A Hug to Remember

Dear Family,

At times I get really overwhelmed to sit down here and write all of you because I know that the words and the short time that I have can't express thoroughly the humbling, learning, and growing experiences of this mission and this life. I'm thankful that we have eternity to talk about such things and I promise you that I am doing everything that I possibly can to help others to have that same eternity. I want to share with you a story from this past week that touched my heart more than anything has ever moved me in my entire life. For weeks I have felt the need to call a less-active member named Jon Zammit. Many times we have talked on the phone and he has expressed his desire, or lack thereof, to see us. Finally, after much prayer and help from the Lord, we were able to pass by him this Monday afternoon. We arrived at the address he told us which was a halfway-completed, four-story apartment building. From the moment we stepped in the unfinished doorway the Spirit and the rainy weather was telling me that the Lord needed us in that house for him that day. In broken English, Jon expressed that he is absolutely alone his life right now. After much discussion and trying to cheer him up, some of the following details were uncovered. A family that has left him, four kids within a stones-throw that haven't come to see him in years, without a job and working on the very apartment building by himself for about four years, in which every part of his earnings will go to the bank. The list goes forward; with a garage that he calls home, without utilities, has not had a shower for more than months, zero income, three sets of clothing, and just about as big of a broken heart and a contrite spirit that I have ever witnessed in my life. As he showed us around the apartment and all that has to be done I was just brought to tears. I've been around construction, I know what it takes. He has another solid three years working by himself until that apartment building will be finished. I just felt terrible. I prayed so much on how we could help him. Of course we started loosening up the tie right then and there and looking for ways to help out. But Jon needed something else. We told him that the Church is here, that we want to and are willing to help in whatever possible and the Lord had sent us there at this time as an answer to his prayers. But still, Jon needed something else. So I went to Heaven with a question about what it was that Jon needed. The Spirit whispered to me to do something so simple and so easy. The Spirit told me to give him a hug. So I did... and Dad, Mom, Tanner, Wyatt, and Hayley... Words cannot even begin to give a description of how much Jon Zammit needed that hug in that moment. The Spirit came so strong to both of us and as I recall back on the experience it almost seems to me that I was the third person in the situation. That it was the Lord that hugged Jon that day, because it was the Lord that knew he needed that, and the love that we felt was something indescribable. I am so humbled to write to you this week family. We have SOOO much and I feel your love from so far away. Whether it be a hug, a prayer, a friendly smile or a wave, in whatever way possible I hope we can all find someone to lift up and to find in their time of despair. That's what the Gospel is all about family. I can sincerely say that I have given up two years of my life for that hug... and that one hug, from just helping one of God's children find peace, brought me more joy and satisfaction than I have ever felt in my entire life! I love you all. Mom, I hope you have the most wonderful Mother's Day and I miss you so much and I hope family that you can pass a hug onto Mom from me this week. Thanks for all that you do! I'll talk with you this Sunday!

con amore,

Anzjan Gatchell