Letter Sent on May 21, 2012

 

Dear Dear Family:),

Things are going good here in Battambang! This week has been an exciting one for me with having a new companion and all and sending Elder Nebeker off. I love Elder Nebeker so much and am thankful for all that he did for me and all he taught me.

It was weird and sad saying bye and sending him off to Phnom Penh on Wednesday.  I went down to the city on Friday with Elder Sin and Elder Khlot who are both going to new areas.  I will sure miss them!  But yeah anywho, we rode the bus for like 6 hours there and then went to the mission home to meet our new companions.  My new companion's name is, Elder Jensen! He is from Fort Collins, Colorado; and he has been out for just over a year now.  He is our new District leader.  He is very organized, and he's a nice guy!  

There were 23 missionaries that came in which is a TON.  Twelve of them are Sister Missionaries and before that we had...8. hah:) The work here is definitely growing and it's really exciting.  We actually got another set of Sister Missionaries in Battambang and they are in our branch which is really exciting as well!  

One of the best parts of going to the city was that I got to meet up with most of my group from the MTC which was so great!  I haven't seen pretty much all of them for 3 months since I haven't been to Phnom Penh since I first got here.  It was really great talking with them and especially Elder Barney and just seeing them and how they are doing.  You definitely have a special connection with the group of missionaries were your district in the MTC, cause we are all in the same place going through similar things.

Elder Nebeker and I had a really cool experience last week; We had a referral that we had contacted and had set an appointment to meet...and was pouring rain really really strong. We were soaked. And so we met our member help under this big gas station canopy where she was waiting for us to go and help teach.  And when we got there this guy, Croy, came up to us and asked, "Are you Mormons?" and we told him that, "As a matter of fact we are!" and he then told us that his mom is a member in Phnom Penh and had told him about the church and encouraged him to look into it.  However, he didn't know where it was and he said he had been looking around for us and he found us! It was a really cool experience being led to him-as he was seeking shelter from the rainstorm at the gas station too-and it just strengthens my testimony that we may not know where all of God's children are; but, I know that He does and that He love us all one by one.

He came to church with his wife and son this Sunday and we met him and his wife that night and he is going to continue to keep learning, another incredible miracle.

Things are going well, it's a change being the one who knows the area and having to take charge a lot of the time until Elder Jensen becomes more used to it.  It's stretching and humbling.  Plus we have 2 new American Elders in our zone-it's really weird not being the youngest one anymore...there's actually a group under me-crazy! It makes me feel even more of a need to work hard and to be a good example! Things are going well.

As always, thank you so much for your love and prayers.  I am so thankful for you.  And I cannot express that enough.

Okay I'd better get going-I love you!

Love,

Elder Garlick

Pics; The District President's fam! Elder Nebeker and I love them so much, they were the last members we met with before he left. Incredible family.  Elder Sin bought this yummy treat for at a bus stop.. They made me try some.. haha:) They actually were pretty yummy! haha, only in Cambodia.. They had a mothers day program yesterday! Real neat. Don't know why it wasn't last week? haha, but here is a picture we took afterwards of all the women in the branch!  Another picture of our house.  Me and Elder Jensen! A picture from mine and Elder Khlot's photo shoot a few weeks back.  Probably my favorite missionary yet, Elder Monkey!:)

Letter Sent on May 14, 2012

Dear Family,

Things are going good here in Battambang!  We had a baptism this past week and that was really great; the investigator's name was Viilai and she is awesome.  Elder Nebeker baptized her and afterwards she bore a very powerful testimony.  It is so great to see her now as a full fledged member, she has such a sincere desire, is so strong, and is just the epitemy of a "golden investigator".  She is going to do some great things in the Church and in her life!  I am so grateful to be able to see the change in her life and her desire to share this with her family.

We seem to have a smaller pool of investigators right now but we have a lot of really great potential investigators that we are going to start meeting and I am excited as I feel that we will continue to see some exciting things here in Battambang!

When I was with Elder Oleson on an exchange in his area on Friday we witnessed a couple of miracles.  One thing that we had decided to do was strive to pray periodically throughout the day together and keep the Lord involved. We had taught a lesson and then another lesson had fallen through and we went just a little ways down this dirt path where it was nice and quiet to say a prayer together.  And after we did we just went riding down the path to maybe contact some people and see what was down the road and when we got to the end a short ways down it ended at this house and there was a guy laying in a hammock and he came and talked to us and it turns out it was a less-active member! Elder Oleson had been looking for him but didn't have any info but his name, baptism date, and a very vague address.  He had asked members too but couldn't find him..till that day!  We got his phone number and had a good little chat with him. We were definitely led to him.   It was pretty incredible.  And we were sure to say another prayer of gratitude afterwards!

