October 27, 2014 from Sam

Welp I dont have a ton of time this week but had a great week this week! The homesickness has settled down a bit and we're really focused. I have my first baptism this saturday with Hermano Carlos and I cant wait!  He's a really awesome guy we met my first day here.  I've seen some pretty crazy things that I would describe as unhuman and I'll go ahead and save yall from those experiences haha but just keep me in your prayers for safety! hahaha

Freaking cowboys holy crap of course the year i leave they look great.... honestly one of the hardest things is not being able to watch my team.  And what the deuce happened... KC and SF?  where did that come from?

Here I've definitely noticed what really matters in life. That is this gospel, and your family.  I'm so thankful for my friends and for the times we had, but when you're in a situation like this you realize how important and how much you love your family, and how much you realize you need Christ and his Atonement.

Right now the most difficult part is even though were doing a ton, i personally want to do more to contribute but i cant because I'm not fluent yet obviously.  It's humbling for sure.  I want to have more responsibility but its just a matter of time before the language is there.  

I read in Alma this week. Alma 37:6-7 ¨By small and simple things are great things brought to pass¨. If we have faith and courage and strength in the Lord, he can perform miracles.  

Love all yall and thanks for everything that each one of you have done for me… can't express how much each of yall have affected my mission and my attitude. 

Texas forever, 

Elder G

Sam's answers to some of my questions:

Mom:  I really want to know what your eating.  Have you gotten sick at all? (In Guatemala the missionaries don't get fed by the church members there).

Sam:  I eat basically pbjs and really simple things for everything.  Our kitchen has a lot of insects and is just dirty so I don't like cooking in there and try to keep it simple.  Its fine for now!  Hopefully my next apartment is a little cleaner and i can cook more.  I think we're gonna clean really good next week. I eat a lot of apples from Walmart.  I haven't gotten sick.  I've been fine.

Mom: I want pics of your apartment.  I can handle it!  What's it like?  What's Limon like?

Sam:  Yeah dawg it ain't no Holiday Inn das fo sho!  Seriously its not that bad.  There's one area that we just stay away from because when we went there I was seriously scared. My heart was pumping. Everyone was staring at me like they wanted to hurt me and we got out of there and Cano called the pres and he said, yea gringos can't go there.  But outside that area is totally fine.  I hear gunshots a lot haha but its not bad. And I'm taking care of myself for sure.

Mom:  Are you okay?  Do you get scared in Limon?

Sam:  I'm scared of getting jock itch.

Mom:  How is your Book of Mormon reading going?  Spanish or English?

Sam:  I'm on like page 400 of the BOM.  I really slowed down and try to understand every verse now and every single word otherwise I would've been done.  I get to read about 4 or 5 chapters a day in english and its by far my fave part of the day.

Mom: How is it going with the people you're teaching?

Sam:  Our investigators were great this week and we had a solid week.  This saturday we're baptizing Carlos and I think we'll have at least 3 more baptisms in the month of November.  We are having a lot of success in this area.  But its because we're obedient and we work hard.  I can't wait to have more responsibility and i just work my butt off and a lot of the time I'm the one thats pushing us.  I'm not being prideful hahah I'm just telling you how I'm doing! And its definitely not about the numbers.  Like there's two people that i told Cano, dude even though they qualify I'm not gonna baptize them because they would go inactive in one week.  Like we only baptize people that are ready.

October 26, 2014 from Mom

Before I go into my letter, here are a few items from when we spoke last week.  

1. You're right.  About 7 quetz = 1 dollar.  So when you spend $70 quetz think of it as about $10 dollars.  I believe  you're given 1033 quetz each month which is about $134 dollars.  In your email each week, you will see what you spent in both dollars and quetz.. the Ecclesiastical Card email.  With so little money each month, you definitely don't want to use the ATM because it charges you about $2.50 dollars each time.  You are also charged a 1% foreign transaction fee every time you use your debit card, but don't worry about that… its just a fact of life that you can't change.  It will be best to get some cash back as you purchase something at Walmart rather than using the ATM.  I think if you use a Bank of America ATM you are not charged.  Can you make the $134 work for 1/2 of the month and we can give you another $135 for the other half?  Let me know what is realistic, we can do more.  I just want you to have enough and be healthy.  We will do whatever you need I just want you to be budget minded and don't waste.  Don't worry about this month… I know you'll need more because you spent so much on your first week stocking up. Don't waste food.  Just buy what you really need and eat what you have.  Is there any food available at restaurants or small shops?  Some of the other elders talked about big sandwiches for $3 and such.  Anything like that there?  You have spent a lot of money this month.  You have about $13.00 left on your EC (Ecclesiastical card until 11/15) so that means you spent about $121 on there and you've spent about $108 on your own debit card since 10/15.  So in 10 days you've spent $229. (You can't spend triple that in 30 days/1 month!)  I'm sure you needed things when you first got to your area.  I just want to make sure you understand how the money works so that you can budget.

