December 26, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my sweet, amazing son.  I am full of tears tonight but full of joy at the same time.  I love you so very much and I have no greater joy than comes from seeing my son become the most incredible man.  You are the greatest oldest son I could imagine.  Of course you are not perfect, but you have taken those mistakes and made them your strengths.  You are the greatest example to your brother and sister and to all of us.  Thank you for your sweet prayer tonight.  The way you prayed for each of us meant so much to me.  We all talked about it after we hung up and each of us felt your love through that prayer.  Thank you also for your sweet words to Gray.  I know they meant so much to him and he will be better because you have taught him the importance of that.

It is after midnight and I've just finished packing and updating the picture and post you wanted.  The only thing I couldn't do is update your facebook picture because the picture of all of us is too big.  You end up just seeing two heads and no one else.  Do you want me to put a different picture on your fb background?  I did post to Instagram and fb for you. 

I'm attaching some of our pictures from tonight and one from the temple the other night.  I love these pictures with us together!  This is a difficult Christmas because you aren't with us.  But I think as we all look back on it (after you're home) we will appreciate the special sacrifice that we all made to have you in Guatemala serving our Heavenly Father. 

I'm so incredibly happy for you Sam.  You have done something amazing by returning to Guatemala and you are thriving there.  Your sacrifice will have far reaching consequences in your life.  The good kind of consequences:) 

I love you so much my son.  I've got to try to get a few hours of sleep so I have to run.  I'll talk to you tomorrow after we land. 

Infinity plus infinity

xoxoxo

mom

December 26, 2016 - From Sam

Merry Christmas yall!

Hope everyone had an incredible Christmas as I did. Talking to my family for the first time in 5 months was amazing and a special experience for me.

It´s hard! Serving a mission and spending Christmas away from your family twice in a foreign country is hard! Lemme tell ya. But its worth it. This Christmas I wont ever forget. Im unbelievably lucky to be where I am, doing what Im doing. 5 months have already passed by since I left last and its blown by. 

We have changes tomorrow. My companion is leaving the area and Ill be getting another new companion. Kinda nervous, but Im going to work harder to make sure our future companionship gets along and works better together. 

This was my toughest change. But I know we have to pass through difficult times to appreciate the great times. And I know the Lord will help me if I continue to try to work hard and be obedient. 

A short letter, but I hope all of yall had a great Christmas! I love you all. Take care and have a happy new year as well!

Love,

Elder Gurksnis

December 26, 2016 - From Sam

Dear family,

My heart is full today. I am so happy and full of love. Thank you for that amazing Christmas day yesterday. It was so amazing to talk to each of you. I am beyond grateful for the love that I have for you all and the love you all have for me.

It was truly a special Christmas that I will treasure for the rest of my life. 

I want you all to know that Im ok! Im seriously happy and just so thankful that I was able to talk to you. My heart is truly full. We are so lucky to know that we will be together forever! 

I love you family. Mom, dad, Grayson and Abby. You all individually mean more to me than I can describe. Thank you for the love and care that each of you have shown for me. 

I love you all and am grateful youre all back home safe in Texas! Take out my shotgun and pop one off for me ;)

¨Dad, why are you yelling??¨

¨What hes in Guatemala?¨

Love your brother and son,

Sam

December 19, 2016 - From Sam

Howdy USA! 

I hope everyone is enjoying this awesome Christmas season back home. Really.

Christmas season is definitely different here, but I still feel the spirit and presence of Heavenly Father even stronger around this time of year. 

Its been hard these past couple of weeks with my companion and our area. It hasnt really been the same here as it was in my old area. Changes are 2 days after Christmas but Im pretty sure we´ll both be staying here together for another change. 

One thing I have learned is how to really depend on Heavenly Father in times of difficulty through fervent prayer. It has sincerely helped me especially when I feel alone. I dont know if yall have seen this video but it is truly remarkable. Its a song by David Archuletta that just came out recently. But here is the link....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrPPJCu22ZI

What an amazing song! I have saved and watched that video probably 10 times this week. Every time I feel the spirit and know that He knows me. He knows my trials and fears and is ready to listen to me and help me. 

I know He is there. Im 100% sure. 

I feel like I am constantly thinking about my faith. I know I have faith in Christ and in Heavenly Father, but I sometimes get upset because I feel like I dont have the same faith that others in the church have had in the past, or the faith that the apostles had to heal and perform miracles. Ive been trying and trying to study faith and let it grow but it sometimes is dissapointing! I know others have felt the same. But I had an incredible experience this week. 

We had a lesson with an athiest this week and one thing I said to him I didnt know where the words came from but it was one of those moments where i felt i just opened my mouth and the Lord gave me the words to say. We were talking about faith and believing in things we can not see. He doesnt believe in God because he said theres no way for Him to show Himself to him. 

I told him that if he knelt down that night I knew that God would make Himself known unto him by the power of the Holy Spirit. I said he didnt need to know for a surety but if he placed a tiny seed of faith in his heart, with just the hope that some supreme being could answer that He would do so. 

He then said to me, someone annoyed, ¨If you have such great faith, do you have the faith to say unto God right now ´show yourself unto me´? Do you have the faith to say that and know that He will appear right now? Do you have faith to show me a miracle?!¨

I sat there thinking, and doubting myself. But the Lord blessed me so greatly in that moment.

¨No. I dont have that faith in this moment,¨ I said. ¨I dont have the faith to know if I say to Heavenly Father show yourself to this man right now that He will do so. But I have 100% faith and a surety that if you kneel down and pray to Him tonight, that by the Holy Ghost you will know that He is there and He is listening. Because I have placed that seed of faith in my heart many years ago and have let it grow. So I may not have the faith to know that God will appear from heaven and show Himself to you right now, but that seed is still growing. And what I do know is that He is there and answers our prayers. Pray to Him, and He will answer.¨ 

We left and a few days later we passed by him in the street. We asked him if he prayed that night and then if he believes if God exists. He said with a funny smirk, ¨Maybe.¨ Hahaha it was really funny actually. But I knew that God had answered him. 

