Gunner turns 4 years old!

Gunner Larson is such a fun cousin. He loves to run around with all the 6-10 years old boys until he gets bored and decides for himself what HE wants to do. He is so imaginative and loves to pretend with his trek deck guys or cars or dinosaures. He has such a cute infectious smile all the time and will melt your heart with his coy little ways. Gunner is a good boy and so loves his brothers and mom and dad and loves to give Nana and Papa hugs. He loves to play golf and swim in our pool and guns and all sorts of boy things. His newest love is his guitar! We love you little Gunner and can't wait till you live back here in the west.

Our Brooke's birthday

We have a jewel in our family..her name is Brooke. She is married to Tom our eldest son, and the mother of 5 "perfect" children. She is always so fun to be with and is very busy with her family. Tom is not home a whole lot so she has been a stay at home mom her whole married life. Brooke decorates so beautifully and loves to sew(like her mom) and makes lovely quilts. She is always painting or re-doing something. Brooke could give anyone Utah driver's lessons to help you get around! She knows all the back ways. Brooke loves running and takes after her dad as a marathon runner. She now shares this love with Tom.We love her in our family and hope her birthday was a good.

Andrew Larson is such a fun part of the family! We always learn more sides of him when we are together and we are always pleased with the result. We have loved his random singing and now know he can rap with the best of them! A great dad, husband, Uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and all round good guy that we are so happy to have in our family.

A few more baby pictures

Steve was just cleaning out the garage and found 3 boxes we went through and found some real treasures. Here is a picture of Mikin 3 days old and two baby pics og Spike at 5 months. Couldn't find his when we posted them last time.

Mikin newborn

Spike 5 mo.

Dusty's Birthday!! December 9th

He has had a wonderful year as after 8 years of wanting a child they were able to be blessed with little Gage. Dusty is really taking the fatherhood thing seriously and we are so happy for them. He still loves the out of doors and spends every minute he can doing the things he loves. In the mean time, as a dentist, he is studying endodontics at the University of Washington in Seattle and will complete that program in August. We are so happy for this little family and love Dusty very much.. Hope his birthday was great.

Our Christmas Letter 2009

2009+++ Year of Gatten Blessings!

Wow! Another year is passed and gone, but so many blessings we Gatten’s have won.

Spike’s_home from Brazil, where he served a church mission; now school, and work, and girls are his vision.

Brynne works at the gym with her kids in tow, Jon has a new job and new things to know. Cade (2)is a charmer and Jay (11mo.) baby walks. We love them so near and enjoy all our talks.

AJ- Of him we ‘re so proud. He’s now learning hair, to do for this crowd. We love him at home and he’s still very giving, as Uncle or Brother, or son with us living.

Cassie and Andrew are living away. He’s a dentist in the Air Force 9 more months they say. Cooper turned (6), Gunner, now (4), and our little Beckett, (19mo). just loves to explore. Cass love to run and Andrew does too, will be here for Christmas but I guess you knew.

Dusty, ,Angie, and our miracle, Gage(2 mo.), they’re all so excited just starting this stage. Dusty in school, Ang. a stay at home mom. Nothing is better to add to there song. In August they’ll move, we hope close by, but Endo will bring them wherever they try.

Mikin ,Tyler and all are still in our land, they work and spend time on the road with their clan. Kiah(8) baptized and Noah (6)love all kinds of sports, and school keeps them busy they get good reports. Ella(4) is in dancing ,Asa’s(1) all smiles, as Mikin the driver, puts on the miles!

Brett we all know, his phone tied to his hip, works so hard we wonderer if he ever trips. Nikell.(15) a cheerleader, soccer Sophia’s(11) game, Wyatt(10) loves wrestling and babesball the same. Niks will be driving soon is their great hope, so beware everyone as she starts down the slope.

Tim has just opened another good place, to do all his work, with a smile on his face. Liz keeps the kids going to every place like violin lessons and games to keep pace. Hip surgery kept Tim from running a race so Lizzy did 3 with a smile on her face. Kate just got baptized and Jackson’s(6) in school, Sally(3) is busy, busy Brady (1),almost two.

