Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - June 30, 2014

A Week of Miracles

June 30, 2014

Hey there family!!
I have a lot to tell you and not a lot of time so hopefully this all makes sense. hahaha

Ready.. Set.. GO!!!!!!

So the biggest most exciting thing this week started last Wednesday. Our zone made a goal to find 33 news in one week which is INSANE for North Zone, Especially since we average about 12 news a week. So we set this amazing goal & President found out about it and said if we hit that goal, he would provide a steak lunch!

On Wednesday this week, we were at 20 news and we had one day to get 13 more and you'll never guess how many we found. 43 NEW INVESTIGATORS in one week! Holy crap that's insane yo. In North Zone we have 8 companionship's so we figured we could each find around 2.5 investigators and we would hit the goal But by the end of the week, Sister Barnes and I found 7 new investigators! :)  We saw a lot of miracles this week & it was an honor to be able to be the LAST zone to see President and Sister Killpack before they go home. 

Here is a list of all the people we are teaching now:
Kisha
Mace
Aaron
Ryan 
Dillon 
Brie
Tammy
Dianna
Trevor
Kathy 
Friday
Suzette
Nadine
Tom 
Sophie
Zach
Barb

17 investigators.. That's a lot to handle!!

Look at that beautiful list of people we are teaching! God has truly blessed this area!  What a testimony builder of diligence and obedience! When Sister Barnes and I are working in unity with the same purpose, we can perform miracles. Ether 12:12 "For if there be no faith among the children of men, God can do no miracle among them; Wherefore He showed not himself until after their faith."

I think it's funny though, how exhausted I have been yet God continued to add people & responsibility into my life. Even from day 1 of my mission, I've grown SO Much. Being trained in a trio, Taylor passing away, Sister Dredge, Being transferred, deciding to stay, training, becoming a STL, Sister Fuller, working my butt off & God continues to add more trials and blessings because HE knows my potential. And it's even more amazing because He will never give me more than I can handle and HE is trusting me with all this because HE knows my heart. HE knows how much this gospel means to me and understands all that I can become through HIS Son, Jesus Christ. 

I am just continually learning so much, it's incredible. I love being a missionary.I truly do, will all my heart. I don't want to go home. Bleh. Actually I take that back, I do want to go home, I Just don't want to leave this behind.
It will be hard for sure. But like you said mom, Change is good right?  

Today is President & Sister Killpacks last day on the mission and President & Sister Passey's first day.
We are going to see a lot of changes and all we need to do as missionaries is sustain and support them in all they do.

Sister Barnes and I as sister training leaders, get to talk to President every monday at 9:20 to fill him in on how our sisters are doing So we decided to sing him a song since Sis. Barnes can play the Uke & I sang!  We sang him, "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" From the children's hymn book but we added one more verse just for him & this is how it goes:

"We're so glad they called you on a mission!
For you have served the Lord, it's true!
You taught us to be missionaries,
You've loved us, served us & we're going to miss you!!"
I love president so much!
Mom, Give him a BIG HUGE hug for me when you see him since I wasn't allowed to hug him. hahaha

This gospel is amazing & I hope you are using it fully in your life, because if you are, you will see the blessings flow. 

I love you all so much & I miss you just the same.

Keaton, You are a stud. I can't wait to see you!!
Keep up the great work with all you're doing! (:

LOVE YOU!!


Love always, Sister Kellee Jo Walker

Kellee and Sister Killpack

Reward dinner with the Killpack's

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - June 23, 2014

Last Week with Mr. President

June 23, 2014

Hello there family (: 

This week has been great beyond great. 
We were able to spend a lot of time with the Killpack's, which was hard, but fun. 
It was their last Zone Conference before they go home!!
Zone Conference is where a 3 zones come together to receive training from President, Sister Killpack, the AP's and the 3 Zone Leaders. And so it was really fun to be able to see a bunch of my friends from past zones and we were able to take time to catch up!!

We had a fun little tie cutting and cloth decorating party because that is a tradition the Killpacks have done these past 3 years.  And we were able to take time to say goodbye to them one by one and that was absolutely perfect because I am SO grateful for the Killpack's. Especially President. He has helped me with countless trials and has given me the love and support I've needed to endure. He gave me his contact information so if you want it, let me know and I can give it to yah!! 

