We had some major progress go down this past week with 1. missionary work and 2. me and my companion's new uncapped talent. My mom sent me 24 pickleballs (a story for another time) and so we decided to develop one of our talents and start juggling. In fact, we have found how to juggle 6 pickleballs passing them in between the two of us. We basically are ready for the circus...I just need my mom to send me a trapeze bar to practice during exercise time at 6:30 am. (I'm sure our downstairs neighbors will love us!). 

Here is also how we were able to juggle our missionary work this week with an amazing experience I had on Facebook this past week! We found out that there are public computers at the clubhouse in my apartment complex, and so we went there to crank out some Facebook work. Well, Facebook marketplace is just an amazing thing and so I sent a few messages like this "Hey, I'm not interested but felt inspired to reach out and say that God loves YOU! Is there anyone you know of that I can pray for or extend a helping hand?"

Sadly, I have become accustomed to thinking that almost everyone on Facebook responds negatively to me...but God is good and one after another, I received messages from people saying how touched they were, or how that text made their day. Honestly, it is cool to see how people respond so positively to Christ during Christmas and COVID.

But the Christmas spirit and miracles don't stop there...

You know Christiana, Makayla, and Isaiah? Well we went over this week to teach them and their mom--Shalanda--sat in on one of the lessons. We were so happily confused and thought that it was a freak accident or something. She has heard from missionaries before and clearly (or so I thought) she wasn't interested in what we had to say? Well we thanked her the next day for the lesson and she basically explained how she loved it and set up another time that week to do it again!! Well we went back and invited them to church and Shalanda said, "Yes, we will be there!" And sure enough, Shalanda and her daughter Christina showed up to church and were showered by love from the members. Could my week have gotten anymore blessed?

Love you all. GO LIGHT THE WORLD. THIS CAMPAIGN IS SO INSPIRED. 

-Elder Gardanier

December is Officially LIT!!

 

Daniel says this is probably only 1/3 of the Lone Peakers in his mission

With the light the world campaign and other miracles, my December has officially be LIT!!

This past week we had transfers and I got my new companion Elder Ellsworth who is from Sandy, Utah and went to Hill Crest. It was funny, we connected the dots that during our senior year, he played on his school soccer team, and they played Lone Peak at Hill Crest and that is a game I actually went to and watched. Who would've guessed that I was watching my future comp play soccer?! Kinda crazy. But he is an absolute BEAST. He is probably one of the hardest IF NOT the hardest working missionary. He knows how to be the most effective planner and he's super sincere and a powerhouse! We are ready to bulldoze this transfer and grind out some good and meaningful missionary work!

Today is actually the first time it has snowed here in Virginia! It is honestly just a few flakes that will melt by noon but because the state of Virginia shuts down during the lightest snowfall, we were "instructed" to stay indoors and we can't drive around. I guess it's kinda of sad the one day we could've actually left and enjoyed the outside world it decided to snow. But no worries, we are inside enjoying the scene, sipping our hot chocolate, and listening to some Josh Groban sing The First Noel. (I secretly think our downstairs neighbor wished it hadn't snowed either because I'm sure she wants a break of having us living about her 24/7 for at least a few hours ;)

But yesterday at church we were majorly blessed! Makayla, Christina, and Isaiah came to church! We had the Young Women's President (Sister Najdawi) pick them up and give them a ride to church. It was the most incredible experience. I got nervous when they came in late and walked into the sacrament room and honestly every single head turned to see them and Bishop even paused for a bit just to see these three youth walk into church in their ripped jeans and hoodies. It was good for the members. So good, in fact, that after the meeting we almost had a "greeting line" to meet this young family! Members were talking, joking, and fellowshipping these youth like crazy! It was such an amazing experience that they are excited to come to church again next week! Some of the best members live out here in Midlothina, Virginia! I'm so grateful for them!

The only 2 things I missed from Utah were the snow and the Stewart's Christmas lights. Now that it snowed, I guess I can live vicariously through you all as I INVITE AND BEG you all to go see the Stewart's Christmas lights. They honestly are one of the 7 wonders of (the Christmas season) world. 

Love you all!

Elder Gardanier

I'm Not Moving!

