NOV_13_17_GROUP_LEW_My companion has eaten a grilled cheese sandwich every day for the last month

Hey Everybody!!

I know, I know, it's been a little while since I've sent an email. Lots has happened since I last wrote, but the biggest news?? I'm staying here in Lewisberry for another transfer with Elder Payne!! By the time I leave here in December, I will have been here for a total of 6 months. And you know what?? I could not be MORE HAPPY. I love this place so much. I have grown to love the people here so much, so I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Carlos continues to progress in the gospel at breakneck speed!! He has received the Priesthood and even passed the sacrament this last weeek. It was just SUCH an awesome experience. It was kinda a big deal, because Carlos absolutely HATES  wearing dress shirts and ties, yet he went out and bought one of each just for the occasion. Immediately after the ordinance of the sacrament was done, he went out to his car and changed into a polo and a sweatshirt. It was like the most hilarious thing EVER. Tyler and I were asked to pass the sacrament as well. Being able to pass the sacrament alongside my two recent converts, worthy priesthood holders... it was just.... amazing. I love this gospel.

We also committed Carlos to teach US the Plan of Salvation during our last lesson. He was a little skeptical about it, but accepted the invitation. We were planning on having him take a few minutes at the beginning of the next lesson to briefly go over it... We could not have been more wrong. He went ALL OUT with this lesson. He made a 10 slide PowerPoint presentation about the Plan of Salvation, complete with a clicker and everything!! Right at the very beginning, we were about to ask who he wanted to give the opening prayer, and he just laughed and clicked the clicker. His laptop screen said, "Opening Prayer By Elder Gonzales." I was cracking up like so hardcore, it's not even funny. It was a little hard to begin the lesson after that, but it was a GREAT lesson, complete with Scriptures from the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Teachings of President Kimball. I love this guy to death. He has been so prepared to receive the gospel. Next Stop: The temple!!

Back when I was with Elder Marcum, we had been working with these two teenage girls, Alyssa and Ariel. Their mother, Stephanie, is the kindest woman ever, but has no interest in learning the gospel. However, she was willing to let us teach her children, so that they can formulate their own opinions of God. Our lessons with them have been slow-going, due to school, lack of keeping commitments, etc. But this last week, we had a bit of a breakthrough. Alyssa, the eldest daughter, finally tried praying and she said that she felt like someone was actually listening. We were able to build off of that, and taught them the Restoration again. They seemed to have a good understanding of it, and committed them to read the Book of Mormon every day this week. We've been staying in contact with them, and they've been reading!! This experience has been a witness to me of the power of prayer, and the reaffirmed the knowledge that God IS our Loving Heavenly Father, and he IS there for us. Just talk to HIm. He'll listen. I promise you that.

There's so much more to tell you guys, but I've got so little time. I love you. Thank you so much for the prayers!! I can feel them.

Elder Gonzales

1) I have my own dish at the Local Mexican restaurant. 

2) Last District Picture before transfers. We've got a great district.

3) Carlos just before his Powerpoint

4) I could not stop laughing when I saw this lol

5) That's right. Our District has Halloween balloons. We're the best.

6) I was told before I came out here that Pennsylvania Autumn's are the best. I was NOT dissapointed.