Another week of Amazing moments

 Here is my count for the week:

-Number of COVID vaccines: 2/2

-Number of nights I slept with a potato in my pillow without knowing: 6/7

-Number of wheel barrows full of horse manure I scooped and emptied: 3/3 🤧

-Number of times we went on a walk after 8pm on April 20th: 1

-Number of times I REALLY regret going on a walk at 8pm on April 20th: 1!!!!!!!

Overall, this week was a win. Some things this week left me shaking in my "custom made baby seal leather boots" and others had me leaping off the walls. I truly am loving every moment as a missionary!!!

To start off, the 2nd COVID vaccine was amazing!! I mean, I definitely do not want to take it again but I'm so grateful for it!!! I woke up at 3am the following night with some major chills and didn't really sleep at all BUT that is okay. My wounds were mended as we laced up our boots the next day and volunteered on a farm. Hank the horse is my newest companion and we definitely did a boot scoot and boogie as we hauled off loads and loads of some fresh manure! 

This week, two of my most favorite moments happened on Sunday. The first one involved our friend Troy. He actually was a member of the church but after some crazy events, he left the church completely and joined the Community of Christ (aka the RLDS church). After meeting with him the past few weeks, we invited him to come and see us at church...just for a week! He consented but pulled out last minute Sunday morning. But to my surprise he walked in RIGHT as the Branch meeting started. He loved the meeting and it was especially impactful when he went up to Sister Rawlings--who gave a talk about loving everyone and kindness--and gave her the BIGGEST hug and just sobbed on her shoulder. They talked for a solid 15 mins and it was exactly what he and she needed!

     Then, I went up to our friend, Carl, who has been taking the missionary lessons for a few months now. He really is excited and anxious to be baptized but because of some past events, he needs special approval for baptism. However, he is such a solid person and I can't wait for the day that he is baptized. However, I had a feeling to go up to him and ask if he would fellowship and make conversation with Troy when he came to church. He looked at me, paused, and his eyes filled with tears. He said, "That as a blessing already to me Elder Gardanier. I want to be a part of this church." Carl just needed an opportunity to serve. He needed to feel needed. It was such an amazing moment!

Love you all!

Elder Gardanier