AUG_7_17_GROUP_LEW

 Hey Everyone!! 

I hope you're all doing amazing!! It's FINALLY starting to cool down here in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, thank GOODNESS. Biking around everywhere isn't as much of a chore as it used to be. I really hope this cool breeze sticks around for a while. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts. 

I've been thinking a lot about WHY I'm out here on a mission. Like seriously, why did I decide to leave my family and my friends for TWO years to come to Pennsylvania, with its overpopulation of mosquitoes and crazy humidity?? I'm telling you, being a missionary is NOT easy by any means. We have to deal with rude people who call us names from their cars. We have to deal with the physical exhaustion of waking up at 6:30 every morning. We have to deal with people slamming their doors in our faces every day. 

TRANSLATION: We have to deal with A LOT. 

So what is it that keeps me going? Why do I put up with all of this, when I could be chilling at home, watching Netflix and eating my mother's cooking? It's  because I KNOW that this gospel is true. Literally EVERY single good thing that I have in this life is because of Jesus Christ and His church. Because of Him, my family is so close together, and we know that we'll be together forever. Because of Him, I was able to attend the university of my dreams, in a place that supported and strengthened my beliefs. Because of Him, I've met some of my closest friends that I'll stay in touch with my entire life. Are you seeing a pattern here?? Me too. 

I'm out here because of Him. Jesus Christ and His Gospel have blessed me so much in my life. I want others to have the happiness that I have. That's why I'm here. 

Also, missions are pretty fun. So that's an added bonus. 

I love you all!! 

Elder Gonzales 

1)Your eyes do not deceive you. That is me in a teal convertible. All of my childhood dreams have now been fulfilled. 

2)The Ramirez's, a family I taught on exchanges. Gosh dang I love Mexican  families.

3) Yup. A maple and Bacon donut. Baked to order at a place called Duck Donuts. Don't mind if I do. Sorry mom. I'm eating healthy, I promise. 

4)Pure bliss. 

5) The mission President came to our district meeting on Friday. We took a couple of nice pictures, then accidentally took this gem. Enjoy. Doesn't my mission president look AWESOME?? HE'S THE BEST.