Tom now’s a bishop his time’s not his own, he still’s a vice principle and lives on the phone. Brooke loves to read but her time is well spent , running kids to activities and her running well spent. Hayliann (13) is liking the boys, a good girl and beehive pres, there is no time for toys. Mylee ‘s (11)another who keeps very busy, and Alyssa(9) loves to read for school is so easy. River (7)is in 1^st grade and Ryder (3)at home, makes a very big family for keeping in zone.

Steve keeps on going and going along , traded high council for mission leader so he’s often gone. He did get an Elk with his bow no less, but the deer eluded even doing his best.

Jean has been working a lot on herself, making improvements mostly in health. She loves being a missionary a call from the Lord, and still helps her dad(85) and Helen(86), so she doesn’t get bored.

We did do a trip to the Washington coast, and another to Canada, with Steve’s brothers and their spouse. The farthest we went this year was Brazil, got Spike, and met wonderful new friends so dear.

But, now, at the end of 2009, we hope you’re all happy and healthy this time.

May our Savior’s light touch you all, everyone, we love Him so much and all he has done.

Gage Dustin Gatten is blessed!

Thanksgiving this year brought with is some very special blessings to the Gatten household. Not only did Spike return from his mission in Brazil, but the same day as his homecoming talk Dusty was able to bless our miracle baby Gage in our ward. Many of Angies family were able to be with us and it was a very special day. Dusty gave Gage a wonderful blessing. The priesthood and fatherhood work so many miracles in our lives. We are so blessed!

Our New AJ

AJ has a new do...after about 6 years of longer locks. We all love it and love him. He looks so handsome!

Elder Spike Gatten's Arrival Info

Elder Spike Gatten

Returning home from the

Brazil Manaus Mission

Here is the information of next weeks event for those who are interested in being at it...

Wednesday, Nov. 25th, at Noon, his Delta flight arrives to Spokane WA airport. Dad and Mom will be on the fight home with him, of course! They arrived in Sao Paulo Brazil this morning and will be on a flight to Manaus shortly to meet up with Spike and tour his mission for a week.

Spike's Homecoming talk at church will be held on Sunday, Nov. 29th, at 10:30 AM, at the Hayden Stake Center. All interested in coming are invited to attend. We know Spike would love to see everyone!

Also, we will be having the baby blessing of Dusty and Angie Gatten's baby, Gage, on Nov. 29th, at the Hayden Stake Center at 10:30 AM as well. It will be a special day to celebrate as family and friends.

We are so grateful for the example Spike has been to us all and for his service and love of the people in Brazil. We are grateful for our family miracle, baby Gage, finally coming to join our family and bring joy to our lives! We are indeed blessed to have these two blessings during this season of Thanksgiving. We truly are blessed, and we truly are thankful!

WELCOME HOME!!!

