September 25, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning my son!  

It's Monday!  My favorite day!!!!  The only bad thing is that I slept thru my alarm this morning and completely missed seminary.  Major teacher fail!  But now I get to talk to my son, so all is good in the world!

How was your week?  How are your investigators progressing?  When is your next changes? How are you eating and feeling?  Are you taking your vitamins???  Isn't it good to know that I will always be your mommy:)  No matter your age...:)

We had a pretty uneventful week.  However, I did have a missionary lesson on Wednesday with Taylor.  Bro. Osbourne (operation underground railroad) joined us and talked to her about how his family and inlaws were completely against him joining the church.  It was interesting to hear his story.  But he told her that all the worst things he imagined could happen if he joined the church (with his family relationships) did not happen.  It hasn't been completely smooth sailing but his family has slowly come to better understand his decision and are more supportive.  I reminded her that the world asks to see miracles so that they can "believe."  However, the gospel teaches us that faith comes first and then miracles can happen.  Its our faith that instigates miracles.  So the missionaries set a baptism date and she agreed, somewhat timidly.  I'm not sure if she'll actually go through with it but I know she wants to.  October 22 is the date I think.  Say some prayers for her family to soften their hearts and for her to act in faith.

Also Bro. Osbourne is going to Guatemala City in a few weeks.  He asked if you might have any investigators or recent converts that he could meet with and he could share his conversion story with them?  Very cool opportunity.  I'm not sure of the actual dates yet, but keep this in mind and I'll let you know next Monday.  We are going to talk about it this week.

Noelle and her family will be here Wednesday this week for the wedding and Gray comes in Thursday.  Oh how we will miss you!  Have I told you lately how you are my hero? :)  I'm so incredibly proud of you.  I love everything about you!  I'm bringing your picture to the wedding so we can have you in the family pictures.  

I wanted to share with you something that I'm studying this week.  Its from Matthew 7:21-28.  Its about the wise man who builds his house upon the rock by not only being a hearer of the word but also a doer.  The foolish man was not a doer of the word, a hearer only and so the foundation of his home is destroyed with the winds and storms of temptation and trial come.  

The interesting this is that whether your foundation is on the rock or sand, does not change the weather.  Having a sure foundation (Read Helaman 5:12) won't eliminate rain, storms, hurricanes or hail; it only ensures that we won't crumble when they come.  When we turn to God during our trials, he will be our greatest ally to get through them.  It's like the word "hearken' so often used in the scriptures.  To hear is good, but to hearken (hear and obey or act) is much better.  We can't just talk about following Christ, we have to BECOME followers by doing what he asks.  You have shown us such a wonderful example of "becoming" and "hearkening".  

Baby boy, I can see you have lots of letters to read so I won't take up too much of your time.  I can't wait to hear from you!  I'll be here online when you get here:)  

I love you more than the sun, and the moon, and the stars... infinity + infinity and even more than that!  Keep me in your pocket so I can always be with you.  

xoxoxo

mom

September 19, 2016 - From Sam

It was another good week in the Guat! Lots of amazing experiences. 

On Tuesday we had a multi zone conference and President Crapo asked me to sing ¨I know that my Redeemer Lives (Yo se que vive mi senor)¨. I feel like although i was nervous there was a really strong spirit. My zone came up to me afterwards and a few of them said specifically that it was like I wasnt even singing, but rather testifying in that moment that I know that my Redeemer lives. It was one of the most awesome things anyone has really ever said me. But I do know now more than ever with 100% assurity that my Redeemer lives. I love that hymn. 

When I came here, me and Elder Leiva basically started from 0. We inherited literally 0 progressing investigators. That was very frustrating at first. When I came here Elder Leiva had just finished his training and after about a week he told me that his trainer didnt teach him to work hard and they lost a lot of time just hanging out. They werent very obedient either. I know more than anyone that in training its never the new missionaries fault, so I didnt blame him for any of that. But I was somewhat frustrated that we had to start from 0. But we are truly beginning to see many of the fruits of many of the seeds we started to plant weeks ago. Our area has only had 3 baptisms in the past 5 months. Right now for the upcoming month of October we have two families that are almost certain to be baptised and two other men individually that are close to baptism. (Familia Hidalgo, Familia Lopez, Axel and Estuardo).

Im so grateful for the spirit that we are worthy to have with us each and every day for being obedient and worthy missionaries. God is truly using us as instruments in his hands.

