Ben: 4/1/13

***Here is Ben's Email for the week.  Just reply and ask me if you have any questions on what he is writing about.***

 

 

Dear Family,

This week was terrible! APRIL FOOLS!!! This morning we taught an early morning seminary class and I said "OK today we wanted to talk to you guys in-depth about the law of chastity." *Scared looks* April fools!!! Shout out Brother John and Chase!!!!! HAHAHA

Anyways Life is sooo awesome!!! Elder F..... oh man he is honestly the best missionary I've ever worked with! I mean that! He just carries the spirit with him in such a great way, just a guy with the right mind set.  He played QB for a D2 in Montana. MSU. He played football and basketball in high school at Kearns! He is actually really tight with Mr. Matua! He said to tell him JR says hi! Honestly though we work really really well together! It makes me feel almost like I'm a terrible missionary because I got Elder P. who was awesome and Elder F. who is the best missionary around! And they usually try to balance out the good with the bad so go figure. He's super cool! We teach powerfully together. Day one and we were already teaching with good chemistry. He really really cares. He's got a lot more Christlike attributes than me. We pray all the time on top of the usual prayers and we pray sincerely. Tracting feels a lot better because he's not awkward and he can discern peoples needs better. People don't think we're the border patrol and they aren't as intimidated by the pale giant! hahaha! Just lovin him honestly! He's changed my mission. He turns twenty the day after Matt's birthday!

And by the way MATT! The big teen! I was just at the post office!!! I think its going to get there super early. Anyways there's also surprises for the rest of you. I hope you save everything I send you! Bury it in the hillside with my speedo and my ipod and the sword of Laban. That's sweet your building forts and getting out and having some good man time!!! Man time is what is all about Matt!!! Keep havin fun!

Thank you SO SO much for the Easter Package! I loved it! (except for the candy. Please do not send me candy)

I love you guys! Judy is such a blessing!!! (***Judy is our family GPS I sent him.) Haha Also the dirt was much needed. Now my jar is full. That's cool Olivia is going to Jacksonville! That's like 6 from SC in this state! 

Momma I was praying hard for you all week!!! Honestly You were prayed for several times a day and I am so glad the surgery went well. Not gonna lie that's a nasty picture of the bone!!! I will keep you in my prayers!!! What a good example of perseverance! (***I had surgery on my foot.)

Send everything to the mission office no matter what. Elder P. had his mom send it to our address and so now we have a bunch of his crap! and he doesn't.

That's super rough about Gabe. I can't imagine!!! I feel for you Gabe! I still got your back!!! Have him write me a letter I miss the kid! Maybe it's just so he'll have more time to read Preach my Gospel this summer, but either way that's terrible. (***He tore his patella tendon***)

Hopefully Connor and Mike are doing good. You have to have a super strong testimony to stay out here for the rough times. Its rough alright. 1 English baptism is a lot harder than 5 Spanish. It's not the language though, its the humility and receptiveness to the spirit. It all depends on how blessed without the gospel someone has been, most people don't see a need for it. American and European missions are hard. Even though we're spoiled with food and shelter, we have a lot stiffer necks to bow. 5 confirmations in Feb, 0 in March. I know this week we'll set some dates though. Elder F. is too awesome for us to not. This week is huge.

Side note, I want a calendar with pictures of you guys for next year.

We are all super excited for General Conference!!!!!!!!!! It's gonna be sweet!!! I'm more excited for things like transfers and conference, than Christmas and birthdays. There is no doubt in my mind this conference will change my life and make me a better missionary! Plus I get to stay out til ten for priesthood since we're two hours behind you guys!!! PAR-TAY! Right? One talk/ mormonchannel.com video you all should watch tonight for FHE is Henry B Eyrings mountains to climb. Powerful. A few of my other favorites are patterns of light, men's hearts shall fail them, none were with him, his sacred name, the Easter one by President Monson, choose this day.

 We have shared a lot of atonement lessons lately because A. It's Easter and B. It's the miracle that allows all other miracles. It's what converts people. One epiphany I had was that Not only did Christ go through what we go through to know how we feel. Empathy and Sympathy of our pains and sins alone is mind blowing, but more importantly that understanding how we feel he understands how to help us in the very best way. Alma 7:12 He suffered according to the flesh so he could know how to succor his people according to the flesh. Succor means help. And as thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

Love you so much!!! Always feel free to write me letters if you would like me to spend more time responding. I really do read and hang on every word the four of you send me. I love you all so much!!! Happy early B-day MATT!

Love,

Elder Gottfredson