Week 6- First email from the DR

Mommy! There are 2 things that I wish in my life right now. 1, to learn Spanish quickly because I need it. 2, for you guys to be here with me. This place has its own personal amazing part of it. There is so much poorness and people truly have nothing but they get by. It was kinda a culture shock getting here because I saw people living off nothing but they live like they have no problem! It was so nice to get out of that airport. I was getting impatient! I was glad to finally get to the mission home and meet the Douglas´. They are such amazing people! I love them already. I told Sister Douglas that you are her biggest fan and she said that she was honored but that it was breaking some rules that I guess I didnt really understand. Please continue to read the blog, you need to see this place! We got to sleep in an airconditioned room last night and it was so nice. I slept like a baby. Waking up was weird because that is when I was starting my mission and it was so crazy! I am serving in the San Francisco 4 area (There are 5 areas in SF i think) with my Trainer Elder Vasquez from Mexico. He doesnt speak much English but he does good! We communicate quite well. I usually ask in Spanish and he answers in English. This is actually a nicer part of town then the rest of SF but it still has some poor parts. I love being here but I really wish you guys could see it. I felt so bad yesterday because the houses that we went to teach were so small and half of them were like destroyed. We took a taxi and it was one of the scariest things in my life. They really dont care about driving and they will make room if needs be. I love the people here because they accept all we say but they are tough to keep commitments. I guess we will see how that goes! I will be transfered around Christmas Time so I should be speaking good spanish by then! I get to email every week on Wednesday so look forward to that! Cant wait to see you guys in 4 months! I love and miss you all! I havent seen Elder Day. We are on opposite sides of Santiago i think. He called me on my companions phone and talked to me! It was so cool! He is such a cool guy. He wants to go get lunch in Santiago sometime. I cant wait for my adventures and hopefully I get less homesick! I love and miss you all! Be safe! 
Elder Garfield

Day 36

Well this will be the last (or maybe tomorrow) letter I send to you! Today has been an interesting day! Thanks for the Dear Elders! I quite enjoyed them! I love how much you guys care about me! I love you guys so much and miss you guys! I can't wait to talk to you guys on the phone! I have been counting down the days! I can't wait to hear your guys voice's again! I think I'm going to call you and Justin! Hopefully he doesn't have work on Monday! Well let's talk about my day! Me and my district got asked to do hosting this week and we politely accepted although I was nervous to do it because I was so sad that day! Well also, me and Elder E got asked to do traffic and that was quite the adventure! While our district hosted, me and E were helping with the direction of the cars! We had sweet walkie-talkies and were giving each other nicknames! My name was "Aguilla Pelon" or "Bald Eagle" and Elder E's was "Padre Oso" or "Papa Bear." It was super hot up here today! But we had a good time! I saw Makayla Roundy's parents and Bryson Staheli! I told the Roundy's to tell you guys hello! We also missed class for like 30 mins! We also had to teach 2 lessons again! I get so nervous teaching with Elder E because I just want to take charge and teach the investigator but missionaries are two by two! Sometimes I want it to just be one on one! But our first lesson went horrible! We talked about the law of tithing! He made us stop in the middle and restart! I was kinda embarrassed! Well we restarted and did a lot better. I was just like "I need to leave!" I don't really want to be here anymore because I just want to teach my Dominicans! My second lesson went amazing! WE got our first baptism! I was so proud of me and Elder E! Our baptismal date is this Sunday and I can't wait to say I got my first "Baptism" I kinda love working here and learning because I know it's going to prepare me for the field! I can't believe I am leaving so soon! I want to get out and teach! Well I love and miss you guys all so much! I can't wait until I am able to call you guys and finally hear your voices! Well I hope all is well back home and I can't wait to call! Talk to you tomorrow!
Elder Garfield

P.S. We got 2 new 4-day roommates! They are in the intermediate Spanish class! They are helping us with Spanish!

Day 35

Hola Familia! How is everything back home?! Thank you so much for the Dear Elders and the package on Friday! I'm very grateful for you guys and all you do for me! I've decided that I will not be replying to mail or Dear Elders for the rest of my stay so tell everyone who wrote me Dear Elders (G-ma Susan, G-ma Garfield, Suzanne, Justin, Tom & Amber, and you guys) to check their email because I will be emailing them! I miss you guys so much and wish you could come on this adventure with me! I will do my best to send a lot of pictures home! ;) Please email and tell the blog and on Facebook not to send letters to the MTC! I love you guys so much and I am so grateful how blessed I am to be put in such a perfect family! I can honestly say I have the best fan base back home! I wish you guys were experiencing the amazing things that have happened so far and yet to come too! Let's talk about my day! I had to prepare 2 lessons for my 2 investigators (1 each) which is unusual because we usually only teach 1 lesson a day! Our lesson with our first investigator went awesome! We talked about Joseph Smith and his life and the law of chastity (quite a mix of topics right?) He said the law of chastity will be easy to live because he has such respect for his girlfriend! I jumped for joy knowing we didn't have to have a hawkward moment talking about how he messed up or something. Our lesson with our 2nd investigator went quite well also! We talked about "Santifizar el dia de Reposo" or "To keep the Sabbath day Holy." He really enjoyed the lesson and said he loved to know how he can do better by going to church and being closer to God through commandments! So I thought today was quite nice! My awesome experience actually happened during our Tuesday night Devotional tonight! Our speaker was from the presidency of the seventy's and he and his wife talked about the sold meaning of the missionaries purpose! (Which I have memorized in Spanish along with the first vision) He talked a lot about how we need to have more faith than fear! Something that I needed to hear lately because I've been getting nervous about having conversations with The Natives! He also talked about how Joseph Smith's first vision and account of him receiving revelation is compared to all investigators of the world. It blew my mind how true that is! Joseph Smith was looking for direction in his life and 2 personages came to him and gave him guidance and the truth! I'll be doing that exact thing in 5 days! It's crazy! Well I love you guys so much and I miss you all! Only 4 more days until I talk to you!
Love, Elder Garfield!