2.  Your camera.  Looks like you got it figured out! We got your pics.. you look sooo good!   Was the battery dead?  Remember about the charger!  Send LOTS of pics!  LOTS of you!   We miss your face!!!!

3.  What have you been eating?  What do you have to cook with? Do you want me to send you some easy recipes of things you can make?  You can wrap anything in a tortilla!  Cut up veggies and add a little butter and salt in a pan and cook them a little and throw em in a tortilla:)  How much do you spend on water each week?  Does Elder Cano get $ from home?

4.  I really want pictures of your apartment!  I can handle it!!!  

5.  How is teaching going?  Did any investigators come to church this week?  Tell me who you are working with.  Tell me about the ward and the members.

6. I noticed you have a backpack.  What happened to the awesome waterproof bag I bought you????

We had a great week!  Grayson went through the National Honor Society induction which was pretty impressive.  I put some pics in here.  At the end, Erik took G's certificate and stood up front like he had been inducted too.  It was funny!  

Abby had homecoming.  She has a good group of friends and they had fun together.  Abby looked so beautiful! So grown up its scary!!! I took lots of pictures and added some here too.

We had Ama's 70th birthday party tonight.  It was really fun but we sure missed you!  Everyone talked about you and how great you are doing.  Rob Walton said you attitude is just amazing!  I agree:)  We all dressed up like we were 70 years old and we put a sign on the front door that said "Old Folks Home."  I'll try to get some pics uploaded and send some to you.  The costumes were hilarious!  Erik and Kevin did 2 songs that had people crying laughing!  One was about memories (and how she is losing her mind) and the other one was (the better one) about how Ama never gets jokes. I have to send you the lyrics… hilarious.  Abby didn't like the song because she said she inherited that trait from Ama and she doesn't get jokes either.  We gave Ama a jar with 100 reasons why we all love her.  All of her siblings submitted some, her nieces and nephews, grandkids, kids.  Some were funny but most were just really sweet.  It brought her to tears to feel so much love from everyone.  It was a great night!  We are so lucky and blessed to have the family we do!  You have a place in our family and you are missed when you're not here!  But it is wonderful that you have this amazing family to come home to when you have completed your mission!  It is a special bond that we all have.  It takes work… to make sure that we have opportunities to be together and to make them memorable and meaningful.  But its so worth it.  Someday, it will be you and your brother and sister planning the get togethers.  Don't ever be casual or lazy about it.  Family brings the greatest blessings!  

I'm getting your package ready to mail on Tuesday for Christmas.  So if you have any last requests, let me know now.  I ordered some more garments for you.  They may come in a separate box, but you'll have them soon.  How often do you get mail/packages from the mission home?  How do you get them?  We have been sending some letters there and through dear elder.  

I hope you've had a wonderful week my love!  I miss you with every ounce of my soul!  I have put your name in the temple and so did Sis. Konold.  There are so many people praying for your safety and success teaching the gospel.  I'm praying that you and Elder Cano get along well.  I feel like I say my prayers 10 times a day for you.  You are just always in my thoughts.  Do you feel scared at all in Limon?  Are people nice to you? How secure is your apartment?

I've been thinking a lot about how the Lord blesses us and how Satan tries to discourage us.  I've been praying for more peace about missing you and worrying about you.  Your attitude has been so tremendous that you may not need this now, but it was helpful for me to consider how the spirit makes me feel and how I feel when Satan works on me.  If you ever feel discouraged, remember this:

The Lords voice:

Stills you, leads you, reassures you, enlightens you, encourages you, comforts you, calms you and gives you conviction and makes you feel love.

If the thoughts in your mind turn away from the positive, think about where the message is coming from.  

