January 2, 2012

FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!

Well. We went from December to January and, as if someone had hit a switch, it got REALLY hot all of a sudden. It is almost unbearable. I have decided that dry Arizona or anywhere nearby is just for me. Because I can't tolerate this humidity. But here I am! Elder Blackhorse once tried to explain what summer here was like and ended up just telling me I would have to experience it myself to see. He was right.

New Years was awesome. Because not only was Christmas super boring and everything, we literally had no money all week. We spent money going to Mar del Plata and with the lengthy process of waiting for reimbursements, had no money and basically no food hahaha. I won't lie we were hungry. But then New Year’s came around and the Brustle family invited us to dinner, another member sent us food at 10:30 when we got home (we had permission to be out later) and our landlord gave us a cake! Plus we received our monthly money. So now we have too much food.

As for missionary work this week, it was okay. We have over 20 lessons, which is super good. And found 12 investigators. The only problem was that with Saturday night being New Year's Eve, not a single person came to church the next morning! Christmas was bad but this weekend was worse. I think every single person in Pehuajò was drunk and up until 4 or 5 in the morning drinking.

But our convert Marcela bore her testimony in church! And I forgot to tell you all that she gave a talk last week! She is progressing really well! Yesterday we gave her a copy of the triple combination. We explained that the whole Book of Mormon is IN the triple and she opens to her spot and she's at Alma 28! She's read half the book in a few short weeks. Incredible. It makes me really happy to see someone not only get baptized, but progress and continue learning. The blessings in her life that she has received since her baptism are incredible as well. She used to take care of old people that need a lot of help. She lived in a tiny house on the poor side of town. But now, she has opened up her own practice in a super nice house in downtown! And has two patients that she cares for.

The Lord blesses us when we obey His will. I have seen example after example here. He guides us but He allows us to make our own decisions and outwardly show our desires to follow Him. When we do so, He blesses us in ways we can't imagine. Jesus Christ was the supreme example of that when He submitted to the will of the Father and gave His life, paying the price for our sins and overcoming death. We must strive daily to follow His example and live what He taught.

Thank you for your letters and support!

I love you all.

Elder Ryan Garrison