that snow is BLAH!

What a roller coaster 7 weeks we've had around here... Tyson received his call and he has now entered the MTC on October 28th. Between the trip to Utah for him to receive his Endowment in the Bountiful Temple, doing his shopping, creating announcements, planning an open house, receiving all kinds of guests, etc... Phew! I think I need a nap!

It was a difficult good-bye this time for me. In the past as each of my children have gone off to school or on a mission and there was still someone at home to turn my attention to. I've noticed that as the oldest child left home, the next one in line had a chance to blossom. This time - ??? But now - there are no other children at home to turn my attention to. (besides the grandkids, but they have a mom) It makes me feel old and I'm not so sure I want to be old.

Anyway - Tyson is safely at the MTC. Chelsee is working her tail off on her mission in Vegas. Devin and Lianne are healthy and fine... they are coming over next weekend to go to see Wicked with us at the theater. Britnee and Adam are doing well, and of course my absolutely darling grandchildren are such fun!!!

Elder Walker

Elder Tyson Walker has been called to serve in the Idaho Pocatello Mission
He will enter the MTC in Provo, Utah on October 28, 2009

My Happy For Tyson Tears!

OK - I just got word from Bishop Walker who just checked the Church's missionary website and just found these words posted next to Tyson's name:

Elder Tyson Walker - Call Letter Sent

That means Tyson's missionary call has been made and now we just have to wait for the mail!

We're expecting the call to arrive in the mail on Thursday September 3rd (Happy Birthday Georgeene!) Tyson has already made the plans for the "Opening"... He's invited the two Elders currently serving in our ward, several of his friends (members and non-members) and he's now figuring out the logistics of the many cell phones that will be connected to family.

Wow! I didn't know I was this emotional - but I'm sitting here in my office at work in tears! It's a great day for a mom!!!

Sister Walker's At It Again... August 27

Just read Chelsee's enthusiasm! She's so on fire and so loving being a missionary!!! Wow!

• Life is good. Life is SO SO SO SO SO GOOD!!!!!!!!I just want to dance around and sing all the time because I am so happy and life is so amazing!!!! Hey, did you know that THE CHURCH IS TRUE?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well folks, I am here to tell you that IT IS!!!!
• We have seen so many wonderful miracles the past week!
• First of all, last Friday we were teaching Jake and at the end of the lesson we asked if he had any further questions and he said something like this, "How long does it take before I can get baptized, I mean, I use to think that I didn't know enough and that I had to gain all of this knowledge before I could get baptized but today at work I was talking with Nick (another member) and he told me that becoming a member of the church is like getting your pilots licence. You can become a pilot without knowing EVERYTHING and once you become a pilot, you still have a lot to learn. So, I feel like I have learned the basics and I know that the church is true and I was wondering, when can I get baptized." I wish I had a camera on my face because I am sure it would have been a priceless look. Jake basically set himself for baptism right then and there. We told him that he still had a bit to learn but he could be baptized on the 29th or the 30th of August. We decided on the 30th and got permission for a waterside confirmation. MIRACLE.... I think YES!!!!!!
• Jake has been on fire since the second we started teaching him (which was just 2 1/2 weeks ago) and we were planning on setting him for baptism during the next lesson but hey, why wait! I didn't think that we would have a baptism this transfer but WE DO!!!!! This week we have been teaching him every night, for two reasons, 1. because we still had to finish his lessons and 2. because we knew that because he is so amazing that he would be hit with the adversary like crazy.... and he has. He has been SO strong through it all. It is interesting how it has come to him as well. He is so stinking solid!Ok, enough of Jake.
• Another Miracle... we went to a baptism that some Elders had on Saturday and we invited DeLoris to come. Sister Snow, a member in the ward picked up DeLoris and brought her to the baptism. While sitting in the chapel after the baptism, DeLoris said, "I think I can hold my breath that long." Then Sis. Snow turned to her and said, "when are you getting baptized?" DeLoris turned to Sis. Little and said, "When AM I getting baptized?" then Sis. Little said, "Well DeLoris we have just been waiting for you to get your answer about September 12th." DeLoris then said, "well, I think that September 12th sounds great!" Then she turned to Sis. Snow and said, "September 12th." We were all so excited!!!!!!
• Who knew, 5 weeks in an area and we have 2 investigators that WE found set for baptism!!!!! I believe in Miracles, Miracles, Miracles!!!!!!
• Transfers are on Tuesday and both Sister Little and I are praying our hearts out that we can stay together in Boulder City... but of course, we will "go and do the thing which the Lord hath commanded..."
• Today we hiked up what they call Black Mountain but really it is just a big hill so I have officially changed the name to Black Hill. It was pretty insane though because it is 109 degrees out today and Black Hill is literally black with lava rock. It is actually a volcano!
• Anyway, I got lots and lots of sun and I think I might be a little burnt! Oops! Oh well, it was fun to be out of proselyting clothes and in shorts and a tee-shirt for a couple of hours!!!

This part of her letter warmed my mother's heart!

• I am so happy, so healthy and SO SO SO in love with Missionary work!

Chelsee's famous closing...

Thank you SO much for your prayers and love!I love you!

Make good choices, don't do drugs and remember to be HAPPY!Love, ME!!!!

