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 :)

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon Arizona Mission - May 27, 2014

New Transfer, New Goals, New NEW! NEW!

May 27, 2014

WOAHHHH!!

Transfers happened, And I  have a new companion, Sister Barnes from Provo (:

We also found Area 51 on accident while trying to find a way into a gated community. We probably shouldn't have been snooping around but there was a potential investigator in the gated community so we parked our car and started walking, thinking maybe we could just walk around the gate. But then we found the Area 51 sign and the fence was electric and there was a big flat building with no windows... Totally Area 51 material. PLUS, we found the sketchy alien foot prints just chillin in the dirt. So basically Aliens are real. 

Today during our Transfer Meeting Sister Killpack was talking to us about missionary work of course, and she said something that I wanted to share with you, She was talking about an Elder who got up to share his testimony and he said, "You know, I can't actually say that I've seen Christ on my mission." And then he paused and said, "But I feel like I have." And holy cow the spirit was so strong when she said that! I don't know why, but I loved it. She also talked about how the Savior truly is here. Even in this desert. He is walking with us everywhere we go, giving us strength, giving us courage, giving us patience. He is always there for me & I think I truly understood that today. I love my mission. I love serving & watching myself change through the atonement. I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. This gospel is true and I know it with my whole heart. 

Thank you for all your love and support. This isn't easy, but it's worth every sacrifice. 

I LOVE YOU!!
Sorry this email was so short. 
Until next week!!
Love always, Sister Walker

PS: That is the nastiest snake and spider i've ever seen. 
Did you name them before you smashed the spider and tossed the snake? 

Area 51!  It's real and we found it.

Proof of aliens -- see the footprint

Our District with Captain America

Our Zone with Captain America

Kellee walking amongst the graffiti

Kellee and her new companion Sister Barnes!

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - May 19, 2014

The Week of All Weeks Has Arrived

May 19, 2014

Well fancy meeting you here!

This week was pretty much a mix of emotions.. 
But in a good way.. I think? Hhahah

Let me first off tell you that I did get my camera card, Thank you for that!
Also, Anna and Marketa and Nele look like total babes!! How in the heck did that happen?!
They are all so grown up!! MaryAnn sent me some pictures and everyone is soooo big!
My mind has been blown. 
I don't have anytime to send an email back to Ben and El and their kiddos.. 
but if you could find a way to tell them thank you for the emails, I would much appreciate that!
I laughed really hard and smiled really big (: 
I also thought you should know MOM, that I got a surprise email from Elder Brown!! 
He gave me his address so now we can write each other!! 
And Mom, I think that it is sooooo amazing that you are taking that class with the Sisters.
My heart literally skipped a beat when you told me that!
There is nothing better you could be doing than reading from PMG, role playing and preparing!!
You never know when or who will be willing to listen (:
The Sisters sound like amazing missionaries!! 
Tell them I say HELLOOOO!

Okay so anyways.. Let me tell you about my week here in Tucson Arizona.
So first of all, let me tell you about the weather, because well... it's fearchin HOT! 103 degrees. 
I'm afraid to say.. we're going to have a very hot summer.. and Winter. hahaha boy oh boy!

And good news!! We finally went caving this morning!! We went to Pepper-sauce Caves in Oracle. 
Maybe you can look it up? I don't know if you can but it was intense. 
We had to crawl through what's called the, "Birthing Canal..." HAHAHA it was so tight. 
All the Elders who had made it through the tight hole,
 kept making a joke every time someone would come out of the hole.. 
they'd say, "Ohhh look, it's a boy!!" HAHAHA I was dying!
We got really muddy and played in some mud puddles! Keaton & I are definitely going caving.

We went on exchanges on Thursday & Sister Fuller went to a different area & I stayed in our area. 
We taught 6 lessons and managed to find 3 new investigators!!
I was with Sister Ellis on Thursday and I told her before hand that we are going to make a goal, 
A goal to talk with EVERYONE!! So that's exactly what we did. 
We talked to everyone we came in contact with and the Lord blessed us for our efforts!! 
My testimony of obedience and diligence continues to be strengthened. 
Along with my testimony of patience. 

But yeah, My emotions are crazy right now. And it's not because i'm on my period.. hahaha 
It all comes back to OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE OBEDIENCE. 
I hold obedience very high on my priorities. 

I hope you are all having a great week & that Keaton is sooo super excited for "SUMMER TIME LUH HUH HUH HUH HUH HUVIN LUUUUUVIN IN THE SUMMER TIME!!" (name that show)

Love always, 
Sister Kellee Walker!!

