week 21

Hello, everyone.

 

So it's been a fun 18 weeks since I have arrived in California and on Sunday I had to say goodbye to those who greeted me nicely and invited me into their homes. I have left the small town of Kelseyville and have been moved to Petaluma. Elder Burns, Elder Vasconcelos, Elder Knowles, and myself spoke in church this past Sunday. The bishop had a feeling one or two of us would get moved around and he asked us to speak.

 

I had spoken a little about something that I have pondered about since our last mission conference. I love advertising/design because everything in the world around us has a story to tell. Whether it's an insurance agency, your favorite ice cream, or a comfortable bed. In the same respect, each and every person has a story to tell; most have no interest in sharing theirs, but it is enjoyable when you do get invited to come into peoples lives and make a difference. As an advertising agency would bring out the best of a product with either a commercial, new packaging, or excellent campaign, we as missionaries try to see where these people we meet are at in their lives and how we can help bring out the best in them whether it's helping them with service or overcoming a vice.

 

It was fun to work in Kelseyville and I will definitely miss those I left. Kelseyville now has Elder Ricks and Elder Burns. Both of them began their mission at the same time so I am sure that they will get along well and that the people of Kelseyville are in good hands. Being in Petaluma though is a great opportunity to continue to see new places and meet new people. I was in awe to see buildings, grocery stores, fast food shops, and people walking around the street. I left my camera at home, but look forward to sharing some of the photos I have with next week's letter.

 

My new companion is Elder Weiland. I've only spent a few hours with him so I can't say much more than he's a bright 23-year-old with a good sense of humor from the state of Texas. He's been in the Petaluma area for 4-1/2 months and the church has really helped him change his life for the better. He was in Kelseyville before he got transferred so we were able to talk about a few families and how they are progressing. Elder Weiland and I were also able to go visit and teach a few people on my first night here so that was pretty exciting.

 

My time is just about up. I was going to share an experience in Kelseyville where we were without hot water for about four days, but I may save that for another time. Then again, there's not much more to say other than bathing by boiling water in pots on the stove was an interesting experience, but not one I hope to relive any time soon. I hope that all is well with each and every one of you. I wish you all well and hope to continue to hear good things from you. Take care of yourselves and each other.

 

Love,

Elder Anthony Gallegos