Día 139‏

This was a pretty crazy week. On Tuesday we went to San Fernando to a mission conference. It was really fun to see all the missionaries, even if I only know about 4... haha. As part of the conference we did that little activity where you read a story and every time it says right or left you pass your present. President Ayre bought all of the presents and we did the activity. I got a little thing of peanuts... not quite the tie that a few others got. That night we had dinner with the family of Olga, Graciela and Dani. It was a lot of fun to spend part of Christmas Eve with them, and we ate good. We had asado, milanesa napolitana, and all sorts of stuff. There was also blood sausage, which I was the only one brave enough to try, and it was disgusting.

About to try blood sausage

I didn't like it too much

Wednesday, Christmas, we had P-day, so Elder Popoca, Elder Johnson, Elder Fuentes and I went and explored Puerto Madero and the central and took a ton of photos. Afterwards we had lunch, which was an asado also, pretty much the best beef there is. Afterwards I got to talk to the family, which was pretty cool. It was a bummer that I could only talk to Joe for about 5 minutes tops, but it was still great. Unfortunately, the family of which I was using the computer was really, really loud the whole time I was talking, so I don't know how well you heard me. When Elder Fuentes was talking, all of their family and friends had left, so it was a lot quieter. It was really nice to see you all and see how big Josie, Jackson, and Liesel are. I also think Rachel's grown a lot, no one believes me when I say that she's only 13 years old.

Elder Johnson cut my hair...

Friday Alan had his baptismal interview, and Elder Popoca told us that he ws really excited about his baptism and he wants to serve a mission. He said he knows you have to be 18 and he's only 15 and doesn't want to wait. Anyway, we were really excited and he was really excited. When we went to his house to pick him up for his baptism on Saturday however, his mom told us that he had gone to Provincia and wouldn't be back until nighttime. We went back later that night and he still wasn't there. We went to pick him up for church yesterday morning, but his mom wouldn't let him go because he had to take care of his nephews. Fortunately when we went back for him later that night he could come and we baptized him last night. The service was really small, becuse he didn't want a whole lot of people to come, but it was still really special. We also went out Sunday afternoon with Graciela and talked to a whole bunch of people in the villa and have new investigators, so we're pretty excited about that.

 

Baptism of Alan

Anyway, I love you all!

Elder John William Garrett

Día 132‏

So last week we had transfers and my new companion was Elder Seda. However, Thursday morning we got "flashed." During companionship study we got a call from an unknown number. It turned out to be our mission president, President Ayre. He told us that there had been a situation and some missionaries were getting moved around. Elder Seda got shipped out to Soldati, and I got a new companion, Elder Fuentes, from Santiago, Chile, who knows Los Andes, the area in which the other Elder Garrett is serving right now, so that's pretty cool. Now I also know how weird the other Elder Garrett is going to talk when I get to talk to him in Spanish... haha. Elder Fuentes is a pretty great guy.

Elder Fuentes and I at the Stake Christmas devotional last night.

It's kind of interesting now that Elder Cruz is gone. Yesterday I felt super old in this ward, because the four of us elders in the ward ate lunch with the Villalba family, and I'm the only one who has eaten there before. Also, now that I've been there the longest out of the four, all of the members and investigators talk to me and ignore the others, kind of what it was like when I was with Elder Cruz, so that's definitely a change. Something I noted yesterday though, was that I don't know what changed or when, but I have been talking a whole lot lately and understanding most of what people say, so I've been pretty excited about that. Yesterday was a lot of fun because I brought the beef jerky that mom sent me to church to share with the members, and all of them were freaking out because they've never had it before. The bishop had tried it on his mission because he had a Yankee companion, and when he ate it he literally acted like he was in heaven, it was hilarious. Also, last night when Elder Fuentes and I were praying for our investigators, we decided to pray in English so he could practice. When it was my turn to pray, it was honestly extremely hard for me to form sentences. I'm pretty sure I sounded like a caveman. Half the time the words were coming out in Spanish and I had to correct myself and translate the word into English, and then other times I would be translating a phrase that I know makes sense in Spanish but doesn't mean anything in English, so that was pretty weird. I guess that's good though, right?

 
Yesterday I had the opportunity to confirm Olga a member of the church during sacrament meeting. It was my very first time doing it in my life, and it was in Spanish. I was kind of nervous, but when it came time to do it, I wasn't even really thinking about it, and my mouth really was filled with the words to say. After church got over I had the opportunity to baptize Graciela as well, which was special. Graciela and her family gave me a tie and a card expressing their thanks. In part of the letter they wrote that I have been the biggest blessing in their lives, they love me, and if I ever return to Argentina after my mission their door will always be open, which was really really humbling for me. There honestly is nothing better than being able to be a tool in the hands of the Lord in helping people come to a knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping them to come closer to Him. I don't really know that I can find the words to describe the happiness I've been feeling lately, and I can't even imagine how happy our Father in Heaven is. I have come to realize that the mission clearly isn't easy. I have had many very hard experiences and sad experiences and frustrating experiences, but when it comes down to it, these past several months have been some of the happiest in my entire life.


 

Elder Garrett, Elder Cruz, Dani, Olga and Hermana Cisneros

at the baptismal service for Dani and Olga

 



Elder Fuentes, Dani, Graciela, Elder Garrett, and Olga
at the baptism of Graciela



Last night we were able to attend a stake Christmas devotional where a choir sang, our stake president spoke, and President Ayre spoke. It was really special because it reminded me of the stake Christmas devotionals we have in Kaysville. Also, it was nice to remember that it is Christmas this Wednesday as we are dying of heat and humidity.

I'd like to end my email with something I sent to a friend from high school who wrote me this week about Christmas. I hope you have an awesome Christmas. It's such a wonderful time of year to focus even more on the life of our Savior and remember that the greatest gift we have ever received in eternity, is His gift of the Atonement. It is only through the healing power of the Atonement that we can change, repent, and receive forgiveness of our sins. The laws of God are very simple: when we are obedient, we are blessed, however, we clearly aren't perfect and we make mistakes and sin everyday. We would be eternally damned if it were not for our Savior. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is very simple as stated in the scriptures. The only thing Christ asks of us is to have faith and repent and be baptized. After that, we know that we need to press forward and make the other saving covenants, but at the very base of everything is faith and repentance. When we humble ourselves enough to kneel and plead for help and forgiveness we will always receive it, and when it comes time to stand at the judgment bar of God, our Savior will be able to say that we're covered. It is for that reason that we celebrate Christmas. Santa's presents are great, but clearly don't compare. I know that our Savior lives and loves us, and his arms are always stretched out toward us pleading for us to come unto Him. A very Merry Christmas to one and all from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Love,

Elder John William Garrett

Día 126

Wow, this past week was pretty crazy. We had been meeting with Olga, Graciela, and Danny, our referral from the Guillermo family, and their baptismal date was scheduled for this past Sunday. On Wednesday Olga told us that she just didn't feel sure yet and she wouldn't be baptized until she felt completely sure. Then Danny, her 16 year-old son proceded to tell her that she just needs to have faith and pray and read the scriptures to feel sure. In the beginning Danny wasn't even sure if he believed in God, so that was a pretty incredible moment for all of us. Olga committed to read and pray every day, and on Sunday Olga and Danny were baptized. Unfortunately, Graciela was not, because she had to go to a luncheon thing for school, but she will be baptized this next Sunday. It was a really special day, and when Olga saw Danny dressed in white she just started crying. Danny had asked me to baptize him, which was pretty special as well. Yesterday when we visited them, it was like Olga was a different person, and she has noticed it as well as her family. She's a lot happier, and a lot more patient. They said that as a family they've been trying to do a lot better and are praying together a lot, and Graciela is looking forward to her baptism this week. It's so cool to see the change that the gospel of Jesus Christ makes in peoples lives. The mission is really rewarding.

