Family,
Haha I am finally back to normal! My Sore Eyes are gone! I AM CLEANED! and I didn't have to wash 7 times in the river....haha bible joke? Yeah not funny...my humor has died while I've been here....I suppose some of you maybe rejoicing....or some quietly asking if I even used to have good humor. But what's important is that I absolutely love my life, I have an amazing family I would die for, and I love the Lord and being his servant even If I have to wake up at 6:30am and teach till 9:00pm. This has been a productive week and the time that Elder Diosos and I have together are drawing to an end.. Next week we'll get the transfer emails, and i'll probably be leaving October 8th. I'm going to be leaving a lot of people that I really care about here, leaving an amazing zone, and leaving the best area of my mission with the best companion. But I am not sad....I miss change I miss feeling uncomfortable and new. It will be interesting where I go. I'm hoping and betting that I'll be going to Lopez with my buddy Trebes...we'll see! So update on the package...haven't gotten in yet because it's still in Alaminos and that's 3 hours away....and we aren't allowed to leave Batangas on Pday, I'll for sure get it on Transfer day...We're (sister Smith) stoked for the delicious food you sent! :) I don't have too many good stories...but I know tonight I'm probably going to cry...the whole Batangas zone except for 2 elders who hate to hang out with us because they are....they are just elders...are together in Nasugbu for the last time and we are going to the house of one of my favorite members in my whole mission. Nanay Asia...and we're having an F.H.E. (Family Home Evening) basically we are going to have fun, eat food, then share our testimonies and say bye to Sister Pajo....she was with me in Marinduque and I've been here DL for the past 6 months haha she leaves this week. I can't tell you how sad it will make me when I say bye to the members and missionaries in this zone....so I won't think about it. I'll just keep working hard, praying even harder, and love these people and the Lord will all my heart...also I'll eat less rice and work out every morning..
So when you shared your story about Zach driving it freaked me out....why is he driving? haha absolutely crazy....but now I think he knows how much it sucks to pay for gas. I'd pay anything just to hang out him for a night and tell him my secrets and just give him a big hug....well 9 months na lang! Regarding Tiffany! way to go! I'm proud of you! Keep it up! Jessica :*( hope your knee feels better...the best remedy for pain is to not complain keep your mouth shut and pray that it doesn't hurt so much...and just remember that it will feel better when it stops hurting. <---see bad humor...example #2 . I love that you are having a ton of parties at the house I can't wait to get my dance and drink on (by drink I imply Non-Caffeinated Soft drinks, or Milk..haha although it maybe alluding to alcohol haha ;) ---example #3 bad humor.
I want to thank you so much for this wonderful experience you've given me Family, I've truly learned for myself here through trials and afflictions how important family is, who God really is, and my role in the eternities. and although I don't think I am adequately called or prepared for this calling...I'm trying my best and repenting everyday. This are truly the best days of my life and I have no one to thank but you! MAN I LOVE YOU GUYS AND MISS YOU
p.s. I am in an incredible good mood nothing I would change...except that Mom would come visit and work with us!
Your Son,
JOSH! ELDER GONZALEZ AUSTIN
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
September 21, 2010
Family,
Thanks so much for the awesome email you sent it was way good and cheered me up! This week has been one that has tried my faith for sure...but I've seem to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. I hate that feeling I get of inadequacy sometimes here in the mission field, I hate that I feel I could be doing better than I am right now...but at the same time I am grateful..I'm grateful for the Atonement and how I through His help I can improve myself with some hard work and discipline. This week my companion and I got sick, to be honest we got Sore Eyes and weren't able to work for 3-4 days this week. Every time we tried to work we got told to leave because of our sickness is contagious daw. All we could do was sit at home and all I did was think of you and how much I miss working and teaching. It really sucks when you feel you could be doing so much more. Well it's now the 6th day and they are still red, but the pain is gone...I'm hoping this week the blood will leave and I wont have to wear sunglasses when I teach haha as cool as I look walking around with glasses and scaring little kids with vampire noises when I take them off...I just want to get back to work. I'm sorry you gotta lay people off this week, I know thats always been really hard for you...I'll remember to say a prayer for you...and I'm really happy you are still going to missionary week thats so wonderful! I love you guys so much, I love the Gospel, I love the Lord more than anything and I am trying to be a faithful servent despite my weaknesses, the Church is true and I am so grateful I get to teach my filipino brothers and sisters here...even though I'm easily annoyed when they yell "Hey Joe" Patience! PRAY FOR PATIENCE!