 Another transfer comes to an end this upcoming week and this is the first time in Virginia that I am not moving. REPEAT, I am not moving!!! I can actually smell the roses now and unpack a suitcase or two that I have kept all ready to move at a moments notice. It kinda feels nice. I guess I just got me a new home!

Thanksgiving Day turned into Thanksgiving weekend for the Gardanier and Wallace residence. We had a super good Thanksgiving meal with 3 pies and a lot of nice texts from members. I had no idea what I was missing out on while in Brazil.... BUT the next day a member gave us $50 to Texas Roadhouse. so naturally...we bought our meals and still had about $15 left so we bought about 15 extra rolls and 2 pints of the magic cinnamon butter! I literally have been on cloud 9 this week. But after stepping on the scale this weekend I realized that was the heaviest cloud that I have ever been on! So, we are going to grind out the workouts this next week #bulkingseason.

BUT catch this cool miracle. WAY BACK in July--my first area in Virginia in Charlottesville--I texted this lady saying "Hey Jessica, I just wanted to reach out because I felt prompted to and let you know that God is aware of you!" however, no response. 

But get this.

She reached out to me this past week and said, "Why did you tell me that?" I was kinda confused and just said "Well I felt touched to do it so I sent it." She couldn't get a grasp on it and was confused why I reached out to HER and THAT specific time.

She finally opened up.

She said that not only 10 days later her only brother passed away. As I scanned through her Facebook profile, she had posted a lot of photos over the past few months just saying how much she has missed her brother and how she is still really struggling. We continued to text about a few different things but she is busy and hasn't been too responsive though. But after that moment I grew my testimony in the fact that no effort is wasted! God has the perfect time table and whether or not she begins to meet with missionaries or just take this as a strange coincidence, I know that God orchestrates our lives to touch others. Can you imagine what would've happened if I hadn't come here because of COVID? Or if my mission President was touched by the spirit to send me to that specific location at that specific time?

Just remember this week that we are like Nephi being "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which [we] should do." And to those that don't feel like they are necessarily being led by the Spirit every day, let's take a quick look at 3 Nephi 9:20 that mentions how the Lamanites were baptized "with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not." We sometimes are led by the spirit and knowing that we are. Remember that if you are living right, living the commandments, and following the prophets, you are most likely being led by the spirit. 

Happy Holidays! Go LIGHT THE WORLD this month! (safely too. Don't forget your masks and social distance too!)

Elder Gardanier

Love and Gratitude

This past wee was a mission tour with Elder and Sister Duncan and that means this past week was a BOOYAH time! I got a lot of cool insights and am excited to keep my focus on the Savior in EVERYTHING that I do!

A quick update on Philip--He was having a stressful day this past Friday and we invited him to watch the video that the prophet put out. Here is what Philip said (DIRECT QUOTE), "I was kinda stressed today and the moment I watched it I felt calm. Even now, I'm not stressed." Then Elder Wallace asked him what other times that he has felt that way? Here is how Philip responded, "When I prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true...I could've watched the prophet speak for another 3 hours."

WHAT? CRAZY!!!

Philip is so awesome and we are trying to help him move from the mentality of 'learning about the gospel' vs 'living the gospel.' I'm super excited about Philip and God is so good!

Finally, as I think about gratitude, OF COURSE, I think of my Heavenly Father. I first think what made him decide to let me develop to become like Him? What made Him decide to allow me to be in the current position I am with so many opportunities and blessings? What made Heavenly Father so good? 

Well I started to consider what I could do to show my gratitude. For me, I wish that I remembered exactly what the pre-earth life was like and what my Heavenly Parents looked like exactly. However, because of the veil, we are limited from that knowledge. But I think of a loving Heavenly Father who remembers the type of relationship I had with Him in the pre-earth life and the things I am capable of. (Hear me out on this) How grateful is our Father in Heaven when we rediscover the love that we have for our Heavenly Parents? When we re-devote ourselves to the plan we chose to follow so long ago? When we research and re-desire all that our Heavenly Father has created for us? For me, I know that Heavenly Father is so happy and that is one of the greatest gifts we can each give to him. 

There is this quote by President Ezra Taft Benson that says "Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us."

