Hey everyone, I hope that you’re all doing awesome right now, and that this letter finds you all outstanding. I was able to look at some of the blogs, and saw the pictures from the annual Memorial Day weekend on the St. Joe! It looked like a whole lot of fun I've got to tell you. From rafting, to camping, to riding the four wheelers, to hunting bears, to working out, and getting wood; you are all EXTREME. I am glad you all were safe, and enjoyed yourselves. You know that I wish I could have been there.
I heard that Mikin worked out up there, running and doing her thing. Way to go. One of the hardest parts of working out is staying with it, and being self-confident. If your Tim though, you can do anything, even if your old and white and skinny and sit in a doctors chair all day:) It sounded like Tami enjoyed running with Mikin in that heat. It was amazing to hear that it didn´t rain, I hope that you guys took advantage of it!One little thing I would like to add is that I noted that everyone was wearing helmets. Are we turning into the Eply Wooses? I sure hope not, that is the first time I saw such a thing in the whole Gatten history. I even caught dad in a couple pictures with one on. At first I thought it was an optical illusion with his hair, but it actually turned out to be a helmet. The thing that gave it away was the chin strap! I guess it is safer though. That was cool to see so many visitors up there again this year. It seems like people are getting into the rafting with us. Every year we have someone different. I remember the years when the Crandalls used to come too. It’s been a while. I heard that Mike, Lori, and Jeff made it up there Saturday too, and loved the runs. Atta way ladys and gents, treat them good ya hear me?  It seems like dad wants to go to the Locksa too, but I bet no one will go with him again, just like every year.
As for me I am doing well. This last week, and so forth we have been working a lot with less active members. We have been reactivating lots of families and priesthood holders which is a +. In my eyes its just as good as baptizing the people. That has to be one of the biggest problems here in Brasil is the retention. The area presidency realizes it too, and are putting plans into play to reactivate these people. So as I always say, my day consists of work, work, and more work. How exciting huh?We have baptisms of a couple women this week: Oricely, and Debora. There you go mom there are some names. They are progressing really well, and have been integrated great into the ward with weekly activities and such. It’s the best when the members take their responsibility to welcome the investigators as important. It helps so much. Just saying hi to them is like a huge thing. Do you guys do that? A question I want to ask you guys is what do you think you can do as a family to help the missionary work in your own ward? Do it!
I played soccer, and Volleyball today, so that was a good workout. I told my comp that it felt so good to feel alive again. In the missionary work walking gets old. We can’t go running like I did in Boa Vista here, because there is to big of a risk of being robbed. Bummer for sure, it ruins everything. We are still sticking to our push up drills. We do the US Navy push ups everyday. It consists of seventy five regular, seventy five dimond push ups, and seventy five wide push ups. We do each three times. So we do like three hundred of more every other day, plus abdominals, biceps, triceps, shoulder, back, legs, and core strength. We have our little routine going so I am pumped about it.
This week is transfers, so I think I am going to get a new companion for sure. My companion will turn senior, and I'll train again or something. Well wait and see. Next Tuesday is the transfer so next week you will know for sure what happened.Besides this there is nothing new. I am alive, health is good, saudades are there for sure(ask Tyler what it is), and I am working like a Mexican…..Love you all Gatten

Memorial Day 2009

If you want water, camping, rafting, good  food and company the place to be is our traditional Memorial Day  family week-end on the St. Joe River.  It is always the first raft trip of the summer for the gattengang and is always a blast, even when it rains...which didn't happen this year!!! It has been a very long standing set it stone type of activity since we first moved back with our 4 little ones in 1977 and continues to make wonderful memories.  Many friends, and friends of friends have enjoyed our days up the Joe.  Here are a few highlights of this year, hope it doesn't scare you  off from joining us sometime.

Steve Gatten, Missy Caudle, Mike Park

Jim Lee, Angie Gatten, Mikin Morton, Jeff Park

 Cute socks Jim

Steve & Jim getting it done

Down and then up

Jim,Steve,Danny,Sotty,Ben

the 1st run of Skookum Canyon

Steve  waiting to raft or when will everyone else arrive!

Sophia, Kiah, Makaela

Setting up camp

Noah, Steve, Ella, and Kiah

Now this is time out!