This past week was our last week with Elder Buxton as he should be just about in Utah now. We went to Once again last P-day so he could buy a bunch of gifts and stuff to take home. He left yesterday in the morning, so Elder Johnson came with Elder Cruz and I for the day because Elder Johnson wouldn't get his new companion until today. When we went to their pension Elder Buxton was just finishing packing and his suitcases weighed a ton. Definitely well over the 50 lb. limit... so I'm guessing he had to pay quite a bit to ship those bags. It was kind of an interesting moment when we said goodbye to Elder Buxton. I was excited for him, but I was also sad to see him go. We were together for about 3 months in the same ward, and he was my friend who spoke English, really tried to get to know me, listened to me, and gave me advice. I'm going to miss him being around, but who knows, maybe I'll see him when I go home because he's from Orem.

Today we had transfers. Last night was pretty nerve-wracking as we waited for the call from the zone leaders telling us what was up. Elder Cruz got shipped off to Provincia somewhere... I don't really remember where. I'm still in Constitución, and my new companion is Elder Seda, also from Mexico. He actually knew Elder Cruz before the mission as well because they went to the same school. Elder Johnson is also still in Constitución, and his companion is Elder Popoca, also from Mexico and knows Elder Cruz. It'll be kind of different as it is a change, but I'm excited. I have faith that President Ayre is called of God and I should be in Constitución with Elder Seda right now.

Love,

Elder John William Garrett

ps. Christmas is coming, but it's really hot so it doesn't feel like it... haha.

Día 118

Wow what a week. It's really starting to heat up down here and it doesn't really feel like Christmas time because of that. Also, I had a member ask me yesterday what day Christmas is... so I'm not sure how big of a holiday it is down here.

This past P-day we went to the stadium of the Boca futbol club and toured around, which was pretty awesome. I've been slowly improving when it comes to playing futbol... but I'm still pretty bad. However, this past week élder Buxton kicked it to me from the corner and I headed it in for a goal, so everyone was pretty impressed even though I know it was just luck. Oh well, I'll take what I can get.
 

 

This week we had divisions again and I was with élder Buxton in my area. It was a really good experience and I learned a lot. I had to lead out in all of the lessons, and I realized that I really can do this and the Lord will fill my mouth with words when I simply have the courage to open it. I also learned that one of the most important things is just to relax when we're in lessons. I'm reminded of all the breathing stuff I did with Andra and Bonnie and I've been trying to breathe more in the lessons and I've noticed that it's a lot easier to relax and the Spirit is able to help out more when we aren't so nervous.

We had to drop the beloved Guillermo family this week, which was really hard. Danny told us now that he doesn't want his boys to make the decision to be baptized until they are at least 18 because he thinks that until they are adults they aren't capable of making the decision for themselves. I'm not really sure where the reasoning is in that, but we have to respect people's agency. He has really just hardened his heart which was quite obvious as he would repeat over and over that God is everywhere and we don't need to be in a church as long as we try to live right and be good people. As much as we tried to help him, he just wouldn't open up his mind, and as he wasn't allowing his children to be baptized either, we just had to drop them to spend our time finding and teaching people who are prepared for this message.

On the flip-side, the reference that the Guillermo family gave us of Olga and her two children Graciela and Danny are doing fantastic. They really enjoy going to church and are reading the scriptures and praying. Yesterday Graciela couldn't come to church because she had to take someone to the train station, and Olga was just sitting at home and didn't want to go to church alone. However she said a little prayer and asked God what she should do and then opened up her Book of Mormon and read a scripture that says something like "don't put off to tomorrow what you can do today" and she got up and went to church. Later we went to her house and picked up Danny to bring him to church as well and it was really great. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We thought that the Guillermo family was put in our path to be baptized, but maybe it just isn't their time and through them we were able to find this family. When we follow the Spirit and take advantage of every opportunity we are given, we will truly be led where we need to go.

Alan is doing really well also, but unfortunately he couldn't come to church yesterday because he had to take his little brother to a soccer tournament, so unfortunately that pushed his baptism back another week. We have faith though that all will work out with him.

Yesterday was kind of an interesting day as we had two different appointments with an inactive member and a nonmember husband of a member who were just attacking the Book of Mormon. The husband of the member said that he can't believe the book of Mormon is true until there is proof that Zarahemla exists and where it is. The inactive member just kind of slipped into apostasy and has been interpreting the Bible the best way he can and doesn't believe that the church is true. 

 

I learned much from yesterday and received personal revelation through these appointments. It doesn't matter how much knowledge we have or want, we will always arrive to a point when we simply have to have faith. It is impossible to know everything. When we humble ourselves enough to simply ask our Father in Heaven, expecting to receive an answer, we will always receive it. This answer, this feeling, is something that no one can take away from you. I know that Jesus Christ lives and He atoned for me although I have not seen Him. I have felt His love and His help and guidance in my life. I know that The Book of Mormon is the word of God even though I have not seen Zarahemla, because I have read it, I have meditated on the word, and I have asked God and received the confirmation that it is true. I also know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and that this church is true. I know that I don't have all the answers for every question, but frankly, even if I read in the newspaper tomorrow that Zarahemla has been found or if I see my Savior tomorrow it wouldn't change what I already know to be true. However, no one can receive this witness until they humble themselves and simply have faith. I also learned that it is when we stop doing the little things that we slowly slip into apostasy. This inactive member wasn't attending church and wasn't really reading the Book of Mormon when he decided to go on this personal quest to find out what is truly the doctrine of Christ according to the Bible. It is when we stop doing the simple things such as attending church, reading the scriptures, and praying that we slip into apostasy and Satan really starts working on us. We as members cannot afford to let our guard down. If we are not progressing steadily forward in our testimonies, we are moving backwards. There is nothing sadder in this work than visiting with inactive members of the church who have completely fallen into apostasy. When we think we can figure something out on our own is when we develop pride and fall, which is a pattern shown time and time again in the Book of Mormon. 

I know this church is true. I know that my Savior lives. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Thomas S. Monson is God's prophet in the world today. If anyone has doubts or questions, there is no better place to go than directly to our Father in Heaven, because He knows if this church is His church, if the Book of Mormon is His word, and if Joseph Smith was His prophet. When we humble ourselves sufficiently to ask Him, He will make it known unto us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

élder John William Garrett

Día 111

This past week has been pretty good. I've had some breakthroughs with the language and I've been able to understand and communicate pretty well, so I'm really excited about that. On Monday we visited with the family in the ward from Ukraine that only two of the children speak Spanish. We watched the movie "Finding Faith in Christ" in Russian so that they could understand it, and I felt brand new again as I couldn't understand anything that was being said in the movie. I also came to be grateful that I'm learning Spanish and not Russian. Every time we visit this family they give us some Ukranian food that is always kind of strange, so I was really excited when I saw that this time it was 3 pancakes rolled up. Then I ate it and discovered that there was some kind of pumpkin or squash vegetable in the middle of the pancakes, so that was a little strange, but oh well.

