Hola,

     How`s everybody? Excited? I`m pretty excited to see you guys this week. Not going to lie, I`m scared and nervous, but I feel better knowing that my family will be there every step of the way. 

     First of all, I am NOT getting on Facebook and I don`t know who would be doing that. I haven`t been on Facebook my whole mission. So, that must be a mistake.

     Second, Paige...GET YOUR PAPERS DONE!!!!! Go on a mission! Get it done! Now that you can go earlier, just go and get it done. Take advantage of it, there is a reason why this has happened, so do it.  

     My week was really good. Final interview with President, General Conference, and goodbye parties from the members. I`ll be sure to show show you pictures when I get home. 

     If you could, maybe you could put the fifty dollars in on thursday, so I know that I won`t have to wait for it for friday. Because sometimes, it takes a while to use money recently placed on my card.     

     Well, this is my last letter to you as a missionary. I am filled with mixed feelings, joy and sadness, excitement and fear, certainty and insecurity. I can`t believe that I have come to the end of my misison experience. I remember growing up and everything I did was to prepare me for my mission, priesthood activities, studying Preach My Gospel, and leaving with the missionaries on teaching appointments. Now, I am at the end of my own mission. I can`t believe that it went so fast. I have planned what I want to do when I get home, now we`ll just have to see how those plans carry out. But I know that if I do what Heavenly Father wants me to do, that he`ll help me always and I`ll be able to accomplish what he wants done for me. I hope to go home a man, grown up and mature in the gospel, ready to prepare himself to be a husband and father and to raise a family, righteous and obedient in the gospel. I hope that you are proud of me as I complete this two year experience and I want to thank you for always being there for me. I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me, for the words of encouragement that have made me who I am today. I go home with many traits that I will be able to use to prepare me to be a man in the eyes of God. I have a testimony of obedience, that if we are obedient, we qualify for all the blessings of God and he is obligated to bless us. I go home with a testimony of this gospel that I know its true. I know that Heavenly Father loves each and every one of us and hopes that we just do the right thing. I hope to look back on my mission and say what the Apostle Paul said, "I fought the good fight, I finished my course, I kept the faith". I share this testimony with you with my love, appreciation, and gratitude in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you and we`ll see you soon!

Alo!

     Alright, well this week I have way more time than last week. I want to apologize for sending such a short letter last week, I was a little rushed, but now I`m okay this week. 

     

     I got all your money and I`m going shopping today. I have your lists of what I`m going to get you and you guys are going to love it. Gavin, I already bought your soccer jersey. Thanks for sending it and I look forward to seeing your faces when you open them!

     First off, Mom....if you could....could you sign me up for subbing over there? It would be awesome if you could. I would totally do it with zero problem. If you want to pass me the Coughanour kids for teaching, I would do it, but I would do it at about 15 per lesson. 60 per month, not a bad deal. But, we`ll talk about it. 

     I do want to go straight off to school, I don`t know what I would do for almost a year without it. I think I can go to U of I in January. I just need to find a job down there, which I think I can with spanish and all. Mr. Murphy seems to think that I can survive, and if he thinks that, maybe I should go. We need to complete my application to that University by the way. I don`t know when the deadline is. Dad, if you could find that out, that would be awesome. We need to go down there almost as soon as I get home, because I need to talk with Mr. Murphy pronto, and he`ll be expecting me. I just want to study. I`m already behind on schooling and I don`t want to wait another year. Besides, Daniel and I will be going to the same school, so we`ll be able to help each other and all. But, we`ll talk more. At least I can go to NIC or something to get some studies under my belt.

      I look forward to seeing you real soon and talking about my mission in the family room with air conditioning...and...carpet...and a couch...and then a nice, warm, big, bed...oh man haha.

Well, our week less than eventful. Our convert Hector is doing great. He´s such a stud and he´s now getting invovled in family history. The ward is throwing a party for me next week and I`m getting really sad to leave. We had zone conference on Tuesday and President talked about a succesful missionary and it made my day. It was a really good week. On saturday, we had world service day and we planted like 75 trees along a river. So, I sent pictures of us in our helping hands pennies. Manos Mormonas que Ayudan. Anyway, I`ve gotta go. I love you guys and I look forward to seeing you next week! Chau!       

     

Hola!

