DEC_18_17_GROUP_GBRG

 Hello Everybody!!

Wow. Where to even begin?? This week has just been pure INSANITY. I guess the biggest news is that I'M NOT IN LEWISBERRY ANYMORE. It's just SO WEIRD. I can't believe there's more to Pennsylvania than just the small town of New Cumberland, but apparently there is. I'm here in Greensburg, and I could not be MORE excited. But at the same time, it's scary. I don't know anybody here, I don't know where I'm going. But I know that the Lord will help me throughout this entire transition. He helped me when I was in Lewisberry. I know he'll do it here too. Because he's the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever, right?? Thank goodness for that.

Elder Lin, my new companion, is a STUD. He just came here from Taiwan, but his English is already WAY better than I expected. The dude doesn't give himself enough credit. For only being here for 4 months, his English is GREAT. But he still doesn't like talking to other people, for fear of making a mistake. We'll have to work on that. He has such a strong desire to serve, and to improve, I love it. I think we'll get along just fine. 

Of course, earlier in the week was filled with a lot of goodbyes. I didn't cry at all, which was a major accomplishment on my part. I loved Lewisberry so much. That was a PERFECT place for me to start. I've had the opportunity to just reflect on my time there. I had some dang good companions, and some great investigators and recent converts. I was able to watch Stephanie and Tyler be married and enter the waters of baptism on the SAME DAY. Then, shortly after, their son Jadyn joined the church as well. Not only that, but I was blessed to meet Carolina, and to introduce the church to her. Hers is a story that is unprecedented, and I wouldn't doubt that you'll all hear it in General Conference one of these days.

I was able to teach Cheryl, and see her change and grow as she obeyed the tenets of the restored gospel. Later, I met Carlos, and was able to develop a friendship with him that will traverse lifetimes. One of my proudest moments?? Being able to pass the Sacrament right alongside him. It's been amazing to watch his life change as he has received the restored gospel. He's just SO HAPPY all the time, it's great. Every time something potentially troubling happens to him, he tells us, "I'm baptized, I'm good." It's HILARIOUS.

I left so many other people in Lewisberry. The LaFountain family, for one. They're amazing. The Kauffman's, Joe, Tony, EVERONE. I'm gonna miss them. But I know they're in good hands with Elder Payne and Elder Nuttall.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love my mission. I love these people. I know that the gospel brings incomparable happiness. I've seen it in my life, and in the lives of those I've taught. I'm so happy to be here in Irwin/Greensburg and help bring that happiness to others. 

I accidentally forgot to put the apartment number when I sent my address out last week!! For future reference, my address is:

617 Cabin Hill Dr. Apt. A6

Greensburg, PA 15601

I love you guys!!

Elder Gonzales

1) 6 MONTHS IN, gotta burn a tie. Elder Payne helped me with the lighter, cuz I'm a helpless child.

2) Ain't nothing like the Harrisburg skyline.

3) Last district picture. Love these guys to death. 

4) The LaFountains. One of the closest, awesomest families you'll ever meet.

5) Last picture with Carlos and Brian (investigator).

6) Elder Lin and I, doing what missionaries do best!!