January 25, 2016

Hello family and friends!

Wow this week went by really quick. I almost don't even remember what happened this week! It has been a great week though, usually fast weeks are good. I have truly been losing myself in the work of the Lord and I love it. Good things are happening. 

Amanda and James are doing good still. They won't be able to get baptized this month because James couldn't make it to church yesterday because he had to stay home and watch the dogs that they have since they are homeless and are not living in the best area ever. Amanda still came to church though and she loved it. We are going to plan on the baptism next weekend the 5th of February. Im not sure if it was how I was raised or what but I am not a pet person. Im sure they are great to have but I don't care for them. 

Miracle time! This past week we were driving home from an appointment and Elder Bowden took a road that he thought lead to the main road we needed to get on, but turns out it was a dead end. We pulled into some random persons driveway to turn around and I got out to back (Exact obedience) and the guy came out of his house that lived there. We taught him and then set up a return appointment. We came back and he read the whole pamphlet 2 times and had questions and wanted a Book of Mormon. We have been teaching him every night since and is preparing to be baptized this next month. God in control of this work not us! I love it! 

The ponderizing scripture this week for my family is D&C 122:7. This verse is powerful. Everything we go through is for our benefit. I will have to say although my mission hasn't been the best 2 years, in fact it has been really tough leaving the things I love at home, but I have learned priceless things out here that I don't know where else I would be able to learn them. The most important thing I have learned is that the Gospel is true. That God is there and is our Loving Father. He cares for us. He watches over us and is awaiting our return. If that was the only thing I learned for the 2 years being here that would be 100% ok. 

I love you all. Thank you all for everything.

Elder Gardner