More MTC

Hola Familia,

Thanks for your letter, Mom. And thank you for the emails Erin and Dennis. Carrie and David I'll shoot you a letter today. I didn't know Jessi was taking Driver's Ed but that's terrific that she's doing so well at driving. I like the hike idea, tambien. I hope Ustedes are able to make that happen. Mom it was weird too think about how soon my bike will be out there. I hadn't thought how soon it really is coming. But I'm looking forward to the 12-foot tall cacti :) I haven't gotten the second shot yet but they'll call me in for it next week probably. I'll make sure it happens. Brandon and I haven't contacted each other. Mom, could you send me his mission home address? And has USU granted me residency yet? Thank you.

I've been meaning to tell you all, but there's an elder in my zone who is headed for Jacksonville, Florida! Spanish speaking as well. His name is Elder Evans, a tall stud. Look out for him starting the week right before General Conference.

An elder in my district said this last week: I didn't know the French had a language; I just thought they had snooty laughs. Speaking of languages, I realized this week that everything sounds funnier in Spanish, or at least for a gringo trying to learn that language. Dad, I've started reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish and I'm at 1 Nephi 9, if you want to read along.

That's so cool that you're going to be in a play, Erin! I'm sure you still have you talent. I haven't heard of Fellwarefell, but have fun down there at the Little Theater in San Marco. And Dennis, I'll pass on the tip to Elder Fife, he would appreciate that.

Last Friday my companion and I had to go out into the real world for a doctor's appointment. And it was the neatest feeling to think that while sitting in the waiting area, we were representatives of Jesus Christ. The same thing is true of all members of the Church, but it had a different feel as a set-apart full-time missionary with a name tag that bears His name. Everybody was willing to talk to us too. People just walked up to chat for a minute or two. It was sweet. It's all about the people (Alma 31:34-35)

Last night a sister in my zone shared the analogy in Ether 6:8 of the winds that drove the Brother of Jared and his family to the Promised Land. Sometimes it feels that the winds never cease, for a week, 344 days, or longer. But Father knows where He's directing us. And what He has in store is a land of promise, a place prepared for those who follow him and submit to His will. Elder Jay Jensen came this week and mentioned that he once asked Neal A Maxwell what Christ-like attribute he most desires. Elder Maxwell replied without hesitation, "Submissiveness." If you want a good talk to read, try "As A Child" by President Eyring.

I have a question if anyone is up to the challenge of helping me find the answer. Christ heals us physically, but where is the support for that truth? I know I read it this week in one scripture, but I don't remember where and I don't know where else that can be found. So the question is for anyone, even if you're just reading this on the blog.

One last thought from my studies: 2 Nephi 26:24. Can that first statement be said of all of us?

I found Rachel's and David's birthday mentioned in Alma 14:23.

Mom, could you send a photo of the family? I don't have any photos of anyone but my Brother. And I'm taking a couple photos here every now and again. My camera hasn't had any troubles!

I love you all. Thank you for your prayers. I pray for you as well.

Best of luck in your missionary efforts.

Elder Joshua Gathro.