Another Sunrise

So I'm now serving with Sister Batchkoff and she is AMAZING! I love her so much.  She is like a long lost friend.  She has helped me more than I can say. 

The biggest lesson I have learned this week is to relax.  Find joy in everyday. 

“Life is not meant to be endured, but enjoyed” –President Hinckley. 

Sister Batchkoff has been so very good for me.  Everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong this week.  We ran out of gas on Sunday.  Our phone got wet on Saturday and was ruined… making it hard to call ANYONE.  Hard news in emails.  I had strep throat for a bit.  Ja.  It was just a long week.  But with everything that came up, she has helped me to be calm.  To laugh at those moments when everything goes wrong and you know Satan is fighting against the good… and soak in the simple good things of life. 

through the dark clouds of satan's efforts, we can remember the sun is always behind them, and always strong enough to overcome them.

Just like Dad said in his email,we all need to remember to be kind. 

We need to be at peace.  To love more and stress less.  I think that is so key and important.  And more than anything, to remember the good we are doing. 

Something really stood out to me this week. 

If there truly is opposition in all things, and satan thinks the absolute worst of us, then Heavenly Father thinks the absolute best of us.  We must not feel weighed down or be overwhelmed by all our faults, our human nature, or all the good left undone.

We must see ourselves through God’s eyes, or we will forever judge ourselves through Satan’s.  If we see ourselves through Satan’s eyes, we will reach the potential HE sees in us, which is little to none.  We will blind our eyes to the good we have done if we let satan steal our eyes.

Don't.

 I personally do not believe Heavenly Father ever cuts us down, is angry with us, Satan does enough of that. 

He does not look at ANY of us and think we are ugly, or worthless.  Satan does enough of that.  He sees the absolute best in us. 

See it in yourself.

Stop seeing the worst in yourself, because YOUR Heavenly Father sees the best.  You TOO are His child.  He asks us to love one another as ourselves.  It starts in our own head.  It makes it much more difficult to see the best in others when we are internally beating ourselves.  We cannot have true charity unless we love ourselves and can see the good we are doing. 

I want you to know that I love you all.  It is so easy to see how each of you are trying your very best to do and be all you can. 

I can't wait to hug you all.

See the best in yourself this week.

I love you,

Love,

Sister Jardine

Me and Sister Batchkoff

Eating healthy and learning how to cook! :) We made our first pozoli and it was SO good! :)

I love the skies here . . . . and a concept I need to remember

cuantas bendiciones

Mi familia!

Como estan!

Wow. This week has been the craziest of my mission.   But it’s been good.  It’s been strange having those around us leave and now covering a whole stake.  It’s taken some adjustment… but I feel closer to the Savior than ever before.   I know He is near.  And he has great things ahead in these last few months here and in life every after.

We really dug out this week.  I have never felt the spirit so close… so constantly.  I have slept better and been so much happier and more content.

We really cleaned our apartment for the first time in probably more than a few years.  It really helped our repore with the members we live with. And it helped us so much too. A clean fresh start.

We cleaned up the area books and have spent a lot of time in counsel with our Branch President and ward mission leader this week trying to decide where to begin.  President Miller has helped so much as well.  I feel so good about it.  It’s overwhelming covering the whole stake… but it’s really opened my eyes and made me step up to the potential I know Heavenly Father expects in me. 

We have found so many neat people this week. 

It has been neat to feel the spirit strongly confirm the people we need to focus on this transfer.  And they are finally starting to progress. 

Miracle for the week:

For the first time in my life, I was able to teach a random stranger about the gospel and have them progress and listen. 

I know Heavenly Father guides our lives and has a purpose for everything.

He is one of our investigators friends and has strong roots in his Christian beliefs.  He was in the car with one of the other friends as she came to argue with us for teaching our investigator.  As our investigator was calming her down… I decided to be christlike and let them know we love them and are not here to argue nor compete.  I asked him for his name… and small talked a few minutes.  He still wouldn’t turn his head or look me in the eye.  When he said where he was from, the ice broke.

Guatemala.

As I expressed a deep love for his people, everything changed. 

