November 21, 2016 - From Mom

Hello sunshine! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 14, 2016 - From Sam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a fantastic week! With love always

Elder Gurksnis

November 13, 2016 - From Mom

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

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

What happened with changes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxo

mom

November 7, 2016 - From Mom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxoxoxox

mom

October 31, 2016 - From Sam

3 months down shawty 9 to go what it do whas hatnin. 

I also heard my Boys have won 6 in a row. Apparently the cowboys only win when i leave the friggin country because last time i left they went 13 and 3 and now theyre rolling again so ill just stay here if thats what it takes for them to get a ring!

Great week of work. For whatever reason in Guatemala its just really hard to teach full complete families cause normally one is interested and another not so much or whatever the case may be. But this week for the first time we had an entire family of 5 in sacrament meeting (La Familia Argeta). Theyre honestly progressing amazingly and theyre kids are awesome as well. That was an amazing blessing. 

We also taught the Gomez family this week. I wrote about them a while back but we had a lesson with them with my old companion that didnt go so great and so we hadnt visited them for a while. They were more or less contending a bit with us and it just wasnt our best lesson. We had a lesson with them Friday... all week I had been thinking about what we were going to teach them. They basically struggle with the Book of Mormon and that we claim to have the priesthood so i was just thinking what chapter can we read with them or what can we teach to help them with the Book of Mormon. But I just had a strong spiritual prompting every day that we needed to teach them about Sealings in the temple and how families can be forever even though wed already mentioned it. I kept it in the back of my head until Friday morning I finally accepted the prompting. 

The lesson was maybe the best lesson Ive had in my mission. The spirit was so strong I can truly say my skin was like hot and had goosebumps the entire time. Their attitude toward the church had completely changed. Their walls were let down and they finally accepted that this could actually be the truth! They committed to finally pray about what we had taught them, for they have read a few parts of the Book of Mormon but have never prayed about it. 

My first day in this second mission i made a few goals and my first goal was to baptise an entire family that I can come back to Guatemala to see them sealed in the temple. After their first lesson about 7 weeks ago I had a dream where I saw that page I had written on and a picture of them next to the writing. I was sure it was Heavenly Father trying to tell me to not give up on this family even though they seemed somewhat rough at first for lack of a better word. I had forgotten about it honestly until that lesson. 

Im so grateful that I have the knowledge that my family is forever and I can live with them for eternity. It is one of the greatest blessings of the gospel. I know it is true and how important it is to live worthily to be able to enter into the temple to complete that sacred ordinance.

Love you alll and have a wonderful week!

Elder Gurksnis

October 30, 2016 - From Mom

First of all... let me just say I had a pretty great costume for Trunk or Treat this year.  Do you get it?:)  You may not know but Hillary is famous for her "pant suits" so I gave her a prison issued pant suit. LOL.  And speaking of all this, I did vote this week.  Early voting.  It was very tough to do and I think I threw up in my mouth a little.  But I'm just being prayerful that Heavenly Father watches over our country.  By the way, I sat with Jason Steed (our ward Democrat) for dinner at the trunk or treat so we had a good laugh about my costume.  At least he was a good sport.

This week has been a little bit tough but I would say it ended well.  Abby is still struggling with depression.  We changed her medication and are looking for a new counselor.  I think the change of medication seems to be working a little.  She has been having a hard time focusing on her school work and anything really.  She spends so much energy trying to stay positive that it is really draining for her to do much else.  She has good days but the bad days are pretty hard.  But I think by Sunday night, I started noticing some improvement.  We will see.  It is something I never expected and is so difficult to watch her struggle.  You think when someone suffers from depression, you can get them help and all will be better.  But it really doesn't work like that.  Sometimes I guess you need to keep trying things and see what works.  It's a lot of trial and error.  She hides it pretty well so most people don't know anything about it.  But with me she lets her guard down sometimes and it makes me so sad to know how she feels.  Please don't worry... we are doing all we can to take care of her.  Just please keep her in your prayers.  And don't let her know I've told you this.  She is embarrassed by it and DOES NOT want to talk about it.  

We are still having hot weather! UGH!  Tomorrow is November and it is actually supposed to be finally cooling down.  I can't wait for some fall weather.  My very favorite time of year!  It looks like you are coming out of your rainy season.  When I look at my weather app for Guatemala City, usually every day shows rain! But now I'm seeing some cloudy days and actually some sunny days!  Yay!  Is it getting better?

Tomorrow you have been gone 3 months!  How are you feeling?  I remember it was about at the 4 month mark the last time you were out that you seemed to be dealing with homesickness better.  Are you getting there?  I pray everyday that you will feel our love but that it won't make you homesick.  I just want you to feel the love of our family and our savior and that it gives you comfort and support.  I hope you are having success but that you don't get discouraged when you feel like the work is going slower than you hoped.  Keep working.  Keep the faith.  Keep being obedient.  The blessings have come, and more will come.