Day 34

Hola Familia? Como Estan? Estoy muy bien! Yo espero que esten feliz y segur (no se como decir "safe") mi dia ha estado aburrido y interestante. Yo espero que reciban mi carta que dijo que to recibi mi "travel iternary". No Puedo esperar por mi oportunidad a servir el el Republica Dominicana! Mi espanol ha augmentado y yo estoy empazado amar las Dominicanas! Yo se amo! -Elder Garfield
So I'll be honest, I probably just slaughtered that but you have to crawl before you walk! I think I am improving in Spanish and I can only get better from here! I got told today I'm probably going to want to smash my head in the door the first few weeks I am in the D.R. but after, your mission is what you make it! I've decided I'm going to do my best in learning Spanish and learn the Doctrine of The Gospel! It has been going a lot better in lessons and with my companion! I'm beginning to see a small light of hope for Elder E. I'm still not his biggest fan, and I probably wont ever be. Also, he probably might die his first 2 weeks there because his disobedience but I've been giving him warnings and cracking down on laziness! I don't know why but I just want to punch him in the face sometimes and push him in front of a sprinkler so it makes him look like he peed his pants in front of the Hermanas! His laziness just bugs me so bad and he will suffer or even come home if he doesn't change his attitude! I thought if I just punched him once in the nose and possibly tweaked it, (I mean break) he wouldn't be quite so lazy but if I did that route, I'd be home in 2 days, not 2 years! On to a subject that doesn't make me so mad, my experiences today! So we had service today (which I still love, I sang some Tim McGraw and John Legend while cleaning the bathroom mirrors, that reminds me of home!) and it was quite fun! For my cool experience today, I got to find a bunch about The D.R.! Me, Elder E, and Ellertson (Ellertson is from Temecula, CA, he is probably my best friend here) (Also, his companion went home today, his companion was so weird and had to leave for "psychological reasons"/ he was crazy) were teaching in TRC (where we teach members how to be better) and the guy we taught went to Santo Domingo East and told us a ton! I guess they do fried bananas and a ton of chicken (YES!!!) He said their language is crazy but he said that was the best mission ever! They say "Como ta?' instead of "Como esta?". I already love the place and I'm not even there yet! I love and miss you guys! Thanks for the Dear Elders!
Elder Garfield

Day 33

I LOVE SUNDAYS! It's what I look forward to every week! Although I'm so glad to get out of here, I will miss Sundays and all of the blessings that come with them. For now, I'll put MTC Sundays 2nd to the Sundays I spent at home. At the start of today, I was so afraid to leave. I feel so unprepared although this last 5 weeks have felt like years and I'll be out in 7 days! I also can't wait to call you guys. I have the calling cards just waiting to be used! I'm glad (and I think it's a blessing) that I'm flying out Monday! You guys will all be home and all be able to hopefully talk to me! I really do miss yo guys and can't wait for the opportunity to talk to you! I hope school is going well for Coop and Dad and I hope work is going great for Mommy, Kylie, B, Whit, and all the rest of the family! I only have 12 months left and I can already see the speed going a lot faster than I hope it would! I'm beginning to see all the blessings of missionary work and I'm not even in the field yet! I think my anxiety of going to the D.R. is because of me actually leaving the country without my parents and it's scary for me! I know it's going to be a huge change but I will just have to get used to it! After Richard G. Scott's Apostolic Blessing, I truly know that the angels of heaven are on the missionaries side and so willing to help when needed! I also decided there are a ton of things I need to work on as a missionary! But I have been slacking and I know that I need to not fall into the natural man who falls when the going gets though! I'm doing my best to get stronger everyday! My awesome experience tonight happened in the Sunday devotional. A man named Vai Sikahema talked to us. He talked about how our missions will shape our lives for the rest of our lives. I can't help to believe that's so true because how much Dad has said he has changed from his mission! Something also quite cool about this guy is he played football for BYU and was the running back who ran back the punt for a touchdown in the BYU "Miracle Bowl." BUT the coolest part, he served in the SDRCM or the South Dakota Rapid City Mission, just like Dad! He served from 81-83! I like jumped out of my seat when I heard that! He said how that the SDRCM was the best mission in the world and after hearing that for 18 years from my own dad, I'm starting to think it might be 2nd best ;) I love and miss you guys so much! Please write as much as possible! I love you and be safe!
Love, Elder Garfield

P.S. Be up when I call you!!! :)

Day 32

(1 month ago, I entered the MTC!!)
Mi familia! Como estan? Estoy muy bien! I really miss you guys! It kinda just hit me that Coop and Pops are starting school again! That's so crazy! I can't believe summer we by so fast! It seems like yesterday, I just graduated and now, in 2 years, it will be Coops turn! I'll be honest, I kinda miss school and having to prepare for it because that is when I got to see all my friends and favorite teachers. Something also crazy to think about, I'm leaving the MTC in 7 days! It blows mt mind I've almost been here for 6 weeks! Like you said mom, I only have double digits weeks now! It mission days go by as fast as MTC days, I'll be home before you know it! I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I have to serve The Lord! I'm so ready to get to the D.R. already! I do although feel as if I still have a ton to work on, I'm nowhere near a perfect teacher! When I do teach though, I always ask for what I need to improve on and what I did well! I'm slowly but surely, learning how to Preach the Gospel! Thanks for the package! I'm so super grateful for all of the salty snakes and the soap. Although it probably will be my last package, I'm so happy I have such an amazing support group who spends money on me even when I don't deserve it! I loved looking through it and finding all the delicious treats! I really do miss you guys everyday but I know I will be home soon enough! I know I've said it before but please be careful in all your doings! Coop, please play your hardest in football and leave everything out on the field, it will show it's rewards sooner or later! I am very grateful that I've had the sport of football in my life because it taught me a bunch of hard lessons that would've taken a lot longer without it! Now on to my day! I can probably say this was a super busy day because we had to teach 2 lessons (we usually only teach 1 every day) me and Elder E taught about the law of chastity to one investigator (and of course he had problems!) and obedience, pray daily, and read The Book of Mormon to the other investigator! The rest of the day was study and preparing for our Sunday! I'll be honest, I don't know how to feel about leaving Utah. The only times I ever did leave, was with you guys! If I could take you guys with me, I would in a second! I'm sure culture shock will hit me pretty bad but I'm ready for some change in my life! Only 1 more week here, then I get to call you guys! I can't wait! I love and miss you all. Please send letters before Saturday!
Elder Garfield OUT!