We spent a few minutes talking about the beautiful things of the culture… the people… the language…

The ice melted away.  He’s old enough to be my dad, but he truly is my spirit brother.

He was able to comfortably ask more about the church and we discussed each others beliefs. 

Listening and love changed everything with him. 

Before we left… I talked with him about the book of Mormon… and how it IS the reason I have such a love for his people… in so many ways.  He accepted a copy and seemed intrigued.  He loves the scriptures so much and is always teaching me more incredible things about the bible. 

And he is finally reading the book of Mormon.

I don’t know when… but I know he will come.

That was the first time I have ever played the first part… that first step… and I feel so honored.

I know Heavenly Father has guided my life. 

I can’t believe how many was Guatemala has opened doors for the Lord’s work on my mission. 

He truly has the big picture.

How many blessings I would be deprived of if I had never come. 

I will be eternally grateful for everything that led me here. 

Alberto Marves… cuando tu leas esta carta… quiero que digas a mi tia de Guatemala que sin ella, yo no iba servido una mision.  Seeing the youth of Guatemala… and the spreading forth and blessings of the gospel many years after she and my aunt Amy Jardine (Knight) had served changed me. 

Seeing so many great examples.

It’s been the strongest prompting in my life and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be here. 

The experiences memories and friendships I have gained here will be with me forever. 

I love the Lord.

I love my mission.

I LOVE the book of Mormon and the many lives it has changed.

I love YOU all.

Big hugs.

Love,

Sister Jardine

pics:

Sister Missionary hang out. :) ja.. all of us today for p-day before we came to email. 

branch baby shower w- our wml's wife and investigators

diaper eating taste test...gag

Father son and Mother pic ja. :)

New skies. New Chapters... change is hard but it's how we grow. :)

 

feliz dia de independencia

Mi familia! Happy fourth of july!!! Yesterday the libraries/post offices were closed so we are writing today! :) Well.... I was going to send you pictures but for some reason they aren't loading.... so I will try again and if not print some off and mail them. 

What a crazy week. We will have a LOT more work to do now.  Transfers changed everyone in our zone but us.  And because more missionaries went home then came in, a few areas were dissolved into others.  Originally Elder Grow and Elder Soto covered half the stake and we covered the other half, both serving in the same Spanish branch.  They were both transferred and now our area covers the entire stake.  It already took half an hour to drive from one end of our area to the other. Now it will take quite a bit longer! ja.  But we will work hard. 

 

I really miss our brothers! The Elders here are some great examples to me and have become incredible friends and family.  I can't wait to see them all again soon.  I don't know where I would be without them. 

 

Sister Eteaki is serving here!!! :) She is english again and serves in our area covering the high range english ward.  (we cover the same boundaries as 6 english wards).  She is sitting next to me. :) Man I love her.  I am so grateful she is here.  She has become one of my truest friends. 

 

I am finally feeling adjusted.  These people and brothers and sisters have helped so much. I have felt happier than ever before in life.  So content and at peace.  I love them and know I will see all of them again. 

This has been such an incredible growing time.  I feel closer to my Savior than ever before.  I have had trouble sleeping lately, but one of my leaders counseled me to try something different.  Instead of going over the day in my head, figuring things out and mulling things over.  He asked me to pray.  Not on my knees with a beginning and end.  (not to cut that out...but in addition to it...) But from my heart.  As if my Heavenly Father were laying beside me and could talk to me.  To talk to him.  Listen to him.  Feel and follow his counsel. 

 

I will say it has changed my life and my mission. 

I have never felt closer to him. 

I love My Savior so much.  I will always be grateful for this time I have had to gain my closest friend. 

Where would I be without my mission?

I will eternally be grateful for whoever stepped forward to pay for it.  I cannot wait to pay that great deed forward someday. 

 

I love you all so much. 

 

So a few weeks ago we gave talks in church... I wanted to share it with you.  So here is the english version.

 

"When I began my mission, I heard this story.  I don't know its source but I know it touched my heart.  It gave me the desire to share the gospel. It opened my eyes to the big picture.  It helped change they way I view the world and those around me, and so I'd like to share it with you today. 