Also during zone conference, I was asked by the zone leaders to participate in the musical number... oh my gosh it was so scary!!  But I did it and it turned out really really well. There was 4 sisters and 4 elders and we sang Come Come Ye Saints in a cool arrangement (: The spirit was really strong and man, I conquered my fear for sure. hahaha  And not only that fear but the AP's had an awesome training on Ordinances
and they asked a few people to come up on the spot to share their testimonies about a specific ordinance.
And I thought for sure I wasn't going to get called because we were running short on time and they had already called 3 people up BUT then Elder Blyel looks at me from the stand and winks at me, gets up and says, 
"Well, we have time for one more so we are going to ask Sister Walker to come up and share her testimony about the Sacrament Ordinance" I about punched him. hahhahaa not really but it's kinda nerve wracking having to get up on the spot to do that in front of everyone. But I talked a lot about Keaton and how much it meant to me to see him worthy to pass the sacrament and someday to bless the sacrament. And how we can receive that renewal each week as we remember our Savior and the promises we made at baptism. That experience of sharing my testimony was really needed and I'm glad they had time for "One More" Hahaha Everyone just picks on me. hahha

We've been given a lot of responsibility these last few weeks, preparing for President Passey to arrive. 
Things are going to be very different, but change is good!

Here are a quote from President Killpack that made me laugh, "Be supportive and sustain him because I am just a drug pusher from Delta Utah." Hahhahaa man he is a hoot. 

He also said, "The faster this mission becomes the Passey's, the faster the work hastens." 
I am excited to see how he runs things and the miracles that will come along with the changes!

We also went on exchanges again this week with Sister O'Donnell and Sister Frazier (: 
We only have one more exchange this transfer! They are exhausting. hahhaa We normally go on 5 exchanges, one a week and then leave the last week open since it's CRAZY!  But something I've learned about exchanges is that exchanges bring miracles.  Mostly because we are both on our best behavior and we both have a desire to find people and Talk With Everyone. It's great fun!! Plus it's like having a sleep over every week with your best friend!! Win Win 

Here is a list of the investigaors we are teaching, just in case you wanted it. 
Zack
Suzette
Nadine
Dianna
Trevor
Asia
Barb
Sophie
Kathy
Friday (yes his name is friday)
Tammy
They are amazing and I have loved seeing the work move forward as we are diligent and obedient. 

There has also been a lot of change in the ward, with the new bishop!!
Bishop Gibbons is amazing and I love all that he is doing!!
It has helped me gain a greater love for Bishop Veenker! Not that I didn't love him, but now I just love him more.
Do you think he will let me drive his mustang as a reward of serving a mission? (: hahahah 

Any ways, 
Things are great and I am beyond happy. 
I love my mission, I love my Savior and I love His gospel.
Keep pushin through the struggles, They will pass, I promise!

Love always,
Sister Kellee Walker

Ps: Dad, I am SOOOOOO sorry that I haven't gotten your fathers day gift sent off. 
Things have just been super duper busy. I have it sitting on my desk but I'm always too tired to do anything with it.  HAHA but I will somehow find the energy to finish it and get it sent off. Just know I love you so (: 

Last Zone Conference with the Killpack's

I Love the Killpack's

Kellee is so Buff!! (Her words )

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - June 16, 2014

Happy Father's Day

June 16, 2014

Good heavens, I feel like it's been FOREVER since we last talked!!

Dad, when you said that you went out to Texas Road House and a movie for Fathers day.. I hope you guys didn't go on Sunday............ (: If so, you need to repent and never do that again!! 

I hope your fathers day was as good as mine!! (:

There is a lot that happened this week so bare with me as a scramble my thoughts all over the place! 
1. Yes I did get your package with the letters and the cute neck-less that i'm wearing right now and the stickers!! 
2. Yes the pizza man did catch us and it was a delicious suprise! We ended up calling a few sisters and elders to come help us eat it because it was HUUUUGE! 
3. To answer your question mom about exchanges, when we go on exchanges, yes we do stay the night so it's an awesome sleep over BUT we don't sleep on the floor. I don't know where you got that idea.. hahaha maybe you saw a picture of my nap spot? I take naps on the floor in the sun during lunch usually or maybe you saw the picture of Sister Dredge and Embry sleeping on our floor when their apartment was infested with cockroaches? I don't' know. hahaha But we usually sleep in the other sisters bed for exchanges so no need for a blow up mattress. 