Day 31

"If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God... and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest!" Alma 22:16
I first must thank you all for your prayers and blessings that you guys have sent! They can truly bless me in so many ways that you can't understand! Today has been such an amazing day! I'm so grateful for all of the blessings that I've received today! I'd like to first say thanks for the Dear Elder mom and Grandma! I love getting mail from you guys, it makes my day! Also, tell Lorie Crandall thanks for the package! So much food! I am truly blessed. So let me start my awesome experience today with saying how powerful prayer is. I'll be honest, before I came on my mission, I felt as if I only prayed when I needed help with something or if I had a question. My first could of days in the MTC were rough beginning a cycle of prayer. I slowly began to see my relationship with God increase as I said each prayer with sincerity in my heart. I now say all my prayers in Spanish and if I don't know how I say something in Spanish, I ask in English. Richard G. Scott's message to us was on prayer and how it needs to me a necessity in our lives to pray both day and night! We also should pray when we don't want to! I really was kinda puzzled when he said that, then he answered my question by saying "That is when we most need to say a prayer!" Kinda like in my past life when I was "sick" for church, you guys always said, "that's when you need it the most!" Anyways, I have been praying diligently and with a sincere heart, thanking God for you guys, my wonderful blessings, my comanero, my district, my opportunity to serve and all the other wonderful things! But I don't think one prayer has gone without "please hurry my process at the MTC so that I can go and serve!" Today, my prayer was answered. At exactly 12:05 p.m. I received my TRAVEL PLANS!!! I was jumping for joy and getting so excited! They are now in my hands! Everybody received their travel plans going to the D.R. (including E) My district will get reassigned next Thursday! It sucks but at least we aren't here! I fly (on Sunday) from Salt Lake to Atlanta at 12:59 a.m. to 6:29 a.m. and from ATL to D.R. from 9:45 a.m. to 1:13 p.m! I head from the travel office at the MTC at 9 p.m. Sunday night! I can't wait! Now, for a funny moment of my day, we were doing a teaching demonstration in front of the class in English about "La ley de Castidad" or "The law of Chasity" our fake investigator said it would be to hard to follow this commandment. I told him in English "Well I know, if you do your best and try your hardest, El Espiritu Santo can help you..." I forgot how to say Holy Ghost in English!! So embarrassing! Well, I will hope this gets to you by Monday! Please Dear Elder me! I love and miss you all!
Love, Elder Garfield

P.S. In 9 days from now, I'll be in the D.R. CRAZY!!!

Day 30

I DID IT!
I can't believe I've been gone for 30 days already! It blows my mind how much I've already been out! Only 23 more of those then I'm back home! That's so crazy! Well, what can I say about P-Day? That everything minus a couple parts were amazing? I think that is safe to say! I love P-Days mainly because of the opportunity I have to talk to my mother! Although like last week, we didn't get to talk much today but still, I quite enjoyed getting those pics! Coop looks like he is already growing up and he had some mad swag in that button-up shirt! I'm glad they got the Tahoe fixed? Did it cost an arm and a leg to get it fixed!? I'm still super sorry for being stupid and putting you guys through that. I don't know why I've always been like that but I hate that you guys waste your money on me! Like it makes me super happy to get a package but it makes me upset that it took 10+$$ to ship! I'm very grateful for all I've been given and thanks for all the prayers and letters! Pops; tell me how school is so far? Sorry I couldn't come help put your class together with the fam. I am also sorry you have to sit through those boring meetings! I hope the cousins don't give you a hard time with them being in your class. Haden Adams Dear Elder'd me and said he was so excited for you to be his teacher! I hope that goes great! Mommy, thanks for emailing me today and I can't wait for next week! 2 things; first, I should get my flight plans Tuesday so you'll know about calling and stuff by next Thursday (Hopefully!!) Last, I hope you already sent the "soap package" and pictures because I've been kinda wanting a piece of home so I needed soap anyways and now I get soaps and something that smells like home (and pictures)! My cool experience for today was while we were on LDS.org for music/video time, I watched 2 really great videos. One, "The new Red Bike"(or something) and The "Rock Climbing" video on the home page! Both are wonderful messages and I felt The Spirit so strongly (you should watch) Also, I attended the Temple and I must say, they did an amazing job! Can't wait to go back! I love and miss you all!
Elder Garfield

Day 29

P-Day eve is a wonderful day! I absolutely love "preparing for preparation day" we had to teach our investigator about The Commandments and he didn't really enjoy it. He said our Spanish is getting a lot better (at least mine is....) but we need to get better at connecting our lesson with the people we are teaching. It's difficult to connect a person with The Commandments, except laws of the Government of course! I have gotten better at understanding how to teach with The Spirit but I sometimes wish I was teaching alone because sometimes your companion can get you in some pretty tight spots while teaching a lesson and it's very hard to have someone forget a word or phrase you used only seconds before. Something really cool happened today! I saw my old cowboy friend Jacob Hansen at the MTC today! He got here today and he pointed me out! I don't remember where he said he was going but I haven't seen him in 2+ years! It's so good to reconnect with old friends! Thanks for your Dear Elders today! Pops, your quote about a man can't change the truth really got me thinking! It's such a true quote. Joseph Smith was a prophet, possessing the knowledge of the true church and the truth it holds. Nobody was able to take the truth away from him but with that truth, he changed a ton of people's lives! It blows me away how much power this church possess! I love that I am a servant of The Almighty and am able to use this power! Thanks again for the quote and please continue to send Dear Elders! Mommy, I'm sorry I'm such a worrier! I did get it from your side and all (grandma told me!) but that's just me! I'm honestly getting worried about E. His Spanish is horrible. During practices, he wants to only talk in English and our district does "Una hora sin Ingles" or "An hour without English" but he never participates! He might die while he is out serving! I haven't gotten in his face yet but if he continues to slack, I will have a word with him. Anyways, I'll never stop worrying about you guys! Teaching how important the family unit to investigator's made it that much more apparent that you guys mean the most to me! It kills me to not be with you and doing stuff but I'm praying the next 12 days will change that! Please continue to send letters! Tell the whole family I love them! I love and really miss you all!
Love Elder Garfield

P.S. Mommy, my khaki pants ripped again, stupid MTC food! Should I send them with me suit jacket?
P.S.S. Dad, tell my teachers hello for me and tell them thanks for putting up with my crap!

