WEEK 103

This weeks letter is called "The Blessings of a Mission" Well, this being the last letter I will send from the DR, I thought I would share a little bit about what I have been doing for the last 2 years. I was called as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was called to the Dominican Republic Santiago mission. The Dominican Republic is an island in the Caribbean. I was so nervous as I prepared and got ready for such a big adventure that I had no idea what to expect. I was set apart the 15th of July 2013 and entered in the MTC the 17th of July. The MTC was one of the biggest roller coasters I have ever ridden. So many tears, so many laughs, so many scriptures and so much Spanish. I learned there what being a missionary really is. I got to the mission field at the end of August 2013. I started my mission in San Francisco of Macoris. I saw many challenges and I learned so much. That was by far my "letting go of childish things" stage. I was later called to Cotui. Although I spent very little time there, I learned why Heavenly Father hopes so much for his children. I was later called to Torre Alta. I met some very special people there who later ended up changing my life; missionaries, members and investigators alike. That was where I learned what Christ-like love is. I was sent to my 4th and final area, Cien Fuegos where I was given a very important assignment. Here I have learned how the Atonement of our savior Jesus Christ works in our lives. I must say, these last 2 years have been the hardest of my whole life. I started off my mission comparing the tough moments of what a mission is to football. Later I discovered that Football and all the tough training involved with it is a tea party compared to what the Lords Work requires. I have shed tears, gotten angry, felt frustrated and cried a little more. I have seen such special people make such big mistakes that it made me have very small hope for mankind. I have seen people reject and curse this "marvelous work and a wonder". I have felt the pain of forsaking sins. But all of that does not compare with the joy and happiness I have felt. I have seen people change their whole life around. I have seen people stand face to face with sin and later turn to Christ. I have seen what peace that the "Prince of Peace" has to offer each one of his brothers and sisters. I have felt, used and rejoiced in the Atonement of Christ. I testify and I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. I testify with all my heart that the Book of Mormon is true and scripture from our Heavenly Father. I know and testify that Christ lives and loves each one of us. I know that we are all Children of God. I know these things and can say the blessings that a mission brings are far more greater than any other blessings that this world has to offer. I will end my mission on July 16th 2015, exactly 2 years and 1 day after being set apart. I am so grateful for my mission and all I have learned here. I love you all and I cannot wait to see and be with you again! See you soon! Elder Garfield

WEEK 102

Elder Garfield went to Puerto plata to say goodbye and was only able to email briefly. He said he is staying busy and is getting excited to come home. He said thanks for all the love and support throughout his mission.

WEEK 101

This week is called ¨BBHMM 22¨ Haha this week has been interesting. We have been working so hard just before I dip out of the DR. I can say with 100 percent certainty that I have served in the best mission in the world. The DR is such a special place and I have fallen in love with this country and the people I have met and taught. I am so grateful to have served here and for all those I have helped. I know my mission has been a successful one! I love this work and it hurts to know I will be leaving it so soon but I know I have to start another mission back home! Elder Orellana and I are working super hard. I am doing my best to leave this area a lot better than how I found it! We have a baptismal date for the 4th and maybe the 11th. I am so proud of what I have been able to accomplish in my mish. Last night we had a dinner with President Douglas because he is leaving this next week but I must say, I had the best mission president in the world! I love this mission and so grateful for President Douglas and what he has helped us missionaries do! I love you and miss you all so much! 22 left. Wow. Elder Garfield

WEEK 100

He didnt have time again because he went to San Francisco (his first area)  to visit his baptisms. He said he is working hard and is nervous and excited to come home. Only 29 more days. He said thanks for the love and support!
He loves you all!!!

WEEK 99

This week he didnt have time to send his weekly email. They went to Puerto Plata to visit his converts and were late getting back. He said it was Awesome seeing them but it was very HOT there. He is working hard and cant believe he only has 36 days left!

WEEK 98

This weekly email is called ¨El Último¨ Well 6 weeks from today, I will be finished with my mission. No, I am not trunky, Its just good to know I have made it this far. This last week has been amazing. My new comp, Elder Orellana, does not know what the word ¨Slow¨ is. We are working at 110% and we are seeing such great success! We are working with a couple of families and we plan on putting a couple baptismal dates this week. My comp is doing his best to get another 6 weeks out of me. I am so excited to see what this month of June has in store for me. My testimony has been so strengthened this past week and I know that Heavenly Father is preparing me for what is coming. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church. It has been restored by a true prophet. I know that the Book of Mormon is an inspired book and it has the Fullness of the gospel. I know that what I am doing here is what the Lord wants of me, no matter how hard it is! I love you and am so grateful for all your love and support! Have a great week! Elder Garfield

PICTURES

 Tyson and Elder Hudson from Syracuse Utah. Right before Elder Hudson left to come home.

Tyson and his new Companion, Elder Orellana from El Salvador