Satan's voice:

rushes you, pushes you, frightens you, confuses you, discourages you, worries you, obsesses you and condemns you.  

I can only imagine that many things on your mission could discourage you.  However, try to stay far from those thoughts.  Remember how much the Lord loves you and is counting on you to communicate that love to his children in Guatemala.  He needs your goodness and your influence. He needs you to act out of love. 

I miss you my son!  I love you so incredibly!  I'm so very proud of you and to be your mom.   Your name is mentioned several times daily in our home and we pray for you by name multiple times a day!  We are only 2 months away from being able to Skype with you!  I can hardly wait!  My love goes with you where ever you go!  Your whole family's love goes with you where ever you go!  

I love you infinity + infinity and even more than that!

Mom

October 20, 2014 from Sam

Whats good everyone!!! Its been a while! haha This was my first week in the field and holy crap.... haha Were not in Texas anymore.  First off, again thank you for the birthday emails it was a solid bday for not being at home!  Second, shout out to mom and dad for going 22 years strong on the 10th.  Love you guys :) and shout out to grandma Candy on your birthday a few days ago hope it was great!

Alright holy crap... so tuesday morning we left the MTC and I met with President Crapo and if yall remember I think in my last email I talked about that área that we drove by that just had houses stacked on top of houses?  Guess who got assigned their for his first área? This guy!  Most poor and most dangerous área in the whole mish turn up! And our área is dangerous but literally specifically where we live in Limon just me and my comp have the most dangerous área in the mission.  Sorry mom I know youre freaking out but I promise you Im good!  I have seen a dead body already but what would a mission be without seeing a dead body? I have also seen 6 latino boobies because apparently its normal in Limon for people to start breast feeding in when talking to the Mormons (Papa no le gusta Latino chi chis). Elder Kanold in a different área near ours had a gun pulled on him his first day!  I sent pics so mom please put em in this email :) I didnt take pictures of our actual house because i know mom would flip. LOL. Lets just say we live very minimally. BTW Limon is home to the biggest gang in Central America which is why its so dangerous.  And there are about as many of the scariest looking mut dogs Ive ever seen as humans on the streets.  Rabies is a big problem lol yikes.

So my first day was rough.  I cant believe I ever complained about the MTC honestly.  Hot showers and other Americans?  Yeah not anymore!  Our first night we got back from working and I was exhausted because I had to be up at 2 in the morning and hadnt slept.  We get home and leave to go next door to buy some wáter and I shut the door and my comp, Elder Cano from Honduras, forgot the key.  So he was explaining to me what we were gonna do but I only understood a Little bit but anyways we ended up walking about 5 miles at night way past our curfew (which is 1 1-2 earlier than everyone elses cause we cant be out late at night because of our area) in the freezing rain and spent the night at another companionships house in our district on the cold tile floor.  So yeah first two days were rough and I was just super homesick. 

But the rest of the week was solid.  The first thing President Crapo said to me about my comp was he is probably the hardest worker in the mission.  And he wasnt freaking kidding.  We go to work.  Every day all day.  But its actually way fun!  When were out and working its way better because im not sitting in the house thinking about home.  But yeah this week we had the best numbers in our zone and Ive been doing well I think at least for my first week in the field.  The thing is hes kinda nuts... LOL like I dunno he is louuddd and nuts.  But honestly I think that I couldnt have gotten a better trainer.  He talks really fast which Hondurans are known for, so fast that a few times the Guatemalans dont catch everything, but I can understand him depending on the day and conversation.  And what everyone has told me is if I get to the point after this three months with him and i can understand him i can understand anyone.  So yes Im pumped about my comp.  I prayed a ton for a good trainer and I think I did but well see in 3 months haha

We also have some way awesome tranquilo members.  Theyre so nice.  Plus another thing about this área is they really like to have fun haha I mean all the old people are just fist bumping and using slang its just hilarous to me.  I dont think I wouldve made it through this week without a few members in particular. 

But yes Ive realized this is nothing like going off to college or anything close to that.  This will and has been so far the hardest 2 years of my life.  And I cant imagine many things being harder.  But if I came home right now, I would come home a different person for better.  So i cant wait for these next 22 months (yes its already been almost 2 months).  And im lucky enough to know that every time Im home sick and miss my family, they miss me just as much back.  Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded thee be strong and of good courage?  Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed.  For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them : go ye unto all the world, and preach the góspel to every creature. 

