My 3rd Area!

Family!

Whoa, what a change! I don't know if you got the letter from President Howes yet but in case you didn't, I'm now serving as a zone leader. And even cooler, my current companion is actually the same elder who trained me when I was a greenie. He's a much better companion this time around, which is probably just because my attitude and perspective is more mature compared to a year ago. This is his last transfer before he goes home, so he'll have to train me how to be a zone leader before he ends his mission. And we'll be spending Christmas together again. I'm excited for the transfer!
There are some really good pockets of Hispanics here which is fun. The members have had bad experiences with missionaries in the past so we're trying to build up the trust and I was doing my best yesterday to greet everyone and make a good impression. I told everyone at the pulpit that because my last name sounds like "gato" that they could call me Elder Gato (Elder Cat), which they all loved. And they already tell me that I have good Spanish. Hopefully I can make a difference here. And weirdly enough, this could be my last area if it's anything like the time I spent in my first area.
So I'm still adjusting to the area and catching on to locations and names, and I don't have a whole lot of stories yet. BUT, last night we had a pretty cool experience. While walking through an apartment complex we started offered to help a young guy with some groceries from his car. We actually let us help, and even invited us to eat dinner with him. We respectfully declined but he invited us into his house either way so we went up and met his fiance and 11-mo-old baby as well. At first we were a little weary of the guy because he seemed unusually friendly for a street contact. But it turns out that his soon-to-be-wife has a best friend who's Mormon, and she has been thinking about converting but wants to get her life in order before getting too involved. We asked more about their family, experiences at church, testified of how the Gospel blesses families, and they agreed to have the English elders stop by. After the visit we passed the referral off and the other elders gave the family a call and set up an appointment for Wednesday. It was a miracle contact and a family that seems really promising. I know that God's hand is in this work. He's closer than we think He is. And He will help us. I'm excited for the Christmas season as more people will be thinking on Christ. I hope each of you may feel closer to Him as well. I love you all!

Elder Gathro