It goes as follows:

 

A young boy once had this dream:

We were all in a spirit world before this one.  Our Heavenly Father had just created a plan where we would all have the opportunity to come to earth.  To prove ourselves and gain the great blessings in store.  We were all so excited and couldn't wait to come!

This young boy awaited his call surrounded by his family and friends.  He wondered where he would go? What special circumstances he would be born into? What Heavenly Father's call was for HIM. 

One by one his loved ones recieved their calls and began their journeys.  He sat alongside his friend, both anxiously awaiting their news.  Finally, his came.  He was summoned and solemnly listened,

       'My son, you will be born in the last dispensation.  You will be born in the united states of america in a time of freedom and peace.  You will be raised in my gospel, the fullness of the truth, alongside many who love you.  Your life will not be easy nor perfect.  But you will be blessed and I ask you to share those blessings with the world.'

As he left, this boy sat, astonished, excited.  How great was his calling! He could not wait to begin! He ran to tell those whom he loved. 

He and his friend rejoiced together.  What blessings!

 

finally, his friends call came.

 

'My dear son.

you are strong.  Your life will be far from easy but I know that you can do it.  You will not be raised in a strong family, but remember I love them, and that I love you.  You will be raised in poverty, in a land of violence.  The people will not follow my teachings, and it will be dark.  But you will rise above it. 

I know you.

You must search for the truth.  You will find it.  Remember I love you.'

 

As their Heavenly Father departed, this young man looked at his old friend with eyes full of new respect. 

 

Their eyes filled with tears as they embraced to begin their new journey.  His friend looked at him strongly and pleaded, 'Please, come find me.  Bring me the truth that we may be reunited again.'

"I will" the boy stated.'I promise'.

 

 

The boy's dream ended and reality awakened.  Years passed and the memory was almost forgotten.  Life passed, so did school, graduation, and mission papers.  The two years of hard work began, and came near to an end. 

 

One day, his mother recieved a letter that brought her to tears.

It read,

"Mom.... I found my friend."

 

I know that these experiences are real.  I know that the plan of salvation truly does exist.  I know that missionary work is the most important work.  I am so grateful for the opportuniy I have had to find my friends.  For the opportunity we all have to strengthen one another and help each other home.  May we have more patience  with those around us and truly seek to see them for who they are.  Our spirit brothers and sisters, trying to find their way home. 

 

I love all of you so much. 

I am so grateful for the incredible family and friends I have and KNOW that I knew all of you before this life. 

I know I have gained many friends during this period of time in my mission that I knew before this life and will have them forever. 

But I know I have many yet to find.  That don't have the blessings of the gospel.

I will give my soul to that duty for the next 18 weeks and can't wait to see you all so soon.

I love you.

I pray for you by name.

 

Love,

Sister Jardine

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Hola mi familia!!!

 

Como estan?! Les quiero muchisimo....

It feels so good to be writing you again. 

 

 

Well it's been a busy but good week here.  I can't believe this transfer is almost over.  It feels like it barely begun.... Time is flying way too quickly.  I know I am really going to miss this...

It's been a strange but good week.  We have found SO many people! The strange thing is.... We may never know how the story ends.  Many became english referrals, Some were just passing through and lived other places.  The spirit was so strong every time.  It's strange to be at that beginning stage, and send your heart into the air and wonder where it will go.  I pray for these people every night.  It makes me wonder how much more of a difference we really do make in the world than we know.  How much a difference each of YOU make in the world every day without knowing it.  We get to SEE the accumulation of many influences as people are baptized... but we never see the beginning stages.  It is so fun meeting random people every day and just putting a smile on their face. 

Sister Furman is such a sweet example to me.  She is so sweet and innocent as a little child.  She has Turner's syndrom and many other challenges yet she plows forward with a pure and perfect heart every day. 

