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