Chills.

So, when you feel down, just imagine that moment when the veil of forgetfulness is taken from you and you see Christ and Heavenly Father as they are. You will see exactly how we all hope to see them one day--as LOVING family members.

Love you all and am grateful for you all!

Elder Gardanier 

Just a reminder that things don't always work out.

Young Women for the win!

 

Although the end of this past week has gone by slower, the beginning of the week flew by with too many miracles to count. Like catch this and tell me that God isn't in the details:

I met this guy named Shane on Facebook and we have been messaging. He opened up about some really personal things actually and he is very NOT religious; in-fact, he "denounces" religion he said. As we texted we figured out that his disbelief in God resulted from some sour experiences when he was younger with his family and some of his greatest friends. Some of them rejected him. They left him. wow. I can't imagine that hurt and pain. I can totally understand his thinking that if God is a merciful and loving God, why would he allow Shane to feel so hated by those that he loved the most? 

Well we chatted and actually did a video call this past week. As we were talking about the plan of salvation and introducing the Book of Mormon, he said "Maybe I will come to your church." But he was SUPER hesitant because almost all churches that he has gone to haven't really practiced what they preached. We assured him that while people aren't perfect, the gospel is and he will feel accepted in the church! Right at that moment, we got a knock at the door (and feeling prompted to get it) we did and it was the young women and 2 leaders heart attacking our door and giving a plate of desserts (wow. just blessing after blessing). Well, Sister Najdawi (the young women's president who we have been meeting with) saw that we were in a lesson and feeling inspired herself she said, "Can we all say hi?" We brought the phone with Shane over to the young women and they all gave the biggest virtual hug ever. Without even knowing any context they were saying, "We hope that you can make it to church! We would love to see you! etc." 

I was baffled. Shane's question and worry was answered with a "knock and ye shall receive" experience! We were able to reflect with Shane--after the young women left--that God was aware of him at that moment! However, while I want to say that Shane came to church this past Sunday and loved every moment, I can't. He had something come up but I couldn't help but share this amazing miracle that God provided! He is so good and mindful of every child! Angels minister to us today and for me, more often than not, these angels are those here on earth!

I've been blessed to use A LOT of Portuguese this past week. I found out there is a member from Brazil in my ward so when I called her and just said "Oi!" she paused for a minute and went off in Portuguese just excited! When I saw her at church this past week she only talked to us in Portuguese and the members who were listening in to our conversation were so confused! NOTTTTTT to mention too that the Hermanas gave an inactive member our number and we called her and she is just so nice. Muito gente boa! We were talking about what foods we both missed from Brazil and, of course, I exclaimed acai and she said "well, I know the most perfect acai place and I will be over with acai and other Brazilian goodies in 2 hours!" WOOT! I miss that food and love Brazilians!! #matasaudades #souabencoado

Annnnddd one more things (sorry not sorry!). With the help of 2 members at an in-person lesson, we were able to help Christina and Makayla (sadly not Isaiah yet) pick a date to be baptized! Right now they are planning on being baptized the 28th but that may be subject to change because of Thanksgiving. anyways, happy Turkey season!!!

Just a reminder for everyone to put President Nelson's address on Friday on  your calendars! This is going to be HUGE and a perfect way to kick off LightheWorld this year!! Love yall!!

Elder Gardanier

Consider the Lilies

 Well some great news and mostly studies this week! We did exchanges with the AP's and it was fun to be with Elder Gappmayer again. We finally made the whole circle after arriving here the same day and then finally he's training me to be a better zone leader! That's how it should be!

 Here is how my social interaction has plummeted IMMENSELY during COVID. We went to pick up a dinner that a member bought us at Mission bbq (literal mana from heaven) and while we were there we ran into a group of YSA's who were on a group date. It was so hard to not sit and chat for a while but we managed to run away all awkwardly because #quarantinelife. While we were getting our food, we went to pick it up under the name Danielle (the member’s name) and the whole time we were doing that there was a worker that kept eyeing us down. I thought she was a member and wanted to talk and as we started to walk out she nervously blurted out, "Is your name Danielle?" I kinda looked at her confused and gave a nervous laugh and was like "haha no it's Daniel." and then we left. It was just an awkward exchange between us hahaha. Not to mention we then went next door to Gelati Celesti to get, you know, some gelato and while I was trying to figure out how to pay for the ice cream and sliding my card the lady said, "You have a cute tie!" But I was so in my zone I didn't even acknowledge her and just walked away hahahahaha. Anyways, turns out I can't talk to people face to face!