 

The highlight of my week:

Last night we were early for our dinner appointment and as we parked on the street.  Saw a poor old man struggling to pull weeds in the hot sun.  We decided to go help him.  At first he rejected our offer, as we were dressed in skirts.  But with time, we began talking, then working while talking, and we had the job done in ten minutes.  He was about in tears.  Once again... a referral for someone else.  But I felt so GOOD.  So powerful.  Knowing that in that moment, we were showing him the love Christ has for him.  We stood as his arms, his hands.  It doesn't matter where or what the work is.... we just need to go about doing good.  With our whole hearts. 

 

There were SO many experiences like that this week. 

Heavenly Father truly is letting us love and serve and REACH his children here. 

I love them so much. 

My time in the mission is going too quickly. 

 

But I know being a representative of Christ will never end. 

 

It feels so good knowing the big picture.

Bringing light to the souls around us. 

 

Last night we had a branch activity... a fireside.  Where everyone was asked to bring a flashlight.  After a few talks... We followed the branch president with our lights to the gymn... where Elders were guarding the door.  Everyone had to have their own flashlight or they werent allowed to enter.  Families were split up.  You could see the strange feeling on their face as half of them went through and half stayed.  It really went home.  Later on... it really hit me that THAT is my job.  I have the sacred responsibility of helping people find their light, their testimony... that they may be prepared.  I pray to do so stronger and stronger every day. 

 

I love you all so much.

You are in my prayers.

 

Can't wait to see you soon.

 

love,

Sister Jardine

 

P.S. Thank you for the package and CD's!!! Mom... I love your letters..... I have loved becoming closer to you and am always here.  Love you.

Sis Furman and I

Bella

Sis eteaki and sis batchcoff

excited for morning studies

Neighbors.... beautiful ones

Hairy ones.... 

... And snobby ones.

 

un nueva area, un nuevo capitulo en el libro de la mision :)

Como estan mi querida familia?

I want you to know I love you all so much. :) Mom and Dad, especially thank you for your emails this past week.  They gave me so much more strength than you realize. :) I love you both so very much.  Thank you for being MY missionaries.

I'm glad you got to meet the English's! And That you got the packages!!! :) jaja... Sorry about the 'mystery spots' on the tortillas.  It is HOT down here, I'm sad they didn't make the trip.  Tell ya what, when I come home, I'll buy some fresh ones and bring em on the plane so we can make some good food, or better yet, I'll teach ya to make em! :)

 

Well, SO much change this week.  In some ways I feel like a greeny again.  But it's been so good and I have already felt so much growth.  My new companion is Sister Furman.  She is an absolute sweetheart.  It's been difficult for me.  But I can tell she is helping to refine me in a way I have always wanted to be refined.  Heavenly Father knew how to answer a prayer I didn't know how to ask.  She has a sweet simple testimony that always brings us back to the most important things people need to know.  God does live, He does love them, we love them, Joseph smith was a Prophet, the Book of Mormon is true, and families CAN be together forever.  She has no social fear! :) She is a sweetheart and contacts people the rest would look past.  I've had to heal her hurt heart with the rejections, but she bounces back and we go forth.  She has taught me so much about becoming like a child, their pure and simple faith.  I love her so much.  ja... she calls me daddy as I am her companion after her trainer, her 'mom'.  It makes me laugh to see peoples confused faces on the streets. 

Yup, we WALK here! I actually like it!  ja.  It's rough sometimes... good blisters,100 degree weather and we cover an area about the size of the cache county school district.  We are alloted so many miles a month, but they don't stretch.... so we drive to a far corner and walk around all day.  The hard part is having a dinner appointment in one area and appointments in another.  Rather than a day filled with appointments, it's filled with walking.... but it's good for me. :) I am finally getting some good exercise and sun! I was spoiled in Santa Fe. 

We live in Hogwarts.

period.

Ja! It is awesome.  We have the most random place and I love it! :)

speaking of which, our address (for SURE for the next 6 weeks) is:

 

475 Camino Corrales del Norte Main

House above the Garage

Corrales, NM

87048

 

jaja, kinda feels like cupbourd under the stairs eh? Ja, but we are SPOILED.  We live with members.  But we have our own separate apartment built into their house above the garage.  So far I have found two hidden staircases leading to it, one an indian version of a spiral staircase, and we have two balconies.  It is pretty padre :) (jaja, in spanish, technically in mexico, you say, "Que padre" (KAY PAW-DREY) for "how cool, or awesome"...... but it literally means.... how "father". 