I have never felt so many mixed feelings in my life; I am sure of that. I left everything I knew to come to a place I had never heard of, and to partake in a sacred work. I came with faith, not knowing what it was like to be a missionary, or to speak a foreign language; but all in all it all turned out alright. I ask you now, why? The Lord was on my side, He was on my right hand and on my left, and His angles were continuously round about me bearing me up. I turned to him for strength, answers, and to feel his love. When I was in my deepest despair. He held me in his arms, and gave me the rest I most surely needed. He answered my prayers, and let me know that he was there, he was conscious of my situation. He never turned his back; he blessed me according to my obedience just like he said he would. I have come to know my savior, have a relationship with him, feel that he truly is my brother, and that his selfless sacrifice was most truly infinite. He never gave up on me, and for that I was able to bring many of my fellow brothers and sisters unto him, thus gaining the unbounded knowledge of his sacrifice and the necessity of his innocent shed blood. The Savior loves us, and his arms are open to hold us, and to carry us in times of need. Like I mentioned, I have seen literally countless lives change during my mission. I received a call from a cute family I baptized in Boa Vista this week. Threw their tears and goodbyes, they thanked me for the indescribable change I made in their lives. They have callings in the church, their children have been baptized, and they plan on going to the temple in January. This family is an example of what I call a real change. They have felt the spirit, and have been guided and directed. They will be blessed eternally as they continue making righteous choices. So I say, yes that family changed, and many others, but I would like to tell you that this last week I have realized the real change that has happened within me. When we are in the service of our fellow brethren, we receive more light, and it shines in our eyes. The gospel transforms us, and our desires, priorities, and goals change. There is a great alteration. I find the true joy the gospel brings into our lives as we live the commandments, and choose to be obedient. I have felt the warm loving arms of the savior, I have received answers to my prayers, I have seen miracles, I have felt the spirit and know that it is real, and I have seen the truths of the gospel testify unto those who have had yet the opportunity to hear its sweet message. I have had a change of heart, and a desire to do good continually. I have been able to look deep within myself, and see the defects which I have, and strived to change them. I know that happiness comes in righteousness. I have felt the great desire to attend the temple, and have been torn up not having this opportunity. The temple is the house of God, he abides there, it is a piece of heaven on earth. Everything in the gospel leads us to the temple, ever since the Old Testament. I have touched upon the eternal truths held within sacred scriptures, and have prayed to know their truth. I have felt the assurance of the Holy Ghost that there is a living prophet today, and that he is called of God. I am thankful that I have kept such great journals because I could go on for forever. Summing it all together, I have learned that living that gospel is all that matters!!I am just a man, I am a sinner, and an imperfect being, but I know that perfection is possible. I am weak, but the knowledge which I have gained makes me strong. I am hated by many, but it is because I embrace the name of our savior upon my shoulders. I love being hated for preaching his gospel. I have much to improve, and to learn. I have made so many goals for my return home, and for my life. If we don’t make goals we will start our lives, and finish, realizing that we are in the same place. I have a testimony of that. Goals are imperative. I love my Savior, I love you all. I am speechless knowing that I will see all of you. I am nervous, thinking that somehow I will disappoint you, but I know I have fought the good fight, and I can say I gave it all I had. I tried with all my heart, might, mind, and strength, but as the scriptures say, I am still an unprofitable servant. After all we can do, it will never be enough, but I like trying. We need to all be missionaries, we need to all make goals to share the gospel, we need to do it now. Put the goals up on the refrigerator, make them during FHE; somehow someway, just do it. I promise you all you will be blessed. We are under covenant to do it; there are no excuses, only condemnation if we don’t give it our all. I know that sharing the gospel is just a matter of praying for the strength, and then acting based upon the whispers of the spirit. Do it.I love you guys, I mean it. I will be there before you know it. Your all examples to me, and I am thankful for each one of you. I would not be here if it were not for your love, and kind words. Thank you, thank you, thank you. There is no more I could say. Have an awesome week. Tchau!Elder Gatten

Time is short

I really can hardly believe that we are packing up to leave for Brazil this week. That is, if we get out passports back today with Brazilian visa's attached! It has been really a trial for Steve especially to wait on that government and to be at their mercy. You who know his personality know what a planner he is and how difficult it is for him when he is not in control over things like this. But, the consulate supposedly sent them via courier to our broker yesterday. She sent an e-mail to Steve that thy are on their way via Fed Ex. Sooo, I really think the stars are aligned and we WILL be leaving Sunday to pick up Spike.

We are so looking forward to meeting the many people he has had the opportunity to teach and baptize. What a wonderful experience he has been able to have. He has been blessed so much!

And, we have been blessed as a family. Like Mikin said last night. Who is this coming home. The boy who left 2 yeas ago was the spoiled last child of 9 and pretty self centered. He always was strong in his beliefs and the way he lived his life, but as we have been blessed to read his letters we have seen so much growth. He has truly become an instrument in the Lord's hands and we have been uplifted by his testimony and life. He has served unwavering from that testimony and his letters each week have touched many. We as a family have learned and grown closer and stronger as he has served. We are so thankful for his hard work and sacrifice of 2 years of his life. It has strengthened our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice of Heavenly Father. We are so grateful for His plan, the plan of happiness and joy. We all want to share with others. I can hardly wait for my turn to serve a mission.