 

However, this does end on a good note. While we were in person church, our bishop asked us (again) to sit on the stand. Right before the meeting started he went, "I served in Utah covering 7 stakes so almost every single Sunday we were asked to speak. Be ready." So for the next 10 mins I gathered a few thoughts and we were able to speak for a bit that Sunday. I didn't realize how much I thrived in that situation. I think I took a bit longer than expected but I guess it went well! In fact, Bishop Palmese stood up and said, "You know, I have worked with a lot of good and amazing missionaries, but I think these 2 are the best missionaries in the mission." I was so blown away that I legit turned to my companion kinda just aww struck and said, "Is he talking about us?" Apparently all the effort we have been putting into working and fellowshipping and loving the ward has worked! The ward has completely broken the stigma that I first heard when I came here of "they do nothing" to becoming one of the most missionary minded wards I have yet to serve in!" It's such a blessing!

 I just wanted to end (haha, I feel like I'm typing a church talk) with a quick thought. This past week I've had A LOT of feelings and memories and doubts and excitements and worries about what my future for my mission may look like? Will it be a cold Virginian winter or a blazing hot Brazilian summer? What language will I even be thinking in here in 1 month? It's gotten me pretty frazzled and I decided that Matthew 6:28,30,33 provide my answer. Here is what they say:

 28) Consider the lilies of the field. How they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin.

30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

 Wow. Those verses are powerful. The Lord will "fight for you and he shall hold your peace." There's one last poem I wanted to share and a talk by Sheri Dew which is 1000/1000 (I included the link so go and read it!)

 "To walk with God, no strength is lost.

Walk on.

To talk with God, no breath is lost.

Talk on.

To wait on God, no time is lost. 

Wait on."

These things are true! So whether in the southern hemisphere watching toilets spin counterclockwise or in the northern where the trees are bare of leaves, I will go and do!

Elder Gardanier

https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/sheri-l-dew/born-lead-born-glory/

They Built a Zoo

Some highlights from week 2 in midlo:

 -Zone conferences and I got to see the one and only ELDER SEEGMILLER. That elder is a stud!

-WE WENT TO THE ZOO. Legit, some members in the stake bought a zoo so the missionaries get in for free and I was legit a kid walking around. There was once I cut a kid off to feed a camel without even know and I felt really bad! I made up for it though by catching a bird and giving it to a kid to feed! 

-We cleaned for Halloween night and we were so determined that we won a chick-fil-a gift card from the mission!

-Daylight savings! Even though I got another hour of sleep it didn't even feel like it! I think I just over-hyped myself tho...

 But yep! This week was so amazing! We saw so many miracles as we worked with the members! Let me explain a bit more here:

When I was coming up to Midlothian I had a few people say "good luck, that bishop isn't missionary minded," or "good luck, they haven't had any progress in that area for at least a year," etc. BUT we were determined to let that be the end of an era and to now work really hard!

 So.

 We’ve done that.

 We have about 2-3 member lessons a day and we have helped members come up with their own goals to do missionary work. We have reinstated a ward mission plan that has been 9 months in the making ;);) We also went back to church and were asked to sit on the stand so the ward could see us. We were asked to bear our testimonies too. AND (get this) the bishop bore his testimony of missionary work and how our meeting with him has helped him get excited. We have now gotten a few texts of members doing missionary work, we hears prayers from members asking for missionary experiences, and the work is picking up speed here! We are excited to keep this stone rolling and seeing people progress down a covenant path soon!

