The Best Two Years---featuring Elder Gardanier

My childhood dream became a reality this past week. The other ward that goes to our same building had a little theater and after many hard tryouts and rehearsals, I was chosen to play Elder Cahoon from the best two years. I wanna say they chose me because of my acting skills but I think it was for my "greengoness." 

     There was a part in the play I was walking off the stage and I accidentally stepped on this bag and took a HARD L and face planted the floor pretty gracefully. Everyone was laughing but after the play everyone was like "you're such a good actor. That fall looked real." HA. Win Win. I didn't hurt myself and got some extra brownie points for my fall...catch me on broadway in the next few years. 

     But to just highlight how everything is roses and dandelions here...this past week we lost one of our most diligent, loving, and fastest progressing families. I was SO SAD. We showed them a video of the First Vision and when I asked how they felt (because the spirit was palpable) Fernanda--aka the mom--responded how nice we are and how much she loves us, like sons, but she doesn't believe our message is true. She cited the Bible and verses that were quite impressive (but nothing we couldn't prove contrary). But then she told us about her dream. She dreamed about me and my companion...but we weren't in the regular attire of shirts and ties. She dreamed us as CLOWNS. And to her clowns are meant to deceive people so therefore, she received this as her answer. It was quite sad...but they still wanna get açaí when I get transferred so maybe I can leave one last good word on a good and sad cup of açaí. 

     But on the opposite note to show how missions have the GREATEST moments here's a quick story of my man Clausner here who is our investigator and progressing so so fast!!! We taught him about the Plan of Salvation and he was amazed. He was asking and saying "I'll probably go to the second kingdom which is fine because it's still good, right?" After correcting him I was able to say "Clausner, there is a spot for your next to God in the Celestial Kingdom." A powerful spirit. And then we all got down to kneel and pray...I asked him to offer the prayer and these were some of the most tender words ever. (Pay attention husbands)...because Clausner´s wife was working, she didn't hear our message...In his pray Clausner said "Heavenly Father, help me to have the words and feelings to share this wonderful message with my wife when she gets home from work..." WHAT? Already a missionary. And my joy was so full (to the point of tears) to see him come to church a little late only to hear how everything was working against him Sunday and his car wasn't in the garage when he went to leave to church but DETERMINED HE WAS and got an Uber...Wow. Just love that guy!

So blessed here in Brazil!

Remember the reason for the season

Please watch the new video the church put out. SO GOOD. And in some cool language I wanna learn some day

Elder (happy) Gardanier