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.