 

Lauren will love this......

so, every morning as I wake up,

I see our neighbors, which are....

llamas, water buffalo, and camels....

 

Of course?! :) jaja.  Its crazy.. we are surrounded by a petting zoo and millions of horses.  I love running in the mornings down the path through the zoo.  It's definetly an adventure.  jaja.

 

So, I will admit, today is a good day in the mission, in LIFE for me.  :)

I will admit, I have been kind of a grumpy old jaded missionary for the past little bit.  I was having a hard time with leaving.  Santa Fe is HOME, and I had spent so long prepare the field there, now so many of my great family members up there are on date for baptism.  Between that, leaving sister Eteaki for a new companion, and going back to ground zero with a struggling branch, no investigators, no miles, and feeling alone and tired.  I felt down and out.  I've been a grump. 

 

But.... I was thinking about Dad's email from his mission, about how he and his companion were transfered right as the work started really progressing, and how his companion was frustrated at starting over.

I don't want to be that companion.

So I'm not going to be. :)

Boo-yah Satan!!!!!!!!! :)

 

I realized that life truly is what we make it.  Trials come, sure, it's a compliment.  Heavenly Father feels I can handle it, so I CAN handle it, and I CAN do it cheerfully.  I'm making the choice. 

 

I reset goals for myself this morning for personal study and it changed everything. 

They are:

1-Re-read the book of mormon in spanish AND English.  I have loved doing it in the mission language.... but there is something about your first language that pierces home a little deeper.

 

2-Take atleast 3 pictures a day.  And make every moment a memory.

 

3-Make Sister Furman laugh atleast once every two hours.

 

4-Run HARD and push myself with exercise in the morning.

 

5-And most importantly, purify any distraction frustration or ANYTHING in the way to CONSTANTLY feel the spirit. 

If there is EVER a moment I cannot feel it with me, stop, and readjust.  Nothing else is more important.

 

I KNOW I cannot do this work without Him.  Especially now.  It's funny, you'd think the further you'd get into the mission, and in life, the more you'd understand it and be able to do more on your own.  It truly has been the opposite.  The further I've gotten into it, I've realized I don't know ANYTHING about teaching, finding, service, love, or knowledge.  But with the spirit I have access to all of His. 

 

I can't do His work unless I have His eyes. 
Or atleast can follow his outstreched guiding hand through the spirit.

Thank you.

For following Heavenly Father's inspiration and transferring me to Coronado with Sister Furman. 
I know it is the growth I need and that I have work, His work, to do here.

I promise to do it with my whole heart.

Let me know if I can do more,
Love,
Sister Jardine

 

 

p.s. I emailed President Miller to ask about Jon coming.. I'll let you know what he says... I don't THINK I'll be able to.... but I hope.  Tell Jon I love him so much and he atleast better leave a sticky note on our door or something! :)

 

jk... no, but I'll let you know what he says. 

New Chapters

Well,

As you've heard, I'm being transferred in the morning.

It's really bittersweet but I know it will be good.  I don't have too much time today to email as I need to pack, and we are preparing for Bianca's baptism for tonight.  But I couldn't think of a better note to end on. 

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico has changed my life.  It is the ground on which I grew more than ever before in my life.  I have loved this town, but I know and will follow my Savior.  He knows what is ahead and there is still much to do.  I am so grateful for these people that have changed my life and cannot wait to see them all again at BYU! :) Sister Eteaki, Sister Perez, Estrella, Bianca, the Quintanas.  This land has changed my life. 

 

There was a period of time I felt I could never love it as I loved Horizon, or felt though I've grown, I'd never want to stay. 

 

Last week as we were driving to an appointment I just felt overwhelming peace and a deep love for this area, its culture, I truly wanted to stay forever, and as soon as I gained that love, Heavenly Father knew it was my note to end on and keep in my heart as I follow him elsewhere. 