¨But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom. But behold my joy is full. Yea my heart is brim with joy and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; Therefore I will not boast of myself but I will boast of my God, for in His strength I can do all things. Yea, behold, many might miracles we have wrought in this land for which we will praise his name forever. (Alma 26:11-12). 

I know that I am nothing and as to my strength I am weak. But I will rejoice in my God who has made us instruments in his hands in the bringing forth of many souls to Christ. I cant describe the difference in the spirit here in this second go around versus my ¨first mission.¨ But it is a great difference. 

I love this gospel with all my heart and I am willing to give up any of my will to the will of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. I know this message and this gospel are true. Plant the seed of faith in your heart and let it grow (Alma 32:28). 

Love always,
Elder Gurksnis

September 18, 2016 - From Mom

Hello my sweet son!  How is my boy this week?!  I can't wait to hear all about it.  Just an FYI, I never know when you'll be online (wish we could establish a fairly regular time so I can always be sure to be online when you are) and yesterday was Brookes bday so I'm taking her to lunch today to celebrate.  I'll have my phone and will do my best to be online with you.  I LOVE when we get to talk on Mondays so I'll do my best, but it might not go as smoothly.  Gonna say a little prayer right now that it works out ok.

So pretty good week.  A couple of tough spots.  Abby has been diagnosed with anxiety and depression.  She has started medication over the last week that I hope will help her.  I've notice her isolating herself and strictly depending on Cater.  It worries me so much because this is a time for her to develop her independence and confidence... but sadly there isn't much I can do about the boyfriend situation.  She lied to us about something this week so she is grounded from spending time with him outside of school for the next 6 weeks.  We set some goals about taking the medication, attending sessions with a counselor (she starts tonight), and finding more balance in her life with school, church, family, friends, and Cater.  If she can do that, then in 6 weeks they can spend a little more time together.  I think she actually seems to be doing better already.  She would never admit it, but not spending time with Cater seems to give her relief.  I know he is a good kid and treats her well, they are just toooooo young to be so serious.  She thinks shes gonna marry him (eye roll).  UGH!

Another tough spot, Grayson is going through some repentance right now and won't be able to submit his mission papers until December.  That means he is probably going to the Winter semester of school and leaving in May for his mission.  Of course I'm happy he is taking these steps, but I'm worried he is having some issues.  I'm not sure if he told you about this, but keep him in your prayers.  The good thing is that his testimony is growing so much at BYU and I know he is doing what he is supposed to do.  We all need the atonement and I'm glad he is learning that now.

So with all this... I don't want you to worry one bit.  I am only telling you now because I think both Abby and Gray are making improvements and taking the right steps in their lives.  I have thought a lot this week about how much Satan wants my children.  You each have such tremendous potential to do amazing things in this world and so he is working so hard on each of you.  But I always remind each of you (as we learn in the temple) Satan has the power to bruise your heal but you have the power to crush his head.  Just stay close to the Savior and all will be well.

This reminds of a lesson I taught last week about when Peter was called to be an apostle.  He had a horrible night of fishing with no luck. (read Luke 5:1-11) In the morning the Lord approached him and asked him to go to the deep sea and put down his net.  Peter's experience would tell him that there was no point in doing that.. he had a bad night and now the fish weren't going to magically appear.  But he chose to respond it faith by saying "nevertheless, at thy word I will let down my net."  The word nevertheless is so important.  Even when we don't understand why the Lord is inviting us or asking us to do something or obey something, nevertheless, we can obey anyway.  Can you imagine if Peter had not chosen to put down his nets and follow the Lord?  He may have been a good fisherman, but by obeying the Lord and following His plan for him, he was given a greater life than he could have imagined.  He walked with the Savior for three years, heard his teachings, felt his love and watched His miracles.  Better than an ordinary fisherman for sure.  

Pres. Ezra T. Benson said, "Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.  Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life." 

