January 11, 2015 from Mom

Hello Baby Boy!!!  This week has felt sooooo long to me!  I've been so anxious to hear about your new comp.  Diana FB me and in her very broken english, I think I understood that he is strict to the rules and she is no longer cooking for you.  I'm sure this is a big change to your routine, but I hope (and have been praying) that he is a great comp and this is a good change for you.  This is your first opportunity to experience change with a comp.  I bet its weird at first.  But there will be new things to learn from each companionship.  So again, I'm praying that you are open to what you can learn and what you can give!  

No pics from you this week.  I missed it.  Send more pics! xoxox  

I sent you pictures... our Sunday Selfie and my new hot glasses!  

We had a good week at home.  Grandpa Tom ended up having surgery and replacing part of his aorta.  We are really blessed that it worked out so well.  His mother died from this same thing.  If the aneurism had ruptured, he would have died instantly. We told them that we put his name in the temple where they pray for him each hour for 2 weeks.  She said that she was so grateful for the "mormon prayers" (haha) and how they must be very powerful.  I think she was really sincere about it.  I had Grayson and Abby call him the night before his surgery and he got really emotional.  He has a different way of showing it, but he loves you guys very much!  He came home from the hospital today and is doing really well.  Keep him in your prayers.  

Ama had another performance in LA.  Everyone thought is was the best show yet.  

Gray had a disappointing basketball game on Friday.  He has been playing so much but on Friday he got about 3 mins total of playing time.  Not sure why.  He's been playing well but I know he is disappointed. Of course it was when some of our family came to support him.  I think he is finally committed to trying to put on weight.  I know that would really help him.  

Erik graduates from paramedic school in 2 weeks.  So happy for him!  He LOVEs his job at Legacy ER.  I think he is taking a semester off but will then get back on track to get his nursing degree.  He is exhausted but he seems so happy doing this.  

Kevin is still going strong with his girlfriend. I like her.  I think there is an edge to her but I think that is actually good for Kevin.  I think she keeps him in check.  I mean, its only been 2-3 months... but so far so good.  We will see.

And as for me, I missed you this week my son.  Some weeks are tougher than others.  This was tough.  I think it is mainly because I've been anxious to hear how you're doing with your new companion.  I've been excited to hear about your baptisms coming up too.  It is looking more like Fin will not be coming back out to Guatemala.  He just won't break up with his gf... can't get his priorities straight. His parents are so thankful that you wrote him.  They shared some of it with me.  I told them not to give up yet.  I believe he has a testimony.  If he could trust the Lord, I know he would be blessed for it and it wouldn't be as heartbreaking as he imagines.  She is just a big distraction from him being able to fully commit to his mission and I think the Stake Pres was right in his counsel to Fin.   It makes me even more grateful for your devotion and service to the Lord.  How are you feeling?  I know the MTC is such a spiritual place (as much as you hated it).  Do you feel the spirit as strongly as you are out serving in the field?

Here is my spiritual thought of the week.... it made me think of you.  Its a poem that says, 

Stick to your task till it sticks to you

Beginners are many, but enders are few. 

Honor, power, place, and praise

Will always come to the one who stays.

Stick to your task till it sticks to you;

Bend at it, sweat at it, smile at it too;

For out of the bend and the sweat and the smile Will come life’s victories, after awhile. 

We also had one the best sacrament meetings today.  Bro. Richey spoke and it was great.  The topic of the whole meeting was enduring to the end.  He spoke about the aspect of enduring to the end even when we have questions, disappointment, doubts, etc.  I thought you could use it with some of your members who have fallen off the path.  He said this, 

"As a father, I have have enjoyed watching my girls ride their bikes for the first time unassisted. In part, my joy came because I was exhausted from running behind them, pushing and balancing them and protecting them from unnecessary harm, but also my joy came from seeing their enormous smiles as they realized that they had accomplished a task that seemed unsurmountable at times during previous attempts. On one occasion, while I firmlyheld the bike from behind, and was pushing one of my daughters into a gentle turn, she felt the bike tilt slightly. Frightened by any instability, she leaped off the bike, and crashed into the hard pavement. She thought that route was safer than staying on the seat and trusting her guide.  Her limited experience thus far in life hadn’t provided the knowledge that staying on the bike was safer than abandoning it for the hard and unforgiving asphalt.  We as children of our Heavenly Father may foolishly want to “jump off the bike” before we arrive at destinations He would want us to reach.  The Lord teaches us over and over to endure to the end."