DAY 28

"Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, on this night....I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my Holy Prophets!" 3 Nephi 1:13.
I can honestly say that this has been probably one of the most amazing days I've had here. Something so amazing happened that I will share with you in a little bit! First of all, Thanks for the package today! I love getting packages from you! They brighten my day a ton! I actually needed a little extra food so I'm glad my prayer was answered! Also, thanks for sending the Dear Elders! I love getting them from you guys! I love hearing how you are all doing and how stuff back home is going. You guys are all so amazing! I'm so glad I've been blessed with a family as amazing as you guys! Please continue to send letters because I enjoy receiving them! Today was a good day to be a missionary!
We had class at 7:30 where we taught our investigator about "La palabra de sabiduría" or "The Word of Wisdom". To my surprise, he actually didn't have a problem, except with coffee. He told us he stopped drinking when we started meeting with us! I grew a huge smile on my face! We asked him to keep The Word of Wisdom and he seemed pretty sure that he could do it! His "Baptismal date" is Aug 25th, the day before we fly out! I cant wait to "Baptize" him! Haha!
So since not much exciting things happened before 7:00 pm, I guess I could share the amazing experience I've had! So on Sunday, after I was made District Leader, I got told that whoever is going to Choir practice needs to be sure they come back on time for our other classed we had the rest of the day. After Choir got over, The Elders, who attended practice, all came in with a smile on their faces! They said the musical number for the Devotional on Tuesday is extra special! They then continued to joke that its going to be Monson himself but the Choir director said Monson was going to send someone important! So rumors about a General Authority speaking went around (like in last nights letter) and we waited slowly for tonight to come. We finally made it through today and when we got to the Marriot Center, the set up of the floor was a lot different than usual! We got our seats and waited for them to announce the Speaker! We were quietly waiting when all of a sudden an image of a man popped up on the screen! It read "Tonight's Speaker is...RICHARD G. SCOTT! I SAW A GENERAL AUTHORITY SPEAK! So amazing! He talked about prayer and the importance of it. He told us we had so much love and he could truly feel so welcome with us. He then, with his "Apostolic Authority" blessed us Missionaries with Success! Probably the most amazing thing of my life ever!!! I love and miss you all so much and Thanks for all you do! I love you guys and thanks for the gifts! I miss and I love you all! Elder Garfield
Only 1 week and 5 days left!

DAY 27

I love this work I am doing! Although at times it seems as if I have the whole world against me, I have the whole Heavens behind me, cheering me on. The MTC is one of the most Spiritual places I've been before. Its amazing how a building full of young adults can have such power. It amazes me that I've gone through such a transformation at just this little of time! I see good so much more easily through lessons and activities. The Spirit is my constant companion in all of my actions. I think a Missionary may have the hardest but most rewarding job. We work our tails off, spending up to 40 hours in a classroom a week, learning Spanish and Gospel Doctrine. We all complain to the English Elders and Sisters on how lucky they are. We look at days, passed by before our eyes, like as if they were months. We wait for our opportunity to leave this "prison" that we all have been sentenced to. BUT THINK ABOUT IT!  We work our tails off because we want to be the best! The 40-some hours are spent learning valuable knowledge that not only will we use in the field, but for the rest of our lives. The English Elders are going to STATES away, while I'M GOING TO PARADISE! Days should be cherished, not counted. And finally, This "prison" is needed in order to unshackle others from a life that is uneasy. I love my job! I wouldn't be anywhere else! This is the life I'm meant to live! I'll be 100% honest with you. I have no idea at all why I wrote that . I didn't have a real intent for it. But I needed to say it for some reason! Mis Padres y Familia. Thanks for the Dear Elders! I love them so much! Now that I'm the District Leader, I have to get the mail for my District and a smile instantly appeared on my face when I saw that some of the letters were addressed to me! Thanks for all the love and support! Today my District hosted the Senior Missionaries and the Single Senior Sisters! I had a blast! A ton of them are headed international as Doctors and Accountants for the Church. I love old people so much! They are a gem of light to this Earth! Mother Dearest, I guess you were right about the packages and stuff but I am in no need of anything particular! Pop, Thanks for the letter! Tell Cody I say Hi and thanks for being an amazing example to me!
Tomorrow a General Authority is supposed to speak at our Devotional! I hope its Packer, Holland, or Bednar! I'll let you know tomorrow! I love and miss you all so much! Be safe and happy!
Love, Elder Garfield

