Last Week

A quick snapshot of the week: Tuesday was Elder Lopez's birthday and we spent the day at the doctor's office because I had a problem. I'm fine though. Andres came to church yesterday! It has been incredible to see how he has changed over this past month. The Narro Family is progressing very well, they came to church again yesterday and their daughter is preparing to be baptized this Saturday. Today was my last Pday and we played basketball and soccer... Yankees vs. Latinos. We killed them in basketball... and we also won in soccer. It was fun. Not that anyone was keeping score anyway. 

Just so you all know, this will be the last time that I write home as a full-time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Next week is transfers and they don't let those of us who are going home write home because we have some meetings that we need to go to and such. I would like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for your love and support over these past 2 years. I still can't believe that 2 years have really already gone by. It really hasn't hit me yet that this is it. I know that everyone says it, but these really have been the best 2 years. Since it's the last time I'm writing, I would like to share my testimony. 

I know that God the Father lives. I know that He has a plan for each and every one of us. I know that He knows us all individually and personally. He hears and answers our prayers, maybe not always as we want Him to, but He does answer. 

Jesus Christ lives. He made it possible for us to be cleansed and purified through His atoning blood, sacrificed himself on the cross and on the third day rose again, thus conquering both physical and spiritual death and making it possible for all of us to do so as well. As we sincerely repent and turn to Him He will guide us by the hand and help us overcome every trial and every temptation.

The Book of Mormon is the word of God just as the Holy Bible. As we study the scriptures daily we will receive the spiritual strength to keep pushing forward.

Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His son Jesus Christ. He was a prophet called of God. Through him the Lord was able to restore the Priesthood keys and establish the Church of Jesus Christ once again on the earth. Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on the earth today. He holds the same Priesthood authority that was held by Abraham and Moses.

The most important things that we can do to progress in this life are: read the scriptures daily, pray daily, attend church weekly, hold family home evening weekly, attend the temple as often as possible, and obey all commandments, even when we don't understand all the reasons as to why we should obey them. The Gospel of Jesus Christ isn't always the easiest way or the easiest choice, but it is the best way and the best choice. I testify that if we follow the principles of faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, we will be found worthy to return and live with our Father one day. 

It's hard for me to believe that my missionary service is coming to a close so quickly. It has been the biggest privilege in the world to wear a badge on my chest that states that I am an official representative of the Church and of the Savior himself. I will be eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven for this grand opportunity and privilege.

12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boastof my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
 13 Behold, how many thousands of our brethren has he loosed from the pains of hell; and they are brought to sing redeeming love, and this because of the power of his word which is in us, therefore have we not great reason to rejoice?
 16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel.
 27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.
 30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
 36 Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.
37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of everypeople, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.

(Alma 26:12-13, 16, 27-30, 35-37)

I love you all. See you soon. Come to my Homecoming on August 9 at 9:00 am. 

Much love,

Elder John William Garrett

La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte

This past week was pretty wonderful. On Tuesday Romina Pinto gave us a few referrals and contacted them with us! We've been struggling all transfer to get referrals, so it was great to have a member give us some and contact them with us. It makes all the difference in the world.

On Tuesday we went to Vicente Lopez to give the sister missionaries some priesthood blessings because they had had a hard week. Afterwards, Elder Lopez had to go to the hospital because he wasn't feeling well and they said he has problems in his gall bladder. We spent all day in the hospital/on the bus so it was a pretty tiring day. The good news was that I was able to read about 50 pages in the Book of Mormon. 

Elder Lopez and I eating Locro

 Thursday was Argentina's Independence Day, so we had a ward activity. There is this traditional meal here called locro, it's like some sort of bean/corn/cow stomach soup. Not going to lie, it's pretty gross. My companion and I forked it down (I guess spooned) with a smile on our face and said it was good. Sometimes as missionaries we have to eat weird things and say that we like it. Later that day we had an appointment with the Narro family from Perú. They are doing really well. Edwin and Diana need to get married, but their daughter Maria and Edwin's dad Andrés are preparing to be baptized on the 25th of July.