 And to end, get how cool this is. So because of the amazing blessing of technology, I've been able to keep in contact with Eduarda and Clausner who the Lord guided me to in Brazil who were baptized. Just as a quick update, Clausner has the Aaronic priesthood and is preparing himself to receive the Melchizedek! They even have plans to get married in the temple when COVID passes by. BUT the point of all of this was that I was able to join in a virtual family night with them and my former companion who is in another city as well in Brazil. The spirit was so strong as we saw these two elect Brother and Sister talk about the goodness of God. Clausner even said "You guys promised me when I was first learning about the church, if I continued to learn, study, and pray diligently I would receive a testimony for myself that these things are true. I now can say that I don't just have one testimony but many that tell me that these things are true." HOW COOL, right? He is such an amazing missionary and I am so grateful for them!!

 Have such a good, safe, week!

Elder Gardanier

 

Mistakes, Miracles, and Midlothian

MIRACLE. Worth the read. (After a quick recap of my week)

I'm afraid it has finally taken me 16 months to figure out I have been doing my mission not wrong but also not completely right. I ran across this quote by President Oaks and it hit home,

 "We learn from this command that it is not enough to serve God with all of our might and strength. He who looks into our hearts and knows our minds demands more than this. In order to stand blameless before God at the last day, we must also serve him with all our heart and mind."

 I have been putting in all of the work and actions and stress to missionary work but not putting in the feelings. I was trying to make the big things come to pass without doing the small things first. I have been doing missionary work but not fully knowing the WHY behind things. It's charity. I'm not here to serve for referrals, for the most amount of baptisms, for the biggest finding week of any missionary, or for any worldly praise, OR even for any friend or family member. I am here out of Charity. God's love. God's pure which is Christ. I am here to exemplify him and give all I have to every member in my ward, every missionary I serve with, and every interaction I have. This is what a successful mission is to me. I'm happy I have 8 more months to fix the rest of my mission!

 Alright. This miracle actually happened this morning. Let's say I was FREAKING out. Anyways, my wonderful mom sent me my absentee ballot to vote in this election just like the good citizen I strive to be haha (I have lots to improve on;). Anyways, I went to the mission office and someone gave me a pile of mail (thanks grandma and mom!!!) and so I didn't really think twice when I saw this ballot there because I knew my mom sent it to me. 

 WELL. That thing was sitting on my desk for a day so I could look over it and think, ya know, and I finally sat down to vote. I thought it was funny just how it never said my name but I just continued. I literally finished the ballot and went to put it in the other envelope to get it sent off and when it told me to sign it gave the name of whose ballot it truly was. Let’s just say

 IT WAS NOT MINE.

 I totally robbed a Sister in my district of her ballot. My stomach dropped 15 floors and I was afraid the cops were already tracking me down. I finally sent a text to this sister after dreading what was going to happen and once I sent it you would never guess what happened. 

 She had already received ANOTHER ballot from home and she was just waiting for this one to come so she could destroy it. GOD IS SO GOOD AND I FELT SO LOVED AND EXCITED AND JUST WAS GIVEN A SECOND CHANCE WOOOOOO. Anyways, I was pretty excited you could say!

 That's all I got to report other than driving through the east during fall is like the prettiest thing ever. Just imagine going through a canyon in Utah during fall and seeing the amazing trees and colors BUT everywhere you drive. It's kinda legendary. Kinda dope. Kinda HUGE. 

 Love ya all!

Elder Gardanier

                                                                                            

I can't deny that this week was full of miracles. While there were somber moments with the recent passing of Sister Annabelle Nielsen, I couldn't help but feel God's encircling arms of love. (Annabelle was in Daniel's German class his junior year at Lone Peak. She passed away after a hiking accident in Switzerland while serving her mission.)Let me explain: 

-       Vickie is so solid and had a major miracle happen. The church actually paid for her two bus tickets out to Indiana to go live with her sister and receive some extra financial stability. Last minute, Vickie was super worried because she just needed a few more dollars for an extra 2 suitcases on the bus, money for a taxi to get to the bus station, and money to wash her clothes. A member pulled through the night before her strenuous search to get to Indiana. It just reminds me how God is a 4th watch God and will let us work and sometimes suffer in order to prove our faithfulness and ALWAYS will he deliver us. After Vickie arrived, she called us asking for the missionaries’ number up in Indiana and is already meeting with them! She is so awesome and I can't wait to hear how her baptism will go here shortly!