We later were contacting and coming out of a contacting slump for the day and we just felt like we should contact this older man and nothing too special happened-but it seems like the first contact of the day is always the hardest; after that we were in the contacting mode and started going down the street and felt like we should talk to another man who was interested and scheduled an appointment with him, then we continued contacting and the next three people we contacted seemed prepared, ready, and had an interest in learning more, we scheduled appointments with them all as well.  All of these people were within like 50 feet of each other and it was so cool seeing how we were led to them.  2 of them even came to church a few days later.  It was very neat to see how the Lord led us to those who were ready and prepared.  This just strengthened my testimony of the simple power of prayer and also that the Lord truly does know where each of his children are-we don't, but if we will listen, He will guide us to them.

Elder Nebeker will be going home this week.. I will miss him!  We have grown to be good friends. And I am so appreciative of all that he has done for me and for all of his love and teachings.  He is very patient to put up with me!  I have learned so much from him and he has got me off to a great start here in Cambodia.  I love him and will miss him.

I love this scripture in Alma 56:45-48; "Therefore what say ye, my sons, will ye go against them to battle?..even so they said unto me:  Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth..they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."  I love this story and the incredible example of these Stripling Warriors and most of all I love and am grateful for my moms who have taught me and helped make me who I am today.

Well know that I am doing well and that it was super sweet being able to talk to you all, I am glad that all is going well!:)  I love you. a. lot. And I guess I'll talk to you later! haha, Have another great week! And Happy Mothers Day! Personally, probably the best one I've had yet, hah:)

Love,

Elder Garlick

Pics; Our investigator named Cet who is actually just moved to a place called Kambung Cam, we'll be giving his number to the missionaries there so he can continue learning; Viilai, she's pretty short huh? She's great!; A bunch of our friends!; Our investigator Bong Da had a baby!; Elder Khlot will be leaving to another area this week-I love this Elder!; Elder Nebeker-Ditto; Puu Sokciat(investigator) and Srei Doic's(recent convert) family; Puu Sarin and Ming Siinaa's (investigator)family. 

Letter Sent on May 7, 2012

 

Things are going good here in Battambang! This past I was on an exchange with Elder Sin and Elder Khlot for a few days while our companions were away learning how to become better leaders at a Leadership Conference in Phnom Penh.  It was a good exchange and I love these two elders very much.  It was humbling and good for me when we were in my area and taking the lead and be the senior companion for a bit.  I feel like exchanges really help me grow.  Elder Sin became really sick on Thursday and we ended up taking him to the hospital and he got some help with really bad stomach cramps he came home and rested the rest of the day.  But he was still in a lot of pain and so he went back to the hospital and it turns out he has salmonella poisoning and kidney stones...yeah not fun I felt really bad for him! But it was a good exchange and we had a lot of fun together, we went and supported the family of an incredible member who passed away this past week at the funeral. I mentioned her in my last email I believe.  It was one of the best funerals I've been to and I am so thankful for the Plan of Salvation. One of you was telling me about how precious life is and how blessed we are to have the gospel and the knowledge that we have, I couldn't agree more and that is something that has become so much more clear to me and my testimony has been strengthened a lot. Thanks pal:)

