HELLO

Hello

   

This week was a pretty fun one.  Tuesday I had an intercambio with Elder Cherry.  Hes a short Little redneck from northern Florida.  All he talks about is hunting and fishing and guns.  He also has a republican party calendar is his apartment.  He speaks Spanish with an Argentinian accent and he speaks English with a strong southern accent.  True Redneck.  We had a good day and we were able to teach Jennifer.  Shes doing really good and scolded us because we weren't wearing sunscreen and that our body was a temple and we needed to better care of it.  Shes fully invested. 

   

Also Valentina stays every other weekend with her dad but Jennifer made it so he has to drop her off early Sunday mornings in order to go to church so now Valentina can attend weekly now.  Shes also going to receive a calling next Sunday. 

    

Wednesday we helped some man named Ruben move cement.  We were walking around and we saw a couple trying to move a mountain of wet cement that a truck had given to them for free.  We offered to help.  They refused.  We persisted.  We won.  We started carrying the wet cement into the back yard.  We ran around carrying huge wheelbarrow fulls of cement for almost an hour.  They let us borrow some hats.  Ill attach a picture. They're pretty crazy and the lady has a beard. 

   

Thursday we spent the evening with bishop Castillo and his family.  We watched some videos of Christ then played Jenga.  It was really fun.  They are a nice family. 

   

Christmas day the best part was the Skype call.  It was fun seeing you guys.  Masons still a punk.  But you did a very good job with the call in comparison with Elder Ruperts family.  At first they didn't answer and then he skyped his younger sister and she answered and it turns out they were all napping.  Hes the second to youngest child in a family of 6 children.  He claims to be the forgotten one.  He goes home in two weeks so I think his family didn't make that big of a deal out of the call. 

   

This week we might spend new years eve with the Gibson family.  Valparaios has one of the best firework shows in the world.  They launch Fireworks all up and down the coast of Valpo.  Were trying to get permisión to do a sleep over at Elder and Sister Gibsons house cause they have a great view. 

   

I love you  and I hope you have a good week.  Also I read this talk here.  It is really good.  I invite you to read it. Here's the link : https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/covey-stephen-r_educated-conscience/

Have a good week and a happy new year! Love you guys!

Love

Elder Gardner

CRAZY WEEK

This was an even crazier week.  Tuesday we had interchanges and I worked with a brand new missionary named Elder Ferrari from Rengo Chile.  Hes having knee problems and Valpo is pretty much only steep hills and staircases but we had a fun time working.  Also Thursday I had an interchange with Elder Campbell from Utah.  And friday I had one with Elder Brooks who is also a brand new missionart from Washington.  Then Friday, saturday and sunday there was the concert.  It was really awesome.  It was right next to the beach and the sun was setting when it started and it was an all around great convcert.  I was impressed.  The concert was about an hour and a half and those three nights we didnt get back til around 11.  Im really tired.  Then also today we had an activity.  WE did some skits and played dodgeball and some other games and then ate.  An all around good week but im still tired of buses.  I  ve had to go to Viña 5 days in a row now.  

    

Im excited to Skype you guys.  I should be skyping christmas day at about 4 or 5ish my time.  Im excited to see you guys and to talk to you.  Valpo is pretty Christmasy, a lot more than Los Vilos was.  A lot of houses have lights but the only lights they like here are the brright purple red and blue that flash like crazy.  Also a lot of people have christmas trees in their houses.  Here in Chile they open their presents at midnight instead of going to bed and waking up christmas morning to do so.  

   

Have a good week and remember the meaning of Christmas.  Christmas day there wasnt room in the inns for Christ and we need to make sure that there is aroom for him in our hearts.  Love you guys

Elder Gardner

I'M TIRED OF BUSES

This week was a little crazy .  Last monday we played soccer and tuesday was just a normal day of work.  On wednesday we had a Replica de la Zona.  We talked a lot about the restauración and believing that we can do it.  Also the 21 we are going to have an activity in viña with some other zones for christmas.  Other news is that the 6th of January Elder Texiera is going to visit our misión. 

    

Wednesday after the conference we had to go to Viña for a practice from 5:30 to 8.30.  Then Thursday from 8 to 5 and then the same thing Friday.  Wednesday I just did contacts with another Elder in the center of Viña. Thursday I had to go early drop my companion off,, pick up another Elder called Elder Braithwaite.  Hes new so I had to do his training for him then we ate lunch worked for a couple hours went back to Viña to pick up my companion then came back and we were able to work for about 2-3 hours.   The same happened Friday but this time I had to bring with me Elder Braithwaite and Elder Rolim who also was a new Elder from Brasil.  But long story short there was a medical emergency with Elder Rolim who had a surgery scar open up and we had to go down to the center of Valpo the asistentes came and took him and he ended up having to go back home that same day.  Lots of crazy stuff happened and I spent several hours on a bus each day.  The concert that they are doing is this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Its going to be very professional and I Heard a Little and they are really good.  I think they're even trying to get it broadcasted on TV. 

  

We also made it on the announcement for this week Ill attach it so you can see.  Wednesday Brother and Sister Escobar (moustache man and the lady that gave us cake during the earthquake) went to the temple for the first time and received their endowments and their son got married and sealed to the bishops daughter Saturday.  I'm pretty happy for the Escobar family.   Its true what Blake Murphy said.  Elder Rupert had a pretty serious girlfriend in the beginning of the misión and he said he distracted him a lot and long story short she wrote him off and shes getting married this week.  Come se aparecen una manzana y una novia de un missionero?  Ninguna de las dos es pera.  thats a funny Little Spanish joke.  If you understand it, hats off to you.

  

I love you guys and I miss you guys.  I know that Christ lives.  Have a merry Christmas and Ill write you guys with the Skype information next Monday!

Con amor

Elder Gardner

Feliz Diciembre!