To write me

Misión Guatemala, Este

Apartado Postal 951-A

Guatemala, Guatemala C.A.

It may take a few weeks but any and all letters are appreciated! :)

Until next monday,

Texas Forever

Elder Gurksnis

October 19, 2014 from Mom

Hello my boy!

We got your pictures this morning and I was so happy I just started crying like a baby!  You look great!  The place looks scary!  So here is my confession... I logged into your missionary portal last Wednesday and I saw that your area was Limon.  I remembered another one of the elders in your CCM district said that the area that you guys saw on your tour of the city was called Limonada.  So I put it together and had a 48 hour freak out:)  I spent two days so restless.  On my knees so many times asking for your protection and peace and peace for me too.  I asked for greater faith and asked for angels to be surrounding you constantly. If you were laying in your bed Wednesday night and you felt the love of your family, that was my prayers being answered:)  I feel much more peace now but it has been a hard week!  I am so anxious to hear from you today!  We all have so many questions for you and are putting them in this letter below so that hopefully after you write your letter, you can cut and paste the questions and answer them too. 

Here is my mom part of the letter... Obedience will be your protection.  Selective obedience brings selective blessings.  You need constant blessings and miracles so exact obedience is so important.  Especially after you have been there a while and you get more comfortable, please don't ever treat the rules casually.  Those sweet people in Limon need you and your testimony!  Be that man they need you to be.  You can only do that if you are obedient my son! 

Okay, on to other things... I got your letter yesterday with the letter for Taylor.  I got a BOM from the missionaries today and I'll bring it to her tomorrow.  We are starting to write more written letters to send you in the mail.  I'm going to send some by dearelder.com and some through the regular mail.  Will you pay attention to when you get them so I can determine which is faster?  I also sent you a package with your glasses and some other things, let me know when you get it:) How do you get letters and pkgs if they are sent to the mission home?

So here is what is going on around here.  The big news for the past 2 weeks is we got our first case of Ebola in the US and it is right here in Dallas!!!  A guy from Liberia boarded a plane for Dallas and then got sick.  He went to Dallas Presbyterian Hospital (where G and Abby were born) and got sent home with antibiotics.  He went back 2 days later via ambulance because he was sooo sick. They then diagnosed him with Ebola which is contagious through all bodily fluids including sweat, vomit, blood, etc and about 90% deadly.  So they quarantined his whole family and shut down the schools his kids go to.  Then the guy died.  Then two of his nurses got Ebola and so now its all the news is talking about.  It got handled really poorly.  Of course the CDC (the government dept that deals with diseases) told the nurses that even had a fever that they could fly on an airplane and another one could take a cruise (on the Carnival magic!)  It turned out the one on the cruise didn't have Ebola but Mexico and Belize wouldn't let the ship dock and let the passengers off in their countries.  But Obama won't put a travel restriction on people coming here from west Africa where there are over 10,000 cases.  They expect there could be 100,000 cases in Africa by the end of the year and there is some worry about containing it here.  Dad is walking around the house chanting.. "Its not your friend, so wash your hands... Ebola." I came back with (sing to the tune of Lola by the kinks... if you know that one)" Ebola... E-B-O-L-A  Ebola".  It is a little scary but we are totally fine!  Just make sure you keep washing your hands!

The other big news is ISIS.  I think you know a little about that.  They are the Syrian militant group that is so incredibly evil and ruthless.  They are trying to take over control in Iraq and so the US is working with a few other countries running air strikes trying to bomb some of their areas.  They are so very ruthless and are beheading people if they won't accept islam (Christians in particular).  Those are the two big stories right now.  Even on MSNBC they were talking about how Obama is such a mess.  He was marketed to us like a Pepsi but we need competence.  They said "Romney is boring but he has run things and he is competent.  We screwed up 2 years ago!" Can you believe it???!!!  There is hope that Romney will run again but I don't think he will. 

Around here it is homecoming week.  Noelle and Allie are flying in on Thursday for Ama's birthday celebration which is next Sunday.  I told her we could go to the high school on Friday to see the Mum and garter spectacle. 

I know you have so many letters, I better finish up.  I had an idea for you, that you could write a written letter to one member of the G clan per week.  That way each of us would get a special written letter every month.  Waduyathink? 