This week has been good with Viilai, we were able to finish teaching all the lessons for her and go through the baptismal questions and she is having her interview for baptism this Wednesday and her baptism is on Saturday. She is super prepared and truly is a "golden investigator" she just listens so intently and she does the simple things that we ask her to do. Pray, read the Book of Mormon every day, and go to church.  It just is so cool how as she does those things she grows so much and she has spiritual experiences.  I feel like I need to help my investigators feel the Spirit and as they do they will hopefully develop a desire to have more experiences like that. I think I remember hearing from Elder Scott in conference that desire opens the door to revelation and I feel that helping the investigators really desire to know and keep commitments will truly help them progress. She also told us that her teacher just isn't teaching on Sundays anymore because he doesn't have enough students which she figured out soon after she prayed and felt that she could keep this commandment.  Such a miracle.  There are so many simple miracles in our lives every day.
It seems like every day is a battle and so many people need to be strengthened it seems like all the members and investigators need help and sometimes it can seem overwhelming.  It is crazy going from a ward in Utah that has members that have been members for generations coming here where the church is so new.  There is a lot to be taught but the members here are incredible and I know that with the Lord all things will work out:)  I have much to learn and need to lean on Him more.  I feel like I need to do better at achieving personal goals, not just making the goals but mastering the principles of achieving goals.  I just need to learn to focus better on goals and be more committed which is what I plan to do.
The language has really taken a big click this week and I have noticed the hand of the Lord in helping me read, speak, and understand so much better,(however, I still have a long way to go!!:) I have some people that tell me I really know Khmer well and others will tell me straight up that I don't know it good at all.  So I'm not sure what to think:) The Khmer people are really super blunt which I kinda like..sometimes:)  Maybe being with 2 Cambodian companions for a few days helped a lot.  I feel so blessed and I know that the Lord has helped me so much and I can testify that I have had divine help in learning all that I have.  I still have so much to learn though..which is good though I don't want to become too "comfortable".
An amazing talk that is definitely worth checking out is "Faith-the Choice Is Yours" by Bishop Richard C. Edgley.  It is one of my favorite talks on faith.  He talks about how we have the choice to choose faith always and it is up to us.  He says, "I wish to suggest a single choice-a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all.  That choice is faith.  Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort..So I say, choose faith.  Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism..Yes, faith is a choice, and it must be sought after and developed. Thus, we are responsible for our own faith.  We are also responsible for our lack of faith.  The choice is yours." I love this so much and I want to strengthen my faith even further.  I feel like I used to think, "Well I don't have a choice in my faith or I can't help it if I have a doubt.."but those thoughts are from the adversary and we can always choose faith and choose to strengthen our faith.  Something cool I have learned and am still working to apply I hope that that maybe means something to you too.
Anywho, know that I am doing great! Probably the happiest I've been so far since I've been here.  I feel that this week has been a big turn in my mission and my attitude and as I continue to move forward I know that things will keep getting better.  I love you so much and thanks for all of your love, support, emails, and most of all prayers.  It means a lot.
Love,
Elder Garlick

Pics: A monkey!! I was scared to get to close because Elder Sin was telling me that it bites...haha! When it opens it's mouth like that it means it wants to bite.. serious.  Elder Khlot, Elder Sin, and Me on a tuk tuk (pretty much a trailer welded to the back of a moto) We got poured on.  The sisters.  A picture of right now, I went and stood in the rain right outside the internet shop, in case you were wondering what it looks like right now.

Letter Sent on April 30, 2012

How are you? I'm doing good!
This week was a good one; another good ol' week:)  Well there was a day this week were it was the hottest day of the year for Cambodia and Battambang was the hottest city and it got up to like 41 degrees Celsius, which is approximately 105.8 degrees Fahrenheit. Yeah, Khnom cong ngoab! I wanted to die! haha.  It was probably the hottest day of my life.  But it's all good I feel like I am really used to the weather here now, it's weird to think about snow or chilly weather:)
This week we have had some really great experiences with investigators.  We have an investigator named Om Sarin that we were reviewing about prophets with and talking about choosing the right and how prophets help guide us and all and in the lesson he asked us to be baptized! It was sweet we were taken by surprise but were really excited.  It was really neat seeing how prepared he is and the desire that he has to receive this sacred ordinance.  He has learned with the Elders before and just never had enough time but now he does and wants to learn.  His wife is a member but works far away in Siem Reap and he has a child that just got baptized in Phnom Penh.
Another great experience was a lesson with Viilai, who is preparing to be baptized on May 12, she goes to school on Sunday and we were teaching about the Sabbath Day.  We taught her about how on the Sabbath we are to do those things that direct our thoughts to the Lord and that we shouldn't be going to school. It was really hard for her to hear and she was struggling with it but we had a really great lesson that was filled with the Spirit and strengthened my testimony of the Sabbath and it's importance as we taught, shared experiences, and testified.  You could just see the Spirit working in her and just softening her heart..We committed her to pray about it; the next day she said she prayed about it and that after her prayer she just really felt that yes she could do it.  Then it turns out that after church she learned that there are not enough students so the teacher isn't teaching anymore(I am not sure if it was just this Sunday or forever?, I didn't understand fully?) but it was a really cool teaching experience that strengthened my testimony, especially of the importance of honoring the Sabbath day.  I believe even more firmly that when we put the Lord first that everything else will always work out. Elder J. Devon Cornish said, "One of the secrets to a joyful life is to recognize that doing things the Lord's way will make me happier than doing things my way."  I know that that is true! So I don't know why my actions don't always reflect that? But I know that when they do, that things always go good and I feel good about the things I do.  I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for everyone of us and that its many times different than our own and that when we do things His way that we can become the person He wants us to become. And we'll be happy!
After a District Meeting this week we all went and visited a most faithful member family who has a daughter that has a heart problem and is dying.  We went and visited them and Elder Oleson and Elder Wright gave this girl a blessing and it was the most beautiful blessing of comfort and of peace.  This woman has had such a hard life and has been such a light to her family and is just the most faithful person.  I feel so blessed that I was able to be there and to witness the blessing, the Spirit was so strong and I am even more grateful for the Plan of Salvation that gives us all such hope.  I know that it is true and that we will have the opportunity to meet our loved ones again.  I am so grateful for my mission and the opportunity to serve and have these experiences, I am also grateful for all that you do for me, for your love and support thanks for all that you do. Welp, I had better get going..have a great week!
Love,
Elder Garlick
Pics; I got my new name tag! Sweet right? Our Church in Battambang, really pretty! Like 5 months old. 