I didnt get transfered wednesday.  I am still in OHiggins with Elder Rupert who will be finishing his misión this change.  Im still here in good ole Valpo.  An interesting about Valpo is that there are a ton of Street performers.  In every intersection there are jugglers and on the buses people get on and sing and play the guitar or rap.  Its quite entertaining. 

  

Jennifer was really happy that I stayed and she asked me to confirm her yesterday which is always a neat experience.  Theyre still doing very well. 

  

Other news this week was that we founf some people carrying pieces of Wood into their propertyy so we offered to help.  We didnt know how much they really had to carry.  We carried a whole house into the backyard.  They are going to build another house for a family member behimnd their house so they bought all the walls and doors and roof and everything and we carried it for them.  It was a lot and it was heavy.  We were able to teach them afterwards and they were very grateful. 

  

I also forgot to tell you a funny thing that happened to me last week.  So on Thanksgiving day (which is not a holiday here)  we were eatring lunch with a member nad we ate chicken with mashed potatos.  We were eating outside because her husband wasnt home.  She put thew plate in front of me and went to go look for something inside and as son as she was out of sight a bird pooped right on my mashed potatos.  I scooped it out ate the rest of the meal like a true thankful man. 

  

Also the other day they gave us a ton of food and I couldnt finish it, and there is an unwriten rule where you have to eat all the food they give you.  My companion helped me out a Little and I was able to hide the remaining piece of meat in my pocket wihtout anyone noticing. Those were the weird stories of this week. 

I love you guys and I hope you have a good week.  Yo se que El Vive y que es nuestro Salvador!  pórtense bien

Elder Gardner

Bro. and Sis. Reynolds saw Colin in Valparaiso and then saw us 2 weeks later in Arizona

BAPTISMS

This was a really good week.  Wednesday Jennifer and Valentina got baptized.  It was the best baptismal service that I’ve had in my misión.  A lot of people came and everything went well.  I’ll attach pictures.  Jennifer also started sharing the góspel and invited her friend to her confirmation.  She’s the best. 

  

We had the first ever Valparaíso Oeste Stake conference this weeknend.  They became a stake in July and they are doing very well.  The conference was pretty good but by far the best part was when Presidente Diaz gave a talk.  He talked about the story of David and Goliath.    First off he shared that before his confrontation with Goliath David had been prepared by the Lord in small ways that were not noticed at that time.  Also that David took 5 stones with him and he talked about what those 5 stones could be in our lives.  He mentioned the scriptures, prayer, church attendance, service and temple attendance.  Also after the conference there were 3 baptisms. 

  

This Wednesday there are changes.  I think that I’ll be leaving.  This has been by far my best sector.  Valparaíso is the best.  There are a lot of good members like Obispo Castillo, Gaston, Jennifer, and tons more that helped us a lot. 

  

One thing I read this morning was the importance of helping others.  Marion G Romney said that if we were to doublé our fast offerings we would able to doublé our spirituality.  These last few changes I have started to donate more.  I have also been able to see more miracles these last few changes and I find that not to be coincidence. 

  

I’m excited for this next change.  I feel like it might be a more challenging change but Im excited.  "Come what may and love it"

love you guys have a good week

love

Elder Gardner

Here is the baptism and a sweet (and a Little crazy) old lady who got baptized a year ago named Gabriela Godoy

BAPTISM WEEK

This was a pretty awesome week.  Last Monday was Valentina’s 11th birthday.  We used the birthday decorations that you sent me that I never really used and we bought some chips and as a present we taught here about the 10 commandments,  She’s a really funny girl.  She seems really shy and innocent but she likes listening to Green Day and some screamo band and she has a hat that says dope poop (but it says another word instead of poop).  The good thing is that she doesn’t understand English.  They passed their baptismal interview Saturday and they are all ready.  Jennifer chose Bishop to baptize her and Valentina chose me. 

   

We’ve started waking up early and playing soccer for exercises.  Today we got Robert, one of our investigators, and Oscar , a less active member thats been coming back, and we played with them.  It was really fun.  Im getting pretty good but sometimes I tend to play futbol like football.  I don’t mean to but I have an instinctual reaction to shove, push and play physically but there are no referees. 

 

Saturday night there was a completo activity.  A missionary just got back from the Cordaba Argenitna misión and they gave him the classic chilean completos as a welcome back.  Jennifer and Valentina both came.  Hma Gibson took a picture of us I attached. 

   

Also Sunday I gave a talk about charity, humility and diligence.  It was a good talk…had to be there. 

   

It was a good week.  I’m really happy to baptize again.  Jennifer already has a very strong testimony.  They’re also really funny.  Have a good week.  I love you guys and by the way there will be 2 surprises coming your way in December.  You’ll like them.  I cannot say more you just have to wait and see. 

 

Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero.  Yo se que Jesucristo vive y nos ama. 

Les Quiero

Elder Gardner 

MY WEEK

Let me start off by telling you some games my companion and I have made up to keep ourselves entertained as we scale Chilean hills.  Number 1:  Bus touch.  The object of this game is to touch the buses as they fly past you.  Points are awarded due to the velocity of the bus and duration of contact made with the bus.  Number 2:  Flower Dump.  The object of this game is to drop a flower on all the dog feces situated on the Street and/or sidewalk.  Points are awarded based on how close the flower lands, distance from where the flower is thrown.  This is our way of trying to beautify the community.  Number 3:  Missionary Mooch Madness.  The object of this game is to try to politely get free food from the members.  Points are not awarded in this game but we do get food. 

   

Jennifer and Valentina are still good with their baptismal dates for the 25th.  TOday is actually the 11th birtday of Valentina.  Also Robert came to church yesterday as well.  He is porgressing but progressing slowly.  

