Well... that's it. The last week
came and went in the blink of an eye. (Sent on Dec 2)
What a way to go out. We had a
mission leadership council on Monday with Elder Cornish in Arecibo. A great
meeting, and we learned a lot. That evening we had a sweet lesson with that
family we've been teaching, and we taught about tithing. The mom committed to
live it, which was the only thing holding her back from baptism, and so we set
the goal for this past Saturday. On Tuesday, we were in Ponce for their zone
conference, and then likewise Wednesday in Mayagüez, and Thursday in Caguas.
Finally, on Friday we could go back to work. We visited some less actives, but
our focus was on the mom of that family.
She was baptized on Saturday,
November 30, 2013. In case you don't remember, that is exactly 2 years from the
day I set foot in the MTC and began my mission. That's pretty incredible.
 |
| Baptism! |
It was a sweet baptismal service,
and we all felt the spirit. It was wonderful. Not many missionaries have that
joy of being able to baptize their last week in the mission.
Yesterday was also a wonderful
day. The confirmation was sweet. Saying goodbye to the members was sad, but
knowing we'll see them on Friday made it not so hard. They have no idea we're
coming, it'll be great. :)
 |
| I sold the Black Pearl |
Yesterday this man just showed up
to church, looking for God. We set an appointment with him for the afternoon.
We taught him and he accepted a baptismal date for Dec. 21st. A different
man had called us on Saturday, and wanted us to visit him. So we went up to the
campo way up in the mountains and taught him. He accepted a baptismal date for
Dec. 28th. A good way to go out I think. :)
When I think about my mission,
it's impossible not to smile. It was incredible. It was a blessing. I saw
miracles before my eyes, and witnessed the hand of God working not only in my
life, but in the lives of those that I love.
My testimony has strengthened.
I'm still not perfect; far from it, actually. However, I at least know where
the path is that I need to follow.
Jesus Christ lives. He is the
path. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. He atoned for our sins that we may
repent and be clean. He called Joseph Smith to be a prophet, and through him,
the Lord restored His church and His authority. The Book of Mormon is true.
President Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God, and those who deny it or say
otherwise will suffer the consequences that come from persecuting God's
prophets. This is the true church. I know it, and I love it. :) In the name of
Jesus Christ, amen.
I'll see you tomorrow. Get ready
for some big hugs. :)
I love you all.
Elder Kimball Ray Gardner
Puerto
Rico San Juan Mission
 |
| Hello little sister, Mom and Dad |
Note from the Editor: We arrived in Puerto Rico on Monday 2 Dec, Elder Gardner took us all over the island and we visited with some of the most amazing people. We've seen how much they love our son. We are very thankful that they took care of him. We go through life with the hope of meeting some friends we got separated from when we crossed the veil: we met some of them during this trip. We won't forget them. Thank you again.