 

     Writing at the end of a great week to say the least. Sorry for the short letter in advance but I really don`t have much to write anymore, given that we`ll see each other in a few weeks. This week was awesome! We had a baptism on Saturday! His name is Hector Rodriguez and he has been investigating the church for eight years. It was an awesome day and I`ll send more pictures later.

     That`s so awesome that Stewie`s home! I was so happy to get a letter from him, even though I can`t send one back. Let him know that I love him a ton and that I look forward to seeing him again. Also, you can forward letters to him so he can hear from me until I get home. Tell him that, of course, I will be in his homecoming talk. It would be an honor.

     My companion and I are doing well. Don`t worry Dad, I`m not making him trunky. He`s a good guy and loves to work.

     Thanks for everything that you do for me. I`m doing well, I`m healthy and safe, and looking forward to seeing you again the the very near future. Thanks for everything and I love you a ton! 
     

     With love,

 

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

September 17, 2012

Hola!

 

     My week was good. Just working and staying busy as always! This week was really weird because of the temperature. I am already starting to get a tan because the sun has been really strong this week. Plus the humidity makes it worse. So, I`ll come home with a tan. Yes! But today is even weirder, because now I`m in a sweater cause its chilly outside. That`s probably why I`m sick with a cold. The temperature change kills me. But, on with the show...

     Thanks for writing me this week. I always enjoy hearing from you guys, even though I don`t have much time left, I still love reading your letters.

     Thats so weird that Stewie is already coming home this week. I remember when I was with him at the airport in Spokane. That was not long ago. These two years have passed by way to fast. I do look forward to seeing him. Send him my love when you see him. Think of me when you have the barbeque on Saturday. I`ll be there in Spirit. Haha

     Don`t worry, I`m not trunked out...okay maybe a little bit. But, its monday I`m allowed to be trunky just for today. Haha I`m staying way busy, so there`s no time to be trunky.

     Dad, I want to try to get you an asado set, complete with knife and fork. Its way legit and you would love it. Mom, I`m not sure what to get you yet, but I will definitely find something. Gavin, if you want a jersey I can get one for you, but you would have to send me about 40 bucks to get it. Its way cool though. Paige, I have an idea what to get you and I`m thinking about buying it really soon. I found some spoons that Grandma would love and I`m not sure what to get for Grandpa. I still want a little cash for myself for one more thing that I want, maybe like 20 bucks. But, we`ll see. See if you can send me the money by next week, so I can buy things without being rushed toward the end.

     I love you guys and I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Chau!

 

Sorry for the short letter.

Palabras de Henry B. Eyring - Celebración Cultural

Celebración Cultural de la Juventud SUD, estadio de Independiente. Buen...

Weekly Letter September 10, 2012

Hey!

     Writing after an amazing week. Super spiritual and unforgetable. On Friday, we had a conference with Elder Eyring, Ballard, and Cristofferson. They have seriously become my favorite three apostles. Elder Eyring always ends up crying in his talks which makes me cry. Elder Cristofferson is an absolute stud. He gave his talks in Spanish because he had served his mission in Argentina. Their talks were incredible and I have them written down in my study journal. Saturday was incredible. We went to the cultural event in Avellaneda in Buenos Aires in the Independiente Soccer Stadium. There were about 25,000 spectators. They performed the traditional dances from the country, Chacarera, Chamame, and Malambo. Look them up on Youtube or something. You`ll like them. There was a part where they sang called to serve and all the missionaries walked out onto the field. About 500 missionaries. It was amazing. I`m sure the church is going to make it a mormon message in the next month or so. On sunday, we went to the temple dedication in our stake center and it was incredible. Probably the most spiritual enriching event I have ever been in. I forgot how amazing a temple dedication is. I have all my things from the weekend so I`ll show you when I get home. But, needless to say, it was an unforgetable weekend.

     Unfortunatly, I couldn`t take any pictures because we weren`t allowed to. But, I`m sure the Hermana Carter took a lot of pictures. She`s always walking around with her camera. So be checking on the blog to see if she put some pictures on there. 

     Dad, all the plans sound good to me. I do want the Rouse Family to be there and also the Clark Family on Saturday night, if that would be possible. They really helped me a lot to get out here. Yeah, its going to be a busy week when I get home but I can rest on sunday afternoon. That means I have to prepare my homecoming talk? Just kidding. I`ll probably do it on the plane ride home. 

