Letter to Mom and Dad

This child has grown up just in the last 2 months! He sounds good, and excited to do the work.

Dear Family,

It's been such an exciting week this week! Just an hour ago; I got my travel plans for Argentina! We leave Salt Lake City at 12:00 p.m. noon on December 6th and arrive in Atlanta, Georgia at 5:33 that same day. We leave Atlanta at 7:35 p.m. and arrive at Buenos Aires at 7:50a.m. on December 7th. I went to the Missionary Mall with my companion because he needed to get some shoes repaired, and I got some free ties! Plus I'm playing a special musical number on Sunday for the entire MTC! It's going to be during a devotional.

I am still printing pictures, so I will send them to you right before I leave. I'll send them home among other things that I don't want to take.

Congratulations to Paige for being accepted to U of I! Work hard and keep your head up!

That is so cool about Dad's job! It makes me so happy to know that things are going well, or are at least is going to go well. Your trip to Italy seriously makes me jealous, but you guys need a break, and they do say that Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America!

So turns out that the church gives me a credit card when I get there, and I can use my card for personal items such as souvenirs and what not.

Gavin, I understand it's going to be hard to be the only one at home, but Paige will only be 2 hours away and I'll be home before you know it. Don't worry... keep your head up and stay busy!

It was so crazy at the temple today! When we were getting dressed before the endowment session, one of the laundry workers came up and asked us, in a very heavy Spanish accent, where I was going on my mission. I said Argentina and he went crazy with excitment and started rambling in Spanish, and I understood him! He said he was from Buenos Aires, and he said the people down there are the best in the world. He also said the Asado (steak) is fantastic. It was so cool! The gift of tongues is real, because I experienced it first hand today!

Sorry for not writing Grandma and Grandpa, I will get a letter to them asap. I also apologize for this letter being late. They shut down the mail service here early and it will be closed on Thursday because of the holiday.

I do see Adam and Kelton also daily here. They both take their language class in the same building as me. Kelton leaves for Italy on Monday.

Well I've got to go! I will write you next week! My second to the last letter before I'm in Argentina! Ahhh!

i Haz lo Justo!

The MTC

Garrett is doing really well. He is loving the MTC. From his letters, we can tell here at home that he is growing by the day. His language skills are coming along as well, but I'm sure as he enters the mission field, he will be saying, could you slow down?

Garrett is standing with his companions in the first picture. He is in a threesome, and seems to be enjoying it. Their names are Elder Alkema, and Elder Jones. I'm not sure where they are from. The second picture is Garrett standing in front of the temple with Adam Thurgood. Even though they aren't going to the same mission, they see each other frequently in the MTC.

Another thing that we noticed in this picture, is Garrett's tie. That tie was not in his suitcase when he left this house. The child hordes ties! He probably traded that day with somebody. Too funny!

At any rate these missionaries look fabulous! They look happy and well adjusted. Missions are so good for children. They grow up so fast, and really learn the gospel. At this Thanksgiving time, I miss him terribly, but I'm so thankful that he has chosen to serve the Lord!

The Last Leg of our Trip

We arrived in Ogden to stay with Aunt Justine and Uncle Blaine. It was a good trip, but we were so glad to get out of the car! We visited with Justine and Blaine and Melissa that evening, and enjoyed a great dinner. The next day we went to temple square and enjoyed the sites. We chatted with a Sister from Argentina. She assured me that the members would take good care of Garrett there. Dad didn't say much. He was fighting back the tears. After this Sister left, Garrett turned to us and said, "Do all the girls look like that?" She was a very pretty girl!

Salt Lake City has sure grown a lot! We took Garrett to Chuck A Rama, a favorite of his. (I think it's because he can eat as much as he wants!) From there we went to Mr. Macs to get Garrett his one last suit. The customer service at that store is amazing! The suit would be delivered to the MTC the following Monday at no charge. Great service!

The next day was the big day! We got up early and finished getting everything together and ate breakfast. Garrett was able to play the piano for the last time before entering the MTC. We had a word of prayer, and the spirit was very strong. We said our good byes, and off we went. First we had to stop at Crown Burger for a huge burger! Then we went to Provo. We spent some time on the temple grounds taking pictures and talking to some missionaries who were very friendly. For Dad and I it was an experience that we really weren't looking forward to, but Garrett was so excited that he said do you think I can check in early? We asked the parking attendant, and he said of course.

As we drove up to the MTC there were a string of missionaries all lined up to help. The spirit again was very strong! I can't even imagine the spirit that dwells in those halls. My heart was pounding as we stopped the car to let our son out. The elder that helped Garrett said, "Don't worry we will take good care of him!" I'm surprised that I didn't break down right then and there. I was saying goodbye to my son! It is such a bittersweet feeling. I know I don't want him to be anywhere else but here, but I will truly miss him. Garrett picked up his bags, and off they went. Garrett didn't look back, and his Dad said that is good. He will be a good missionary because he didn't look back. He will be a dedicated servant to the Lord! I will miss him so much. God Speed Garrett! We love you!

Traveling to Salt Lake

Okay so 3 bags later, 2 years worth of stuff and we didn't even have to sit on the suitcases to get them closed.

We originally were going to just send Garrett on the airplane from Spokane to Salt Lake, but Grandma and Grandpa had other ideas. They wanted to come see us in Post Falls, but Grandpa just can't travel anymore, so we went to them. They were very generous in sending us money so that we could make the trip to see them, and then take Garrett to Salt Lake City.

The trip was wonderful! We left Paige and Gavin at home to fend for themselves. They are old enough right?

We left early on a Friday morning after we had a tearful good-bye, and Paige and Gavin went to school.

We arrived in Boise that afternoon, and enjoyed a reunion with Grandma and Grandpa. It was great to see them, and to feel of their love for us. It was also nice to be back to a city that we once loved. We spent the rest of Friday visiting with them.

Saturday afternoon we went to Uncle Steve's for a huge taco feed. There was so much food! Including corn on the cob and guacamole! Yum! I'm surprised we could move after we left there. It was a total pig out!

Sunday we finished up our visiting and just relaxed. We also had a nice meal which Grandma always has a big spread for us, and had a hard time sleeping. I think we were all anxious. We were up bright and early on Monday, and left for Utah. Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa for making this trip possible for us. It was great to see you.