DAY 26

Well, I can tell you one thing, when we are obedient to the Lord, we are blessed innumerable amounts. I truly hope this letter makes you as happy as I have been today! I have truly felt the Spirits presence today in almost all of my activities. Sundays are still difficult because I wake up expecting to go see you guys all dressed up even before I wake up. Sundays are also difficult because on our Sunday walk, all I think about is you dropping me off. Its hard sometimes to push you guys to the back of my head because its difficult not remembering all the amazing memories I have had with you guys and how glad I am to have you guys a part of my life! You all are an example to me and I'm truly grateful for all the things you guys do for me and I love the prayers so keep sending them. Please be safe and cautious in all your doings.
Now on to my crazy day! Sacrament was so spiritual! Our topic was on the "La Expiación de Jesucristo" or "The Atonement of Jesus Christ." I got called to talk (in complete Spanish) so I gave a wonderful talk on how the Atonement is so important and we need it so much in our day to day life! My talk went well! My Spanish has improved but I am recognizing my flaws and working on them! I love the Spanish language although me and it have a bitter relationship. This isn't even the best part! Fast Forward to about 7:00 pm our Sunday night devotional was amazing! Our opening song was "Power of Israel" or something close to that. The Spirit was so strong! Then we had a special musical number by a kid from Arizona! He sang "Savior Redeemer of my soul" ( I think that's what its called) P.S. that song will be played at my homecoming. Its so powerful! The devotional was about the purpose to our Missionary purpose, which shed light on a lot of great things! And that's not even the best part! After Sacrament, we had companionship interviews with the Branch President! We talked about all the stuff we need to work on as a companionship. After President Dittmar wanted to have a word with me. I was so nervous! He starts to ask me how my experience so far has been and how I like it here and I told him its growing on me. He seemed really gitty about something and I was worried that something bad happened to you guys so I had a knot in my stomach. He continues asking me questions about my stay and I answer them honestly. He looks at me and says "So we heard some really great things about you and your obedience." I crack a smile and I answer "Oh Yeah?" He laughs and says "Yeah, your District Leader talks highly about you. We thought we would offer an assignment to you." My smile fades. Oh Great! Maybe obedience isn't such a good thing after all..."And what would that be?" I answer. He smiles and says "As you know, our departing district contains our 2 zone leaders. We must fill their positions. We asked Elder Fewel and Elder Whittier to be our Zone Leaders." All I could think was like "I'm not Fewel or Whittier" so I didn't understand the position he was offering. I say "Yeah, that's great. They will do well." He smiles again and says "Elder Fewel thinks you also will do well as the new District Leader." I just stare at him in unbelief. "What?" I said. "Yeah, Fewel thinks it would be best if you would take his position as District Leader." I was so shocked! So yes, starting today, I am the new District Leader of my District! How exciting right!? I felt on top of the world! Haha but anyways!
I miss you guys so much and cant wait to talk to you! Only 2 more weeks! Continue to send letters. I love hearing about back home. It keeps me sane. Cant wait for Thursday! We should have our travel plans by Friday. Email me on Thursday! I miss you guys so much! I love you more than life!
Love, Elder Garfield

DAY 25

I really do love Saturdays and even today made Saturdays even better! Me and E were scheduled to teach at 7:30 am (right after breakfast) and didn't have much time to prepare a lesson. We decided to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (lesson 3) in PMG. It was very important that we teach this lesson because it honestly is all about how to be saved and the way we are able to live in God's presence. The lesson ended up going quite well but we have a ton to work on! My hunger for knowing the language grows everyday as I face a new sentence or phrase that I am not able to say! It sucks when you're in the middle of a lesson and you have so much to say, you just don't know the words to say! Some days I truly know that I am guided by the Holy Ghost because words and sentences fill my mouth that just come out correct. Other times the Spirit is there, Just without words for me. I really do enjoy teaching our "Investigators" here because it has prepared me a bunch! I still have a ton of improvement! Today, I also thought a lot about my Mission. How lucky am I to be able to say I am teaching the word of God to a whole COUNTRY!  I really love my Mission call. Its the best in the whole wide world! I saw Nate Jarvis at lunch today and talked to him for a little bit. He said the days are long and there is so much to learn (everything I said except homesickness). I just told him "wait for Sunday, it will be the best day yet". Something he has over me is that he didn't get false hope from the MTC that he was leaving soon! :(
I cant believe I only have 2 weeks left! I'm so excited! My cool experience for today is that I memorized the First Vision... En Espanol! It goes "vi una columna de luz, mas briliante que el sol, directamente arribe de me cabeza; y esta luz gradualmente decsendio hasta descansar sobre mi....Al reposar sobre mi la luz, vi en el aire arriba de me a dos personjes, Cuyo fulger y gloria no admitten descripcion. Una de ellos me hablo, llamando me por me nombre, y dijo, senalando al otro "Este es me hijo amado..." "ESCUCHALO!" Pretty cool huh!
It took me like 45 mins to get it all down but I'm quite proud of myself! I love and miss you all! Please send letters and emails. Only 15 more days left! :) I love you guys so much!

Pictures

His Name tag

 

His friend Elder Le Beau from Peoria Az

Him and Elder Espinoza

His District

Him and Elder Sip

A picture he walks by everyday of this Missionary and a Dominican Couple. He says "I cant wait until that is Me!"

His Residence

DAY 24

I think it is easy to say, Fridays are the worst of all the days of the week! Today, I was still in relax mode from P-day and I just wanted to sleep all day! Ha! We had class at 1 after gym which is always nice because going to class freshly showered is Awesome! I balled hard in gym today (as always) My skills have been off lately because the Tongans are super intimidating. I usually play games with the wrestlers because they have no idea how to play. After gym, I got showered and got ready for the day. It's becoming a routine to get in Church Clothes and I timed myself today and it only takes my 3 minutes to get from shower to completely dressed. I'm quite proud of myself for that accomplishment! (I usually still have to wait 10 for Elder E).
During class, me and Elder E prepared our lesson for our investigator later that night.  My testimony in the Scriptures grew because every item we were going to talk about had a scriptural reference with it. It's amazing how we read the Scriptures and sometimes not be able to pull a principle out of the verses! There is a "Principle Gold Mine" in each page.  We taught our lesson 3 hours later. It ended up going so-so. We taught for 30 minutes (Good) but we dragged on to testify (bad). Today I received Moms Dear Elder about how much you're thinking about me and how much you pray for me and all that amazing stuff! I need to thank both Mom and Dad for all the amazing Dear Elders and Emails! I truly do miss you guys and some days wish you could just come pick me up. Its getting redundant here and I really want out but there is so much I need to work on before I am out in the field. I know the MTC is preparing me for what I will be doing for the next two years but now that Sip is gone and Chumpa leaves on Monday, I want to leave and be able to call and talk to you guys. I daydreamed about home and how my life would be there and I just cant get over how miserable I would be if  I didn't finish my work. I really do wish you guys could come here and be with me! You guys are the best family ever and I love you all so much! I honestly have a calendar that shows how many days I have left in Prison... I mean MTC and its going by fast! Please be around your phone when I call. I couldn't take you guys not answering! I love and miss you all! Keep sending letters!!
Elder Garfield
PS. Cool for McCoy! That's the perfect mission for him!

