Happy New Year!

Yesterday we had a zone conference, that's why I didn't write. But don't worry, I may be a little bit sick, but doing well, and very happy. Christmas was really awesome and exciting. I received like seven pairs of desperately needed socks... haha. 

 

On Christmas Eve we had an asado, a barbecue, with a convert from the ward and all of the missionaries. On Christmas we had an activity in San Felipe with all the missionaries, and then we ate lunch with Lalo. Then we did the video call as you already know. 

 

It was a pretty nice Christmas... my last Christmas in the mission... 

 

Anyway I hope you have a Happy New Year and all. I have six months left now....

Elder Garrett

I'll be speaking with you in two days, so I'll be keeping it brief today. We went to San Esteban today to a really cool place. We had to climb a hill on our bikes and it just about killed us. Then at one point we left the bikes and walked to the top. We took some pictures that I´ll send. We went with some of the other elders from the ward. 

 

 

At some point on Wednesday we'll be doing our google hangout. I think it will be sometime between 3 and 5 is when I'll be getting on... so hopefully everything works out alright. For now our plan is doing it in the same house where the other elders are going to do it.... and since they spoke first we have to wait for them so we can do it.... unless we can change our plans. We'll see what happens... then again we might do it while they eat lunch... which would be between 2 and 3 o clock... I don't know... we'll see....  

 

So on Saturday we were doing exchanges, and I was with Elder Florez from Colombia.... I love the Colombian accent by the way.... but that night we were talking, when all of a sudden we heard a loud noise.... and we got a little freaked out because we thought it was going to be this huge earthquake. But the noise was bigger than the earthquake. It was just a temblor, not a terremoto. It only lasted a few seconds, but it was the strongest one I've felt yet. 

 

That's about it. Merry Christmas!

Elder Garrett (Andino)

Christmas is Coming the Goose is Losing Weight

It's so hot right now I couldn't rightfully title my email "Christmas is coming... the goose is getting fat." I think we're all melting a little. It's just as hot as last year, so it doesn't surprise me very much. I'm lucky to spend two summers in the hottest part of Chile, right? Yes, because it's my favorite part of the mission so far... even though it's way too hot.

Yesterday we had a baptism! Eduardo (Lalo) got married to a return missionary about a year ago, and started listening to the missionaries. It was a great experience, and I think the happiest one of all was his wife. She thanked us after the baptism and told me that in few words and little time (two weeks) we were able to achieve what she's been waiting and hoping for for many years. She's now a step closer to forming an eternal family. It was a very happy day for all. 

 

Lalo and the missionaries

Lalo and his wife Veronica (Verito)

 

I am doing well, working hard, and looking forward to Christmas. I'm also very tired, but I think that's normal. I'm trying to remember what else happened this week but i just cant think of anything else..... so that's it for this week. Enjoy the fotos. 

Oh yeah, yesterday I spoke in church. I found out I was going to speak when I showed up. I spoke about many miracles I've seen in the mission, especially when members participate in the work, and encouraged them to invite their friends and family, and promised that even though not everyone will come or listen, they will see miracles.  

Elder Garrett (CSN) 

Getting Lost

Well on Monday I spent the night in Santiago. Then on Tuesday we went to the office and waited outside in the sun for about an hour because they didn't want our trainees to see us. That was kind of lame because it's really hot right now. But then finally they let us in and we sat down in the chapel. Elder Verón and Elder Riches are also training. We were companions here in Los Andes one year ago, so we were really excited to see that we are all trainers now.

Elder Veron, Elder Riches and I with our trainees
 

They asked me to play the piano and everyone stood up and we sang "Called to Serve" as the new missionaries came in. Because I was playing, I didn't really get to see them, but the ones that I saw looked really nervous and uncomfortable. Then President and Hermana Essig gave some speeches in a mix of Spanish and English. At one point, President forgot to translate into English, so the new gringos just kind of missed out on half of the story.... but I guess they should just get used to that since they're not going to understand anything for a while.

 

And then at the end, President announced who was going to be with who. My companion is Elder Preciado, from California. He just found out this week that his last name is a word in Spanish. His dad is Mexican so he kind of looks Latino. 

 

Yo y Elder Preciado con los Essig

He slept basically the whole way to Los Andes, which is not a surprise because of the flight. He was originally going to Argentina so he didn't do the MTC here like all the others. But he was reassigned to our mission.

 

When we got off the bus in Los Andes, I thought to myself, "I know where I am, but I don't know where our house is or how to get there." I said a little prayer along the lines of "Please help me, I have no idea where to go and I don't want to carry all his luggage all over Los Andes looking for the house."   About a minute after, a car pulled over and asked if I needed help. I showed them the map and the address but they didn't have any idea. Another truck pulled over and I yelled to my companion "Talk to him."  The poor guy looked really nervous. "Ask him what is name is," I said, because I thought for sure he was a member. And then my companion says "He says his name is 'Bishop' " That made me laugh. We put the luggage in his truck and it turns out that he's the bishop of our ward. He took us to our house and then took us to San Felipe to pick up my luggage. So that was a wonderful answer to my frantic prayer.

 

Since we didn't know anyone, or even where we were, we got lost several times the first couple of days... but everything's under control now. I'm riding around on Brother Memmott's bike, which is a little small for me, until my new bike comes on Tuesday. We should be having a baptism this weekend, so we are very excited.

 

We went to Santiago on Thursday for the mission tour. A seventy from Argentina spoke. They served us stuffed chicken and rice with peanuts and raisins. The next day, everyone was sick.  My companion woke up twice to go to the bathroom... luckily I slept well. We called president and he basically told us that the whole mission was also sick.

Anyway I hope you're enjoying the cold and the snow, because all of the snow in the mountains here melted several weeks ago and it is really hot right now. 

 

Elder Garrett (Viva Chile y su gente)

Return to Los Andes

Well today is change day. Right now I find myself in Santiago. I'll be here for the day and then tomorrow I'll be headed back to Los Andes. I will be in Barrio Los Andes, my second sector in that city.... I'll be passing another really hot summer in Los Andes. I am very excited. It looks like I'm going to spend about half of my mission in this zone.... which is fine with me, because I like it a lot more than Santiago. I guess you could say I'm an Andino haha.