     Mom, that little desk I would still like to have for now. If I don`t want it after I get back, I`ll make arrangements to get rid of it. It would be nice to have. I`ll probably use it for a while anyway. I do love that bed I had before, but if there is only a single bed available, I`ll take it. I`ve been on one for the last two years. I`m in a bunk bed now, so anything other than a bunk bed would be fantastic.  

      My letters are getting shorter every week. But, I don`t have much to tell other than I already told. I`m looking around for you guys`s gifts. I found some awesome collectors spoons that Grandma will love. I`m not sure what to get grandpa. Gavin, I found a sweet knife that`s made out a toe of an ostrich. It`s sick. I`m thinking about getting it for you. I`m still looking around so I`ll find some stuff in the next few weeks. I love you guys and I`ll see you soon.

September 3, 2012

Che!

     Muy buenos días de Argentina a ustedes!

     Thanks for the awesome letters this week. I always enjoy your letters and I look forward to them every week. This week was somewhat uneventful, but absolutely flew by. I can only imagine how fast an eventful week will go by. Crazy.

     I`m glad that everybody is happy at home and that things are going well. Gavin, your photos look great. I have all the photos that you sent me on my flashdrive. I want you to do my new album cover when I get home, I`m serious. And, yes I would be glad to play for you at solo & ensemble. It would be an honor, I would take any excuse to be back in a suit. Haha

     I think I`m going to need to buy another suit when I get home, because mine are almost dead. I think they just need a good dry clean, which I haven`t done on my mission at all. I still have the second pair of suit pants that I haven`t worn yet. Maybe I`ll just dry clean my coat. We`ll see because its really expensive here.

     Anyway, I think I just want to invite my best buds to a dinner or something when I get home. If I want to see somebody, I`ll go out and see them. We`ll talk about that later. 

     Isn`t it amazing how fast time has gone by? I don`t know if you guys (Mom and Dad) remember your missions. Personally, I don`t how I got here, 23 months in my mission this week. I feel like I just woke up one morning and here I was. Crazy...

     This week, we have the rededication of the Buenos Aires Temple. We`re getting really excited for friday, saturday, and sunday. Friday is the conference with the three general authorities: Eyring, Christtoferson, and Ballard. Saturday is the cultural celebration in Buenos Aires where all the Buenos Aires stakes are going to do a cultural presentation of the country. That`s going to be awesome. Then Sunday is the rededication at nine in the morning. Its going to be a great week of which I`m looking forward to. Great time to be a missionary right now, and just in time, a month before I leave. There were missionaries who went home a little over 3 months ago who were crying because they were going to miss the temple. So, we`re really fortunate.

     Gavin, you want a chalina? What Elder Unker was wearing? Anything else cool? I`ll look around for ya and find some cool stuff. Something really Argentine.

     Paige, who`s the friend? Both your letter and Mom`s only used the word "friend". Who is it? Do I know it? haha

     Well, not much else to write. Send me your lists of stuff that you want so I can see how much they are! I love you guys and I`ll be seeing you on the flip flop.

     Chau!

August 27, 2012

Hola Familia Mìa!

     Writing after quite a busy week, but all happy here. Thanks for all your letters this week, I always look forward to reading your letters. Sounds like your week was a good one, and mine was too. But, I`ll address your letters first before addressing my week.

     Dad, I`m happy to hear that you are happy with your new job. Dad, I`ll find you a rad tie. They have some really good ties here, so I`ll get you one. There is also a knife set for asado that I want to get you. Its about 30 bucks, so about 50 bucks from you, and I can get you everything. You can`t say no to an Argentine knife set right? Haha

     Mom, congrats on the weight loss. I was thinking about what I want to get you, and Sister Carter has something that I want to get you. I asked her about it and it costs about 50 dollars. I also want to get Paige one, and one for my future wife...haha. But, I`ll look around and see if I can find something cheaper. But, where Sister Carter got it is in one of the stores where the missionaries go at the end of the mission. So, I`ll go there, and she wants to know if she needs to call some more in, so let me know. They`re awesome...trust me.

     Paige, I`ll look around and see what you would like. I was thinking about getting you what I want to get Mom, but I`ll look around some more. I`m actually going shopping today to see what`s out there.