   

We had a really good conference wednesday.  We talked mainly about the Book of Mormon.  What I liked most was how he said the history of the book of mormon can be applied to our dispensation with our current day most closely relating to the book of Heleman. 

   

My companion is in the misión choir and hes been slelcted to sing a solo so we have the spend half our pday in viña so he can sing.  Not the most thing for me but at least it gives me time to write letters to some people who really deserves a letter. 

    

Yesterday for lunch I ate some blood sausage.  It was actually pretty good.  It gave me the necessary proteins to be able to destroy my companion tis morning on some one on one soccer for exercises.  He did not eat the blodod sausage therefore he was destroyed. 

   

Les Amo y espero que tengan una buena semana.  Yo se que Jesucristo y estoy muy agradecido por el hecho que en mi misión mi testimonio ha podido crecer cada dia.  Yo se que el Libro de Mormon es verdadero y cambia vidas.

Cuídense

Elder Gardner

Here is the book of mormon thing

Here is my drawings of the super lesson we had to do to get Valentina up to date with the lessons and here is the Family Escobar.  Weve been working with them a lot and he is going to be ordained an Elder next week and she was the one that gave us cake during the earthquake

JUJUBEES

Another good week.  Tday I went to viña and did all the necessary paperwork in order to get my second visa.  We also played soccer with our zone and we invited one of our investigators Robert and his brother who has some crazy dreds. 

   

Also this Wednesday we are going to have another conference with Presidente Diaz.  And the best news of all is that Jennifer and her daughter Valentina are going to get baptized the 25th!  They are probably my best investigators I have had so far.  The Ward has also helped a lot welcome her and make her feel at home.  Lets just hope and pray that nothing goes wrong before the 25th. 

   

Also we have Marcela who really wants to get baptized and follow Christ.  She is living with a member that's 22 years old named Richard.  They are going to get married the 19th of December.  Yesterday we taught them and she started crying and saying how she really wanted to do things right but she needs help and support and Richards not helping.  Lets help after that slap in the face Richard steps his game up. 

   

We also found this really weird lady.  Shes is very very large and wears a purple hat and she blesses peoples shoes.  People come to her and she prays over the shoes and does some weird aura stuff and takes out all the bad vibes.  I learned a very interesting fact.  Bad jujubees feel like mashed potatoes and the good jujubees have the consistency of kétchup.  It was very strange and Ill tell you more about her later.

    

Saturday morning at about 4 there was a 6.8 earthquake that woke us up but it didn't really do anything.  I Heard they might take hte missionaries out of Cabildo and possibly shut the branch down cause teres so many problems over there.   

  

It seems like every week gets a Little harder, which I'm not sure if its a good thing or a bad thing.  Out here in the misión it does feel like its a real battle.  Its the classic good vs evil that always happens. 

I love you guys and hope you have a good week.  Sean valientes y fuertes!

Elder Gardner

DON'T SMELL THE MILK

We had a pretty awesome week.  We played soccer last Monday and it was a good time.  I wore my cookie monster shirt.  Tuesday we also were able to teach Jennifer. We taught her in the church with her two sons Italo, whose 17 and Valentina whose 10.  Jennifer was crying a lot and I’ve never had a better investigator.  Her son isn’t too interested but the daughter is good.  She is really excited to start doing temple work for her ancestors and we haven’t even taught lesson 1 yet.  She also is Reading the Book of Mormon every night ti her kids and praying with them.  This week she also looked up on the church website what fasting was and did a 24 hour fast on her own and paid a fast offering Sunday. Then she invited her mom and kids to the Ward activity and they came.  Also the stake that I am in was recently formed in July and they are going to do the first stake conference in November and they also want to start a stake choir.  They announced that in church and she wanted to do it so she went to the practice yesterday and  she’s now part of the stake choir. People named Jennifer are the best.

  

As far as Robert goes we haven’t been able to get a hold of him and whenever we call him we just hear bubble noises. It’s weird.  And we put a baptismal date with Camila for the 20th and she was super excited but we heard that later that day she was talking to one of her friends whose a member and we don’t know what she said but now she doesn’t really want to get baptized that much and didn’t come to church. 

   

Friday we had an activity and we had a great time.  A ton of people came.  WE played some games.  The best one was a sack race but instead of it being a normal sack race they had to sit on the sack and scoot along their hindquarters.  it was really funny. Also we made falafel and wore togas.  I’ll send pictures as soon as I get them from one of the members here. 

The milk here just always smells weird here.  It can be brand new not expired milk but it just also smells weird so whatever you do don’t smell the milk.  It tastes good but once smelt you lose desires to drink it. 

  

It was a pretty good week.  Also so you know they do celebrate Halloween.  They do the same thing we do in the states.  Chileans like being Little copycats.  Also I’m glad to hear that you survived the "earthquake"  Now you know how life is in Chile. 

I love you guys and I hope you guys have a great week! Porténse bien esta semana!

Elder Gardner

VALPO

Both Elder Rupert and I are staying here for at least one more change.  We did a lot of service this week weeding peoples yards and exterminating snails.   This week we tried really hard and we usually contact over 100 people each week but nothing happened.  We were able to teach Robert and Camila.  They were both really good lessons.  Also I had an interchange with Elder Leiva who is a Chilean from the south of Chile.  It was a pretty good intercambio. 

  

Long story short we didn’t find anyone in the week so I fasted yet another time.  And Sunday to church showed up a lady named Jennifer.  She brought her 2 kids too and they werent members!  She went to the general conference and also to another ward but she lives within our ward boundaries so she came to our church building and it was a pretty awesome miracle.  We are going to teach them Tuesday.  This is about the 3rd week in a row where we’ve worked really hard and nothing happened, then we fasted and random people that we don’t know show up to church. 

  

Today we are going to play soccer at the church with some other elders and also this Friday we have a ward activity.  It’s going to be really good and I think the members are going to bring a lot of their friends. 