I still don't know who my companion will be.... because I will be training a new elder. I will meet him tomorrow. We'll have a meeting with President tomorrow, they'll have their first interview and then we'll find out who our companions are.... and then we go straight to work..... well, after a two hour bus ride to Los Andes, and a detour to San Felipe to pick up my luggage which I left behind. Elder de Castro will also be training but he's staying in Almendral. 

So that will be exciting. And new. 

They told us we were going to receive the changes Saturday night... then Sunday morning... then Sunday after church.... and in the end the assistants called us at about 7:00 last night. Because our zone had forty missionaries, it took us about an hour to receive all the changes and call everyone in the zone. 

Then last night we were up until one o'clock talking over the phone with the office trying to get everything set up for the changes today. We are the most complicated zone because of our size and distance from Santiago. In the end we got everything worked out, but it was all a big headache for us.... we were on the phone almost all morning coordinating everything.... while trying to shower and pack. In the end... I didn't have time to finish packing... so I'll be going back tomorrow to pick up all my stuff and take it to Los Andes. It's kind of a relief that I'm not going to be zone leader anymore.    

In the end we only had about two hours to say goodbyes and take pictures with a couple of people. I'll see if I can send a couple... next week.... 

I guess that's about it. Christmas is around the corner. My last Christmas in the mission. And I'm going to be spending it in Los Andes again.

 

Elder Garrett (Chile)

 

Me and Elder Hart in Los Andes.... 

Lunch with Adela and family

One of the sisters that remembered me from Centenario

that I saw in stake conference... Hermana Erica

This week I had the privilege of doing an exchange with the elders in Centenario, in Los Andes. It was awesome and a little surreal going back to the same streets. It has been one of my favorite areas, so it was really awesome. We ate lunch with one of my favorite families... and since I never got to take a picture with them, we took pictures. The elders told them I was coming, so they received me with pizza... it was awesome, and they said I've lost weight. Also awesome.

But the best part was going back to the Aburto family's house. The elders had told them that on Friday they were going to have a surprise. The mom opened the gate for them and they entered with their bikes and said the surpise was outside the gate. She poked her head out, saw me, and screamed. It was so awesome. They are progressing more than ever, and are hoping to get baptized in December... 

This was a pretty good week. We are working with an awesome investigator who had come to church three times before we realized she lives in our area. Her name is Josselyn. Elder de Castro called her Saturday night and asked her if she'd prayed to know if she should get baptized and she said that she had. He asked if she'd recieved an answer, and she said that she had. Yesterday, we extended a baptismal date for December 8. She decided on December 12, because it is a special date for her. We are very excited for her. She is very brave, she says that her family will not be very happy with her decision, but she knows that it's correct. We have changes next week, so I hope I'll still be around... We have no idea what's going to happen.  

Today we did a zone activity in the Stake President's house. We played soccer and did a barbecue. We were about 20 missionaries. It was pretty fun.

Saludos a todos.

Elder Garrett

Salvation is Not a Cheap Experience

This was a great week. As I told you on Monday, I did a one week long exchange with Elder Hart in his sector. It was really awesome, I had a great time, and learned a lot from him.

On Tuesday, we got to see Elder Holland. We were about 1000 missionaries. It was a historic meeting, all four Santiago missions got together for a conference. Elder Holland was very excited to be in Chile again. He said that he loves it here. 

They shared some excellent talks. Something I liked was that he said that a lot of times we talk about going home from the mission as returning to "real life," or going back to "the real world." But he said that it shouldn't be that way. One of the most powerful things he said, as he passionately hit the pulpit with his fist, was "This is real life!" 

He advised us not to waste time asking why the mission is so hard. Because "salvation is not a cheap experience." It shouldn't be easy for anyone, and it certainly never was easy for Christ, His Apostles, or the prophets. But it is so worth it to do everything you can to try and help someone find their way back to God. Sacrifice is fundamental in the salvation of a soul. Christ always asks us to take up our cross... I don't think He meant it would be easy. 

He also quoted Elder Perry in saying that this time period is equally important historically as the First Vision, the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, and the restoration of the priesthood. We are making history as we share the gospel like never before.

If we want to be successful, he said, we have to kick when we don't want to kick, and stroke when we don't want to stroke. (Reference to swimming.) When we think we can't do anything else, or we don't have any energy left, we have to give it all. That is the moment when we have to decide just how committed we are, if we really want to finish. Because they give out the prizes at the end of the race, not in the middle, and it's always easy to start a race.

Anyway, it was really great, and it has helped me out a lot. I hope you're all doing well. 

The Book of Mormon is true.

Elder Garrett 

Last night president called at midnight and said that I would be going on an exchange for a week  in Los Andes... with Elder Dallin Hart... it was a little unexpected but pretty sweet right?

We had Bernardo's baptism this week. It was awesome. He was so ready. He married a member four months ago, and was baptized this week. It was really great. 

We also had another baptism in the ward yesterday. She said that a couple of weeks ago she had considered suicide, because she had suffered a lot of really terrible things. A couple of days later, the missionaries showed up in her door like angels to her. She immediately accepted their visits because she'd always felt a desire to enter the chapel, but it had always been closed when she passed. About three weeks later, she was baptized. She bore a powerful testimony. She said that the gospel filled the emptiness inside, and she's never before felt so loved.

The church is true folks.

Elder Garrett (CHILE)

P.S. Tomorrow we leave Los Andes at 5:30 AM to listen to Elder Holland in Santiago.... so sweet.

This weekend we had Stake Conference here in the Los Andes Stake. We are lucky that our chapel is the Stake Center.... many others had to travel 30-45 minutes in a bus. The great part about it is that I got to see many people I knew in Centenario.

 

One of them was a recent convert that told me that she decided to take my advice and set the temple as her goal, and is now preparing herself to go to the temple this month. I was so happy to hear that news! I hope that her husband will soon follow her example and be baptized. 

 

Another member called me by name and thanked me for everything I did for her family. She said she hadn't wanted to go to conference, due to the distance, but remembered that if she does her part, God will do His part. She was surprised to see me there, and she recalled a scripture that I had shared with her over eight months ago and told me that she still remembers it and it gives her the strength to keep fighting everyday. 2 Kings 6:15-17. "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

It's good to find out every once in a while that you were really able to be an instrument in God's hands to help someone in their time of need.