Okay as for this week:
I AM EXHAUSTED. 
I think I'm exhausted 90% of the time and the other 10% is when i'm sleeping.  But what's new. hahaha 
STL responsibilities wear me out! But I love it with my whole soul. So I had this crazy realization the other day that I would love to share with you (: 

Things in this area have EXPLODED!! There is so much work going on and the Lord has blessed us with 10 people to teach! Can you believe that?! We are teaching 10 people the gospel of Jesus Christ!! PLUS there are some amazing potentials that we need to contact and start teaching.  And it kind of just hit me that even though last transfer was a darker and really hard for me, I was able to endure the trials and now the Lord is blessing me for MY obedience and MY willingness to push on. Heavenly Father knows that we learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials that we're given. I know that there are times we will experience sorrow, heart-breaking sorrow, when we will grieve and when we will be tested to our limits. BUT these challenges allow us to change for the better, to rebuild our lives in the way our Heavenly Father teaches us and to become something different from what we were, more understanding than we were, more empathetic than we were with stronger testimonies than we had before. And I receive great comfort in knowing that we weren't placed on this earth to walk it alone. What an amazing of power, strength and comfort is available to each of us! He who knows us better than ourselves, He who sees the bigger picture and knows the end from the beginning, He has promised us that He will be there for us to provide help if we just ask. What a beautiful promise. 

I was feeling a little overwhelmed this week with it being my year mark and things like that but then I was reading in D&C 123:16 and 17 (: It talks about a large ship that is being directed by a very small helm during a storm and it talks about cheerfully doing all things that lie in OUR power and then we can stand still, with the utmost assurance to see the salvation of GOD and for His arm to be revealed. As long as we are doing all we can do, God will protect us from the wears and tears of life. Ya know? This gospel is a beautiful thing & I'm so grateful for the knowledge i'm gaining! (: 

My year mark was so much fun (: As you saw from the pictures, we were on exchanges that day so I was in La Canada ward with Sister Stratton who was also celebrating her year mark. So we went out to Macayos and ate some cake and taught a LOT of people and got a little sunburned but it was a blast! And then the next day was Friday and we ate dad's surprise with the elders and helped some people move into a new house and then opened my package and then burned my shirt (: It was a blast for sure!!

ALSO there was a huge miracle that happened on Sunday!!
Not only did 4 of our investigators come to church,  But I was sitting in sacrament meeting, thinking a lot about Dad and how this would be his last Sunday in his calling.. But then the craziest thing happened!
Out of the blue, our Bishop, Bishop Johnson got released! Now let me tell you about Bishop Johnson, he is a great man who i'm sure has helped many organizations in the ward and seen a lot of progress but he doesn't believe in missionary work and has never called any ward missionaries to work with us and doesn't believe in setting goals for baptisms or anything like that so it was a little frustrating to work with him but I sustained him as my bishop and tried my hardest to be upbeat and excited about missionary work. And out of nowhere, he gets released and BAM our old ward mission leader gets called to be our bishop and the first things he said at the pulpit was about his mission. OH MY GOSH i about killed over dead. He said something that I think i'll carry with me for the rest of my life. He said, "Some people come and go but there are those who come, make a difference and then go." The spirit smacked me in the face and I had the strongest desire to make a difference. The Lord knew that Bishop Gibbons had a desire to get the work moving in this area and i'm sure the Lord knows that you, Dad, are going to be there for those young men to help them prepare for their missions and to help them live up to their potential. Have faith in Christ and rely on him. Be like the the large ship and the little helm. (: I know you will do great things for those boys. 