That is what you get to do right now, my boy!  By returning to Guatemala, you have basically said, "whatever was important to me, I'm going to turn my life over to the Savior and let Him make something greater of me than I planned for myself."  I love that about you!  I know it wasn't easy and I certainly know it isn't easy now, but you have made a life changing decision to put the Lord first.  I'm so proud of you!  You are such an example to each of us and I'm so grateful for that.  I know you will grow this year in ways you never imagined.  And after you have completed your year, you will know that you gave your all to Him.  Then you can return home and see how you can put Him first here too. (your mission is just the beginning... so much more ahead of you). See how he will make something better with your life than you could alone.  (ps. I've already started praying that the Lord will prepare a special young woman for you to meet and marry .... is that crazy?  I don't think so.. LOL)

I think Abby sent you our video today.  I hope you can see it because its pretty funny.  I converted it to mp4 instead of the MOV before. I'm sending you a couple of pics of Gray.  One is while we were watching the byu volleyball game on tv and we could only see Grayson's hand but knew it was him because we recognized his nub.  HAHA  Then they showed him later and we could see his face.  A fun surprise!  Also a pic of me meeting Gwen:)

I love you my wonderful son!  You are the world to me and I pray for you many times each day.  Dad and I had a great night at the temple Saturday.  We put your name on the prayer roll the week before.  So we stood in the prayer circle knowing your name was on that list and we wanted to be a part of that prayer.  I hope you are feeling our love and the Savior's love for you!  You are my hero!

infinity + infinity and even more than that!

Mom

September 12, 2016 - From Sam

This letter will be short cause Im almost out of time, but it was another great week. 

First shout out to two of my best buds Branden Oliver for getting engaged to Nat J and Hunter Farr for getting married and sealed in the temple this past week! Love both yall

Ill just tell a couple cool experiences I had this week. First was Jose Maria. He was an alcoholic and has a huge desire to quit drinking and has been doing great. We gave him a blessing the other night and the next day he recieved a job and although he was paid 100 quetz he gave 95 to his sister and kept only 5 to eat so he wouldnt have the rest of the money to tempt him to buy alcohol. Its crazy because thats truly exactly what I wrote in my letter last week about taking steps to stay away from temptation.

We had 6 investigators in church this week and it was amazing. We have been blessed to have many investigators every week in church. At first it seemed no matter what the blessings we were receiving I was still thinking about the people who didnt come through. I always thought man but so and so didnt come or this person or whatever. But now Ive realized the blessings that I have seen and the true amount of success we have been having in our area these last three weeks. Im so grateful and I have quit counting the blessings I dont have and am focusing more on the ones we are receiving.

I know this isnt a super profound letter just short on time this week. Love you all! 

Elder Gurksnis

September 11, 2016 - From Mom

Hi my sweet boy!  Oh how I've missed you this week!  I got teary in church just sitting on our empty pew and thought we're going to have to move where we sit.  I love sitting next to you and hearing you sing the hymns in your gorgeous voice.  I watched some of your youtube videos this week just so I could hear your voice. I miss our family being all together... but I am willing to let you go serve because I know how much you are helping our Heavenly Father bring the gospel to his children who he loves so much.  I know you are helping families be sealed together like ours.  And I know you are making such important changes in your own life and are growing so much.  So because of that, I will miss you but I will also be so happy about what amazing things you're doing.

Speaking of that, I read a great talk this week by Lynn Robbins called "Avoid It."  I'm going to send it to you.  It goes along with the story about the cigarettes that you shared last week.  The main idea is that it is much easier to avoidtemptation than to resist it.  He uses the analogy of cookies.  That keeping them out of the house is a much better idea than walking into his house when his wife is baking cookies and he can smell them and his mouth starts watering.  Now he is not only trying to use willpower but he's working against chemistry in his mind and body.  And then after eating one, he thought that would be enough, but it only made him want to eat many more.  I'm not doing the talk justice, so I'll just send the whole talk to you:)  It's a good one.  I was studying the talk in preparation for my seminary lesson about when Satan came to tempt Christ after he had fasted 40 days.  Christ had just been baptized, and then in preparation to begin his earthly ministry, he fasted 40 days and then went to the mountain to commune with God.  That is when Satan came to tempt Him.  The timing is interesting because so often when we are preparing to do something great, or trying to make big changes in our life, that is when Satan comes.  I think you felt that way both times right before you left for your mission.  Satan really worked hard on you because you were going to do something so powerful and meaningful for others and for your own life.  Remember that... often that's how he works.  So when you feel that temptation or frustration, hang on and be faithful because often it means something great is coming. One of my favorite things we learn in the temple is that "he has the power to bruise our heal, but we have the power to crush his head!" 

We had a good week.  I got Abby to a doctor and she is taking some medication.  I'm working on getting her into a counselor as well.  I hope it will be helpful.  I think she feels some relief just knowing that we are working on it. 