I love you so much,
Love,
Elder Gonzalez
p.s. 10 months na lang...i cannot even believe that whaaaaaaaat?only 7 more transfers....i leave calaca on October 8th...and I'm going to cry like a big fat baby..
Thanks so much for the awesome email you sent it was way good and cheered me up! This week has been one that has tried my faith for sure...but I've seem to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. I hate that feeling I get of inadequacy sometimes here in the mission field, I hate that I feel I could be doing better than I am right now...but at the same time I am grateful..I'm grateful for the Atonement and how I through His help I can improve myself with some hard work and discipline. This week my companion and I got sick, to be honest we got Sore Eyes and weren't able to work for 3-4 days this week. Every time we tried to work we got told to leave because of our sickness is contagious daw. All we could do was sit at home and all I did was think of you and how much I miss working and teaching. It really sucks when you feel you could be doing so much more. Well it's now the 6th day and they are still red, but the pain is gone...I'm hoping this week the blood will leave and I wont have to wear sunglasses when I teach haha as cool as I look walking around with glasses and scaring little kids with vampire noises when I take them off...I just want to get back to work. I'm sorry you gotta lay people off this week, I know thats always been really hard for you...I'll remember to say a prayer for you...and I'm really happy you are still going to missionary week thats so wonderful! I love you guys so much, I love the Gospel, I love the Lord more than anything and I am trying to be a faithful servent despite my weaknesses, the Church is true and I am so grateful I get to teach my filipino brothers and sisters here...even though I'm easily annoyed when they yell "Hey Joe" Patience! PRAY FOR PATIENCE!
I love you so much,
Love,
Elder Gonzalez
p.s. 10 months na lang...i cannot even believe that whaaaaaaaat?only 7 more transfers....i leave calaca on October 8th...and I'm going to cry like a big fat baby..
Monday, September 13, 2010
September 13, 2010
Family,
This week has been absolutely extraordinary and hectic at the same time. So to answer your questions yeah I just got your money that you sent over so THANKS! we needed it ha-ha its Dioso's birthday soon and I'm going to find him a gift here at SM today. Last Saturday Dioso had his first baptism in his mission! We baptized Ludi! She's this wonderful lady who I feel it's a miracle she made it to the waters of baptism. So last transfer when we went to Manila, I talked to Elder Lopez on the trip and he told me about a contact he made over in my area a while back and told me I better go try and find her. When I talked to my companion Elder Painagan he said there’s no hope. Well, I decided we'd try one more time. The problem was she has never gone to church in the 3 years she's been taught by the missionaries, but has a killer testimony of the Church and the Book of Mormon. We had a few trials and bumps on the way, to the point I felt like knocking her "Live in" partner out when I saw her covered in bruises. Well, after encouraging her and motivated and of course the Spirit bearing witness, she ended the relationship, repented, and has been going to church every week even when church is over an hour away in Nasugbu. It has been such a life changing experience for me to see the joy and change in her life now...my feelings are indescribable and I love it. So last week, the hectic part came. She talked to my companion Dioso while I was working in Balayan with Elder Centeno about how her ex-live in partner is pressuring her to get back together, to the point that he called his family to come and talk with her. So almost every night last week the family of her ex-partner has been out her house begging for them to get back together...pretty pathetic if you ask me. There is absolutely no reason for a man to put his hand on a woman. So what happen was she didn't give them an answer but said "I need to talk to the Elders about it". When we came back the following day, I heard about it all so we went to the church and had a long conversation. I basically told her if she were to get back with him she wouldn't be able to be baptized this Saturday or for awhile. In the Philippines there is no divorce so it's really hard to not break the law of chastity here. So what the church has done is if they can prove and the Mission President advises, they can get baptized even though they are still living with each other, but they cannot receive the priesthood or enter the temple. It’s a fairly good solution...It's a lot better than the Church lobbying for Divorce here in the Philippines that wouldn't look to good now would it and I'm sure our enemies here would love that to happen. So when we were talking I decided to have the pre-interview were its a serious discussion and we talk about things that she's done in her past. Well a concern came up and when she said it, I'll admit my faith was weak...I looked at Dioso and I was in complete shock! The baptism was scheduled for the following day and I knew in my heart there’s no way she could be baptized! So after the interview I spent from 4:00pm-8:30pm trying to get and contact the mission president...but 1. Communication sucks in this country if you don't have a personal cell phone, 2. President got a new #. and 3. The cell phone I used the girl had to go home. So Friday night I didn't even talk to Pres. Saturday morning the AP's showed up with the ZL's and I told em what came up called president and he cleared the baptism it was awesome! We went and interviewed her she passed and later that day was baptized! I cannot even begin to describe how much of a help the members were! It was by far the best baptism I have had and Dioso loved it! The spirit was so strong...I love this work and know that it’s true. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a tool(ha-ha I'm sure some people said I was tool even back then! SO S1ck BRO SRH) in the hands of God. The joy I found here is indescribable. Family thank you so much for this opportunity you've given me. Thank you so much for what happened at 9:30pm ;) ha-ha! I love you guys so much! Stay safe and know that I love you!
Your Son,
Josh
This week has been absolutely extraordinary and hectic at the same time. So to answer your questions yeah I just got your money that you sent over so THANKS! we needed it ha-ha its Dioso's birthday soon and I'm going to find him a gift here at SM today. Last Saturday Dioso had his first baptism in his mission! We baptized Ludi! She's this wonderful lady who I feel it's a miracle she made it to the waters of baptism. So last transfer when we went to Manila, I talked to Elder Lopez on the trip and he told me about a contact he made over in my area a while back and told me I better go try and find her. When I talked to my companion Elder Painagan he said there’s no hope. Well, I decided we'd try one more time. The problem was she has never gone to church in the 3 years she's been taught by the missionaries, but has a killer testimony of the Church and the Book of Mormon. We had a few trials and bumps on the way, to the point I felt like knocking her "Live in" partner out when I saw her covered in bruises. Well, after encouraging her and motivated and of course the Spirit bearing witness, she ended the relationship, repented, and has been going to church every week even when church is over an hour away in Nasugbu. It has been such a life changing experience for me to see the joy and change in her life now...my feelings are indescribable and I love it. So last week, the hectic part came. She talked to my companion Dioso while I was working in Balayan with Elder Centeno about how her ex-live in partner is pressuring her to get back together, to the point that he called his family to come and talk with her. So almost every night last week the family of her ex-partner has been out her house begging for them to get back together...pretty pathetic if you ask me. There is absolutely no reason for a man to put his hand on a woman. So what happen was she didn't give them an answer but said "I need to talk to the Elders about it". When we came back the following day, I heard about it all so we went to the church and had a long conversation. I basically told her if she were to get back with him she wouldn't be able to be baptized this Saturday or for awhile. In the Philippines there is no divorce so it's really hard to not break the law of chastity here. So what the church has done is if they can prove and the Mission President advises, they can get baptized even though they are still living with each other, but they cannot receive the priesthood or enter the temple. It’s a fairly good solution...It's a lot better than the Church lobbying for Divorce here in the Philippines that wouldn't look to good now would it and I'm sure our enemies here would love that to happen. So when we were talking I decided to have the pre-interview were its a serious discussion and we talk about things that she's done in her past. Well a concern came up and when she said it, I'll admit my faith was weak...I looked at Dioso and I was in complete shock! The baptism was scheduled for the following day and I knew in my heart there’s no way she could be baptized! So after the interview I spent from 4:00pm-8:30pm trying to get and contact the mission president...but 1. Communication sucks in this country if you don't have a personal cell phone, 2. President got a new #. and 3. The cell phone I used the girl had to go home. So Friday night I didn't even talk to Pres. Saturday morning the AP's showed up with the ZL's and I told em what came up called president and he cleared the baptism it was awesome! We went and interviewed her she passed and later that day was baptized! I cannot even begin to describe how much of a help the members were! It was by far the best baptism I have had and Dioso loved it! The spirit was so strong...I love this work and know that it’s true. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a tool(ha-ha I'm sure some people said I was tool even back then! SO S1ck BRO SRH) in the hands of God. The joy I found here is indescribable. Family thank you so much for this opportunity you've given me. Thank you so much for what happened at 9:30pm ;) ha-ha! I love you guys so much! Stay safe and know that I love you!