I know that although I may be having a tough time right now, that thats part of the mission first off, and second I know that God knows my problems and that He listens to me. And I have faith that problems will fade away in time. 

The Lord loves you! I hope all of you can remember Him even more this Christmas. I hope you all have an amazing Christmas with your families! 

Love, Elder Gurksnis

December 18, 2016 - From Mom

Hi my love!  The next time I talk to you, it will be face to face!!!  I CANNOT wait!

Well its actually Sunday and I'm in Draper with Noelle and fam. I got here early so I could go to Karlee Winter's wedding last night.  It was pretty fun.  She was a gorgeous bride.  There were a lot of TX peeps represented.  I attached some pics.  They were married in the Draper Temple.  I like her husband.  He is a good guy.  I think you might have met him before you left. 

We are getting ready for Christmas here.  Dad and Abby got in late last night.  It is absolutely freezing here!!!  High of 19 degrees today.  Lots of snow on the ground. I'm a wimp in this cold now.  I don't really love it!  But I love being together with our family so it will be fun!  I've got my laptop and I'm going to test out skyping this week to make sure everything works!  What is the plan?  Do you have one yet?  The only time I can't skype is between 10-12 because we will be at church.  They are just having sacrament meeting.  Are you doing the same?  

There is no decision yet for Grayson and his mission papers.  He has an appt with Bishop Brown on the 28th after we get home so we will hopefully know more after that. 

I also heard about a roommate possibility for you.  Mitchell Cordy is transferring to BYU Provo this semester and he and Kade Nielson are rooming together (Kade just got home a few days ago).  I don't know if that sounds like a possibility you'd want to consider ... let me know what you think. 

I've been thinking a lot about some words of advice I could give you to help with your comp situation.  I know this area/change/comp has been a little taxing on you.  I have been praying for you and all the Dallas and Draper temples are praying for you.  Two thoughts I want to share with you.  The first one is that had there never been a storm on the Sea of Galilee that caused the apostles to fear for their lives, Peter would have never learned he could walk on water.  Sometimes the difficult times in our lives help us to turn to the Lord because we feel we have no where else to turn and then He can help us do miraculous things.  Or at least see his presence in our lives.  So first of all, I hope that during this "storm", you are able to focus on those moments where you see that He is there and can give you aid when there is no one else who can.  Hopefully you are beginning to learn how to "walk on water.'

Secondly, I know it is hard for you to be a jr. comp.  You are a natural leader and you have sacrificed tremendously to be back on your mission.  So, working less and being unproductive doesn't work for you.  And its tough when you don't feel like your opinion is guiding the team.  In someways, this is what will drive you to succeed in life.  But its good to learn to be a team player and be good in a supporting role as well (when necessary).  So I've thought about some people that I'd like you to study this week.  One person that I have always admired so much is Hyrum Smith.  He was Joseph's older brother and you can imagine that it would be easy for Hyrum to feel a little put out when his younger brother was the leader, the one who speaks with God, and the head of this glorious dispensation. Hyrum played a supporting role.  But the thing I love about Hyrum, is that at least in anything I've ever read about him, he was truly devoted to Joseph and the gospel.  He doesn't demonstrate irritation or jealousy in any way.  But the Lord is aware of him and recognizes his devotion to the gospel.  The Lord said this:  “And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith, for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.” [D&C 124:15.]  Hyrum was devoted to Joseph and the gospel and had tremendous leadership ability in his own right.  He gave Joseph trusted counsel and advice. But he was also humble and had a quiet strength. And then the prophet Joseph said this about him: “I could pray in my heart that all my brethren were like unto my beloved brother Hyrum, who possesses the mildness of a lamb, and the integrity of a Job, and in short, the meekness and humility of Christ and I love him with that love that is stronger than death, for I never had occasion to rebuke him, nor he me." 

I hope that helps you to see that you have an important role to perform in the jr comp position.  That is one of support, encouragement and example too.  Some others I thought of that you could study this week is Helaman and Capt Moroni.  Capt. Moroni was kindof the rockstar of the time.  Yet Helaman had such an important role to play and became one of the great heroes of the BOM.  (Read Alma 48: 17-19)  They both were a vital part of God's Army and each had important part to play.

Think of Sam and Nephi (Read 2 Ne.4:11) Sam’s role was basically one of supporting and assisting his more acclaimed younger brother, and he ultimately received the same blessings promised to Nephi and his posterity. Nothing promised to Nephi was withheld from the faithful Sam, yet we know very little of the details of Sam’s service and contribution.

I hope some of these examples give you some things to think about.  I can only imagine how frustrating it is when you want to work harder and be more productive.  You will have that opportunity soon.  In the meantime, try to encourage your comp and help him to see the blessings that come from hard work and obedience.  You've seen those miracles and blessings so many times. 

My letter has been a little "lengthy" this week.  haha!  So I won't say much more.  Only know that I could NOT be more proud of you, Sam!  I love you so very much and I know the Lord must be so proud of you too!  You are such an example of sacrifice, testimony, hard work and love to our family and many others around you.  I couldn't love you any more! 

Merry Christmas my sweet son!  I'll talk to you in less that 1 week!

All my love!

mom

xoxoxo

December 12, 2016 - From Sam

This week rather than sharing experiences I just wanted to share this poem I wrote last night. It is without a name so far, but I hope you can feel the spirit as you read it. Merry Christmas family and friends!

Yes, how can I help you sir?

Hello, its me! Do you not recognize me?

The one they once brought Fankincense, Gold, and Myrrh.

Well, I am not Him, but Him I represent.

It was for Him, and by Him I was sent!

I know ye not, leave my house stranger.

You are not He who once lay in a manger.

No! Forgive me for you misunderstand!

I am just a messenger of He who was born in Bethlehem.

