Expecting a Son!!!!

8-18-14

Well, this week has been absolutely crazy with things both awesome and not awesome at all.  Elder Lawless and I had an amazing week of work in which we taught 38 lessons.  I think the highest I have ever done before this was 29.  We worked very hard and we didn't have time for a lot of our meals this week.  We just skipped them.
Hunter's baptism on Saturday and confirmation on Sunday, went very well.  He was nervous for it at first, as was I, because I get nervous over everything, but when it came time for the actual baptism, both of us felt pretty good.  I said the prayer just fine, but when he went down into the water, he missed plugging his nose, so he took in a big gulp of water.  I felt very privileged to be able to do that for hunter and to exercise the priesthood.  Following the baptism, we had a bunch of snacks and we got all of the leftovers.
Elder Lawless confirmed Hunter in Sacrament on Sunday and I got to stand in the circle.  There was a couple of really cool things about this baptism.  It was the first time that I have ever gotten to baptize someone.  And, it was the exact same weekend as the only other baptism that I have had out here with the Arsenal's family last year.  Their's was August 17th.  I'm so excited to see Hunter grow in the gospel through!
Well, the very next day kind of ruined my excitement.  On Sunday morning, we got transfer emails and of course it said that Elder Lawless was going home, but I didn't expect it to tell me that I am going to be staying and training a new missionary.  Ever since I saw that email, I have been stressed out of my mind!  I want to do all I can to be a good trainer, but I'm worried about being able to completely take over the work in this area and keep it going as well as it has been with Elder Lawless and I.  All I can say is that I'm going to be working hard and praying A LOT!!
So this morning was the day that Elder Lawless left for Tampa, and he will be headed home tomorrow.  We woke up, did our exercise and got everything ready to head out.  We dropped his bike off to be shipped.  Before we loaded all up and headed to meet his ride up to Tampa, I asked if he would give me a blessing because I hated to see him leaving me, and I am very worried about taking over and training.  I felt a lot better after the blessing, but I am very sad that he is gone.  We served together for 7 1/2 months.  I hate having my companions leave me, and especially sending them home.  I hope that I don't have to send anymore home, ever!
I hope that I can do well in taking over.  I don't think that I have the same personal connection with people like Elder Lawless did, but I do know how to work hard, so I'm going to rely on the Lord and that.

Love you all!

Love,
Elder A. Whaley