Dad, I'm soooo sorry I haven 't gotten my letter sent to you yet.. This week has just worn me out physically and emotionally. All I do during my lunch hour is stuff my face with protien and then sleep. Hahaha but be expecting something soon (: 

I just wanted you to know how much I truly truly love you. You have given me so much in this life and I know there are times where I have taken that for granted but I realize now just how much our relationship has grown. Heavenly Father knew just how much love you would give to me and all that love is just how much I needed to be the best Kellee Jo Walker that He knows I can be. Despite all the doubts Satan puts in your mind, please remember that you can do so much more than you think you can. You are a son of God who has a perfect purpose on this earth. You have accomplished so much and I know He is so proud of you, because I am so proud of you. <3

I hope your Fathers Day was great and that you could feel my love for you. 
I'm looking forward to that hug in 6 months!!

Have a great week family (: 
ALSO, thank you Keaton for my letter!! I cried a little bit when I saw how much you wrote!! ahahaha 

Love always,
Sister Walker

Look Dad.  They named a street after you. Hahahaha

One year Celebration - Pizza!

1 Year Burning 

Another beautiful Arizona sunset

Celebrating 1 year at Macayos

1 year celebration cake!  YUMM

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - June 9, 2014

Lot's of Changes?

June 9, 2014

Holy cow, it sounds like there are so many changes going on back at home.
Between the changes with you guys & the changes here & Brendan's changes, 
I am a little overwhelmed!! 

But I have 100 percent faith that everything will work out the way the Lord needs.
I'm really excited for you Dad!! 

What I love most about callings is that The Lord knows our hearts so much better than we do, and so He knows our capacity to lead and direct those in His church so that His children can succeed. And who knows, maybe this will be the jump start our family needs :) especially since you'll be spending so much more time with Keaton!! And the youth can teach you all about the cool new ways to share the gospel through technology and things like that! You just need to keep your thoughts positive and have faith!! I've actually been learning a lot about faith lately. When I think of faith, I think of the faith that is required to move mountains.. but in reality it all comes back to faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ! He is everything and we should do everything we can to follow His perfect example so that we can have the Spirit with us always. Trust in Him with all your heart & I know that He will bless you. 

Also, I felt like I was able to use all my responsibilities as a STL in all forms!! It was a little exhausting.. but I absolutely loved it. Sister Barnes and I gave a training to all the missionaries in our zone about a teaching technique called TAA which stands for Teach Ask Ask. You teach a point and instead of just blabbering to them, you ask them questions to get them involved. Questions to check for understanding and Application questions. Missionary work is changing so often, but in a good way!! But anyways, so we gave a training, and then we went on exchanges with with Sisters in Pima Ward in West Tucson and that was a blast and I got no sleep because Sister Camp talks sooooo much. hahaha but it was good. Then we had to go on an emergency exchange with our Casas Adobes Sisters who are having a hard time getting along.. So that was a little stressful but President felt really strongly about it and both Sister Barnes and I were able to give the sisters comfort and space from each other. It was crazy insane but like I said before, when you have full faith in Christ, He gives you the courage and the strength needed to help His children progress. 

Can I just rant and rave a little bit about my companion? I LOVE HER SOOO MUCH! I don't know what I would do without her! It has been such a humbling experience to see the fruits of my labors last transfer finally bloom. Last transfer was hard and we weren't working nearly as hard as I wish we would have, but there is only so much I can do to push a companion. And I tried my hardest to get things rolling for whoever would be in the area next and to my surprise it was me and Sister Barnes!! Holy cow the work is EXPLODING! We are teaching so many people and talking with everyone!! North  Zone came up with a term, TWEAFR (twe-fur) Which stands for Talk With Everyone, Ask For Referrals. And we have implemented "tweafr-ing" all day every day and it has helped the work progress so much!

I love being a missionary and I love serving my Savior and my Father. I know without a doubt that I am making them proud. I know this gospel is true and that by living the standards and following the commandments, we can find lasting happiness. The joy I have from this gospel can never be replaced, but I hope to keep the gospel as close to my heart as I can forever. I never want to loose this happiness. :)

OH also, It is getting really hot here and I found a scripture in D&C 88:6-7 that talks about the sun and how Christ is in the sun so now every time i see the sun and feel how blazing hot it is, I can think of my Savior! YAY

Be strong guys!!
Keep being amazing and making good choices!!

I Love YOU so much!!
Love always, Sister Kellee Walker

PS: Let's just pretend it hasn't been a year yet.. I don't want to leave in 6 months!!! Time is going to fast and I don't like it. 