We've run into some walls with the Guillermo family, and we've fasted the past 2 Sundays to know how we can help them. It appears that Danny really won't budge on waiting to get married until next year even though he knows he needs to be baptized. However, he gave permission to Axel and Bryan that they could be baptized. The only problem now is that Danny won't sign the baptismal record forms, because he believes that it isn't important to sign something to be baptized, the same reason why he won't get married civilly. We tried to explain about the form, but he just wasn't understanding and we're going to try to explain it a different way. They also didn't attend church yesterday because they had a birthday party for Axel until 12:00. We're disappointed, but we're just going to keep on working and press forward with faith.

Alan is really great and is reading and excited for his baptism. The only problem is yesterday élder Cruz and I had to go to the Villa to pick up some investigators, and our ward mission leader was to pick up Alan for church. We called and reminded him the night before, but Alan nor the ward mission leader came to church, so we aren't really sure what happened. That is a problem though, because to be baptized in this mission the investigators have to attend church 3 times, so it pushes his baptismal date back a week.

This week Jessica Guillermo gave us a referral of one of her friends, and we contacted Olga and her daughter Graciela and they accepted everything in the first lesson and came to church yesterday with us. They are looking for the right church, and Jessica had lent Olga a Book of Mormon and she was already reading it, so that was pretty awesome.

On Saturday we donated blood at a blood drive in a chapel in Chacarita, about 45 minutes from Constitución. élder Johnson and I were completely calm about the whole thing because we've donated before, but élder Buxton and élder Cruz were freaking out about it. Afterwards élder Buxton and élder Cruz had to stay in their chairs for about 5-10 minutes because they were really pale and loopy. 

Have a great week and enjoy winter because it's really hot and humid here. I'm thankful for all of you.

élder John William Garrett

Día 104

This week we had exchanges with the district leader, élder Buxton, and élder Johnson. In exchanges the senior companions always go together and the junior companions go together, so I was with élder Johnson in my area. He arrived the transfer after me, so both of us are pretty new here and working on the language. However, we decided we were going to have a good day and we went to work. We changed companions after district meeting right before lunch, and élder Johnson and I went to lunch with the Cisneros family. It was the birthday of hermana Cisneros, and as a result we had an asado. They brought out our plates with a slab of steak and a whole chicken leg each. élder Johnson is vegan... so I ended up eating all of his meat and he just ate salad and potatoes. I was so stuffed afterwards, it was incredible.  At least it was good food. élder Johnson is sure going to struggle being vegan here in the country of the cow.  We eat meat in every meal. Afterwards they brought out 3 kilos of ice-cream. It was pretty funny that we had this kind of a meal, because we don't have it very often and it just happened to be the day when I was with élder Johnson, who is vegan. Oh well. We laughed about it, and élder Johnson was fine with just eating potatoes and salad. We had a really good day, and I was able to see that I can actually communicate pretty well. I was kind of forced to teach the majority of the lessons because I didn't have élder Cruz to rely on and élder Johnson has less time in the mission than I do, but it was a really really good experience.

The Guillermo family is doing well. The only problem is that they want to be baptized together as a family, and Danny and Jessica said they are waiting until next October to get married because it will be 20 years being together. That poses a problem because Danny and Jessica can't be baptized until they are married, and since they want to be baptized as a family, Axel and Bryan can't be baptized until they are married either. However, we've had some fantastic lessons with them this week and they are progressing. We visited them yesterday, accompanied by a member from the ward, and the only person home was Jessica. Talking with Jessica, she told us about how Danny has never believed in God and loved reading scientific books about the creation of the world and everything like that. He hasn't ever had interest in church, and the last time the missionaries visited them a couple months ago he wouldn't listen to them, but something is different this time. This time he wants to listen and find out more. Jessica just tossed out the Book of Mormon that the last missionaries left, but now when she isn't doing anything, she has a desire just to pick up her Book of Mormon or one of the pamphlets we've left and read them. Axel is always reading his Book of Mormon and has an incredible memory, and on Saturday he was telling us all about Lehi's dream about the tree of life. Bryan was more like his father as well, but now he is reading and has this desire to be baptized as well. It seems that Jessica, Bryan, and Axel are ready to be baptized even though they feel like they don't know everything (which isn't even important anyway, it's only important to have faith and repent), and the only problem right now is Danny. However, Danny wants to keep listening and we have faith and have been praying and fasting that his heart will open up. I have a strong testimony that when they pray and receive the answer that the Book of Mormon is true and Joseph Smith was a prophet they will get married and be baptized sooner than next October. As well, we explained that they could be married and baptized now and in a year when they have 20 years together, they could be sealed in the temple for eternity. I shared some pictures of my family and talked about how we have been sealed in the temple and I know we will be together forever. As I talked about my family I started to cry and the Spirit testified to me that what I was saying was true. I'm so grateful for my parents and their desire many years ago to be sealed in the temple.

Indio and his kids aren't progressing at all and aren't attending church, but through them we were able to find his friend/neighbor Alan. Alan is 14 years old and like Joseph Smith, has been trying to find the true church. He has been doing his research and has been reading the Book of Mormon and he says he believes it is true. He has a desire to be baptized and yesterday he was waiting for us outside to pick him up to take him to church, and we were even 10 minutes early. He really enjoyed church, committed to going next week as well, and every week even after he is baptized. I guess you just never know the ways of the Lord. We thought that Indio was put in our path to be baptized, but it appears that now isn't his time, and he was put in our path so we could find Alan. 

I know that as we have faith and are diligent in the work of the Lord, we will be blessed. This is the Lord's work, not ours, and He will accomplish it in His way as we are humble and listen to the Spirit. If it was up to us we would baptize everyone we meet, but everyone has their agency and it isn't everyone's time right now. Sometimes the Lord puts people in our path so they can introduce us to the people who are prepared. The church is true and Joseph Smith saw God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. This is His work. I love the Lord. I love this people in this country. It's crazy to think about since I haven't been here a super long time, but I have come to love the members in this ward, and I have really come to love our investigators and I desire their salvation. The church is true.

With much love,

élder John William Garrett

Día 97

This past week has been really really great. This truly is the Lord's work.

I was having a lot of personal struggles on Thursday. I just felt like I'm trying so hard to do my best but I feel like it isn't good enough and I'm just a kid out here. I felt like everything I was doing was wrong and I wasn't helping at all because people weren't listening to me. I spent a lot of time Thursday night just praying and crying. Then I had some great experiences this weekend. In my personal study I studied a lot on humility. I came across some fantastic scriptures that really helped me a lot. In order to help in God's work, we have to be humble. If I'm having struggles, maybe it's just because the Lord is helping me to be more humble, and as it says in éter 12, (this isn't completely correct because I'm translating it from spanish) "if men come unto Me I will show unto them their weaknesses. I give unto men weaknesses so that they will be humble... and if they humble themselves and have faith I will make their weaknesses strengths unto them." I know I have many weaknesses, but if I will just be humble and have faith in the Lord he will strengthen me. Sometimes it's hard because it seems like all we can do is be humble and have faith, but that's the way of the Lord. 