Elder Elder Elder loves us all

What up all you dirty rich american foogies! I hope that your all doing ridiculously excellent! You're all so busy with five thousand million things I don’t know how you get it all done. Races, fishing, recitals, church, talks, etc. You're all definitely on the run. How do you find time for the things that matter most? I’m clueless….
The mission is the mission, and it’s hotter than a cob down here. I swear it gets hotter everyday, and no, I don’t stop sweating, ever! Eating, sleeping, reading, teaching, taking a shower, the sweat doesn’t seem to stop pouring off my face. Mom and dad will love it! I cannot wait to see their faces, which will make it all worth it. Don’t worry though you will make it, I did.
The work has been a little trying these last couple weeks for some reason. It’s getting difficult getting people to church, and if they don’t go, there is no way they can progress and be baptized. I am all over the fasting and praying part of the deal, and waiting for the blessings. The people are awesome, I am just pondering you know. How can get it across to them the importance of spiritual things. Our decisions now affect our future, and the generations that come. How can people be so ignorant and selfish as to ignore the hand of our Heavenly Father in their lives?They are definitely spiritually sick. It’s my prayer that I can follow the spirit and receive the inspiration needed to help them crawl out of this hole.
When I think about success I think about diligence. It is literally a prerequisite to success. Also, it is an attribute of Christ. Something that we, as sons and daughters of a perfect celestial being, should practice in our own lives. If we do our part, if we are stead fast and firm, obedient, and true to the faith the lord will bless us. He is obligated. I love the scripture in Moroni 9:6. It is so comforting, and really just puts everything in prospective. Also Alma 26. I love these scriptures, and they truly give the love and comfort needed in this battle against Satan and his satanic hosts. Scary but he totally exists. I see and feel him working on the children of men. He is powerful... just lacks a body.I love this work and I love you all. I am thankful for the spiritual knowledge I have gained in this life, and especially on the mission. It truly comforts me in the times I feel weak. The Lord knows us, He loves us, and is aware of our needs before we humble ourselves to ask him for help. Cool huh? The gospel is the way, the Savior is the key, repentance is the price, and eternal life is the blessing.
I love you guys. Peace out.Elder Gatten

A random week-end

Steve's Montana Elk from Sept. 07 Just got the mount back. 

He wants everyone to see it.

Sophia is the star of her soccer team. This was a couple of photos of her last game. Her intensity is alot like Cassie's on the field, and she runs herself to death.

Intense and good footwork!

Ella's first dance recital

Playing a little baseball.

Wyatt 

Steve, Brett, Dusty, and a friend of Dusty's Michael, went down by Portland Saturday for Sturgeon fishing. Brett 44 incher was the only keeper. Dusty caught a 36 in. but couldn't keep it. I don't have a picture of that one. Need to get Steve to take more pictures!

Brett and the dinosaur

... a great accomplishment. Lizzy signed up Mikin for her birthday... and Brynne decided it would be a good way to get in shape after baby Jay....soooo the 3 of them all ran the Spokane 1/2 marathon.   Funny thing Tom and Brook ran a 1/2 marathon(13.1 miles!)  Saturday too.May get pictures of that soon.