-       While on exchanges with some Elders in my zone, we had our 2nd video chat with Tierra and we read the intro of the Book of Mormon. At the end she said with the biggest smile "How does someone become LDS?" My companions and I kinda smirked and said "Well is that something that you'd like to do?" She smiled even bigger and said "YES!" We were able to put Tierra on date for November 8th! It was such a miracle and I know there is power in the Book of Mormon! 

AND. Get this. I was reading in the Institute Manuel in the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi and there was a quote by Joseph Smith that said the word "Mormon" simply means "MORE GOOD." 

So.

The Book of [MORE GOOD].

And what is that "more good?" Well that extra measure of goodness is Jesus Christ! It's a record of MORE of his miracles, MORE of His kindness, and MORE of his mercy. So if there are any who are skeptical about the Book of Mormon, it is simply a book that promotes more good that points towards the Savior. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ! Think about that!

One last thing...transfer calls came and I'll be on the move (again). In fact, I get to move my apartment tomorrow, then move again and transfer to Manchester in Richmond. It will be fun because that is where the office missionaries live, the APs, and the President! I'm excited to work closer with these amazing missionaries and influences!

Take care!

Elder Gardanier

 I have to add a few pictures to tell a story only you who clicked on the blog link get to see. I'm still laughing!

NOAH'S BAPTISM

 Alright, well this week was pretty STELLAR. I'll cut to the chase jase...

So Noah got baptized and it was the greatest ever! Just to give his story real quick: Noah was a referral from a member in another ward. He met with the missionaries a few months ago and literally was jumping up and down to be baptized. They put him on date but by the next time they met together, Noah did NOT want to be baptized, go to church, or do anything that the church has to offer. He kinda fell off of the map. When my comps and I got to the area to start teaching, Noah's name wasn't really brought up and people kinda lost faith in him. However, we kept pushing and having daily contact with him which led to a lesson or two which led to miracles. 

He said in one lesson that he prayed if he should read the Book of Mormon and got an answer that he shouldn't and won't change churches still. But we just told him to not trust anyone but to pray again and read a few verses of the scriptures to show some faith. He did that and accepted our invites and from that moment on he has been so solid. He has just felt God's encircling love around him during this whole process and he perfectly explained his conversion process when he said after his baptism "I KNOW now that I did the right thing. I can feel my Grandpa who passed away just jumping for joy." 

ANYWAYS...the baptismal service was unique because only a few people were there in person but we had a lot watching over Zoom! Noah called us literally 4 times that day to show us his "outfit," to thank us for his baptism, and to just chat before too haha. He is stellar and we are excited to work with him to find more people to come unto Christ.

Now for a quick story with Vickie. Vickie is on date to be baptized this upcoming week but she has a lot of financial problems and will be homeless or need to move to Indiana by TOMORROW. She has a special Needs daughter and Vickie cherishes her and will do anything to help her. I AGREE.

However, Vickie gave us a call on a SUPER busy day where we had so many lessons, meetings, and no time to even eat and breathe. When Vickie called she was somber and danced around the subject and finally said "would you guys be willing to bring my daughter and I food? We haven't eaten all day and I'm scared and want to take care of my daughter." Here is where the paradoxical miracle came in...Right after that moment, we were actually in the car to pick up dinner from someone who lives right next to Vickie. We also had our appointment right after reschedule for later so we ended up having an hour to buy Vickie some food and give her ours. She was so thankful and I honestly couldn't be happier that she reached out to us. But, in order for her baptism to happen this weekend Vickie will need a HUGE MIRACLE. But we know God is mindful of her and her situation and will help her perfectly!

Have such a solid week and do 1 thing extra this week to grow your relationship with Christ. That is SOOO important. You won't regret it ;)

Love, 

Elder Gardanier

 

"That's awesome sauce!"

We are teaching this lady named Joanna who is a huge miracle story (for later) but she said this and it made me laugh "I hear if you have faith the size of a mustard seed then you're good...and I KNOW I'm safe because i've got a whole bottle of mustard!"

