44 days!

Olá. It sounds like everything is ridiculously awesome there these days ladies and gentlemen. It is good to hear from you guys, and know that everything is just excellent there. Elk are in the freezer, your butts are in shape, kids are in school, and the holiday season is rolling in! What else could be better?! I was super excited to hear that everyone is good, I think about you guys so much, and wonder how you all are. It’s funny though, because I feel like I am worrying about people I don’t even know, and don’t take that by offense!I saw the pictures of my little nieces and nephews birthdays, and I loved them. It is fanatical looking at their pictures, and seeing how they have all grown up the last couple years. I wonder if they will remember me. If not, I will have an awesome opportunity getting to know them again, and not being such a big teaser to them. I think back to the days when I was in their shoes; it feels like yesterday. Now I am where I am, but I still feel so little. Life passes by so fast, we need to take advantage of every day, moment, and don't blink; we don’t know if they will be our last. Regarding the recovering situation from the whole past x-girl thing…I am doing good. It was interesting when, when I was in an interview last week with President Jayme, he said to me, ´´ Elder Gatten, I don’t know what you are going threw right now, but know that I am thankful for your hard work, diligence, and effort to be an outstanding missionary. You will be blessed the rest of your life.´´ It hit me hard, and really taught me two things. The President is close to the spirit, and the slightest difference in my character he noticed. Second, that it doesn’t matter what happens in life, the Lord is always by your side, and if you are diligent, and obedient you will be blessed eternally. I know that I have given it my best, and like the scriptures say I have fought a good fight. I have stood for righteousness in the midst of darkness. I know that the Lord blesses his faithful servants.

I don’t think that I have been more stressed in my life than these last four weeks. I have felt so much pressure, and responsibility. I have had the opportunities to give various trainings, and to edify my fellow elders, and to get to know them each a little better. Also, I have had the opportunity to serve them, planning various bi-zone activities, and seeking to make them content. But, in the midst of my service, and dedication, I have experience the lowest of lows, seeing my fellow friends fall into transgression, and forget that they are representatives of Jesus Christ. I have learned that relationships are strong, but we cannot risk our personal salvation participating in unrighteous acts. I have come to a firm understanding that my faithfulness is first to the Lord, then President Jayme, then my leaders, and then my companions, and at the end others. It is so difficult bearing testimony against those who you love and serve, but their choices we not your fault. I have had to truly show my faithfulness to the Savior and do the right thing, when the wrong thing is also at an expense. My heart is truly broken because of this, seeing missionaries with so little time left on their missions go home for temporal happiness. I know that we must stay firm and strong in the midst of temptation, and that in the end those who feel that they have been wronged will realize that we were merely trying to help them. I serve them, and I am faithful, but obedience is a personal choice. This week we had the opportunity of baptizing a couple more people, and as a result met all of our goals as a zone! We have broken records and really been instruments in the hands of the Lord. It is unexplainable, to be so close to the spirit, I distinguish his whispers as if it were anyone of you talking to me. I know that if we are righteous we will be guided, and the Lord will use us to work miracles. We are angels to those who are in the midst of darkness, we are the light unto the world that cannot be hid, and we are the true and the faithful, the true disciples of Jesus Christ. He depends on us. Now is the time to be valiant, now is the time to be firm, and now is the time to be true. Choose to be righteous, choose to be diligent, choose to be obedient, choose to keep the commandments, and choose to be a chosen one of Israel. The future depends on the now, not the past. Change NOW, and await the blessings! God lives, loves use and he has a plan, a perfect plan, a celestial plan, that will lead us back to His presence. Let us be examples unto the weary and weak, let us be a light upon the hill that cannot be hide. Let your light shine, which is the light of Christ. I love you all, keep the faith, be diligent. Thank you for everything. I love you all. Elder Gatten

Double digits for Wyatt-10

Wyatt Leo Gatten turned 10 yesterday! I know it is hard to believe, for me too. What a mountain man he is. He may even put his dad to the test soon. If you see Brett, Wyatt is usually not far behind, as one can see from the pictures. His love for his dad is unmistakeable. Fishing, hunting, football, shooting, camping, baseball, backpacking, hiking, trapping, snowmobilng,rafting...whatever is possible to do outside...Wyatt does it. He is the poster boy for outdoor activities. Winter brings with it reading and he has probably beaten everyone I know in video games. The only rival he has coming up is Cooper. Wyatt is always smiling and running from the girls(we have very special talks, Nana and Wyatt). He is a great "oldest boy cousin" for all the boys in the Gatten family. What a following he has at the reunions or any get together. We all love Wyatt. You are so much fun!

