Letter from 11/26/2012

Letter from 11/19/2012

 How was your week? Things here were good. We had a wonderful p-day traveling to Bruinsberg in the interior of Suriname for a swell time hiking, sight seeing, and entertaining company in the Surinamese jungle. I do not have my camera in order to send photos. But they are in the process.

"R" is progressing. Slowly but surely. It is his wife that needs the most help. But we are doing our best.

Have a wonderful week. And allow the spirit of Thanksgiving to fill your heart to its brim. You are wonderful.

Love,

Elder Garcia 

Letter from 11/6/2012

It has been an interesting adjustment this past week. I loved Elder Quirante.  It is crazy to see the Lord's hand.
There are currently 57,000 missionaries and that is projected to jump to 100,000 by early next year. And the WIM is expecting 60 missionaries by that same time. I do not know where we are going to put them or who is going to be their companion as we do not have anyone to put them with but i know that the Lord will prepare a way. He did not announce this without a reason and a way. I am so grateful and excited to be a missionary right now. This is just simply exciting. We had a wonderful zone conference yesterday Pres. and sister Mehr came and were accompanied by President Anderson and Sister Anderson of the 70. Oh it was wonderful. I learned so much. How important the spirit is. Only he can give a carnal mind desire to be GODLY. Only He can change a heart. And only He can lead me to success. I also had the privilege to have a personal interview with President Anderson what an honor that was. He is a man of God, I know that. I am so grateful and am filled with a greater hope than ever before in my life. Things are crazy. I do not know what the future holds. But i am glad to be here. So our bap.. fell through.... It sucked...... Her mom is giving us problems but there are also underlying factors that have yet come to the surface. So we are content to fight. I know she will be baptized, because her father in Heaven loves her. And knows that This is the only way.
I am loving my mission and doing my best.
Time is flying eh... I am 21 in less than a month. GO VOTE!!

Love,

Elder Garcia

 

Letter from 10/29/2012

How are you? Transfers came, Elder Moon is not coming, but Elderr Jenkins is... Isnt that funny. I will be training Elder Jenkins this coming transfer... In Wanica. And also every other Elder in Suriname is going to be training. We are getting 6 new elders Wed. and after the announcement given by President Monson our mission is expecting 50-60 new missionaries in the near future. It is so wonderful to be a missionary. I love it. Elder Quirante and i had an interesting week FULL of bike problems and trips to the city. He is heading to Trinidad :(  (but i am excited for him). He is a great missionary. And the people there are going to need his testimony. Elder Bowman is going too.

I love being here. We are going to be baptizing B this weekend. And we had a whole family come to church this last sunday who are planning to be baptized on the 24th of the month.  I am so grateful for what I have learned from Elder Quirante. I love my Savior. And am learning to perfect my love for him by feeding his sheep. Only in the service of others can we help ourselves. Only in the service of men are we in the service of God. It is the paradox of Heaven. And I am so grateful for this opportunity in my life. Thank you for allowing me to be here.

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 10/15/2012

Thanks for the (ward) updates!! That is exciting. However, I am really going to miss Dodge. That makes me sad. But we had a wonderful week.... We have been teaching two young women in our area, Bev and her little sister Fara. Both were in church this past Sunday and will be, if all goes according to plan, baptized on the 27 of the month. I am so excited for them. And it has been a wonderful opportunity teaching someone my age. It makes things a little bit easier. We can connect easier because we are in their boat.

Suriname is going to have an interesting future. All eight of the future missionaries are waiting in the MTC to come to Suriname. And we have no idea when they are going to come. So when they do we are going to be flooded with fresh meat. We only have 8 eligible elders to train because Elder Fernandes is currently training Elder Bechan. S every single elder is going to be training pretty soon... I am excited.

I can not wait to meet Elder Moon.... And no I have not been able to keep in touch with Elder Jenkins, he has not written me back. So I do not know what is going on but I am so excited to have them in SU!!!

We had a very sad weekend here in Suriname. Our district presidents wife died this past weekend and we attended her funeral and burial. What is worse is that he has a 4 yr old daughter. Seeing her so unaware, so innocent broke my heart. But the Lord knows him and will see him through. Pres. Mehr was in town this weekend and gave a wonderful talk in which he stated, I know that Pres. L promised his beloved with in the premortal life that he would suffer this trail in her life, with her." And I know that to be true. It is simply the hand of the Lord polishing his servants. Pres. Mehr also stated, " God anxiously awaits the death of the righteous." And I know that Pres. L's wife was welcomed home with open arms. A little girl has gone home. Death is not so scary anymore. It is actually a beautiful thing.

I love this gospel. I hope you have a wonderful week!! Love life. Cherish time. And be obedient to the commandments of the Lord. Obedience is the principle of happiness..

Elder Garcia

Pictures!

I can't believe how much he's grown up on his mission! He'll be 21 in a few short weeks (Dec. 4) and then he'll be home not too long after. Crazy how time flies!



Getting ready for transfers

Letter from 10/1/2012

The DL duties stretch me everyday but I love the learning process. I love getting to know the Elders and building lasting friendships with them, giving trainings is still weird. But I love it. I will be talking tomorrow about the Book of Mormon. My back is doing OK. Still hurts but I cannot do much about it. I just try to use it better and really make sure that I have good posture and doing the things that are going to make it easier to go through out the day. I have really learned to love my mission. I do not know. as the time ticks by, I get more and more anxious. More and more sad. I do not want to leave. There is nothing better. This is how life ought to be. Selfless, teaching and doing all that we can to bring others to come unto Christ. Do not get me wrong when the time comes to go home, I will be excited to see you, to see my lovely sisters, dad, and my little brothers. But I want nothing more than the time to take easy and not leave so fast. I will be 21 in 2 months....what the heck. It is sickening. I still have so much to learn and so much refining to do. There are still so many people that I need to find. I love this gospel. I love it with all my heart. More than anything I love it. I want to know it, live it, and help others live it too!! It is perfect, led by the perfect head, and brings perfect peace. I can never thank my God enough for giving me the chance to have it in my life. Never.

