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