28 February 2011

As soon as I felt like I got a hold of everything, and knew what I was doing, I get transferred. But I'm so excited to be able to fulfill what he has asked me to do, cause now through experience I know that he always provides a way to accomplish what he commands as long as I stay obedient and commit myself to him.

So Monday night I got a call from our Mission President, calling in behalf of Christ to call me to be the District Leader in Mililani, On Oahu Yet he then added that I too will be White washing the area...ha ha wasn't expecting that but I'm excited to see what growth I'll gain in this next transfer.

Again it was a difficult task to take on to say goodbye to my new family in Ka'u! But then the hardest part was to say goodbye to a family that we have been teaching and preparing for baptism in the next week. It's a indescribable feeling to know that you were in the hands of God to take part in changing a family who finds so much joy in the gospel now. That one day you can see them again as families together forever in the Celestial Kingdom of God. Driving back to Hilo to the Airport was the longest drive since I've been there the last 6 months. Though I found out Monday night that my MTC companion was going in Ka'u to take me place.

Finally I got a chance to go to transfer meeting on Oahu at the Tabernacle where all the missionaries come together and are assigned to their new area's and new companions. It was fantastic to see all the missionaries that I came out with and actually meet a few new ones. No one knows who I am because I've been isolated the last 6 months haha.

My new companion is Elder Mecham who has now been out for 3 months now. He's a fantastic Elder I couldn't be more excited to be his companion as he has a major work ethic and motivation to do anything that is needed. So I have no complaints and look forward to what we can accomplish together.

So now that I'm on Oahu in Mililani I can tell that Ka'u is the complete opposite! I didn't know there was such a thing as more then a 1 story building and so many cars with an ambulance blaring there siren's every hour of the day. Welcome to the other type of Hawaii ha. It's been quite the change but it's been great. Mililani is a fantastic place to live as it's all residential houses that's actually well kept.

Being white washed though has been quite the experience. We know completely nothing about the area or anyone who lives it. But now that a half a week as gone by I can get around pretty well now......"on a bike" ....ha ha Never thought i was going to be on a bike because there's only just a very select few areas that have bikes now. Yet on the bright side I've already lost most of the weight I've gained.

I couldn't be more excited to work with the ward we have. I've never seen such a unified ward who are all on the same page. The bishop is so missionary mined being 28 year old. The ward respects him so much and the whole ward is willing to do anything for us missionaries. The potential in this area is unmeasurable and can't wait to get the ball rolling as we visit all the members and strengthen there faith, as we gain there trust.

I just couldn't be more grateful to have had two fantastic area's to serve with two amazing bishops.

I'm just continually learning everyday especially now that I get the opportunities to present trainings for my district every week to help them become the best tool in God's hand. I calculated all my missionaries in my district and how long they have been out and it ad's up to only 23 1/2 months! I'm the oldest in my district, it's hard to believe that I've already been out for 6 months but I try not to think about it.

I truly couldn't be a happier man or should I say Elder at this point in my life, true happiness comes from the success of others. My whole life has completely changed and my outlook on life will never been the same.

I love my life and I'm grateful for all the trials that the lord has given me to allow myself to develop Christlike attributes and to progress and learn.

May the Lord be with you, I love you all, thanks for all the support, love and prayers.

Love,

Elder Gardner

{the family Flint taught who will be baptized March 12}

21 February 2011

Aloha Everyone,
It never seemed that this day would come. But transfers are here and the calls have been made. I never would of thought that it would be so hard to leave an area, but when they become more then your family a few tears are bound to be shed as you say goodbye to your brothers and sisters. No words can describe the love that has been generated from serving these wonderful people who live in Ka'u. I've never been around such faithful members who have overcome such insurmountable obstacles. There will always be a place in my heart for these loving people.
But on the good note we ended the transfer with a bang as we surpassed our goals and the area is on fire. Amazing what the Lord can do with just a couple 19 year old boys who want to work hard and have some fun! Though being short on time I only have one story to share
Last week I gave an investigator a Book of Mormon that my sister Coral had written her testimony in. I shared how much it meant to me to give this to her and to really find out for herself. The spirit was so strong that I thought a fire would just bursted out of the oven and engulfed us all.
Then on our return appointment this coming week she said some touching words. After bearing her testimony of her coming to know that the church was true, she then stated that, I hope in the future that I too can give you a Book of Mormon with my testimony, that way you can give it to someone like me.'' Wow... Music in a missionary's ear, I was with out speech! If only all young men would strive to go on a mission and experience the magnitude of the spirit and the miracles that follow and lives are changed forever! She as well as her auntie Candice who we are teaching will now be making there first steps into baptism on March 12. What a glorious day that will be as angels rejoice.
I love you all and wish I could share more in detail, but what joy and love that comes from being a Representative of Christ!