3 year old!

Ryder turned 3 over the week-end. What a little card! He just has the funniet expressions! He is best friends with his brother River and his sisters are very protective of him. He loves his family and seems to have everyone wrapped around his little finger...sounds a little like Spike at this age right? Ryder has quite the little attitude and will take anyone on. However, he is such a softie with those he loves. Little Ryder is always looking for an adventure and goes all over the neighborhood finding them. Cute as a bug we all love him so much and are so happy he is in our Gatten gang : )

Brett and Dusty Montana Hunt 09

Jon's Birthday

Jon is a great son-in-law! He is always such a support for our family and always has a smile on his face. He loves, loves, loves being a dad and is so good about getting up at night for the boys for any reason..or just to hang with Cade. He is now into hunting(since he became a "Gatten"), and this year went up for bow season. He will get one soon and now realizes how truely BIG an elk is compared to a deer. Steve certainly appreciated a guy who knew how to bike ride to help get his elk out! Jon loves biking and just completed a 200 mile bike race from Logan, UT. to Jackson, WY. We are so grateful Brynne married you Jon and Happy Birthday.

Elk 2009 With a bow

The Annual Elk hunt was successful. Steve was able to get this nice six point. Tyler and Jon weren't lucky yet but the season has just started. I went up Wednesday to get the meat so they could keep hunting and then, Friday got to go to Hamilton, Montana to meet Dusty and Brett to pick up their two bulls too. They stayed to try for their deer. Their pictures will be coming when they get back.

AJ Started school at TONInGUYS

Aj's first day at the Toni n Guys Cosmetology School was September 5th. He has been really enjoying the classes and the first week learned the basics in hair braiding. They had a competition and he won 1st place out of 18 students. He was so surprised, but we all know he is the best!

They had to have a theme and come up qith a design of their choosing. Of course, his theme was "Star Wars"

Aj's first day of Cosmetology school.

He studies at home by watching DVDs and has several manikins to practice on. Whan he gets to see clients I will let you al know...$35 weaves are a steal!

Hey! Sounds like everyone is awesome, and the hunting season has officially
begun. It was good to hear the updates from mom, and to hear of the success that
they are having. It is crazy to me that it is another hunting season already,
incredible. I don’t even feel the urge to hunt either, it is nuts. Its something
that does not exist to me and that I truly have not thought about for two years.
I am hoping to get back into the grind of it all when I return home here in
seven weeks or so. Someone has to get an elk, and put meat on the table!
The talk on the mission right now is BYU, and how they are taking it to their
opponents! They have had an awesome start of the year, and things look
promising. They have some big games right now, and then their schedule cools
down a little bit. I hope they take it to everyone baby! Go Cougs!
I spent this last week planning a co-zone activity of white sand volleyball,
soccer, and other recreational activities. We all participated today, and it
turned out sweet. We played at a rich public park that is located right by the
temple grounds, and the Tropical hotel. It is on the banks of the Rio Negro too,
so the sight seeing was flipping incredible, it would take your breath away. We
took some pictures, and had a sweet testimony meeting looking off into the deep
jungle. It was an awesome time to get to know the missionaries better, and to
feel their love for the gospel through their testimonies. I hope that everyone
liked it after to much hard work, planning, and effort. I try to truly serve
them all.
We had another baptism this week of Fabrício, the brother of one of our
baptisms last week. It was special to see his non-member parents supporting him,
and to see their hearts gradually opening to the gospel, and its principles. The
ward missionary leader baptized him, the YM made cake for him, and the bishop
sang a solo for him. The baptismal ceremony was really special. I love seeing
all of the members getting involved in the work, and taking pride in taking care
of the recent converts of the church. They are giving a helping hand, and are by
their sides at all times.
I realized this week while I was in church last Sunday, about all the men that
we have baptized in this area. Not just Elders, but deacons, teachers, priests,
and so one. Fifteen converts have had the opportunity to receive the priesthood,
and have magnified it. It is a neat feeling when you see one of your converts
passing you the sacrament, or baptizing one of your other converts. The
priesthood truly blesses peoples lives.
I received a package from Cassie this week! Thanks! Also I received the
pictures that Brynne sent from home of me growing up! I got them just in time
for me to put them in all of my trainings I gave this Monday in our Zone
Conferences. They are so ugly man, I cannot believe it! I feel so ashamed of
myself in them; I am glad that I changed a lot though! Thanks again Brynne!
I love the gospel; I have seen it change so many lives. Most importantly it has
changed my own life. I know who I am, and I know that heavenly father has a plan
for me. I know who I can become, and I know what I need to do to become it. I
love the scriptures, and the direction they continually give me. I am so
thankful for leaders, who are inspired, and love serving me. I am so thankful
for the time that I have had to serve so many elders and sisters in the mission.
I love each of them dearly, and have made friendships that will last for
forever. The mission is a special place, and there is nothing better than
serving my fellow me. Giving who I am, and using the talents the lord has
blessing me with, to help others, and to lighten their burdens. I love the lord,
and the mercy he has for me. I feel so weak, but I know that through studying
the example of the savior, and trying to become who he is, I can become strong.
I know what I want in life, my priorities are clear, and written down. I love
the gospel. This is the church of Christ.
Have an awesome week, and don’t forget that I am thinking of you. I will be
home before you know it. Keep the faith.