Day 22

This may be the most boring letter of all, but that wont stop me from writing! ;)
I'd like to begin by saying thanks again for the 2 packages. I'm quite sure I'll weigh more when I leave then when I got here! I'm so thankful for you guys and how grateful I am for all you do! I love you all so very much! I thought about you guys a ton today! (I'm not sure why but i did). I can honestly say I have the best family ever! I miss you guys a ton and wish you were all living through the same experiences I have had because my testimony has been so strongly strengthened.  Coop, I thought a lot about football and how jealous I am that you get 3 more years to strap on that helmet and hit someone as hard as you can. I can honestly say football prepared me for my mission greatly! Please promise me you'll be careful in the next 2 years! I don't want my darling little brother getting hurt! I know I will miss you getting your drivers license, so please make sure you're careful and don't drive without a seat belt! Kylie, thanks so much for the letter today! I almost started crying but i couldn't because i was in class. (I would have if I was in my room). I don't think any brother in this world could be more proud of his sister.  I can honestly promise as you begin doing the right things such as praying and going to church, you will be blessed Ten fold! I know I haven't even entered the mission field yet, but i know and have seen amazing blessings happen when people choose the right! I love and miss you so much! B and Whit and P, I miss you guys so much! I thought about you guys a ton today. I hope everything is going well in your household and I hope you guys are doing great! I hope you guys have great fun in Disneyland and please be safe! Ma and Pa, if the church allowed us to bring 2 things of whatever we wanted, I'd choose you two! There is so much I wish I would've done before I left with you guys! I'm so grateful, I am as Nephi being born of goodly Parents! ;) Please continue to write and be sure to always do family prayer and scripture study. It makes a huge difference in your life! Pops, Sorry you start school next week. I'm glad I don't have to go through that again! My cool experience for today as we were teaching "Reynaldo" (We already have a baptismal date for him) about the B.O.M., he was so intrigued by Jose Smiths first vision. Right after he said how amazing a man that is able to talk to God is I testified that "we can do the exact same through prayer! His eyes lit up and the Spirit filled the room! After teaching him was finished, our teacher (Reynaldo) gave us feedback. He said that Me and Elder E's companionship is the best in the Districts. (Crazy I know) because we feed off each other when we teach and that our unity is impeccable. But just seeing him so excited over the B.O.M. made me so proud of a teacher and messenger of God. I already love this work! Well, I'll be emailing tomorrow! Hasta Luego!
Love, Elder Garfield

 I love and miss you all! PS. I saw Elder Jarvis and Elder Aitken today! Good seeing all these people serve!

Day 21

IF YOU PRAY WITH QUESTIONS, YOU WILL BE BLESSED WITH ANSWERS!

Today was wonderful! I was a little upset because we had class right after breakfast so I was still a little groggy walking to class. When we got to class, E and I had to prepare a lesson for our gang member Investigator "Randy". We decided (with this being our 3rd lesson with him) we would teach about the Book of Mormon and praying to know that the teachings in the Book of Mormon and everything we taught him was true. The lesson actually turned out quite well! We gave him a B.O.M. to read and invited him to Baptism! He kindly said he doesn't think he is ready yet and wants to know more of our church and he wants us to help him prepare for our set baptismal date of Aug 26th. We were stoked about him being so receptive of our message and our invitations! After class we studied a bunch out of PMG and got comfortable with lesson 3 "The Gospel of Jesus Christ". I really enjoyed reading it! Its like my missionary purpose all in one Chapter. Ive been truly realizing what a blessing PMG really is. So much information for my work. My amazing experience for today (besides our 2nd baptismal date) was during personal study. Personal study is a time where you do a study without your companion and you can do anything you really want. I decided to continue my B.O.M. reading in Jacob. Today was different than most days because I started out my study with a prayer. I asked if I can receive an answer to why Spanish has been so difficult for me and then thanked Him for all my blessings (including you guys!) then closed my Prayer. I opened my scriptures to Jacob 4. My jaw dropped while reading verse 7,8 and 14! The reason why Spanish is difficult because we all need weakness in our lives! We need to "stumble" sometimes! I love the scriptures and know that they are true and they really do give you answers to questions! Now, I must extend a true thanks for the 2 packages! They brightened my whole week! I needed all of the amazing gifts that were in the packages! Thanks for the Dear Elders too! Its so cool you guys have been doing family prayer and scripture study. It truly blesses lives and resolves problems! Tell Wade, Darin and Gma Susan that I'm going to write them back soon so tell them I didn't forget about them! Continue to send Dear Elders and don't waste so much money on me! ;) You guys are the best family ever and I love and miss you guys all so much! Love, Elder Garfield

 

PS. I love the pillow case! Thanks! Good luck Coop with Football! Father and Mother please continue to send your letters for inspiration, they get my mission motor started! Mom, your birthday is next month and I feel like crap for not celebrating it with you because I have celebrated with the other siblings and Dad! I love and miss you all! Be sure to send letters! They brighten my day!

Day 20

8-5-13 (8+5=13=Good day!)

Hola! Today (like all Mondays) was a wonderful day! We had our service which was quite easy! I did trashes which is like one of my favorite things to do because it takes me back to my "DQ" days! Plus, when Missionaries depart, we have these things called "Free Bins" where they can just give away stuff they don't need anymore! Me and Elder Fewel went "Free Bin Hunting" and I ended up snatching a Japanese Holy Bible, a Russian encyclopedia,  a picture of Jesus' birth, a ball of unused yarn (for pranking) and a bottle of mosquito repellent! Pretty random stuff but it may all be useful someday (And the Japanese Holy Bible is insane!) After service, we had gym time. I balled so hard (as always) although I'm getting tired of playing the Tongans. They are twice my size and weight. After gym, we had class. Me and E studied for TRC later that night.  I was again getting nervous for TRC because our last experience didn't go so great! Our lesson was on how we can help our investigator receive answer through prayer! We read a ton of B.O.M. verses and picked out our favorite.  We went to dinner right before our personal study time! I read about "How to begin teaching" In Preach my Gospel. There is a ton of helpful hints in there that both me and E needed to read about. (If you guys have time, you should read page 152 in PMG near the bottom of the page where it says "Discuss the following analogy with your companion"!  Read the story under that the President Oaks quote) At 6:00, we started TRC.  We started with a really cool guy name Rusty who served his mission in Argentina.  He really appreciated our testimonies and told us Spanish isn't easy but its not impossible to speak/learn! Our next person was Hermana Delpino! We had her last week too! She is from Chile and doesn't speak a Word of English! E and I can barely understand her. She loved how we have brought the Spirit with us both times we have taught her. Both E and I felt the Spirit strongly in both lessons! I'm starting to get a feel for this mission thing! Its really difficult some days but "easy things are rarely worth doing"! I missed you guys a ton today because in exactly 3 weeks from today, I'll be on a plane headed to the DR. I have been singing a ton of Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffet to get me in the Island Mood (sorry Parents). I love and miss you a ton!
Love, Elder Garfield

