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.