Elder Gatten

Only one more year to YW

Our sweet little Sophia is already 11 years old. I can hardly believe it! She is such a beautiful girl and as sweet as she is beautiful. A born athlete, she has been noticed by the coaches and was "drafted" to the elite soccer team this year after playing her regular park and rec team. Sophie loves the out of doors and spends many days snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, camping, horse riding, fishing and rafting, and is quite the dare devil. Yep she drives the 4 wheeler and snowmobile! She is a loyal friend and sister and really loves to be with her cousins and family. .With her tender heart and fun personality we know everyone just loves her. She plays the piano and is doing very well. Olive Garden is her place of choice for her birthday dinner. She loves to babysit Brynne's kids and likes to spend the night. I have been helping her start a blog and she is doing such a good job. Hope you have a great year Sophie!
 

Spike is Back working hard..and baptising!

Olá! I hope that you are all doing tremendous, and that you guys all recuperated after eating so much greasy elephant ear dough. Not to mention the other fair food that we all know is really healthy for us. I always remember the heart attack burger, that is an unforgettable one!
It was remarkable receiving so many letters from you guys this week, and feeling your love and support. Thanks! From week to week I feel like things change so much, it is impossible for me to keep track, and keep people updated on you guys, let alone my own companion.
I have not introduced him to you guys yet, sorry. His name is Elder Jared Perry from South Jordan, Utah. He has seven brothers, and sisters, and most of them are done with school, and have graduated with heath degrees. He likes playing soccer, and loves the arts. He loves to do whatever, and I like to push him to his limit! Ha! He went to Snow College for a semester before the mission, and liked it. He has lost sixteen kilos (35 lbs.)on the mission too, and is always trying to loose more. He likes my work out plans! He has a year, and eight months in the mission, and just got in my area with me. He was part of the mission Cuiabá Brasil, before it became part of the Manaus mission. So, he does not know anything about the mission here, or the city. Everything is new to him. He loves singing, and has lots of talents. He is pro in a lot of mediums.
This week was so trying as each of you know how I was feeling, and what I was going through. You know me, I am a worrier. So, I just took it out on my investigators. I grabbed five of them this week, and threw them in the water. And a family, so that made me feel good! We have four more families we are going to baptize, and a couple other single people in the next three weeks. We should end up baptizing twenty this month. Crazy blessings huh, work, work, and more work. The blessings of the temple here will be awesome for these families I am baptizing.
Seven families I have baptized here in Manaus have had the opportunity to travel to Sao Paulo and be sealed in the temple, how special is that!! Heavenly Father is preparing these people for the temple baby, the field is white ready to be harvested, and I am here! It is unexplainable to see so many people change their lives, and obtain testimonies of eternal truths! I love it! Mom and Dad will have a full schedule meeting all of them!
This next Monday we are going to have a couple conferences, for three zones, so I have been praying and thinking, and planning trainings that we will be giving to the missionaries. I hope that everything turns out alright. I love presenting, I have grown to enjoy it! It is something that I will pursue in college. Things are going awesome here in Manaus, and President Jayme is really proud of the work that is being done!
Just a quick little experience….I have been living with ingrown toe nails my whole mission and I have not done anything about it. Now that my toes were full of puss and everything else I could not take it anymore, I had them ripped out! I was sitting on a chair, soaked my feet, and this chick got these huge cutter things and basically cut my toe nails in half. I grabbed a pillow and did everything I could to hold in the pain man.... If you want to know something that hurts, well this has to be high up on that list. I have been wearing flip flops the last couple days to make it better and stuff. The perks of the mission!!