DAY 19

JOSEPH SMITH IS A TRUE PROFETA!

 

 

(That awkward moment when you forgot how to spell Prophet for a second...)

I absolutely love Sundays! Today was of course fast Sunday which I thought would be a breeze like it is back home but I was Semi-Mistaken. We woke up at 6:15 to a line for showers (the only time me and E have to wait for showers is on Sundays) We got showered and got ready. We have to dress up in suits on Sundays.  I'm glad I brought one. Something also about Sundays, we have to all prepare a talk on a certain topic every week! (In Spanish) But since it was fast and testimony week, we had to only bring our testimonies and the Spirit! I walked into our small little chapel with our zone (I don't know if I've told you but our Sacrament Meeting is in Spanish, even the Sacrament Prayer!) and went and found my usual seat. I was so nervous at even the thought of sharing my testimony with even one person, let alone my whole Zone. I felt the Spirit so strongly so I decided to go up and share my Testimony and it went like this:

"Yo tengo un  testimony de esta iglesia. Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero y inspirado.  Yo se que Jose Smith es unprofeta verdadero y la iglesia de Jesu Cristo fue restaurado a traves Jose Smith. No puedo esparar ir al Republic Dominicana a yo puedo ensenar y ayudar muchas personas. Yo se que tengo un bueno distrito y ellos son buenas ejemplos para me. Yo se que Tomas S Monson es buestro Profeta hoy y el recipe las ensenanzas de Dios.  Digo estas cosas en el hombre de Jesu Cristo, Amen." (What do you think?) :)

It was so spiritual. Tonight for our devotional, we heard a bunch of musical pieces performed by Dallin H Oaks daughter! It was so good! I miss music so much but I sneak in some himnos from the computer during study time. We watched the Joseph Smith movie and I teared up. I'll never understand how evil people could do such harmful things! It's horrible! Well I love you guys so much! I missed you a ton today but I know you guys are praying for me and I can feel all your prayers! Continue to  send Dear Elders and letters. They make my days brighter! I love you and miss you all!

Elder Garfield

DAY 18

ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS INVESTIGATORS DON'T GET BAPTIZED IS BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER INVITED!
Today has been a roller coaster for me! I've had points where I'm on top of the world and moments where I wish I could just contact you guys in some way. Today, our schedule was pretty rough! We had breakfast at 7 and had to be in class at 7:30.  I hate going from breakfast to class because I've developed a small problem here at the MTC... Around 12 everyday, I get a little feeling in my stomach which grows larger every second I dont act on it. (Its gas). Some days I wish I had taken some Bean-o with me. JK Bean-o is embarrassing. So I had some pretty uncomfortable feelings during class today... Me and E were so unprepared to teach our investigator (we now teach a lesson everyday) so we again "panic planned" a lesson. We decided to teach our investigator Christ's perfect example. We studied up on Spanish for like 10 minutes and read through Preach my Gospel for a second then it was time to teach. I got to the door and all I wanted to do was go to the bathroom. I was so uncomfortable! We began our lesson with a prayer which "Reynaldo" (our investigator) didn't even fold his arms or close his eyes even after our last visit where we taught him how to pray! We also challenged him last time to pray to know if our teachings were true. Guess what? He didn't do it!  It already pains me that my fake investigator doesn't even do what we ask. Well we begin our lesson and it starts out well. He asks us some questions about how we know Christ came to this earth and we said the Book of Mormon.  We brought pictures to keep him engaged and that really helped out. As we were nearing the end of our lesson, I remembered what one of our teachers said that day before.  "You should ask your investigator to be baptized first lesson always so if or when he says "no" you can ask him Why not?" So I look at E who had the baptismal information and the way we are supposed to invite people to be baptized written down. So he asks if he wants to be baptized by someone who is holding the proper authority and of course he answers with... "Sure, why not?" My jaw dropped! Only our Second lesson with him and he committed to baptism. Such an amazing experience! The Spirit was so strong! Well that's my cool experience for today! I love and miss you all!
Elder Garfield

Day 17

THE BEST WAY TO TEACH IS THROUGH INVITING THE SPIRIT!

 