How may I know that what you say is true?

I have not once spoken, nor seen, nor ever heard of you.

I understand. Dont worry! It is for that very reason

That we knock your door in suit and tie this very Christmas season.

For although He was born, suffered and died,

He lives! He lives! He lives, I testify!

Though born a humble birth He is our King!

For He reigneth today for that grave had no sting!

We declare He is risen and guides us today

Through living apostles and prophets who show us the way.

These are the tidings of great joy that we bring

That He will come again, that great and glorified Being!

Our God loves us and you are His child.

When you do good He looks down on you and smiles.

He knows your troubles, sorrows and fears.

He knows when you are lonely, distraught and when you shed tears.

He knew we would sin, so He sent us his Son.

Another name by which we can be saved, sir there is none.

That great example and teacher born of Mary

We can one day live with, rejoice and tarry.

Although a cold night, I feel warmth as you speak.

I would like to know more of the things that you teach.

A hot fire I can offer you if you will please come in.

For this Christmas there shall be room, room at the inn.  

December 11, 2016 - From Mom

Hi baby!

How has your week been?  I saw that Elder Kristofferson did a broadcast from Guatemala on Saturday and I wondered if he spoke to the missionaries?  How are things going with your comp?  Did you have a chance to talk to him about your concerns?  Hopefully you also read my email about Elder Gurerro.  He has been on my mind since your last letter.  I just want to make sure someone is taking care of Elder Gurerro.  I would like to put a little extra money in your account so you could get him a few little things he would like/need for Christmas.  Do you know if he receives letters from any family members?  Does he have grandparents?  Such an incredible young man and story that you shared in your last letter. 

Did you get your Christmas package yet?!!!  Have you found a place where you can skype?  I think that we should still think about how much time we want to spend on skype this year.  I know the 45 mins is so short, but what should we do?  I don't want to be completely disobedient.  Let's set a time limit that we can live with and then stick to it. What do you think?

We had a fun weekend.  We've lived in Dallas for 21 years and I've never been in the reunion tower until this weekend!  You know its that tall tower with the ball on top.  We basically went on a double date with Abby and Cater because we wont let them single date until Abby is older.  LOL.  It was actually fun though.  I'm attaching some pics.  Its a great view of the city!  We went to Jinbeh for dinner after. Speaking of Abby, she got a new job this week.. working at Chick fila!  So she is excited because its a staple of her diet and now she can get paid for it!

Dad has been teaching Gospel Doctrine (like every 3rd week).  He's getting a lot more comfortable and doing a great job.  He taught today and did great.  He played this new video of a song from David Archuleta.  Its truly beautiful.  Really simple but powerful.  I'm sending it to you in the hopes you're allowed to watch it.  I would love to hear you sing this song.  The story behind it is he said he wrote the song really quickly because he had a dream about it and God told him to get up and write it down.  I think you'll like it too.

We just finished off a week of high temperatures in the 30s!  So freaking cold!  I'm thinking we might have a very cold winter this year.  However, today was in the 60s so you never know. But its almost Christmas so it's all good.  We've been using the fireplace a lot lately and let me just tell you that at 2:00am Sunday morning we had alarms going off upstairs and downstairs beeping "Carbon Monoxide warning!!!!" I wish you could hear me yell it in the annoying voice that it is.  But we were running around like crazy trying to figure out what happened.  Pretty funny now that we're actually all okay.  Apparently the smoldering log that wasn't completely out was sending deadly fumes into our house all night.  So today I'm thankful for annoying alarms.

As far as the decision for grayson to get his papers turned in, Pres Platt asked Bishop Brown to reach out to talk to Grayson's current bishop first and see what he says.  He was going to talk to him Saturday but we haven't heard back from him yet.  I sent him a text Sunday night so If I get an update before we email today, I'll let you know.  Keep praying.

My spiritual thought of the day:  I was reading about the last supper when the Lord brings out a basin of water to wash the apostles' feet.  Peter (you know he is my favorite) complains because he does not believe the Lord should perform such a lowly service that only the lowest servant would be required to perform. The Lord answers and said if you don't let me serve you, then you have no part of me.  And Peter's response tells us how committed and converted and loyal he was to the Savior.  He tells the Lord, "then wash my feet and my head and hands also."  I love that he is all in!  I'm trying to be more like that.  More committed and converted and all in.

I love you my wonderful son!  I have no words to describe it.  Just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers many times each day.  I love you so very much!

Have an amazing week.  I can't wait to see your face in 2 weeks!!!

xoxoxox

mom

December 6, 2016 - From Sam

This week I learned maybe more than any other time in my life about the Plan of Salvation.

First I had divisions with Elder Guerrero, an Elder in our zone. We had a few lessons and I could just see how grand his testimony and his spirit were after just a few minutes. Hes fairly new to the mission but his testimony is incredible. After having a few killer lessons we were talking that night and he told me about his story that he hasnt told anyone in the mission before. 

Hes 21 years old and first sent his mission papers in at 18. For one reason or the other, it took him 3 mission calls to finally leave. The first two were because of random small things. But about a year and a half ago, he was living in Chile while his parents were living back home in Peru. His family went on a vacation while he was studying, and as they were driving up a third level parking garage, the car took a turn over the edge and fell three stories upside down to the first floor. The car exploded, leaving 8 family members dead. His parents, brothers and sisters, and two aunts and uncles all died in the accident. The story was on the news the following day.

We taught the plan of salvation to a new family, and listening to him bare his testimony about how he knows without a doubt that families can be together forever was incredible. Such a strong spirit. 

I used to think that I had been through a lot in order to be here, but that put things in perspective. I couldnt have done what he did. He told me he wishes the mission was longer and how two years is just not enough time. 

Im truly grateful for Elder Guerrero and how his testimony strengthened mine. 