Were busy getting ready for Kevin and Misti's wedding on Oct.1st.  I think they are both so excited.  I'm so happy that Kevin has found someone.  I know he was really lonely for a long time and it's nice to see him so happy.  Erik is working on a hilarious dance that the groomsmen and Kevin are going to do to surprise Misti.  I'll make sure I send a video to you!

Speaking of video, I got the message from your mission leader.  I'm not sure how you were able to open the other ones but couldn't open the ones from last week.  I'm not sending a video today because I need to figure out how to get it to an mp3 file.  I'll figure it out and send one next week.

Yesterday was the 15 year anniversary of 9/11.  I spent some time watching the shows that are always on and relived that day in my mind.  It was amazing that after such a horrible tragedy, our country came together in a way I have never seen before or since then.  It was a time of caring for your neighbor, volunteering and patriotism.  Its sad that we have lost that because it was a great moment in our history.  Now onto the election... yikes!  What a freaking hot mess!  Everything is pretty much the same.  Everyone feels depressed that these are the two people we have to choose from.  The polls are dead even.  It should be a very close election unless something big happens between now and November.

I talked to Fin Konold's mom the other day.  He has broken up with his girlfriend, moved back home and is going to church and institute.  I hope he is on the right track now.  She said he has some big regrets about leaving the mission and not returning.  It makes me sad for him but I'm so happy to know he is doing so much better.

We watched about 15 mins of Miss America last night so we could see how Lauren did.  She didn't make it into the first elimination so we turned it off... but I did get a picture for you.  She did her little 10 second "miss Utah" introduction and that where the picture is from.  She was in a giant wind storm so you could barely hear her.. lol.  But here is the picture just incase you want to see:)  We also watched the BYU game this week.  They lost by 1 point to Utah.  Ugh!  If Dad or Gray don't tell you about it, let me know and I will.

Our other picture that I attached is of us three + jeter chillin in the backyard last night.  The weather has been really good... not too hot.  How are you holding up in the rain?  Is the rainy season almost over?  Do you get soaked everyday?  How is your money holding up each month?  I notice you are not taking much from your personal account.  Are you eating well? Do you think you are losing weight like last time?

Tell me everything about your week!  The good, bad and the wonderful!  I love your letters, Sam!  Someone each week is telling me how they love your letters and that they've seen such growth from your letters before compared to your letters now.  I love hearing about all the things you're doing and are learning.  Please stay safe.  Stay close to the spirit. Stay focused on loving and serving those people (ps. I want to take Whiner home with me he is so cute!!).  And know that I love you with my entire heart and soul!  I love everything about you, my son.  You make me so happy and I'm so proud you're my son.  

I hope you have an amazing week.  You are in our prayers always.

Infinity + Infinity 

September 5, 2016 - From Sam

2 years ago on September 2 I left for Guatemala! Pretty crazy but what a two years its been. 

I have people I want to respond to this week that I havent been able to get back to because of the short writing time so im gonna keep my letter short this week!

But I was able to go back to my old area Friday to see Jose baptised. Hes an awesome teenager and his dad that we reactivated was pretty emotional and grateful. It was a super spiritual baptism. 

Saturday we were able to baptise Sachi Ulissa Cano Samayoa. Shes an awesome girl and super smart. Her two year old sister made the baptism somewhat difficult but it was spiritual nonetheless. Her two year old sister is literally one of those devil children. She gives us ¨the mano ¨ or ¨the hand¨ which is when you extend your hand and point it at someone. Its basically flicking someone off. Shes literally two years old and does it all the time. And then smacks me quite frequently. But its allllllll goooooooood (Jim Carry). 

I wanted to share my favorite scripture from the BOM this week. 2 Ne 4:28 ¨Awake my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice oh my heart and give place no more for the enemy of my soul!¨ I was thinking about something Ive learned in the past year. Maybe the greatest thing ive learned. We all have our ¨favorite sins¨. Sins that we just cant seem to overcome. 

I read a story about a man who helps people get over addictions. He specifically told a story of a man with a cigarette habit. This man seemed so emotional and ready to be over his cigarette addiction. But he couldnt seem to give it up. He finally figured out that the man was keeping a few cigarettes in his sock drawer ¨just in case he just HAD to have one.¨ Ive learned that you cant keep cigarettes in the sock drawer. Theres a line between sin and safety (obedience). Its absolutely impossible to get over something when you have one foot on each side of the line. 

