27 December 2010

Aloha Everyone,

What a week it has been as Christmas as already come and gone. I remember a year from thinking wow...I'll be on mission my next Christmas, and now here I am Celebrating my first Christmas away from home in the tropical boonies in Big Island Hawaii. What could be a better picture then this. It truly was on of my most memorable Christmas's in my life; as I'm closer to my savior and Heavenly Father then ever before. The true meaning I have come to a great realization, seeing how magnificent Christ was and is in our life. I love the Scripture Isaiah 9:6 describing what he is like.

Christmas Eve we got to go to a huge family party, with of course endless amounts of food lined up to eat at any moment. The family was mostly non-members but a few where as they asked us to come and to bring a message about the birth of Christ. Therefore that is what we did. We showed them part of the video "Joy to the World," and afterwards we gave them questions to see how well they were listening. But of course there was several prizes for who answered correctly. It truly felt like my second family down here in Ka'u spending time with the Ka'awa family, playing games and seeing the kids sit on Santa's lap.

Christmas day was fantastic, as we opened our eyes to our 12" Tree with a snow flake on top. But the best part of all was to be able to call home to hear my families voice and excitement. We latter went to Hilo to exchange our secrete Santa gifts to all the elders, and just cruised for the rest of the day. That night we went to south pt. to watch the most gorgeous sun set fall behind the continuous ocean. Can explain in words how beautiful it is around here especially with all the new rain in these winter months.

Then to finish the night with a bang by preparing my talk for sacrament on whatever I wanted. Which as we all know the best subject to be asked to speak on. So I decided sense it is Christmas and that the week before had not talked about Christmas, that I would talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Although I combined it with the talk given by Pres Monson, " the divine gift of gratitude." So I talked on having an attitude of gratitude of what Christ has really done for us, and why we should celebrate his birthday.

The last few days my companion and I have been listening Truman G. Madson speak about what Joseph Smith went through in detail as we travel long distances and just before bed. I never realized how much Joseph Smith endured, and the obstacles he over came. There's no doubt in my mind that he was called of God to bring back the restored gospel. I can't express my increase of gratitude to Joseph Smith and the sacrifices he did for us. Along with our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

This morning was spectastic as we had our baptismal interview for our investigator and afterwards I learned how to rope animal's as I swirl the rope around my head and catch it by the neck. But I still can't see myself being a rancher haha.

Again thanks for all the love and support in so many various ways. My heart goes out to all of you and to remember the true meaning of Christmas throughout the year.

Love,

Elder Gardner

20 December 2010

Mele Kalikimaka Everyone,

Wow, thank you everyone for all the letters, packages, and Christmas cards I received these last 2 weeks. It means a lot and I appreciate it. Though I do feel bad for my companion every time we go to the mail box.

What a fantastic week it has been for us Elders here in Ka'u. My companion and I were sitting down talking last night about how much are area has changed. It really feels like night at day here. It's been great to see the result of hard work and diligence, as the area has become one of the most progressing area's. But it's all because of our Heavenly Father who has brought us here to do his work.

Last week on Monday as a zone we went to some more beautiful sights called rainbow falls, and Akaka Falls. It's something else to see these wonderful creations with the water falling hundreds of feet with green florishing around.

As missionaries we have a stop smoking program that i've come to see how wonderful it works. We have taught it to 3 of our investigators who are wanting to quit, and after we gave them the 15 steps program to a non-smoker they haven't smoked sense. It's great to hear how excited they are as they tell how wonderful they feel as they are able to breath and save all the money they spend. Which is usually around $200-$300 a month.

Big Island missionaries had there zone conference this week, and it's always delight to look forward to them. This one was definitely centered the meaning of Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ. But what was pretty amazing is that we all watch "the other side of heaven" for zone conference. That movie has a totally different meaning now that i'm on a mission but also on a island as i'm able to relate to the culture.

I like what my mission pres's wife said. that hero's have three things: Require little, Give thoughtfully, and Serve Faithfully.

Merry Christmas to all of you. May you remember the true meaning of christmas and how Christ has been that influence in our lives. I love you all so very much.

Mele Kalikimaka,

Elder Gardner

13 December 2010

Aloha Everyone,

Thank you for all the christmas cards and love!

The highlight of this week was my exchange with my trainer (Elder Salima) who's my new zone leader. So he was able to come back into his old area. It was a blast to bring back all our past memories! Plus the area had changed a lot sense he left, like now the grass is now green due to all the rain we've received the last month. But it was a blast to be back with my Samoan companion for a couple of days. It was priceless to see the members faces when they saw that Elder Salima was back for the day.

Exciting news is that one of our investigators has now completely stop smoking with the help of the smoking program that we have been teaching her. But the best part is hearing her excitement when she was telling us her wonderful news and how it was all because of her sencire prayers to our heavenly father. That she coudln't of done it with out his help and the atonement of our savior Jesus Christ. I couldn't help but have sore cheek muscles from smiling so much!

This week Hawaii got hammered by a huge lightning/thunder storm, and Hawaii supposedly never gets lightning. So that was pretty exciting as I was finally forced to use my umbrella for the first time. But we still got soaked to the bone haha. Yet the weather is gorgeous over here, it's hard to believe it's Christmas time with no snow on the ground.

I guess you could say we have a pet dog, not literally, but because every night it comes to our pad for some love.