This Saturday I got even more personal revelation. We had the opportunity to attend a meeting in the Buenos Aires West Mission with the North, West, and South missions along with the missionaries in the MTC here with élder Jeffrey R. Holland. If you think he's powerful on TV, wow, he's incredible in person in a chapel. He spent a lot of time talking about how much he loves us and how much everyone loves us and how that is a responsability to live worthy of this love and respect. He said every morning from the moment he wakes up until he goes to sleep he is trying to figure out how to save a soul... the same thing we do every day. He said in a way, we are Apostolic for these 2 years. His testimony in the end was the most impactful for me. He said if you think the mission is hard, it's because salvation is not a cheap experience. We can't expect it to be easy for us when it was never ever easy for Him. We are His representatives, and we have been called to do what He would be doing if He was here in Argentina. This is really good to remember when I have hard days, when people don't listen, when people don't follow through with commitments. He had the same things happen to Him, He was even crucified by them. If we have faith in Him and do our very best to preach HIS gospel, in HIS way, not our own, we will have success, because as stated in Jacob 5, the Lord is working in His vineyard with us. It isn't a coincidence that I'm in Argentina right now, the Lord saved me for this time in this place.

On Sunday we had the entire Guillermo family at church, which was awesome. They were waiting for us to pick them up when we went to fetch them. They're incredible, have great questions, and are reading the Book of Mormon and praying. Danny and Jessica need to get married, but they said that that won't be a problem, so this week we'll really just need to stress it and have them make plans so they can be baptized. We would really like to baptize the family all together, but depending on how the whole marriage thing works out, because I'm not sure how difficult of a process it is, we can baptize Bryan and Axel in two weeks and later baptize the parents.

I love you all, enjoy winter... because it's really hot and I'm sweating right now.

élder John William Garrett

élder Cruz and I sporting our fútbol gear that we got super cheap.

 

 

 

Dia 90

This past week we had transfers, and I'm still in Constitución with Elder Cruz. Elder Buxton is training Elder Johnson from Provo, so now we have 3 Utah boys and a Mexican in the ward. It's still kind of stormy and rainy and windy here, so it isn't too hot yet. I guess I should enjoy it while it lasts before summer really hits.

This week was full of ups and downs. Elder Cruz and I were having a great week all through Thursday with our lessons and our investigators, and especially for me the language. We had a great lesson with the Guillermo family on Tuesday. We were going to watch the video of the Restoration, but Elder Cruz's copy was stolen by another Elder that has now been transferred, the library in the chapel didn't have it, and Hermana Mantilla had all the discs of Doctrine and Covenants except that one. She gave us The Testaments, and we decided to watch that with the family and talk about Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon. There really was a reason why we couldn't find the video of the Restoration. It was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences I've had, and I know that the family felt it. They really are incredible. As we were testifying after it was over, all of us were in tears.

Luis' son Sebastian, who is mentally handicapped, was taken to the hospital this week, so we haven't been able to see Luis all week. We aren't really sure what is going on and when we ran into him in the street the other day he had a pack of cigarettes in his pocket, so that isn't good. We don't want to lose him, but we can't ever meet with him, so we don't know what to do. We were expecting 8 investigators at church yesterday that all said they were coming, but no one came. The Guillermo family called us in the morning to apologize and tell us that they were going to Provincia because their sister was sick. We called Griselda and Ramón and they too said that they were in Provincia. Indio, Cristian and Marcelo didn't come to church either. We were really disappointed. We had a really hard time this weekend getting in touch with our investigators because they weren't home when we had our appointments. This is one of those times that we have really learned to rely on the Lord. He knows what our investigators need, and He knows what we as missionaries need to grow and progress as well. We just need to rely on him and be patient and diligent in the work, and everything will work out the way that He wants. A scripture that really helped me this weekend was Alma 26:27:

"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.” 

Love,

Elder Garrett (Argentina)

This past Monday Elder Cruz and I made arroz chaufa for lunch/dinner/lunch and dinner the next day. We made a ton. It's really good and somewhat similar to ham fried rice... but different.

Día 84

This was a good week. This past monday Elder Cruz, Elder Cultipa, Elder Buxton and I went to a "tenedor libre" for lunch, an all you can eat buffet (the direct translation is "free fork" so... that clearly explains what buffets are all about...). There was a lot of good food and all sorts of desserts and ice-cream and we stuffed ourselves. As a matter of fact, we probably ate too much, but as of yet there isn't a sign saying that the Mormon missionaries aren't allowed, as there is at another tenedor libre somewhere in Capital.

Halloween was this week, and it was quite different from the States. Here, people set out pictures of all of their deceased ancestors on a table and decorate it with all kinds of fruit and other decorations to celebrate "Día de los muertos," or day of the dead. There were a few kids going around asking for candy, but very few in costumes, and I'm pretty sure most people didn't have candy to give them because it isn't a really big tradition here as it is in the States.

Carmen is doing great. We set up a "noche de hogar" (family night) with her and an hermana in the ward one night, and that day we went by to remind her about it and we saw through her window that she was studying her Book of Mormon. Que capa. 

Luis is doing well, but he's having some struggles giving up cigarettes. When we visit him he expresses the desire to quit and he knows he should, and he let us take two packs from him two days this past week. It was kind of weird because we didn't want to throw away the pack outside for fear that some people might see some Mormons with cigarettes, so we went to the nearby chapel to dispose of them in a more private place... but it was weird walking around with a pack of cigarettes in my pocket. He's such a great guy and he's trying hard. As of now he hasn't smoked since Friday, so we're hopeful that things are looking up, and he has been buying bread instead of cigarettes. Turns out you can buy 1 kilo of bread for the same price as a pack of cigs, so he had quite a bit of bread when we stopped by yesterday.

Through a referral of a member, we found a great family this past week, the family Guillermo. There's Danny (father), Jessica (mother), Bryan (16), Axel (13), and Bruce (3). They are from Peru, and I'm not really sure why they have American names, I'll have to ask them. We haven't actually met the mother yet, because she hasn't been around for our lessons. The others are really receptive though and ask us questions and understand what we teach. They accepted baptismal dates, and Danny and Axel attended church on Sunday. Bryan was sick, but he said he is going to come with the rest of the family this next week. It's cool to see that this family really has been prepared to receive our message and when we try our best and work hard we can find these people. The only snag is that Danny and Jessica aren't married, but Danny told us that they'll get married soon, so we're hopeful that that happens. That seems to be the case with most people here, they have just been living together for forever, but to be baptized they either need to separate or get married in order to obey the law of chastity. Just a different culture I guess.

Sunday we attended the "despedidas" in San Fernando. It's a meeting where all the elders who are going home share their testimonies, and pretty much all the elders in the mission go, but we have to bring an investigator or recent convert. A lot of members go to the meeting as well. Elder Cruz and I went and brought Indio's two boys, and the mom of Hermana Rosa Rojas, who is also an investigator. Two boys, Matias Chavez and Edu Moron from the ward also came, and it was a lot of fun to spend time with them and practice my Spanish and realize that I can communciate more than I think I can.

Today was transfers. I'm still in Constitución with Elder Cruz, which isn't really a surprise because I'm still in my training for another transfer. Elder Cutipa left for another area to go be a District Leader, so I'll miss him. Elder Buxton is getting a new companion today to train, but they're still in San Fernando so I haven't met him yet. This week we had lunch with the Chavez family like every week, and we ate hígado. Liver. It was honestly the most disgusting thing that I've ever eaten, but I just ate it all and told the hermano that it was really good. I don't really have a choice anyway, because I have to eat the lunch because we don't eat dinner and usually don't eat breakfast either. Oh well. 

Overall everything is going great, I'm healthy and happy and safe. The church is true and there is power in studying the scriptures. I've noticed that my testimony has grown the most during my time in the mission when I am studying the scriptures and when I am serving others. It's through the simple things that we are able to strengthen our testimonies, and I testify to that.