Your Son,
Josh
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 7, 2010
Family,
This week has been AMAZING! So last monday my email was wack and super short because when we got to the Email shop, we got an email from the AP's which is funny because in tagalog (IPIS or APS) means Cockroach aahaha952jkdjsf. But the email said Elder Gonzalez you come to the mission home today.......me and all the District Leaders, Zone LEaders ,and Trainers....there is a Leadership Training MEeting This week Tuesday-thursday pack your stuff. So basically Its a new program the church started and I got to hang out with my favorite missionaries in the mission for 4 days and sleep in the mission home with Elder Bernard from my batch, ate a ton of pizza, didn't work out, stayed up to late, accidentally texted president anderson at 12:00am "Elder Lee Drinks his own Pee" had a good time and I enjoyed myself. and at the same time I learned a TON of new teaching techniques and even got 2 more baptism goal dates this week because of it. I just enjoyed myself...laughed a lot...miss the heck out of you guys...preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ, learned for myself how wonderful the gospel is when lived in the life of good people, sweated a ton, ate crab and other sea creatures, and now we are in Batangas and going to SM today. I can't explain the joy I have here...life is so amazing. I love teaching people how to become better and live a higher life. I love you guys so much and miss you dearly! I promise next week I'll write something more indepth...but life is so good. Don't worry about me I'm having the time of my life. and have been reading my scriptures everyday since 4/11/10 yeaaah.
Theres a hole in my heart that cannot be filled until I return...let's just hope too much blood doesn't come out.
Love you so much,
Josh Elder Austin Gonzalez Lonell Napolean
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
August 31, 2010
Family,
This week has been good for me. It rained quite a lot and I even had to walk around with no shoes on for a while ;) (Don't tell President) I'm still here in Calaca with Dioso and we're working striving to work hard. I've really come to know the Loneliness in Leadership. I've come to learn that a man must live with principal and with faith. This mission has been no easy thing for you and sure hasn't been easy for me. Kicking myself in the butt everyday to live what I preach, no matter what anyone thinks. I suppose this loneliness stems really from what I believe. Some may say that everything I believe is a complete lie. some may have the audacity to criticize things that they don't understand. For them all I have to say is listen to the words I said...Read ngs I don't tell you, because I know it would scare Mom too much ;)the Book of Mormon and until you finish it keep your mouth shut. I've had my fair share of opposition and persecution here on my mission, a lot of the things that happen I don't report to you guys because I don't think Mom could handle it ;). But one thing I keep in my wallet that I carry every where is 1. A picture of the temple, 2. my atm card ;) and 3. A piece of paper that says "I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right road. I believe God will always make a way, where there is no way" And this is my mindset. No matter what happens here, I've learned that we all must live with our conscious. We must all live up to what we say. We all have to strive to be better that we were yesterday. We must never stop learning. I've tried my best to ignore peoples opinions and comments, I've tried to do the things that make me the happiest. And right now you can't even imagine the joy I have preaching the gospel here to my filipino brothers and sisters. So again I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity for me to learn and grow so much. I feel like a completely different person. I've learn to live outside of my self and do the things I don't like to do. To get off my Throne of Pride and Selfishness stepout of my comfortability and learn to love people even when they do cruel and evil things to us, even though they say rude and bastos things, even though they don't treat us like humans...as in they don't acknowledge us when we speak at them or scream at us when we are walking. But I thank God for these people, I thank God for my family, and I thank God for the trials I face. I thank God for being Chastised by my Mission President when I do stupid things, and I thank God when I'm rebuked by people...sure it hurts at first but I swallow my pride, tell myself I'm wrong then move on. I try my best to forgive as fast as I can and not hold grudges. You cannot believe how fast grudges will destroy your personality and confidence in other people. It's hard to forgive, but forgiveness is amazing. Relationships are amazing, people are amazing, and God is Great.