 

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 9/24/2012

This week has been a roller coaster. Stress headache, courage, defeat, confidence, insecurity. But I have loved it. I love being District Leader I love serving the Elders that I am responsible for. I love getting to know them more and really allowing them to feel my love for them. This calling has brought me out of my comfort zone. And I am so grateful for that. I am so grateful that you made contact with Laurna. She is one of my favorite people in Suriname. She will be serving in Provo!! I am so glad that you talked to her.

So no further news concerning Elder M. has come through. He is going to be like me I assume, just flown in when the visa goes through. So we are anxiously awaiting his arrival but in the mean time it has been wonderful to be with Elder Q. He is a stud. I love him a lot. But my new area is HUGE and I am still not sure how I want to it. It gives me a headaches sometimes. But it has humbled me and driven me to my knees. And I know with a surety of hope that we can improve the circumstances. We just have to get out there and work hard. Revive the members and give them hope again. I love my mission!! I love these people. And I want to help them. I want to give them peace in Christ and help them to see themselves the way He does. And that is what we are trying to do. I have never been more challenged in my life but I have also seldom been more grateful.

 

Elder Garcia

Letter from 9/10/2012

 This week has been a tough one... Things have been a little down and a little slow... But we are pepping them back up. President Mehr is coming this week for zone conference. I am so excited to meet him. I have only heard wonderful things about him. I am truly looking forward to it. He is a wonderful leader. You can feel his love even through the computer screen.

 

 The future of Suriname is exciting. There has not been this many Elders here in a long time. The time is just flying. I can not believe that transfers have already come again. We will hear this week what is going to happen with us. Where we will be heading and who we will be serving with. I am excited. I have really enjoyed my time with Elder B. He is going to be a wonderful missionary.

 

I do love my mission. I am scared to know who I would be, what I would be doing, and who I would be hanging out with if I was not here. I just want to give the Lord my heart and be an instrument for him. I love this gospel.
I don't need much. I am well taken care of :)

 

Elder Garcia

Go Utes! (Mason with his MTC companion Elder Sadler)

Letter from 9/3/12

This week was a hectic one.. We had a wedding, the Jansen's are heading out today :(   and we also had a baptism!!! It was such a wonderful experience. Zr. S has made so much progress. She has changed so much. And it has truly been a miracle being apart of the process. This gospel is true. I see its truthfulness every single day of my life. But this week i learned the importance of having a forgiving heart. It is one of the most difficult things to obtain, but the most divine. There has been a small conflict in our branch this week. Over something so small, something so insignificant and it was pulling two families apart. One of them did not even know that the conflict existed. There was just a anger. The feeling of unity was gone. I don't know why something so small had such a large impact on my week personally!  And as i have been reading in The Miracle of Forgiveness i have come to understand the divinity of being forgiving. It is the only way that we can be forgiven. It is the only way to receive exaltation and it is the only way that we can give our Savior, Jesus Christ, the chance to experience true joy. When He has the opportunity to forgive us. I know that it is difficult and there are still some things in my life that i am trying to let go but i am working on it each and everyday. We can truly decide to be hurt or not. We can decide how we react. I am working on choosing to be forgiving. This week was wonderful... But too fast... Sept is already here. I cannot believe it. My time is flying. A new transfer starts in 2 1/2 weeks, and i swear it was just yesterday we started this one. But i am loving today, And i am excited for the new missionaries to come to this wonderful country.

Love,

Elder Garcia

  

Elder Mason Garcia, his companion Elder Bowman and Bro. Jansen

Mason saying goodbye to the Jansen's

Letter from 8/20/2012

How are you mama!!! Thanks for the email!! You make me laugh. The baptism was great!!! So wonderful.. I baptized her... But unfortunately her children were not baptized with her due to some outside problems.... but they are going to be baptized this week.  I will send photos next Monday.. I was so happy for her.. And the taxi ride home was wonderful she was so happy for the light... The gospel is true... And yes, I went into a restricted area, but at the time i did not know that it was... But I called my leaders and they approved. So I am starting a revolution... But things are wonderful.. We need to find some new people to teach but we are loving our time together Elder B and I!! We have made a goal together. Be happy. To choose to be happy each and every day... To choose to be energized and to allow people to feel the message. And it has been working!! We are happier; more active.. and I know it will make a difference. I have loved training Elder B... He is wonderful. And him being given to me has really helped me strengthen my faith and self confidence... He is wonderful. But other than that we are just working hard. Trying to find new people...

I  skinned a iguana yesterday... It was an experience....  Tell me what you are learning out of the book of Mormon. I would love to hear...


Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 8/19/2012

How are you!! Thank you for your email!! It put a smile on my face. This week was great. Busy and stressful. But wonderful. All 4 of our investigators were again in Church... But sadly due to word of wisdom problems one is going to have to wait to be baptized. But we are full faith, ready and willing to help her. We have hope that the Atonement can help her conquer her trials. But Zr H and her two daughters are going to be baptized this Saturday. They are wonderful!. I love them. They have grown so much. Come so far. The 19 yr old calls us all the time asking for advice, what would Christ do? It is wonderful to see her faith grow. I will send photos next week.

 Elder B. is wonderful. I love him. I truly believe that he has taught me more that i have him. His Dutch is coming. We still have a lot of work to do but I know that he will learn.

This coming week is just going to be busy busy busy planning and prepping the baptism. But I love it.
 I have been trying to increase my hope in Christ. Increase my hope and trust in His atonement in His promises and in His love. Read Ether 12:4 it is my favorite. 



Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 8/13/2012

How are you?? Thank you for your email!! It put a smile on my face. This week was great. Busy and stressful, but wonderful. All 4 of our investigators were in Church again... But sadly due to word of wisdom problems, one is going to have to wait to be baptized. But we are full faith, ready and willing to help her. We have hope that the Atonement can help her conquer her trials. But Zr H and her two daughters S and N are going to be baptized this Saturday! They are wonderful mama. I love them. They have grown so much. Come so far. The 19 yr old, calls us all the time asking for advice, what would Christ do? It is wonderful to see her faith grow. I will send photos next week.