It is a great analogy to stay the course and trust and search for answers from sources of truth.  Don't jump off the bike at the slightest feeling of unsteadiness.  Maybe you will come across someone who jumped off the bike and you can share this analogy.  If people would learn to plant deep roots thru obedience, faith, study, prayer and those little bumps wouldn't feel so threatening to their testimonies.  I hope this might help someday.

How is your eating?  Is the microwave and hotplate being put to work yet?  You still have $117 on your debit card.  If you need more, I'll keep an eye on your account and add more if you need it.  Get something yummy today that you can cook this week (and a pan to cook with if you need it:)  I love you fiercely, Sam.  You run through my thoughts throughout the day.  You are never far from me.  I'm your very proud mom and I'm in awe of all you are doing right now.  Please stay on your toes... be obedient so you can always feel worthy to ask the Lord for his greatest blessings.  I know you may not have as much time to reply.  Try to stay focused on writing your family and your overall weekly letter.  We all love getting your letters so much and it is how we will all become even closer throughout your mission.  These are the lasting relationships that will go with you throughout your life and eternity.  So happy you are my son forever.

I love you so incredibly much!

Mom

January 5, 2015 from Sam

I'm really short on time this week, so this is gonna be a short one...

Welp its official Elder Cano had a change this change so today is our last day together.  I dont find out my new comp until Tuesday morning.  It was a solid 3 months, but I was definitely done haha I woke up Saturday (the day before changes) and hed knocked over my trash can and didnt clean it. Then i went up to go shower and for some reason half of my shampoo was on the floor haha.  Then, although we paid like 150 quetz for this lady to clean our house, i realized that he restarted his pile of used toilet paper on the floor lol.  Yeah i was ready for a change.  He has anger issues as well so i basically just bit my tongue for a good chunk of the 3 months for the sake of our relationship.  But it was super fun at the same time i wont lie!

New years was nuts!  There were fireworks EVERYWHERE and little mini bombs and smokers going off it sounded like a warzone haha but it was way awesome.

We have two new baptisms coming up!  There names are Milagros and Molly.  Milagros is the grandmother and they're pretty incredible.  Molly is the smartest 12 year old I've ever met.  Everything we teach her she just understands it and puts it into other words that not many 12 year olds could do.  I have no doubt that they will both be great and active in the church!  

I also hit my 4 month mark this past week and I can easily say that a 4 month span has never affected my life in a better way than this.  Not even close!  I love this work.  Although it's often difficult, I've matured, learned, and grown closer to my Father in Heaven!  No one is more grateful for that than I am.  

I'm worried and nervous for my new comp and what he will be like but regardless were gonna continue the work!  Hope everyone has a great new year!  Don't forget to make goals.  Spiritual goals will keep you growing closer to Christ.

Love,

Elder Gurksnis

ps. I got a package from the Smith's and a letter from my Grandma and Grandpa (Brand) today but I haven't even gotten them home yet and had the chance to open them.  But I wanted to thank you so much for thinking of me! I love you all!

Bringing a little Texas to Guatemala.

Sam's caption when he sent this picture: "Jimmerloving Gangbanger on the bus."

January 4, 2015 from Mom

Hi to the "greatest missionary that ever walked the Earth," (this is according to Diana on FB, haha) - 

From the sounds of Gray upstairs, I think the Cowboy game is going well (even though we were losing at halftime 17-7).  I'll let him and dad report on that for you.  

