Transfers

This week has been absolutely unlike any other. Monday night, we received transfer calls and at 6am Tuesday we left to Guayaquil. Hna Lara is now in Machala (four hours from here) and it was sad to say goodbye. We really have had some very special experiences together as companions. I will always be thankful for her dedication to the work. I then joined up with my friends-- The mission nurses!

I then went to the training for the new missionaries and found out that my companion did not arrive! She is still in the Provo MTC because she got sick and has to wait to come. All week I was in Guayaquil in the office with the nurses. That was interesting because I was not planning on spending the night there...and I ended up staying in Guayaquil until Saturday morning. And what a different mission life in the office. Wow. I have a lot of appreciation for all that they do for the sickies of the mission. Saturday, Hna Needham, one of the missionaries had to go home because she fractured her foot or something like that. Saturday I was sent back home with her companion, Hna Robison.

Hna Robison and I are now companions! She is from SLC, UT and got here one change ago. We do not know if it is permanent or what will happen but we are enjoying ourselves. She is in the bordering sector to mine so we are working in both sectors for now and will wait to see if we are assigned new companions or if we are assigned to work in just one of our sectors. Yesterday at 10am we left my investigators at my church building and went in taxi to Hna Robison`s ward to give talks. I talked about the how we must share the gospel because we are all children of God. Also, that our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation makes us accountable to share the message of the Restoration. I am thankful for the principles that my parents and grandparents have taught me and it is my desire that the converts I have taught will likewise teach their children the principles of the gospel.

Saturday we got back in time to see our baptisms. Thanks to my excellent zone leaders and ward members, Sergio was able to be baptized!!!!!!

I hope that you have a fabulous Thanksgiving. I will be eating lots of rice and perhaps fish for Thanksgiving.  I am most thankful at this time of year for my family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to share the gospel!!!

love,

Hermana Garlock

Thankful!!!

Hola hola hola to one and all,

Yesterday when it started raining here, I closed my eyes and tried to imagine the cold. I almost could feel it. So far, even if it rains, it is warm. Oh I love this place. :)

Some of our mamitas have turkeys waddling around and I am wondering if they will kill them for the Christmas season. 

Last week, for PDay we went to the center to look for Ecuador stuff. But, shortly thereafter we found Christmas trees and I broke down and bought two!!!!! They are beautiful little trees with lights and we bought sparkly ribbon to put on it. We are happy for our trees. Small as they might be, they are special reminders. Primarily of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This week an organization from the U.S. came to give clothes and toys to children here. They had asked that the missionaries help out, so in response to their request, we went to help handout these gifts and sing church songs. I realized that this was a very nice, generous gesture, but I also felt a deep sense of gratitude for the great calling that I have currently. I do not simply hand out toys to children, but I share the true gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ that heals hearts, comforts the abused, and offers us HOPE to change our lives. Through this restored gospel, we can be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and by continuing faithful, enter in God´s presence with our families. Can I just say that I am so thankful to be a missionary for our Savior Jesus Christ! It is a beautiful work.

Yesterday in church one of our converts, was asked to share his testimony of his conversion. I was touched by his simple testimony. He stated with emotion in his voice that he has had a drastic change in his life. It is true! Saturday he will be interviewed to receive the Melchezidek (oh no....I do not remember how to spell that!) Priesthood. He was baptized September 3rd and is a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yesterday we went with him to talk to more of his brothers who are living the ways of the world....I pray that in the future they will fully accept the gospel and experience the wonderful change that their brother has had.

 Love,

Hermana Garlock

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween mis queridos zapallos!

 

Yesterday when we were teaching we used Genesis 39 to teach about the way we can flee from temptations. We are working with a man to help him stop drinking acohol. This seems to be a very common theme- teaching about the Word of Wisdom and helping them leave behind addictions and habits. I am thankful that Jesus Christ suffered even for our temptations. Even if I have never experienced the challenges of these people, I know that Christ has and that He knows exactly how to give them relief. I have felt the Spirit tell us exactly what to say or share to help others recognize the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

 

Yesterday, Hna Lara and I walked with long branches in one hand and rocks in the other. Just in case the pack of dogs decided to do more than bark loudly. haha.

 

It is heating up in Milagro but we are working through the sun and I am loving it here. The members are wonderful and help us out a ton. Our Bishop is all about focusing on helping the converts and I love this. Yesterday a member took us to the house of his cousin to teach her. It was so fun. The lesson went something like this, Do you believe that God hears your prayers? 15 minutes of stories. Would you read this scripture? reads... What can you do to prepare in this life to meet God? 15 minutes of feelings and experiences. Ok ¿Se bautizarà? 15 minutes of questions, and a hopeful response. This is an exagerration of the lesson but something like that. The people here are sooo loving and kind to us, and I feel grateful to serve among a people that believes in God and wants to be close to Him.

 

I know that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know He lives and loves us. I know He wants us to be able to live with Him again someday. He is so merciful to those that come unto Him. I have seen and felt this!

 

Love,

Hermana Garlock