I was studying Alma 58 this week and I thought of a theme for it that I wanted to pass on to you.  The message is:  "Be brave and trust a while longer and the benefits will be worth it."  Sometimes things we desire, even righteous desires, take much longer than we want.  In this chapter, Helaman and his army is greatly out numbered and he is trying to hide out and wait for back up and provisions before he goes into battle.  All the while they are watching the Lamanites get more provisions, get stronger, and plan their strategy to defeat Helaman.  After months of waiting and almost dying of hunger, provisions did arrive with 2000 more men (which was a drop in the bucket because they were so outnumbered).  Here is what he says starting in verse 9:

9 And now the cause of these our embarrassments, or the cause why they did not send more strength unto us, we knew not; therefore we were grieved and also filled with fear, lest by any means the judgments of God should come upon our land, to our overthrow and utter destruction.

 10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.

 11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

They were "grieved and filled with fear" but when they poured out their souls in prayer they received: 1. assurances that they would be delivered, 2. peace to their souls 3. great faith and 4. hope.  They did not defeat their enemy immediately as they would want to.  But while they waited on that promise, they were blessed greatly.  President Eyring said this, "Delayed blessings will build your faith in God to work, and wait, for him. The scriptures aren’t demeaning when they command, “Wait upon the Lord.” That means both service and patience. And that will build your faith. It may help you to watch both for the chance to smile and the blessings around you on the way.”

I hope that message gives you encouragement the way it did for me.  I'm so proud of you, my hero!  You know that I am amazed at your character, hard work, faith and obedience.  You are such an example to our family.  I'm so grateful for all you are doing and so happy for how it will shape you into the man our Heavenly Father designed you, His son, to be.  

Let me also say, last week I gave you some things to think about as you consider when to return home.  I want to reiterate that these are only things to consider but I still hope you will take the matter to the Lord and receive your own answer.  Don't assume you know what he wants you to do.  Come up with your own answer and then pray to ask if it is right.  And again, I don't think  you need to stress about it now.  You have plenty of time to think about it.

I love you so much Sam!  You are so missed here at home but we feel your faith here.  It makes us all stronger and better.  I hope you are having a wonderful week!  Tell me everything!  Do they celebrate any kind of halloween there?  

Please be safe.  Follow the promptings of the spirit and know how much I love you!  I'm always with you my son!  

Infinity + infinity

mom

October 24, 2016 - From Sam

Some up and downs this week. The best part was that Estuardo was baptised on Friday and it went great. Hes seriously converted to the gospel and is already planning to serve a mission. Incredible!

The rough part was it seemed these last few days all of our appointments were falling through and every door we knocked seemed to shut fairly quickly. One lady in particular saw us and started screaming ¨Oh no ones home! No ones home!¨ Wagging her finger in my face and shared a little bit of spit on my nose lol. She opened the door and as she opened the door holy crap I think I counted literally 27 cats in her house. They all attempted to leave as soon as she opened the door. She kicked em all back in and shut the door behind her as she left to go buy bread from another lady in the street. But the door was left cracked. 

It started to open and I noticed and saw all the cats about to get out so I shoved the cats back in the house and tried to shut the door. She turned around and saw me with my foot in the door and hand on the handle and assumed I was trying to enter into her house uninvited...Oh boy. What a scene. This lady just screamed and screamed and cussed and cussed at me. 

I attempted to explain that I was trying to help her and not let her cats out but she literally turned her back to me and started talking to some other lady in the neighborhood and pretended not to hear me. After realizing this chick doesnt care just wants to cause a scene against the Mormons I reached in my pocket and said, ¨Can I atleast offer you a small card with a picture of Jesus Christ?¨ I will fully admit that although it may not have appeared to be, it was my snarky sarcastic way of messing with her after causing that scene ;) lol

While I wanted to say oh sooooooooooo many things to that ¨playa¨ (Those who know a little bit of spanish will get that joke lol) I refrained. I think toward the end she did realize that I was trying to help her because of the manner I was speaking to her but her pride just wouldnt let her admit it. 

I immediately thought of the scripture, 

¨And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.¨ Matthew 10:14

I know the Lord is with us. I feel His presence every day. I know this is His work. When something like that happens or a door is slammed in our face I always think of Jesus on the cross saying, ¨Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.¨ 

There is nothing one can do except press forward. My companion and I wanted to just go home after that because we were both fairly sad and upset, but we kept knocking doors until finally the last one of the night opened up. It was a non member with a cousin in the mission who was super happy to see us. We shared the Restoration with him and it was incredibly spiritual. He is now progressing and a solid investigator. I know that would not have happened had we decided to give up and go home. 

I love the Lord and I love HIs work. Im grateful for the miracles I see every day. I hope you all have a good week! 

Love you all,

Elder Gurksnis