 Elder B is wonderful. I love him. I truly believe that he has taught me more that I have him. He is wonderful. Dutch is coming. We still have a lot of work to do But I know that he will learn.
 This coming week is just going to be busy busy busy planning and prepping the baptism. But I love it.

 I am so thankful that you saw President Olsen. I love him. He is a true example of a disciple of Christ.

But as far as that goes that is about it. I have been trying to increase my hope in Christ. Increase my hope and trust in His atonement in His promises and in His love. Read Ether 12:4 it is my favorite..


Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 8/06/2012

 This week was wonderful.. The blessings that our father in Heaven pours out upon me was not deserved... Elder Fernandes and his comp had a baptism this Saturday. And we were able to have 4 investigators in attendance. They felt the spirit and their desire to finally reach their own baptismal day only grew. And the very next day at church were all 4 plus 1in sacrament meeting. I can not tell you the joy that i felt. The members are doing a wonderful job fellow shipping them and helping to close the back door of the church. There is a wonderful spirit of growth and excitement in the air.

 I am so thankful for this time in my life. So thankful for the time I have with Elder B. We just received our transfer calls we will be staying with each other in Koewarasan for another 6 weeks. I am so excited about that. I love him. He has helped me to grow in ways that he does not and never will understand. I think he has helped me more than i have helped him. We will be having 4 baptisms on the 18th of Aug. We are doing great and i could not be more grateful. His dutch is coming. I just need to give more of myself to help him learn the language.

 It was wonderful to hear from Kell bell again! She sounds grown up. Matured in a way that only selfless service can bring to pass. I am so proud of her. And you should see if it would be possible for me to go with her next year. I don't think i will be back that early but i would love to do something like that with her.

 Please tell Espen's parents if you can get the chance how much i love them. And how much i love their son. I got an email from Coach Bowman. It was so wonderful to hear from him. Things are looking good!. I am just trying to be more patient and truly give myself over to the atonement of Jesus Christ!!

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 7/23/2012

How are you? This week has been a tough one, but a blessed one. Elder B was sick. And as a result we were inside for 3 days in a row. It was tough. Life was boring but i learned some very valuable lessons with the extra study time that i had.

 I listened to a talk given by President James E. Faust. I dont have time to explain it in full so i will do my best to shorten it while still including the important parts. He spoke of an Amish community in the country side on Pennsylvania. They had a " Quiet milk man" who came weekly to do his rounds. He was pleasant, happy, and a friend to his clients. But one day his life changed.. His 1st born died. Angry at God, he decided to take his rage out in the most horrific way possible. He headed to his Amish community, took 10 of their young school girls, lining them up against the school house wall. He then proceeded to take a pistol from his belt and shoot every single one of those young women. Killing 5 and putting 5 in the hospital. Then using one of the 2 remaining bullets to take his own life. But the events that proceeded this tragedy touched my heart and soul and gave me a desire to be better. This Amish community reached out to the family of this murderer. Filling their home with flowers, cards, home cooked meals, and personal visits. Ensuring her, comforting her, and let this woman know that they had FORGIVEN her husband. Had forgiven his murders and wanted to make sure she was ok. After the public received word of this, money flooded in, in order to cover funeral and medical costs. And in the true spirit of charity, the Amish community gave half of the money to the family to pay for the funeral of her husband. They were half of the congregation in attendance. And mourned with this family the loss of their father and husband. They were disciples of Christ. And new and had allowed his gospel to become a part of them. Knowing that only as they forgave could they be forgiven. Let us become better. Let us forgive. Because when we do not we only hurt ourselves. And if we wish to be forgiven we must be willing to forgive.


Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 7/16/2012

How are you? Things sound great at home. And i am so grateful that the Elders were in our home. Please thank them for me. I really do appreciate their service. Things were great this week. Zr. VanDyke was married, and i was able to have the opportuinty to give Stefany who we just baptized the Holy Ghost. That was a wonderful experience. I felt the spirit so strongly. It was a great sacarament meeting. I love church more and more every Sunday that I attend. But i would say that the most wonderful thing of my week is a lesson that i am beginning to learn that will not only change my mission but wil change my life. I have known for some time that Jesus is the Christ. That He loves me and He cares about me. I have known for some time that He died on the cross... That He took the sins of the world upon Him and that He can forgive us. One could say i believed in Him but what i have been realizing is that is not enough. And i have been cutting myself short of the true power that He holds. I believed that He could redeem us from our sins... But not mine. I believed that He could help unworthy sons and daughters of God to become worthy, but not me. I failed to believe in the very prmoise that He has given to ALL of us. I did not believe Him. He can save us, mom. He can save me. I am starting to truly trust Him. To truly believe in His power to save and to redeem. Me. I know that He loves me, but on a whole new level. I know that he wants me to be happy. And i know that through Him i can and will go to the Celestial Kingdom.... I love Him mama. And i am so sad that it has taken me so long to realize that but i am learning to trust him. To give my heart to Him and that has changed my life.. I love this gospel. I love My Savior. He can and will save us. And if we will but come unto Him, we will find rest for our souls.(Matt. 11:28-30). Love, Elder Garcia

Letter from 7/09/2012

How are you this beautiful day!!! So we actually havent baptized Stefany yet... Today actually!! So i will be sending pictures next week!!! But I am super excited. She is wonderful!!! This week has been good. I was able to spend a day with Elder Fernandez. And I was able to learn so much from him, he is truly a wonderful example in my life. And i pray and i hope that i can apply some of his qualties in my life. He taught me to have a greater love for the scriptures.. Too often on my mission have i been busy reading the book of Mormon, and not studying it. Too often skimming pages, instead of burying myself in its words. It truly is a book for our time. For our problems, and for our families. In the 9th chapter of Mormon vs 35 he says, "Behold i speak unto you as if you were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and i know your doing." The book is written as if we were present. These men gave their lives to give us the greatest treasure one could recieve. It can be personal, wonderful, and a true treasure in our lives if we will but allow it to be. Search the pages.. Learn to love the book of Mormon again. I know it is true and I know that as I search the pages in the coming year, and for throughout the duration of my life, I will receive happiness. And I will be shown the way back to our Heavenly Father. It is true. Please read it daily. Elder Fernandez taught me to love the people. We often hear about planting the seeds. But he said something very profound on Saturday. If i plant the seed, someone else had to dig the hole. I need to give more of myself. To help God's children to come unto Him. I have been selfish. Caught up in the "I can't", "I am not good enough".... And it was only let me think about ME...... But its not about me. It is about THEM...... And it is true.... I am not good enough. I will never be, good enough.... But i dont have to be. In Christ i am strong. In Christ i can do all things..... And all that He asks is that i come unto Him and learn of Him.... And i want to do that. That is all that i want. Because i know that even when i can not do it, when i am too weak to go on I am strong in Him. And i must repent for the times that i have let ME get in the way. Because the great paradox of Heaven is that only in the process fo Helping others can we help ourselves. There is no me, only them. And along the way i will find me. I will find joy, peace and love. I love this gospel!! It is perfect. I love Him. With all my heart. Love, Elder Garcia