Thank you for all the pictures you've sent I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH
This week is crazy, we have training in alaminos all week, so I dont even get to work in my area, but its all good.. we get to sleep in the mission home and hang out with pres!
yeaah,
josh
This week has been good for me. It rained quite a lot and I even had to walk around with no shoes on for a while ;) (Don't tell President) I'm still here in Calaca with Dioso and we're working striving to work hard. I've really come to know the Loneliness in Leadership. I've come to learn that a man must live with principal and with faith. This mission has been no easy thing for you and sure hasn't been easy for me. Kicking myself in the butt everyday to live what I preach, no matter what anyone thinks. I suppose this loneliness stems really from what I believe. Some may say that everything I believe is a complete lie. some may have the audacity to criticize things that they don't understand. For them all I have to say is listen to the words I said...Read ngs I don't tell you, because I know it would scare Mom too much ;)the Book of Mormon and until you finish it keep your mouth shut. I've had my fair share of opposition and persecution here on my mission, a lot of the things that happen I don't report to you guys because I don't think Mom could handle it ;). But one thing I keep in my wallet that I carry every where is 1. A picture of the temple, 2. my atm card ;) and 3. A piece of paper that says "I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right road. I believe God will always make a way, where there is no way" And this is my mindset. No matter what happens here, I've learned that we all must live with our conscious. We must all live up to what we say. We all have to strive to be better that we were yesterday. We must never stop learning. I've tried my best to ignore peoples opinions and comments, I've tried to do the things that make me the happiest. And right now you can't even imagine the joy I have preaching the gospel here to my filipino brothers and sisters. So again I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity for me to learn and grow so much. I feel like a completely different person. I've learn to live outside of my self and do the things I don't like to do. To get off my Throne of Pride and Selfishness stepout of my comfortability and learn to love people even when they do cruel and evil things to us, even though they say rude and bastos things, even though they don't treat us like humans...as in they don't acknowledge us when we speak at them or scream at us when we are walking. But I thank God for these people, I thank God for my family, and I thank God for the trials I face. I thank God for being Chastised by my Mission President when I do stupid things, and I thank God when I'm rebuked by people...sure it hurts at first but I swallow my pride, tell myself I'm wrong then move on. I try my best to forgive as fast as I can and not hold grudges. You cannot believe how fast grudges will destroy your personality and confidence in other people. It's hard to forgive, but forgiveness is amazing. Relationships are amazing, people are amazing, and God is Great.