The Plan of Salvation is the plan that God has prepared for us since the beginning of time. We know we lived with God as spirits before we came into this world and we followed Jesuss plan to come to this world to receive a body and pass through difficulties and trials as well as times of happiness and joy; To decide if we will follow Christ and take advantage of His sacrifice and repent and be baptised for the cleansing of our sins and endure to the end, or no. We arent expected to be perfect, but if we try we know we can have eternal life and life with our father in heaven WITH our families together for the eternity.

I used to think that this was common knowledge, but as President Uchtdorf taught in the last general conference, sometimes we dont realize how lucky we are to have that simple knowledge! 

I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation and I know its true. I hope we can all reflect on how lucky we are to have this perfect plan!

Love,

Elder Gurksnis

December 5, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning Elder G!  I'm not entirely sure if you are writing today or Tuesday so I thought I'd just be safe and write you Monday just in case. 

Well the good news of the week is Erik finally passed his Paramedic licensing test!  I'm so happy for him because it has weighed heavily on him.  I gave him a few vyvanse and I know that helped while he was studying and preparing.  So we had a little celebration last night at Ama and Pop Pops house (see the pic I attached).  He and Chelsea are officially trying to get pregnant now.  Chelsea has even given up Diet Coke!  Since she'd been drinking about 6 per day, I guess that means she's serious about this baby thing!  Katie and Andrew found out that they are having a boy and are going to name him Henry James (james after my grandpa Jim:).  They are getting so excited and of course Rob and Laurette are over the moon about being grandparents. 

Abby and I went to an Amy Grant Christmas concert this weekend.  You would be familiar with her music because I always play it at Christmas.  Jordan Smith who is a guy who won  the Voice last season was also performing with her.  If you can get past the fact that he kinda looks and sounds like a woman, his singing is absolutely beautiful!  He sings a version of Oh Holy Night that is absolutely gorgeous.  It was a great way to get in the spirit for Christmas. 

It's been a special Christmas for me because I am immersed in the new Testament.  Its interesting because the closer we get to celebrating Christ's birth, the closer I am in my studies to the end of His life on earth.  This week I'm studying the parables of Matt 25.  Its amazing to think that this was Christ's last instructions to his disciples before his death.  The 3 parables are all about using our talents to help others and to build the kingdom and also about service. (You have discovered how to use your gifts and talents to build the kingdom in a very literal way:)  It's the verses that we always use at Christmas time when our family does our service challenge.  The thing that stuck out to me when I read it this time is that those who feed the hungry, visit the sick, take in a stranger and clothe the naked will receive eternal life.  The people who do not feed the hungry, visit the sick, etc. .. receive eternal punishment.  So in order to receive eternal punishment, we don't have to steal the clothing from the naked, kick the stranger, or poison the sick... we just have to ignore them.  I know because this was the Saviors last sermon before his death, it is of great importance.  I know I need to do better at caring for His children.  It's really inspired me.  Next week I'm studying Gethsemane.  Any great insights you learned this spring from your class that you can share with me?

Speaking of our Matt 25 challenge, we drew for you and you have "I was sick and ye visited me."  I hope you can fulfill this service by Christmas.  Keep us posted on how you do it.  We will let you know when we do ours too. We are doing this in combination with Light the World.  It is a great way to celebrate Christmas.

I read something else this week that I wanted to share with you. I think it is great for you but it might also be helpful for you to share with your companion or others in your zone that may be struggling in some ways.  It's the Parable of the Pebbles:

A man was walking in the wilderness, when suddenly he heard a voice from heaven. The man was instructed to collect as many pebbles from the ground as he could, and told that the next day he would be both glad and sad at the same time.

Confused by the menial nature of the task assigned to him, the man collected only a handful of pebbles. The next morning he discovered that they had transformed into precious gems. He was glad that he had collected the pebbles, but sad that he had not collected more.

Many times, we cannot perceive the value of what we are doing until it is accomplished. If we do not always do our best in whatever we do, we may have regrets about lost opportunities.  Serving a mission is a great opportunity to collect pebbles that will later reveal themselves as treasures in your life.  Put your best effort out there so you will collect every pebble possible.  That will require great effort and work, but each pebble collected will bring joy throughout your life.  I hope that means something to you and it may help someone else you work with.
Well, your Christmas packages should be arriving today!!!  Yay!  I'm hoping if you go to the temple tomorrow you might have the opportunity to get them.  The packages were each kissed and sent with all our love to you!  ONLY 3 WEEKS til we get to skype! 
How is your new area going?  Are you getting to know the ward better?  Making any friends?  I don't worry about you, I know it will happen.  Sometimes it just takes some time.  How about investigators?  Tell me about being a ZL.  What do you like about it and what are the challenges? 
I love you my sweet boy.  You are my wonderful son and I'm so grateful for you and for the kind of man you are becoming.  I'm incredibly proud of you.  I love you more than the sun and the moon and the stars... infinity + infinity and even more than that!  Have a tremendous week!  You have my prayers and love everyday!

xoxo
mom

November 28, 2016 - From Sam

Howdy everyone hope you all had a great thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving here was a normal day I literally ate eggs and bread for dinner but I didnt think about home too much so it wasnt awful hahaha

Just dying every time I here how amazing my Cowboys are playing and how once playoffs role around Im probably going to have to call my Mission President to get him to talk some sense into me when i want to go watch the game. I cant even think about the superbowl cause i would seriously DIE! You can all go to my house and look at my old door that has holes in it from cowboys games from like 5 years ago (something to do with a last second loss from a Romo interception sound familiar?). 

Anyways it was a normal week. Struggling with my companion a little bit just because he has a very different way of doing everything and he doesnt want to work super hard. But Im trying to be patient. 

We were fortunate to have 2 awesome baptisms on Saturday! Gabriela and Aurora. I sang a hymn in spanish that i thought went really well and the spirit was very strong. 