Love Elder Gardner

14 February 2011

Aloha Everyone,

Another incredible spiritual week has gone by like as if it was an hour ago. I just wish I could describe in detail the experiences received by going on a mission, especially the spiritual ones. Though I'll try, and share some stories of how i'm doing out in the mission field of Ka'u Hawaii.

But first I want to share a wonderful poem a missionary shared with me on exchanges.

Missionary ----

Don't get sore if they call you green,

Just stop and think what they really mean.

Your young, your growing and full of life.

Ready to battle all trouble and strife.

Just come right back and say, you bet,

Hope I'm green a while yet.

For this should never be forgotten,

That after "Ripe come Rotten!"

WHat a meaning ful poem that can apply to everything not just missionary work. Whether it be in a job, or cleaning the house, we can all green a while more. For truely rotton comes after ripe. Though unless your dry them before they go rotten. say's Sister Antolin our Relief Society President. Ha ha.

It's always a pleasant feeling when you know you were used in God's hand to accomplish his work or to answer a prayer. Later this week we ended up calling a family and stopping by when we were in the area. Soon after we found out that she just got off the phone with her husband exclaiming she was in need of a blessing. Shortly after she hung up we called and was able to offer her a blessing. I really see how important it is to always remain worthy of the priesthood we bear. The authority to act in God's name, isn't a light task to be thought of as I came to my deep understanding. But it was great to be a tool in God's hand for a simple act of random kindness (ARK).

Also this week we had just finished up tracking a street, got in our car and headed back to our pad to fill our ever so empty stomachs. Yet on the drive there I passed a very familiar car who I recognized after a few seconds had passed. So ever small and quiet I really felt to turn around and follow her to her house. It almost felt like I acted on reaction and next thing I knew I was pulling a U turn in the middle of the road catching up. After following her just a few seconds i noticed she passed her house and kept driving and was making a loop around the subdivision. First I felt dumb thinking that she probably thought i was some werid man following her and she was trying to dodge me. So I gave her a call, and she didn't even know I was behind her, she just forgot to pick up her daughter from school and was turning around. But the great climax of the story is that we were able to set up a time to visit her. I didn't think much about it until now as I look back at the result. As of now we have taught her almost everyday as well as her extended family who all now have a Baptismal date for March 12. Her life in just this short time has completely turned around as we see the joy she has now in her heart knowing the truth of the Book of Mormon, and living the commitments we have left. This are the times I will never forget for the rest of my life. That I'm able to be that tool in God's hand to completey change there life where they come closer to God and our savior then they ever have before. "Shall we not go on is so great a cause?" (Joseph Smith Jr.) Pretty soon that family will be taking the steps to baptism as one of our soon to be members will be baptized tonight. What joy it brings to my heart.

HAPPY VALENTINES!!

Love, Elder Gardner

7 February 2011

Last week was the best week in personal progression, but now this week was the best week I've ever seen toward success in the area. All our diligence, and and great help from our Heavenly Father has really paid off. It's been a really satisfying, and full filling week as we taught more then double the amount then previous weeks. Some times I feel like my spirit is just going to burst out of me I get to excited! If only all young men would choose to go on a mission. In all though I can't wait to see what this week has to bring and hope to keep up the steady progress. I thought time was flying before but now I seem to forget that I even feel asleep and a new day has arrived.

I really liked what missionary shared with me. He explained that missionaries that compliment there companion's differences and work with there similarities find the most success in companion unity. What great advice that can be implemented in all aspects of life where in be with friends or our spouse. Hopefully I can practice now so it won't be so hard when I'm married.

I don't know if it's my long strides or the habit my dad taught me but I haven't had a companion yet to keep up with my pace of walking. In time...

I recommend not playing basketball with just your bare feet. Last P-day the zone got together to go bowling yet they were closed to wax the floors. And everyone was in the whites and didn't bring casual attire. Well that doesn't stop some missionaries to get a work out. So instead we played some basketball in our whites. We didn't' want to ruin our shoes so we all wore socks or bare feet. Lesson learned, unless you have calaced feet which being a missionary I have none. The next 3 day's was walking on quarter sized blisters. ha.

Thanks for all the letters and support! I love you all

Love, Elder Gardner