Thank you for all the pictures you've sent I LOOOOOOOOOOOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH
This week is crazy, we have training in alaminos all week, so I dont even get to work in my area, but its all good.. we get to sleep in the mission home and hang out with pres!
yeaah,
josh
Monday, August 23, 2010
August 23, 2010 Two letter to the President and Mom
President,
I haven't been any happier than I have been in my whole mission that I am now. I was so relieved and grateful to find that I would be spending 6 more weeks with Dioso and in Calaca! I couldn't ask for anything else. Elder Dioso and I are going to try and finish the D&C this transfer by every night before going to bed reading 3 chapters, and in our companionship study, reading the Book of Mormon and practice teaching. We are going to continue to work hard and grow in friendship together, he's becoming one of my best companions I've ever had. I wanted to say something in regards to the interview we had. One, thank you. Thanks for all the kind things you said to me, I really felt the spirit and the message you shared was right on. You continue to inspire us President so keep doing what your doing! I remember in the interview I asked you "President, Do you trust me?" and I suppose the question caught you off guard, but I can't remember who said it...but I think it was David O. McKay he said "It's better to be trusted than loved". I know that you love me President and all the missionaries here. But do you trust us where you don't need to worry? Do you trust us to become "Spiritual Mature" and "Self-Reliant". For myself, I believe you do...and it's a great feeling. I love you President, and like the first time we met I again want to tell you what I promised you. I will do anything and everything you ask us to do, don't worry about us in Calaca. Next week, we're focusing on tracting to get our New Investigators up. Until we see each other again President
Love God, Do Good, and Go Home.
Moroni 10:32-33
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
Love you,
Elder Gonzalez
On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:47 PM, Joshua Austin Lonell Gonzalez wrote:
MOMMY,
(brown sugar)Poptarts for me, Sister Smith wants velveeta shells and cheese (macaroni and cheese) and famous amos cookies... DR. PEPPER. cheezits. I know this is a ridiculous but can you send the book Mormon Doctrine again I gave it away to an elder and I absolutely love that book! FAMILY PHOTOS! So I can show you off to all the people heeere!
MOMMMY,
This week has been incredible and the news and pictures partly scared me and made me so homesick. Haha you are right Mom some people should just not wear Togas ;). From the pictures you send the house looks absolutely amazing and I am really happy to see it when I get home, but not excited enough to leave early....unless the Vettes still up for grabs haha. In all honesty this is truly the happiest time in my mission. I am seeing the fruits of our labor here and I see the change we are making in so many lives. Elder Dioso and I are together for 6 more weeks so I am way stoked about that. I am also very happy that i'm still in Calaca. I cannot even begin to explain how nice the members are here and you will for sure get to meet them all when you guys come to pick me up. President Ambao (Branch President...like a bishop), Noche Family, Nanay Pasing, Lucernas Family, Ate Ade, Sale Family, Conception Family, Kuya Arvin, Sister Villiano and I can't even name them all. They absolutely love us here and feed us weekly. When ever Dioso and I are hungry...which is often I haven't changed we just go to their house and it's crazy the feasts we have! Well, in other news we had zone interviews this week with President. I can't even begin to explain or even want to all the things he said to me, but man I know that he loves me. He was so happy with Dioso and I in our interview I guess Pres. Ambao really talked us up when he called President Anderson, and Dioso had some good things to say about me. I'm trying to say this in all humility but I'm just beaming with pride haha. AHH I love this place. We are working hard, I'm striving my best to be true, faithful, and obedient... and I've found out something that I've been using alot lately. Here is the great secret of the universe...are you ready?
DO THINGS THAT YOU HATE DOING
Honestly this things works!
For example I hate
waking up at 6:30
tracting
companionship study
studying tagalog
and alot of other things
but this week haha I've been focusing on the things I hate and the things I've not good at and I just do them. I tell myself...I'm going to wake up everyday at 6:30 or I'm going to work out everyday because I don't want to.
I suppose it's reverse psychology but it's working great haha. If I keep it up perhaps I'll have a 6 pack by the time I get home....haha naah
In news about our investigators.
Arman (the man who used to be gay and dress like a woman, but changed his life) is amazing! He's been going to church, studying hard, and has great questions.