I also saw someone from my first area in Limon that was a great member there in the streets! We talked for a while and she told me how the family Elder Funes and I had baptised went inactive for a bit after i came home, but theyve been back in church super strong for the last 6 months or so. That was super comforting. She also told me Fredick (my favorite convert) is now married to a less active we were teaching there as well and are working on being sealed! Trying to get details on that because I will be able to go to their sealing if that happens while im here! 

I finished half way through the New Testament this week and particularly love the book of Romans, written by Paul! In Romans 5:19-20 ¨For as by one man´s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover... where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.¨ 

Here it is talking about the Fall of Adam and the relationship with the Atonement of Christ. By the fall of Adam we became sinners, but by the Atonement of Christ we may have eternal life and be forgiven of our sins! Where sin once abounded, the grace of the Savior superceded! I love this scripture. It teaches us that we are not born in the sin of Adam, thanks to the sacrifice of Christ. Read the whole chapter for a better understanding (Romans 5).

I know of the importance of the Atonement and that it is real. I know my Savior lives!

With love always,
Elder Gurksnis

November 28, 2016 - From Mom

Hola my Elder G!

I'm so excited to hear about your leadership training meeting and how your zone leader responsibilities are going.  Are you teaching anyone right now?  Tell me about it! How is your new comp (what is his name?) and how are your zone goals doing? Where did you finish up last week?  I know you thought your zone did really well.

I was busy getting your Christmas package ready this week.  I'm excited for you to get everything:)  The delivery service flies down there on Dec 5th so you should have it just after that.  I included one package that you can open right away.  It has a few things to help you  feel "christmasy" in your apartment.  It also has an MP3 player in there with preloaded music, talks and a few recording messages from us:)  Just make sure you follow the directions on the card I put in there. I'm going to give you money to get your scripture covers.  Does they guy who makes them live there?  I'm excited to see what you decide to do.  I don't know if Grayson gave you ideas for his covers but I can tell you that he has a quad. 

We had a great thanksgiving but missed you and Grayson soooooo much!  Of course the meal was yummy.... I hope you had something better than old Guatemala mystery meat hot dogs for Thanks giving.  I'm including some pictures. 

I got sick this weekend so I'm sorry I didn't have your letter ready... and I'm short on writing today.  I'm feeling pretty bad.  I was hoping to get our Christmas tree up this weekend but I just couldn't get the energy to do it.  Hopefully this week.  I'm really working on getting Dad to put some outdoor lights up.  We always have the sorriest house on the street when it comes to Christmas lights... so hopefully we'll get some up this week.  I'm not doing too much to decorate since we will be going to Utah this year for Christmas.  I'm going up on the 16th so I can be there for Karlee Winter's wedding at the Draper temple on the 17th.  I met her fiancé and he's a really good guy.  I'm happy for her!

I'm sure you're hearing from Dad and Gray that the Cowboys won again.  There is a lot of buzz about the superbowl.  And Tanner Mangum hurt himself in the last season game this weekend.  That poor guy can't get through a season without injury.  It's sad that he probably won't play in the bowl game... likely a broken forearm or dislocated elbow I think. 

Elder Flygare's grandpa died this last week.  I don't know if you've talked to him lately but I think things have been tough since he got home.  His dad had a heart attack (but is alive and doing better now) and then his grandpa died. 

Andrea Opfar is freaking out that Parker is going to Brazil because she thinks its so dangerous.  And I'm like, please, it aint no Guatemala.  hahaha.  But we moms do worry.  Please stay safe, my son! 

That's about it for this week.  I took Abby and her bf Cater to the zoo this week.  We had a nice week with no school and seminary.  We went to the Ft. Worth zoo and it brought back so many memories of you guys being little when we went there several times.  I love you so much Sam!  I hope you are having an amazing week and feel my prayers for you.  The temple just opened back up again after being closed for 8 weeks so I'm anxious to get back there.  I always put your name on the prayer rolls when I'm there.  Constantly praying for your safety, success, growth and happiness.  I love you infinity + infinity!

xoxoxox

mom

ps. I'm getting pictures together of the jeep and thanksgiving right now.  I'll send them in a minute.

November 21, 2016 - From Sam

Hey mom! Ok so ill just start with everything new. My area is called Colombia like the country. Im Zone Leader 2 of the Alameda Stake and La Laguna stake as well. Its the biggest zone in the mission with 9 areas in total and 18 missionaries and 2 different stakes. I was expecting to be a ZL when i had changes because I felt that would be the only reason I wouldnt stay to finish Elder Alvarez¨s training.

My new companion is Elder Estevez (Eh-Steh-Vez). He is from the Dominican Republic and is a Yankees fan. I told him all about grandpa and he loved it and is so jealous with all my Yankee history. I showed him the picture of grandpa with Mickey Mantle and he said he has that picture in his room at home. Hes not my favorite comp Ive had but hes not bad either. He was somewhat controlling at first but hes chilled out now that he realizes i know what im doing. Hes very insistent, pushy and direct with investigators which is something im not used to and dont necessarily like. Just like he just hounds investigators or members if they do something wrong or dont go to church so that makes us not have the greatest relations with people. But he is a good person and has a good attitude when hes not chewing someone out. He knows doctrine like no other companion Ive had thats for sure.

Being a ZL isnt a big deal theres just a few things different. Just more talking directly with President Crapo and the Assistants. More trust and deligating responsibilities to others. Its not very different to me its really the position i just have wanted to be in to be able to help the mission.

Before getting here last week the zone was number 7 out of 10 zones in the mission. I think 2 of the 9 areas completed the mission goal. Theyve always been consistently 6 7 or 8. My second day I got here we had a zone meeting and I just talked about the mission goal for like 20 minutes and how important it is. We wont know what number we are in the mission until next week, but 6 of the 9 areas completed the mission goal and 2 of the 3 that didnt were both only one investigator in church away from completing the whole thing. That should easily put us in the top 3 spots in the mission if not number one. We did divisions with an area that was struggling yesterday to help them complete the mission goal. I went with Elder Gordon whos actually from Midloathian (Waxahachie ish). They didnt have any baptismal dates and in 2 hours we were able to put 3 and find 4 new investigators!

