Ian's email

What another unbelievable week in the service of our Lord.. Where to begin.. This week has been incredibly crazy, due to the fact that transfers are taking place.. Anziano Ehorn leaves in the morning and it's hard seeing him go but a wake-up call to say the least to see that eventually that will be me.. I remember hearing some advice from a return missionary who told me to not wish away any time at all.. I'm beginning to find this to be true.. At times I want to have learned the language, not be a greenie, and have more influence on the work.. And then I remember that phrase.. "Don't wish away a moment, to get through the time".. I love it.. It's helped me so much.. We are put through the little situations each and every day for a reason.. When we pass up the moments we pass up the experiences.. Ultimately it all comes down to accepting that our Father in Heaven is in the fine details of our lives and when we embrace that, the joy of this life is truly found.. I'm striving to put this into practice by practicing patience through these things.. It really makes every day an adventure!! How is everyone at home? I didn't receive an e-mail about the football game so I guess I don't have the chance to brag about my stud brother.. Oh well, I'll find an excuse anyway.. Last Sunday I received a call from President Kelly telling me where I was going and who I was going with.. I'm staying here in Napoli and I am serving with Anziano Mikesell from Lone Peak.. Anziano McAllister knows him and says he's a stud and our apartment is going to be awesome here in Napoli.. I'm excited to meet him tommorrow.. In the upcoming weeks we have a couple of baptisms that are taking place and the work is moving forward.. Please pray for the people of Italy, they need your prayers so desperately.. We learn from Doctrine and Covenants that every prayer of the righteous is decreed in Heaven for our Heavenly Father to answer.. I love that word decreed.. Believe it and expect it, because it's true!! So, I may or may not have bought a suit last week.. It's so fly!! However, now I get to carry it around with me for two years and bring it home.. Oh well, totally worth it.. I'll send pictures in the future I guess.. We are working with an investigator named Damien right now.. He is my absolute favorite.. He speaks Italian and French and is teaching me French (as if I need another grammar principle to get after).. He is such a stud and asks so many questions and it's amazing to see his progression.. It's miraculous, this work.. No man can do this work.. I'm learning this so quickly.. Everyone claims that you grow up on the mission, but it's different than that I think.. We are slowly figuring out to become like a child.. Obedience is so key.. The little things, and fully submissive to Him brings about success here.. Not only in the mission field, but in life.. Obedience is so important.. I like to think of it this way.. If He can't trust with you the little things (getting up on time, reading the scriptures, attending church) how can He trust you with the big things?? I know this sounds a bit like a talk, but I didn't receive many e-mails and I have thirty minutes to write anything!! Anyway, Ezra Taft Benson said, "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." I know that to be true, and I've made that my focus for my mission.. I hope that all is well at home.. Everything seems so be going great and I couldn't be more happy.. I can't believe that I have been for an entire transfer, it just seems unreal.. I'm so thankful for all of you and for your support in all things, but don't worry about me, pray for the people of Napoli.. I love them so much and they need you.. Until next week....Arrivederci!

Anziano Gatchell
"Go big, then go home"