The Last One...5-28-13

Mom, you should write a book.  Thanks for all the inspiring words everybody.  It really has been a great two years.  I think the best way to email you this week will be to simply answer your questions.  So here we go!

What's one of your favorite mission memories?

There are so many.  Seriously.  So many.  I can't even pull one out for you.

Describe one of your favorite places in the Philippines.

Pinamungajan!  This last area is by far my favorite.  We have seen so much progression in the branch and the members are amazing.  The sunsets are sweet and we live right next to an Angel's Burger and a Julies Bake shop.  It's great!  As for cool touristy stuff though, Bohol was awesome.

What have you most appreciated in a companion?  What could you have done without?

Obedience and vision.  A companion who is anxiously engaged and conducive of revelation.  My favorite companions have been the humble, driven servants of God who use all they have to further the work.  They don't fall into the rut of "just getting stats" or doing what everyone else does.  They are agents unto themselves, and answer to God above all else.  What could I have gone without?  Simply put, disobedience.  A companionship should be 2 strong horses pulling the load, but when one is disobedient, it falls on his companion to not only pull the load all by himself, but also drag his companion alongside with him.  Those are great learning opportunities for the obedient companion, but they aren't fun.

What do you hope to always remember?

I will always remember what I learn about the Gospel, but I also want to remember the effect that each member of this church can have on all those around him or her, for good or bad.

What do you wish you could forget?

Hahaha--mother's who shamelessly breastfeed in public, during lessons, during sacrament meeting, and anywhere else kids between the ages of 0-4 are found.

What Filipino traits do you wish Americans had?

Hospitality

What will you miss?

The dedicated, converted members who still need so much help to know how to magnify their callings.

What was the hardest lesson to learn?  What was the best?

Complete submission to the will of the Lord.  True conversion.  Interestingly enough, they were both the hardest, and best.

If you could go back to the Philippines after your mission, what would you do there?

Visit the members, and eat at Angels.  Swimming would be awesome too.

What has changed the most in you from your experiences as a missionary?
My change of heart.

I'm excited to see you all again next week!  I'll have plenty more stories to tell then.

I love you all!

Elder Garver