We received an actual pen-and-paper letter from Gabe this week. It arrived with a package of things he sent home. Here is a transcript:
Mom & Dad,
I can't tell you how much I am happy & blessed to be here. I know I've been here for 2 weeks and I love it. I have never felt the spirit so strong....I'm so happy. Love you both. Thanks a ton!
Love, Elder Castleton
And then another letter written to the whole family:
Familia!!!
Hey, how is everyone? I am so happy here. I am doing so good. Lots of Spanish! I pray in Spanish and bear my testimony in Spanish. I have felt the spirit more than I have ever felt in my entire life. I feel the gift of tongues and it helps. I pray like 20 times a day. It's weird. Like wearing church shirts is so normal. Wearing my p-day clothes is weird. Family... I have a testimony that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his son Jesus Christ. I testify of it. He did translate the Book of Mormon. He went through so much. I'm so grateful for what he did. This is truly the true church. I can never deny. I will take the truth and preach unto every soul. I feel the Savior's love for me. I love all you guys. Jesus loves you! Take care. The church is true! I testify of it. I am a representative of Jesus Christ. I am so blessed and proud.
Love you all!!
Elder Castleton
Gabe, I want to stand beside you and testify that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph Smith is his prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is true! I am so proud of you. I feel the power of your testimony in your letters. I love you!
Love, Dad
Gabe, thank you for your testimony. I, also know that Jesus loves each of us and that he is there for us.
ReplyDeleteThe church is true! We are so grateful that you are going out into the world to testify of its truth.
Gabe, thank you for your testimony. I, also know that Jesus loves each of us and that he is there for us.
ReplyDeleteThe church is true! We are so grateful that you are going out into the world to testify of its truth.