 

Alma 29

 

9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy.

10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me.

 

Elder Garrett

This week we had a good experience with Daniela and Cesar. They went to mutual with their grandma this week and it was the first time they'd entered the chapel. They said they felt at home there. They met the Bishop and made several friends. They were very excited and have watched several church films and have been reading the Book of Mormon. On Saturday Daniela said that she believes it to be true. She still doesn't know with certainty, but she feels like it's true. They also came to church on Sunday.

We had changes this week. I am still in Almendral, but now I'm with Elder de Castro and Elder Román... my first chilean companion! He's really cool and we are having lots of fun and working hard. 

My trainer, Elder Kelson went home this week, as well as one of my other companions, Elder Cuadros. It's kind of weird that I've already had several companions go home... and to think that I've only got 8 months left....

In a couple of weeks we will get to listen to Elder Holland. John said that he will also be speaking to them that week. So that should be awesome. 

Anyway that's about it. 

Elder Garrett (Chile)  

We had some great blessings this week, and we were able to find a lot of really great people to teach. We are teaching two children who are really incredible. Their mom and grandma are both members that participated actively before.

The grandma said that whenever she sees us, she feels peace in her heart. She had lost her scriptures many years ago, and when we pulled out the Book of Mormon she said it was like seeing an old friend, and she felt something when she held it again in her hands. They are very excited to learn, read, pray, and go to church.

We were teaching them about the Book of Mormon and how to receive and recognize an answer from God with respect to the book. We had one Peruvian, one Brasilian, one Chilean, and one Gringo who could all testify that they'd received an answer. And if we could receive answers, anyone can. It is true that anyone who asks sincerely and demonstrates their faith by their works will receive an answer.  

This week there was a stake activity right after a baptism and our building is the stake center. I ran into Fabiana, from Centenario. It is a great feeling when you can talk to someone you taught seven or eight months ago and see that they are stronger than ever in the gospel. I am so happy for her and her family. 

That's it for this week.

Elder Garrett (Chile)

This week we had a great blessing to be able to participate in the baptism of Victor. He is a great young man and we have seen great changes in his life as he has learned and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so happy for him. And I know that as we live the gospel, the Lord blesses us. Our lives are happier because we are blessed with a happiness that will last forever.

 

 

We were able to find many great people this week to teach, and a couple of people who we'd taught before but we'd lost contact with them. 

I know that God answers our prayers and He is always there to help us, even when we're not sure of it. He's often just waiting for us to ask help. We have a bright future ahead of us because of our faith.

Elder Garrett

Conference

This week I have noticed that when the Spirit touches someone's heart, they start to change. I don't know if it's becuase the Spirit changes our heart, or because we change because we want to continue feeling it... but it happens. We have seen great progress this week in investigators as they excercised their faith, as they read the scriptures, prayed, and went to church. One investigator went to four of the five sessions. Even though he didn't understand everything, he kept coming, because he has a desire to know more.

This week I feel like I have come to know my Savior better. I started the week with that desire and a lot of prayer... and during the week and the weekend I felt like I got closer to Him and came to know Him better.

I know that He lives. I understand better what He did personally for me, even though I'll never fully understand it. I have felt His influence in my life, and in the lives of many. I know that He suffered for us to lighten our burdens... He is constantly lightening my burdens. I know that He was resurrected the third day, and I look forward to the day that we are all resurrected. That will be a glorious day. I know that if we follow his teachings and endure to the end, we will be able to enjoy a happiness forever that for now we don't understand. We will see each other again after death. 

Elder Garrett

The Bike Accident

This week was... a thriller. One of my companions ran into a parked car... We were both in front of him so neither of us saw the accident. But he said he thought the back wheel had a problem, so he was looking back at it, and right when he looked forward again he crashed into the car.

I heard him yell "Elder!," and when we turned around and went back to him he had the bike on the ground and his head down, when he looked up, his face was... a little bloody.... So we called the stake president, a doctor, and a member with a car to come pick him up. The member took him to the doctor, and we took his bike back to the house and hurried to the doctor. 

He had several cuts on his nose and forehead, and cut open his lip right beneath the nose. He was lucky he didn't break his nose or lose his teeth. Unfortunately, the helmet didn't really do him any good... because he kind of face planted it. He just ended up with four stitches. 

I think from now on we're going to wear football helmets.

This past week I finished reading the Book of Mormon again. I asked God to strengthen my testimony. The scripture says that we recieve testimony after the trial of our faith. It was kind of a tough week... and we almost couldn't do anything because my companion had to rest and we couldn't find members to go on splits.

But on Saturday night God answered my prayer by prompting me to share with an investigator how I recieved a testimony of the Book of Mormon. As I shared the experience I felt the spirit testify strongly, and felt my testimony grow. As I reflected on what had happened to me, I knew even more that it is true, and I won't be able to forget it. 

I guess that's about it. 

Elder Garrett 

18

This week we ate too much meat... had too many barbecues... I think if I eat more meat I will be sick. Haha. That's what happens the week of September 18 here.... it's like July 4... but they celebrate for three days... this year it was Wednesday, Thursday, Friday... and then obviously there was the weekend. They like to celebrate...

On Wednesday we had a barbecue, and then we went to the ward activity... from 4:00 to 10:00. Before lunch we went to help prepare the food... about 500 shish kabobs.... we weren't planning on helping but we saw that they had so much to do and so little time so we offered our services. they started eating them about 10:00 so they gave us some as we left and then they continued doing karaoke and dancing the cueca until about 1:30 in the morning. It might have been a little more fun in Batuco, where I knew more people, but it was still fun.   

On Thursday we ate the leftovers from Wednesday's barbecue.... like I said, lots of meat. 

It's a little bit hard to teach during fiestas, but we were able to see lots of little miracles. For example, yesterday we found a woman who's mother had recently died in August and who had a lot of questions about life. We taught the plan of salvation and in the end she was a little teary eyed. She said she feels like her whole life has been a long search and that she is trying to find her way back to God. We told her that we have found that way back for ourselves, and she committed to ask God if what we taught was true. She was very impressed that we can do something to help our loved ones who have died so that we can be reunited with them. 

