November 28, 2016 - From Mom

Hola my Elder G!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxoxox

mom

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

November 21, 2016 - From Sam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 21, 2016 - From Mom

Hello sunshine! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 14, 2016 - From Sam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a fantastic week! With love always

Elder Gurksnis

November 13, 2016 - From Mom

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

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

What happened with changes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxo

mom

November 7, 2016 - From Mom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xoxoxoxox

mom

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