Just keep going.

Hello Fam and Friends.

This past week has not really been anything exciting or new. A wholebunch of walking and talking...in spanish.....I believe here even the walk is spanish. These people spot a "gringo" from a mile away. A lot of times I try to pretend to not be from the United states just because EVERYONE always calls out "AMERICANO!" Now instead of getting annoyed i just reply with "DOMINICANO!" Yeah. You just got to love new areas. New people new things. We are working hard here. My comp and I are thinking about going over to a evangelical church or Jw church to talk with the pastor andwell .....we will see how it goes. At this point in time no new photos because I dont have a camera. and i Just learned or realized that my compánion has a camera. I will now be using his camera until I receive one to use.

Anywho my shoes definetly show the ware I will be demostrating the next week how my shoes look. But pretty much we are just working hard. I started this ab workout with my companion and he is the reason that I am still doing the workout. If it wasnt for him I would haver stopped already. But. I am trying to eat healthier here on the mission as well. Its tough. I dont know how Mom and Dad are keeping so well to his crazy diet. But I am doing awesome. I love you all. You can send me digital photos that would be awesome. Photos through the internet. Especially Ann and Jacob and Parents. I love you tons!!!!!!!

Con Mucho Cariña

Elder Gordon

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

The newest news (la Más Nuevo nuevas)

Hey Everyone!!!!!!

This is The secind week of my 11th transfer in the field. Means After I left the MTC and after the CCM I have spent62 weeks in the field. But I had 8 weeks in the Training Centers so I am at week 70 in the field.......WOW.....It is so crazy how fast time flies. I am right now back in Santiago. In a small little neighborhood called  Los Reyes. I am with an Elder From Arizona as well. He is from Phoenix and his name is Elder Terán. Awesome missionary. We have a lot of the same likes and everything. Lots of stuff to talk about and lots of stuff to share. The best part is the love for the gospel is the same. Probably one of the worst things for me is to study with a question. But when people ask me things. I know the references I know the way to answer. Its weird. I am trying to Better myself in the asking myself a question while studying.

Los Reyes is a nice little place on the northern part of Santiago. We have been having a blast here. We are starting to go and contact and look forlots of people because like normally I get sent to a pretty dead area with little success seeing that in the area there has not been a baptism in a year or more according to the baptismal records. But we have probably over 100 known less actives. Its crazy. There is this area with these aprtment complexs called The Multis. Because they are multiplexs. There are artound 80 buildings with each building from 6 to eight houses. Its really close but all the missionaries have combed through that area as well. And as you all know me or those that do. I dont like being unorignal. So I am not going to FOCUS in the Multis because its close. I am going to start searching for all the other people around here.

In my area there is this one Dobberman that scared me half out of my body. My companion "Forgot" to tell me. No he probably really did. I believe him. But after wards I was laughing atmyself too. The dogs seem to not like me much but I am not the mean one. I Love dogs. Yeah. Thismorning The north zone and south zone played baseball it was a lot of fun. My zone leader falts a little less then 3 months to finish and he is from AZ and he camne with an AZ D-backs chirst with One of my rival teams from highschool the highland Hawks shorts and Arizona flag socks. That made me trunky. Its ok though. I still only have a year...I will never pass a year either. HEHEHEE.......I refuse.

I am having a blast here with probably one of the coolest companions. Hes a great fantastic Elder. We are working hard starting to do lots of contacts.  But thats pretty much everything. Some wise information from my brother is to make sure you ONLY eat Duck on days that end with K.  Also I just want to put this poem in this email that I really really love. And its a good way to remember to take a self reflection. It is called " The Man in the Glass"

The Man in the Glass

When you get what you want in your struggles for self And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to a mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say. For it isn't your father or mother or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass, The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass. Some people might think you're a straight-shooting chum And call you a wonderful guy. But the man in the glass says you're only a bum If you can't look him straight in the eye. He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest For he's with you clear to the end And you've passed your most dangerous test If the guy in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you've cheated the man in the glass

Love ya tons Elder Gordon P.S. If you ever find yourself in a dark alley without an escape and some guy is a bout to rob you or kill you just click your ruby heel three times and say I know I can I know I can. Then you will be safe. BYE!!!

Unknown Author PPS The Greatest battle of Life is fought out within the silent Chambers of the soul. David O. Mckay

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

Transfers!!!!