  

Thank you so much for everything.  I love you guys and I know the church is true.  Also make sure you guys fast this weekend.  I know the Lord answers prayers and fasts. 

love

Elder Gardner

Here's a picture of me in my sector and by a monument in the center of Valpo

Valparaíso is full of weird funky creepy graffiti paintings like this

And here's Elder Rupert and I 

I took a picture of a Canadian boat for ya 

ANOTHER WEEK IN THE BAG

Hola todos

This week was a pretty good one.  Monday we went and explored Valparaíso and took a bunch of pictures but i forgot my cámara so ill send them next week.  There are a lot of foreigners and hippies here.  We saw this Australian dude with a pony tail walking around barefoot with a cartoon full of juice.  Livin the chilean dream.

   

That night I started to get sick and ended up getting a sinus infection.  I got some antibiotics and I feel a lot better now.  We didn't have to much success this week until the weekend.  Saturday we were able to find Robert who is not a member but hes taken 4 institute classes.  Hes 26 and hes a really nice guy.  We are going to have a family home evening with him tonight.  Also we taught Camila Riquelme.  Shes the niece of a member and is 20 years old. We taught the good ole como comenzar a enseñar.  Her father is a less active member and they both came to church yesterday.  Shes got a lot of problems but is really happy now.  Two weeks ago she tried to commit suicide.  That really helped her and her dad want to go to church and change. 

   

That Saturday night my companion all of a sudden got a stomach ache and we ran to church so he could go to the bathroom.  He got a little more sick and then finally he blew chunks.  He was freaking out cause hes hardly ever puked before.  Being myself an expert on this topic I introduced him to the puke bucket.  He survived the night.  I also gave him a blessing and we went to church but then he had to go home to rest all day.  I read a lot yesterday, made some pancakes, and then read some more.  Hes doing better now. 

    

They're fixing our apartment now and I don't think we are going to move though.  Well see what goes down.  Wednesday there are changes again.  Cambios are always a mystery.  I'm doing good over here and it has also rained quite a bit this week.  I'm also proud of Aaron's talk about us spooning.  At least he didn't share the time where he forgot his sleeping bag and we had to share one.  True friendship.  

I love you guys and hope you have a good week.  Lets hope we don't get sick this week. 

Yo se que vive Jesucristo.  YO se que estamos en lo correcto.  Les amo mucho.

con amor y un abrazo fuerte

Elder Gardner

ANOTHER CRAZY WEEK

This week was a weird one.  First off this part of Valparaiso is just weird.  They make those strange looking people at Walmart seem normal.  So this week we spent a lot of time trying to find people to teach and find the people that we have been teaching. We couldn't find anyone.  Then all of a sudden our ward mission leader went mentally insane for a couple days.  He got really depressed and strange and just weird for a couple days.  Yesterday he was normal so I think we are good now.  

   

My companion is in the mission choir thinger madooder and they had a practice Friday from 8 to 6.  I dropped him off and then worked with an Elder Cobb from Boise Idaho.  We had a good time.  It also turns out that Hermana Diaz and I have the same birthday.  Presidente and his wife called me later on that day and sung to me.  Friday night we stopped by Gaston to see if you was still weird...and he was.  But he made me a pizza and gave me a cool tie as a present along with some other strange things.  Too be honest my bday was that good and wasn't in a very good mood that day.  

   

We fasted this weekend cause we needed a lot of help, we were both on the edge of giving up...and the fast was answered.  This man named Robert came to church who lives in our area and has been attending institute for about 2 months now and is not a member.  We met him and are going to visit him this week.  Also a member brought her niece who also isn't a member.  That was a miracle that really lifted our spirits.  Also last night we stopped by this young couple.  Shes from Brazil and got back from her mission 2 years ago and he is a convert of about a year and a half and works for the PDI which is the Chilean FBI.  They are now sealed and they made us some good Brazilian food and gave us a couple really awesome references.  

    

Thank you so much for the prackage.  I've already eaten almost all the food.  Also i liked the shirt and the frisbee (although we haven't had time to use it yet).  I think my Oneil has turned me into a U of A fan while I've been on my mission.  

   

This week I've been studying Matthew.  I really liked the similarities between what happened on the mount of transfiguration and the restoration.  I know that the church is true and I love you guys.  

love

Elder Gardner

I AM NO LONGER A TEENAGER

Yup its my birthday week.   Im going to be turning 20 which makes me feel old.  I still feel like a little boy, not at all like a 20 year old.  This week was awesome.  I absolutely loved conference.  I don’t know if it was because it was so much better than all the others or if I was just more prepared for it.  I found it to be quite intense.  This time I was able to watch them all in english which is a lot better.  I loved all the talks but I especially liked the talks by Holland, Bednar, Lawrence, and Uchtdorf. The best was probably President Monson.  I am sure everyone was praying for him at the end and that was the only way he was able to stay standing.  I think it would have been better if Viñas had given his talk in Spanish.  Holland’s talk was so good that I couldnt even take notes.  It was too intense and I’m pretty sure every missionary started crying a little bit, even the 70 year old Elder Gibson. 

  

That one investigator Christian that we have is a mysterious one.  We don’t know whats going on.  He did come to 20 min of conference which was good and we’ll see what happens with him this week.  There was a huge festival in Valpo where people marched all over the place with drums and used it as an excuse to get really drunk and do other bad stuff.  It felt weird leaving the church out into such an atmosphere.  I felt kind of bad for all of them.  Remember that Righteousness is happiness.

