Snail mail letter dated Oct. 7th

So, something interesting happened this week. We did a class activity where we wrote our name on the top of a piece of paper, then passed it and the next person wrote what Christlike attribute they think I possess.... We keep doing that until it gets back to us! I was really surprised at the responses I got! So everyone wrote about how humble I am, how I have patience and charity! Which I find so interesting because I feel like those are the three attributes I need to work on the most! It is definitely interesting seeing how other people see you. because it is so very different how we see ourselves.

Now I will write a little bit about the devotional I just went to...it was AMAZING probably top 3. It was given by Tad R. Callister & his wife. Sis. Callister started by saying if she asked any of our Moms, what kind of missionary we are, all our Moms would say "the best missionary!" So she said we all need to become the missionary our Moms think we are! Just a few other points are: I need to change my nature, not just my behavior, because if we just change our behavior, we will stay the same person! It's not about what I want, it's about what the Lord wants! He said there is no retreat to our former lives no matter how difficult it may get! Then one of my favorite lines was : My weaknesses are Not greater than my potential! Which really struck me hard because some times I feel like I'm too week and I will never be able to reach that potential everyone says I will. So I really like that. And the last thing I will quote is "The Lord doesn't expect immediate perfection, but he does expect immediate progress!" So I shouldn't overwhelm myself with being perfect tomorrow, but I do need to be progressing! I'm pretty sure this talk was written just for me!

I struggle so much with the natural man! I always feel like I'm not doing enough or being good enough, but I don't know how to do more! I used to think it was such a compliment when people said oh, you will be such a great missionary, but now it stresses me out. How can they say that? How can they know? I try my best, I work my hardest, but always feel as if it isn't good enough! But we are always told as long as we give our all that is all the Lord asks us to give... So that is what I try to do everyday! Pray for me to have the strength to overcome the natural man and give my all! It is so much harder to do than I ever thought it would be! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a missionary, to be in the army of God, fighting to save His precious souls! It is so humbling to know that the Lord called me, called me in my many weaknesses so that he can make them strengths! I often wonder why he chose me, and I don't think I will ever understand, but all I need to know is He did call me, that is enough!

I will end this letter with a simple testimony! I know Christ is my Savior! I know He lives and He loves me! He suffered for all my temptations and sorrows, He understands me and wants to help me in every way I let Him! I know that I am in the right place at the right time! I love you all and thank you so much for all your love, support and prayers! I feel it! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen!

Love, Hermana Gosnell