This is Going to Be Very Different

Hello fantastic family and friends! Wow!

What a crazy turn of events, jaja (Ha, Ha - spanish version) I am sorry for not writing this last week, jaja (if you noticed) I was a board a train leaving the cold of the north, and heading to the southern and coastal area of Valencia!

First and foremost, the baptism of S. My dear friends, there hasn't been such a testimony that this work, the Lord's work, is truly His and only goes forth by His hand. We, Elder Bown and I, found him street contacting Christmas Day in the rain. He just was prepared. I know that Heavenly Father had prepared him throughout his entire life, and had guided him from Cameroon Africa to Spain, to run into us in the rain. He showed more faith than I've ever seen, and knows by the power of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He was baptized and confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ. The ordinance itself was very good; he nearly drowned. Presidente Stahl baptized him and slammed him in the water. He was confirmed, and in his own words: "I want to die in this church." No words can describe how much that truly was done by the Lord. His life, his desires to be good, changed as he partook of the Book of Mormon. Miracle. It will be a moment I will forever hold on to a cherish. After all was said and done I made my way to Valencia.

Upon arriving I realized very quickly that this was going to be a different, very different story. I thought I died and arrived in missionary heaven. The sun was out, the trees are literally filled with oranges, and there are faithful open people from all parts of south America walking the streets. The city itself is absolutely beautiful, and whats more my companion Elder Paulsen loves to run, so today for preparation day we went for a long, long, long run. It felt super good.

I also met a man, who I am convinced was possessed by the devil. Jaja He claimed he had seen God, He had told him not to read the bible, and He would be the new prophet. The scary part is he wouldn't let go of me, and had these very, very scary eyes, and was just yelling at me in front of everyone in the street. Jaja good fun.

I continued to see miracles as we had the chance to teach lessons to those who were prepared and willing to keep commitments. When we are willing to do what God asks of us, our faith grows. Its as simple as that. Keep commitments, work towards a goal, improve. We taught more lessons this last week than almost all my time in Burgos. We challenge people to repent, visit with us, and to begin their path of discipleship through baptism. I am excited for a new challenge, and new ability to find areas of improvement.

Wow. I'm trying hard to just let the Lord fix me. It's hard, but I know that we can trust in Him. We cannot do this world, live, improve, find joy without Him. We can't do it alone. We need Him. I will continually, patiently wait for Him to fix me. Improve me. Teach me to love.

I am so grateful for your continual support!

Elder Gardner