Wow! What an amazing day today! It seems as if everyday I am here, I learn something new and exciting! I'd like to begin off today by saying it was just a regular day and at the start, not much seemed to sound like it was going to be different then any of the others!... But I was so wrong! Lets begin with the negatives today. One of the boys in my district, (The one who re tore his ACL) got sent home today and it was probably the hardest thing a district could go through together. His name is Elder Mulestein and he was 1 of 2 of my homesickness friends.  Our district thinks that he used the opportunity of rehab of his leg to go home.  Our district thinks after he is done with his rehabbing his leg, he probably won't come back. It brought tears to my eyes to see him get in his car and drive away.  This was a friend I have made over the last couple of weeks.  We were all sad that we lost one of our amigoes!  All of my prayers have asked for blessings for him and I surely hope he receives them all!  After that, we ate lunch and I ran into Elder Sip.  He was on his way to the travel office because I guess his whole district didn't end up receiving their visa's so some might have to get reassigned.  (I'll be honest, I hope its Sip who gets reassigned to the MTC mission for 3 1/2 more weeks then he can leave here when I leave).  I still didn't find out who got theirs and who didn't! Well I think my best way to describe tonight is AMAZING, SPIRITUAL, BLESSING!  So me and E had to teach one of our investigators and me and him were so unprepared for it! We didnt even have a lesson picked out so me last second "panic planned" a lesson (which is frowned upon by most MTC teachers). We were going to teach about Prophets and Jesus Christ but then the PMG saying popped into my head. "Teach people, not lessons".  Our "investigator" happens to be gang affiliated with the Latin Kings and he wants out and to enjoy the gospel, so guess what pops into my head... "La Expiacion" or "The Atonement"! I knew the spirit was guiding me to teach that so I told E that our game plan has changed last second! He was questioning me why and I told him "we just need to". So we go to the room where we are teaching the investigator and he invites us in. We decided to do one of the hardest duo topics "True Prophets of our Church and The Lord's Atonement." Me and E begin talking about exactly what prophets are and explaining why we need them in our church. He seems to accept it pretty well but he was still kinda skeptical (I remind you this is in Spanish) me and E bear our testimonies and he still has a tad bit of questions for us. He asks "how do you know they are true prophets?" I blanked! I was about to shout at him "because they are OUR prophets!" but I refrained. E looks at me and could tell that I was frozen so he picks up and says "Oramos saber que el profeta es verdadero" or "we pray to know that the prophet is true!" I was really proud of him! Our contribution in lessons is usually 80%-me 20%-E! We testify that we can know through prayer and that helped him understand! Now, this is where those 3 words come in (Amazing, Spiritual, Blessing) I begin asking him what he knows about Jesus Christ. He looks at me and E and says "Yo se que Jesu Cristo muerte en el cruz u el nos ama. No se que muchas sobre El." Which translates to "I know that Jesus Christ died on the cross and He loves us. I don't know much about him." Let me rewind just a bit for dramatic effect. Right as we were walking towards our "investigators" door, E looks at me and says "I didn't study much on the Atonement because you changed it last second. I'll let you cover it then I'll testify." I just give him an "Alright." in return. Back to the story I tell him that he was right, Jesus did die on the cross and he does love us (in Spanish, I've learned quite a bit!) I then tell him its like, we sin and God wants to help us so he sent his son to atone for our sins. He looked at me weird when I said "Expiara" or "to atone" for our sins! I told him to atone means to take away all our sins so we can feel happy. His eyes question me and then he spills his guts about his gang affiliation and how he wants to be free from his sins but doesn't know if he can believe. At this moment, The Spirit fills the room as I realize, I'm not teaching a fake person, I'm teaching an investigator. I looked at him and saw a Dominican man (The "investigator I was teaching is white!) It was as if I fast forwarded to the D.R. and I was actually teaching a Dominican. Right as I have this thought, my mouth begins to move! I didn't know what I was saying! The Spirit was bringing a tear to my eye because of it's strength in the room! The words ended up being Spanish and the words ended up being my testimony on how The Atonement is what can bring true happiness to everyone! I was crying (not bad) and testifying at the same time! The Spirit was blessing me with The Gift of Tongues!!! It's so powerful! I ended my testimony and E just looks at me like "what did you just do?" He then testifies about prophets and The Atonement and we then end with a prayer. Alright so this was probably one of the craziest moments I've had yet. It was like killing me he couldn't just understand how amazing this gospel was! I really felt as if he was a real Dominican Investigator! So amazing! Our investigator then gives us feed back. The first thing he says "The Spirit is so strong in this room. That is how you should be teaching. I liked your lesson a lot. There is some things you need to work on but overall, great lesson!" I was so proud of myself and E! We got back to class and our district asked how it went and I said "I don't know anything of what I just said. The Spirit is real!" It was such a crazy moment. I have only felt The Spirit stronger in my life not many more times! I love this work I'm doing. I wouldn't be doing anything else! Well that was my crazy day! My Dear Elders today got totally jacked so I didn't receive them all if people wrote me either last night or today. I only got dads but I knew Justin sent one but that's all I know of. I guess the computer went wack and gave the wrong letters to people so someone probably got my letter from Justin and whoever else. I hope they reprint them tomorrow! I guess every bodies got jacked. Well I love and miss you guys all so much! Continue to send letters and Dear Elders, they truly help! I love you guys!

Elder Tyson Garfield



Day 16

Only 23 months left! ;)  Today was one of the most relaxed days here yet! We woke up at 6:15 and showered and got back in our P.J.'s and headed to the laundry room!   I was so glad to do laundry because some of my clothes really started to stink!  I got my laundry done and headed to email you guys!  (Sorry for not emailing you Dad!  I actually planned on telling you to continue to send your letters.  They are truly inspirational!) I'm so glad Mom was on so we could talk back and forth to each other!  I love being able to talk in  a different form then letters! Please continue to send Dear Elders and letters because I love hearing from you guys! We had a ton of down time today so I thought about you guys a ton! There is so much I truly miss of you guys because I don't get to be around you guys anymore.  I'm so glad they allow us to write and email because I couldn't do this without it. Talking to you guys and writing you letters gets me through each day.  I pondered a lot on my farewell talk too and how much my testimony has grown. I miss my friends but I know they will be great while I am away from them.  Wyatt emailed me today and it was good being able to share some experiences  I have been having here with him.  He didn't say much about Cedar so I'm guessing not much has changed. (I'm Glad). I also  thought a lot about my experiences waiting for me in the DR because Elijah got to email me also.  It was so good hearing from him! I miss him and my talks about what we need to expect like in May. I thought of a bunch of stupid bad stuff that could happen to me and it made me concerned about why I was worried about such stupid stuff. (robbed at gun point, Dengue fever, other stupid sickness') I thought it was stupid to worry because that just adds to the experience right? ;)
I worry a lot about something happening down there then I remember, I have a family at home who I didn't hug enough when I left so I'll be soooo protected! I am actually enjoying myself here but I cant wait to leave! I love and miss you guys so much! I hope all is well back home. Please continue to send letters! I love you all!
Elder Garfield