With Love,

Your mom, sister, cousin, daughter, friend and a servant and daughter of a loving Heavenly Father

KATE'S BAPTISM DAY

Saturday was such a special day! Our little Kate was baptised by her dad Tim. She is being such a wonderful example for her younger siblings and cousins.

These are the priesthood holders that were in the circle

Kate and dad

Her family

Some of the rest of us that were there for the occasion

Hey, it was good to hear from you guys today. As for the transportation when you come, it will be expensive if we use taxis. The city here is pretty big, and complicated. And when we go to visit people, it will be hard to use taxis because we will be in like a neighborhood but they are big, and confusing, plus the fact that people could easily rob us, which is a real fact and concern. But we will see what we can do. This is the thing that I am worried about, but we will see.As for the schedule when you guys come it is more or less like this:15 November 2009 – My last interview with President Jayme16 November 2009 – The morning I will have a self-reliance class at 10am, then I will have the rest of the day to go visit people and to pack my bags. At 18:30 I will be going to president’s house to have my last dinner with him and the other elders leaving in my group. We will be done around 21:15; from there I will get our Executive secretary and will go to pick you guys up at the airport. Your flight comes in at 22:29. I will be there to pick you guys up, and then escort you to the hotel tropical with me.17 November 2009 – 8:00am we have to be at the mission office for the transfer meeting. There will be all the elders and their companions that will be getting transferred to other areas. Lots of my friends will be there and everything so you will be able to meet them and take pictures. The rest of the day from like 10:00 am we have nothing planned. Possibly go to the water meeting place of the Rio Negro and the Amazon. Go see some historical things in the center.18 November 2009 – We leave sometime to go to Ariaú I think you guys said21 November 2009 – We get back from Ariaú some time. At 19:00 we have the baptism of Hevelyn. Dad will baptize her. The area where they live is super far away from the hotel so we will have to hurry there. They will have a dinner and whatever after I think, or maybe before. There you will meet lots of my recent converts and friends. It was my fourth area. Nova Canaã. 22 November 2009 – Church 8:30am in my current area Dom Pedro. You will see my current companion and all my recent converts and whatever here. It will be awesome. We will spend the rest of the day visiting people here, and relaxing. 23 November 2009 – We will go to the center to buy stuff for everyone at home, and to see some historical things. You will walk a lot so get ready, and bring a towel, because you’re going to sweat a TON. At night we will visit my third area Laranjeiras. Possibly also we could go look at presidente figeredo. There a ton of waterfalls and stuff there, but it is like an hour or more to get there by car. I don’t know what we will do for transportation. 24 November 2009 – We fly out at 11:50 am. We have to get there AT LEAST two hours early. So 9:50. People will be there to say good-by to us and send us off….The tears will start falling if I have any left. And the nervousness starts…I will be going home. Sad. That is a super ruff draft of what we are going to do. We will be packed with things to do here; it’s just hard to plan every hour. I pray everythings goes well, and you guys enjoy the trip.

As for the weather, it has been really cool as of lately seriously, it has been windy and raining once in a while, which is unusual. The rainy season is starting early. It is still like 38-40 degrees Celsius. That’s like 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Then you have to take in the humidity which is abnormally high because of the rain. You are wet almost 24-7 or all the time in other words.

This week went awesome. We baptized Cláudio, a man that is the next door neighbor of a family that we baptized earlier. He is so awesome, and is really firm. He will receive the Aaronic priesthood Sunday, and has been firm for like three months. The baptism was astonishing, and spiritual. Like I have said and I will never stop saying, there is nothing like baptizing, and helping your fellow men achieve their salvation. It is so miraculous. I love the gospel, I love the people. I don’t know if I will make it going home, if I will be able to hold it together. I will have to find myself again. I love you all. I feel like a burden in so many ways to you guys. I feel like out of place or demanding of your time and attention. I can’t wait to just get home and to have the opportunity to serve you guys. I find true happiness in it. Service is everything, and there is nothing else of such great importance. When we serve our fellow beings we are in the service of our god, and if we have not charity we are nothing. I have learned so many lessons on my mission I can’t wait to put into practice at home. I have sat for hours these last couple days, and plan to sit for many more hours for the next week writing down my life goals for when I get home. I don’t know exactly what I am doing, but putting it down on paper is better than nothing. The lightest ink is brighter than the brightest memory. Without goal we will pass through life without reaching our full potential.I love this gospel, I know it to be true. I bore testimony of it this last Sunday for the last time I could in front of a Brazilian congregation. It was really emotional for me. I know this church is true.Any questions let me know. Elder Gatten