Thats really the reason why Ive wanted to be in a leadership position because I know I can help others get to their potential in their areas. I was able to give an example to Elder Gordon on how to better invite people to baptism and how to find new investigators and hell be able to do that now with his companion and his district. As a DL or senior companion you do that but on a smaller level.

I know I improved many different things when i had good zone leaders that taught me how to improve certain things that ultimately made me a better missionary so thats what I want to do. I think im good at motivating and getting people to do what i want them to do or complete. Theres zone leaders that are just super obedient and a good example but their missionaries dont necessarily take their advice and I think thats something Im good at.

I miss my old area a lot... Me and Elder Alvarez got along great and had a ton of success and I had a lot of really close friends in that area and I dont think Im going to find that in this ward its a lot different. But I expect to have the same success and leave the area a lot better than I found it. I was really worried at first because when i arrived their didnt seem to be much happening as far as solid investigators, but we were able to find some good ones this week and help a lot of people get to church.

We had a talk with the mom of two young women that have been coming to church for forever but never had permission to be baptised but they now have permission for this saturday!

November 21, 2016 - From Mom

Hello sunshine! 

It is thanksgiving week here in the good old US and so you know what that means?  I got to sleep in this morning!!!!  No seminary this week:)  And all that really means is that I have a week to get ahead on my lessons, so actually I'll be doing seminary all week probably.  As I said though, I really do love it.  Studying the New Testament has been amazing for me.  I feel closer to my Savior and understand who he is a little better.  I understand the complete love he has for us... individually.  I have studied a lot about shepherds and love the symbolism of him being the good shepherd. I read a story about this that I love:

Elder John R. Lasater, formerly of the Seventy (1987–92), told of an incident that occurred while he was traveling in Morocco. A car had injured one of the lambs belonging to a shepherd, and according to local law, the shepherd was entitled to 100 times its value. However, once paid this fee, the shepherd would have to surrender the sheep, have him killed and the meat given to the people in the community.  His interpreter said, “But the old shepherd will not accept the money. They never do because of the love [they have] for each of [the] sheep.” Elder Lasater then observed the old shepherd pick up the injured lamb, place it in a pouch in the front of his robe, stroke its head, and call it by name. The interpreter told him, “All of his sheep have a name, for he is their shepherd, and the good shepherds know each one of their sheep by name.”

That story teaches us so much about how the Savior cares for us and sacrificed for us. I also love how a shepherd is different than a sheep herder.  A sheep herder rounds up the sheep from the rear trying to herd them and uses dogs to keep them in their designated area.  But a shepherd leads his sheep and the sheep willingly follow.  We also watched a modern video where the sheep only responded to their shepherds voice.  Even though others tried to mimic the words that the shepherd used, the sheep did not even look up when others talked.  However, as soon as the shepherd spoke, the sheep stop what they are doing, look up and run to him.  Wouldn't that be great if we had that kind of focus on our Savior!

So tell me all about your week!!!  I want to know about your comp... your new area... your new responsibilities!  What does a zone leader do that is different than a district leader?  How many zones are in your mission? How are you doing with your new responsibilities?  Have you been able to find some people to teach in your new area? Are you still in the city or a more rural area?   I'm SO excited to hear everything!  We have been praying hard for you!  I want so badly to go to the temple but it has been closed for over a month now.  It opens later this week.  I'll be sure to put your name on the prayer roll too.  Dad and I are going to ward temple night on Saturday of this week.

We had a fun week.  Dad and I went to one of his team building things at work and we went to top golf.  First time I've ever played.  AND I was one of the highest scores:)  Yo mamma got skills.  We got a new movie theater at Custer and 121 and it's the kind that has the reclining chairs and they bring food right to you.  Dad of course always gets a big meal:)  The kind that everyone around him can smell... but I guess that is the point of this place.  It's been fun to see a few movies there.  We took Abby with us last night.  She is a good sport to go out with us on a Saturday night.

Parker O. got his mission call this week... any guesses??

He is going to Salvador, Brazil on March 21.  I watched him open his call on skype.  He was so excited he lost his breath and couldn't get all the words out.  I'm really happy for him.  Grayson goes to Idaho this week to have Thanksgiving up there.  The Opfars will all be there and so he'll join them.  We are all getting together at Laurettes house.  It feels like a small group without you or Gray there.  An old missionary that we were close with when we lived in Flo Mo (Elder Reed) will be joining us with his wife and two daughters (wow, time flies).  He just finished dental school and is now in orthodontic school out here so they are joining us.  Not sure if you remember him.

One quick question... what facebook pictures do you want me to print?  Your BYU pics?
Were you able to buy Melatonin?
How is your new apartment?  Do you have windows?
Will this new comp be your comp at Christmas for sure or do you have another change before Christmas?  I'm wanting to send something for Christmas to your comp but if you aren't sure who it will be, I'll just have to make it generic.  If you do know it will be him, is there anything he needs that I could send for Christmas?

Well my love.  I'm so incredibly excited to hear about all the new things going on with you!  I'm praying for your happiness and success every day, many times.  I always have a prayer in my heart for you.  You are always in my thoughts and my heart.  I just love you so very much and am so proud of my amazing son!  Stay safe my son.  Stay strong and obedient.  I love you my sweet boy!  Infinity plus infinity and even more than that!
xoxo
mom

November 14, 2016 - From Sam

Well it was a good ride in Tierra Nueva (New Land). It feels short though. Ive got changes tomorrow and still dont know where ill be headed. I only had two changes here and im pretty bummed because i have some great friends in this ward and will miss our converts and people were currently teaching.

