NOV_20_17_GROUP_LEW_Week of November 20, 2017

 Hey Everybody!!

It's that time of year again. THANKSGIVING. Are yinz excited?? I could not be MORE STOKED. I have so much to be grateful for. First and foremost?? This awesome opportunity that I have to be a missionary in Pennsylvania. The people that I've met... they're just amazing. Unforgettable. Stupendous. I can't think of an adjective adequate enough to describe all of them. 

I'm also just so grateful for my family. I've had the opportunity to post (almost) every day on Facebook things that I'm grateful for. Coming up with my first post was not difficult AT ALL. Families truly are ordained of God. This gospel has blessed me and my family so much. I love them to death. And BEYOND. That's right. Families are FOREVER. That's one of the biggest, most comforting pieces of knowledge that this gospel brings. I love them so much.

I'm also grateful for each of you. If you've been receiving these weekly emails, it means that you've made a substantial impact on my life. You've done nothing but show me love and support, despite all of the lame mistakes I've made. You guys mean the world to me. Whether you're someone from my home ward, my favorite economics teacher, a college friend, a high school friend, a BEST friend, a member of my MTC district, or a former companion. Yinz are the REAL MVP's. I love each of you so much. 

I keep a piece of paper over my desk that outlines exactly WHY I'm here on  a mission. When it comes down to it, there's lots of reasons. But the biggest one? This gospel brings HAPPINESS. This gospel brings JOY. This gospel brings BLESSINGS. When I take a second to step back, and look at all of the blessings I've received, I realize that they're all there because of this gospel. And you know what? That's pretty amazing. This gospel is true.

Elder Payne and I had a pretty cool experience this last Thursday.

We have been meeting with an investigator, Brian, fairly frequently for the past couple of months. We have not been able to meet with him recently due to various familial circumstances. The other night, one of our lessons fell through, and we were debating what we should do. Elder Payne suggested we walk on the main street for a little while before heading back to our apartment for the night. We did, and there was no one on the street. Several times, we debated whether we should head back or try something different. But we kept going. And sure enough, just as we were ready to turn back, we see Brian, chilling next to a convenience store. We were able to have a really good conversation with him, catch up with him, you know?? We asked him how his Book of Mormon reading has been going, and he said that he had read a few chapters. Then, he proceeded to tell us that he had knelt by his bed the night before, and ASKED God if the Book of Mormon was true. He said that received a gradual confirmation, a feeling telling him that it WAS. HALLELUJAH. 

Then he messaged us on Facebook yesterday and told us that he's continued to read from the Book of Mormon, and is now in 1 Nephi 10. NICE. We have a lesson with him tomorrow. It's so awesome to see someone who sincerely wants to change, and is willing to do those things necessary to receive a testimony of this gospel. Prayers for Brian and my other investigators would be awesome!!

I hope you all have an awesome Thanksgiving!! Love you!!

Elder Gonzales

1)When a 5 year old puts a pilot hat on you, you can't help but take a picture.

2) No pressure, Elder Payne.