Letter Sent on April 23, 1012

 

Whatsup? Hope lots of good stuff:)

Hey this week has been pretty good, I feel that things are starting to pick up more.  We made goals for different people we wanted to focus on this transfer in 4 categories; baptisms, integrating recent converts into branch, rescuing less actives, and strengthening members and helping prepare them for the temple; along with all of our other investigators and finding of course!  This week we went and visited some less actives that have been ones on our list of people to rescue during this transfer.  It was very exciting because at church almost all of the less actives who we had visited had come to church which was so great to see! We had a couple that didn't but it was very satisfying to see many who did come.  I guess the trick now is to strengthen them and help them have spiritual experiences so they will come consistently and stay active:)

Ming Siinaa is an investigator who is has a baptismal date on May 12, this week it came up that she doesn't have her marriage certificate, so her and her husband are not legally married, therefore she cannot be baptized without the said document. When we told her this she seemed to lose a lot of desire to receive baptism.  She says that it is too expensive and so maybe she'll just "wait a year" to be baptized.. However, we feel that they could definitely get the paper if they really made it a goal and tried.  But she still came to church on Sunday and we feel that we have to strengthen her faith and show her the importance of baptism and the eternal blessings that stem from it. We feel that she maybe still thinks it's just "something you do" and doesn't recognize how truly important it is.  We have an investigator, Puu Sokciat that we taught the Word of Wisdom and we are now helping to overcome some of his addictions. 

We have a recent convert named, Riit(probably one of my favorite Cambodians:) i love this guy.), who was really sick with a bad cough and had to go to the hospital because he didn't have enough blood in his system and had to get more. We went and visited him at the hospital.  Which compared to an American hospital was not very sanitary at all, one more thing that I am so grateful for back at home.  My gratitude for things is really growing seeing how little many people here in Cambodia have.  We are indeed so blessed! Wow! It really is so crazy how good we have it. Anywho, it was great visiting him and showing our love for him and we thought it would be good for his older brother Petkdei to give him a blessing.  So we had the opportunity to participate in the blessing with Petkdei.  Afterwards Petkdei said he felt like the Spirit was guiding him on what to say and the blessing just flowed.  It was a real neat experience! Something we are working on is helping members and investigators have spiritual experiences, which come naturally as we do those basics of sincere prayer, scripture study, church attendance, and living true to the gospel always.

Anyways, this week was good and now that the Khmer New Year is over things are coming back to normal and I feel that things are going to continue to go great! Oh and this was easily the hottest week of my life. haha, it's insane:)

I am so grateful for my mission and for all of the experiences that I am blessed to have every day.  Indeed, everyday is precious!

I hope you know that I love you and that I pray for you.  I hope you have a great week and stay safe!

Soom srolan,

Elder Tanner Garlick

Some pics: Elder Decker and Me; We had a Specialized Training conference thing up in Siem Reap and we met with some of the Elders from a couple of other kites(areas away from the city of Phnom Penh) and Elder Decker was there, he was one of my buddies in the MTC and the first member of my group I've seen since for like the past 7 or 8 weeks; that is one of the bumbers of being in a faraway kite-you don't really get to bump into anyone else-oh well I love it here!, A river, Cover for the next issue of National Geo. haha. Jk. But seriously!, a cute little frog.