On Friday we had a special meeting in San Fernando with all of the missionaries that go home this transfer, next transfer, and the transfer afterwards. It was kind of a way to boost everyone up to end the mission well. It was a really great meeting and it was fun to see friends. Later during the day Elder Lopez fell in a zanja and it was pretty funny. The zanjas are these sewers on the side of the street that pretty much are full of animal/human waste. I felt okay laughing because I fell in one when I was in Pacheco. It happens to everyone.

On Sunday we had an appointment with our less-active friend Andrés that I've told you a little about. The first time we met him 3 weeks ago he didn't want to read the scriptures or pray, and yesterday when we arrived he said he had been reading during the week and he offered to say the opening prayer. It's incredible how the gospel changes people.

This week we read a lot in the Book of Mormon, it's been great. The challenge of reading 26 pages per day really makes the Book of Mormon seem more like a story (I mean, it is a story anyway), so it's been really fun to read and I've learned a lot.

Today for pday we went to an all-you-can-eat pizza place and then played tennis. It's really weird to think that I only have one more pday left... the next time I write will be the last time. I'm going to take advantage of every moment I've got until the very end! Thanks for everyone's help, love and support! You're the best!

Love, 

Elder John William Garrett

This week was pretty crazy. This week was crazy because it started the list of the last times I will do things on the mission.

On Tuesday I went to my last Leadership Council meeting with President and the Zone Leaders. It was a really great meeting and it was great to be there with a lot of my friends from the mission and learn form President Ayre. In honor of Pioneer Day, President extended the invitation to all of the missionaries to read the entire Book of Mormon starting on July 1 until July 24. We have to read 26 pages a day to read it all in 24 days (there are 642 pages in Spanish). It's been a bit of a challenge, but a huge blessing to me as I've been learning a lot and been able to strengthen a lot my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

On Wednesday I had my very last Zone Meeting. It was sad because I've really loved participating and leading the meetings and it's been a great experience to learn from all of these missionaries that I serve. We had a really spiritual meeting that was mostly centered around the idea of if we love our missions or if we are just putting up with our mission. I'm so grateful for this opportunity to serve and it's not over yet! I'm determined to work as hard as I can until the very end!

On Friday we got to go to the temple as a zone and it was really great to return. I've now been able to go to the temple 5 times on my mission in Argentina and it has been such a wonderful privilege. The temple is a very special place and for those of you who aren't missionaries and can go more frequently... go!! It is such a privilege to have temples and be able to be instructed by the Lord therein.

This past week we worked really hard. I probably worked harder than ever before on my mission. The problem is we just can't find the people who really want to progress. However, we're going to keep working harder than ever and I know that the Lord will put the prepared people in our paths or we will be put in theirs.

Today I got the Yellow Fever shot to be able to go to Iguazú and afterwards we went to Siga La Vaca with the zone. It's an all-you-can-eat restaurant of asado (barbecue), so it was pretty much the best.

Almost forgot... on Saturday we got permission to watch the final of the Copa de America. Argentina played against Chile and it was really fun to watch the game... but... well... Argentina lost. Chile was playing dirty anyway, though. They were hitting pretty hard and grabbing the jerseys. But anyway, everyone was pretty mad after the game... haha. I got to see Argentina make it to the final of the Copa del Mundo and lose... and get to the final of the Copa de America and lose... yikes.

Thanks for everything! I love you all!

Love,

Elder John William Garrett 

Saltando en los charcos...with elder lopez (new companion) and elder patey (last companion)

This past week was an adventure. We've been working really hard to get to know more members and help them participate in the work here in Suárez. By doing so we've received a lot of referrals and have found many new people to teach. This week we've been teaching a lady named Inca (Filomena) who is 66 years old. She went to church a few times about 5 months ago. She had been searching to find peace in her life and has told us that as she reads the Book of Mormon and prays, she has been able to feel that peace. 

A miracle from this week is that we started visiting an inactive member. He smokes 40 cigarettes per day. He didn't really want to pray or read the scriptures or go to church when we first met him, but yesterday when we visited him he had read 4 chapters in the scriptures and had planned to go to church yesterday (he didn't end up going because... well... I'll get to that). During our appointment he didn't even smoke! It was a miracle because before he would smoke about 3 cigarettes during our 30 minute appointment. It is so incredible to see how the Lord helps people change.