Elder Garrett

San Felipe, Week 1

Well, yesterday, we had a zone training, so today is our preparation day. Tomorrow is the 18th of September, which means barbecue, empanadas... all that kind of stuff.  The 18th is like the 4th of July, except that it lasts 3 days, the 18th, 19th, and 20th. We'll be going to the ward activity tomorrow.. it should be really fun and nice to get to know the ward members a little better.

On Thursday we had to go to a meeting in Santiago, so we woke up an hour early to take the bus at 8 to try to get to Santiago at 10.  In the end, we had to take a taxi from the bus station to the chapel and we got there about 10:05.  The meeting got over about 5:30 and we had to wait for the bus at 6:10... so we got back to San Felipe about 8:00.  It was a long, tiresome day, and I had a bad cold this week, so that was fun.

The other day we were teaching a lesson to a lady who was speaking a lot.   She mentioned something about how she felt that when she met with us something pulled a weight off of her heart and she felt better.  We explained to her that she was feeling the Spirit, which was testifying of the truth. 

Another lady had mentioned something similar. A scripture popped into my head when we were inviting her to come to church.  I shared Matthew 11:28-30 and told her that our invitation is to come unto Christ... that as she comes unto Christ through what we teach and invite her to do, He will ease the burden that she feels she's had her whole life. I t was interesting to see her reaction.  Because I followed direction from the Holy Ghost, she felt the Holy Ghost and got really quiet (she usually talks a lot... haha). 

Anyway that was my week. 

Elder Garrett

To San Felipe

Today we had changes, and I have returned to the zone of Los Andes.... I am in the barrio Almendral, which is in San Felipe. So here I will be celebrating the 18th of September... it should be awesome. I am in a trio again, with Elder De Castro (Brasil) and Elder Zuñiga (Peru)... 

I will be completing one year in Chile this week... 14 months in the mission... and I'll be celebrating my second and last 18th of September.... it should be better this year because now I understand what people are saying to me... haha. 

I don't have tons of time because we arrived a little late in San Felipe... 

It's been a long weekend, with the goodbyes, packing the suitcases, and all the traveling.... and I'm very tired. I'll miss Batuco and the great people I met and the great friends I've made, but I'm excited to work in San Felipe.

Elder Garrett

The other day we were on the bus headed out of Batuco and I saw a member we've been working with that was headed in to the doctor. She turned around and I waved to her. She later told me that in that instant something told her to look behind her, and just in that moment, I passed by in the bus and waved to her. It made her day, so that was cool.

We did two exchanges this week with our district leader. The first day I worked with him in Batuco, and the second day I went to Colina. That day it was so hot that in the night time I didn't even put on a jacket. Normally at night I've been wearing a sweater and a coat. I got to reminisce with Elder Willoughby about the MTC because he's also in that branch in Colina... so that was fun. They didn't have bikes and live about thirty minutes from their sector... it wore me out... I think riding bikes is much easier... and I've gotten used to it. 

I found out last week that an investigator from my last sector got baptized. I haven't heard yet what miracles happened, but I remember having fasted for a miracle several times for her, and I know that there is great power in fasting. 

Elder Garrett

2 Months in Batuco

This week we had interviews with President. We left for Lampa at 12:30 and got back to Batuco at about 8:00,,, so it was a long day. I was asked to teach part of district class... which I'd never done before... and then as we waited for our turn to be interviewed we went to eat fast food. We were the last ones to be interviewed because Batuco was the closest area to Lampa... our travel time was 20 minutes, while the rest had to travel about an hour to get back to their areas.

I've heard rumors that some of my friends are already getting back from their missions... that's really strange... time flies by really fast. It seems like just yesterday that I was starting college and going to their farewells, and now they're coming home... wow. On September 12, I will complete one year in Chile.

Yesterday we were going to visit a family and we came upon an open gate, which is usually locked... so we went through the gate. In the end, they weren't home, and somebody from one of the other houses locked the gate. So we were stuck and had to take a dirt road a ways until we found the road to take the long way around back to Batuco... we spent about 30 minutes on bike to get back. That was an adventure. I thought we were going to have to ride in the dark, but luckily the road was lighted. 

Antonia is progressing well and excited for her baptism. She loves coming to church and is learning fast. We are really happy with her progress. 

The Vasquez family's faith has grown so much in the two months that we've been with them and I am very proud of the faith they've grown and nurtured. We have seen changes in every one of them. I think Javiera and Jessy jump out of bed faster on Sunday for church than they do during the week for school. Sometimes I'm not sure if people can see the difference the gospel makes in their lives but as a missionary I can see it, and I've seen it in my own life, and I hope I can help them to see it, too. To see that they are making the best decisions of their lives. 

Thanks for everything!

Elder Garrett

Blessings

When we got to church yesterday, we found out we were going to speak... I mean, the week before, the old Branch President asked us to speak, but since no one else really said anything about it, we thought maybe we were off the hook... in the end, we had to ride back to the house to fetch our talks... and my back tire was flat...

This was the first talk I've given in Chile, so I was a little nervous. I have no idea what language spewed out of my mouth for the first two minutes, or if anyone understood me... but I got the nerves under control and started speaking like a normal person (almost) and I think it turned out alright... I'm sure it would've been worse in English... so I'm counting my blessings!

Today we're headed to Santiago to buy some more ties.... there's not a whole lot to do on preparation day in Batuco... email and naptime. We have to travel in bus for about 45 minutes to get there and then take the subway, but it's nice to get out and see something different for a change... even though I've already seen it before... haha.

They say it looks like I've lost a little weight, but I don't weigh myself because I don't want to get my hopes up just to find I still weigh the same. Or maybe it's just because I don't have a scale.

On Saturday night we had a cool experience. We finished a lesson with a family and the daughter said the closing prayer. She broke in tears... and the whole family started crying. When she finished, we just kind of all sat in silence. They told us to come back on Sunday, and they all told us they had felt pèace and warmth in their hearts. The father said he'd never felt like that before. We helped them to recognize that it was the Holy Ghost. They said they felt like during that prayer God was very close to them... and that he expected them to follow Him. 

 

Surprises

This week we were asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. So we prepared our talks on Saturday. When we got to church, the Branch President told us we weren't actually going to speak... maybe next week. As it turns out, the District Presidency came to reorganize the Branch Presidency. So they spoke. They also surprised us by assigning six families from Valle Grande to our branch, where before they went to Lampa. 