  

Also President and the asistants came for interviews finally Sunday morning.  They first told us Tuesday morning that that night at 830 we would have our interview, so we canceled the lessons we had at night only to have them call us and say 930 and then they ended up not coming.  Then they called us Friday to tell us Saturday morning.  Then they called us and told us no.  Then they said maybe Sunday.  They finally come Sunday morning and the interview was good but I felt like they were just going through the motions in order to check it off the to do list.  Plus the asistentes started eating our food.  One thing I’ve learned is the importance of real intent and listening.  It can make all the difference.  Pres Diaz is awesome and he’s still getting adjusted to being a misión president.  It’s been a lot different adjusting to Pres Diaz after Pres Kahnlein. 

  

Just to let you know I just got the package from the zone leaders.  Woohoo. Thanks.  I don’t know what were going to do today.  Probably the usual and we might plan something fun for the following pday. 

  

I am going to download all the talks in order to listen to them again.  I love you and I am grateful for the restoration of the góspel of Jesús Christ because not only do we have prophets and apostles, but we have an eternal family.  love you guys and remember to be an example and a light to the world.  Ya’ll know that I’ll be doing that cause thats what I do…cause I’m a missionary.

I love you all,

Elder Gardner

FASTING, MIRACLES AND DROP KICKING DOGS

The earthquakes have stopped but everyone is saying that a 9.0 or bigger is heading for Valparaiso, but im not sure if i believe them.  Its been a pretty calm week as far as natural disasters go.  Let me start off tellling yall a little story.  It had been 2 weeks since we had been able to find a new investigator.  We were contacting a ton of people and asking for references and the whole shaboodle.  And we found absolutely nobody.  We were starting to get kind of unmotivated so we decided to contact every single peron we saw in the street and fast.  SO thursday, friday and Saturday we hardly taught lessons and we just talked to everyone...and let me tell you there are some crazy people here.  There were a lot of people that we were on drugs and drunk and there was one crazy guy that lets just saay had the body language of an ork and tried to peak english with me and they he just started staring at me really weird and then just walked away.  That was kind of creepy.  We couldnt find anyone.  

   

One day we were walking down this hill and I was walking in front of my companion when all of a sudden a dog flies out of nowhere rips the jacket that my companion had in his arms and then started trying to eat Elder Rupert.  He was using his bag as a shield and luckily the owner was close by and came running over. MY companion starts kicking the dog and i start winding up to dropkick it.  I was in full attack mode and i charged at the dog but the owner was able to grab the dog first.  The owner felt really bad but it we lived.  My companion only suffered damage to his little bag.  I really wanted to kick that little guy.  I've learned to really not like dogs.  

    

So back to my first story....We were trying really hard and we were able to contact this one cool guy and give him a book of Mormon and we had a lesson set up for Saturday afternoon.  We prayed a lot so that we would be there and be receptive.  We started fasting after lunch Saturday so that we would be able to find someone that could be baptized soon.  Then at 5 we stopped by Cristian. He was a 20 year old single dad with a 3 year old son.  We had started reading the book of mormon and he loved our message about the gospel of Jesus Christ and accepted an invitation to be baptized the 11th.  We then hoped he would come to church the next day.  He arrived about 15 minutes early (which is unheard of here)  He stayed for the 3 hours he loved it.  The members did an awesome job and he made a bunch of friends and hes even going to go and help the Elders Quorum clean the church next week.  It was a pretty awesome miracle.  That fast was also super hard.  After church we were walking back to the apartment to end the fast at about 2 in the afternoon.  We were so low on energy we almost didn't make it up the hill to our apartment.but it was definitely worth it.  

In the mission I have been able to receive a testimony of the power of the fast.  I'm so glad I have because I have been able to be receive blessings and increase my faith.  I know that Christ lives and loves us and I'm so grateful for my mission and all the things I've been able to learn and change here.  I love you guys and I hope you have a good week!  

Elder Gardner

TERREMOTO

So Wednesday night at about 8 we were teaching a lesson to this family who’s preparing to go to the temple cause their son is going to get married.  We had just finished teaching when all of a sudden it started to rumble.  Usually they only last 3 seconds but it just kept going.  My companion and I didn't really know what to do so we just kind of sat there.  The dad of the family which is this manly guy with a mustache didn't move either.  The mom started to panic a little and she started running around and stuff.  After a minute we were like yeah we should probably do something so we stood underneath door way.  The street looked like a wave and street lights looked like wiggly pool noodles.  It kept going and going people were running around and screaming.  We were in one of the most dangerous spots of my sector upon on the hill and they were druggies running around screaming.  The mom continued to panic and run around and also she pulls a cake out of the fridge and starts cutting and still freaking out she starts giving us all a piece of cake.  It lasted 3-4 minutes then it stopped then afterwards the huge siren came on saying TSUNAMI TSUNAMI PREPARESE!  TSUMANI TSUMANI PREPARE YOURSELF! We were on the hill far away from the beach soo we weren't scared.  The siren kept on going.  Everyone ran from the central to the hills.  Then the siren started saying TSUNAMI TSUNAMI EVACUAR.  Then buses chuck full of people were flying up to the top.  Cars were flying everywhere and people were running.  WE didn't know what to do so we went inside this small store and bought an empanada and kind of hid out in there. A lot of people called us to make sure we were alright.  The damage wasnt bad in our sector, but the epicenter was in Illapel which which is close to Los VIlos.  Los Vilos, Illapel, Tongoy and Coquimbo got hit the worst.  Also I heard that Cabildo and la Ligua were hit pretty bad but they are not close to the beach so there wasn't a Tsunami.  Also parts of Viña which is right next to us were hit with a Tsunami.  Ever since then there have been about 100 small earthquakes,  the worst is when they're in the night and they wake you up.  Also yesterday morning another Earthquake that was a 6.0 on the Richter scale hit Los Vilos again.  Apparently experts have been saying that that there was going to be an earthquake for a while but no one did anything and they also say an even bigger one is on its way.  