On Friday, while on our way to an appointment, we were walking down the street and a little family saw us and the kids came running up to us and said, "We're Mormons!" The Godoy family is from Rosario and they just moved to Suárez 2 weeks ago. It is a really big family and not all of them got baptized in Rosario, even though they were attending church every week. They wanted to know where the chapel was here in Suárez, so we arranged to help them get to church on Sunday and they were really excited. In the end... well... they didn't end up going because... well... I'll get to that.

Sunday morning there was a huge rain storm and it poured! My companion and I went looking for the Godoy family and we got drenched! By the time we got to church we were soaked all the way through all the layers of our clothes and freezing! At 9 o´clock there were only about 30 people at church, and over the next hour the members slowly trickled in. When it rains here... no one leaves their house. Overall it was kind of a rough day because no one wanted to leave their house and talk to us. Fortunately, Elder Patey had left his rubber rain boots in the pension when he left, so I put them on and jumped in every puddle I found to stay smiling and happy. It was the first time I had ever worn rain boots, so it was fun.

With Elder Lopez (new companion) and Elder Patey (last companion)

 The down side is that I woke up today pretty sick... so that's not fun. Today we only have 2 hours to write to the family and then it'll just be a normal day, because on Friday we are going to go the temple with the zone. It's going to be really great! Overall, it was kind of a rough week, but we're still working hard and I know that the miracles are going to come!

I love you all!

Elder John William Garrett

La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte

Once again with Elder Lopez

This past week was really great. Once again I am with Elder Lopez from Honduras. To answer a few questions, we were companions for 3 months in Pablo Nogués when I had been out 7 months and he had been out 4 months. It's pretty cool to be back together because we're good friends and we already know how to work together. We had our first zone meeting on Thursday and he was really nervous for it because it's the first time that he is a zone leader. He did great though and the meeting was really spiritual. I feel like this transfer our zone is going to accomplish great things. It's weird being the oldest missionary in the mission. It's really weird.

We worked hard this week and found a lot of people to teach while working with the members. Unfortunately the people we found didn't come to church because they already had plans for Father's Day, but we have a few people that we found that accepted baptismal dates, so we're excited to keep working with them this week. A cool experience was we were walking in the street and said "hi" to a girl who is probably about 24ish and she said "hi" back and was really really nice, so we stopped and talked to her and she showed a lot of interest. We noted her address and passed by the next day and it turned out to be the house of her dad that I had visited over a month ago with Elder Patey. He didn't want to learn a whole lot at that time, but his dad died this past week so he was a little more receptive aaaaand... turns out that his wife was baptized as a little girl with her mom. We have an appointment with them today.

We're working really hard and I'm really happy! This transfer is going to be fantastic! I love you all!

Elder John William Garrett

La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte

Last transfer surprises

This last week was pretty phenomenal. Gladys told us that she wanted to be baptized and she wanted to be baptized on Saturday, so well, she got baptized on Saturday and confirmed on Sunday. She was so happy. Yesterday we ate an asado at her house for my birthday and we got to talk to her mom who is a member. Gladys never even told her mom that she was listening to the missionaries, and on Sunday she visited her and told her that her and Robert had been baptized. Her mom was so happy.  It was incredible. I'm so glad that we were able to be instruments in the Lord's hands to help Gladys take this great step.

 

Gladys got baptized 

On Thursday Elder Patey had his last interview with President Ayre and while in the mission home, I got to eat pancakes, American style, with maple syrup from the US! Woohoo!! It was so great! I think I ate about 15... woops. It's not something we eat every day though! Because it was his last week, on Friday Elder Patey and I got to go to the temple. We woke up really early to get there, but it was so wonderful to be there again. I hadn't been in about 10 months. While there I was able to see Gladys Alfonso, a member from Pacheco who works in the temple. I had been praying to be able to see someone I knew and I saw her! Tender mercies of the Lord exist!