We love you sooooo much!  I love you soooooooooooooooooo much!  It has been such a hard 2 weeks not being able to hear from you!  I'm literally giddy that I get to read your email tomorrow.  How much time to you get to email?  Hopefully you get a little extra this week because you have 2 weeks worth of letters.  Please take pictures of your apartment and we want lots of pictures of you too!  You have such a cheering crowd here at home.  I miss you so very much but could not be more proud of my son growing up in front of my eyes.  I love you Sam with every ounce of my heart and soul!  Be safe and smart and obedient!  I can't wait to hear about your adventures.

All my love infinity + infinity,

 Mom

How was your birthday?

How do you like the Mission President?

Tell me about your companion.  How do you get along, work together, etc?

What safety precautions do they have for you in this area?  A curfew, etc?

Are you okay, or are you worried or nervous?  What are some scary/funny/awesome things that you've seen?

What is your ward like?  Where do you meet? How many people are there? 

Where do you email from?  Is there an internet connection in Limon anywhere?? Where will you Skype us for Christmas if you are still there?

Where do you get food?  What are you cooking and eating?  Can you ever eat with members?

Is there anything you need?  I'm going to send your Christmas package in a week.  Is there anything special you need in there?

October 12, 2014 from Mom

We are all just sending you a quick email this week since I'm not sure if you can even read it.  I just want you to know that we are missing you on your birthday!  I hope you got to celebrate and the Latinos sang Feliz Cumpleanos in their horrible singing voices.  Did you open your birthday bag???  I hoped you liked your few little treats.  I mailed you a box with your prescription glasses and a few other treats in it.  I mailed it on 10/10 so I'd love to know when you get it.  It has an sd card with music and earphones.  I sent the earphones although the mission handbook says no.  If Pres. Crapo says no, please put them away so you can continue to be blessed for being obedient.  

I can't believe you leave the MTC on Tuesday morning!  You are ready for this!  It will be difficult and you will have frustration with the language, but remember that when you need the words, the Lord has already proven to you he will give you the words if you are close to the spirit.  The Holy Ghost and you are a dynamic duo!  Without him you will struggle.  With him you will be an unstoppable force for good!  

Here are a few questions.  Maybe you could cut and paste them to the bottom of your email or just answer them here.

1. When is the expiration of your debit card from USAA.  I need to make sure we have a long time before it expires so you don't get stuck without the ability to use your money.

2.  Budget your money that the church gives you on your debit card.  Keep records of how much you spend so you know what you have left.  I will supply you with more money each month only if you truly need it for necessities.  You have $148 in your debit card right now.  I put $70 more in from Grandma Gayle and Grandpa Tom, Ama and Poppop will be putting some birthday money in as well as Noelle.  I'll let you know.

3.  How is it going washing and ironing your clothes?  Do they dry pretty well or is everything wrinkle badly?

4.  What do they tell you about eating and drinking at members homes?  Do you get fed much?  How do you best prevent sickness?

I love you so much my sweet boy!  Even though you aren't a teenager anymore, you will always be my baby boy:)  I hope you have an amazing first week!  We are so excited for you and this next step in your adventure.  Stay close to your Savior! Be obedient and know that we love you soooooo very much!  I miss you like crazy!  We'll write more next week.  We just didn't want long letters for you if you only have a few minutes. 

infinity + infinity

momma

October 8, 2014 from Sam

Hey everyone!  

Hope everyone had a fantastic week.  So the time has finally come for me to head out into the mission field!  I leave Tuesday early morning!  So this email is actually my last email for almost 2 weeks because my next Pday won't be until 2 mondays from now but I can't wait…
  
Some pretty awesome stuff happened this week but I'll start with a big thank you for all the birthday cards y'all sent. It made my day! They got here early and my birthday isn't til Sunday so I still expect birthday emails from all of you ;)   I'm not allowed to have my camera until I leave because of some otro estupido personas en el CCM (MTC).  So i won't get any pictures with Elder Mg or C or any of those guys so sorry mom... but I'll be sure to take plenty of pics when I get out in the field.
                                                      
So I said in my last email that I was called as district leader, and in the MTC they switch them every two weeks.  So to toot my horn real quick I had a meeting with President which I thought was going to be about my release but he said he thought that I did such a good job that he wanted to extend my call for the rest of my time in the MTC so basically I'm the best missionary to ever come to Guatemala ("God resisteth the proud James 4:6) jajaja.  But honestly it doesn't matter to me at all and regardless of what position or calling I have I'm always going to be the same missionary.
                                                              