Love,

Elder Garrett (Argentina)

Day 76

Wow, such an incredible week. Last Monday Elder Cruz went to get his hair cut by a "professional." It honestly looked horrible, so when we went back to the pension I helped him out a bit, and then I allowed him to cut my hair with his clippers machine things. I only let him cut the sides and the back though, because I don't know how I feel about buzzing it all off just yet. Maybe next transfer when it will be really hot. 

So I guess the big news this week was we were supposed to have a baptismal service for Carmen on Saturday. It was quite the experience. Elder Cruz and I went to the chapel to begin filling up the font at 3 o'clock, because it takes about 2 hours to fill and the service was to be at 5, and then we went off to some other appointments. We went back to the pension to grab my baptismal clothes, because I was to do the ordinance, and pick up Carmen to bring her to her baptism because she lives across the street from us. We got to her house at 4:45... and no one was there. We waited around for about a half an hour and she still didn't show up. We didn't know what to do, so we just decided to pray. As soon as Elder Cruz finished the prayer, we received a call from the other Elders in the ward saying that Carmen was already at the chapel waiting for us. We didn't know why she was there because we said we'd pick her up... but we didn't complain. We then ran many many blocks to the chapel. Because we were so late, we decided we would do a joint baptismal service with the other ward in the chapel and the missionaries from another area. When it came time for the ordinance, we found out that there was a problem with the drain, and the problem was that it wouldn't stop the water from draining out... so we didn't have a full font. Well, we were going to do the baptisms anyway, so we decided to make do with the water that we did have. It was about 2 and a half feet... so I needed to perform the service on my knees, and Carmen needed to sit down in the font. The problem was, Carmen is 64 and has bad knees and bad hips, so that was impossible. She was basically laying/floating in the font with only her head and neck above the water. I recited the prayer and went to submerge her, but she was kind of fighting me for air and thrashing around a tad bit... so we had to do it over again to submerge her whole body completely. This time another Elder from the other ward came into the font to help hold her up during the prayer and this time it all worked out. Despite all of the things that didn't go as planned, it was an incredibly spiritual experience and Carmen is really happy. She was confirmed a member of the church yesterday and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and it is incredible to see the faith that she has. It was a really good experience, and I have quite the story to tell of my first baptism in the mission. As Elder Reina and I were changing out of our baptismal clothes after, he laughed and said, "vamos a bautizarles si o si!" (We are going to baptize them yes or yes).

We got a reference from a member this week that was incredible. He accepted everything, and in our first visit he honestly said, "what more do I need to do to be baptized?", and "I want to read all of the Book of Mormon and I'll start reading tonight." He has a smoking problem, but yesterday after our lesson on the Word of Wisdom, we gave him a blessing to help him stop smoking, and he said he isn't going to smoke anymore and everytime he has the temptation to buy a packet of cigarettes he is going to buy bread instead. It is really cool to see that the Lord is preparing people to hear our message and as we are obedient and try to do our best and follow the Spirit we can help these people come to Christ.

The Spanish is coming easier every day, and the members in my ward are shocked... jaja. I am really enjoying the mission right now and I love studying and preaching the things that have brought me the most happiness in my life. The church is true.

Elder Garrett (Argentina)

Day 69

This has been an incredible week. Last Monday was interesting. We played futbol with a bunch of kids from the ward. It was pretty much my first time playing futbol, so I didn't know what I was doing. Also, there were always people shouting stuff at me, but it's in Spanish, and I couldn't understand what they were shouting, so it was definitely a funny experience. After we got done playing futbol we played a little basquetbol. I was really excited to show them that I do play sports and dazzle them with my "skills." However, playing basquetbol with Latinos is a lot different than basketball in the MTC. They don't know the rules or anything about how to play... they think the rules are the same as futbol, they don't understand fouls, and I was confused if we were playing basketball or rugby, to be honest. Also, none of them really know how to shoot, so they would just chuck the ball at the backboard and every now and then get lucky. It was hilarious.

On Wednesday we had a meeting in San Fernando at the offices with all the trainers and new missionaries with Presidente Ayre. It was incredible. I had come to realize that I was too worried about my struggles with the language. As I was worried about this, I became more and more discouraged, and little things started to bring me down even further and further. I haven't really been happy since I got here. However, during the meeting Presidente Ayre reminded us of our sacred calling, and our right to receive revelation and divine help. He also said that we don't need to worry if we can't speak perfect Spanish, when we are doing the right things, the Spirit can testify through us just as easily as through our Latino companions. After the meeting I decided that I wasn't going to be sad and discouraged anymore. I decided that I was going to be happy, and always be smiling, and have the same enthusiasm for the work that I had when I entered the MTC. As a result, I have seen small miracles happen this week. As I'm happy and enthusiastic, I have begun to not be scared to open my mouth and speak and testify. As I'm happy the Spirit is with me more. As I'm happy I have been able to help strengthen others. Also, as I am happy I have actually had an easier time understanding what people say, and speaking with people, not only about the gospel. This meeting on Wednesday changed my mission for me. I've had incredible lessons with less-active members and investigators since that day, starting with Indio on Wednesday. We taught the Plan of Salvation, and I taught half the lesson. I was able to testify about the joy and happiness of this plan of happiness, and it was more powerful because I actually was happy and Indio was able to feel the Spirit.

Friday was quite the interesting day. We had companionship exchanges, so my companion went with the district leader Elder Buxton to his area, and Elder Buxton's companion Elder Cutipa came to my area with me. That meant that I was "in charge" of the area because Elder Cutipa didn't know his way around or the people. I don't really know my way around either... but we got around just fine. It was a really good day for me. Elder Cutipa is from Peru and doesn't know any English at all, so I was forced to speak in Spanish and try and understand what he was saying. Elder Cruz, my companion, knows some English, so when I don't understand something, occasionally he explains in English, but when I didn't understand something Elder Cutipa said, he would explain it in Spanish. It was actually fantastic, and I was able to understand a lot. Since the people in the area only know me and not Elder Cutipa, I was forced to take the lead in the lessons and talk more, and it was wonderful to see that it wasn't hard and I can communicate more than I thought. That night we also had a talent night at the chapel with the ward. It was to start at 7:30, and in Argentina I guess that means that everyone should come at 8:30. There are four of us Elders in the ward, so we shared a spiritual thought, did a couple of silly boy scout sketches that miraculously the people thought were funny, and then Elder Cutipa and I had to leave in order to get back to the pension in time. It was a successful evening though, and Carmen was able to attend and loved it, so that was good. Her baptism is supposed to be this Saturday, so we are hoping that she will feel ready, because her big issue lately is that she doesn't feel ready.

Yesterday was "el dia de la Madre," or Mother's Day in Argentina. It's kind of interesting, because in every other country in the world Mother's Day is in May, but not Argentina, here it is in October. A lot of members asked us when we got to call our families, so we had to explain that we call in May and not October. After a while being asked the same question over and over, Elder Cruz just started telling people that we already called in the morning, jaja. We had an excellent rest of the day. We taught a lesson with Carmen, a different Carmen who lives in the Villa, who is in old investigator. We talked a lot about prophets, and the Book of Mormon, and I was able to contribute a lot to the lesson. She decided that she wanted to come to church next Sunday, and she accepted a baptismal date as well. At the end of the lesson I felt prompted to tell her that we don't want her to go to church and be baptized for us, but we are representatives of Jesus Christ, and He is inviting her to follow Him. It was a really great lesson. Much later that night we went to contact a gentleman we had met a few days previously. He wasn't there, and as we were waiting we saw an older woman across the street with a dog that was staring at us. Elder Cruz wished her a Happy Mother's Day, and then she came over and started talking to us. Her name is Nelly, she's 68, and she is incredible. We shared a little bit about what we believe, and mostly just talked to her about her. She doesn't work on Sunday's, she wants to go to church next week, and she accepted a baptismal date. Incredible. All of this happened because Elder Cruz felt prompted to wish a stranger Happy Mother's Day. 