Week-end in Seattle

We were able to run over to Seattle for the week-end Thursday night. You will have to ask Steve how to get to China town in Seattle as we ended up there on the way to Dusty's. Steve had not been able to see Gage yet and I wanted to help out so we just went. I was able to spend some quality time with Gage in the middle of the night and and give Angie some much needed rest. They are great parents and doing so well. We loved being there.

Playing cribbage to pass the time

Still a miracle angie is a little tired

Halloween pumpkin(thanks Cassie for costume)

Sleepy boy

Papa meets Gage

17 days till i see Mom and Dad!

 It was so nice to hear from you guys this week. I feel like I write that every  week, but it is so true. Hearing from the ones that you love is one of the best  things in the world. Thank you. It sounds like everyone is doing great. No  surprise. I saw that Nikell shot a nice satellite bull up no tell them creek.  That is kind of embarrassing to me because I have never even shot an elk. I have  got close and drawn blood, but never taken one to the ground like here. I don’t  think I will ever stop hearing about that from here for the rest of my life. Can  you believe I have never got an elk? Ridiculous. Everything happens in the due  time though. Great job Nikell!   I got on the blog today and I saw some of the pictures that were put up of the  newest addition to our family Gage! He is a little stud. It is amazing seeing  Dusty and Angie there with him, and to just see the happiness in their faces. It  must be something so be a parent. I am sure that words don’t explain it. I  cannot wait to meet the little guys, along with all the other little new ones,  and the other nieces and nephews who have grown so much. I think that there are  so many of them now they could take me down if they wanted to! I love them so  much…I bet they miss Kate a lot too, or at least Kiah. Our family is growing so  much, I tell people about how many brothers and sisters I have and so on, and  they don’t believe it. They seriously drop their jaws, and say that my parents  are true warriors. There is nothing better than being part of a big family!   The work has been amazing, and we have truly been blessed! I feel like I say  that every week, but it is so true. We have been baptizing weekly for months  now, and have really worked together with the members to make a big difference  here. This week we will be baptizing another future priesthood holder, a man who  lives with a family that we baptized a month or so back. He is a reference from  them. His name is Cláudio, and he has been going to church for like two months  now. He is as firm as they come, and truly has a testimony of the gospel of  Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have had to teach him, and  to help him make major changes in his life so that he could qualify for baptism.  Besides the baptisms lately we found two elect families this week. They were  references from members too. They are married (which is almost not heard of or  talked about here) and so the baptismal, and preparation process will be a lot  easier. We have been working with them, and they have grown tremendously. We had  five men who were at church investigating last Sunday, and three complete  families. I don’t think I have seen Bishop Leonardo with such a big smile. He  gave me a hug, and asked if he could sick by the investigating families in their  classes! There is no greater joy than that of service, and helping your fellow  men, come to the knowledge of the love that their heavenly father has for them,  let alone his celestial plan. The work will continue to go forth, nothing can  hinder the work of the lord. I am so excited to see dad walk into the waters of  baptism, and baptize my last convert here in my mission, that will be  unforgettable. I love the gospel!   I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel, and the plan of  happiness that our Heavenly Father has prepared for each of us and our families.  I am so thankful for the true happiness obedience brings, and for the  forgiveness that the atonement offers to each of us. I know that God lives;  Jesus is the Savior of the world. If it was not for such an infinite and eternal  sacrifice all men would be lost in sin, and unable to return to the presence of  our Lord. The scriptures are the words inspired prophets, who received  revelation from the lord. They are true, real, tangible, and within hold the  power to transform our lives, and to change our wills, and ways. Joseph, yet a  young boy, was prepared from the beginning of his life to restore the primitive  church of our Savior. He saw God the Father, and his Omnipotent son Jesus  Christ. They answered his earnest prayer, and counseled him, yet young and  unlearned. He restored the gospel, period, and I know it. Heavenly Father  continues to call prophets in our days; he is the same yesterday, today, and for  forever. They reveal gospel truths unto the children of men. President Monson is  called of god, he is qualified, worthy, and prophecies according to the  promptings of the Holy Ghost. I know these points to be true, I know it, I feel  it, I have been answered. I love you all. If we stand for nothing we fall for anything.    Elder Gatten 