Next I'll go ahead with my funny stories of the week and they're some good ones jaja .... First, there's this supervisor here who's under 5 feet and probably weighs 240 and has a super high squeeky voice.  I was changing in my room when without knocking or anything he just walks in and sees me changing and I'm just standing there not really knowing what to do and he says, "I can see your................buttcheeks." Maybe the hardest I've laughed here.  Later that night after I had told everyone what happened he was in charge of this big meeting we had because all the North Americans were switching rooms.  He went through the list of names and finally called "Elder Gurksnis!"  I raised my hand and he said "Oh... I know jew.... berry well" in his squeeky broken english and everyone in the meeting busted laughing. Good stuff jajaja 

Another one is we have this freaking crazy Latino in our room who has said multiple things like "I hav monee por jew to merry my seester."  I don't think he has enough money for me to do that.. but anyways he's got this Latino crush on one of the North American girls named Hermana C.  Every single night he starts singing this love song and at the end says "Oooooh Hermana C...chee is my stawr.  Chee ees my salbation. My exaltation.  My Eberything."  Doesnt get old.  Last one!  Elder K is this funny guy in our district.  This other guy from one of the newer groups was in our room telling us a story about this guy and he said he was from Canada.  So without any hesitation K gets up and goes across the hall and says, "Who's the kid from Canada?"  Someone raised his hand and K looks at him and says, "I'm better than you." And walked away.  Had me rolling jajaja
   
So last week we got to go to the big City market.  Pretty crazy experience.  We get there and first thing we see are big slabs of meat for sale just sitting on the counter with flies everywhere.  I now realize why we can't eat at the members houses.. lol. But I ended up buying a few futbol jerseys and some other things.  As we left they warned us that we were going to be driving up on this hill overlooking the poorest part of Guatemala.  So we get to the top of the hill and it was one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen in my life. Unforgettable.  Just shack houses stacked on top of eachother one by one up and down every mountain for miles.  It reminded me of what I think Brazil would look like or like out of that scene of the Bourne series.  Pretty humbling to say the least.  So dangerous that only certain missionaries can go down in to that area.
                                   
We also had the awesome experience of watching General Conference in the MTC.  It's different watching it here than at home to say the least.  First time I've really been attentive and takin notes and what not.  I loved so many of the talks. A few that stuck out to me was Elder Neil Anderson's.  He mentioned about non members seeking the truth of our church from valuable sources. I could definitely relate to that because I know of all the crap about the church that's out there for the world to see that isn't in the least bit true.  If y'all have questions ask me or other missionaries or other members of the church!  We aren't hiding anything.  It's not like we baptize people and then say 'oh by the way we also believe in many many Gods and you can't eat crackers on Sunday.' no that's not how it works.  Elder Anderson said, "You wouldn't interview Judas about the life of Jesus Christ."  Great quote.  But ultimately if you really want to know you can ask whoever you want but you have to gain your own testimony by reading the Book of Mormon and praying to know if it's true.  Moroni 10:3-5.  One thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the choir second session with all the women in different colored rainbow trout colored shirts who quite frankly looked like Sister Wives straight from a compound of the FLDS church.  But... I also like Dallin Oaks' talk about being peaceful in all your doings including when you have a difference in political or religious opinion.  Lord knows I can work on that lol… It sounds really gay but I got to thinking about how much I hate Obama and I kinda took a step back and realized that he's a son of God as much as me or Mitt Romney.  Just because I disagree with basically everything he says doesn't mean I have the right to hate him or any other democrat.  "The devil is the father of contention; Christ is the Prince of Peace."  Last one was Elder David A Bednar's talk.  My favorite by far.  Directed to all those who were watching that weren't members of our church.  Again encouraged those to find out for themselves if the church was true through prayer and scripture study. I would encourage all of you to watch it!  (Mom please insert the link of his talk here).      