I had an awesome experience this morning. We are encouraged to pray a lot to know if the Book of Mormon is true, even if we have done so previously. I finished the Book of Mormon again this morning, and afterwards I prayed for about 20 minutes to know if it is true. I received a powerful witness of the divinely inspired book, and it was actually all in Spanish. I know the book to be the word of God. It was translated only through the power of God, through a person that was humble enough to be a tool in the hands of God. This book can help bring us closer to Christ more than anything else can.

Something cool is that I've been dreaming in Spanish for about a week now, and I am thinking in Spanish pretty much all the time. It's amazing what can happen when you decide to be happy, decide to enjoy the mission, and have a positive attitude.

Elder Garrett

Day 62

I guess technically today makes 2 months in the mission since it is the 14th, even if this is technically my 10th week. Time flies doesn't it?

I had a cool experience with personal revelation this past week. On Sunday during our daily planning session we prayed to know what our goal for numbers of new investigators should be on Monday. I received the number 3. Later on Monday we met with this man who works in the building of a member, and we asked if there were others that could join us and he said his two boys could, ages 8 and 10. We were able to teach them the first lesson and Indio was very receptive to all of it, and all three of them accepted the commitment to read and pray about the Book of Mormon and be baptized. In other words, 3 new investigators, which was the number that I received the night before. It was a pretty cool experience for me.

On Tuesday we went to the Zoo Temaiken. It is in Escobar I believe, and we had to take many buses, trains, and run a lot to catch all of them. The running wasn't very fun due to the broken up sidewalks, but we got there and all was well. We were about half an hour late to the mission conference due to trains that were cancelled, but we were able to catch most of it, so that was good. The zoo was incredible and really big. We spent 3 hours there before we left. I bought 1/2 kilo of ice cream... I shared some of it, and I don't know how guilty I should feel because I don't know how big of a measurement that is... not sure if I want to know... We didn't get back to Constitucion until around 8, so we didn't have much time to visit people which was too bad. By the time it was time to return to the pension and go to bed we were totally exhausted, but it was a fun day.

I had a cool experience on Thursday with the ward family Danilenko. They are from some country around Russia and only speak Russian with the exception of one of their children who has learned some Castellano. I'm not entirely sure why they are in Argentina, but it was a cool experience to share a message with them in Castellano, have the boy translate it into Russian, and really see that the Spirit testifies in every language.

Friday I spent all morning in San Fernando and San Isidro working on some papers to become legal in Argentina. A bunch of the other new missionaries were there as well, so it was nice to see some familiar faces from the MTC.

I've eaten some really good food lately, and some food that hasn't been too good. I'm finally used to eating a gigantic lunch and not eating dinner, so that's good. The only problem is, now when I finish my plate and feel really good about myself that I accomplished the feat I am stuffed. Then the Hermana dips me up more food. It's a challenge to eat it all, but I'm trying my best. I guess having more food than I can eat is better than not having enough food to eat right?

Carmen was able to come to Church on Sunday, and she loved it. I believe she has gone before when she was in Uruguay, but it was cool to have her come with us, and we were also able to review the first lesson with her. Right now she feels like she isn't prepared for baptism and wants to review all the lessons, so we're doing that and hopefully she will feel prepared within a couple more weeks.

Unfortunately, Gady, one of our progressing investigators, told us on Saturday that she doesn't want to meet with us anymore. She has a lot of doubts, and her mom and Jehovah's Witnesses have been telling her all sorts of crazy stuff about our church. There isn't really anything we can do other than testify of the truth and invite her to find out for herself, but right now she doesn't seem to be interested. Perhaps with time she will come to know the truth, and maybe for now we have just planted a seed.

I have really come to appreciate the importance of faith in this work and not getting disappointed or frustrated when I don't understand what people say. I find that when I try my best to be positive and happy all the time, it is easier to understand and I am able to feel the Spirit more. This is something I've been working a lot on lately.

Elder Garrett

Día 55

This was a really great week. Some interesting things about Argentina that I have discovered this past week, is that there are all sorts of extremely old, rusting cars everywhere that have just been abandoned for years and people steal parts of them. It´s kind of interesting. Also, the apple juice here actually tastes like apples, so that is really awesome, and much different from the U.S. No one follows the lines on the road, so I´m just glad I´m not driving the buses. Also, there is music from the states being played everywhere... so that´s interesting. A lot of it is the new stuff, but I also hear a lot of Elvis, and Grease is playing right now in this internet café. (and now Billy Joel)



Sister Ayre, Elder Garrett, and President Ayre at the Mission Home
 

We pretty much walk everywhere, but occasionally we take buses when we are going to an area that is a long ways away. Pretty much we are always walking though, and I´m pretty sure I´ve lost weight. I´ve had to tighten my belts, so that´s interesting. Our pensión is pretty big, but not too glamorous. It serves its purpose. We´ve got beds, so I just have my sleeping bag laid out on the mattress, and then I sleep with a sheet and a blanket on top. My companion is pretty great, he makes pancakes almost every morning, and we eat them with dulce de leche... we pretty much eat everything with dulce de leche though... that´s how people can tell that we aren´t from here. My shaver ran out of power and I didn´t have a power converter, so I didn´t shave one day and then borrowed one from the other gringo in our area. He goes home in December, and he said he would give it to me when he goes, so that´ll be nice.

 

Overall it has been a really good week. I still don´t understand a whole lot of what people say, but it´ll come, and I think I´m understanding more than the first week, so that´s definitely progress. Conference was absolutely fantastic. I got to watch it in English with 3 other gringo missionaries. It was almost like we stepped out of Argentina for 2 hours each time. We didn´t get to watch the Priesthood Session, because it is at 9 o´clock here... so that´s too late for missionaries. I think we´ll be watching it in a zone conference soon. Something funny happened this week, I had a member tell me I was really handsome, because I don´t look like a gringo. I guess that´s a good thing, but it´s also a curse, because the people here assume that I know how to speak the language because I don´t look like the other gringos in the zone who all have blonde hair and blue eyes. Oh well. 

 

 

Elder Garrett and Elder Cruz

We were supposed to have a baptism for Carmen yesterday, and Elder Cruz told me I was going to do it. I was really nervous. Unfortunately, Carmen didn´t come to conference like she said she was going to earlier in the day, so we didn´t have a baptism. Also, she isn´t going to go to church on the 20th because it´s mothers day here, so we probably won´t be able to baptize her for a couple weeks. We´re doing our best to find people to teach, but it´s difficult because once we find people that are interested, when we go to their house for the appointment, they are never there and we can´t find them again. I´ve really grown to appreciate the importance of patience in this work, because it definitely isn´t easy. I know that there are people out there who are looking for the message, we just need to find them. 

It´s starting to get warmer here.

I love you all.

Elder Garrett

Day 48- I am definitely not in the MTC anymore

I am definitely not in the MTC anymore. Also, this computer is really strange. A lot of the keys are different, and the keyboard is in Español, so it says that all of the words I am typing are misspelled... oh well.

