Elder Goss---W9: I love the Fall!!!

Greetings all! I am doing so well here, and thank you all for your letters and notes. I miss you all so much. 

This week was especially awesome for a couple reasons. First of all, there were some cool winds that came by, just enough to feel cold but not enough to get you cold. And I totally loved it. I love Fall. I will say though, I miss the leaves. They're my favorite. 

We had a branch Halloween party, and it was fun. I played with the kids a lot, because I didn't have to talk with them to make them laugh. That was awesome. 

We continue to teach Ana and Armando, and it's been going really well. In the past, Armando said that he felt religious, and with with time his faith faded. And he told us the reason he started taking the lessons was because he wanted to just get religious again. But during the lessons we've been teaching him, I've already seen the growth of his understanding of the truth and wanting to be more than just religious. He's such a good guy. 

You know, I have been really enjoying life. And as I was thinking why, I realized I really started enjoying every little blessing in life. I love taking a hot shower in the morning, I love eating good food; life is good. And one day, when I was loving feeling a cool breeze across me, I thought "I am so grateful for this breeze. Thank you for sending it, to bring me this happiness." I felt so lucky and blessed to be living such a wonderful life. I then came across this truth: With loves comes gratitude. When you truly love something, you'll just want to kneel down and thank God for being able to experience that. I was so grateful for that breeze because I loved it. 

I hope all of you find joy in God's little tender mercies. That is when you find happiness. Love your family. You'll be happy. Love Autumn. It's awesome. Happiness, love, and gratitude are one eternal round. 

Love you all!

-Elder Goss

Sister Goss---W10: Miracles, power, and apostles

What a glorious, fantastic, and wondrous week I had! My heart is full and I can't wait to share with you all the miracles I've seen and the witness I've received of God's power. ❤ I hope you all had an amazing week as well; if not, I hope my email can uplift your spirits. Love you all.

We met with Cole this week and he committed to work towards a baptismal date! This is the first person I've put on date and I'm so excited for Cole! 😊 We had a lesson with Harminder and I'd like to copy a part of what I wrote in my journal: 

"We met with him before the ward's trunk or treat and we talked more about prayer with him. Sister Preator asked him to kneel down and pray every night this week. He said 'sisters, I will try, but what if nothing happens?' I started explaining how it takes time and used the example, 'you may not see a huge difference after a week, but you will after, for instance, a month!' And then the most awesome thing happened. When I started saying this next sentence, my mind literally thought 'wait - stop!! What are you saying?? You don't have the authority to say that!!' But then a new thought came (the Spirit told me), 'no - you DO have the authority and power to say this. You are My servant and you are calling down the power of heaven upon My son, Harminder.' And though they were not my words, I said 'Harminder, if you kneel down and pray every single night this month I promise you will see huge blessings in your life that you've never seen before.' That may sound simple but the feeling and conviction and power behind that promise changed the atmosphere in the room. I literally felt God's power sweep through me; I've never experienced anything like it before! Harminder said, 'Sister Goss, I've heard a lot from missionaries and from you, but I've never heard anything like that. I felt different and more hope than I ever have.'" I know that I have been set apart and ordained to preach God's word. The truths I testify of are real and they carry power. And as I am exactly obedient to God, I am a vessel of His power and can speak His promises. This will be an experience I never forget!!

But wait- there's more!! Like I hinted to in my title, the whole mission was privileged to have an ALL mission conference (which apparently never really happens) with Elder Neil L Andersen, an apostle of the Lord. 😄 I am SOO blessed!!! We all shook his hand and my zone, the Riverside zone, sang Peace in Christ as a musical number. He smiled really big with his sweet squinty smile when I shook his hand; probably because I was grinning ear to ear. 😉 His message was so inspiring!! He asked us to "put powerfully into our bones that Jesus Christ lives" because if we do, we will never waver and we will KNOW the Restoration has happened. We will know Christ's true church is on the earth today. Jesus Christ is the center! Focus your life on Him! Elder Klebingat, another church leader, also said "I've been with apostles in hospitals before and that makes me a witness: what happened in the New Testament happens today." Take that in for a second. ❤

I could go on with the miracles. So many people are willing to listen to us and we were able to visit wonderful members and less active members. We have lots of potentials and God is furthering His work. The three sisters in my apartment and I have been studying Revelation for companion study and I am growing everyday in knowledge and understanding. God always provides opportunities to learn more about Him. I have felt so spiritually in tune with my Father in Heaven this week and couldn't have asked for a better one.

I recognize this email is long, but I want to testify that God lives and He has living apostles and a prophet on the earth today just as He did when Christ was on the earth. This isn't just another church- this is The Church of Jesus Christ (as Elder Andersen said we would one day be known as throughout the world)! The only way we can know of this for ourselves is to sincerely read the Book of Mormon and ask. If you never take that opportunity, you'll never know. I testify that the Book of Mormon is true. I've read it. I've prayed. And I've received an answer from God that I cannot deny. This is not just something I believe in; it's something that is not only true for me, but is true for you. Take my challenge. Ask for yourself.

I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!! To God be the glory!! ❤

Sister Mary Goss

John 21:16

Plan of Salvation chalk the walk!

District picture from last week

Elder Goss---Week...8? Aqui en San Diego!