Letter from 7/3/2012

Things are going wonderfully!!! My new comp, Elder Bowman, is great!!! He cannot speak Dutch yet, but is coming!! He has a great desire to serve and that is all that matters. I am so thankful to be staying in Koewarasan. I love it here!! The people are wonderful!! I love them dearly. Having a greenie is tough. Your load is heavier, and more is required of you. You have the large responsibility of training another one of the Lord's servants. But I love it. I love seeing him grow. I love seeing him progress as a missionary. He is going to be great. He just needs to be patient with himslef. Dutch is a tough language.... But I know that he will learn it. In the mean time we will be working.. I am determined to work harder, do more, and live more righteiously.. I need to be a better example of Christ, more reverant, and full of hope... I need to fight longer to give that same hope to others. We had a wonderful experince the other day. I was talking with a man named Ronny. He was so kind. But sadly, he did not know if God existed.... And as we began to talk, we came to the subject of prayer. And how it is the way that we can know for ourselves if He does truly exist... And his eyes lit up... Even though he would not pray in front of us, because he was embarrassed, the hope that came into his eyes was a miracle. And I feel so blessed to be able to be the tool that God uses to bless the lives of His children here in Koewarasan. We will be having a baptism on monday too!!!! I will give more details next week. But the baptism last week was Zr. Lydia. I taught her for about 5 months in Uitkijk. And she finally was able to be baptized. It was a wonderful day! The Lord is wonderful. To answer a few questions. 1. I am a 32 length and 31 waist. And yes, I would enjoy a pair of pants or 2. 2. I am now a weekly chicken farmer... I am pretty good too!! But other than that I am doing my best to be my best.... It has been a great 1st year and I only pray that I can work twice as hard to make the 2nd better.

Letter from 6/18/2012

I cannot belive that another week has come and gone... I don't think time has ever passed faster in my life.... It was a good and a bad week... We are nearing the end of another transfer, and we were scrambling to get people to church so that we will be able to have a baptism this go round.... It is a rule in the mission that investigators must come to church three times in a row in order to be baptized.... We have been working hard to help people understand the importance of coming to church... I have been fasting every Saturday that the Lord will bless my investigators and less actives with the desire and the courage to attend sacrament on Sunday... And no one came..... It made me so sad... and I had a really tough time for the rest of the day..... But I am trying to keep working... We have another transfer coming up... So that was a bummer... But that same sunday the Lord really blessed Elder Grange and I. We were tracting on Peppriepinweg trying to find some new people to teach... And we came across a family, a brother , and sister and her husband. They have lost both of their parents and the sister just recently lost her 17 yr old daughter.. So we began to teach and testify of eternal families....And the idea seemed strange to them, but they had the desire to believe that it could be true... And just as the Book of Mormon says in the 27th verse of the 32nd chapter of Alma.. If you will allow even the desire to believe to work in you it will grow. So we invited the brother to pray.. But seeing that the situation was new he felt uncomfortable... So E. Grange offered a humble prayer, and when he closed I asked the young man if he had any questions and he only said, a warm peaceful came over me.. I have never felt something like that before.. It was a mircale.. We are going to follow up with them this coming Sunday. The gospel is true.. Things have been going good.

Letter from 6/25/2012

I am going to be a DAD!!!! So transfer calls came...... I am training again.. I dont know his name, I dont know where he is from.. all I know is that he was called to speak english and does not know that he is going to be learning dutch... I am nervous... But excited. And I know that our Heavenly Father will bless us along the way!! I will tell you more next week. Because he is a mystery man!!! I cannot believe that Ryan is back already. IT BLOWS my mind...I am scared actually.. My time is just around the corner... This week was good. I did actually wear the new ties with pride... And I am so thankful for them!! I needed them!!! Things have been tough this week. Koewarasan is a grumpy old gal... All of our investigators have fallen through, we had the lowest sacrament attendance is weeks, and there is nothing really going for us right now.... We are fighting and fighting, but things do not seem to progress... The mission is hard. It is disappointing,challenging and exhausting. I have never been more tired. And I am only 1 year out... I have never wanted to quit more in my life. But never have I had a bigger fire for greatness. I have never felt so alone and abandoned. Yet never so embraced and loved by my HEAVENLY Father. I have been struggling everyday to understand the scriptures, to remember the references, and to better my pondering abilties. I have been fighting to become a better teacher, and to recognize the promptings of the spirit. I struggle everyday. But I feel the Love of my Father in Heaven everyday. I grow in faith and in testimony. And everyday my assurity that He lives grows a little brighter. I am so excited for the coming challenge. I know it will try me, test me, and try my faith. But I know I will grow towards being the missionary and young man that my Father in Heaven wants me to be!!

Pictures!

