AUG_14_17_GROUP_LEW

Hello Everyone!!

First and foremost, I just wanted to thank everybody for the birthday wishes!! Like, seriously. This was one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I mean, it was different. I didn't get a birthday cake or have anybody sing to me. But I got to visit with different people and teach them more about the gospel of Jesus Christ. And two days later, I was able to watch Carolina, one of my first investigators, be baptized. What more could you ask for in a birthday?? That's right. Not much. 

I get to meet SO MANY different people. It's the best part of being on a mission. And also the scariest. There is a woman in our ward (congregation) who is less active. Her name is Sister Diana Zoeller. She served in the army several decades ago, and has received literally every single military recognition that you can think of. The purple heart?? She's got one hanging up on her wall in a glass case. She saved dozens of lives, and is constantly receiving letters in the mail from people that she has saved and inspired. Unfortunately, due to her dedicated military service, she suffers from extreme PTSD. She is unable to sleep at night because, in her words, she "can't see what's coming" at night. A few weeks ago, we visited with her and told her about the importance of prayer and scripture study. She was very receptive, but told us that it's hard for her to read because of her PTSD and lack of sleep. We felt inspired to tell her that if she would show God her faith by praying and reading her scriptures, God would bless her with the ability to have sleep. 

The very next day, she texted us and told us that she had read been striving to pray and read her scriptures, and had slept for 8 hours straight. When I read that text message, I got goosebumps. We visited her again a few days ago, and she told us that she's been reading her Scriptures and praying every single day since then. And she's been sleeping a lot better as well. If that's not a miracle, I don't know WHAT is. Guys, the Lord WANTS to bless us. When we humble ourselves before Him, and ASK Him for help, he will answer. I know that that's true. I've seen it in my own life, and in the lives of those I've been teaching. I love this gospel.

I hope everybody's been having a great week!! Thanks so much for the prayers and support!!

Elder Gonzales 

1) Elder Marcum and I with Carolina. She is the sweetest person you'll ever meet. It has been a genuine pleasure to teach her. Watching her be baptized?? The best feeling EVER.

2) 4 CARDS IN ONE DAY?? I wish I could have a birthday every week lol.

3) Random birthday selfie. Please ignore the disgusting sweat on my forehead.

4) Our district before transfers, along with the Zone Leaders and STL's who happened to the be at that district meeting. I serve with the best missionaries.

5) An old picture of me and Elder Marcum riding in a convertible with the TOP DOWN. I can't get over how fun that was.

6) Hibachi Grill?? Yes please. It turns out crab is the BEST THING EVER. Just In case anybody was wondering.