The new Branch President is President Christensen, from Arizona. We are teaching his niece, who is now living with them, and it looks like we will be preparing a baptismal service in a few weeks. One of the cool things that happened is that he only called one counselor... he didn't feel like he should call another yet. Today he recieved the surprise that six more families would be part of the branch. 

We are now starting to see the fruits of our efforts, which is exciting. I've been in Batuco for 2 months now. (Time flies fast) One of the most rewarding parts of the work is being able to see the progress and the changes in peoples lives.  To feel like you were an instrument in the Lord's hands to help someone. 

Where did July go?

It's hard to believe that it's already August. July flew by way too fast. Before we know it, John will be in the MTC. 

One of the greatest things about the mission is that you can make really great friends. The hard part is that at some point there is always change. I'm not sure I'm quite used to that yet. Some changes are harder than others. 

So Elder Flores is already home, already chatting with our investigators and the members on Facebook with his cellphone. My new companion is Elder Riera, from Ecuador. He has 9 months in the mission. 

I've been a little bit sick this week but I think I'm already starting to feel better. It doesn't help that it's very cold right now. I mean, ahorita it's pretty hot, because the sun's out, but in a couple of hours it's going to cool down and by 6:30 when the sun goes down it gets freezing cold. Sometimes I wear thermals, a sweater, and two coats. haha. And I'm sleeping at night with 5 blankets. 

Yesterday, Maxi (15 yrs old) who was baptized two weeks ago, was confirmed a member, shared his testimony, and received the Aaronic Priesthood. In his testimony, he said "I know that the steps that I'm taking are right."

I also shared my testimony yesterday. Sometimes people think that the life of a missionary is easy, or always full of happiness.... Wouldn't it be great if life were like that?  But we wouldn't grow, and we wouldn't have to learn to trust in the Lord. I know that Jesus Christ, our Savior, lives. He suffered for our sins, pains, and afflictions, so He knows how to help and comfort us in hard times, when no one else can. I have felt Him carry me through all of my trials. 

Have a great week!

Elder Garrett

Bendiciones

Well this week flew by really fast. Today I had to drop off Elder Flores in the office, because tomorrow at 3 a.m. he flies home to Honduras. It was kind of a sad weekend. We made a really great team. A family that we helped reactivate told us on Sunday that many missionaries have passed by in the last year to try and reactivate them, but we had something different, something special, that helped them have the desire to rekindle their testimonies. They have been in church without fail for four weeks already. They are incredible and we were very blessed to be able to be there to help them.

I don't have a whole lot of time left, but I just wanted to say that I know that God answers our prayers and helps us in just the right way. He knows our needs and if we'll ask for help, he will do it.

That's all for this week. It seems like there is never enough time. Mom, I am very happy, and very healthy. Maybe a little bit fat. Actually one of my ex companions that I saw in the office today told me that it looks like I've lost weight. Who knows? 

Elder Garrett

Everyone is Having Babies

So it sounds like I might have a new nephew today? Rachel was keeping me posted, but I guess I'll find out next week.... I guess I'll have to get to know at least three nieces/nephews when I get home. Just when I leave for two years everyone starts having babies. John will get to know what it's like... because he leaves in a month, right?

This week I hit my one year mark... and Elder Flores 23 months. So we celebrated with a funfetti cake that one of the other elders had left behind. I'd send you pictures... but I accidentally picked the computer that doesn't work very well. 

Yesterday we had Zone Conference in Lampa, so today is P Day... We're going to go to Santiago to some museum. It should be fun. 

I guess the most exciting thing that happened this week was that one day in lunch we were served prilletas... I think it's called blood sausage? basically it's a sausage filled with blood, which is then boiled and served. I wouldn't say it was my favorite dish that I've tried, but I was expecting it to be really bad, and it wasn't. 

I'm headed out.

Elder Garrett

One Year This Week

This week, on July 11, I will have been a missionary for one year. It's crazy how fast it seems like it's flying. My companion, Elder Flores goes home in three weeks, so I'm sure he can tell you about time flying. 

Well this week we received yet another surprise... on Friday at midnight, President called to inform us that the other two missionaries in Batuco would be changed to Santiago. So Elder Guzman left on Saturday, and we worked in a trio with Elder Beeson so he could show us the sector until today. We dropped him off in Santiago today. This means that we are now responsable for the whole branch, instead of half of it, at least for three weeks. 

On Saturday we ate hot wings with the Christensen family. The dad is from Arizona, and he teaches English here. So they invited us to lunch for the 4th of july... even though it was the 6th. But it was probably the coldest 4th of July of my life. Instead of fireworks, we had a fire in the chimney.... because it is very cold here right now. 

Until next week

Elder Garrett

Miracles

One day this week we passed by for a family of members, and when we were there, the daughter announced that she and her boyfriend want to get married in the temple. She said, "He's not member, but he wants to be." It was a great miracle at the end of a really slow day, and we started teaching him.

We prayed a lot that we could get investigators to feel the desire to come to church. 

Last week we invited a family to come to church, and all five declined the invitation. When we passed by this week, one of the daughters said that she and her niece had wanted to go the week before. So this week, they came!

Today we are going to Santiago so my companion can buy some souvenirs because he goes home in one month. 

Elder Garrett



Very cold



A gift from the Bolivians

My new companion, Elder Flores (Honduras)

Well, it's a little slow, because we're starting from scratch, but my companion's really great. He's not trunky, actually he's working very hard, so we are having success, which is great. We still get lost every day and we don't know very many people, but it's going well. 

 

The area is about like Idaho. There's not much here but people and animals.

 

It looks like Elder Beeson, one of the other missionaries in the branch, had been asking for more missionaries for quite some time. In fact, the mission had been renting out a new house for three months for the new missionaries that were going to be coming at some point. President Essig, out of the blue, showed up in church the day before changes and the branch president asked for more missionaries, at which point president changed everything, and we were sent. So nobody knew we were coming. The house didn't even have everything it needed, we studied on the floor for several days.  We tricked a lot of people into thinking I was Bolivian, and my companion Chilean, so that was fun.