I love this gospel. It gives me hope. It gives me comfort. It gives me meaning to my life, and hope that I can become something someday. I feel lost at times, with life, future plans, school, work, and everything, but I know that everything will work out for the best. I will take it slow, and will enjoy my life. I am not going to jump into anything to soon, and hope to become like Tim was, an old, crazy, outgoing, and spiritual guys that really took advantage of his twenties. That is what I want baby. I love my Savior, and I live for Him. Family is everything, the beginning and the end, the purpose of life, and eternity. I love each of you, and pray in thanksgiving for each of you in my life. You are built upon firm foundations, you have testimonies, you are valiant servants of the lord, you live the higher law, you seek to lift up the week, and to serve those in need. Your examples, friends, and spiritual giants. I need each one of you like you need me. I love you all, and send you my love! Have a great week, and go get ém.
Yours truly,
Elder Gatten

7 is heaven for River!

The great example River is comes to light every tme he is with all his cousins.He is the peace maker and is always trying to make sure everyone is having a good time. His hero is Wyatt. Care free and full of smiles River is such a great big brother for Ryder and enjoys teaching and playing with him. He's in first grade this year and is a great student and especially loves taking a lunch and coming home to play. He went elk hunting with Tom for the first time this fall and really has a love for the out of dooes. As you can see, he has already become a river rat, white water rafting. He is a fish in the water and loves his new bike. What a joy he is to have around!

Look at that smile! Jackson turned 6 in August and is such a fun little guy. He loves to play soccer, took swimming lessons again this summer, is learning how to wakeboard behind dads boat, dances with his sisters, plays the violin, loves to play with his cousins and enjoys all the great boy things he can get into a day. His birthday party was a blast making their own hula hoops,and his Nana had to teach them all how to do the hula hoop. He is in first grade and ready for the challenge of school. Can't believe he is already growing up so fast.

Steve turns 60

Steve always has a great year...because he plans for it at the beginning of January!!!He is such an organizer and so full of willingness to help others that he has a very full life. He organized a major 4 project stake service project this year and still had time for every raft trip, Lee reunion, hunting trip, huckleberry picking, elephant ear booth, Canada with brothers and wives, and time with me to the coast he could possibly squeeze in... AND, we still have a trip to pick up Spike from his mission in November and a Gatten family reunion in December. Of course he still works for a living at the dental practice when ever he needs more money to fund it all... As a family we so appreciate his life of giving and service. I hope his sons and daughters and all posterity can live up to such a great legacy as he is... We all love him so very much. The kids did a roast for his birthday in July as they were all together for the Lee reunion. He did take a bite out of his cake!

August Birthdays

Tyler Morton has been in our family for 10 years! What a great guy he is. Never see a frown on his face and talk about upbeat. He is such a wonderful addition to the family. He enjoys being a soccer coach, dad, Elders quorum Pres., father , husband, brothr, son, and son-in-law. Plus putting up with Steve as a hunting partner...no, he really loves that! What a good addition to the Gatten clan.

August 5th marked Brett's 34th birthday. As you can see, he must not sleep much because he is either playing with machines (both at work or play) hunting,trapping, or looking at wild animals, or playing with family and friends. He is a great son, brother, dad and friend. He would do anything for any body if he just had the time...And his work keeps his cell phone attached to his head. On top of all that he works with the scouts at church and shares with them the great out doors. Brett, take a moment and remember, we all love you very much! Hope your day was a good one.

Our only July Birthday...

Tim, our second son(36), is such a great guy! Being the father of 4 busy kids he gets his share of being coach, cook, babysitter, taxi, etc. etc. and still finds time for keeping himself in great shape. He did have a set back this year with hip surgery from a fall on the ice in the winter , but has worked so hard to get back. He was the #1 cheerleader for everyone doing triathalons and other races this summer and did get some boating and water sports in towards the end of the summer. His goal is to be in tip top shape for his favorite sport this winter...skiing. With his endo practice off and running he is finding success and we are so proud of all his accomplishments. He is a very caring and loving guy and we all love him very much!