Jacob,
I don't know if you know about this service or not. I'm hoping not so I can surprise you with a letter that'll reach you as soon as you get to the Missionary Training Center. I found out about this service through Kandace Kaiser. She was the first person I got a letter from in the MTC and it just brightened my spirits and my day.
If only I could add pictures to this letter. Oh well.
Well, Elder Gonzales, you are making this family proud. We know it won't be easy, but it'll be worth it. You'll have experiences of every kind, the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, joy and frustration. Just know that you can turn to the Savior "in every condition, in sickness and health/in poverty's vale or abounding in wealth." (HYMN #85)
I learned something that I thought could apply to you. In Quentin L Cooks talk entitled "Foundations of Faith" from last conference he said, "Every decision I would make for the rest of my life would be based on the answers to those three questions."
What are the questions, you might ask?
1. Was Jesus Christ divine?
2. Was the Book of Mormon true? and
3. Was Joseph Smith the prophet of the Restoration?
You will (and I know you) have to gain a testimony of these three things, and with the power of the Holy Ghost, your testimony will reach the hearts of the men and women you teach. If you read on in the talk at that point, Elder Cook talks about his brother deciding to go on a mission, despite having a less active dad. Good talk. Read it.
I don't know if this letter will find you today, or on Thursday. Either way, I'm sure the adjustment to missionary life is an interesting transition. Just learn to love it. Relish the spirit and atmosphere of the MTC and those around you who also have the desire to serve. Live every second like it's your last. 3 weeks is not a long time, and then you'll have to go through more changes.
Have a good day, and as mom always told me in her mission letters home:
Be Good and Do Good.
I love you...expect more from me in the coming weeks.
Bye,
John