Olá! Espero que todos vocês estivesse ótimo, e gostaram da telefonema domingo passado. Foi xeque no bode! Hey, I hope that you all are super good, and liked the old phone call home this last Sunday! It was so nice talking to you all, and making sure that you are all alive and kicking! Funny, but serious! With time you remember some things from home, but the big chunk, like the sound of voices, character, and everything is gone! So what can I say more, it was ridiculously miraculous!
You all wanted to know if they celebrate mother´s day here, and the answer is some people do. What I mean is, some parts of the city do, and other parts no. As you go threw the city there are new parts which are more rich and there are the original parts which are poorer. Well the rich people buy presents for their mothers, and have some get togethers, but the poor people just let it go by, and just stick to the daily drinking routine. I swear one of the biggest lies that I hear is when the people say, 'I am going to stop drinking.' You know why? It is because beer here is like water; it’s a necessity. People say that they are not alcoholics, because alcoholics go to AA classes; they are drunks. It’s sad, but I am here fighting against it, and I know that if any person really puts there mind to it they can and will do anything. Another thing interesting here is the excuses for not going to church. Seriously, if you guys understood Portuguese and were here with me, you would get a real kick out of what people say. From they feel sick, to their pointer finger hurts, to the rain, to if God wants they will go, to Sunday is the only day to watch T.V. and to get drunk, and the list goes on my dear friends. This Sunday there was like no one in church, because it was raining a little bit. I have had to get big buckets of water, and literally drench people to wake them up and go. The Presidents of the different organizations did not even go, but at least the bishop made it So I applaud you all for waking up early on Sundays and going to church no matter what the circumstances!
Then you have the little thieves that keep robbing us, and I don’t know how. If I did they would have a black eye, be tied up, and be sitting in the back of some half drunk Police officers car. Ha! Anyways just to let you know I am waiting for them, and when I get them it’s not going to be an old walk in the park. That’s one thing that I don’t like; a dirty thief. There is a little market below our apartments, and the owner put out cameras. So for sure now if the dirty rats come I will get them!
We are teaching some awesome people here in our area. There is one specific family that is progressing fast. Their names are Rosineia, and Francine. Also they have three daughters. We are teaching them a ton about marriage, and the importance of baptism. We shared with them John 3:5 and they started taking what we have to teach seriously! I love teaching from the scriptures, and having the investigators read them, because you truly gain so much more power, and the spirit is so much stronger. When we show people our knowledge of the scriptures they truly recognize us as true representatives of Jesus Christ. I love the scriptures, and studying them everyday is a joy. I search for spiritual truths, and strive to put in practice that which I learn from them. It is a challenge to read them everyday, but I know that when we study diligently everyday the scriptures, and when we have family scripture study, the Lord will bless us beyond our comprehension. We will see a great change in our lives, and the spirit will be our constant companion. Its my prayer that we all strive to do this. I hope that you all have an awesome week, and keep up on all the fun things your involved in. You are all truly a great inspiration to me. Love you all!
Tchau Tchau vocês!Elder Gatten

1st Birthday for Beckett !!!!

When we had three boys born last year we were soo excited. Now they are all 1 year old and all so fun. Beckett's is the final birthday in this mighty bunch. He lives far away near Kansas City, Missori, so we haven't been able to see him grow, but his great Mom Cassie keeps us updated.  I don't think I have ever seen Beckett without a smile on his face.  Such a happy little guy who loves to giggle at everyone.  His two big brothers, Cooper and Gunner sure love to play with him and Cooper seems to be his personal teacher.  Beckett will get into everything and is such a curious little guy. No toilets up or drawers open, he surely must be looking to be an engineer when he grows up. His favorite thing right now is to go to the pool where he loves the water. This summer will be a challenge to keep this little guy busy! We are so happy you are  in our family!