I didnt think I would have changes, but yesterday in sacrament meeting i was pondering about it and thinking how i would feel if i did. Looking around and seeing 8 investigators in church and 6 of 7 converts all there. A total of 14 people that were in the church of God listening to His word because we were able to teach them and through us the Spirit and Heavenly were able to change their lives. Of 140 people in sacrament meeting 10% of them were there because we were obedient and hard working missionaries.

That was an incredible blessing and feeling. So although Ill miss it here, Im happy with the work that we did to grow the Kingdom of God here in a small town in Guatemala. 

I remember my feelings of inadequacy I had when first being called as a District Leader and Trainer in a new area with my short time. I studied about it the other day and found the story of Moses in the Old Testament when he was first called as a prophet. He told God, I dont speak well and essentially Im not fit to do this. He later became maybe the most famous prophet to have ever lived. 

I know God gives us great callings because he knows we are capable of completing them. I do not fear where Ill be going or what ill be doing because i know the Lord has in store something special for me, just as He has something planned for each of us. Im not scared to take on great challenges because I know Heavenly Father is with me although I may sometimes feel inadequate for the task.

I testify that this is the church of God. The bible and the Book of Mormon are true and are both testaments that Jesus is the Christ. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that Thomas Monson is a living prophet today and his 12 apostles are true apostles of the Lord.

Have a fantastic week! With love always

Elder Gurksnis

November 13, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning my boy!  I'm so happy its Monday and I get to talk with you!  My favorite day of the week! Another week down.  It finally feels like time is speeding up a little for me.  How about you?

How was your week?  How are you feeling?  Still healthy? 

What happened with changes?

Did you have baptisms on Saturday or is that this week?

You told me you have changed a lot on your mission.  I want you to tell me how you think you've grown and changed!  I can tell some things from you letters, but I really want to hear what you perceive.  I would love to have your testimony in a letter for our family too.  Maybe you could work on that this week and take pictures of your letter or something.  The mail is a huge bummer! I wish I could send you letters. 

Speaking of that, a woman is coming to Guatemala with her son who was a missionary about a year ago (do you remember Elder Gardner?).  She is bringing two bottles of contact solution for you.  I'll mail some more too.  She is leaving on Dec. 17 so you'll have some soon.  However, if you run out before I get some to you, you may have to use just multi purpose contact solution.  It will work fine until I get you the good stuff:)  Do you still have your spare pair?  Or do I need to order another pair for you?

So now... do you really want to know what is going on in our country since Trump was elected???  Its a little crazy.  Id say its finally calming down a bit, but there has been rioting and protesting in the streets of many large cities.  Slogans like "Love trumps hate" and "not my president" on posters held up by millennials all over the country.  The universities (major reputable ones) are holding "cry ins" and having "safe rooms' where their students can come and "share their pain." (insert rolling of eyes) They have set up "coloring stations" and "play dough" centers on campus so students can come and "work through their pain."  I KID YOU NOT!  Tests have been optional on some campuses this week because the students were in too much distress.  It is insanity!  Like I said, it is calming down now but its better that you don't have to see this nonsense.  It would drive you nuts.  The rest of the country, including the media seem to be more accepting of the results and waiting to see how Trump will operate as a president rather than a candidate.  Hillary and Obama both have behaved very well and been actually supportive of Trump (at least publicly).  I'm actually hopeful.  I think he seems very serious about solving the problems of our country.  I'm willing to give him the chance to rise to the occasion and hopefully do great things.  I just kept thinking about my three children, while I watching these college students acting like toddlers who didn't get what they wanted for the first time in their life, and am so proud of the character of my kids!  I know you have overcome a lot in your life already and you would never crumble like these kids.  These parents should be embarrassed to watch their kids act like this.  But instead, they show the weakness of their character too as they say these kids are just a more sensitive generation.  UGH!  I really hope that the policies that Trump institutes will work for the minorities and blue collar families as well as our family so that people will finally understand that conservative policies raise everyone up!  In spite of all the craziness, I'm still hopeful.

I taught a lesson today about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11).  A few things I just wanted to share with you.  The interesting thing is that Jesus purposefully waits 4 days after Lazarus is dead before he travels to the location of Lazarus and his family.  He is close friends with them and so the Savior weeps when he sees how distraught Lazarus' sisters are.  He could have healed Lazarus from 25 miles away when he first received word that he was sick, but He waited until he died and was dead for 4 days before He raised him.  Why?  The message I got from it is that our faith is more important than our pain.  He knew that Lazarus and his family would go through such tremendous pain but that in the end, they would be much better and their faith would be much stronger.  It's kindof like when I would take you to the doctor when you were a baby and then a toddler and you had to get immunization shots.  I would cry as I held you while the doctor caused pain for you.  I knew you trusted me completely and so it hurt even more that you might feel like I had somehow allowed for you to have pain.  But in the end, I knew I was doing something that was very good for you and would give you a better life.  Sometimes, the trials we go through are like that.  We need to trust HIm to know that he is with us through the pain, comforting us and watching over us.  And in the end, we will be better and more faithful.

I really am loving the New Testament this year.  I feel like seminary is sacred ground because we are studying the Savior's life and his teachings.  Pretty amazing!

We had a good week.  Dad and I are going to Top Golf tonight for a work team building thing.  I'm sure it will be fun! Peter was in town this weekend so we went to the Walton's last night for dinner.  He is busy networking and looking for a job.  Not easy work!  But he has a good resume and experience so I'm sure by the first of the year, he will find something. Katie is having a baby boy and is due in March so she is really showing now!  Cute baby bump.  I think they will name him Henry.  Parker should be getting his mission call this week or next. Pretty exciting!  We are hoping Gray can submit his papers early January so he can leave as soon as school is out.  Abby's new medication is helping.  She is doing better slowly but surely.  We feel the blessings of your missionary service in our home!  I know the Lord is blessing us because of all you are giving. 