Anywho, I arrived safely in Buenos Aires. It is actually quite cold here, and I wear a sweater most every day. Once we arrived in Argentina I realized that I really didn´t know Español like I thought I did... because I couldn´t understand anyone at the airport. After the airport we were picked up by a double-decker bus by Presidente Ayre and Hermana Ayre and the Assistants. We went on a tour of the city, went to the temple, and then to the beautiful mission home. It is really nice, much nicer than our apartment. We had a lunch of empanadas which was fantastic, and then we had a whole bunch of information thrown at us  from Hermana Ayre and the Assistants regarding the mission and such. It was so long and a lot of us were so tired from the flights that many fell asleep throughout the time. When I finally got my turn to have an interview with the mission president, it was when we had to leave really soon, so I only got about a 3 minute interview with him, which was too bad. Presidente Ayre is a fantastic mission president, and I´m really lucky to have him. Cool story, South America was dedicated for missionary work in my mission in the 20s or 30s I believe, and we went to the place where it was dedicated. In other words, yes, I am serving in the best mission in the world. After we were done with all of our meetings in the mission home we went to the chapel by the President´s house and received our companions. My companion is Elder Cruz from México. He is 19 I believe, and he has 5 months in the mission. I am pretty fortunate to have a latino companion. We then got in taxis and went to our respective areas. I am in Constitución, which is right in the capital. When I got there, we were sharing the pensión with two other Elders, Elder Cutipa from Peru and Elder Buxton from Orem, but they moved to a new pensión on Saturday. Let´s just say that when I arrived, it made me realize how spotless my room was at home. Elder Cruz and I spent a lot of time today cleaning and organizing everything so it is now clean.

Argentina is definitely not Utah. One thing that is crazy is that we usually don´t have breakfast, lunch is around 2 at member´s houses everyday, and they eat dinner around 10 here, so we only really eat one meal a day. Also, lunch here is a huge meal that lasts for about 2 hours, which is something I´ve had to get used to. The first 4 days I didn´t finish my plates because I wasn´t used to eating that much at that hour of the day, but by Saturday I was able to eat it all, so hopefully I am getting accustomed to it. We walk everywhere, and excercise every morning, so I don´t know that I´ll gain any weight here. As a matter of fact, if I gained weight in the MTC, it´s gone, because my pants are quite a bit looser than they were in the MTC. The sidewalks and roads here are interesting... they aren´t maintained at all, so they are all sorts of broken up and you really have to focus on where you walk so you don´t trip. Also, some sidewalks are kind of tiled, and some of them are loose, so when it rains, like yesterday, water gets trapped underneath, and when you step on the tiles it squirts up your pantlegs. It was quite an adventure yesterday, because you never know which ones are "trampas". We went to McDonald´s, the 4 of us in our area for lunch today, and that was interesting. I got a Triple Mac, which they don´t have in the States. Also, the Coca Cola is actually really good here, whereas in the states I am not much of a fan. Apparently the water in our pension is safe to drink, but I still filter my drinking water. I should not have complained about doing laundry at the MTC, because at least I had a washer and dryer there. Today I washed my clothes in the bathtub and they are currently hung all over the pensión drying. Also, it´s so weird, there are lines on the roads, but the cars don´t follow them, they just go wherever they want, so I´m glad that I don´t have a car and I just walk everywhere.

As I said, when I got here I could not understand anything. I still have a really difficult time understanding. I could probably respond to people if I knew what they said, but I´ve got no idea. The accent here is a lot different from the accent of my teachers in the MTC who went to México and Alabama. It´ll probably take me a while to get used to the way people speak and get to the point where I can understand them. The members are quite patient with me and do their best to help out, but the children are really tough to understand because they talk much faster, not as clear, and they assume that I understand them. Español is definitely going to be a work in progress, but I know that I can do it. It´s just kind of frustrating right now not being able to understand people like I would like to.

We´ve got quite a few investigators, but we haven´t taught a whole lot of lessons this week because whenever we go to visit them they either aren´t there, don´t have time to visit with us even though they said they would, or they have decided that they don´t want to talk to us anymore. We´re doing our best to find people to teach, and I know that there are people out there that are prepared to hear the message of the restored gospel. I know that there are people that need to hear it from me, we just need to find them, and we will. I have already had a few experiences that have been really great where I have been able to bear my testimony to some investigators and less-active members and they have said that that was exactly what they needed to hear. It is so nice to be able to help people come closer to Christ, and I´m pretty sure I´ve got the best job in the world right now.

Overall I´m healthy and happy. The Spanish will come. I love you all.

Elder Garrett

Day 38

Well, this has been a good week. On Sunday when Elder Stout and I were meeting with the Branch Presidency, we were discussing a lot about our own district, and an Elder in it who hasn't really been focusing at all and goofs off all the time. As a result, President Stewart decided to do some companion exchanges, so Elder Stout is now the companion of Elder Borchert, and I am the companion of Elder Zollinger. This is kind of an interesting situation for us, because Elder Stout and I are still the zone leaders, but we aren't companions. Oh well. It seems to be working out well though, and I've really enjoyed getting to learn from a new companion.

We had a cool experience on Wednesday in TRC. We were talking with an older gentleman, and I was able to make all sorts of connections with him and it was really fun to talk to him, and it wasn't so much a lesson about faith and prayer as it was a discussion (which is pretty good because we've been studying Spanish for about 5 weeks). After we were done with our time in TRC, our person asked us if we knew Spanish before we came here, and we told him we didn't.  He was really impressed with our abilities, so that boosted our self-esteem quite a bit. It was really cool because when we got here Elder Zollinger and I were the two elders who had no Spanish knowledge prior to the MTC, and we were able to carry on a conversation with someone for 45 minutes in the language.

 

This week we had "In-Field Orientation," which lasted from 8 until 5 on Thursday. It was really long, but really helpful, and it was good to talk more about finding people to teach and working with members and the ward (or branch) leaders. Mostly it just got me excited to leave on Monday.

 

I was able to see a lot of friends this week, which was really awesome. I see Nalany Resek a few times a week because she works at the cafeteria on the West Campus, so that's pretty cool. I saw Sister Aubrey West on Thursday at "In-Field Orientation," because she leaves this next week to go to Tennessee.   Because the orientation was at the main campus, I was really hoping that I'd be able to see Elder Scott Taylor, but I felt like the odds of seeing him weren't very good. We ate lunch and dinner at the main campus, and during lunch as I was waiting in line I was looking all over for him. Finally I found him... right in front of me eating lunch with his district. It was so fantastic and exciting to see him and talk with him for about 5 minutes. Unfortunately, neither of us had cameras so we don't have a picture of it. Last but certainly not least, as we took the bus back to the West Campus after the orientation, I got off and found Kindi Nybo waiting to get on the bus. It was so wonderful to see her even though we didn't get to talk long because she had to get on her bus. Probably the weirdest thing about seeing people that I knew from high school though is that I can only shake the girls hands. Fortunately, Elder Taylor and I were able to enjoy several hugs together.

That´s pretty much it for this week.  In 4 days I will land in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

Yo sé que esta obra es la obra de Díos, y yo veo tu mano en mi vida cada dia. Tengo un gran testimonio de mi Salvador, Jesucristo, y estoy muy agradecido por tu expiacion y la oportunidad que nosotros tenemos mejorar nuestras vidas y volver y vivir con Díos para siempre con nuestras familias eternas. Yo sé que José Smith fue un profeta y El Libro de Mormón es verdadero. Lo contiene las palabras de Díos, y cuando nosotros leemos este libro, podemos llegar a ser mas cerca de nuestro Padre Celestial. Estoy muy entusiasmado traer este mensaje a las personas en Argentina en cuatro dias cuando yo llego. En el nombre de mi Salvador, hermano, y amigo, Jesucristo, amen.