 

Before church yesterday we got a phone call from the zone leaders, so we went to the broadcast. I think I only saw one person I knew. Looks like John will be using texts, iPads, computers, and Facebook....I don't think they'll be getting to my mission until after I'm gone...
Elder Garrett

Unexpected Changes

 

Well... on Saturday we received our normal changes. They told me I was going to be in another sector in Renca and Elder Cuadros was going to stay in Vivaceta. So I packed up my bags, said goodbye to everyone, and we went to the mission office today. When we got there, I was informed that my change had been changed. In fact they were surprised that I didn't know. I guess President had tried to call us last night... but I think he was calling our old number that doesn't work anymore...

So instead of going to Renca... I've been sent to Batuco with Elder Flores, from Honduras. He has even more time in the mission than Elder Cuadros, haha. We are opening a new sector in Batuco, a branch quite a ways away from Santiago. We're in the country (kind of) and will be using bikes. I think I'm destined to spend the mission on a bike... that's okay with me.

I ended up spending hours in the office waiting on our new cell phone and random things like that. Elder Kelson is the new assistant, so I saw him for the first time since Renca... actually he drove us with another elder out to Batuco because we had no idea how to get there. In the end... nobody had keys when we got there (great planning), so we're going to have to spend the night with the other elders in Batuco. It's really cold here.

I'm going to try to send some pictures that we took. So I guess that's about it. We got here late... which is why I didn't write earlier in the day.

Elder Garrett

La Gripe

 

Last week Elder Cuadros convinced me to eat a chili pepper. I thought I was going to throw it up. It was really weird... it gave me a bad case of the hiccups... and I couldn't stop them. Because he is Peruvian, he thought it was hilarious watching me, because he says they're not spicy. 

We worked really hard this week and we did intercambios with our district leader. They have a McDonalds in their sector, so on our way back to our sector we stopped there for lunch. That was the first time I've eaten McDonalds in Chile. 

 

Time flies really fast. One month from tomorrow I will complete one year in the mission. That's pretty crazy. 

 

Well, it looks like I caught the flu, and I'm not feeling very well, so I think I'm just going to stop there and head home.

 

Elder Garrett  

Papas a la Huancaina

 

This week was a little bit tough in the way of teaching lessons, plus we were not at full speed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, due to Elder Cuadros having the flu, and all the rain we got this week. However, with much prayer we selected a new sector to focus on. An ex bishop gave us several referrals, and committed himself to help us out. We've been able to visit several other members in that sector and we were very blessed in the way of referrals.

In that sector we came across Juana, who called out to us to ask the hour. We sat down beside her and started talking to her. She is a sweet little old lady who seems to be very sad. She asked us to come back another day, and when we came back, she told us she'd prayed for help from God, and she felt like we were little angels sent from God to help her out. She said she feels better when we are with her. In her prayer she thanked God for sending us to her and recognized that we were the answer to her prayer. I think she thanked us about a hundred times. It's good to know that God sends us to answer prayers. 

When Elder Cuadros was starting to feel better, we decided to make some Peruvian food. It was delicious.  Papas a la Huancaina. He said this week he'll teach me some more dishes. They jokingly say that the best food in Chile is from Peru. Haha.   

Chao

Elder Garrett

Elder Cuadros making Peruvian food

Papas a la Huan Caina and Inca Cola

It only rains down here... but in the Andes, there is snow

 

 

 

 

No Temas, Cree Solamente
‏
This week we hit a roadblock with an investigator with respect to a very important commandment of God, knowing that it would be very difficult for this investigator to keep . With much prayer and singing of hymns, we prepared the lesson plan, and invited the spirit. We felt the spirit guide us in the preparation and as we taught the lesson. We went into it with faith, remembering the words of the Savior before raising a young woman from the dead: "Be not afraid, only believe."

 

We testified to her that if she would put in her effort to keep the commandment, that God would prepare the way for her. We should not fear what will happen if we keep the commandments, because God will support and raise us up. 

 

It's amazing how much faith grows when we read the scriptures, pray, go to church, and act on our faith. The scriptures tell us that miracles are worked by faith. 

So, be not afraid, only believe.

Elder Garrett

Pónganse Las Pilas...

Last week, the 62 year old mom (Mary Luz) of a recent convert had told us "Pónganse las pilas, porque me quiero bautizar." After watching the example of her daughter for several months, and noting the changes in her, she started to visit with us. She went to church two weeks ago and loved it. This week we passed by her house every night to teach her. She will be getting baptized the weekend of June 1, so we have little time to teach her. But, we have seen the impact of the gospel in her life already. She studies what we ask her to study, and always does her prayers. It's very cool to see testimonies and faith grow when people read the scriptures, pray, and go to church. Yesterday in Gospel Principles she announced to the class that she had a surprise, she is getting baptized on June 1. 

Elder Cuadros and I get along really well and we are working hard. We have great expectations for this change. 

Que estén bien 

Elder Garrett

Mothers Day

 

Well I talked with my family yesterday, so I don't have a whole lot more to say. Nicolás got baptized on Saturday, confirmed on Sunday, and taught the lesson in Elders Quorum. He gave a lesson about the temple. He bore testimony that the temple is the house of God and expressed his desire to enter it. He taught a better lesson than we usually have... haha. We are so happy for him and his progress. He is going to be member of the church. His baptism was a great experience, and he was very content. 

Baptism of Nicolás... with my new companion Elder Cuadros

On Wednesday, President called us and asked Elder Mateos to pack up his bags and be in the mission office in two hours. This came out of nowhere, since we had normal changes on Monday. He went to Renca to be a Zone Leader. Elder Cuadros (from Lima, Perú) is my new companion. He's only got 4 months left of his mission. I met him in Renca, so we already knew each other beforehand, in fact we'd done exchanges. In Renca, I could hardly understand him... needless to say, he says I talk a lot more now. I'm his second companion from Kaysville. It's a small world. 

I guess that's about it.

Elder Garrett



Santiago in its fulness of glory... a thick layer of smog

The Lord Guides His Work

 

Well, this week we had changes. But we don't have any changes, so nothing has changed. I'm still in Vivaceta with Elder Mateos, from Uruguay. 