Letter from 6/11/2012

How are you??? I am sorry to admit that today is going to be somewhat short... And also my new camera is fried.... We went into the jungle today and it fell into the muddy dark water and is K.O'd......Please tell Rich that I am so sorrry...... We had a wonderful sacrament meeting and I want to share the highlights with you... The leaders from the 4 districts(stake) came to our branch, and they spoke about tithing... And mom the spirit was wonderful. I know that this was inspired by the Lord. And I want to bear my testimony about tithing. I know that I haven't had much experince with paying it, but the spirit has testified to me of the truthfulness of tithing. And I am so excited to be able to pay it when I get home. I know that it is one of the greatest blessings that we have here on earth. The opportunity to help build God's kingdom. I know that it is a commandment of God and if we live it He will bless us. God doesn't ask for money, he asks for a willing heart, and our faith. I love Him mom, and I know that I can show my Love for Him by paying a full tithe when I come home. I am glad to hear that things are going well at home. I know that things can be crazy, but crazy times allow us to learn patience. I love this gospel mama!! I love it!! It is wonderful!!! And I hope you Love it too!! You are amazing!! Here is a mental Hug and kiss!! I miss you!!! It is such an honor to serve the Lord. Love, Elder Garcia

Letter from 5/29/2012

How are you? I love getting your emails!!! This week was good. Very dissapointing but good..... Elder G and i have been working hard to accomplish our goals. And we have been having success. We have been trying to be accountable for the things we both say and do. But there was a bump in the road right at the end of the week. We need two more lessons to reach our goals... And we had a great day planned to meet these goals. And we were working and working and working and everything was going great. That was until the last 2 hours of the day when everything seemed to putter out.... Nothing was going right and we were going to fall short...And i had been praying to our Father in Heaven to build my faith. To give me the necessary trials to build my faith. And when this obstical came, i allowed doubt and dissappointment to take the place of humility and trust in God. But in His infinant mercy we were still able to achive that we had set out to do... I learned that we can do anything that is expedient in His eyes if we will but have faith. If we will trust in His beloved son He will take care of us. I am going to work on forgetting myself and allowing Him to use me in the way that he sees fit. It was a difficult lesson. But one that i am so grateful for. But other than that things are going good. Just doing my best to improve and better myself everyday. Because at the end of the day that is all that God asks.

Letter from 5/21/2012

I hope this finds you happy and smiling. I am simply trying to better myself. I love my Savior and i want to serve Him. And i am so thankful for the chance that i have been given. I loved the pictures of the BBQ l. But i was so excited to hear that you met the Jansens they are wonderful people. I love them so much. And it is not hard to understand why. I can not wait to see them again. Things were amazing this week. I am slowly learning about the act of being accountable. A quote written by Elder Maxwell state that a willing heart and our free choice are the only true and original gifts taht we can give our Father. Because everything else is already His. And we are simple borowing it in order to make it through this journy that we call life. Elder G and i lowered all of our goals, and were truly accountable for them. And it felt amazing. It has brought that fire back. Knowing that i cna do what i set my mind out to achieve. I can do the things that i desire with the Lords help. I am to hard on myself and i know that it is only destructive and discouraging. I am doing my best to do my best and that is all i can do. I am accounting for my actions. And i the areas where i need to improve i am willing to receive instructions. I love this work. I love this gospel. And I love my Savior. I am eternally grateful for the chance that i have been given. I love Him. I love Him. Meeting the Jansen's and waving hello to Elder Garcia

Letter from 4/30/2012

First off, you make me laugh! I am sure the people sitting next to me think that I am crazy.. but what the heck. It's understandable, You are my mother. This week was AMAZING and soooo sad. The Jansens left. They are heading home. But they are COMING BACK in June for another 3 months. I am so excited. I miss them so much. There were really like parents to me. And they loved me as if I was their son. They have been such an amazing example to me. And I only hope to become 1/2 of the man that Elder Jansen is. But they had a great last day that I was able to take a part of. So I believe I told you about Family KartoDirjo. I sent a picture of one of their daughters and I(she was wearing a green shirt). Well after the 5 months that I spent with them, and the 3 1/2 weeks that the new Elders were there they finally got baptized. The 2 daughters. And I was able to be a witness at the baptism. It was AMAZING mama. I have never been happier on my mission. To see these beautiful young women make a covenant with their Heavenly Father, was truly a miracle. I love them both.. And their mother is still waiting to get married and then she will getting baptized too. I loved it mama I was so happy, so thankful, and so truly humbled. This is the Lord's work. And He does things on His time. I know that now. It was truly amazing mama. I just wanted to run and yell. There was so much joy packed up inside me and it was tough to keep it all in. I dont know how to put it in words. But everything is amazing. We have a lot of work to do. And we need to be more diligent, we need to be more obedient, but we are working to progress and do the will of the Father. I love this work mama!! I cant imagine doing anything else. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I would not give it up for anything. But as far as cooking goes. I havent learned anything. I made enchiladas for The Morwads and they loved them. And please tell Janette that I love her and I miss her. She is great. Zr. Weingaarde is amazing. She is one of the best people that I know. I love her.

Letter from 4/23/2012

I want to share a little bit about of last meeting with President Gamiette. And when I say last i mean LAST. He is never coming back to Suriname. The conference was good. We talked about the need to make and extend commitments. Because that is how people make real growth. Without them missionary work is pointless. But what was most profound was the personal interview that I had with him. We sat down and chatted breifly about you guys at home, and about the area and then he instantly begins to pray without a heads up!! I love this man. And then he looked at me and it was as though he was looking at my very soul and he asks me, Elder Garcia, what do we need to talk about today. That is a powerful question. And I have been having a lot of self doubt. Which has really been hindering my work. President just spoke to me and when he spoke he spoke with the power of the holy ghost which brings messages to the hearts of the children of men. (2 Nephi 33:1) So I asked him what is the opposite of self doubt. And he asked me to expand on that topic and I said, generally when one wants to change or sculpt a feeling he or she replaces it with some new. Something constructive and refreshing. Sadness with joy. Anger with compassion and patience etc. And he told me trust. He then asked do you pray for the Lord's help. And i told him that I do. Then he said stop worrying. If you are doing your part the Lord will do His. If you are working hard He will pick up you weaknesses. Pray for the Holy Ghost, and when you go into a lesson trust that he will guide you. No one is good enough no one can be good enough. but God does not ask us to be. He asks our best. A willing heart and a desire to be better and He does the rest. I am going to trust in Him mom. I am done doubting. I am done regretting And I am done asking why me. I am ready to grow. Ready to progress, and ready to forget myself and give everything to these people. I love this Gospel mama. it is perfect. And it perfects us. If will will just follow the Lord's council and be lowly of heart and come unto Him we will inherit the Kingdom of God.3 Nephi 12:3.