     I want to get Grandma a spoon from Buenos Aires. You know, she collects spoons, and there are some really pretty ones in Capital. So, I was thinking about that.

     Gavin, I`m not sure what you want. If I were you, I would send about 50 bucks and I`ll buy you a knife or something. I`ll look around I promise. I also want to get you a CD of Argentine Folklore Music so you can here some sweet acoustic guitar music. Give me some ideas. Research on the internet and let me know what would spike your interest to have.

     Send me a list so I have an idea of what you want and I`ll get you a quote on how much it would cost. 

     

     Well, today...I start my last transfer in the mission. Six weeks from now and I`ll be done. Thats scary huh? I feel like I just started. So...the countdown starts.

     Our week was really busy. Interviews with President, knocking doors, church, etc. We were able to find a family yesterday and we challenged them to be baptized right there! So crazy. They said yes, but we`ll be working with them so they can really be baptized. The kid who was supposed to be baptized hasn´t really been progressing so we don`t don`t know if he will be baptized. But, its better that this happens before the baptism than after. 

     Michael Murphy did write me back. He said: "I want to try to answer some of your questions. I know that you are worried about sustaining yourself that first semester. There have been quite a few church jobs open recently. I do not know their current status but I would be happy to inquire about, if you would like. U of I vocalists pay for accompanists so you could also make money that way. Then there are jobs outside of music and I could also help scout out the possiblity of those jobs. Frankly, I have never known a student not find a job if they were looking for one." Cool guy. He also says that he`s looking forward to our visit to him in mid-October. 

     But, we`re just working hard and seeing miracles. I`ve gotta go, but I look forward to reading from you next week. I love you guys and I look forward to being re-united with you again.  

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

Well hello...

 

     First of all, I wanted to say that I did not appreciate your letters this week. Because, you made me cry in a public location and made me look like a baby  I really enjoyed reading your letters this week and i am filled with joy as I write you back.

 

     Dad, I send my deepest expression of congratulations and want you to know that I really worried about you guys. I prayed for you every night and I know that the Lord has blessed you for your efforts and your constant faith in Him. I hope that this job treats you well and that you`ll find all the satisfaction that you need.

     Mom, kudos for the new job that you found as well. Thats awesome that you`ll be going to church on sundays. Because I don`t want my Mom working when I have to give my talk on Sunday!

     Gavin, your letter made me cry. Elder Harriott who is sitting right next to me asked me what was wrong haha. I look forward to receiving the pin, and i`ll do so with the upmost honor.

     Paige, short letter. Haha but funny story about the guy in Taco Bell. I was a regular when I worked at Hollywood, I went there all the time, but they knew my name. 

      Thanks so much for the money, I`ll get those scripture covers ordered ASAP. I love you guys so much.

 

     Okay, on with my week:

 

     First off, my week was kind of a crappy one, not going to lie. So, we had a baptism planned on Saturday and everything was prepared. The kid doesn`t show up and we wait and we wait. We finally call him and his Mom answers and tells us that he left that morning and hasn`t been home since. He left his cell phone in the house and they couldn`t find him. We waited about another hour and then left. I felt really bad because the font was filled, the members were there. But, they understood and told us not to worry about it. Since then, we still havenpt been able to find our investigator. We`ll keep trying but I don`t know what`s goign to happen with him.

     Today, we are going with our ward to the Temple Open House in Buenos Aires. I am so excited and I will send you pictures next week. This is the last week of the open house and then it gets rededicated on the 9th of September. On the 8th, we`re going to have a cultural celebration where Eyring, Ballard and Cristofferson will be present, and then we`ll have a conference with them witht the two other Buenos Aires Missions. Its going to be a busy month in september.

     We may have a baptism on Saturday with another investigator but we don`t know for sure yet. We`ll see if he goes to the temple with us today.

     As August come to a close, I realize how little time I have left. Unfortunately, my mission has to come to an end and I have to leave. I`ll miss it terribly. If I could, I would extend one more year to be here. But, I want to see you guys too and be with you again. But, I know my time`s not over and I`ll work hard until my Stake President takes my plaque off of my chest and tells me that I`m not a missionary anymore. Until then, I keep working hard and inviting all people to come unto Christ and accept the Restored Gospel by Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentece, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. That`s what I`ll do, endure to the end , so my homecoming can be more rewarding to know that I gave the very last drop until the very last moment. I love you guys and I`ll write you again next week. Have a great week!