Oh, goodness me, there is too much to talk about. First off, thank you for all your letters! I never recognized how much they mean to Missionaries. 

Second, my travels went well, and no one was lost or died. That's successful if you ask me. At the Dallas airport, there were several different groups that said "Hey, look! It's the Missionaries!" One couple even bought us lunch. So nice. 

Third, I'm here! I'm actually here! It reminds me of Arizona a ton. When I first got here, the was a meeting (there is always a meeting), and then I met my dad, Elder Rhodes (that's what they call your first trainer here). He's on his 23 month, so He's pretty much a veteran. He's a pretty pretty cool guy. And he knows Spanish really well. And he teaches really well. And he... well... you get the point. He actually has a guitar, so I've been practicing, and that's really fun. 

My Mission President, President Stubbs, is SO great. He loves us all so much and jokes around. He believes in missionaries being guided by the spirit, so he is flexible with mission rules. He really just trusts us to do the right thing, and the Mission has never been more obedient. He's awesome. 

So actually, up until last night we've been sleeping at a member's house because our apartment was being renovated. They were so nice, and fed us a lot. But now our apartment is done, and it looks really nice. It also has a view of the ocean, and no AC. But it's so good. 

We are currently teaching 2 people, Armando and Ana. Armando is middle-aged, and runs this flower shop. He knows a little English, so it's not too hard. When he was first contacted, he didn't believe that he needed to be baptized again. But this last lesson, we taught him the Doctrine of Christ, and by the end of it he said that he now sees the need, and wants to get there eventually. 

Ana is a mother of a energetic, 5-year old girl named Stacy. Ana's husband in Honduras is a member, and she really wants to know. Also, she knows no English, and we're some of the only people who talk to her in Spanish, so we really mean a lot to her. 

And Life is good! Today for P-day we went to the coast and saw a bunch of seals and the ocean, and it was SO fun. 

Anyhow, spiritual thought: God loves you. He always has, and always will. If you can't feel that love, and A) you really want to, and B) you are willing to put in the work to clear your perspective and clean your spirit, I promise you will feel more love than you ever have. 

I love Ustedes all! Por Favor continue to pray for me, and I'll do the same for all of you. Everyone. You are all so great. 

-Elder Goss

P.S. I was unable to BCC this email, so please just reply to me, otherwise everyone will see your extremely personal response. Thanks. : )

Sister Goss--W9: TRANSFERS!!

This week is CRAZY!!! I have so much to write about and so little time to do it...

Honestly my head is so stuffed I can't remember much past Sunday (yes, I know- that was yesterday). Haha! But yesterday was so amazing!! We started with church in the morning and I was actually one of the two speakers for sacrament meeting. My topic was.... drumroll please.... missionary work! ;) It went well and the members are so supportive and amazing. They are enthusiastic about the work and wonderful to work with! AND GUESS WHAT Sister Miles and I contacted some less active members and invited them to come to church. 2 of the couples we met actually came!! 😮 We totally didn't expect it because they haven't been in months but we are so happy for them!!

We had a lesson with Harminder after church where we went over the importance of praying to know what's true, the Book of Mormon, and how to find answers to questions. It was a good lesson and he wants to put pictures of Jesus Christ in his car and by his bedside so he can remember to pray whenever! Then we had some study time and visited Charlita, this awesome sassy woman who recently moved in. She's not interested in learning more yet but needs help unpacking and opened up about her family to us on Sunday. She said "It means so much having your sweet spirits come; I feel so sad about my family because of issues and that's why Jesus is so important to me. He is always there and you help me feel that love!" 

We then met with Jackie and her husband Vern and their kids at the park. We brought a sweet member of the church, Sister Harris, and they hit it off perfectly!! What is especially awesome is Sister Harris is the biggest football (Patriots) fan ever and could talk about it for hours- and so could Vern! Vern is the only reason Jackie won't get baptized, so it's a big deal he and Sister Harris get along. Vern hardly talks to us so we are so grateful for Sister Harris's willingness to come and she could play a huge factor! ❤ She and her husband are so supportive and incredible. 

And then transfers!!! AHHHH this is crazy!!!! I am SO SAD that Sister Miles is going home and I won't get to see her again!! :( She is amazing and I love her sooooooo much. I am going to stay in my same area and my new companion is Sister Preator! She is super nice and pretty similar to me, so we'll probably get along really well. :) BUT this is also her last transfer so she'll go home in 6 weeks too! Noooooooo... But I'll just pretend it's not happening haha. Again, it's so hard to say goodbye. I hope I get more used to transfers... this is all so crazy!

Thank you all for your amazing support and love; I feel that additional power and it means the world to me. Also shootout to my brother Elder Goss, who just arrived out in the field!! He's officially in San Diego and I am SO EXCITED FOR HIM!! Send him extra prayers because that first week is super overwhelming! ;) 

Love you all,

Sister Mary Goss

❤❤❤

Roomies! Sister Miles and Sister Schmutz, next to me, are both leaving

District picture saying bye to Sister Miles

Zone sisters ❤

Crocodile cactus

Cute wall we found :)

 Pic from this morning

Dole whip with my fav this morning🍦

Fancy restaurant: Tios Tacos!

Last zone picture!!