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