 

I love my mission. I love you all.  I hope you are having an amazing day and get the package I sent with Brother and Sister English! I hope you know I am thinking of you. 

Love,

 

Sister Jardine

Sister p-day in Santa Fe, L to R... Sister Jarman, Me, Sister KiniKini, Sister Eteaki & Sister Ferman.........Sister Jarman and I are switching places so she will be here with Sister Eteaki and I will be there with Sister Ferman, who was Sister Gneitings MTC companion

English Sistas! :)

My Salvadorian mom.... Estrella's mom, Amarilis

Quintana's Baptism gift

I will miss Santa Fe Sunsets

Man I'll miss this girl!

 

11 months today . . . going way too fast!

Mi familia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

How are you all? I miss your sweet faces! I can't wait to call you all NEXT SUNDAY! :) I can't wait to hear your voices and just talk to you. :) I love you all.

 

speaking of which, that would work great.  Our church is at nine.  I don't know if there is a time difference here? I don't think so.  I will call grandpas house at 1:30 pm if that is okay? And then I will call home about 7 pm if that is okay? I am only supposed to take about 40 minutes total, unless President tells me otherwise.  So I will probably call grandma and grandpas for 10-15 minutes and home for 25-30. 

I can't believe this is my last phone call home before I actually COME home.  Our year mark is just after the end of this transfer.  It is going by so quickly. 

 

Haha, I am glad you enjoyed the royal wedding.  Haha.. it's all we've heard about.  Ha... mommy, will you watch it with me when I get home? :) I'll dress up in pearls and gloves again with ya and we can whip up some trifle again. ;) I feel honored to have the heritage we do. 

 

On LDS.org I learned you can request patriarchal blessings of deceased anscestors.  I have loved reading over Grandpa and Grandma gardners lately.  Absolutely incredible people.  I love them so much and cherish the memories I have with them.  I have started writing them all down.  When I am home I'd love to help you with it all and organize your cute new office! :) It will give me something to do! ;) haha. I LOVE family history work!

I also read a copy of Grandpa Jardine's father's blessing.  It intrigued me.  I am really curious about his life.  Dad I would love anything you remember or any stories you have of him and his wife?

 

Dad, I loved your advice and feelings on sacrifice and the youth.  It is so true.  And it is good advice I will follow.  Haha... it's what Elder Cook stated when he talked to us all at the youth fireside as well.  Don't wait for lots of money or some incredible education, EVEN to stabilize a good family.  Your FIRST priorities are ALWAYS family and the gospel.   EVERYTHING else, even good intentions for those come second.  He challenged all of us to put those first.  Prepare ourselves for a worthy companion, become a worthy companion and focus on our future families being raised in the gospel. 

I promise to do so. ha.  You can help me get there someday soon enough.

 

I do keep a daily journal.  Maybe I will photocopy some pages and send some home sometimes.

 

I love the assignments! :) haha. I have to ask you a favor though.  We are limited in resources for finding out much info about downtown (can't on computers, newspapers etc)............. so.  Could you google the tallest and oldest buildings? Email me an address for each and I will put them in our GPS and we'll head there! For any other future sites as well! That will help a LOT! :) I am excited! Have me go get you all something, do some research :)

 

The english family from the Los Alamos ward here are heading up to Logan memorial day weekend, so I will send some stuff home with them I don't need or can't fit, and also can send you anything you like :) I AM going to send you some of the BEST tortillas here! :) Mmmmm...

 

Speaking of which...

BEST salsa recipe! It's kind of a purified guacamole, but I LOVE it.

 

K......

get like 5 Tomatillos,

one Jalepeno

two avacados

and some cilantro

 

Peel the tomatillos, and in a pot of boiling water, boil them and the jalepeno until they have all changed colors completely. 

Drain and cool.

 

Take out the stems of both and the seeds in the jalepeno and put all of them in the blender or food processor.  Then add the avacado and cilantro.  All to taste.

 

YUM! It's my favorite atleast.  We make it all the time.  For tacos or chips.