HEY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This past week has been one of hard work. We were trying to keep focused as tranasfers slowly crept closer. So we tried to do everything we coulde We continued working hard. Yesterday we cleaned the house. But monday we had a waiting game to see if anyone would get called to go up. I was positive that Elder Reyes the Senior companion in the other companionship would get called to Zone leader. But......I was called ....to be District Leader in Los Reyes Santiago. To be working with an Elder named Elder Terán. Hes Meximericano. So far in my 7 hours to know him things have gone pretty well. This transfer is going to rock!!!!!!

I was really sad to leave my last area. La Vega. I had to say goodbye to so many people and they all were like what???? Your leaving!!! It made me sad. But I felt good that maybe I could leave a better impression in their lives., Life has been going pretty awesome. We shall see anywho. Update you all in one week. Love ya tons!!!!
Elder Gordon.

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Serious

Ok. HI Everyone here on checkin my BLOG. This is going to be a BLOG a little bit more serioous. Because I have had a few people asking me if I am serious about my work. the answer is YES. I use my blog to share my fun experiences. I dont even share many spiritual experiences because written just isnt as good as in person. As those of you who know me I LOVE to have fun. I look forward to those times when I can. Thats what I like to write aboiut becaus its more entertaining. But. If you all want I can start to write about my 10000 contacts weekly. About the 9980 rejects of people who dont want to listen. Because this is MISSIONARY WORK. Thats what normaly happens. We have all been around long enough and many of us have experienced it. Its implied. I am working hard. I will strengthen myself to work harder. Trying to better myself Daily. I love you all. You all rock. Keep up the good work.

An Awesome experience i´that I had with my companion this past week was Yesterday. We contacted a reference from our Branch President who happened to be his next door neighbor and We put a date on him and thats SUPER exciting. He is a smart kid. The 9th of april he will be Baptized. Its going to be awesome. Anywho my companion is standing behind me because he finally finished and we actually shouyld have left about 9 minutes ago. I love ya all. Have fun. But be serious. Have arocking week. Or a nice breezy cold week. Avoiud rain water it may be contaminated with Radioactivity. Have fun. BYE,

Elder Gordon


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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

The Sacred Grove

This is Elder Placencia and I heading to our "sacred Grove"

This is the prayer before hand to ask for the Spirit to be with us

 The next two is of us Receiving our answer.

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

Baptism

So I am sending this one as well. I am not sure which photos made it to you all. So. A few more of the baptism wont hurt. Once again The one with us 6 elders and Lina

The next one is a special of ELder Placencia and Me with our convert

 The last one is after the Baptism with Sister Marianella the Mother of Linas Boyfriend. She is awesome. So. We are all happy with the Baptism. WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love baptisms. 

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

This is for you guys, Cause I am not sure who goes to the blog

One more thing!!!!I forgot to tell ya about the Photos. 

The first one is Lina with the Six Elders that came to support the Baptism From Left To right Elders, Smith Reyes and Placencia(My compànion) Then its Lina Diaz Then its Elders Gordon(Me) Elder Gamboa and Elder Soriano

The next Photo is one of Us Elder Placencia and I. In the Sacred Grove

The third. So now we are ready for the baptism

HI Y´all!!!!!!!

Dont forget to head to my blog. I have updated a whole bunch of photos there. I will also send three to you all because I cant send more so three only this time. But go to my blog to find more. I am going to write everything to you guys and you will see the same things on the blog because I am also sending it there!!!!! 2 birds with one stone!!!!!!

So This weekend was pretty awesome. I had the chance to baptize one of the most prepared people in the world. Her name is Lina.She had tons of questions. But she got baptized and I had the chance to baptize her. It was rather awesome. But we couldnt do it at our building because of Carnaval is right in front of my house and the church building.So we went to go check the baptismal Font in "La Primavera building"  We did the baptism as far away from Carnaval as we could be. So. Everything went pretty well. We filled (Elder Placencia and Me, Elder Gordon) the baptismal font with water. There was no plug.......Woopee. Welcome to the DR. But There was a plastic bag. Good enough right? Lets sure hope so!!!!!!  Well we hoped so...

So we left and headed home got ready. Tried to teach. But we had lots of stuff to do. We have to move houses here. Not because of carnaval but because the Owner now wants the house we are in. So we went and looked at afew houses or apartments That are likely candidates. So ... We did that. Got back and started finalizing. We have to walk to the other side of the City to get there .....But ONE THING WE FORGOT ABOUT!!!!! The baptismal CLothing. EVERYTHING was ready except for that..... Well we pass by the church and luckily President Jimenez was there But. All the clothing we have at the church is LARGE.....THAt wont work. She is SMALL. Well... Thats ok. Off to the Other building to hopefully find some. As you see we didnt find any. We just adapted a large baptismal clothing to fit her. By rolling up the sleeves on the arms and Legs.