Verse 34 reads: ¨Oh Lord I have trusted in thee and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of the flesh.¨ We are too weak to do it on our own. Trust me. We need the Lords strength to get over our favorite sins. He is the only one capable of helping us get over it. We must beg him in prayer to help us every day not to give into temptation.

I know that if we confide in the Lord with all our hearts we can get over our weaknesses and turn them into strengths. I love all of you and hope you have a great week! 

PS Watch the videos theyre funny haha

Elder Gurksnis 

September 4, 2016 - From Mom

Good morning my son!  I'm sitting in the family room of our very quiet house just thinking of you.  It has gotten so quiet around here and I'm having a tough time adjusting.  Abby doesn't like it at all!  She really misses her brothers.  It is an adjustment for me too.  I never really thought ahead to a time in my life when my kids wouldn't be all living under the same roof.  I should look at all the new possibilities that are in front of me (and I do) but at the same time, its difficult to let go of that time in my life that was the best!  I guess any change like this takes some time to get acclimated to the new normal. We went to Flower Mound last night and when I think of that culdesac, it was a magical time for our family.  So much happiness.  We are so lucky! <3 

It was a busy and long week.  I started seminary and that started out tough.  I have a challenging class but by the end of the week I was feeling better about things.  I'm sure we will work through it together and it will end up being a great year.  I'm so excited to be teaching the NT.  I feel like it will be a very sacred opportunity and year.  I'm already learning so much.  We start with the actual NT this week (last week was a lot of introduction lessons and we always teach the plan of salvation also) so now the really good part begins.  I gave you my reading assignment for this week in my last letter... so here is my reading assignment for next week.  Matt 3-4 and John 2-4.  I really love teaching seminary.  It's not easy for sure.  But I feel like the Lord is helping me do this and is counting on me.  I think you can probably relate:)

We also had Christian Tyler's funeral this week.  There was a visitation Tuesday night at the funeral home which was really difficult.  Of course the casket wasn't open but talking to his parents was not easy.  My heart just aches for them.  Bishop Brown and Bishop Sallaway both spoke and did a great job.  Of course Bishop  Brown was a little awkward... but that's what we love about him, right?

Abby is having some pretty severe anxiety right now.  Please keep her in your prayers.  I'm scheduling appointments for counseling and will probably get her on some medication.  She is having severe head aches and panic attacks.  I don't want you to worry about her because we will make sure she is receiving the help she needs, but please keep her in your prayers.  

On a happier note, BYU had a great season opener.  And it true BYU football fashion... it came down to 4 seconds left and we were down 15-16.  Our kicker had missed an extra point and so the coach calls in a freshman kicker to kick the field goal.  It happens to be Kate Blaser's boyfriend from Southlake.  He was a walk on to the football team and was injured the first week of camp and only got back to practice last Monday.  He didn't even have BYU issued shoes yet... he kicked the field goal in his green Southlake Dragon shoes and kicked it right through the middle of the uprights.  It was such an exciting win!  Grayson said everyone is his dorm was going crazy!

I'm so excited to hear about your week!  I loved getting the video from Sister Flygare!  It was so great to think that I knew what you were doing right at that moment.  How was the baptism?  How is your area going? Tell me about your responsibilities as a DL.  I also got a message from President Crapo this week with a picture of you two having lunch.  He sure loves you and he told me what a great missionary you are.  It was just such a fun surprise to get both of those pictures/videos this week.  I love seeing my boy so happy!

I found this quote this week.  It's from President Eyring and I think it is such great council for you and for all of us. 

"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness.  Some of the most important choices are about what you set your heart upon.  

"There are so many things you may consider desirable.  For instance, all of us want, to some degree, the approval of other people.  All of us feel a need for friends.  All of us are searching for some evidence that we are persons of worth.  We make choices based on those desires.  Some might lead us away from the light God offers us as a guide. Some may brighten that light by which we can find our way.  

"Some of my achievements and some of my friends were major factors in my sensing light.  Others, more than I knew at the time, were edging me away from the light.  In important and long-lasting ways, choices I made to satisfy my desires for companionship and a sense of recognition were taking me either toward or away from the light to guide my path."

I think this information is so important for you staying on your desired path when you get home.  The people that surround you influence you... no doubt.  So be selective and choose only the best people to spend your time with.  If you follow this council, you will stay strong when you get home.

I love you so much sweetie!  I cannot wait to hear about your week!  Of course you know that you are in my prayers and our family prayers every day.  Many times.  Our love is with you always.  You are the world to me!

Have the most wonderful week!

I love you! 

Mom