Dear Shanell,

We went tracting on Monday for my first time. We went to about 48 doors and only 1 got literally slammed in our faces. We got 2 call-back appointments and all the rest told us "no". We went tracting from about 12 noon to about 9:30 pm. we stopped and grabbed a banana for dinner, but that was our only break. One guy didn't believe in God or Jesus Christ. Can you imagine how hard it is to teach discussions based on Jesus Christ when they don't even believe in Him. We got discussing other things, such as the Plan of Salvation, and he kept backing up his side of the discussion wit a bunch of philosophy. I finally, nicely, pointed out to him that no matter what the subject is, someone can argue the point. I also asked him if he had ever read any books that were for Christianity instead of against. He said, "Not really". So I handed him a Book of Mormon and he said he would love to read it. He said he likes stories.

About 2 houses later, an Aborigine lady let us in. We taught her the first discussion and then my companion said, "If you want us to come back, our next discussion answers these 3 questions, "Where did I come from? Why am I here? and Where am I going after this life?" Her whole face lit up and she said, "Can you really tell me where we are going after this life?" We told her that we could and that we would return on Thursday. I think she is very interested. We are working on quite a large number of inactives and they are all nice. We are going to baptize a lady named Josey Lang this Saturday. She accepts everything and has prayed about it and felt good.

My companion is Elder Dalrymple and he is a pretty good guy. He does, however, have a tendency to make me look stupid at members' homes. I am enjoying it out here, though.

You would not believe this area I'm in. The government gives people housing and the people take it and also get welfare checks all the time. Most people here are about 20 years behind the times. I do love the people here. They are friendly, but a lot are lazy. We go back on Thursday to teach the 7th discussion to Josey Lang. I'm looking forward to that!

Thank you for all your support.

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Hello,

I had my first embarrassing moment today. We went to "Hungry Jacks" (kind of like Burger King in America) and ordered something to eat. When I was waiting for the food, a lady there said, "You right?" In Australia, that means, "Are you all right" or "Do you need anything else?" I didn't understand her because of her accent and I just looked at her weird. Elder Thomas just laughed and told her I was from America and that I didn't understand the accent very well. I was embarrassed. Right now I am staying in a flat right next to the ocean. It is excellent! Australia is gorgeous! Elder James from the MTC is still my companion until Saturday it looks like.

Thank you for all your support! The adventure begins!

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Dear Shanell,

I am going crazy! I cannot wait to get out to the mission field! My companion really works hard to get on a guy's nerves. I am learning patience! It isn't easy to live with someone for 24 hours a day when you don't get to choose that companion. He is a good guy, but it is just hard to live with anyone 24 hours a day! I am, however, trying to make myself a better person. Patience is a good quality and I know that this mission is helping me to learn patience. I do like it here, but I am just anxious to get out and really do the Lord's work! I will do my best! Melody always ends her letters with these 2 words: Be Best! I will be best and I won't let up until I'm finished with my mission.

We just received our flight plans to Australia today. We will fly to Los Angeles and then to Hawaii. After Hawaii we fly to Sydney Australia and then we will fly to Adelaide. We leave Monday at 6:20 pm and will get to Australia after 18 hours on an airplane. That is 18 hours of sleep! We shouldn't be tired by the time we get there! Only 8 more days until I get on the plane. It is kind of scary, but I think the excitement outweighs the scary feelings.

We are getting interviewed by our branch presidency today. They are interviewing the entire branch. I'm going to keep working hard.

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Dear Shanell,

We got to sleep in until 8 am today because we are watching General Conference at 9 am. I think we have a meeting before that. I only have 10 days left in the MTC, but only 4 or 5 more class days. I can't wait to get out in the field and thrust in my sickle (bicycle). I always have the Lord helping me!

I just memorized 5 scriptures last night. They are the same scriptures we were supposed to memorize in seminary. I really do wish I would have studied harder in there. I am working hard. My prayers are with you!

Love,
Elder Wallentine

Hi Shanell,

I wanted to let you know about a meeting we had this morning. We had a super neat teacher and I have never felt the Spirit burning within me so much in my whole life.  Our teacher talked about the 3rd and 4th part of the 1st discussion. It is about the birth and crucifixion of Christ. He went into depth on it and I could almost imagine what pain he went through for us to repent. I really almost started crying. I have already grown close to the Lord and I love the great Spirit that is here.

I have passed off all of the 6 concepts in the 2nd discussion. Something has happened with about 2 or 3 guys in my district. My companion and 2 other guys are not showing the love to the other elders that they should. The Spirit isn't as strong when there is a spirit of contention here. I'm going to try to talk to them so that we can have the Spirit here strong again. I still do love the Lord and this great work!

I want you to know that I have a great testimony of Jesus Christ and this great church. I have already grown spiritually about 100 times. I feel the Spirit of the Lord here so strong. I love the scriptures and they will always be a special part of my life. Thank you for your great support.

Love,
Elder Wallentine