PSS: On July 13th it will be President and Sister Killpacks homecoming :)
It is in Hinkley Utah which is West of Delta i believe.. And it will be at 11:00 and you should totally go if you get the chance!! He didn't give me an address because he said it is the only stake center in Hinkley. I think. hahah

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!

TOO HOT!!!!

This is Aunt Lisa Talking - I sure hope you pooped today!  

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - June 2, 2014

The Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning.  Literally

June 2, 2014

Well folks, I am FRIED.

All the missionary leaders were able to go up to Mount. Lemmon for Presidents last MLC.
And as you can tell, we all burned!! Even though we all put sunscreen on.. darn Arizona sun!
It was a very humbling experience to be there up on the mountain over looking the valley
& having a testimony meeting. 

I absolutely love MLC because i'm surrounded by missionaries who WANT to be there
& WANT to work hard. They have that desire and we all come together to help the mission progress.
I'm very grateful to work shoulder to shoulder with such amazing men and woman. 

We talked a lot about the story of David and Goliath.
And we focused on the "Goliaths" that we have in our mission such as disobedience. 

President broke it down even to the point of Goliaths that we may have in our own life that we need to get rid of.

Can I just tell you how much I love President Killpack?! He has been there for me through thick and thin. Literally And i'm beyond grateful for his council and his support and love. To answer your question mom.. Yes we will get a new mission president in July... His name is President Passey from Texas.  And I managed to get the address to where President Killpack will be giving his homecoming talk!  But i left it in my old planner so I'll email it to you next week. 

And to answer your other question..

Sister Barnes and I are usually in our apartment until 10:00 every morning except Sundays.
And usually Noon every day for lunch except on Wednesdays because that is when we go out as a zone! OR we are back in our apartment by 9:00ish every night sometimes 9:30.
What do you have in mind? (:  Can you believe my year mark is in 10 days.. I'm kinda freaking out.

The Lord has been teaching me sooooooooo much and I know you won't like this, but I'm fearful of coming home!  I don't want to leave these people.. these experiences.. this routine.. the spirit..
It's all become such a huge part of my life & i don't want to leave.  But I know that there are others who will take my place & do miracles! (:

Guys, I AM SOOOOOOOOO HAPPY THAT I HAVE SISTER BARNES AS MY COMPANION!
She is exactly what I've been praying for!!  A hard worker who is willing to sacrifice ANYTHING for the Lords work to continue.  She doesn't care about what others think of her, she's obedient, diligent and very energetic!  We work really well together and we already have 4 new people we are teaching And some awesome potentials who are ready (: There are some amazing things about to happen!! We just have to continue in obedience! (:

President also gave us a study challenge that I want to tell you guys about and maybe you can do it with us! We are reading all of PMG before he leaves (June 30th) starting in chapter 6 then 9
And then jumping to the beginning and reading as much as you can before the 30th!!
Exciting right?!!!

There are so many miracles happening each day & I wish so badly you could experience even a fraction of those blessings. Mission life is amazing & i'm coming to realize just how much i've changed.

Things are good & I am happy. As usual (:
Teeko looks like a yittle yammy!!
Keaton needs to stop with the girls.. hahaha
Dad needs more vacation time
And Mom needs a hug from Kellee jo (:

I'm excited for this transfer, If you couldn't tell (:
I'll send you a letter this week sometime, telling you about our investigators (:

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!
Please find a way to recognize the smallest of blessings this week that God gives you.
God is good & we are so blessed.

Love always,
Sister Walker

PS: I am serving in the same district as an elder named Elder Purcell and he's actually from Pleasant Grove.. And he is so rad! You guys would really like him (: It's just weird that I never knew him.. hahaha small world yeah? (: Love you!

PPS: I attached a picture of all the missionaries who are on the MLC.
And a picture of Sister Killpack!
Sorry it's crooked, rocks and mountains kind of make it hard to take a good picture.
ENJOY!

President and Sister Killpack MLC on Mt. Lemmon

Check out the view!

Two beautiful Sisters 

Pine Trees in Arizona -- Who would have guessed it?  Not Kellee :)