Temple-Prison

Well.

Let's just say everybody has their weeks and this last week wasn't mine haha. We stay positive though and I just needed to read a talk by Elder Holland and it made everything better. If you haven't yet, GO READ Elder Holland's talk "Lesson at Liberty Jail!" His words are so applicable. While I am not completely comparing my apartment with air conditioning, food, a comfy bed, my own bathroom, etc to Liberty Jail, there are aspects that this sacred apartment here in Charlottesville has that constitute a "Temple-Prison." I love in this talk how Elder Holland says that everyone will in one way or another have their time in Liberty Jail and a road that goes through Gethsemane. Yes I love being a missionary, yes there are some of the greatest joys, but yes it is the hardest thing I've done and even in quarantine it's trying!

   

But now to the positive. God does provide when we put in diligent effort. That is like my theme for this second half of my mission. I try to make it pretty obvious in every email because we know we are saved by His grace AFTER all we can do. But what is all that we can do? That is what I am figuring out through diligent work. So...for my miracle story. We were on a big call with all the leaders in the mission reporting numbers (as all missions do...I think) and all of a sudden we got this text from a mom in our ward who is a member, her husband is agnostic now and was a member (served a mission, got married in the temple, etc) and she said she wants her kids to be taught the discussions. The amazing part, 2 of them are over 8 and there is another almost 8. WHAT! Like I was so grateful our leadership call was on mute because we freaked out! They literally bounced into our texts, slid into the dms, dropped into our messages, ANYTHING you wanna say, they did. They were a huge miracle. 

     

That being said...the mom emphasized the fact that they CANNOT be pressured into baptism. The dad is still very skeptical of them hearing our discussions but if they desire and want it enough, he will let them be baptized! So, all the prayers go out for the Marshall family! 

     

As far as funny stories...um. Well a member dropped off a dinner and immediately they said, "Hm. you've got a funny accent. Where are you from?" I thought it was my Utah draw coming out but they were like "no...Southern America?" Then I told them about Brazil. Well a day later on a call someone asked where I was from, again "Utah." and she was like, no...there is something different. Are you half Jamaican?!?! WHAT hahaha, if only. So my English is still ruined...but even my Portuguese is ruined too because I was talking to a friend this past week and he said my Portuguese accent is like a Mexican. So...I am just full of surprises and am pretty good at impersonations without even trying! What's next mate? 

Love you all!

Elder Gardanier

Sister Hayes who was the YW President for Special Needs mutual for 5 years where Daniel was able to play the piano, sent him a treat package. He had sent her an email previously asking her to be his adopted Grandmother.