Your son,

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

August 6,2012

Saludos de Argentina...

     Thanks for the great letter this week. We have had quite a week of miracles this week, but I`ll address some things that you have written to me first.

     First Mom, about your work. I can understand both sides of the spectrum, in between you and the bishop. The bishop is right. But, you are also doing something that you maybe cannot avoid. You need to work for right now until Dad gets a job. But, you also need to go to church every week, which the bishop addressed. I suggest that you take it to Heavenly Father and that you listen to the council of the bishop. Maybe Mom, you might have to let the job go if it gets in the way of church attendence. I know, I`m a missionary and its easy for me to say, given that I do not work and have zero problem getting to church. But, Elder Uchtdorf said in the the last Priesthood Session, "sometimes, we have to step out into the darkness, so the Lord can put firm ground beneath our feet". I personally would suggest not working on Sundays since it is a covenant that we take upon us when we are baptized. But, we must also keep in mind that our loving, merciful, and all knowing Father in Heaven, would make sure that his covenants are kept and would not let something get in the way of keeping said covenants. God knows that we need food, shelter, and...money to support ourselves. In 3 Nephi 13, the Lord Jesus Christ explains in verses 25-34, that we should not concern ourselves with what we are to eat, drink or clothe ourselves with, because our Father in Heaven knows that we have need of such things to survive. But He gives us this one council, "But search first the Kingdom of God and its righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto thee...". Mom, take it to the Lord, and the Lord will give you a wiser answer than I. I love you so much, and I have a testimony that the Lord blesses us when we most need it. But only if we are willing to keep his commandments. I have seen the Spirit touch the hearts of those who are not from the church, when they promise to not work on Sundays anymore so they can get baptized and take upon themselves the Abrahamic Covenant, and ultimately, the name of Christ. "Who am I, saith the Lord, to promise and not complete?" Doctrine and Covenants 58:31.

     Second, the only thing that I want to buy from here is a pair of leather scripture covers for my spanish scriptures. A lady does them here and they are amazing! I`ve pretty much got everything that I want. Thats the only thing left that I would like to have. Its about 400 pesos, which is about a hundred bucks maybe a little less. That is truly something that I would keep forever, because it would last forever. But, if I want them, I have to order them ASAP, given that the lady takes about three weeks to make them. So, let me know. :-)  

     Third, I am not going to buy a new pair of shoes. Its not necesary at this point. I only have two months left. By the time I break them in, I`ll be home. There not that bad anyway. I super glued them together again, so they should be just fine.    

     

     Well, our week was pretty amazing. First, we had 8 people who were not members in Church on sunday, and we found a family of 5 who wants to get baptized! They came to church out of nowhere and they invited us to their house with a cake waiting for us and said that they had family in another ward in the mission and the only thing that they want is to be just as happy as they are. So, we challenged them to baptism and they said yes. So, on the 25th of August, we should be having in-between four and five baptisms! We were definitely blessed this week and we were able to see a truly golden family. 

     The temple is now open to the public since Saturday, and will continue to have the open house until the 25th. So, we`re going to be taking a lot of investigators to the temple this next two weeks. Hopefully we`ll see some major success through the open house, but I`m sure that we will. 

     Well, I`ve gotta go so I will write you next week. I love you and I look forward to the day when we will be reunited (but not in a trunky way). 

     

Good night and good luck...

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

Hola!

 

     I was thrilled to recieve letters from all of you this week. My week was really interesting but I`ll tell it later in the letter. First, i wanted to address some things.

     Primero, sorry for the missing capitilization on some letters, because the shift key on the left hand side of the computer i`m using is broken, so its a real pain to reach over with my left hand to use the shift key on the other side.

     Segundo, i was aware that gavin and paige weren`t going to send me money for me. I knew that i was going to get them something. Silly! I wouldn`t use their money on me! Haha. Anyway...

     Tercero, my tooth precedure went just fine. Now, if one looks in my mouth, you can`t tell that a procedure was even performed. They got rid of all the cement that they put in last week and filled it with some gummy stuff and porceline. Then, the dentist shined a light on it and it hardened up. She filed it down a little bit and boom, it wa done. I can eat on it and it doesn`t hurt anymore. Finally, after about three months, I can eat comfortably. Needless to say, I am doing just fine, so don`t worry Mom.