Letter from April 16, 2012

How are you? Things are going great!! Koewarasan is great. It has been tough. But I am trying to stay positive and do my best on a day to day basis. Like Elder Espen Earl once said, We can do hard things one day at a time. And I am trying to live by that. Elder Grange is the man. We get along great and we both have a desire to change this area. It has a bad rep for being the dead area. For being an area of little success, but we are determined to change that. It has been hard but so rewarding. We went out witt the young men the other day, and one of them, Jamien, contacted three young women that were in church that same week. They are now excited about the Gospel and are excited to come back to church. These members are awesome. There aren't very many but they are awesome. They are truly committed to the gospel, and are willing and ready to work with us.

So I am going to be singing when President Gamiette comes this weekend. In Spanish. I guess it is only appropriate. But I am excited. Elder Fuenzlida and I are going to be singing a duet. But other than that we have just been working hard to do all that we can to be the best that we can. Being obedient and striving to do all that is asked of us.

I am so glad that you were able to attend Abuelita's funeral. I wish I too could have been there. I loved her even though I didn't know her well. She was a loving kind little lady. I dont have much to write today. I am sorry that this letter is short today.

Letter from 04/02/2012

So this week was amazing!! Not only did we hear from our beloved Prophet, Thomas S. Monson and the other men called of God!! But we had TWO baptisms!! And I baptized them!! It was so amazing mama!!
I loved it!! Ah, I cant express my feelings of gratitude. Jasmina and Ritish are amazing!! I truly do love them and it was such a miracle to be able to help them come closer to their Heavenly Father. As I have slowly begun to understand the gospel, I now know how important it is to be baptized and to make covenants with our Father in Heaven. And helping someone else to make this step is trule and honor. I will send photos next week!!

So I am being transferred......After 7 months I am making my final address as an Uitkijk Elder. And my heart is filled with such sorrow. I truly do love these people. I love their families. And I love the experiences that we have shared together. I have loved blazing through Uitkijk's jungles to find lost referrals. I have loved the different smells and tastes of what they call "wild meat"!! This is my home. And I feel so sad having to leave. At the exact same time I couldn't be more excited for the things to come. I am headed to Koewarasan to work with Elder Grange. And I know there is something that we need to do together. Someone that needs the gospel and someone that needs us. The members are great there. And I feel truly blessed to be able to serve them. I love my mission. I love these people And I love this Gospel! I just got a email from Nick Sessions! It brings such a joy to my heart knowing that my brothers are serving the Lord. That they are giving of themselves to be amongst others. This Gospel is perfect and it perfects us. That is truly the greatest blessing we can receive as missionaries. A testimony of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A testimony of restored priesthood power and a modern day prophet. I love it. There is absolutely nothing better in the whole world.

New Pictures! 3/26/2012

Letter from 3/19/2012

Hello!!
How are you!! Deze week was eenbetje moelijk. I don't know why we're are still having struggles with investigators. Nothing is seeming to go right... I have been selfish Mom. I haven't loved the people the way that I should have. And that needs and is going to change. I need to be more obedient. I need to do things out of love for my Savior. It has been a trying week. But we did have the opportunity to hear from a member of the 70 Elder Anderson and that was a blessing. You could tell just by simply hearing his voice that he was a man of God, and that the spirit dwelt within him. He was just warm, and he loved the gospel. He talked about being obedient because we love the Savior. He talked about living our covenants because we Love our Savior. Thats why we do it. That is why we follow Him. Because we love Him. It gave me a greater desire to go to the Celestial Kingdom.

Sorry so short!


Love,


Elder Garcia

Letter from 3/12/2012

Hoe gaat het met u? Another week has come and gone. And I am tired. Elder C and i have been working hard. Our mission President invited us to not be content with not baptizing... To not allow ourselves to be content with 99% and, I have really been trying to give it my all. We taught almost 40 lessons this week. But it had such a disappointing end. So investigators have to come to church for 3 weeks to be baptized and of the 7 people that told me they were going to come only 1 did. It broke my heart. I was really set on baptizing this transfer. But now given the circumstances, I wont be able to. Every one of those 7 dates has to be pushed back a week. I know of the power of this gospel. And when people don't want to listen, when they don't keep commitments, it really breaks my heart. It is something I have never felt before. I don't want to be turned away. Not for my sake, but for the sake of those that our passing by on the most wonderful blessings that are only available in this church. And it makes me so sad. My very basic desires have changed. I don't want to be the same person I was when i left. I don't want to do the same things. And I am so thankful for the changes I have seen in this gospel on my mission. And I am so thankful. I can never give my Heavenly Father what He has given me. I have been having a tough time with Elder C. He only talks about video games, movies and comic strips. And I am trying to let all of that go. I have decided to sell all of my video game stuff when I get home and pick up reading. I just want to live a full and exciting life. And I am done spending it playing as someone else. I have really had a stretching week. I am learning so much, and growing so much. But it has been hard. I have never done anything more difficult than I have these past 5 weeks. And I don't know if I ever will. It has been a struggle and sometimes I want to lock my self in a dark room and just sit there. But through diligence and patience i have been able to see the miracles in my daily activities.

Letter from 03/05/2012

How are you?
Or hoe gaat het?? Things are going good on my side. Things are stll rough and challenging but I am really doing my best... And working my hardest to give the Lord all of myself.. But this week I want to write you and who ever else reads this email about miracles. I received an email from Tay Swensen last week. He is now returned from his mission and gave me some advice that he received as a young missionary. And this advice has changed my life and my mission in the short week I have applied it. He invited me to write in my journal only about the miracles that I see in this work. I usually write about who we saw, what we ate, and what ended up going wrong. But I have really tried to take this challenge. And it has been really challenging some days to see the bright side. To pick out the tender mercies of the Lord, but as I have been diligent in doing this I have only begun to write more and more as the days go by. And Tay, if you read this, I want to say thank you. It has changed my life. Changed my attitude. And changed my relationship with God. This is a work of Miracles. This life is a miracle. And too often we get caught up in the negative and forget to see what we have done, how far we have come. And as I have focused on the little miracles that I see everyday, more and more catch my eye. And things that I didn't used to see stick out. I am so grateful for this challenge and I want to invite you to do the same. Focus on the miracles my dearest Mama. I know we have all made mistakes, but that is why Jesus suffered so that we don't have to. And he allows us the opportunity to see miracles everyday if we look for them.