I love you eternally my sweet boy!  I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father that you are my son forever!  I know He must love me so much because He gave me you for a son.  I hope this week is a great one!  I hope you always feel your family's love for you and know that we pray for you many times each day and think of you constantly.  I  hope you feel your Savior's love for you.  I am increasing my understanding of His love for me and you.  Read John chapter 10 to see how the Good Shepherd cares for his sheep and would lay down his life for them.  He loves you Sam.  You are precious to Him and He is with you as you sacrifice so much for Him.  You are such an amazing example to me.  I love you so very much, my son. 

xoxo

mom

November 7, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my gorgeous boy!  How are you today?  I hope you are having a good Pday and that you get to do something fun today.  How are you?  How are you converts/lessons going?  How is the Gomez family?  Are you still getting sick a lot and did you talk to the mission nurse about it? How is your companion?  Any word on changes or is that next week? Anything fun/funny this week? Lots of questions... I know.  But I want to know everything.

Have you been giving any thought to your major in school and career path?  I think using this time to be prayerful about is a really good thing.  What advice I can give you is that supporting a family is not easy.  But finding work you feel is interesting and important can be a great blessing in your life. So getting into the right career path and getting the education you need is super important.  The most important thing you can do is ask for the Lord's direction.  I know he has plans to use you as a great influencer.  I know this because of your great gifts you've been blessed with and because of your patriarchal blessing as well.  I know you have learned a lot about hard work on your mission and I hope  you can continue to apply that to your studies when you get home.  Don't be afraid of pushing your limits and stretching and growing through hard work.  I have always thought a career in law would be something you'd not only be good at but enjoy also.  There are hundreds of opportunities that you would have with a law degree... not just corporate law... but politics, trial law, family law, judge, FBI/CIA etc. Maybe you could even talk to Pres. Crapo about it because I know he is an attorney.  Don't rule it out because you think the education part would be hard.  The truth is, anything worthwhile will take hard work.  You are a very intelligent young man.  You are equally if not more naturally intelligent than Grayson.  Grayson is getting straight A's right now at BYU.  He is doing it because he is smart but he also applies himself and makes schoolwork his priority. He totally feels like he is in about the 50 percentile of smart kids at BYU (doesn't everyone at BYu feel totally not smart at some point) but he works hard and gets great grades. You can do the same.  You have that ability, but you have to decide that it is your priority.  As I've said before, you can pay now in order to play later... or if you play now, you will have to pay later.  I just want you to set yourself up for great opportunities in life.  I know you also enjoyed your economics class.  That would also be a great program for you.  Keep in mind that whatever you decide, most likely you will need a graduate program after you graduate from college.  It's just the way the world is now.  Another interesting option is Entrepreneurship.  There is a program at BYU for this.  I know you like the idea of owning your own business.  I don't think you have to study entrepreneurship in order to do this.  Part of it will come naturally from the things you do in your career.  I think a lot of business ideas come from working for a company for a while and seeing where there is a need for something in the market place that you become familiar with.  So don't worry if you don't have a grand idea about a big business today.  You'd be great at sales.  If you wanted to do that you would probably major in a general business program.  It's not about being pushy.  Successful salespeople build relationships and are persuasive.  You do both of those so well!

I've just been thinking about this for you and want you to be putting some thought and prayer into what the Lord wants for your future.  I listened to a talk from a byu devotional recently that was so great!  He talked about the MACRO plan of salvation that is for all mankind, but also knowing the MICRO plan that is the personal plan the Lord has for you.  He knows you so well and has designed a plan for you that will bless your own life and your family.  I'll send you the whole talk but here is just one great part...

He talked about Joseph in Egypt (remember the coat of many colors?  His brothers hate him because he is favored by their father so the brothers sell him as a slave to the Egyptians and tell their father Jacob that Joseph is dead).  Joseph was a good a faithful boy/young man.  If you only look at a sliver of his life, you might not understand that God had a plan for him.  He is sold by his own brothers into slavery, is thrown into jail for something he didn't do and remains there for years.  For 13 years he suffers.  But amazingly he remains faithful to God even though he must have felt forgotten while God remained silent and his prayers remained unanswered.  However, If you understand what Joseph was able to do because of that part of his life (he went on to interpret the Pharoh's dream about the 7 years of feast and 7 years of famine and was made second in command only to Pharoh... he saved grain so that a nation did not die of starvation including his own family who came to Egypt to buy grain because they were starving) he was a physical savior to his family.  The Lord changed his father Jacob's name to Isreal.  Josephs family is the beginnings of the nation of Isreal, god's chosen people.  When we understand God's micro plan for Joseph we see that God watched over every detail.  He may have been silent for sometime, but he never left Joseph's side and never forgot him.  God sees us eternally... not just a sliver of our life.  He has a plan for you and I know all of the difficulties you've lived through and overcome are part of your preparation for that plan.  I know you have learned some wonderful lessons and have a unique depth to your character because of your sorrows and hardships.  I believe all of these things will work toward your good and I know Heavenly Father loves you so very much and is so proud of your willingness to follow His plan for you.

Well, tomorrow is election day.  Say a big prayer for our country.  I voted for Trump but to tell you the truth, I think we will struggle no matter who is elected.  Neither is a good option. 

We miss you around here. Abby was crying the other day because she misses her brothers so much.  I know she doesn't write to you all the time, she is struggling and just functioning is sometimes hard for her.  So just know that although she seems quiet sometimes, she misses you terribly.  Her new medication is helping and I'm seeing improvement.

It's finally fall ish around here if temps in the 70's count.  At least its cooler in the evenings.  Grayson is staying in UT for Thanksgiving since we brought him home for Kevin's wedding last month.  Actually, he is going to go to Idaho and spend it with Parker and his family because they are going out there.  We just registered him for classes next semester.  Hopefully he can submit mission papers in January. 

I love you so much Sam G!  I miss you like crazy but I know you are exactly where you need to be.  So it gives me peace even when I miss you so much.  I hope you have an amazing week.  I love you infinity + infinity and even more than that!

xoxoxoxox

mom