Nikell's And Brynne's First Elk Hunt

Steve and Brett took the girls on their first elk hunt...since they both already had bagged one themselves this year. But, with a few days left in the hunt, and the girls who wanted to go, it it was a no brainer! We are all glad Nikell got this 3X4 bull. Brynne wasn't as lucky or maybe her guide can't hear as well?

Brett, Nikell, Brynne and Steve

The time for fall sports keeps a Nana really busy. I tried to make at least one of everyones activities. I did miss Nikell cheering but will see her soon. I need to get her schedule!

I was able to be at the Post Falls elementary cross country race with Kate and Jackson. In Kate's second year of running she came in first place girls 2nd grade and Jackson in his first appearance came in third for the 1st grade boys. Way to run..I think they take after their mom, Lizzy!

Wyatt in his final year of flag football. Next year he puts on the padding!

Noah and his buddy Quinn are on the same team and never very far apart. they love soccer this year.

Kate loved her medal!!

So did Jackson!

Aunt Cassie will have to check out Kiah's form

Sophia is on the select team this year so nice uniforms and she is learning so much!

I guess Ella Should have been Brett's daughter..I am sure that is where she got the Tongue action when she plays sports...and notice her cute soccer SKIRT!

getting closer .....

Another week is down, and three more to go until I see my parents! Well that is
crazy, but there is a ton of work still to do man, you have no idea! We had a
couple of more baptisms this week it was awesome! The ladies story was amazing…I
will never forget it. To help people in such a horrible situation is truly a
blessing.
Yesterday was the last regional zone conference I will have in the mission. I
had the opportunity to give a training, and to plan lunch for everyone and
stuff, I really enjoying serving all the missionaries, it is truly amazing. At
the end of the conference the group of missionaries that are going home in the
next three weeks got up and bore their testimonies. I was the last one of
nineteen that is going home to bear my testimony. If you know me, you know that
it was something unforgettable, emotional, and spiritual. I cannot explain how I
feel, I cannot explain my emotions, I have been sitting at my study desk for the
last couple days with my journal open trying to write it all down, but I can’t
do it. The mission is truly a once in a life time experience, you meet
incredible people.
I am trying to take advantage of every second while it lasts, but it is coming
to an inevitable end. My full time mission already was, and will never again be.
My heart is full, and indescribable, but it is satisfied. There is nothing
better that serving your fellow men, giving everything you have, are, and will
ever be for the eternal benefit of those around you who are unknown. Crazy some
say, but worth it for sure.
Thank you for all of your support, I love you all, and I thank you profoundly.
I can’t wait to give you all hugs and kisses, you deserve it.

Elder Gatten
>

My Nine Babies

I thought it would be fun to see if all of you that Know my kids could guess who's who. Of course this was a thought because of the newest arrival, Gage.

