Happy Easter

Happy Easter!  I sure love this sacred day.  I would just like to take a moment to bear my testimony that I know that my Redeemer lives.  Christ atoned for our sins and felt the pains and burdens of all his brothers and sisters.  He was crucified on the cross for being the King if Israel and Messiah.  He was resurrected and taught His father's children.  He is my God, example, and friend.  He is who I want to return to live with in Heaven and is the reason I am serving a mission.  I have truly been converted into His true gospel and I will never doubt or deny it.  I am so grateful for Jesus Christ.  He is the Son of God and still lives.

Daddy's Girl

Oh how blessed I am to serve a mission.  None of my sisters had the opportunity to because... well... let's face it.  They were all married when they were 21.  Sooooo I am glad I can be the missionary for the five Waldrom girls!  Also, my good ol dadio was the only child to serve out the six children in his family.  And I only have one cousin out of my entire extended family to serve.  Yeah, the numbers are scarce in the fam... So I am so lucky that I can finish it off!  And I thought this was neat, my dad found his original mission call from May 5, 1977.  He served in Scotland.  We sure bond over our love for missionary work.  Thanks for being a great missionary and example to me, Dad!  Love you!

The Work is Moving!

Although this video doesn't specifically mention the Philippines, oh my my.  The work is definitely moving quickly in Asia!  This video truly touched me and brought me to tears.  I am so blessed to serve and teach the Asian people.  And I am so excited to be able to live with them in their amazing culture!

Cancer stinks.

Mrs. Pershing may have been my teacher for only two years, but she was my friend for 12.  Tonight this amazing woman passed away.  As difficult as it is to accept, she has left quite the impression on my life.  I have been blessed with her love and support all these years and I am so grateful that I still feel it now even though she is no longer with us here.  Glenda, you are an inspiration to all and are greatly missed.  You have lived a wonderful life and thank you for sharing it with so many people.

And while I was sitting here remembering my times with Glenda, this video appeared from a friend.  Such an uplifting message that was greatly needed on such a sad night.

I love to see temples with Dayna

I guess Dayna and I just like to go to the temple together...

I have no words

I just ended a phone call with a friend of my sisters who served in a neighboring mission to mine in the Philippines (Shout Out to Andrew Jensen!  You're the bomb!).  We had a two and a half hour conversation of only a part of what I needed to know to serve in the Philippines.  I loved every second of hearing what Andrew had to tell me and listening to his advice.  Whether it was, be sure to hide your passport well because it could get stolen from your apartment, or use bug repellent so you do not get gangrene fever, or bring a handkerchief with you to wipe of sweat or in case your in an emergency situation of toilet paper (every missionary gets the runs!), or sleeping in the bath with the water running because it is so hot.... yeah this place sounds i d e a l... But seriously, as scary as some of these things may sound, I know it will be all apart of this wonderful adventure that I am supposed to be on!  I know that the Lord will be with me every step of the way if I continue to trust and have faith in him.  Even throughout the scary topics Andrew and I talked about, he told me how wonderful the people are, how beautiful the country is, and how the culture is so great to be apart of.  I learned so much and my excitement level increased about 254%.  I only leave in 69 days, but who's counting?  Even though he told me of many things to be aware of and prepare for, I know that my purpose is to teach and serve the Filipino people.  They are such a humble people and God has prepared some to hear the message that I will share with them.  I am grateful that I will truly have the opportunity to serve the people.  Andrew told me how there were days at a time that the missionaries did not teach, but rather they helped clean and rebuild homes after big storms (there will be many during my time there).  Overall, the long conversation I had with Andrew was so neat and I am so anxious to finally get to this amazing land!  It already holds a special place in my heart.

(My sister, Ali Van De Graaff, took the photo above when she visited the Philippines!)

It's comin'

I feel old...

Well, I have been endowed!  It was quite the experience.  I learned so much and was so impressed with how biblical and symbolic the temple was.  It really allowed my testimony to grow of the truthfulness of the restoration because only God's true gospel would still practice such sacred and profound things that are done in the temple.  I sure love being there and learning more every time I go.  I feel so much peace and my stresses are all gone.  So amazing.  I love this gospel and I know with all my heart that it is true.