I Love my mission, and I love Him. I am sorry that this is short. but I feel like there is nothing more important that I could share.


Elder Mason Garcia

Letter from 02/27/2012

I have had a challenging week this week. President Gamiette has challenged us to push home teaching programs in our areas. And to refocus on baptism. I really worked hard this week. I taught 33 lessons and have been really trying to give it my all to be a good trainer for Elder Cornell. I know that I still have a lot to learn as a missionary, and even after 8 months I still feel new. And at the end of the week we had a really low sacrament attendance. And none of our investigators came to church. I was really disappointed because I thought that I had really given it my all and I didn't see any of the results. But I read a scripture a couple of days ago in the book of Alma 26:2,7 and it talks about one of the first missionaries and prophets in the Book of Mormon and when his trails became so challenging that he wanted to turn back. And the Lord simply said to him, Stand through thy challenges with patience and you will find success. And that is what I truly believe will happen in Uitkijk. I have a heavy load right now. I teach every lesson alone, my companion can't speak the language and I am trying to train him all at the same time. I have learned to be truly patient this transfer, with my trials, my companion, with myself, and in waiting on answers from the Lord. I am so grateful for the trials I have had to face. I am so truly thankful for the lessons I have learned and for the personal growth that I have made. I know my Father in Heaven is mindful of me and will take care of me as long as I remain diligent and truly learn to be patient and have charity in my heart for those around me. I don't have much time, but I wanted to leave you with that.

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 02/20/2012

So the whole training situation is going to be harder than I thought. My new companion isn't doing so well with Dutch and I am left to do everything... But I really only want to help him progress and to grow in the process. The next 6 weeks are really going to try my patience and my diligence but I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to grow closer to my Heavenly Father. I really do want to be a leader, and I know this is only the beginning. I was not expecting this at all. But he is a good kid. A little different, but there is always something to learn. I will keep you posted on our growth together and my personal growth as well. I am finally over Dengue. I was in bed for a week, but I am stronger and healthier than ever. I lost some weight according to all the members and I feel like I look a little thin, but that is okay with me.

I got your package this week!! Thank you!! And it was hilarious to watch the kids eat Cry Babies!. I cried and I wasn't even eating them!

So I had a really amazing experience yesterday with one of the ladies we are teaching, and I was pondering what I could share with her. The thought came to my mind to talk with her about family prayer. And that is what I did. And it was exactly what she needed. She doesn't come to church, and her husband isn't the friendliest man in the neighborhood but it was something small that can and will have a huge impact on her family. And when we were done with our lesson she turned to me and asked, "Elder Garcia, why did you choose to talk to me about this"? and I told her I didn't know, maybe someone upstairs knew that you needed it." The holy ghost is real. And is there to guide us if we will let him!! I love my mission. Even though the next transfer is going to be a battle, I couldnt be happier with where I am!!

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 2/13/2012

How are you?? So yes we did get our transfer calls, and I'm..................staying again in Uitkijk. But Elder Fuenzlida is not. He is heading back to Trinidad. I am going to be training Elder Cornell. This is only his second transfer on his mission and he was previously working in Guyana. He doesn't speak Dutch. He speaks German so it is going to be a challenge. I am going to grow a lot. This is going to be interesting, but I am excited to see what happens. I will tell you more about him next week. But other than that I was sick in bed from Thursday to Sunday with Dangue. It was miserable! I had a really high fever, really bad body aches, and just overall body fatigue. I don't know exactly where I got it, but I am thinking the Wanica apartment due to the mosquitoes. But I am better now. I am still getting the strength in my legs back. But all is well. But let me tell you it was a miserable 5 days. It is always fun when you have to stay in bed the whole day and laying in bed is like laying on a rock or on broken glass. There was absolutely nowhere in our apartment where I could get comfortable. It was miserable. But I got through it. WOooHOOOO!!! So yeah not much missionary work this week,. But it was a special experience to see the members bring me food and do everything they could to take care of me. They are a sweet group of people. So I don't have much to write this week because i didn't do too much..haha. But promise you won't worry. I am healed and everything is FINE!!! Ik houd van u Mama!!! U bent a gewldige vrouw!!! Yo mi ti baka!!!

Lobi,
Elder Garcia

Pictures from 1/30/12

Letter from 1/30/2012

So we had a BAPTISM this week!!! And was it wonderful!!! It was a great week.. One of our young men in the Branch baptized her. He is preparing to go on a mission so this was a great practice for him!! It was so great to see him personally prepare for the day!!! We had to battle to lead "L" into the waters of baptism. She had contention at home between her parents, but we were able to make it through with the Lord's help. But it was also a sad day because her mother didn't come. She had other things to do.

My companion and I had had some challenges this week. We had a few arguments and a little bit of contention between the two of us. It is hard to explain why, but we were able to talk everything out and move forward. Transfer is almost over. I am excited to see what happens. I just have a feeling that i am gone. I dont know how I feel about it. I am sad to think about moving somewhere else, but excited to face a group of new challenges and build new bonds with different people. I really do love this gospel and I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to serve the Lord. I love my mission! Time is flying.

We went bowling today which was a blast. There are some photos too!!!

I LOVE you all!

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 1/23/2012

This week has been amazing.. I have felt the power of the Atonement of the Lord in my life.. Elder Fuenzlida and I went to the Jansen's house the other day so that Elder Fuenzlida could help with computer problems. And Zuster Jansen and I had a wonderful conversation.. We ended up talking about my difficulties on my mission, and my struggle to find peace in my heart... And I don't know why it always brings me to tears thinking about the things that I did to my Heavenly Father. I am eternally grateful for the power of his atonement. So Zuster Jansen and I decided to fast together. The day that I fasted I have never biked more in one day on my mission.. I would say 25 miles or so... The sun was HOT.... And so many people asked, " are you thristy? would you like a drink??" But, I have never felt better, I have never had more energy. And I have never felt more at peace than I do now. I still have so far to go. I still have so much more to learn but I can now do it with peace in my heart. I have harnessed the Chi! I have found the balance... I still have a ways to walk on the path leading to full repentance but I have taking a huge step along the way.