You know many times you have promptings from the spirit, Like Check the baptismal front, it might be empty or not all the way full.....BUt then you DONT do it......Yeah thats what happened here. When we got there I meant to check it but my mind was on the baptismal CLothing I didnt Check the Font. Luckily She is small...... But what had happened is with the p`lastic bag , Yeah remember we didnt have a cap, The water had drained to about 1/2 of what it should be. So......With that challenge and baggy clothing....The first baptism didnt work because all the clothes bubbled up. The second time I screwed up with the words. But Like they say. The third times the Charm! And Boom!!! One of our newest members Lina Diaz! The confirmation went well as well as the Meeting no Carnaval music to interrupt it. Like last week. I had to give a talk and with only 10 minutes to prepare I think I did all right. But not Awesome. But it didnt help that everyone started doing sound checks two hours early...... But what can ya do?

Speaking of Carnaval. My companion and I were shown on TV during Carnaval Festival. Not this past sunday but the one before it (The 13th) Wehad to return to the house because my companion forgot some things. And we walked through the middle of Carnaval to get to the house (No jake I didnt see anyone Naked, This supposedly is a "fammily" festival Yeah Right!) There was an announcer and was saying that EVERYONE HAS come to celebrate. The Ancient People!!!! tHE yOUNG PEOPLE, THE KIDS HAVE SHOWN UP(while saying these the camera focused on a person or group) eVEN THE MISSIONARIES ARE HERE!!!!!!

we are working our Butts off. GOing to areas REALLY far away to look for people. Like we walked about an hour away from one persons house looking for it. But we did take the opportunity for some good photos. With all the photos of The last nine posts. The one with the Waterfall is my Zone up in Jarabacoa Its up in the mountains. But as you can see we went and visited probably the most beautiful place I have EVER seen here in the DR. Its a place called Salta Jimenor. It was a lot of fun. We did quite a few crzy things. The other group of photos is Me and my companion Preparing a Family Home Evening. It went by really well. But our "invitation" Was one that even my loving oldest sister Loree and my other sisters(Melissa included of course) would be proud of. Because all of you are now all Fancy shmansy decoraters of your houses.  The Family home evening was lots of fun. We talked about the Family. If any of you have questions or comments. Just Write them to me, It is allowed that you comment on the pictures. I dont mind. I love each and every sinbgle one of you. I miss you all. Ann and Mason Love ya tons I missed you at Christmas. Keep it up. Jake and Melissa My prayers are with you especially during this Busy time for ya. Loree and Fam I read your blog Well.....Kinda. I looked at the photos. I couldnt resist. You guiys are doing awesome and I am always praying for your well being. Celest......You need to send me photos of Rook. I saw a few on Lorees blog. BUt I want to show him off to my companions. Especially Van. I pray often for Matts Well being Especially that his leg is healing fast. 

Mom and Dad, Pray for you daily as well. I hope everything is going Awesome. I have 2 weeks without hearing anything. But as they say No news is good news so. I can only imagine things must be going Awesome. Busy up to the gills I love ya guys so much. Have fun!!!! BYE!!!!!


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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

NINE New Posts!

Mike sent a whole bunch of pictures yesterday and posted them in 9 new posts. So, just keep scrolling down until you've seen them all. Don't miss any.

This is me preparing the treats for that night. YUP. Brownies and my favorite part of making brownies Licking the Bowl

This is The ENTIRE family enjoying the Noche de Hogar (FHE) It was a surprise for the Father to be there but his presence sure was welcomed.

My companion and the family Members enjoying the treats ( I was still inside dealing out the brownies)

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki

This group "Ron Brugal" A whiskey group Put this Mask on an H2 Hummer for Carnaval

A few other "demons" and a whole bunch of people. We had to return to our house on the Sunday when the Carnaval was in full BLAST. So while my comp was doing the things he needed to do. I took a whole bunch of really bad photos because everything was far away. Sorry.

This is the Door to "THE SECRET GARDEN" It was pretty cool. I enjoyed it. We took a whole bgunch of pictures here as well.

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"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, He calms the sailor. And sometimes He makes us swim."-Kolipoki