31 1/2 days ;- D

What up ladies and gentlemen up there in the great northwest?! Sounds like
things are booming up there, and spirits are high! To start out, I want to
give a shout out to my brother from the same mother, Dusty crusty rusty
busty lusty! Parabéns Bro Dog! You’re a freaking dad man, way to go, you
have made it! Like I seriously am awed at your perseverance and determination
throughout this whole process man. You both, have serious from the beginning
fought odds, and have come out triumphantly! What a miracle. I remember when
I came on the mission, and I prayed in your guys behalf, until today. It had
become a habit, but the Lord heard ALL of our prayers. I know that I was not
the only one praying for years for the two of you...and little Gage.
Question, what is his full name? Another one I have to see, and hold man.
People here flip out when I tell them how many little nieces and nephews I
have. I love having such a big family, and seeing all of you grow up, and
have sweet families. It is something special, and moving. Hope the best for
you two until I get home man. You get to bless him at my homecoming dog that
will be chill!
I thought it was so sweet seeing the video that you guys made for me of the
October birthday party. I thought it was sick too how you got a recent
picture of me, and framed it, and made it part of the whole flick. My
companion and I laughed our heads off when we saw it. Then, I got the sound
working after a little bit, and watched it again. It was so WEIRD hearing
your voices there, or whatever. You are real! Yippy! Sometimes I feel
like you're just long lost pen pals or something. Ha. It was weird to hear my name
too; I don’t know how long it has been since I have heard it. That will take a little getting used to that is for sure. But thank you for
everything. I really enjoyed it, even seeing Jon get his head smashed in the
cake twice. One for me and one time for him. Wyatt was the smart one, and
took my bite for me, it was one fat bite too, and I think he bit a chubby
hole in the cake! Ha! You guys are so freaking comical!
This week we baptized again. I sent a picture of the baptism last week, and
we will baptize two more this week. We will baptize a woman, and her son. It
has been a month since her husband past away, so she is totally sad.
But, one of the most open and spiritual investigators I have ever
baptized. It was funny, when we were teaching her the second lesson about the
plan of salvation, because, at the end, she asked us where she buys tickets to
go to the temple in São Paulo. She learned so much about the temple, and the
opportunity that she has to do the ordinances in the temple for her husband
who passed away that she freaked out, and wanted to go that instant! We
explained to her that she has to wait one year, and that during this time
she will prepare herself for these special experiences. Making a
long story short, she will be going to the temple the 17 October 2010. It’s already marked, and she is totally pumped about it.
There is nothing that explains the happiness that
you feel when you teach your fellow men, and you see them make such
essential decisions like this. They don’t understand the importance of the
decisions that they are making, but they will reap the benefits of it for
eternity. I love preparing so many people to enter the temple. So many have
already had that opportunity, it is miracle indeed.
This week when I was at church we ran into a couple that was visiting from
Utah. Rebecca and Danny. They had spent a week here, seeing the sites,
and running around. Anyway, they talked to us for forever, and we became pretty
good friends. This chicks dad is super cool, has a huge hunting ranch thing,
I don’t really know, in Africa. I told her how my dad always has
wanted to go and whatever, and she said that that would be no problem. She
gave me her number and said to call her, and she will get a fat hook up for
us! Oh boy, we got hook ups for like every part of the world man. So, Dad,
if you every want to go, now is the time. The chicks number is in my hand.
Another cool thing is that the guy that is in the picture gave everyone in
the ward a shirt. It is from the Olympics of 2002. He participated in 02´and
in 06´ in the bob sledding American team! Can you believe that? That is so
sweet! I talked to him forever about hunting and everything. He passes all
the time in CDA on his way to Canada. He is from Austin, TX. Anyway, cool
experience.
I will have the opportunity to give a couple more trainings this next
Tuesday. The last ones that I will be giving to the mission before I go
home. It will be awesome; I am looking forward to it, and will include the
pictures that you guys sent me of when I was young and fat, and ugly. Hope
everyone has a good laugh with it. I love serving my fellow elders and
seeing them each grow. It feels like yesterday I just got here and I did not
understand anything people were saying, but I am so pumped to be where I am,
and to be helping those around me so much. Sometimes you really don’t really
realize the difference you make, but after, you feel it. I love these guys so
much it is nuts! The mission is indescribable!
I love you guys so much, and I cant wait to see you all. Sometimes I wonder
what my life will be like after the mission. I am on a spiritual high, but I
don’t want that to change when I go home. I know that it will be hard, but I
know that when we keep the commandments we are blessed and the Lord provides
the way. I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us dearly, and that Jesus
is the Christ. This is his church; we are in the correct way. I love you
all, and can't wait to hear from you all next week! Until then I will go to
the 9 birthday parties the ward members have planned for me. I cant eat too
much though or I will go home fatter than a cow! Love you

Elder Gatten