I love it Ma. I love where I am and what I am doing. We had a zone conference this weekend and Pres. Gamiette came to Suriname!! It is always so good to hear from him. We talked about involving our Father in Heaven during our daily and weekly planning... It was a great lesson and something that I need to apply in my daily work.

Things are going great!!! We are FINALLY going to baptize "L" this week!! I am so excited for her!!! I will take lots of photos so that you can experience it too!!!! And that beautiful little girl in one of the pictures I sent is the daughter of one of our investigators!! She is a sweet heart and I love her to death. But not as much as I love you Mama!!! I hope everything is good at home!! I love you!! And send my love to the family.
Love!

New Pictures! (Eating Monkey) Jan 2012

Letter from 1/16/2012

How are you?? This week has been a toughy. The work is a little slow these days. We don't have very many people to teach right now, but we are turning things around. I love your emails they crack me up! And for another week our baptism didnt go through. Her stepdad is totally against the church and isn't willing to talk with anyone from the church. So there isn't much we can do but pray. And she turns 18 soon and can then maybe make her own decision. But other than that things have been okay.

The monkey I ate was deliciously disturbing. The meat was very tasty, but I felt as though I was eating human flesh. It is soo closly related to us, they look like us when they dont have any hair. It was an interesting experience, and also one that I will never be experiencing again.

I have not yet entered the jungle, but the day is coming. I hope. I am sending a few photos in an email. They are of me eating my monkey, one of Gio and I, and another of us trying to get coconuts. But things are going good.

We had a sad day yesterday, one of the mothers in our area left. Her man is a drunk and she left him for good. I dont know where, but she left behind two kids, and I miss her to death. I loved Zuster Gerda. I really did. She was like an aunt to me. I'm so sad, but so happy for her at the same time. She deserves better and I am glad that she is taking this step in her life. I wish her only the best. But other than that we dont have too much going on. We helped take care of some banana trees for a service activity. I have also eaten 2 or 3 large jungle rodents. And I had the most painful massage given to me by an investigator! But life is swell.

The church is true. Christ lives.

Love,

Elder Garcia

Letter from 1/9/2012

The new year has begun rather smoothly. But we had a little bump in the road. Our baptism fell through. We had almost everything set up for last Saturday,but her mom was suddenly against her getting baptized. And we aren't allowed to baptize a young adult living at home without the permission of her parents. But fortunately we have the Jansens and along with them we had a wonderful conversation with her mom and we were able to get her permission. So if everything goes well we will be baptizing her this week. I am so excited!

As far as everything else goes, alles is goed. I am loving life. I am still battling everyday to better myself and work on making my weak things strong. But it's a life long process for everyone, So all I can do is continue to do my best and the Lord will do the rest. I have no complaints.

We have been having a bit of trouble with our investigators this last transfer... EVERYONE needs to get married. And when I say everyone I mean everyone. I don't know why people just don't want to get married. They are satisfied living together and having a family, and life goes on. Just makes things a little difficult for us. But we are working on it and we should have a few weddings here in a few short weeks!!!

We have been challenged by Pres. Gamiette to read the Book of Mormon in 12 weeks! I am going to try and do it twice. Once in English and once in Dutch. I have kind of hit a Dutch wall. I have declined a little bit. I don't really know what's going on. But I just gotta get back on track. But the Saranantongo language is coming along swimmingly!

As for my goals for the coming year I would say I have 3.

1. Learn/Develop faith and confidence in myself.
2. Read the Book Of Mormon 3 times.
3. Give 100% everyday...

I'm shooting for these. As far as things I need. I could use ties. They are always in high demand, but other than that you can just surprise me. And for the kids any small games or weird candy you want to send. The will love it!! And I do need more stationary. I am on low supply. But other than that you just need to know that I love you!! I love your emails they always bring a smile to my face and I hope this email finds you with one on yours.

Yo mi te tra weekie baka!!!

Lobi,

Elder Garcia

Letter from January 2, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope this letter finds you at peace!! So what are your goals for the new year!!?
For new years we spent a few hours at the Jansen's place playing board games and munching on a few goodies. But other than that Uitkijk was a let down.. The people talked it up, but it didn't live up to the hype... There were barely any fireworks and none were outside... When 12 o'clock finally rolled around not much changed... But a couple of the young men in our branch stopped by for a half hour or so and we just talked about random stuff for awhile.. So all in all I can't complain too much.

I am excited to have a new year to make the necessary changes in my life to improve as a missionary. I have been feeling so much better these past two weeks. I want to thank you for the advice you gave me on the phone. I have been really focusing on taking things one day at a time and I have seen the difference in my attitude and in my self confidence.

We are having another baptism this weekend if everything goes well!! She is 17 yrs old. She is amazing Mama!! We found her a few weeks ago and have been going by her house almost every single day. All she wants to do is learn and learn and learn. We ran into some problems this week with her parents who are from another religion. And it really touched my heart when she began to cry as we discussed the problems. She told me that this is something that she really wants to do. She knows that the church is true. And has made up her mind that she is not going to go to another. And it hurts her that her parents cant see that and that they aren't allowing her to make this important step ion her life. But we will get through this. The Jansens are coming by her house this week to talk with her parents and we have continued to see her everyday. It has been such a blessing to see her progression.. She asks everyday, when can I come teach with you guys? And she has already decided that she is going on a mission. I am so thankful for her!!

So we got our transfer calls on Saturday... And I am staying in Uitkijk for another 6 weeks with Elder Fuenzlida!! I am really excited!! We have a lot of really great things lined up for the area!! I hope we are able to do everything that we want to. But things are going great!! I am so much happier and I Love my mission!!! It was so good to hear your voice the other day!! It gave me the push I needed to finish out the year strong!! Me lobi yu Ma!!!

Lobi,

Elder Garcia