So onto my coolest and best experience in the MTC.  On Thursday last week our teacher had this prompting to walk to the temple for whatever reason.  When she got there, there was a family of 4 standing there.  They weren't members but their brother was going through the temple during that time.  Our teacher encouraged them to come back to the MTC with her because it would be a good opportunity for a companionship to teach a real lesson.  Luckily, our teacher came back to class and grabbed me and Elder D and told us what had happened.  I was so unbelievably excited.  I have had trouble the whole time in the MTC not really feeling like a real missionary quite yet and I felt like it was an answer to my prayers.  We began to teach them about the Atonement.  About half way through the family started crying and the spirit was so strong in that room.  Elder D was unbelievably nervous from the get-go so I was doing a lot of talking. For that next hour I spoke the best and most pure spanish I've ever spoken.  I felt like I was saying words that I didn't even know what they meant.  But they understood every word.  After about an hour, I asked them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and they accepted.  Everyone in the room was crying with pure joy.  Since I'm not in their area we got their contact information and set them up with the missionaries in that area.  They're going to be baptized in the beggining of November!  One of the greatest moments and maybe the happiest moment of my life. From the beginning I felt like the MTC was just a necessary evil I had to get through before going into the mission field.  I still feel that way lol.  The MTC was really hard and there were A LOT.... of rules that we had to follow that were pretty ridiculous and annoying at times that we don't even have in the mission field.  But I did my best to follow every one of them and I feel like I was blessed for it.  I made some great and hopefully life long friends.  I learned a lot of spanish!  I learned how to work hard and study.  I've learned that if we aren't anxious to search the scriptures or go to church or pray or anything that we are really doing something wrong!  Those things should be some of the things that bring you the most peace and joy in your lives.  My knowledge of this gospel has grown tremendously and so many of my questions have been answered.
                                       
Most importantly my testimony has grown and is the strongest it's ever been in my life.  I know with all my heart that this is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I know that he died for my sins.  I know that if we follow his teachings and keep the commandments and be everything we can be that we can feel truly happy in our lives and live with him again.  I know through the Restoration that the fulness of the gospel is on the earth today.  I know that God and his son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in the sacred grove. I know that through the Holy Ghost and the help of God he translated the gold plates into the Book of Mormon.  I've read this book and I know it's true.  I only share this gospel not because I think it'll help my life but because I want others to share my joy for my Savior. "Death hath no sting.  Grave hath no victory.  Because of Him."                           

I'm out of time and took the full hour to write this so unfortunately I probably cant get back to any of your emails this week but I'll have much more time in about 2 weeks from now!  I love all you guys back home and especially my family I'm so grateful for you and all your support!  Ya boi G is finally a missionary!  Adios MTC!!             

Texas Forever. 
Elder Gurksnis

October 6, 2014 from Mom

Hello my sweet boy!  

I hope you loved conference this weekend!  I especially loved knowing that we were watching and doing the exact same thing together several times this weekend.  Kindof like the concept that we are under the same moon… we are watching the same thing:)  Just made me feel closer to you!  Some of my favorite things about conference:

- When they announced there are over 88,000 missionaries and I thought, "one of those belongs to me!"

- When the MTC choir sang at the priesthood session.  Cried my eyes out through "Army of Helaman"  Their voices were so beautiful!  Made me miss you just a little more.  

- One of the sessions during the closing prayer they said, "bless our missionaries, and their parents and their grandparents."  Missionaries and return missionaries have a special place with the Lord!

- Just some of my favorite talks out of MANY… Pres. Uchtdorf at the priesthood session where he talked about "Lord, Is it I?"  And of course Elder Holland talking about caring for the poor and needy. 

What an amazing 2 days!  I loved so many of the talks!  Were you able to watch in English?  Was it a nice break from the routine of the MTC?  

A few interesting things happened here at home this week.  We got your letters!  It was so great for each of us to have a letter from you! We couldn't wait to read them.  Grayson was going to go straight to work but he came home so he could read your letter first.  Cade Neilsen got his mission call to Bankok Thailand.  Grayson got invited to the National Honor Society so he got his application filled out this weekend.  We should know next week if he is accepted.  The application required 4 brief essays, 2 letters of recommendation (Bro. Dyer and Bro Stanton) and a list of your service and leadership activities.  Then Dad got nominated for a leadership academy through work.  He also had a lengthy application with essays and letters of recommendation.  Only 20 will be accepted into the program so keep him in your prayers.  It would be a great opportunity for him to move up in his company. (I remember when you were set apart Pres. Platt said that dad would be blessed in his career as you serve… we are seeing some of those blessings)  So needless to say, MY weekend was spent writing and proofing lots of essays:)  

Okay, brace yourself… here is the really bad news.  Taysom fractured his leg this week in the Utah State game.  BYU lost and Taysom had surgery this weekend and is out for the season most likely.  Such a blow to the season!  I feel so bad for him because he was on track for great things.  He still has next year but I'm not sure what will happen the BYU football this year.  I'm sure we will drop out of the top 25 with that loss.  

