To my dear family,
A bit of a rough week. But still with countless smiles. A funny note before I forget: On Tuesday after district meeting I was talking to an elder in my zone who is from Spain. Toward the end of our conversation he put his arm around me and said, "Have you ever thought about living in Spain." I told him that South America seemed more likely. Then he responded, "And you know what all the South Americans do? Immigrate to Spain." It made me laugh and it was nice that he thought I'd be able to survive over there.
Wednesday night we sat down with a man on his porch for a lesson. His 9-yr-old niece ran outside as well to hear from the "church guys." As we started she asked me for one of our books, so I told her it was my favorite book, and that it is true, and that if she reads it she will feel closer to good. She promised me she'd read it. We weren't far into teaching when she poked me a said, "I believe in God, and in Jesus Christ, and in Mary." The first two points of her belief were so cute to hear, and I corrected her misunderstanding about the third. She hung on to every word I was saying as I answered other questions she shared and I felt the power of simple truths simply stated. It was a really neat moment that was a little out of the norm but spiritually strong.
General Conference was fountain of inspiration and spiritual promptings. I loved it! When I was younger it always felt that conference lasted forever, and now it seems to go by so quickly. What impressed me the most was how strongly the Spirit could be felt throughout the sessions. There is so much truth taught and testified. I'm not sure the best way to word it other than that by yesterday afternoon I just felt so drenched and heavy from the water of the spiritual fire hydrant. President Monson seemed to speak to me a little more than normal. I felt new meaning in his oft-repeated phrase "Do your duty, that is best. Leave to the Lord all the rest." We had a lot of lessons cancel on us this week, and I feel that after we reach the point of having given our all, there's nothing we can do but put it in the Lord's hands. Doctrine and Covenants 123:17 says that as well. I have recently also pondered what it means to have a prophet on the earth today. I want others to appreciate that wonderful truth and to help them recognize the significance. I feel that this weekend that prophet has lifted me, inspired me, comforted me, and taught me. To the question "Why do we need a prophet?" I just want to ask "Why don't you want a prophet?!" He really does speak for God and will show us the way back home. He is a modern example of the person we should seek to become.
I'm praying for you Ben, que te mejores pronto. Looking forward to your letter, Jess. Have fun with your scrapbook, Mom :) Best of luck in school and in your callings everyone. I love you all. May you find strength and comfort in the words of living prophets and hope and rest in the Savior Jesus Christ.

Elder Joshua Gathro