This week was another one that I will never forget! So many things happen in a week, day, month, and year of a missionary it is impossible to remember it all! Thanks to Mikin for always being an example to me of writing in a journal, so that I can remember some of the goodness! I am starting on my fifth in the mission, and keep on writing baby. It is something that I would like to give to my children, and have them pass them down through the generations. They will have an idea what it is like to serve a mission, the ups and downs, and what its like to be love sick. But seriously. I would like to thank Mikin though for her example and influence. Also to Kate for throwing down the big bucks on my leather capped, gold embroidered paged, engraved name, sweet journals! Just wait till I get home, you will all love them!
So this last Sunday was one of the most memorable, and spiritual ones I have had on the mission without a doubt. It all started in our gospel principles class sitting by my investigators. Helping them, and teaching the gospel is so touching. I have this unexplainable desire to serve them, teach them, and give them anything they need. I look at them and I think how I can return to the presence of my Heavenly Father without this person, or family. Each is special, each are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and he loves them dearly. When you have these thoughts, and this love everything changes. You begin to put yourself second, third, or fourth on the list, and you search for the happiness of others. Anyways, I felt this love, and this desire as I looked into the eyes of my investigators, taught them about fasting and then bore my testimony of it. I realized that the gospel has the power to change the lives of anyone. It changes the desires of your heart, your passions, your love, your priorities, your thoughts, your being. What a stunning change! The love and desire to serve your neighbor becomes what you worry about, and the source of your ecstasy and bliss. My prayer is that each of us pass for this change of heart, of being. (Ref. Alma 5)
Second,In the sacrament meeting, I tried something I have never done before, and something I never thought about until the moment I felt the motivation to do it. This is to close my eyes while I listened to the testimonies. (I.e. I didn’t sleep!) As I did this I became overwhelmed with the spirit, and the words testified bore solemn witness to me of the divinity of the Father and the Son. I felt the true comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the reassurance it brings of spiritual truths. I was able to feel, as Dusty felt in his mission, the truthfulness and comprehension of five spiritual pillars: Heavenly Father lives and loves us, Jesus Christ is the savior and redeemer of all mankind, Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, the Book of Mormon is true, and that Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet in these latter-days. As I pondered these five points, I began to analyze each carefully. I know that it is because my wonderful mother that I have been blessed to come to know the veracity of these things. Also from the superb example of my father, and many others that surround me and have surrounded me throughout my life. Thanks to each of you. You know who you are. Following this spiritual overwhelming I bore my testimony of this knowledge, and its truthfulness. I considered that moment, and the testimony which I bore a significant spiritual landmark in my life. I know that the gospel is true and it is the knowledge that leads mankind unto salvation and exaltation. Later that night we had a devotional with a guy from Recife, who is the head guy for the institute program for northern Brasil. He spoke of the Atonement of our Savior. His words moved me, his testimony pierced my heart. I received a confirmation that His sacrifice was infinite. I cannot begin to explain the feelings which fill my soul as I ponder his love, and his willingness to subject himself to his father in such a selfless sacrifice. Yet again I totally felt the presence of our savior by my side, and his arms literally wrapped around me. He lives.
Yesterday morning while I was doing my personal study I received a phone call from a recent convert, Douglas. His father is the one who was in the hospital and is the one which I had the opportunity of blessing last week. He uttered the words, ´´meu pai faleceu…´´ A couple times in my life I have felt the shock which immediately followed. There is no physical pain which pierces you with such a strong pain as that of a friend or loved one passing away. For sure the Plan of Salvation offers the comfort needed, but sudden loss is tragic. I passed by his house and offered my love and support. His sister fainted, and I ended up giving basic medical help also. My mind turned to the spiritual reassurance that families can be together forever. From that point on my soul was calmed and my thoughts became bright. Families are forever. I felt the impression that each one of us need to hug the ones we love a little more often, offer a hand, give a kiss, and tell them you love them. I know that we always think that bad things only happen to the neighbor, but we are all exposed to loss. We must prepare ourselves if we can…I am so excited for the chance I have to talk to you guys this Sunday. It will be the last time I will communicate with you all until I return from the mission. Yes I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true when people say two years passes fast when you’re having a blast! It’s coming to an end. I want you all to know I love you! Thank you for your prayers, and thoughts. Thank you for your examples. Thank you for your patience. Your influences have a great affect on me. Thank you!Elder Gatten love you guys!

We get to talk Sunday!!!

Cassandra  Lee Larson

HApPy  BiRtHdaY

We all love our Cassie.  She is just the greatest example to us all as a wife, mother, daughter,sister,Aunt,sister-in-law, and friend!  All who know her, know of her  unconditional love for others and her willingness to bear anothers burdens,show kindness, and to be a missionary to all she meets.   Cassie rarely is seen without a smile. She has been this way ever since she was little. She sometimes seems nosey,but it is a real awareness of others and wanting to see if they have needs she can meet.  She is so creative and never misses anyones birthday or special day.  She is a great organizer and photographer.  We all want to be like Cassie when we grow up.  We love you sooo much Cass and are looking forward to your living by us all.

 

A great trip to the Washington Coast

We had so much fun this past long week-end.  We traveled to the Washington coast to Long Beach for some clamming, oystering, antique shopping, kite flying, biking and looking at sunsets.

Steve at the gorge of the Columbia river

Redmond Lake over White pine pass

Mt. Rainer

Angie showing how to find a clam

Razor clams are good...just ask Dusty

After all that digging and still smiling!

At the mud flats on the Eastern side of the peninsula we were able to get oysters

when the tide was out.  We could pick them up and pry them open to get the oyster out.

Angie and Dusty really enjoyed learning the techniques of kite flying..  

Cool Light house used to guide ships to the river

Columbia River enters the ocean here in the distance beyond the jetty

He loves the ocean!

Eagle just sitting

A perfect end to a great trip!