     Cuarto, the baptisms did not happen this week because of interview troubles. But they are going to get baptized on the 11th of this month. So, we`re still pretty excited.

     Quinto, I`m glad that you had fun at the wedding and tell them that I said hi. Please say hi to Shayler and Rebecca for me too. I love those guys. Shayler is a stud.

     Sexto, I thought it was funny that Paige spelled the activity they did "Boredwalk" as if it was kind of a dungy activity. Haha, I thought it was pretty funny, Paige. Don`t take offense, it was just a joke 

     Sèptimo, did you guys get my flight plans yet? If not, you should be getting them any day I would think. Kind of weird that they haven`t come yet. But, my release day from here is the 12th of Octubre.

     Octavo, I wanted ask for some recipes from you for some members in the ward. They follow:

          -Sloppy Joes

          -Pulled Pork Sandwiches

          -Pepsi Pork

     I always talk about these things to some members, so they want to know how to make them. The recipes would be awesome if you could send them by next week. I love you! 

     Noveno, my shoes are falling apart! they are getting completely destroyed! So, i`m going to try to wear them until the end of my mission. They`ll look pretty cool by then. haha...

     Dècimo, Dad, would you be willing to look up the Navy ROTC information at University of Idaho for me? I would really appreciate it. I don`t know if i`ll do it, but it would be nice to have it as an option. Maybe i`ll start it next septiembre, who knows? They would pay for my schooling and they would be one less thing to worry about.

     Dècimo Primero, sorry I don`t have any pictures this week because the computer I`m using does not have a USB port, go figure. But you will have a good number of pictures next week. BTW, i am now living with one of my old companions, Elder Harriott from Panamà. He`s way cool and now I`ll live with him until I die here. Crazy, I would have been with him for four transfers or six months. He`s in the other area that lives with us.

     I`m afraid that`s all I have to write this week. Thanks for sending letters every week without fail for my entire mission. I love you guys and i look forward to seeing you real soon. 

 

And that`s all I have to say about that.... 

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

 

Well, another week passes...

     Hey guys! How are you? It seems to me that you had a pretty good week. So did I, and I look forward to telling it...

     Well, first of all, they did leave my tooth exposed, but I haven`t chewed on it since the operation. On Thursday, they put the new tooth on top. They did fill it with some sort of cement, but it wore off pretty quickly. It doesn`t hurt at all, but it is a little sensitive. But, Mom there is no problems wit my tooth, I`m feeling just fine. 

     This week, Elder Silva left and I got my new companion that will probably be my last. His name is Elder Abàn and he`s from Mendoza Argentina. He`s a way cool guy and I look forward to working with him. 

     On Saturday, we are going to have two baptisms! We are so excited and I will send pictures on Monday. They are so ready to be baptized and the ward is really ready to receive some new members.

     The weather is really weird right now. It doesn`t want to decide whether its going to be cold or not. Somedays, I just work with a long sleeve shirt and other days with my coat and a sweater underneath. But, at least its not hot. 

     I have officially started my second to last transfer here in the mission. I now have less than three months left and its making me sad to think that I will be leaving this country in about two and a half months. I would like to return to visit as just a regular joe, but I don`t know when or how I would do it. I`ll think about that a little further down the road. Thats what kind of stinks about serving a foreign country, is its so incredibly hard to go back and visit after you finish. With money these days, its nearly impossible. So, I`ll just have to make the best of it while I`m here I guess. 

     Gonzalo is a great guy and he helps us out a lot. He speaks wicked good english and he teaches a way better class than me. Yeah, I know english, but knowing it and teaching it are two different things. I don`t know how fast I should teach or how fast the student will learn. So, that`s where Gonzalo came in and helped out a ton. Plus, he likes it so its a win/win. We are doing it in an attempt to find new investigators and bring them to church. 

     I am doing well concerning my health and well-being. I haven`t gotten sick in a while and as soon as I have a new tooth in my mouth, I`ll be good-as-new. 

     Thanks for offering to send me some money. I really appreciate it. To tell you the truth, there are not many more things that I want to buy, just a few. I could probably get everything I wanted for about two hundred or so. Not too much, well yeah but not TOO much. All I want is a knife, a few more mates, a soccer jersey and a few smaller things that I`ll see later when I go to capital at the end of my mission. 

