October 3, 2011

Dear Family,

I'm super stoked for Dad and Jen that they now have jobs! And seeing the house again makes me cringe sort of. For a couple reasons. Not only because I won't be returning to it, but mostly because seeing a house like that here would surprise me because so many people live in tiny clay brick and cement houses the size of our living room and something like McDonalds or an iPod is completely expensive and practically out of reach of the common citizen. Kind of like Christian said, leaving the country really makes me appreciate what I have there. There are everyday normal items that we have in the States that only the richest of the rich can get a hold of here.

But yeah. October. I JUST GOT HERE. Elder Howard and I try to fathom the fact that we were apart from each other for a time of 4 months but it seems like the blink of an eye! I feel like yesterday we said goodbye and good luck. Yesterday was our "cumplemes" because it was the second and we started on March 2nd. Seven months ago. It really helps me realize how insignificant two years of my time is and how it is seemingly not enough time to do what we have to do! But the Lord has given me 2 years and I have to make the most of it. Elder Araya and I are trying our hardest to be obedient and just open our mouths. I have learned not to be ashamed or awkward and instead to just TALK to people! In the store, in the street, in someone's house. Part of it of course is the fact that my language abilities have improved. But in Balcarce, I wouldn't have thought twice about stopping someone in the street and talking. Now I can't pass up an opportunity.

Unfortunately we have very little support from the members here in the Villa Mitre Alto area. The church here in Argentina is fragile and the people are very lazy. Both culturally and, perhaps, unknowingly because they think it's the missionary's job to knock doors all day. So we are starting to work with the ward mission leader to put together ward activities (because there are none) to animate the members and help them bring friends and feel the support of one another. It's tough work and we only have 4 hours a day but I know the Lord will bless our efforts. Kind of like you said, mom, with your daunting task of cleaning out the house that we've owned for 14 years, it seems overwhelming and impossible to do. I'm here, a simple missionary who has a completely different cultural background, trying to animate 75 Argentines to share the restored gospel with their friends!! So please pray for me and I know the Lord will help.

Anyway, Conference was amazing. I absolutely loved it. It went by so fast I couldn't believe it! It wasn't too bad with the time change, just really late. And we watched Priesthood session on Sunday morning. But we had two investigators come to watch a session on Sunday! They are great!!

I think my favorite talk was Elder Uchtdorf's because of his incredible emphasis on the fact that we are children of God and although we are nothing COMPARED to Him, we are everything TO Him. As well, I enjoyed Elder Tad R. Callister's talk about the Book of Mormon. Clear cut and simple! Through my scripture study each day, I have found it easy to logically prove that the Book of Mormon is both truly the word of God, but also necessary in these modern days. But no matter how logical it is, we need to READ IT and gain a SPIRITUAL testimony. So we can KNOW it is true.

I know it is. And am grateful for the opportunity to share it with all around me.

Thank you for your letters and support! I love you all!

Until next week!

-Elder Ryan Garrison