Transfer Calls...

Hey family!

Just for starters, I love you all! Like a ton. You're the greatest family I've ever had :) Thank you so much for your support and love and Christlike examples. You each add a lot to the sweet memories I have of growing up and to everything I learned from home. I appreciate you all and pray for you daily. It's great to hear that Thanksgiving was such a blast! Sounds pretty perfect actually. What a blessing! Sorry to hear about Parvo, but he'll be in a better place. Though I'm not sure if Tyler will be in a better place after tomorrow :) Just kidding, but be safe. I'll be praying for him. And yeah, Mom, I'll be in the Christmas name-picking. Thank you for asking.
So this week was pretty amazing. Really stressful at parts but otherwise full of blessings. The biggest news is that Sis B. Johnson was baptized this Saturday and confirmed yesterday. She's an older lady that was being taught by the missionaries in the English ward before we got there, and she's a bit crazy (funny because she's a professor and doctor of mental health), but she's a great lady. After she was baptized she danced her way out of the font. Then after being confirmed, she stood up from the chair and starting singing one of her little jingles to the entire congregation about love and unity for like 20 sec. Everyone was frozen. It was priceless! But I guess it's been done before (Alma 5:26 and Mosiah 18:11).
So, last night I had one of the most spiritual experiences of my life, right up there with the baptism of Abraham and Daisy. Back in April we baptized Maria, a single lady in her 20s, whose mom is an excellent Christian who loves having us come over. She thinks I'm a hoot because I always make her laugh, and we've also had some very spiritual lessons with her before. One night I even had a vivid dream that Maria's mom had decided to be baptized. So for the past several months we've been working with the mom, but she doesn't like making changes at all. Well yesterday after church we went by to see Maria, in case I actually got transferred, and we took some photos, with the mom as well, then I asked to share a scripture. Well the scripture turned into a long discussion. And I kind of struggled a bit, because I knew that she has felt the spirit with us before but we hadn't hit her real concern. Eventually we committed her to ask God if she should get baptized, and to pray with us right there and ask. She didn't want to but we were persistent. It felt really important that she did so. Finally she started into the prayer, and when we said "amen," no one lifted their head or said a word for about 30 seconds. Silent. Then the mom asked us, "What did you feel?" We told her we had felt the Spirit. She said, "I did too. I felt Jesus' presence." It was so powerful. We asked her if she would be baptized. "Yes, but I don't want to pick a date yet." I almost could not believe my ears. I had to ask her again just to make sure I understood. Absolutely amazing. It was a miracle. God felt so close. And it's an even greater blessing when I think about all the time I've spent her working with her and on my last visit with them she received her sign. She is willing to draw closer to Christ. I really can't explain how I feel. It's the greatest feeling ever!
So I kind of hinted at it already, but we got transfer calls last night, and....YES I'm leaving the area! It'll be 11 months tomorrow that I've been here. And actually, President called me last night to tell me but before he did, he said, "Elder Gathro, we want to ask you if you will run for mayor of Chandler?" Haha I might as well. But I'll be leaving on Wednesday for sure, possibly to Yuma. I'll let you know next week where I am. I'm stoked for the next stage of my mission! And my greenie companion is too, because he'll be a trainer. He's kinda freaking out because he doesn't feel like he knows Spanish, but he'll do great. He speaks it pretty well. It's gonna be a fun next transfer :)
Well, that's all I've got. Thanks for everything. I'll send you photos next week. I love you, all! Talk to ya later!

Elder Gathro