In case you didn't see it, I didn't get the picture you sent Sunday… please resend!  I never want to miss the chance to see your gorgeous, handsome face!  I saw some strange paintball pics that Dany posted on FB… pretty funny.  

Bachelor starts tomorrow and it just won't be the same without you!  Chris, the farmer, is the Bachelor… remember him?  It will prob be a boring season.  He's very nice but maybe a little boring.

We are having a very cold week!  Today was a high of 24!  Guatemala is sounding better and better:)

We just finished up a great Christmas break.  Dad was home for 2 weeks!  It was really nice to have him home and now he should feel pretty refreshed to go back to work.  We got a lot done around the house, but of course there is always more to do.  Abby's room is looking good with stripes painted, new bedding she got for Christmas and we also hung a wire from one side to the other so she could hang pictures on the wire.  Looks great!  

Gray bought every flag known to Texas and is hanging them all over his room.  "Come and Take it Flag" with a canon on it, confederate flag (heritage not hate - whatever!), texas, US, etc.  How did I raise two rednecks???  Gray is trying to catch up so that he can get his Eagle Scout.. he will be cutting in close… but I know you know all about that! 

In your room, I'm taking some of your photography shots of sunsets and stuff and printing them and hanging them in your room.  I'll send you a picture when I get them on the wall.  I think it will look great.. and it is so you!  I love keeping things that are you in your room.  Sometimes I walk in, lay on your bed and just look at all your things and smell your hats ( I know, I have a problem!).  Today, I saw a little boy in primary who didn't want his mom to leave him there, so he ran up to her and she held him tight in her lap for a few minutes until he could go back to his class.  I just watched them and couldn't stop the tears.  I miss my son.  Simple as that!

We had some discussions when Noelle and Gregg were here about missionaries struggling.  I think I mentioned that to you before.  But Gregg said something that I've been thinking about.  We learn a lot about how Satan temps us from the movie in the Temple.  But it is interesting to think that Satan was only in his infancy of evilness then.  He was just learning how to tempt us and make us turn away from God.  Today, he has had all those thousands/10s of thousands of years to fine tune his craft.  He is so skilled at how to lure us and tempt us… so skilled to know how to tear down families which then causes generations of problems.  I think if you look at what has happened in society in the past 25 years, you can see how much he has accomplished in a short time.  Then Gregg was talking about how someone at the church offices estimated that about 57 billion people have lived on the earth.  If you just take that number and calculate how many spirits followed Satan during the war of heaven (1/3 of the hosts of heaven) that is about 28 billion.  All of those 28 billion are around us now trying to persuade us to turn away from God.  It feels like we are out numbered.  

But then I think about the line in the temple movie where God says to Satan, "you will be able to bruise man's heel, but he will be able to crush your head."  It shows me how much more power there is in goodness and righteousness.  We don't need to fear if we don't walk the line with one foot in righteousness and one foot in evil.  If we can stay far from that line, stay safe, then it's not soooo difficult.  But we put ourselves close to temptation, and that just makes it easy for all those 28 billion spirits that want us to be miserable.  I would imagine Satan would love to get missionaries to quit, give up, fall to temptation, because they have the power to do so much goodness.  So here is a quote I read and I keep it in my scriptures.  I think it shows how satan plans to ruin us if he can…

"There are 3 things in Lehi's dream that are obscured by the mist (of darkness) and that correspond to the reality of our mortal lives.  Satan does not want us to see the tree of life (the LOVE of God). He does not want us to perceive the rod of iron (the Word of God), which will keep us on the path when the tree is lost from our view.  He is also desirous that we know nothing of the filthy river or the consequences of misery, both temporal and eternal, which come for those who leave the path."  - S. Michael Wilcox

The mists of darkness in Lehi's dream are not random. They are designed specifically by satan to keep us from certain things that will help us reach eternal life.  I just thought this might help you with some of your investigators and new members.  It's something that I never thought of before.  Think about it in your own life too.  

