Ben 7/22/13

***Here is Ben's email. We sent him pictures and told him about our week at Lake Powell so the beginning is about that. He is so excited because Deseret Ranches is in his area. It is the church owned Ranch. Cattle, Wildlife, citrus, etc. 290,000 acres of land.  Ben's Heaven!!!  I included the questions I asked Ben above his answers so it will help clarify things. He also attaches his email to President Berry for us to read.  I will try to send some pictures. Enjoy!***

 

Hey you lake Powell fools!!!

 

I am so happy to hear you had a good week! Powell is the best!   Dad did you catch any stripers?  I hope you like your tie!!!!! Mom you look so tan and pretty!  Nate and Matt I hope someday I can be as good of wakeboarders as you guys! Not to mention you guys are ladies men!  I miss you guys!!!  That's crazy Gab and Pete are headed out! The Lords work is hastening! This week was definitely a trip!  Big highs and big lows!  This week we will have to say goodbye to the Sherwood's! The awesome SR couple that has been working with us in Titusville! They will be missed! Elder Sherwood reminds me of coach Graft in 20 years! Hopefully they can get in touch with you and tell you about all the miracles we've seen together! My companion? Well lets just say when they say your companion gets you ready for your wife it has never been true til this week! Definitely his time of the month..... Moody, always right, super emotional, condescending, demanding, wow..... I don't think I was ready for this.  It's given me some time for reflection though, and opportunities to exercise my pure love of Christ muscle. It's been tough.  In my reflecting though, I remember that 4 months was about my hump.  I'm grateful I had good companions that helped me get over that hump and I am trying to do better at being more caring for my companion. Pretty sure we'll stay together next transfer (a week from today) just because it's been a struggle.  That's just how the Lord works. 

Regardless of these issues though, the work is going forward!!!!! We broke the record again for member present lessons!  It's just a testimony to me that this is the Lords work and no one can stop it! We have seen our members really wake up and start to be better about things! For a while they have been hoping they would combine with the Cocoa ward because they are both really small!  That is not the Lords plan!  Now is the time for growth!  This place is so thirsty for the gospel it's incredible!  Jesse is our newest most promising investigator! Pretty sure we will set a date tomorrow with him!   Friday we had an activity with the priests from our stake that went really well! They woke up and came to meet us at 6:30 to spend the entire day with us!!! What a blast! Mine was named Nick and he reminded me so much of Todd! Same height and weight and even looks like him! He was super shy! He plays ball for his high school! He's a year younger than Nate and I told him to find Nate onfacebook!  We had a blast! He was super quiet and I could hardly get him to talk! He did really well though and I hope he had a good experience and learned something!  It made me wish I could take out my brothers on splits!  Now that would be a blast!!!  It would be so fun to show you guys the ropes! Or even go on exchange with dad and have him show me a thing or two! Anyways... I'm sure in the spirit world!  The gospel is too true!!!!

 

 

***Mom Questions***  (I pasted these in from my email)
 1.How did the baptism go? 

2. What was the best part of your week?
 3. Tell us about your top "gators"

4. Do you want to write anything special to your buddies for the letter I type and copy and take to the missionary mom meeting? It is this Thursday. 

5. Any requests for the box I am sending this week?  

6. Did you get to go to Deseret Ranches? Is it in your area?

 

***Answers to Questions***

 

1. She bailed on her baptism!!!! She had a bad kidney infection, her ex boyfriend threatened her life, and her birthday is coming up (August 17) Satan is real!!!  Ephesians 6: 10-. Reschedule it for Marys birthday SMH.....

2.  Best part of my week?! Either the priest exchange or our lesson with James and Tasha!!!

3. Jesse, Cindie, Michelle and Sarah, Mary, Alex, Don't have time to explain!

4. This gospel is TOO TRUE for us to fail!

5. Gum and Protein

6. yes! It's BIG! AND country!

I love you guys soooo much! Things are crazy! I'll try to write!  I am happy and lovin' life! I love you guys so much, but I am receiving so many blessings! Love YOU TONS!

Elder Gottfredson

 

President Berry,

Service this week was excellent!  Probably the most service we did was with the Sherwood's fixin' a toilet last night!  I am going to miss them sooooo much!  I hold them with the highest respect! The toilet was a members and me and Elder Sherwood fixed it in our proselyting clothes but it was a blast and a pretty heavy toilet! He is such a hard worker! The blessing from the service was that we met our members less active and non member relatives and we are playing basketball with them today!  Service truly does soften hearts!  True doctrine from President Berry!  This week has been a lot of ups and downs!  I am going to focus more on my weaknesses and turning them into strengths! I think service is going to be one of the best ways I can do that. When we serve we qualify ourselves for the spirit! I'm grateful for all you do and look forward to seeing you tomorrow!!!

Elder Gottfredson