It's important to go to church on Easter.

Family,
The talk by Bruce R McKonkie that you mentioned, Mom, is one of my favorites. During personal study I was longing for it, and it turned out that my companion had a copy if it, which we read during companion study. So powerful and potent. It was a fantastic Easter. Also, we had the same lesson as you yesterday in elders quorum. The big line that stood out is the same thought you shared: Our decisions become more significant when we realize that we are not waiting for eternal life, we are living an eternal life. It helps me rise above the circumstances of this life and remember my divine nature and potential.
Speaking of Mother's Day, we're actually allowed to Skype home. And here in an English ward it will be much easier to arrange that. Thank you so much for the Easter package. I didn't get it until this morning but it is a nice treat. If you were wondering about the next holiday (May 1), I would really just like to be mailed the CDs "Echoes of the Sabbath" and EFY 2009. I already own them, they're in Jax I think. Also, the CD by Rebecca Lopez that has the Spanish songs "Como barro en Sus manos" and "Como un rio" would be nice. It's half Spanish, half English I think. That or some Spanish scripture cases. Tyler knows what works.
En todos modos, a fantastic week! We got a call on Wednesday from a member in my companion's old area who told us that her friend who lives in Chandler wanted to meet with us on Thursday. It was awesome, she is way interested, came to church, and by yesterday had already read 10 chapters in the Book of Mormon. Referrals from the Mesa Temple Easter Pageant have kept us busy this week as well. So far none of the contacts have yielded much but some are still promising. We actually had the chance to go the pageant this week ourselves and it was magnificent. Thousands of people and hundreds of actors and overall a great performance. We went with a member couple who brought their friend. Their friend has increasing interest so good things lie ahead.
My younger companion has had a really rough time so far on his mission. But this week his attitude has really improved and we're laughing and having fun throughout the day. He is a great missionary from Orem, UT, awaiting his visa for Monterrey, Mexico. Did I tell you that already? My other companion is from Meridian, ID and we are getting along great as well. The trio is fun, a little awkward still in lessons but it has been a blessing for me for sure.
Really quickly- We met up with one of our investigators this week who was obviously high and had been "burnin the Buddha" in his words. Then that night we got a call from another investigator at 9:50pm who was drunk on the phone. I asked him how he was feeling in an effort to help him realize the foolishness of his decision but he just said, "I feel good." We have work ahead of us :) Also, we met a Mexican version of Dick Van Dyke with the classic laugh.
Sorry I can't share more. But I love you all and wish Dad a happy birthday. To Jessi, yes I do feel the Spirit often, and you probably are more than you realize. Elder Holland told us in the MTC that one of the best ways to have the Spirit is to not lose Him. Be mindful of activities that would drive him away. Pray and study and serve others. Have a wonderful week!!

Elder Joshua Gathro