PS: Send me some stickers? 
LOVE YOU!

Sister Walker and Sister Fuller getting ready to go caving

Pepper Sauce Caves with the Missionaries

 Dreaming it is Dr. Pepper!

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - May 12, 2014

Hello Folks

May 12, 2014

Oh man it was sooooooo great to talk with you all & see you!!
We are very blessed to have the technology that we do (:

There was one thing I was going to mention but forgots.. haha
Could you send me my SD card back? 
The one I'm using is just about full :( 
THANK YOU SO MUCH

I hope you had a good mothers day mama.
I sure do miss you and I'm so grateful for all you do and for all the love you show me.
Man, I cannot wait to be with you again (:
There is sooo much to catch up on!!

I also wrote a little poem I wanted to share with you!!

I Know He is Always There.
by Sister Walker

Sometimes I feel so far away
And don't know how to feel,
His loving arms surround me all
And make my heart feel whole.
I know deep down He's always there
To love and show the way.
"But how," I ask, "do I feel Him near?"

"Just pray dear one." I hear Him say,
"And I'll always be right there.
I'll lead you through the darkest days
That seem to never end.
Strive each day to be like me
And learn about my Son.
I'm here for you my dear sweet child,
I promise I'll never leave.
I always want to best for you,
You have no greater friend."

And now I know with all my soul,
That Father is always near.
I can call on Him both day and night,
I have no greater friend.

Have a great week folks (:

I love you so!!

Love always Sister Walker

ps: we decided last night as a zone to hold out on the caving until next week!

Sister Kellee Walker's Tuscon, Arizona Mission - May 5, 2014

Helloooooooooo Strangers!

May 5, 2014

Okay so to answer your questions:
I am feeling as great as a bird with a french fry (: 
I asked Elder Jones to give me a blessing of healing & it was his first blessing EVER & he did amazing & I feel great. 
Yes I got your adorable easter package and your care package (: Thank you soooo much. 
I seemed to have gotten the whole zone sick (okay not the whole zone) but 3 of the elders and a sister is sick.... so whoooooops. 

As for this week.. It was insanely busy!!

We went to the temple which was soooo very needed! I received a lot of revelation that I really needed & a lot of comfort as well. We got to see the NEW new video! I can't believe they are coming out with soooo many! It's awesome (:

We also had our MLC meeting this week with all the Missionary Leaders in our mission!!
(Missionary Leadership Council)
I've never had more fun!! (: We talked all about the mission & how we can improve our missionaries.
Did I ever tell you how much I love this calling?!! The Lord has so much trust & faith in me!!
I am truly soooo incredibly blessed.

Sister Fuller & I went on exchanges this week. I stayed in the area this time with a new sister, Sister McNally and Sister Fuller went to Sister Stratton's area. 

IAnd you saw in the pictures I sent you that we went to Cracker Barrel (: It reminded me sooo much of home!! I had breakfast for dinner (: I have decided, Dad, that I am going to request your Sunday Morning Waffles for my first breakfast home!! I HAVE MISSED THEM SOOOOO MUCH!

Remind me to tell you on Sunday about how we got the Elders back from when they put shaving cream and sardeenes on our car... (: It wasn't damaging or anything so don't freak out
but it was super funny!

And this morning we woke up suuuuuper early and went on a hike with some of our Zone to Romero Pools (: We had a lot of fun & maybe one day Keaton & I can go hiking to all these places! But I vote in December when it's not 98 degrees at 7 in the morning. (: I love Arizona. You are going to have a killer hard time getting me to stay in Utah. hahaha

Well family. I love you & I will be seeing you on SUNDAY!!!!

As for the time.
Church gets out at 4:00 and we are going straight over to the Downey's to video Chat with you. Be ready around 4:30 but we aren't sure if they have 2 computers or if we will have to do one at a time. So it will either be 4:30 or 5:30 but I will see if Sister Downey can text you while I'm at her house to let you know what time. (:

I'm really excited!!
Have some questions ready for me!!

Love always,

Your little Sister Missionary,
Sister Kellee Jo Walker

Temple Trip

Temple Day!

And sometimes I get all Buggy at Cracker Barrell!

MMMMM  Love me some Cracker Barrell

Romeo Pools

Early morning hike with the missionaries to Romeo Pools

Fun Times at Romeo Pools

Gila Monster