I love you so much, Sam!  I hope you had a great last week with Elder Cano.  You've made friends even though it was difficult.  That is an incredible lesson!  Heavenly Father answered many of your prayers during these last 12 weeks.  He loves you so much and I'm sure he is so happy with your service!  I'm excited to hear about your changes.  How are your baptisms that are scheduled?  Are they progressing?  How is Fredick?  Keep encouraging him.  He will figure it out!

Have a wonderful week!  Go get a hotplate and pan if you can. Get some protien bars. You have $117 in your account. Take all your vitamins.  How is your supply?  Is there anything you need?  I love you more than the sun, and the moon, and the stars… Infinity + infinity and even more than that!

xoxoxo

mom

p.s. I'm sacrificing most of my personal letter from you so that you can write Elder Konold today.  finley.konold@gmail.com  xoxoxo

December 29, 2014 from Sam

Buenas noches mis amigos!  Espero que todos de uds. tenian una buenisimo Navidad :) I had a great Christmas!  It was a little stressful because of the internet situation.  First theres only one person in our ward who had a computer and he was hard to find!  Then on Christmas day everyone that had a computer in the area was trying to use it so I kept calling my family on Skype and the calls kept dropping!  But finally after about 3 stressful hours it worked and I talked with them for a long time!

Talking to my family was absolutely amazing.  Just seeing all their faces for the first time in 4 months was incredible!  I originally called on the telephone Christmas eve night and my mom didn't know but I was just calling to set up a time for the next day to skype.  I won't forget how my mom answered the phone!  She was just so excited to hear my voice and I was too haha. We both were tearing up pretty good just for a short phone call.  But skyping was fantastic. I got some solid gifts...a blow up deer (yes a lifesize deer) for the house with a target and a nerf gun to "keep up my redneck skills" while Im gone.  It was pretty dad gum funny. 

Sam's Christmas selfie sporting his new tie and tie clip.

Christmas night was probably the second worst night of the mission to be honest (after my first night in the field when i was locked out of the house in the freezing rain and yeah y'all know the story).  It was super hard.  But I prayed super hard and again was blessed because I woke up the next morning and felt like normal!  

Me and Elder Cano went right back to work the next day and I feel like we maybe had our best week teaching wise thus far.  Weve had about 4 investigators that we originally didn't think much of start to really progress and came to church as well!  One in particular is an "antique" investigator that has been through every set of missionaries since about a year and a half ago only to debate and say whats wrong with our church.  We had an amazing talk with him and he finally began reading the Book of Mormon and everything has changed.  He came to church and it was great! 

I gave another talk in church this past week as well which I think went super well.  It was just on simple faith, but it went great.  In Ether 12 (in the BoM) the word faith, I counted, is mentioned 34 times.  Its an amazing chapter .  Verse 4 gives an example: faith is our anchor.   I talked about how our ship is made up of all different types of Christlike attributes and hope and charity and everything!  But our anchor is faith.  And the greater and bigger and stronger our anchor, the less affect the storms and temptations and hardships in our lives have on our ship.  

So my invitation this week is to read Ether 12 because its one of, if not my favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon! 

Anyways hoped you all had a great Christmas!  I think my mom made an album on my facebook if you wanna see all my pictures from the mish thus far.  

Texas Forever 

Elder G

Ether 12:4  "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

Christmas Eve service project

Finally getting Skype to work!!!

Christmas with friends!

December 28, 2014 from Mom

Hello my wonderful son!  What a crazy week we had.  Christmas day was the most wonderful day for so many reasons but mostly because we got to talk to you!  I could have talked with you for many more hours. How are you doing?  I had a tough week!  Its like seeing you made me miss you even more.  But I'm so happy we were able to see and talk to you… even if it made for a tough week.  I hope you are doing better.  I pray every morning and night that you are feeling our love but not feeling too homesick.  I heard something at church today and I wanted to remind you of it.  Read Alma 34:18-27  Here it is:

18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

 19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

 20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

 21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

 22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

 23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to allrighteousness.