You just never know what trials will be handed to you.  I'm sure it is so disappointing for Taysom!  But I know Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and as you know, all things work together for your good if you love God. (Romans 8:28).  You've had some tough challenges in your life.  But I often think that if you never got hurt your sophomore  year, you might never have discovered music like you have.  Or you might have gotten so caught up on playing baseball after high school that you wouldn't have served a mission.  I don't know.  I only know that the Lord knows and I have learned to trust Him because He knows best.

I hope you got our birthday letters!!!!  It was fun collecting them and putting them all together for you.  So many people love you and miss you!  But mostly, I think people are amazed to see the person you are becoming.  I'm so incredibly proud of you!  Do you have any idea???!!!  I am amazed you are my son and I'm so grateful how you are embracing this opportunity you have to serve your Heavenly Father and his children.  

You are down to one week left in the MTC!  I can't believe it!  I guess I won't be able to get a letter from you next week, right?  You're killin me Smalls!  Will you please take lots of pictures?  And then upload them as soon as you have some wifi access. Make sure you have email addresses for your district and others that you're close to.  You could even send them a group email each week or I can forward you letter to them each week if you want me to.   I'm sure you're anxious to get into the field.  I'm sure you will have a Latino companion first.  If it ever gets difficult between you and your companion, just pray hard to love him and see him as the Lord sees him, and then focus on the people you're meeting and teaching.  I know why you made your "fake investigators" cry… because you are so full of the spirit and you have such a good heart.  You will be an amazing missionary my son!  Be exactly obedient so the spirit will be so strong with you!  It will carry your words right into the hearts of those you teach.  I can't WAIT to hear about your adventures.  BTW - what items did they give you in the MTC that you take with you?

Also, please listen to your mother…. please be exactly obedient so you will be protected. I cannot emphasize this enough!  Don't go where you are not supposed to go… don't stay out late… listen to those little whisperings that tell you if you are in a dangerous situation. Be smart! Please!  I will not be much use the rest of my life if I lose you!  Obedience will give you protection!  We pray every day for your protection.  

I'm getting a small box out to you this week.  Hopefully you will have it at the mission home when you get there.  It depends on how expensive it is to mail.  I'm trying to mail it express tomorrow. It has your glasses in it and a few treats.  YOu mentioned mailing some things home that are expensive??? I'm not sure what you mean.  Like souvenirs?  You certainly don't have to send anything express.  Ask the missionaries in the mission home what they do to mail things home.  I'm not sure of the process there.  Don't buy a bunch of things right away.  You have many months to decide what momentos you want to keep or give to others.  Budget your money.  Try to live within the budget you receive from the mission funds.  However, we will have an emergency fund on your debit card.  I'll try to have $100 balance in there most of the time.  However, if you spend out of there, let me know.  If you use ATMs you get charged $5 each time you take out money.  However, if you make a purchase with your debit card, you can usually get some cash back.  There isn't a charge for that so try to use that option whenever you can.  Don't ever carry a lot of cash with you.  And if you have it at your home, keep it locked in one of your suitcases.  I would not even let your companion know about extra cash.  Don't forget about that kangaroo pouch that you wear around your belt and can hide things in.

You are in a foreign country.  Things work a little different there.  Please be smart and cautious.  

I love you so much Sam!  I can't ever get through writing a letter without tears.  Just knowing how much I love you brings me to tears.  It will be hard not to hear from you for two weeks!  But it will make the next letter you write in the field just that much sweeter!  I'm so incredibly proud of you!  You are becoming the man the Lord designed you to be.  Stay close to Him, keep working hard and know that your family is right behind you.  Our arms are wrapped around you!  We love you sooooo much!  We get so excited each week to read your letters because "hearing" your voice thru your letters fills the spot that is missing in our home.  Be good, be safe, and above all know that your are loved!

infinity + infinity

Mom