Happy September

Ciao Famiglia!!

You all sound great.. What a blessing it is to sit down here once a week and hear from all of you and the wonderful steps each of you are taking right now.. Life moves forward like a tornado doesn't it?? We just need to make sure we hold tight to the rod.. You all seem to be tearing it up in every aspect and every task that you take up.. It's pretty funny, I get a comment about Wyatt tearing it up in football, Tanner with his new calling and football, Hayley speaking French and school, Mom doing it all (as usual), and then Dad....in which case, Mom just bought, what seems to be, a doggy collar for so that when he goes out on his adventures we can locate him.. It's nice to know that nothing has changed! Don't mention that device to President Kelly, I think he'd like the idea for us Elders here in Napoli.. By the way, Dad, I've patented your saying,"It's all part of the adventure!". I use it everyday... whether it be an Italian that just ran my foot over on his motorino (moped) or it raining the only day we made fliers to hand out to people about English class.. I love this work!! I'm having a blast.. At times it's hard, scratch that, it's ALWAYS hard.. But as Elder Holland says... "How dare I ask for it to be easy?". It's a marvelous work, not a simple work.. The work rolls forward here.. In a week is my first transfer, I'm staying here and that's about 99 percent certain.. I'm bummed I'm losing Anziano Ehorn, but excited for a new companion, whoever it may be.. Can you all believe it has been three months? I can't.. Already 5 Sundays in Napoli. I don't even want to think about it.. So Agosto is finally over.. You have no idea how happy this makes us missionaries!! Agosto here, everyone leaves (as I have told you before..).. And I mean EVERYONE.. So upon September's arrival, it seems as if this is a whole new city.. I thought there were a lot of people here before!! It's an absolute madhouse, I love this city.. I wanna be here for two years.. Also, since Agosto is gone, that means Fall weather is here!! Well, almost.. I couldn't be more excited for that.. Changes everything about the work.. More people outside, more energy, just everything.. We're being blessed in more ways than we can even count and I'm thoroughly convinced that it is all due to your prayers at home, so thank you.. On behalf of the Italians... Thank you!! Every Friday night is hard though.. Like clockwork.. And why?? Because of high school football.. My body has been trained for so long to work itself up for those friday night lights and now, I feel it.. From the soccer fields of Italy, I just get pumped up to go hit someone!! It's like there's something in the air.. You know that feeling about football!! Which brings me to my next point.. WYATT!!! You stud.. Way to tear it up.. Don't get beat up about the two losses.. I'm bragging about you to all of the other Elders, they're so sick of it so keep it up!! Anyway, the last couple of weeks have really started to speed up.. We're finding new investigators, setting baptismal dates, and working with the members.. This branch in Napoli is going to be completely done over and we're excited to get started.. More than likely me and Anziano McCallister will remain in this city and really work on strengthening this branch.. Pray for this branch to grow.. They need your prayers because the potential here is unbelievable.. We run into people on the streets all the time that were members, that know members, that used to be investigators.. The field is white!! And we're doing our best to thrust in our sickle with all of our might, but an extra prayer never ever hurt.. So last P-day we went to the Naval Base.. So wierd.. It was like I was in Scottsdale AZ again.. Grass growing, wide streets, parking lots.. So strange!! I've only been here a month too!! I didn't like it one bit, I wanted to get back to the wet streets, alley-way, beautiful smoke filled city of Napoli.. However, since I was there, I took advantage and bought all of the American treats as possible!! I will send a picture of what sixty dollars can get a missionary in Italy.. Anyway, my time is running short.. Off to have the best pizza in the world today.. The finally opened back up after Agosto so I'm excited for that.. Then following I may or may not be buying a suit.. It's completely necessary for fulfilling my purpose!! I love you all.. I think of you daily.. "When there's a prayer, there's a way". I promise you that this is true.. Press forward family.. Be strong, press forward.. Until next week... Arrivederci!!!

Con amore,

Anziano Gatchell