I guess the coolest thing that happened this week started out with a mini disaster. But I'll start out with a little background information. Nicolás has been reluctant to speak with his parents about his decision to be baptized, because they don't really approve. We have always taught him in members' homes or in the church so as to avoid causing any problems for him at home. 

About a week ago, I randomly had a dream that we went to his house, spoke with his parents, and everything turned out fine, they didn't reject us, and we left on good terms. We had never even thought or talked about going to his house.  

On Saturday, we had a barbecue with some members. They got home a little late, so they got lunch started a little bit late. While we were eating lunch, my companion was playing around with the phone and accidentally put in the wrong security code and so now our sim card is blocked. SIM Rechazada. 

We took a taxi to the church, hoping that Nicolás would be there... but he wasn't. On our way to our apartment to find the zone leaders' number so we could call them with a payphone, we passed the street where Nicolás lives. I felt the impression that we should pass by his house. I kind of brushed it off, because we've never been invited to his house. But as we kept walking, the impression got stronger and stronger. 

When we got to the house I prayed and asked God directly if what I was feeling was real and if we should pass by his house. The dream that I had had the week before popped back into my head and also I felt strongly in that moment that we should go there right away and not worry about the problem with the phone. So I asked my companion what he thought. He was a little preoccupied with the phone, but later he told me he felt prompted that he should support me, which he did.

When we knocked on his door, he immediately invited us into his house... not what we were expecting or planning to do. He asked us if we thought it would be a good idea to invite his parents to speak with us. We didn't really have time to answer him before he ran upstairs to talk to his mom. 

The unplanned and unexpected meeting with the parents started out a little contentious. We kept quiet and patient for quite a while, responding every once in a while when there was time to respond. We shared with them what the Spirit told us to share, and everything turned out alright. We left on better terms than what we started with.

The next day, after Stake Conference, Nicolás set the hour of his baptism with the bishop for Saturday at 5 o'clock, and asked one of the senior missionaries (Elder Gomez) to baptize him.  

It was amazing to see his faith as he told his parents that he has already made the decision to be baptized, and that as he has lived our religion for three months, he knows it's not a cult that they should fear. He knows that if we ask God, He will answer us. We invited them to ask God if what he's doing is right. They're good people and I'm sure in the future we will be able to share the gospel with them, because Nicolás will be a great example to them. 

We saw many miracles that night, all because we chose to follow the guidance of the Holy Ghost. 

Elder Garrett

La Prueba de Vuestra Fe

 

On Sunday the Elders Quorum President assigned our investigator, Nicolás, to give the lesson in two weeks. He accepted the invitation without even blinking. His faith is astonishing. After the meeting, he commented that right after his baptism, he is going to teach the class. We are planning his baptism for next Saturday. It looks like the ward is going to put him to work right away. It is incredible to see the determination that comes from recieving an answer from God. 

The other day I was talking to a member who was baptized 40 years ago. He said he investigated the church for 3 years. I asked him what took him so long. He said that there were two reasons. One being his pride, and the other being lack of faith. He didn't really believe that God would answer, and he didn't want to humble himself before God by kneeling down in prayer. However, when he finally chose to act on the little bit of faith that he had (even the desire to believe) he received an answer from God. He had the missionaries teach him all the lessons in one day, and he got baptized the next. 

I know that God speaks to man, because He has spoken to me, and many others that I've seen. But many times the testimony comes after the trial of our faith. I'm reminded of the words of Moroni: "I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (If you want to read an excellent talk about the trial of your faith, look up a talk by Elder Anderson from the October conference.) 

There are always and will always be trials of our faith. Life is full of trials, because God wants us to progress. He always throws us out of our comfort zone so that our faith will grow. But as we take a step into the dark, trusting that He will lead us, we receive more light. We learn, grow, and progress. 

When we choose to use our agency and act on our faith, even during the toughest trial, we will receive a witness from God. 

"And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen."

Elder Garrett

Anyone Can Know It

On Sunday an investigator that has faithfully come to church for two months and has read through Jacob in the Book of Mormon, but whom we have only been able to teach about four times, told us he is ready to get baptized. His name is Nicolás and he is 20 years old. He had recieved several answers from God already and he felt like our message was true. On Saturday he asked God for a certain confirmation, which I think had to do with some questions he has. In Sacrament Meeting, all his questions were answered and he felt strongly the confirmation that he was seeking. So after the meeting, he asked when we can baptize him and how we will do it. Before Sacrament Meeting he had doubts, but God swept his doubts away and he is more sure of his decision to be baptized. 

He is studying in the University of Chile to become a professional pianist. His studies will take many years, and he already put them on hold once. He recently returned to his studies, and he said he has promised himself that he will finish it this time. However, he realized that there is a problem. He will be studying until he is 27, at which point he will no longer be able to serve a mission. For now, he thinks he won't be going. But, he says that if God tells him that he needs to serve a mission, he will do it. His faith is impressive. 

What has impressed me most this week is that anyone at any age can know that the Book of Mormon is another true testament of Jesus Christ, that Christ has restored His power and authority to His church. I have seen 10 year olds, 13 year olds, 20 year olds, 30 year olds, 40 year olds, and 80 year olds who have learned of the truth of the restored gospel. If any man is willing to humble himself before God, and kneel down before Him to ask Him sincerely, God will speak to that man. I know that God speaks to us. I have seen Him give the same answer to others that He has given to me. It amazes me to see the conviction and faith of people when they recieve their answer from God. 

The Living God still speaks to man. His words will never cease.

Elder Garrett   

Milagro

 

I don't have tons of time, but some great things happened this week. I was feeling very down at the end of last week and so I asked God in prayer for something that would lift me up a little bit. On Monday night, I found out that one of my companions from Los Andes had had a special transfer, and is now in my district in Independencia. The miracle? The week before we had planned to do exchanges on Tuesday with that very same companionship. So, out of the blue, I got to do exchanges with one of my old companions on his first day in his new area. We ate Dominos Pizza and had a great time working together again in my area all day long. Ever since then, I have felt a lot better. It's crazy how perfectly God knows us and knows what we need and when we need it. He helps us so perfectly.

 

Elder Alvarez and I

Que les vaya bien

Elder Garrett

Panoramic photo of me in Los Andes

Quasimodo?

