Hello everyone!
First off, I just want
to say that I will be
calling around 9 PM your Christmas Eve. So 11am my time here on Christmas day.
That is the earliest I can call. Does that work?
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| Elder Garner sharing a spiritual thought in Hiligaynon language during Christmas Conference 2012 |
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| Elder Garner center, Elder Ellis 2nd from left, Bacolod Mission Home Christmas Conference 2012 |
So Tuesday, we had
district meeting, and right after, I found out that Elder Ellis was having
exchanges with the Manapla Elders... and I live with them. Meaning... he
stayed over that night. It was so much
fun. We cooked eggs, drank water, and had a good time -- All 4 of us. Good ol' Filipino
campfire! Minus the language... so almost! It’s just so crazy to me. As we all were
talking, I thought about the late night basketball games where we stayed over
the night in St. George for tournaments.
And now we are doing the same thing, on a mission in the Philippines!
How nuts is that? I am not sure why we got the same mission call being as close
as we were before the mission, but I am sure he and I will figure it out as
time goes on. God has a plan for everyone!
Anyway, the next day
on Wednesday, we worked with all the branch missionaries. Well, some of them. 4
of the 9 I believe. One of them is Michael R! The 19 year old I baptized a month
ago! He was newly called as a Branch Missionary and goes with us every day,
despite the parents’ wishes (they are Baptist). He has such a strong testimony
of the church. It is amazing how much he has changed in the 2 and a half months
I have known him. Love that kid! Its a blessing to have him there, being a
convert and all. He brings that kind of spirit with him that as a new convert,
really helps in lessons--especially with investigators.
Speaking of, Elder DLS
and I decided to start talking to EVERYONE we saw. Handing out pamphlets left
and right! BOOM! We got 4 new investigators this week alone. Which is a new record
for me personally.... 3 of them live in the same area. And let me tell ya, we can’t take a tricycle
out there because it would be 100 pesos. What a rip! So instead, we walked like
an hour. It took forever! But we finally got there, taught all three of them,
and they seem interested. We are going to invite them to baptism this week next
time we visit! As for the 4th, haven't found her yet. There isn’t such thing as an
address here so... we just ask people if they know who the person is, then they
tell us how to get there. Its nuts! And I must learn how to do that quickly or
I will be so toast when I train someday... soon.
This little memory is for Heather, but I think you all will get a kick out of it. :) My companion really loves hot and spicy foods. So, whenever he cooks, he puts those hot little peppers in it --All the time. The same ones you had at PF Changs on my birthday over a year ago! Let’s just say I have received your pay back through him. I cry because it is so hot! Good-ness!
I heard through Elder Ellis that Rob M. got his mission call! Mexico! --Couldn't be happier for the kid. Everyone I knew in High School is either on a mission, just getting their calls, or now coming home! What the fruit! Time sure does fly man...!
Anyway, in closing I
just want to say that I love you all. I sent home "special letters"
to my own family, Heather, and Nana and Papa for Christmas this week. It won’t
get there by Christmas sadly... but, I just pray that you actually get them. It
kills me that some of the letters haven’t gotten home yet. :/ But, know that I send one every 1 or two
weeks to you all. I love you and miss you all so much.
I love you.
Until we
meet again!
-Elder Garner
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