Sister Gardner: 7/13/22

 

ONE MONTH IN!

hola amigos y familia!! The CCM is still just as magical as last week and so far still loving it. The weather is constantly amazing and so is the spirit. Since they are going to build a temple in the CCM, it has been dedicated as temple grounds which is really cool.

Speaking of temples, we got to go to the Mexico City temple this week which was the highlight for sure!! It was absolutely GORGEOUS there I couldn't stop staring at the temple haha. Inside was so so stunning and unique. I absolutely loved all of the artwork. We did the whole session in spanish which was absolutely amazing. The spirit was so strong as we did endowments and throughout the entire process I absolutely loved it. I hope I can come back some day and do it again because it is absolutely amazing. 

Second cool thing was I got to lead the choir for Tuesday devotionals and hermana mapes got to play the piano! I will say, we are the dream team. We sang "Yo Se Que Vive Mi Senor" (I know that my redeemer lives) and it was so powerful. I could feel the testimony that each person in the choir had for their savior. Not going to lie, the practices were a little scary having to lead that many people, I think I probably sweat off like a gallon of liquid when I was doing it, but it was worth it in the end. Plus Im famous at the CCM now. 

Third cool thing is that we got to do mock lessons with our teachers!! Hermana mapes and I taught about eternal families and I could feel the spirit teaching with us and guiding us to know what to say. It gives me a taste of what being in portland is going to be like and I'm really excited.

Fourth thing was Unberto. Unberto is one of the gardeners here and he's our district's favorite. He just has the light and character of Christ and is always willing to talk to us no matter what he's doing. Plus the grounds on the CCM look AMAZING because of his work. Unberto told us he has to walk an entire hour and then take an hour-long bus ride to get to work each day, but he does it because he loves it here and he loves his job. He then proceeded to give us a tupperware full of freshly cut fruit that he cut himself!! He showed us a video of him cutting the fruit which was the coolest thing ever (he could be tictok famous) and I was filled with so much gratitude for this dude. He doesn't have much, but he decided to give to us. Seriously one of the most Christ-like people ever. All of my friends coming to the CCM, look out for unberto and go get to know him, you won't regret it. 

Last thing, was the Sunday devotional. We listened to a devotional by Elder Bednar called "Character of Christ" and I learned so much. Some highlights: conversion is consistently being true to who you know. Everything Christ did was for us. The character of Christ is to constantly be looking outside of yourself and ministering to others. 

Going to end this email with a few of my favorite quotes from I know that my redeemer lives. 

"he lives to bless me with his love"

"he lives to guide me with his eyes"

"he lives and grants me daily breath"

"how sweet the joy this sentence gives: I know that my redeemer live"

I truly know that Jesus Christ died for us and lives for all of us. I know that as we try to live for him and his gospel, we can find joy! 

love you all, nos vemos, if you need anything I'm just an email away :)

Hermana Gardner