Words
can't express...
How much pickle ball my companion and I played this last week. Like some
days we played 2 times a day (we were definitely those kids at the tennis
courts in ties, shirts, slacks, and dress shoes) and other days it was a night
game followed by some ice cream. All I can say is, it was a solid week with
some solid miracles as well...
While on one of our pickle ball adventures, we chatted with this guy who
was playing tennis alone (I know, seems hard to do but it's actually possible).
His name is Benji and he grew up a Mennonite but has kinda dissented from that
ideology. He is Christian but doesn't have a set church to attend...basically
this was better than a rib barbecue on the 4th of July to hear as a missionary.
As we talked, he got super interested about who we are and the church and he
wants to play pickle ball with us! We planned this Monday but homie just got a
COVID-19 test so we are gonna put that on pause for a quick minute!
Some other cool thoughts that I had this week were:
1. Sam's club is almost like a spiritual experience. I didn't
actually buy anything, but some missionaries have a Sam's club card and we
GLADLY took them to go shopping. I was so so so happy...I finally fulfilled my
dream of going to Costco/Sam's club while on my mission!!
2. How crazy is this world and this
historic time? If you asked me a year ago, I expected on June 16th to be in Brazil,
sweating in the HOT sun, ironing my sweat stained short sleeve shirt, eating
beans and rice, and giving some Brazilians the biggest hugs! BUT on June 16th I
found myself walking downtown in Richmond Virginia, I was wearing a suit
because we were DRIVING to the airport, the entire town was vacant and boarded
up with graffiti due to the riots, I was on my way to get the most delicious
quesadilla, AND I was wearing a mask with NO hugs or any contact because of
coRONA. Can I just take a second to realize that this is absolutely insane? I
think it's amazing what happens when we put trust in the Lord and know that he
will provide, little or GIANT speed bumps such as today's day don't hurt to
change because we know it's part of the plan!
3. For Father’s Day my friends and I recorded a few church songs
before I left again for the mission and surprised my dad with them! Check 'em
out on YouTube under Daniel Gardanier!
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| Aimee drew this family picture that was taken as we dropped Daniel off at the airport. |
Other than that, I am happy to be a missionary and come closer
to Christ every single day! I know there is power in simplicity, there is power
in being bold, and there is a need for those who will wear Christ's name
EVERYDAY!
Love ya all!
Elder Gardanier
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