 

Elder Garrett

Day 31 (that's a month)

Well, today believe it or not is day 31 in the MTC. That means a month. I guess technically it is a month tomorrow since today is the 13th... but still. I've heard that the days are long but the weeks are short and that is definitely true.

We moved to the West Campus on Tuesday. I love it. Our apartments in Wyview are so nice with two bedrooms (a companionship in each), a living room, a kitchen, and our own bathroom. We go to class in the apartments at Raintree, so our classroom is in a living room. It's kind of different, but it's all good. We get to cross the street to go to class, go to the creamery every day, and go to "Brigham's Landing" on P-days. It's a lot more free over here, and it doesn't feel so much like we are locked in. Overall, it's a pretty great place. I did get a new address turns out, but my mail will still be forwarded if it is addressed to the old place. Here it is:

Elder John William Garrett

SEP 23 ARG-BAN
2023 N. 900 E. Unit 888
Provo, UT 84602

As far as the language is concerned, I´m feeling pretty good about where I am. I don´t know everything, but it is coming a lot easier to me and I am better able to share my thoughts and feelings. As I just try and listen to the investigators and ask inspired questions, I find that I don´t have to think about what to say and it just comes out, and fortunately for me it has been coming out in Spanish.

I've had some really incredible experiences this past week. Last week we got a new district, and one of the Elders, Elder Hall was having a really really tough time. He gave up a lot to be here, he's about 20 and he was never very strong in the gospel to begin with. He's really missing his family and his almost fiancée. He emailed his family last week that he wanted them to come and pick him up. Anyway, on Sunday after our Temple Walk, Elder Stout and I decided that we should talk to him. We sat down with him and talked for about an hour. He did most of the talking and we mostly listened, which I have realized is how missionary work should be anyway. If we just listen to them and ask inspired questions we will always be told what to say, and I definitely felt the Spirit talking through me during the discussion. I was able to share some things about faith and some scriptures that I didn´t know I had memorized. Elder Stout and I asked him if he would like to receive a blessing, and he said he would. I had the privilege of giving the blessing, and it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had. The Priesthood really is the power of God and I feel very privileged to hold that sacred power. After we got done talking with him he said that he felt a lot better, and he hasn´t gone home so I think he really is doing better. It definitely wasn´t because of anything I did though, because it was quite obvious to me that the Spirit was working through me.

Another cool experience I had was on Wednesday night. Every time new missionaries come into the MTC, they have this "teaching experience," where a large group goes into a big room with an investigator. These are mostly converted members, but they are playing their own conversion story, so it is a lot more real and some of the stuff they say is stuff that is very recent. Two missionaries come in and kind of get to know them and get ready to begin teaching, and then right when it starts getting really good, the mediator pauses it, makes the missionaries leave, and turns the rest of the time over to the new missionaries to talk with the investigator. Well, Elder Stout and I were chosen to be some of the missionaries in the beginning. Our first investigator was really good, we got to know her and asked her a lot of great questions that allowed us to talk a little bit about the gospel. When we were going for round 2, it was with a person named Daniel. The sister missionaries that demonstrated with him in the first round said he was really mean and he yelled at them and that the spirit wasn't there at all and it was just a horrible experience. This gave Elder Stout and I a lot of confidence as we would be going in to visit with him in about 5 minutes. Elder Stout and I prayed a lot to feel the spirit and be able to be led with the things we said and the questions we asked. As we went in there it was totally fine. We got to know Daniel really well, we learned a lot about him, and I was really disappointed when the mediator made us stop and leave, because I felt like Daniel would be one of those golden investigators. This really strengthened my testimony on the section in Preach My Gospel that is "How to Begin Teaching," and how important the first five minutes with an investigator really is. It surprised me how much it can really make or break the experience with the investigator.

Well, yesterday I had to go to the police station to get fingerprinted. We weren't really sure what it was for, but we found out today when we went to the Travel Office that we are getting travel visas and our travel plans should be in our mailboxes today. We should get our real visas within the next three months while our travel visa is good, so... I'm going to Argentina! I'm really excited because I wasn't sure if I would be going right away.

That's about it, I love you all!

Elder Garrett

Day 24

With my new zone leader responsibilities I haven't been able to write in my journal since Monday... so hopefully I will be able to remember what has happened this week! Elder Stout and I usually spend some time each night going around to the other districts and asking them how their day was and if there is anything we can do for them. With doing that and getting ready for bed I haven't had any time to write, so hopefully I will be able to catch up today.

 

I got my first hair cut this past week and that was pretty exciting I guess. She cut my hair quite a bit shorter than I anticipated... but there isn't anything I can do about it now! The highlight of the hair-cutting appointment was definitely at the end when the hair-cutter took a vacuum hose to my head to vacuum up the hairs that had been shaved off. It was definitely a new experience.

 

Elder Stout and I seem to be getting better at teaching each time we have the opportunity. Sometimes I struggle planning lessons with Elder Stout because he is always just constantly talking and throwing out doctrine ideas and I can't feel the Spirit. Lately however, I've been able to get us more focused on the investigator, what happened the last time we taught them, what they felt last time, and what we can do this time to really help them come closer to Christ. This is something I've been working on quite a bit, and I seem to be making a lot of progress. It's hard sometimes because you think, well we taught the first lesson last time so let's just teach the second lesson this time, but we need to keep in mind that our job isn't to teach people every lesson. Our job is to help others come unto Christ, and we can't do that if we don't know what they really need in their life. Elder Holland said something along the lines of, "if we will just listen to our investigators and really focus on them, something they say will always highlight a truth of the gospel." It's hard not to be thinking about what to say next when the investigator is talking, but I haven't had as hard of a time with it as others, since that was something Andra really stressed when we were in theatre. If you focus on your scene partner, then you know how to react and your lines make more sense than if you never listen to your scene partner and you just recite your lines. I've found that it is the same way with investigators learning the gospel. Another thing I have learned a lot lately is that investigators don't know the gospel like we do, because we've been learning it since Primary. We need to be able to explain gospel concepts in very simple ways that are easy for the investigator to understand, and even more importantly, we need to help them discover how they can apply it to their lives. Yesterday Elder Stout and I had a lot of success with this, because we planned a lesson and then we completely changed the lesson when we got in there because we felt like our investigator needed to talk about prayer. It was a really cool experience.

 

The Spanish is coming pretty well now, and the things that we have been studying when we have study time without the teacher, our teacher has been saying that we won't be taught that in class until the last week we are here. It's really encouraging to know that we are quite a bit ahead of where we should be. I still can't communicate everything I want to say when it comes to teaching, but I am able to communicate quite a bit.

 

This past Sunday I got a picture with all of the Elders from Davis High, so I'll be sending that hopefully. It was crazy to see how many there really are here.

 

 

I guess some more news is that on Tuesday we will be moving to the West Campus (Wyview). My mailing address will be changing, but I'm not sure what it is yet. Hopefully I'll be able to get it to you soon, but I'm not sure. I'm hoping that mail would get forwarded over there, but I don't know about that either. It should be nice though, the apartments are a lot nicer and we will be able to go to Jamba Juice and some hamburger joint on P-days.

 

Anyway, that's it for this week, I'm over half-way done in the MTC!

 

Elder Garrett