 24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

 25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

 26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

 27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your heartsbe full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for yourwelfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

This scripture reminds me of how many times in the past 4 months the Lord has blessed you and answered your prayers because you have poured out your heart to him.  I know if you do this and ask for his help to feel more peace there in Guatemala, he is "mighty to save" and will answer your prayers by giving you comfort. This comfort comes through the power of the atonement… when he suffered not only for our sins but for our sorrows and infirmities… Call upon Him through the power of the Atonement for His help.  His atonement is individual and personal to you because he felt the "exact" way you have felt.  He knows how to succor his people.  This is how you put this promise into action.  One of the Lords greatest promises is in Matt 11:28-30.  “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

We had a good week!  It was great to have Noelle's family here.  They are leaving Tuesday.  Erik took all the kids ice skating on Saturday which was pretty fun.  It's gonna be quiet around here when they leave.  We learned a new card came tonight called "SCUM" that is so fun!  I can't wait to play it with you when you get home.  It's a little competitive… right up your ally.  Do you remember when we were playing a game (can't remember which one) in our Flomo house and we were both running to get something and you kneed me (in your excitement to beat me) in the thigh and I had a huge bruise for about 10 days?  Ya, this game is like that:)

So Karlee Winters is going out with Cade Neilsen… however, he leaves for his mission if February, so I'm sure its just a fun thing before he leaves.  haha

I think you'd be proud to know that Dad and Gray went home teaching for the first time in years tonight!  That is on you!  I have tried to gently ask dad to make sure he does his home teaching and then not so gently asked him to do it… but I've never had success.  However, you have pushed him to do the right thing!  Thank you so much for your great example!  It will really help Gray too.  Success! xoxo

So what do I do?  All of these people from Guatemala are trying to friend me once I became friends with Dany and Diana.  Should I accept them?  What do you want me to do?  I put all your pics on you FB in an album.  I love looking at all of them!  You look so great!  So happy!  Truly, I'm so thankful for Dany and Diana.  I try to tell them but I know there is a language barrier.  Will you please tell them how grateful I am to them for taking such good care of my son!  

Did you get the other package I sent you… with the Raisin Bran?  I was thinking about some food I could send you.  Can you get protein bars there?  Have you thought of getting a hot plate?  If it is under $30, I'd be happy to donate it to the Limon apt.  You don't have to take it with you.  If you had that and one pan, you could have some more options for vegetables… sauté up some diced potatoes and broccoli or something…a grilled cheese sandwich…  What did you decide to do about that?  Does Guatemala celebrate New Years?  What will you do?  Will you set some goals? 

I love you sweet boy!  So very much!  My heart is in Guatemala.  Take good care of it:)  I miss you like crazy and am so incredibly proud of all you are doing.  I think you are an amazing missionary… the best I've ever known.  Keep working and serving those sweet people.  I love you infinity + infinity and even more than that!

Momma

p.s. What does "pilas" mean?  

December 23, 2014 from Sam

Well interesting final week before Christmas and a good one! I got punched in the back of the head by some boracho (drunk) in the street.  I hadn't said anything or looked at him but he whacked me haha I saw him run off.  Theres literally tons of cops on every corner of Limon and it happened right in front of 3 of them literally 10 feet away, and they just watched and did nothing. I kinda threw my arms up and said why don't you do your job right? I was ticked off but apparently it's a big problem in Guatemala and latin america in general.  Tons of cops that don't do much.  Whatever! haha

I cant believe the Mavs got Rondo.  And the Cowboys flippin won the NFC East its almost like I'm a bad luck charm.  If either of them end up winning the whole thing I think that would be the worst and best thing to ever happen... mixed feelings mixed feelings haha