     So I guess to start it off this week we were calling area book and ran into this lady named Joanna. She was joking with us and before we could even ask if she wanted a Book of Mormon she asked us for one! We drove down to a really cool part of Hampton next to this place called the Newport News Shipyard where they make war boats and it was so cool. Anyways, we dropped off the Book of Mormon and ever since that day she has called us just to check in on us. She is the diligent missionary that I strive to be! She tuned into conference and quoted some things from the Prophet and other speakers because SHE TOOK NOTES! She is so amazing and nice! We are meeting again on Tuesday and hope to see her enter the waters of baptism within the next few weeks! (She also asked where her dress is for church. She doesn't have one and needs one for when she attends church...we'll have to work something out!)

     We also met with Noah and taught him the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. I have never seen someone so excited to hear those 5 points in Christ's doctrine--Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. He was basically jumping out of his seat as he repeated them back to us. And, before we could even invite him to baptism he said "You know, I feel God is proud of me for going to your church this past Sunday! From now on I am going to be a member of your church!"

     We literally gave the biggest smiles and *virtual* hugs. We put a few dates for him to be baptized and he chose October 11! That is this next Sunday! We have a lot to teach him still and are excited to see him progress! Keep praying that the baptism this next Sunday will happen!!

 

Other than that, conference was just the most amazing experience ever. I was blown away that only 6 months I was with my family and a year ago I was in Brazil. Who knows where I will be next conference! All know now is just trust in God and let Him prevail!

 

Eat your veggies ;)

Elder Gardanier

 

YOUR NEWEST NONTEENAGER...

 

A sweet member of the ward sent this to the family early on Daniel's birthday

For all of those people who are afraid of teenagers and the lack of maturity they bring, no worries with me anymore! I've turned a new leaf and am ready to take on the world now! You can say that being 20, and a man, I basically know everything about the stock market, real estate, and how to fix the sprinklers. I'm also 1 birthday closer to my golden birthday here in 7 years! (You know that my 27th bday is going to be the best thing ever. just you wait). But yep, I am now 20!! And to make me feel my age, my back has been killing me the past few days especially yesterday! I found at points I had an electric massager on it or even my companions walking on it! (Is that kosher? @athletictrainingAimee?)

BUT there is nothing like fasting and going to church with someone we are teaching on my birthday! It was just the best combination!! Our friend Noah came to church with us and he has progressed A LOT since the last time we have met with him. He went from "BAPTIZE ME" to "I'm staying with my church and won't ever be baptized in your church." to now he is gaining a more solid testimony and coming to church and becoming friends with the members! It's a miracle truly! Hopefully we can see him enter the waters of baptism this upcoming month!

As for anything exciting this week, I guess we had something scary happen. Our neighbor’s daughter ran away with a boy and they hadn't seen her for a week. We had cops asking information about her which is kinda hard when we don't ever leave the house. There were dogs and lots of cops all around! After about 1 1/2 weeks of her running away she was found and she is back all safe! I felt kinda cool though like I was in a movie and was about to get a call in the middle of the night to go outside to a Porche awaiting me so that I could solve the case or something. Good thing I can still dream while in quarantine!!!

The progress of our self-isolation isn't really moving forward... We can now start meeting with most of the ward on Sunday's which is AMAZING, but Elder Christofferson is over this part of the country and is getting all missionaries to commit to living more consecrated and strict rules of quarantine. So that is fun! I guess to spice things up my companion Elder Norton and I are going to start dance classes in our apartment to add in some comp unity and exercise in the morning. We'll definitely send the finished result ;)

Thank you everyone for all of the bday wishes! It truly takes a village to raise a half-decent young man haha. As cliché as it may sound, thank you all for making me who I am today! I'm full of love for all of you guys!

<3Elder Gardanier

 

A Week Full of Miracles

 

Follow-up from last week. Vickie Taylor didn't end up getting baptized on Sunday because she just got super busy with her job and we couldn't get in contact with her. When we finally did she responded it was too late. She said she still wanted to get baptized so we pushed it to this next week for the 27th. A birthday baptism woot!!! Pray that she actually responds to us and gets ready for her baptism then!

