Reasons

The mission is amazing for many many reasons.

Reason #1: You have the chance to see the way the church operate in the same manor of order and full of the same spirit, in another part of the world.

Reason #2: You for a short two years can see the Lord's people and be the way for the Lord to bless his children.

Reason #3: You take a little taste of the rejection and hate that the Savior experienced, to better understand the sacrifice He made for each of us.

1: On the other side of the planet, I am speaking with leaders of a branch that although they be few, are still concerning themselves with the issue of home teaching. In a world where Spanish, and catholic tradition abound, such a homely idea seemed almost humorous. I am so glad to be a part of a church, that although be around the whole world, has the same perfect system in place everywhere. I also feel extremely guilty for all the months that I missed my home teaching and tried to avoid, those who would hold me responsible. HAH who knew that on my mission I would be attempting to arrange and assist home teaching visits; With such a small branch the missionaries hold a bigger role in the function it.

2: Yesterday, we made a visit to a family. Elder Bown and I found, M and her two little children about a week before Elder Bown left. In our visit yesterday, we taught the message to the restoration and invited the family to begin family prayer and scripture study. M was baptized in Equador, and since moving to Burgos, had lost contact with the church. She has had some serious problems with her non member husband. She must have definitely felt lonely. Elder Farmer and I had the opportunity to give her her first blessing of comfort, in a very long time. Her tears of gratitude filled me with gratitude of my own for my Heavenly Father. What a amazing blessing it is to work in the hands of the Lord. I feel of His love for me as I work tirelessly to prove His love to others. My own works bear testimony of His love. With every family I visit and every person I love, I do so with the knowledge that there are another couple ten thousand missionaries around the globe going about the same work, and even more powerful members. I love this work.

3: He was spat on, laughed at, and cheated. I get this everyday. It hurts, but in an amazing and empowering way. Each blow, is taken away with the knowledge that the blow I feel was taken 3 million times over for me. I love the Savior. I love the Bible, and the Book of Mormon. The Spirit bears witness to me the truth of their teachings.

I am part of the best army in the world.

The Church of Jesus Christ.

The one that fights for families.

I love you all, and I love this gospel.

Elder Gardner

Here are some answers to some questions I asked him.

1. answer this question and tell me how things are going with your comp Do you like him? My companion Elder Farmer is a legend. I am so lucky to spend another transfer with a hard worker like him. It's super good, we've had a few hiccups, but only about how we should approach contacting, not even if we should be doing it. So on all levels we are just going super well. He plays the piano and guitar, which has made for some good jam sessions.

2. What is something you love about him? I love his optimistic attitude, and his fearless, bold contacting.

3. Did you survive the beef liver? I actually really liked it. I didn't really have a problem with it. Haha.

4. Do you do other exercise besides basketball?

I sometimes do some laps, and sit ups between. We switch off, elder Farmer and I. But it is not the best, It was easier when there were 4 men in piso. I would just run while they practiced/played, but now to continue helping our member I've taken a different role.

1. Who does the cooking? Do you need any ideas?

I was seriously seriously spoiled with Elder Bown, but I have been making some good food myself this last week. Elder Farmer also has some good stuff up his sleeve. Mostly eggs, rice, chicken, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, and clementines. We try to eat fast.

1. How is the teaching going?

Teaching, I can improve. I am trying to use more scriptures in my teaching to bring in the spirit, with more convincing power. I have a hard time with questions. Good effective questions are really hard. Its a difficult balance. Day by day, with good study and work habits, my plan will reach my goal.