Ludy: I've grown really close to her, she's about 56 years old and we started teaching her last transfer with Painagan when he said "Walang Siyang Pagasa ayaw niya magsimba" or she has no hope she doesn't wanna go to church. I've worked with her and we supported her ending her abusive relationship with her livein partner, one time she was covered in complete bruises and her "Husband" wouldn't even face us. I guess because Elder Dioso and I are both 5'11+. she went to church for the first time 2 weeks ago, she LOVES IT! She has so many friends now and she even talked to Pres. Ambao about a few of her problems to clear some things up. She'll be baptized in about 2 weeks.
Alexus Reineer: They live with Arman, and they are so awesome 19 and 14 they love the lessons and really enjoy going to church...they'll be baptized in about 3 weeks. They've given up smoking/drinking and everything.
Life is amazing honestly. I am so happy here in the mission. This week I've really been using one of my favorite scriptures in the book of mormon
Moroni 10:32-33
" 32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
This has come to be one of my favorite scriptures, because it perfectly describes what we need to do to have a happy life. If we have anything lacking in our lives, if we are struggling, if we need help. I've come to know for myself how true this is. I've come to know in a foreign land, in a foreign tongue, and with foreign friends who Jesus Christ really is. What is atonement means. The power and strength I receive from it everyday. I thank God everyday for such a wonderful family, for all your safety, and how much he has forgiven me. I will never be able to fully thank you for the privilege you've allowed me to come here and spend my life in the service of Him who is Eternal. Ah Life is so darn good! ;)
Love you always,
Josh
I haven't been any happier than I have been in my whole mission that I am now. I was so relieved and grateful to find that I would be spending 6 more weeks with Dioso and in Calaca! I couldn't ask for anything else. Elder Dioso and I are going to try and finish the D&C this transfer by every night before going to bed reading 3 chapters, and in our companionship study, reading the Book of Mormon and practice teaching. We are going to continue to work hard and grow in friendship together, he's becoming one of my best companions I've ever had. I wanted to say something in regards to the interview we had. One, thank you. Thanks for all the kind things you said to me, I really felt the spirit and the message you shared was right on. You continue to inspire us President so keep doing what your doing! I remember in the interview I asked you "President, Do you trust me?" and I suppose the question caught you off guard, but I can't remember who said it...but I think it was David O. McKay he said "It's better to be trusted than loved". I know that you love me President and all the missionaries here. But do you trust us where you don't need to worry? Do you trust us to become "Spiritual Mature" and "Self-Reliant". For myself, I believe you do...and it's a great feeling. I love you President, and like the first time we met I again want to tell you what I promised you. I will do anything and everything you ask us to do, don't worry about us in Calaca. Next week, we're focusing on tracting to get our New Investigators up. Until we see each other again President
Love God, Do Good, and Go Home.
Moroni 10:32-33
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
Love you,
Elder Gonzalez
On Sun, Aug 22, 2010 at 9:47 PM, Joshua Austin Lonell Gonzalez
MOMMY,
(brown sugar)Poptarts for me, Sister Smith wants velveeta shells and cheese (macaroni and cheese) and famous amos cookies... DR. PEPPER.
MOMMMY,
This week has been incredible and the news and pictures partly scared me and made me so homesick. Haha you are right Mom some people should just not wear Togas ;). From the pictures you send the house looks absolutely amazing and I am really happy to see it when I get home, but not excited enough to leave early....unless the Vettes still up for grabs haha. In all honesty this is truly the happiest time in my mission. I am seeing the fruits of our labor here and I see the change we are making in so many lives. Elder Dioso and I are together for 6 more weeks so I am way stoked about that. I am also very happy that i'm still in Calaca. I cannot even begin to explain how nice the members are here and you will for sure get to meet them all when you guys come to pick me up. President Ambao (Branch President...like a bishop), Noche Family, Nanay Pasing, Lucernas Family, Ate Ade, Sale Family, Conception Family, Kuya Arvin, Sister Villiano and I can't even name them all. They absolutely love us here and feed us weekly. When ever Dioso and I are hungry...which is often I haven't changed we just go to their house and it's crazy the feasts we have! Well, in other news we had zone interviews this week with President. I can't even begin to explain or even want to all the things he said to me, but man I know that he loves me. He was so happy with Dioso and I in our interview I guess Pres. Ambao really talked us up when he called President Anderson, and Dioso had some good things to say about me. I'm trying to say this in all humility but I'm just beaming with pride haha. AHH I love this place. We are working hard, I'm striving my best to be true, faithful, and obedient... and I've found out something that I've been using alot lately. Here is the great secret of the universe...are you ready?
