Transfer 7 Week 5 October 9, 2012

Transfer 7 Week 5 Oct 9, 2012

And so we have reached  the last week of yet another transfer.  I know I keep saying this, but the longer I spend as a missionary, the faster time seems to pass by.

 Tuesday we had been tracting and upon returning to our car we found it in the middle of a crime scene investigation.  There had been a drive-by shooting and the police had taped off the street so that nobody could pass thru. And nobody could get in or out.  We asked a police officer if we could drive our car out and they told us that we would not be allowed until the investigation was over.  This meant that we had to walk to the rest of our appiontments for the day.  When we returned right before dinner they were still not letting anybody out, so we ended up walking to a near by McDonald's and ate there.

 Wednesday I went on exchanges with Elder Sturgell and we walked by the house that had been shot at and saw bullet holes all over the place.  Serving in Oakland is definatley an adventure. We then taught our 11 year old investigator and found that she loved loved loved coffee, so we nicely taught her the principle of the Word of Wisdom and she finall agreed to live the word of wisdom.  Then right before we left she gave us these sandwiches she had made us.

 Friday we got met with a family that has recently moved back from Virginia.  They are recent converts and are very excited to share the gospel.  We were able to have a lesson with the rest of the family present.  Afterwards when we talked with the brother he had felt like it had been a very good experience.

 But of course the biggest news of last week is GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 I knew it was going to be a great conference after the Temple was annouced for Tucson, Arizona!  But very shortly after that the conference got very exciting.  Elders can now be 18, effective IMMEDIATLEY!  How amazing is that!  It is a true testament to how swiftly the work of the Lord is progressing.  We are very excited to see the first 18 year old elders out here in the field. But by far the greatest anoucement is that of Sisters being allowed to serve at 19.   From talking with a member that is an RM he told us tha facebook was going crazy with comments about the annoucement. In the midst of all this excitement I love Elder Holland's comment directed to those soon to be missionaries, "This is not about you, it never has been.  Its about the Lord and his Gospel." 

 This conference was truly a spiritual feast.  I learned so much from the Lord's anointed.  I came to the conference seeking the Lord's guidance and help, and I truly recived revelation. Elder Holland as always did no less than incredible, "Do you love me?".  President Monson never fails to intrigue and inspire with his marvoulsly told stories. It was really amazing to see Elder Gay speak at the Confernce.  I remebered to 6 weeks ago when I saw him in person and got to hear his personal testimnony.  I invite you all to act on the promptings you recieved during conference!  The Lord will surely bless you.

  There is nothing like listening to the The Prophet speak and them walking out of the building and seeing the Holy Temple.  no words can explain that feeling.

Love,

 Elder Luis Gonzalez