The ward had it's annual Christmas party this week on saturday which in and of it's self was a blast with so much food that we had 14 gallon bags left over of just rice not mentioning the corn, and lbs. of meat. We cooked over 120+ lbs. of meet. But even with all that the best part was actually cooking the food with the Portuguese oven in our backyard. After the fire we made the oven got to 1100 degrees inside! We had to wait for hours to cool it down and then today 2 days latter we checked the oven and it's still got heat inside. What a crazy oven.

6 December 2010

Aloha Everyone,

I think the most important thing I have to say is that the temperature here is spectacular! I can't believe it's December, probably cause I see no snow. It's going to be different having Christmas with no snow. But I'm liking it better not worrying about the cold. I still don't own any jackets, just my missionary clothes short sleeves and some board shorts. What a life...! :)

My companion and I went to a place called pizzaria out in the middle of no where that makes unbelievable pizza, but they have this old time pinball machine where you pull a lever to hit the baseball and win cards. After a few quarters in the machine I hit a GRAND SLAM and won the card Roger Clemens! It was made in 1985 so it's got to be worth a few million...maybe...

This week was transfers again, I can't believe it's already another 6 weeks that have past, time is flying. But what's awesome is that my companion and I are still together, where as our whole zone had changed companions and one area was white washed. Then my dad (trainer) came back into the zone and is now my Zone leader. That was so awesome to see him again! My companion became the DL so it's cool to get the scoop on what's going on.

Can't wait for our ward Christmas party on Dec 11! the whole community comes and we light up the Portuguese oven in my backyard.

Well the work is progressing and I'm absolutely loving it. I love reading the scriptures as now everything that I've been taught is coming together. Then to be able to teach it to others...life can't get better then that.

I just wanted to share one quote from my study time while reading the general conference talks. Pres Uchtdorf said this, "We don't discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves." So true, the times when I'm most happy and enjoying the work is when i'm in service of others and thinking zippo about myself. I love all of you and thank you for your prayers!

Love, Elder Gardner

29 November 2010

Aloha World,

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving! This week has been a very successful, and exciting week!

We visited a less active member who hadn't been to church for sense high school, and she's around her mid 50's now. But she let us in and we were able to find her needs and teach her to what she needed in her life at this moment. She could only remember very little about the church and so we started from the beginning. We really focused on the book of Mormon, praying to know if it's true, and then coming to church. After our 2nd visit toward the end of our lesson she asked us when church started. It was a very exciting moment as we were able to see her desire grow and feel the spirit. By the third visit she shared her experience of how she came to know the Book of Mormon is true, by sincere prayer. She tried her hardest to express her feeling of joy and comfort when she prayed as her eyes filled with tears. It was definitely a tender moment as we felt the love from our Heavenly Father.

What's even more exciting about this news and her desire to come to church is that she became the transportation for our investigator who couldn't get a ride. It's was amazing to see how the Lord provides a way.

Thanksgiving this week was Cherry! We had one thanksgiving dinner with Lesli who is the recent convert whom we baptized last month. She couldn't help but share her excitement with us the day before thanksgiving. On thanksgiving day we had 3 more feasts. One was at noon, then at 2:00...long nap... then later that night. As missionaries we had the day off. One of our members fed us lamb instead so that was cool. I'm pretty sure I haven't had lamb before.

For Church this last Sunday our bishop had us give 15 min talks to get the member motivated and excited about member missionary work. It was fantastic because we had the most people come to church then I've seen the whole time I've been in this area. The whole chapel was filled as 4 of our investigators came to church and 2 less active members whom we have been teaching. It couldn't of been a more full filling day!

Some thing I learn that is interesting is the Hawaii imports 85%-90% of there food for the people to eat!

Thanks for all your prayers and support. I love the letters.

Love, Elder Gardner

22 November 2010

Aloha to the World,

First thing I wanted to share with all of you is Happy Thanksgiving. Especially being on a mission and seeing how lucky I am, and thankful I am for the things that I had in my life. The list can definitely go on and I'm sure all of yours can too. What a great Holiday to set a time to give thanks, and most importantly give thanks to the Lord.
Something interesting that I ate this week was rabbit. Sorry for all those who are rabbit lovers. But it actually tasted pretty good, a mix between beef and chicken.
This week we had what's called a mission tour where one of the General Authorities come and teach each zone to there needs. It's hard to explain what he taught us over email but I can tell you it was great inspiration. We've already put it into play and have seen results. Of course though, it's revelation from our Heavenly Father. The General Authorty and his wife who came were Elder & Sister Pipper. During this time it was next to the Kona temple so I was able to at least get to see it again and take some pictures.
For the Zone we had one big transfer where every companionship is broken up into different area's to build zone unity and learn from other missionaries. The zone leader Elder Condiff came with me as I stayed in my area. So I got to show him our area and how it is run. Although the coolest part is the Elder Condiff and I are the only 2 red heads in the mission and we were companions! (red heads United). It's always great to learn from other missionaries and see how they teach.
The most exciting thing that happened this week is the Laie Temple Dedication on Oahu. We were able to have it broadcasted to our chapel and I was able to be apart of it and see another temple dedication. Though this time it made a lot more sense as I was able to understand the meaning behind everything. Something I'll never forget.
That's about all the happened this week. I can't believe another week as gone by. The day's of the week just seem to blend together. But I can definitly see why everyone calls it the best two years. But rather I like to see it as the best two years for my life.

I love you all,
Elder Gardner

Pictures

Notice the cows and the farm land. This was his old truck.

Green Sands Beach, South ends of the Island

First companion, Flint and Bishop of the ward