Sorry for any who haven't been able to find an interpretation to my Spanish in some of these emails. I hoped that Google Translate would be your aid in learning a word or two, but my Spanish is probably too poor for Google Translate to recognize. The opening line says "Good morning to all."
Well we finally got our car back yesterday morning so we were on bikes all of last week. And Ben, you were right. Tengo que comprar llantas con kevlar (I have to buy kevlar tires.) I had a flat every day last week. And while it was annoying to replace the tube tan frecuentemente (so frequently), it was una oportunidad para ver el mano del Senor en la obra (an opportunity to see the hand of the Lord in the work.) Friday night my tire went flat and we were probably 5 miles from home. After saying a prayer, making some calls, and walking half that distance, an English member noticed us walking our bikes and pulled over. When he saw that my tire was flat, he said, "Let me drive home real quick and get my truck to drive you elders home. I'll be right back." We were planning on having to walk home, then call a member of the Spanish branch to drive us to Walmart for a replacement tube. But when the member came back with his truck he said, "Hey what size is your tire? I've had this tube in my garage for years and always felt like I should keep it." It was the right size. He was an angel for us when we needed one. (Hebrews 13:2)
I realized this week that the mission really is a time of self-discovery. It turns out I'm a fan of creamy peanut butter, cocoa-rich chocolate milk, and bread that compresses on itself just slightly when bitten into. I hope that can catch that visual :)
I read this week a line from PMG that I wanted to share. On page 189 it says, the best way for an active latter-day saint to help recent converts in the church is to be their friend. I always appreciate statements that help us now that most effective way to help or improve. I also stumbled on the scripture 3 Nephi 18:32. If any of you are struggling to help less active members, or friends who seem reluctant to learn more about the Gospel, I hope that verse helps. We do not know what it will take to help others establish their connection with heaven and experience the joy of the Gospel, but our efforts are never wasted. God delights in blessing those who serve Him, and He will reward us for our diligent service and love.
Speaking of love, I found a quote this week that I would have to say is now my favorite dicho (quote). President Joseph F. Smith said, "Charity, or love, is the greatest principle in existence. If we can lend a helping hand to the oppressed, if we can aid those who are despondent and in sorrow, if we can uplift and ameliorate the condition of mankind, it is our mission to do it, it is an essential part of our religion to do it." May we let love be the motive for all we do. Only then will we truly come to be like the Master.
With move love for each of you,
Elder Joshua Gathro
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