Yesterday some members offered us a ride to the stake center for conference. We got stuck in a dead end street where the only exit was blocked by a really long parade of horses. I guess the week after Easter, all of the Catholics dress up and get on horseback or in carts and ride around in a parade. It's called quasimodo, I think. We had no idea it was coming and accidentally got stuck there. 

With 7 minutes until conference would start, we hopped out of the car, thinking it would be faster to walk than to wait, even though we'd never been in the area before. Then we ran into the Feria, which is basically where the street gets turned into a huge supermarket, where they sell everything from fruits and vegetables and fish to random toys and illegal copies of DVDs and surplus high school

t-shirts from the US. It was full of people and I almost lost my companion in the crowd because he's not quite as big as me.

We finally got out of the crowd and went down a side street. I thought we could easily turn right and make our way to the correct street that would lead us to the church. However, there were no side streets that went to the right and we power walked a very long distance to get the church. In the end, we showed up late and sat all the way in the back to watch conference. 

The members who waited out the parade arrived at the church before us. 

But other than that, the conference was really great and enjoyable. I definitely felt that the prophets and apostles really are called by God and that they are inspired by Him. They hold His power and authority to guide the Church of Jesus Christ. 

I know that He lives and that He answers our prayers. With conference, He gave me the boost of energy that I needed this week. I want my family to know that I love them and appreciate their support. 

Elder Garrett 

Y así no más po

So I guess John is headed off to Argentina. That's way exciting. I mean, Chile is better, but Argentina will do. Haha. I know an elder who is from that mission.

So this week there were several holidays:  Easter, and Combatant Youth Day. Because of the latter, we had to enter our apartment at 7:00 on Thursday and Friday.

They celebrate Easter about the same way, as far as I can see. The Easter Bunny leaves chocolate eggs here, too. The Catholics did a procession in the street with Jesus carrying a cross. But then they entered the chapel, so I don't know if they ever talked about the resurrection. They have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off of work. Anytime there is a Catholic holiday, they get work off.
 

On Friday we did a service project with the elders quorum and high priests. We helped remodel two houses, basically. We rebuilt the front walls because they were having issues. I nailed my thumb pretty hard with a hammer and I got some sort of really awful bruise. But it's healing fine. It's really great to see the church in action like that. It would have taken them a lot of time to do it by themselves, and they didn't know we were coming.

 

Oh, so my new companion is Elder Mateos, from Uruguay, and I'm still in Vivaceta.  

Cuídense

Elder Garrett

 

 

Michael's Baptism

Graciela's and Fabiana's baptism

 

The Week Full of Surprises

Well this week was a little crazy. So I guess the biggest news is that I'm no longer in Los Andes. There was an elder in Santiago that had to go home for an illness, and because we were a trio, I was chosen to replace him there. President called us on Tuesday and asked me to be in the office on Wednesday at 2:00 to make the change. So I had to pack my bags that night and leave the next day. I didn't quite have time to say goodbye to everyone.

So now I'm in Independencia, in the ward Vivaceta. My new companion is Elder Keck, but he has been in this ward for about 7 months, so he'll probably be leaving when we have changes next week. So I've got to learn this sector really fast. 

The second surprise was the phone call I recieved on Saturday, telling me that they would be baptizing in Centenario. I recieved permission from President to go back to Los Andes yesterday for the baptism, and if the rest of the family gets baptized this week, I can go back a second time. So in the end I got to say goodbye to almost everyone. It was a wonderful baptismal service and was a very spiritual experience for everyone. 

The 10 year old who got baptized is named Michael. On Saturday he told Elder Glazner and Elder Alvarez that he was ready to get baptized. He surprised even his family. They asked him if he was sure, and he persistently said that yes, he was ready to do it. The elders told me he was on the verge of crying as they continued asking if he was sure and telling him how big of a change it would be, but he was sure. That morning he had been reading the Book of Mormon, and he prayed to know if it was true. The next part that he read told him that he needed to do it. I'm not sure what part it was but he felt something, and wouldn't back down when his family asked if he was sure. He was sure.

Due to a slight error in planning, the water ended up being a little cold, so he looked a little nervous when he got in the font. But when he came out of the water he had the biggest smile on his face and he said he just felt really happy. He says he wants to be a missionary in 8 years. 

I really enjoyed my time in Los Andes and I really loved the people, so it was a little rough of an abrupt change, but I'm adapting to my new sector. From what I've seen, there are some really great members here, and we have found some really great people to teach. 

About the time I arrived in Santiago, a family from Bolivia also arrived. They were looking for work. They were a reference from other missionaries. One of the brothers is a return missionary. We are working with his aunt and his brother. We talked to the bishop about their situation and the bishop showed up with members of the ward with beds and blankets to help them out. I was surprised at their fast and generous response to other people's problems. 

This week was a little rough, but in my mission I've learned that in hard times we wonder where God is and why He's not helping, but in the end if we look back we can see that His hand was in everything and that He was probably holding our hand the whole time. This week I have seen the hand of God in my life and in the lives of the people I know and love so many times I can't even think of all of them. Quite often, if we are willing to see them, God gives us a tender mercy. 

I guess that's about it. I'll send pictures next week of the baptism and everything.  

Elder Garrett

The stone cut of the mountain without hands

 

School starts this week, so there is a flood of uniformed children everywhere. It's a litte crazy. 

On saturday, one of the families we are teaching had a really tough day. But when the mom went to church, it seemed like all of the testimonies were perfect for her. It reminded me of the scripture that says that "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom He hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance." It is wonderful to see the tender mercies that the Lord gives to investigators and missionaries.

One of our investigators recognized that everytime we are talking with him about something serious, something interrupts us, be it a phone call, the doorbell, or many other things. He told us that a matter of days after starting to talk with us, one of his friends, who didn't know that he was meeting with us, showed up with a bunch of anti Mormon literature. He has recognized that Satan is fighting a tough battle against us to make sure that the investigator does not continue with us. I pointed out that if we were teaching false doctrine, Satan wouldn't be fighting us, because he would already have won. 

How great it is to be participating in the Lord's work, especially during such an exciting time in the history of the world. Elder Holland has said that the prophets of old continued in the work of the Lord, knowing they would not succeed, because they had seen our day, and knew that we will succeed. It is good to know that a prophet of God is guiding us to victory, that we will not fail. 

Elder Garrett