   

You would think that such a thing would call them to repentance but it didn't really work.  They just brag about how they are so prepared for earthquakes and how an earthquake of that magnitude usually destroys other countries but not Chile.  Then the most important day in Chile the 18th of September, everyone was getting drunk in the street.  Thursday we ate lunch with a family and they gave us this soup thing that had a chunk of really fat meat which I found out later was horse.  We were eating when it got stuck in my throat (I’ve inherited the choking problem from Mom I think).  I still could breath so I thought i just need to take a swig of this fanta and it’ll go right down...but it didn't go right down.  I couldn't breath and started to choke.  There was someone taking a shower in the bathroom so i couldn't go there and i didn't want to blow chunks on my food so i resorted to my old tactics and just puked in a pile of paper towels.  The soda came up but the horse meat stayed there but after a little while it came up.  Luckily the lady that was giving us food was in the kitchen and some old grandpa was asleep so no one some me other than my companion.  I then continued eating as if nothing had happened and i downed the rest of the horse meat proving myself to be more manly than the horse flesh.  

   

We had a BBQ the 18th that was really good and there was a stake activity the 19th that was fun ther was a ton of food but we were fasting so we weren't able to indulge ourselves with the customary Chilean cuisine. Presidente is making sure we are really prepared if there's another earthquake and i wouldn't be surprised if there was to humble the people here.  But have no fear for the Lord our God is with us.  It was a pretty fun week.  I hope now that all my converts in Los VIlos decide to go to church.  WE have interviews next Tuesday with presidente in our apartments which is kind of bad because our pension is kind of missing a couple walls now due to the fungus and earthquakes....well see what we can do....

   

I love you guys.  Have a good week and be safe.  Also what exactly did they say on the news about the earthquake and on a scale of 1-10 how worried were you?  I think President let us write on Friday cause he was rited of all the moms calling him. In the mission i have really found a love for the Book of Mormon.  Make sure you read it every day!

love

Elder Gardner  

WHAT'S UP

There were cambios this week and I have a new companion.  His name is Elder Rupert and hes from Indiana and whenever he tells people that say "Indiana Jones?".  Hes really cool and funny and we get a long great and hes a solid missionary.  I also was able to talk to Elder Groneman, my companion from the MTC who is now in Cabildo.  He told me that Ivan is doing really well and attending church every week and also Miguel, the husband of Hermana Medel  got baptized.  She was a really funny sister in my last ward who was a little inactive.  She was the only member in her family and at one point she as the relief society president but she felt rreally unmotivated and lonely sometimes.  We worked a lot with her and her husband and he finally got baptized!  

   

In my sector right now we have Benjamin and Monica which just need to be strengthened and they are ready to be baptized.  Also the Ana lady that we found really wants to be baptized and we put a baptismal date with her butsince theres always trial in life the day afterwards her sister got sick and she had to leave town.  

   

Today we are going to play soccer.  This week is SEpt 18th which is there independence day so they are going to be pertying from Thursday toSundayt and they are going to give us a ton of food.  And to answer your question i didnt make the cut for the Voice Viña del Mar but my companion Elder Rupert did.  

  

Les quiero y que tengan una buena semana.  Yo se que esta es la iglesia verdadera.  Recuerden del poder del ayuno y la oracion.  Chao chao

Elder Gardner

HOLA!

it was a nice normal week in Valparaiso.  In the first part of the week it was really hot but the last couple of days have been cold and rainy.  Today we had to go to Viña for the visa of my companion.  I saw Elder Stayner today too in Viña and was able to talk to him.  Also today Elder Pinillos leaves.  

    

The conference with Elder Viñas was good.  First Presidente Diaz talked a lot about the Sacrament and the importance of it.  I think that was my favorite part.  THen ELder Viñas talked about the importance of helping our converts remain active and help the men recieve the priesthood.  He also talked about character and it was pretty good.  

   

Friday we had an intercambio with the zone leaders.  I was eith Elder Swindler from Utah.  Hes a really good guy and we had a good time.  We taught one of their investigators and her sister was there.  Her sister knew a lot about the church and knew it was true and is even living the word of wisdom but isnt a member and we found out she leaves in my area.  We are going to start teachinh.  Other than that we havent really seen much progress this week.  

    

Thanks for your emails I love you guys.  Have a good week.  I know that Christ lives and loves us.  Remember to always prayer and read and try your hardest.  Love you 

Elder Gardner

MY WEEK IN VALPO

This week was a busy and good week yet again.  Last monday we actually were able to play soccer with a few other Elders in our zone.  We played for a couple hours in the soccer court behind the church.  IT was pretty fun.  

    

Tuesday we had to go to Viña cause my companion was hidding an iPad in his suitcase....Im getting sick and tired of being with problematic companions.  He also never gets up and is very very prideful. Hes the district "leader" and his dads a mission president and he thinks hes all that and that the rules dont apply to him.  I dont understand why people are like that.  Sometimes i just have to go inside my tent and chillax to keep from breaking commandment number 6 of the 10 commandments.  im getting pretty sick of having to deal with this but theres changes next week.  I must endure to the end.  

   

Wednesday was freezing cold and raining and then Thursday until now has been burning hot.  The weather here is crazy and bipolar.  MY companion also is having back problems so we went Friday and saturday to Viña to a doctors appointment for him.  

   

Yesterday at church only Monica attended.  She is still not sure if she wants to get baptized.  Gabriel and Luis didnt come so there will be no baptismal party next Sunday .  But in September there will be a party. 

  

Wednesday we have a conference in Viña with Elder Viñas hahaha.  Hes a member of the 70.  IT should be nice and cool to hear from him.  

     

I love you and i hope you have a good week.  I really liked the pictures with the cardboard cutout of me.  I also heard that JAke Brown is here in Chile too in Santiago.  Thats awesome haha.  Behave yourselves and make me proud!