DO THINGS THAT YOU HATE DOING
Honestly this things works!
For example I hate
waking up at 6:30
tracting
companionship study
studying tagalog
and alot of other things
but this week haha I've been focusing on the things I hate and the things I've not good at and I just do them. I tell myself...I'm going to wake up everyday at 6:30 or I'm going to work out everyday because I don't want to.
I suppose it's reverse psychology but it's working great haha. If I keep it up perhaps I'll have a 6 pack by the time I get home....haha naah
In news about our investigators.
Arman (the man who used to be gay and dress like a woman, but changed his life) is amazing! He's been going to church, studying hard, and has great questions.
Ludy: I've grown really close to her, she's about 56 years old and we started teaching her last transfer with Painagan when he said "Walang Siyang Pagasa ayaw niya magsimba" or she has no hope she doesn't wanna go to church. I've worked with her and we supported her ending her abusive relationship with her livein partner, one time she was covered in complete bruises and her "Husband" wouldn't even face us. I guess because Elder Dioso and I are both 5'11+. she went to church for the first time 2 weeks ago, she LOVES IT! She has so many friends now and she even talked to Pres. Ambao about a few of her problems to clear some things up. She'll be baptized in about 2 weeks.
Alexus Reineer: They live with Arman, and they are so awesome 19 and 14 they love the lessons and really enjoy going to church...they'll be baptized in about 3 weeks. They've given up smoking/drinking and everything.
Life is amazing honestly. I am so happy here in the mission. This week I've really been using one of my favorite scriptures in the book of mormon
Moroni 10:32-33
" 32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God."
This has come to be one of my favorite scriptures, because it perfectly describes what we need to do to have a happy life. If we have anything lacking in our lives, if we are struggling, if we need help. I've come to know for myself how true this is. I've come to know in a foreign land, in a foreign tongue, and with foreign friends who Jesus Christ really is. What is atonement means. The power and strength I receive from it everyday. I thank God everyday for such a wonderful family, for all your safety, and how much he has forgiven me. I will never be able to fully thank you for the privilege you've allowed me to come here and spend my life in the service of Him who is Eternal. Ah Life is so darn good! ;)
Love you always,
Josh
Monday, August 9, 2010
August 9, 2010
Family,
This week has been incredible for me out here. Elder Dioso and I have been working hard and teaching like we've never taught before, and we are seeing the fruit of our labors. We've been teaching this one family, I've been calling them Bilango but found out that's really not there last name haha oh well. They came to church and said they really enjoyed it. They have also accepted our Baptism Dates for September 11th. Now all we gotta do is help em cut out there vices (smoking/drinking) and we'll be golden. I really don't have much to say this week, but I want to let you know I'm having such a wonderful time here. We are striving to work hard here and this week has been great. I love you and miss you dearly.
Love you,
Joshy!
This week has been incredible for me out here. Elder Dioso and I have been working hard and teaching like we've never taught before, and we are seeing the fruit of our labors. We've been teaching this one family, I've been calling them Bilango but found out that's really not there last name haha oh well. They came to church and said they really enjoyed it. They have also accepted our Baptism Dates for September 11th. Now all we gotta do is help em cut out there vices (smoking/drinking) and we'll be golden. I really don't have much to say this week, but I want to let you know I'm having such a wonderful time here. We are striving to work hard here and this week has been great. I love you and miss you dearly.
Love you,
Joshy!
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