At the temple with Elder Patey

Marta was an investigator that Elder Patey taught the transfer before I got to Suárez, but then she was working every weekend and couldn't go to church. We visited her this past week and she got a new job and will be going to church now and wants to be baptized! We have an appointment with her today!

On Sunday we had the despedidas, and it was really hard to say goodbye to Elder Fabila, Patey, Zollinger, Stout and Nuñez, who all were my companions. It's been a good run. One of the best parts was seeing the Ramirez family again, who are doing great! They all wrote me letters for my birthday and they were so sweet. Also, a member who I didn't even know came up to me and said she had someone on her phone that wanted to talk to me, so I took it and it was my trainer, Elder Cruz, who is now in Mexico! He called to tell me happy birthday! He's the best!

Yesterday was my birthday. I'm 20. I'm not a teenager anymore. It's weird. We ate 5 cakes... so we'll be running a lot this week!

20 years old

Transfers! I'm going to be with Elder Lopez for my last transfer of the mission! He was my companion in Pablo Nogués when I had been out 7 months and he had been out 4! It's going to be great!

Love you all!

Elder John William Garrett

La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte

Last week of being a teenager...

This will be the last week that I am a teenager. The next time you hear from me I will be 20 years old. I feel pretty old. At the same time not though, because there are many missionaries that are 22 and 23 in my zone and I'm going home before them... haha.

Movin' up the totem pole, I'm gonna be 20! 

This past week was pretty good and hard. We've been working really really hard to do all the small and simple things and to talk to everyone and follow the Spirit. I was a little disappointed on Friday, but Elder Fabila called me and he helped me out a lot. He said that for things to turn out well, we have to give it all we've got and it has to be the Lord's will.  I know I'm doing my best and I guess that really is all that I can do. 

This week we had leadership council which is always great, and we talked a lot about the importance of baptism in what we do as missionaries. We find that many missionaries don't even believe that they can baptize in their areas, and well... if you don't believe you can... you can't. The next day we had a really spiritual zone meeting where we talked about this, and the best part of the meeting was when every missionary in the zone got up and shared a baptism experience. It was really spiritual and everyone was so happy and pumped to go out and work hard. This zone had always had kind of a reputation of not baptizing, because a couple mission presidents ago, it was the zone that all of the disobedient missionaries were sent to. When President Ayre came, he decided he wanted to change that, so we're doing our best to help it become a really successful zone and try to change what people think about it. Once again because, if you don't believe there are people prepared, ready to be baptize, you won't find them, and you won't baptize.

My first chapel when I got to Argentina

We had a really cool experience on Saturday. Elder Patey and I made a surprise check-in on the Elders from Villa Ballester during companionship study (we have keys to their apartment). It has been so great to see their progress these past several weeks. The first week of the transfer they taught 6 lessons with a member present, and this past week they taught 26. They are now a lot more optimistic and Elder Montenegro even said "I can hardly sleep at night because I just want it to be 11 o'clock so we can go out and start working." We're really proud of them. They also gave us a referral of someone who lives in our area, so later that day we went to contact him. On the way, we decided to talk to a couple on a street corner and they are golden. They are married and have 3 children. José was so excited and grateful that we gifted him the Book of Mormon, and I think it was because the Spirit really guided us to explain the importance of it. The Book of Mormon is so important. If it is true, and I know that it is, Joseph Smith was a prophet, the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored, the Priesthood Keys that unlock the doors of the Celestial Kingdom have been restored, families can be together forever, and we can one day become like God. To quote Thomas S. Monson, "If you haven't read the Book of Mormon... READ IT." I know that if we read it carefully, meditate upon it, and pray and ask God the Eternal Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, we will receive a confirmation of it's truthfullness by the power of the Holy Ghost. READ IT.

Today for Pday we played tennis as a zone and it was a lot of fun. We then ate cake and ice-cream because it was Hermana Baldwin's birthday yesterday and it is mine in a week! Don't forget! I won't be a teenager anymore! 

Love you all!

Elder John William Garrett

La Gran Misión Buenos Aires Norte