I'll dig up the other good stuff we eat all the time and send some more recipes this week. 

 

Oh! Also, ha.  Not mexican at all............ but YUM! You would love this. 

At their sushi restaurant they make this and we have learned and helped occasionaly.

Fried Ice Cream.

 

Scoop a ball of whatever icecream you want... creambased not sherberts.

Get Angel food cake, cut it into 1/2 or so slices and wrap them around your ice cream ball.  tightly, so you can no longer see the ice cream.  Pack it tight.  Then dip in tempura batter, and immerse in hot oil for about a minute or so. 

YUM.  WAY fattening and can only handle so much.  But YUM.

 

Weekly Highlight:

 

Dear President Miller,
Thank you so much for all your help and support. 
The Greatest Highlight of this week was our Brother Quintana.  He recieved a very strong answer this week.  I have felt such great joy in bringing others to the gospel, but never as much as this, completing an eternal family.

We have been working with his family since last October.
I was looking back on my journal entries from then about his family and feel absolutely blessed.  Heavenly Father has answered many prayers.  Every time I came home from their house I prayed we could help him be baptized and have his family forever.  In October, he wanted little to do with the church, or us.  With time, around November, he became our friend.  We clicked with him, but he still wasn't interested in the church and anytime we would teach he chose to leave.  In December, we finally found a way to keep him in the room during a lesson.  We watched the Testaments and later the Legacy with their family.  Though he didn't share our beliefs, I was humbled to see him asking so many questions.... and in particular questions about Joseph Smith, he began reading Joseph Smith History.  I will never forget the joy I felt with him and the scriptures before him for the first time.  In January we had our branch primary program.  If there is one thing that defines this man, it is that he loves his girls, all three, and his wife.  He came to watch them.  I had to sit on the stand and remember seeing the spirit he felt in his eyes.  He could feel something pure and true.  Come February Sister Perez and I began trying to teach his family more consistently.  We challenged him to take the discussions and begin coming to church.  He was nice and polite but responded with he didn't need an answer to a question he didn't have.  We kept our friendship with him and were pleasently surprised when he came to church the next sunday... in a shirt and tie.  He had purchased them the day before.  His girls were overjoyed.  He began coming to church consistently and we began visiting more often.  In March we felt prompted to spend special time on strengthening the principles of lesson one, to let him feel of their truth.  We began helping them with personal and family scripture study for a small amount of time each day.  We moved to consistent prayer and eventually the restoration.  He came to love the book of mormon.  He began to wonder if it was true.  
In April we set a baptismal date with him, and he accepted to work towards it, but still hadn't recieved an answer.  He didn't know if it was true.  He had many doubts and worries.
On April 29th 2011, he recieved his answer. 
The night before as we finished our lesson, he genuinly wanted to know if it was all true, or not.  We all knelt in prayer and he offered it.  It was heartfelt and sincere.  He said after he left, he still felt the fire to know, but didn't know what to do.  He spent much of the night studying and praying, but still nothing.  The next morning as well, he studied and still nothing.  Finally, he said he offered a last attempt, a sincere prayer in solitude, and then let his scriptures fall open where they may.
D&C 19 flipped open and he read, as he red on, especially towards the end of the chapter, he recieved a powerful witness that this IS God's TRUE church on the earth.  That the book of mormon is TRUE.  That Joseph Smith WAS a prophet, and that being baptized on May the 14th is exactly what he should do.  
I have never felt so humbled.  Yesterday as we studied with him again, I see a completely changed man.  I know he will do many great things, in life and in the church.  I love him as a brother and will always love their family as my own.  
This gospel IS true.  I can bear my firm witness that I know it in my soul.  I have patiently witnessed it change a soul from the inside out.
I feel speechless. 
May 14th will be one of the best days of my life.
Thank you so much for guiding my in this service.
I will always be grateful I came on a mission.
It has changed my soul.

Love,
Sister Jardine

 

I love you all!!! Thank you so much!!! :) I CAN'T WAIT to call you and hear your voices sunday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Love Seed.

 

pic 1/2-quintanas in October

Baptism pics to come!