Chelsee Update August 23

Sister Walker makes me smile! Boulder City seems to be doing great! Chelsee has only served there for about 4 weeks and when she and Sis. Little arrived, there were no investigators and no dates of baptisms. Just read on to see what's happening now.
________________

When Chelsee heard the news that her younger brother's mission papers were turned in she replied:

• I AM SO EXCITED FOR TYSON!!!!!! I can’t wait to find out who the lucky people are that get to be taught by him! I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW! Oh my Goodness!
  Chelsee refers to a sign in front of a Church in Las Vegas:
  Warning! Exposure to the Son my prevent Burning! (that subject line was on a sign at a church and it made me giggle!!!!!)

Special trip to Hoover Dam:

• We went on an exclusive tour of Hoover Dam today. By exclusive I mean, EXCLUSIVE. Usually you have to be the President of some country or a famous movie star to get the tour that we got. It was a blast and the best part was that it was free because it was a member who works there that took us! A lot of the movie Transformers was filmed there…

When referencing her work in Boulder City Chelsee writes:

• Boulder City is on FIRE! It is amazing down here! I am so blessed to be serving here along side Sister Little! We have a LOT of new investigators in the Lakeview ward. I don’t know exactly who is praying for the missionary work there (besides us) but they sure are faithful in their praying and their prayers are being answered.

From Chelsee's most recent letter:

• Please sing the following to the tune of Popcorn Popping: I look out the window and what do I see? Invest-i-ga-tors all around me. Boulder has brought me such a nice surprise, investigators popping out before my eyes. I could take a planner full and make a date, a baptismal that would be so great. It I-S really so and it seems to be, that the Lord is blessing Boulder Cit-y.I LOVE SERVING IN BOULDER CITY!!!!!!!!!!!
• Oh my goodness, there is SO much amazing work going on right now. Let me just take a second to introduce you and update you on a few of the investigators in this area!
• ~Lindsey- is engaged to a less active member who comes from and extremely active family. We have been teaching Lindsey for about 3 weeks now. Right now she has been smoke free for 6 days as she is preparing to be baptized in the near future. We haven’t set a date yet because she is getting married in September and is a bit focused on that. SHE is 100% AMAZING!!!! We didn’t even get a chance to teach the second lesson before she started talking about her baptism. She is so ready to make a change in her life. Her Fiancé is being very supportive and is actually becoming active again!
• ~Daniel- is probably the most spiritually in-tune 17 year old I have ever met. He is so in gear and knows just what he wants for his life. He is already talking about going on a mission and we haven’t even set a date with him either. Sheesh, what’s with all of these “golden” people!!!! I LOVE IT!!!
• ~DeLoris- is praying about being baptized on September 12th. She already told us that that date would work but we want her to pray about it first. She has become my newest Grandma and has a very special place in my heart. We have taught her 3 of the lessons and plan on having her set for baptism on Sunday evening. She is too cute!
• ~Damon- have been taken under the wings of the ward members unlike anyone I have ever seen. They are being cared for so well. Their little family is still living in their 20 foot trailer but they have been moved up to a member’s property where they don’t have to pay 600 a month for their spot in the campground. I can’t even imagine being a parent and having to live in such a small space with 4 little kids. They have so much faith that things will work out and that they will be able to find an apartment or a house soon. The ward is looking for a place for them to move soon. Damon has changed a lot since we started teaching him 3 weeks ago. He looks forward to the day that he can take his family to the temple and be sealed to them for eternity. We’ve just got to work on getting him smoke free so he can be baptized!!!
• ~Angelique- is Damon’s 8 year old daughter who we just started teaching last week. She turns 9 in a couple of weeks and wants be baptized. We have had a great time teaching her and getting her prepared for baptism!
• ~Donna and Craig- are doing fantastic. We took some members to their last lesson and it was like peanut butter and jelly. They went together SO WELL!!! The members that we took are converts to the church and they were so perfect because they had been through a lot of the same things that Donna and Craig are struggling with right now. Craig is so excited that he can be together forever with his beautiful wife!
• ~Jake- loves learning about the gospel and is embracing it very well. The members who are fellowshipping him are such a great support and they have been so helpful in helping him understand the gospel!
• ~Tony- has been getting into a lot of anti stuff because we are only able to see him once a week. He is so hungry to learn but has been eating all the wrong foods. He needs a diet. We set him strait every time we go to teach him. He has come a long way since we first met him.
• ~Pickering Family- is a new family that we are teaching. The wife took the lessons about 9 years ago and she is so excited about getting back into the church. She loves to learn about the gospel. She and her husband stayed up really late the other night watching the Restoration DVD and reading through the pamphlets and the intro to the Book of Mormon. I love teaching them!
• These are our most solid investigators right now!!! We have 3 new investigators so far this week and I think they are pretty solid! The Lord LOVES Boulder City too!
• I can’t believe I have already been here for 4 weeks. Time is flying by so fast here. I still haven’t figured out how to slow it down! YIKES! I am loving every single second of being here! I cant wait for our very white, wet September that is coming up!!!!!!!!!
  

And I couldn't finish this update without sharing one of Chelsee's famous closings to her letters:
I love you all so very, very much!!! Make good choices, don’t do drugs, be happy and remember that Jesus loves you!!!!LOVE, ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!