Tuesday, January 24, 2017

23 January 2017 - Week 65

Good week! 

So I had a weird but super spiritual experience this past week. So the branch here is super small and we are basically the only priesthood. So a member of the branch past away last week (I didn't get to meet him). The funeral was Saturday and it was the branch president and us that dressed him. One of the most spiritual experiences of my mission. I could literally feel him and feel his gratitude and for my service when I didn't even know him.

Then earlier today we went to the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory! Which was super cool! There are only 2. One here in Sylacauga and one in Texas. It was awesome! They have a whole parlor upstairs and a huge scoop of ice cream is only 1 dollar and there's no tax lol so we might be stopping by there more often :P 
   
But yeah, those were the highlights of my week. Hope all is well :)
         
Your missionary, -Elder John M. Gilbert

17 January 2017 - Week 64

Apologies y'all! Elder Gilbert sent this last week and I forgot to post it...

Crazy week! So i am now in Sylacauga, AL its just south of Talladega where that huge race is! This town is very different from all my other areas. Its super old, it feels like it's been here forever! umm there is a Blue Bell Ice Cream factory here! So that's coo!! umm My companion is Elder Riley Standifird! He is the man. We are having fun out here in the middle of nowhere!!



Saturday, January 14, 2017

9 January 2017 - Week 63 - Another Transfer!

Elder Gilbert surprised us with news this week... he has been transferred! He has now been moved to Sylacauga, Alabama! It is in Tallageda County, south and east of Birmingham. He transferred on Wednesday, very quickly, so hopefully we will get more details this Monday. He just said he is alive (!) and that he kinda likes the new area. We hope by now he loves his new area and his new comp :) Thanks to you all and we'll post more info as it comes - have a great week!!

Oh, and for those of you viewing this Blog on your phones, sometimes the sidebar can't be seen... here is his new address:

Elder John Michael Gilbert
2301 Motes Rd, Apt #210
Sylacauga, AL  35150

:)

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

26 Dec 2016 and 2 Jan 2017 - Weeks 61 and 62

Hello Dear Friends!! It was wonderful to get to skype with Elder Gilbert on Christmas day!! He looks and sounds great - our special thanks to the Pimentel Family for showing the Elders such a fabulous Christmas and once again opening up their home to our boys :) Elder Gilbert says a big thank you for all the Christmas gifts and wishes - he hopes y'all liked the Christmas Cards he and the other Elders put together. He didn't write a blog for this last week - they are busy working hard in Fulton and getting back into the regular routine. He may have already mentioned, but in case he didn't... Elder Gilbert has been made a District Leader, so he is responsible for three other sets of Elders - he checks in with them, makes sure everyone is OK and on track. He says this is keeping him busy! Anyway, we are grateful he is doing well and we just keep encouraging him to keep at it - he has 42 more weeks! We are finally in the year in which he will come home :) :) :) Our love and thanks to you all - Happy New Year!!!