Elder Gardner

HOLA

This week was a normal and good week.  This week we found a really good new investigator named Leandro,  Hes a 12 year old boy and his mom and older sister are inactive members. THe mom at first wasnt very receptive but we shared the plan of salvation and she opened up a lot more and showed a lot of interest.  He wasnt able to attend church but he should be getting baptized in a matter of weeks.

   

It was nice to have a week without rain.  We were able to find more people and teach more lessons.  We had 2 investigators attend church.  One of them is Monica Carrera.  Her daughter is a member and we thought she was too at first.  Shes come to church twice but we have only been able to teach her 1.  She loves the church and gets along well with all of the members.  There are no fights in this ward.

   

We also have this little crazy kid named Luis.  Hes 8 and we were trying to teach him yesterday but he didnt pey to much attention cause he only wanted to fly his kite.  So we should be having some baptisms in the near future here.  

   

WE got a new bishop here to in O Higgins.  He just moved into the ward 2 months ago and hes awesome.  Obispo CAstillo, or in englosh its bishop Castile.  Nothing too exciting happened this week and it was a good solid week.  Maybe this week therell be more adventures.  

I hope you guys have a good week and remember that I love you guys.    I konw that Christ lives and that he loves us.  

Elder Gardner

HOLA HOLA

sup everyone

  

This week was a good week.  We have 3 investigators that are reallyclosedto being baptized.  We have Monica who has already been to church 3times.  All we have to doisteach herall the lessons.  Wehaventbeen ableto teaachher at all but she should be getting baptized the 6th of September.  Also we have Gabriel.  He is a 19 year old boy who has a mohawk.  If he goes to church next sunday he too can be baptized the 6th.  And wehave the little munchkin Luis who if goes next sunday will be joining the baptism party the 6th.  

   

Sunday I gave a talk in church aoutthe plan of salvation and also taught gospel principles class. The ward here is a lot bigger.  when it was raining 44 attended.  Last week 113 and yesterday 90 attended  WE also got anew mission leader.  THis is going to be the first time in my mission that illhave amission leader thats activeand will work with us.  His name his Gaston.  

   

Also the other day after teaching Luis he taught us how to fly kites.  IT was suprisingly pretty hard.  My kite broke...  

   

WE are also seeçarching for a new apartment cause the one we have now isfalling apart and there is a lot of fungus.  WE found a brandnew apartment thats really nice.  Another interesting thingis that this is the first sector where elevators exist.  ITs crazy.   Other than that it was a nice normal week.

    

To answer your question Pdays we dont really do much.  We write emails, buy food, eat, and do all that we need and take a nap sometimes.  We cant leave our zone and unless we have permission from president we cant do anything together as a zone.   

I love you guys and i know that God loves you too.  Remember to feed yourself spiritually every day.  Have a good week!!!!

ELder Gardner

I turned my bed into a tent so I could be more like Lehi and here is a picture my companion took of me
diligently keeping my records while I wear my poncho

Here is a picture of Valpo

I AM A BEARDED "HURRICANE" TESTED MAN

It seems like everyweek in the mission gets a little bit crazier so allow me to tell you the adventures of this week.

   

First off last pday the secretary told us that we had to go to Viña so that my companion could do his visa.  So we went and when we arrived it turns out that he called the wrong Elder Morales..  But while we were in Viña we found una tienda gringa with a bunch off food from the united states.  I bought some Cadbury eggs and chocolate truffles and we also bought warheads to give to the Chileans cause they aren't used to really sour food and its funny to watch them eat it.  

   

Tuesday and Wednesday were normal days ut then Thursday was when the adventure began.  Several weeks ago the members of Chile fasted for rain cause they've had a drought for about 10 years.  And Wednesday night, Thursday morning a huge storm, which they claim was a stage 1 hurricane, hit Valparaiso.  It rained and rained and rained. and the rains came tumbling down in the city that i love. There was also a lot of wind.  The power went out and also the water stopped working.  We went 3 days without water or light and we studied in the morning using candles. We recently got water and electricity last night.  I wasn't able to shave for 3 days and i pretty much had a beard.  My beard growing ability has increase seven fold in the mission and i am proud of that newly discovered ability that i have.  During these days we still had to work but it was really hard to find people cause everyone was running around trying to fix their windows and roofs which were breaking.  We pretty much walked in the rain for 3 days straight.  

   

We were able to help one of our investigators Gabriel fix his house.  A year and a half ago there was a huge fire and his house burned down so now hes living in a small little house on top of a big hill.  WE went to go see him and he and his family and cousins we one the roof trying to fix the roof.  We helped him for a little bit. The only bad thing was that hardly anyone came to church Sunday. 44 people came and the crazy thing was that the entire family which numbered 14, of a member who died a year ago came.  So that was really cool.  

   

Other than that its pretty normal here  Only the two blocks closest to the shore were badly damaged and only about 5 people died.  It wasn't that bad of a storm really.  The monsoons are a lot worse in Arizona,  But it was a fun week none the less.  I got a little sick from being in the rain all day but its all good in the hood.  I like Valparaiso there are a lot of good members in this ward.  And it was cool to see how the Lord answered the fast. There hasn't been rain like this in about 10 years.  Im fine and our apartment lived.  

I love you guys and i hope you guys have a good week and remember to OLA (orar, leer y asistir) or pray read and go to church.  Be safe be smart Jacob 6 12.

Elder Gardner

PARA PARA PARADISE!

Esta semana voy a escribir en español porque es mas fácil para mi.  El Martes pudimos bautizar a Ivan pero casi no pasó.  El Lunes en la noche nos llamó para decirnos que quería cambiar su fecha porque su esposa se cayó y su tobillo se hinchó.  Así que fuimos a su casa y hablamos con él y decidió a bautizarse igual y me pidió que bautizara a él.  Fue super bueno el servicio bautismal y vinieron muchos miembros de su familia.  Lamentablemente solo algunos miembros llegaron.  Pero bueno se bautizó choro mono.  