This email might be boring to some if you're expecting a crazy cool funny experience but let me just forewarn you that it's much better! It's full of miracles! So bear with me here...;)

1. A guy I found on Facebook a few weeks ago started out SUPER crass and always dropping the f-bomb, etc. But we stayed consistent and he stayed willing to try. This past week we met up real quick to give him a Book of Mormon and he is anxious to learn! He is 19 and literally went from atheist to learning about God and knowing He is our creator and Father in Heaven. So if he doesn't initially believe in the church or gets confused with the anti he's recently gotten into, I consider that a win! As long as Heavenly Father is getting the credit then Walter will always have God's influence on him to choose the right! 

2. We were calling in area book and found this guy Josh Smith. He is SO SICK. He is initially meeting with the missionaries to discuss religion because he is just curious. However, this past week he said that after receiving the Book of Mormon he was curious about it and literally had a natural draw to open up to Moroni. 

What 

TALKA BOUT THE SPIRIT RIGHT? I kinda smirked and was like "let me tell you why you felt drawn there..." Then we opened up to Moroni 10:4-5 and read Moroni's promise. He was super sincere and said that he would pray about the Book of Mormon! He is amazing and I'm praying he gets an answer!

3. We set a goal to find 3 new people this week which was already a HUGE stretch for me but with consistent work and lots of prayers and faith in Christ, we discovered the FAITH TO REAP and ended finding 5 new people to teach...here is a cool experience:

My zone has a goal to find 100 new people to teach for the next 6 weeks. That is about 20 people every week since we started a week late. On Sunday we had only found about 9 as a zone and the STLs sent out a text to everyone to say a pray RIGHT NOW and find someone new. I mean, isn't that always my goal? If I could just "choose" to find a new person I would! Well we obeyed and said a prayer and we had 5 mins left until lunch. I got up just thinking "I haven't taken a break yet today, I'll just start making my lunch." But then I thought, "How can God work miracles through me if I'm not working?" Well we called 2 people and literally at 11:59 I had a thought to call this one guy Isaiah who we had called before but our schedules weren't lining up. He answered, we began to talk, and 30 mins later we taught him about the Book of Mormon and addressed some of his concerns regarding polygamy, eternal marriage, the bible, etc. He opened up about his desire to stop drinking and his want to reestablish his life better. He has been lonely during quarantine and needs some more purpose. HE'S GOLDEN!!

Anyways...my companions and I have been blessed this week! There was a 3-day period where we had 29 lessons total and about 17 of them were with nonmembers! The work is moving forward here!!

Thanks for making it this far;) u the real champ

Love you guys!

Elder Gardanier!!!

 

Cockroach Slayer

I'm officially moved down to Hampton and it's a whole new world down here! This apartment is "different" than my last hahaha. I figured out that my washing machine needs a timer set on my phone or else it will keep washing and restarting etc until I come cancel the wash! I forgot about my clothes the other day I think they went through the wash cycle at least 5 times throughout the day! Let’s say those clothes are squeaky clean now!! We also spent the first few days cleaning this place to the bone! The amount of cockroaches I've killed and spotted are way past my ability to count! There is a fun little stench too of marijuana coming from our neighbors every night which gives me some gnarly headaches but I figure I'll get used to it? (Sadly...)

I also had transfers this week and dropped off Elder Pehrson and said bye and he flew home to Arizona! I also got to see my buddy Elder Seegmiller from home and that was such a miracle! We snapped a few pics and headed back off to Hampton with my two new companions! 

We've seen miracle after miracle down here! We have a baptism coming up this next Sunday, Vickie Taylor, and based off of our first meeting she seems really cool and excited for her baptism! We also have called a lot of area book and seen miracles happening there. In fact, here is a quick one:

We were calling our area book and got in contact with Karin. She said she would be willing to meet with us on Sunday and we got a member there too! She mentioned how she went to our church with the Sister missionaries a while back and liked it a lot but hasn't been able to find it again since they left a year ago. So, she resulted to going to another church 30 mins away and boy you should've seen how excited she got when we told her there is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints a block away from her house! She is excited to keep learning and we are seeing some really promising people down here!

Take care and let me know how you #HearHim! I'm anxious to know what YOU are doing to be diligent and consistent in hearing the voice of the Lord!!

Love you all!

Elder Gardanier

Daniel's two new comps in Hampton