Anyway I'm gonna keep this letter short Im whiped out but I wanted to share just a little bit.  Elder Cano is my companion and has been my whole time in the field. We were getting along decently in the beginning but we would get in fights from time to time.  To be straight up not trying to be a jerk, but yeah every time it was his fault we were fighting hahahaha and he knew it and knows it.  Ive been super relaxed with him and he just has trouble with his anger sometimes.  About 3 weeks ago we got in a big fight.  I was pretty down and prayed for about an hour straight just asking Heavenly Father to help me get through these last few days until the next change on Jan, 6.  Well Heavenly Father has more than answered my prayers!  Me and Cano are great friends and getting along great and Im really glad that we get to spend Christmas together.  

He's had a tough life.  He lives with his grandma because his dad left him when he was young and his mom paid a coyote to take her to the U.S. when he was 7.  They still talk but don't have much of a relationship.  He's mentioned a few times how hes sad hes not getting anything for Christmas. But because I have the most amazing mom in the world she sent him some presents in my Christmas package and i seriously cant wait to give em to him.  He doesnt know that by the way. hahah Anyway I'm just super excited to give em to him because I know hes gonna be really happy!  

And I'm gonna be freakin happy cause ya boi gets to talk to his family in 2 days!!!!!!

I'm just having a great time right now and December has been great.  I thought i was going to be pretty homesick but thanks to my buddies in the mission and the people weve been teaching I've had a lot of fun.  I kinda understand why its hard for people to go home now.  I'm definitely going to be excited to go home no doubt about it, but there will be a lot of things that I will miss about the mission.   

Short letter.  But just want to wish y'all a Merry Christmas from the big G :) I love all of y'all and hope you enjoy and cherish this Navidad with your families.  

One love!

Elder Gurksnis

P.S. I didn't have time to get back to everyones emails today but i will next week :) I wanted to thank everyone who sent me an email this week! Merry Christmas!

December 22, 2014 from Mom

Hello my wonderful son!  How was your week?  We have had a great week… full of excitement for Christmas and getting to Skype with you!  I'm gonna keep this letter short because I know you received lots of emails this week:)  We really just need to nail down the Skype plans.  I know Elder Flygare was able to call his mom for 2 mins to set up a time.  Can you let us know today what you think will happen?  

Tell me about your week!  Are people more interested in listening to you because it is so close to Christmas?  Do people decorate for Christmas?  

Noelle, Josh and Allie came in late Thursday night and Gregg and spencer come tomorrow.  We drove down to highland park tonight just to drive thru the streets and see all the Christmas lights.  The homes are gorgeous.  I got a pic of a long horn in lights just to remind you of Texas. (Texas Forever)  We are having a great time but you are always a topic of conversation and we all miss you sooooo very much!  

There has been a lot of talk among members of the church recently about how many missionaries that are coming home early.  Noelle's stake president is working on a panel with the quorum of the 12 to address this.  They have come up with 2 things.  #1 - A mission is hard work and many young men/women can't handle the hard work. They haven't learned how to work hard before.  #2 - We need to let them know more before they leave that this isn't the "best 2 years of your life" from the standpoint that its so entertaining and fun… but it's the "best two years for you" meaning, it will make you a better person and your life better because of the experiences you have and the good service that you do.  I'm sure you can agree with both of those things, right?  It is an amazing thing you are doing, my son.  I never forget that!  You are in an extremely difficult situation, but you have already changed lives and most significantly, your own. You are thriving not just surviving.  Your face just looks happy! I'm so tremendously proud of you!  You are an amazing young man and I'm constantly thanking my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to be your mother.  I love you so much, Sam!  I CANNOT wait to see you and talk to you!  (by the way, I have re read your letter  to me 100 times! It is a true treasure to me!) 

4 days!!!!!  I can't believe it!  I love you more than the sun, the moon and the stars and infinity + infinity!  

xoxoxoxo

momma