El miércoles hubo cambios.  Ahora estoy en Valparaiso.  ES muy muy diferente que Cabildo.  Mi compañero ahora es un Mexicano de Monterrey.  Se llama Elder Morales.  Es chistoso y divertido y nos llevamos bien.  Mi sector es puro cerros.  Tenemos que subir y bajar escaleras todo el día.  Tengo piernas de piedras ahora.  Valparaiso es una de las ciudades mas grande en Chile.  Así fui del sector mas chico al sector en la ciudad mas grande en la misión.  

   

Voy a mandarles fotos.  Estoy animado por estar aquí en el barrio O`Higgins en Valparaiso.  

    

Quiero decirles que les amo y espero que tengan una buena semana.  Espero que también puedan entender este correo.  Muchas gracias por todo.  Yo se que vive Jesucristo y que la meta en nuestras vidas debe ser el templo.  Yo se que la familia puse ser eterno.  La próxima semana voy a escribir en ingles así que no os preocupéis.  Les amo Cuídense mucho Chao!!!

Elder Gardner

ZONE CONFERENCE

I'M ALIVE!

I’m doing a lot better now.  I was sick til about Tuesday but the mission nurse gave me permision to take an hour and a half nap after lunch and I had to go to bed an hour early.  That was fun.  As far as things are going in Cabildo we had to reschedule the baptism of Ivan to Tuesday.  So tomorrow at 7 he will be baptized.  

   

Nothing too exciting happened this week.  It was just usually work.  Saturday we taught a guitar class.  Its been a long time since I’ve played the guitar, but I still managed to strum a few beautiful tunes.  Afterwards there was an activity and they made picarrones.  They forgot about the last batch and they started to burn and the church filled with smoke.  Sunday we had 3 investigators come to church.  Ivan, Miguel (the husband of hermana medel) and Josefa.  It was a good day of church.  There were no fights.  

   

We’ve been having a hard time finding Amanda and teaching her and she hasn’t gone to church in almost 2 months now so lets see what happens this week with her.  

   

Right now we are currently in viña cause we had to go take care of Elder Pinillos visa.  I just saw Austin Webster and we talked for a little bit.  We are going to go eat at a place called Guaton.  They’ve got huge hamburgers...like man vs food sized.  We have cambios this week and lets see if I go or if I stay another 6 weeks.  I’ve been in Cabildo for 6 months already so lets see if I go or if I have to keep on fighting the good fight in Cabildo. 

Sounds like you guys are having a good summer without me.  Every public school in Chile has been on strike for over 2 months now.  SO they’ve had a nice winter vacation.  Everyone is upset about this cause they might all have to be held back a year.  They also have to wear school uniforms here too so don’t complain about school over there hahaha.   Have a good week.  I love you guys and have a good week!!

Elder Gardner

ps theres a smelly man next to me singing 

THE CABILDANO ADVENTURE CONTINUES

Every week gets more and more interesting here in Cabildo.  Tuesday we went to Quillota for the zone conference.  WE finally got to meet Presidente Diaz.  Hes super nice and he used to be the president of Institute and seminary in Santiago so it felt like i was in seminary again.  We also had short little interviews withhim afterwards.  He told me in my interview that my spanish was really good and i should start studying another language now.  Theyre a lot different than Presidente Kahnlein but hes still awesome.  He used to be the goalie for la U which is one of the best soccer teams in Chile.  And i did finally get my package!!!!   THanks for the football.  I also really liked the shirts you sent me.  two thumbs up to you mom!

    

Then on Thursday we had to go the la Puerta for lunch.  On the way there we were waiting at the bus terminal and they asked us where we were going and then they said this bus was heading there even though the sign said LA Ligua.  We got on the bus and asked the bus driver if they were heading to las Puertas and he said yes so we got on.  Then as the bus left it started heading in the opposite direction.  So I stood up to go ask and I knocked on the door of the bus driver and just after the third knock the bus hit on the brakes and I flew forward and opened the door violently with my head.  My hands were full so I couldn't catch myself and I did a full face plant against the door.  I opened the door so loudly that I scared everyone on the bus. I then politely asked if they were going la Puertas and they said ohhhh no I thought you meant the other Puerta.  SO we got off and as we got off the cobrador told me where to go to catch a taxi and he called me a chorro, which pretty much means thug.  So now everyone thinks I'm a thug.  

   

It was a holiday that day too so when we were heading back to Cabildo we were waiting at the famous bus stop at la vega. We were waiting for about 30 minutes and nothing had passed.  Then turns around the corner a huge dump truck and the husband of one of our investigators was driving and he gave us a ride back.  It was my first time ever riding in a dump truck.

  

Then Saturday I started feeling sick.  I tried working but at about 5:00 in the afternoon I couldn't go on anymore so we went back to the house and called the mission nurse.  She told me that a bunch of missionaries were getting a stomach flu and she gave me permission to rest that day.  I then slept and threw up.  I hardly slept at all that night it wasn't a very good night for Elder Gardner.   I then woke up Sunday and after 2 priesthood blessing I finally had enough strength to go to sacrament meeting.  All the members tried to take me to the hospital but I wouldn't let them take me.  I only lasted about to just after the sacrament then we went home and I passed out and I just woke up a couple of hours ago.  I feel a lot better after having slept for over 20 hours straight.  I still cant eat and haven't eaten anything since lunch Saturday but I feel a whole lot better. 

  

The good news is that Ivan came to church and he's getting baptized Sunday.  Welp that was my week.  Lets hope I don't ever get sick again in Chile cause getting sick stinks.  I love you (ESPECIALLY  YOU MOM!)  

Love 

Elde Gardner