     Gavin, your pictures are legit! You need to take some pictures for me when I get home. I`ll even pay you! They look sweet...

     Paige, I`m glad that you`re glad at Taco Bell. I miss Taco Bell a lot but I don`t think I`ll eat it more than once after getting home. I want to keep this weight off and lose even more. Keep going with your sweet grades in school and don`t let up!

     Well, I`ve gotta go. I`ll write next week and I look forward to hearing from you again. Stay strong and don`t get too trunky. Tell Dad to write me next week by the way. I missed his letter...haha

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

 

Weekly Letter July 18th, 2012

Hey Guys!

     Well, another week passes by and I start my second to last transfer in the Buenos Aires West Mission, unfortunately. It makes me sad that I can actually see the end of the road. But, I`ve just gotta work even harder so I can stay focused. Its so great to hear from you guys every week and I look forward to talking about my experiences with you in person. But, anyway...on with the letter.

     Dad, I`m glad you`re okay after the incident with the car. And Richard too. Send him my greetings by the way. Dad, I have a feeling that the company will call you this week. Somethings gotta give sometime. But, just have faith and something will come through.

     Mom, sorry about the hospital job, I hope something else will come through. I`m sure it will. Thanks for the picture of the argentine license plate. Thats how they look down here. I wonder how it got up there though...

     Please please please send my love to Ty. I miss that guy and tell him that I look forward to seeing him.

     Today is transfers and my companion is leaving. I`m going to miss him a lot. He was a great companion and we had fun together. But, I am also excited for a new companion and he will probably be my last companion on the mission. Scary right? Anyway, so thats happening.

     Last thursday, I went to the dentist and they told me that I had an infection in my molar number 7. I guess when I got that little cavity filled before my mission, the dentist (won`t say who) didn`t clean out all the infection, so it continued down to my root. So, on thursday, I went to the dentist and they drilled out almost the entire inside of my molar and this coming thursday, they`re going to recontruct what they took out. They put like a gallon of novacain in my face because I had no feeling on the right side of my face until I went to bed that night. I got a whole new understanding of Bill Cosby Himself after that day. I did see and smell smoke, my face did slide off of my skull, I spilled water all down the front of me, and I did have a line of spit from my mouth to the sink that the doctor did call (no joke) an "arco iris" or rainbow. The dentist said that there was nothing I could have done to prevent that, given that it was below the filling and my toothbrush doesn`t reach there. I don`t have any other cavity by the way. So, that was the highlight of my week. Getting my molar destroyed in a third world country. Haha...good story for my grandkids.

     Its interesting whats happening with some of the modern day youth in the church. People who we think are the chosen somehow find their way off the path and fall. When we read Lehi`s dream in 1 Nephi 8, we find that the black mist fall upon everybody, but its our decision to hold fast to the rod of iron and continue on to the tree of life, which is the love of God. But, we also find that some of those who partook of the fruit still fell and yielded themselves to the tireless taunts of those who had already fallen into darkness. I hope that some of these youth, not going to name names, will find there way back to the tree of life and partake of the fruit thereof, that is, the love of God throught the miracle of forgiveness. God always gives us the opportunity to come back and partake of the fruit. They`ll have that opportunity someday, and we can only hope that they take it.

     Well, I have to go to the transfer meeting so I will write you all on Monday. I love you and hope to see you soon.

Chau!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

July 13, 2012

We received an email from a gentleman in Garrett's mission, and here is what it said.

HI GARRET'S MOTHER!!!
I'm Gonzalo Viola, A friend of elder rook from buenos aires, he has just left home after having tea with his companion. I've been a member of the church for two years and I really enjoy Elder Rook's company. He's very kind and he helps me with my English. I listen to his CD quite often as well, he's quite talente. I took some pictures of us and wanted to share them with you,maybe you can post them in his Facebook! In the pictures you'll see Garret, his companion Elder Silva and Me (Gonzalo Viola).
Hope you post them and let me know if you like them! Oh, there's a picture of a drawing he made specially for you,it says "Greetings from Argentina" (Saludos de Argentina)!
 
Sorry if I made some mistakes in your language! My english is good but not perfect!

July 9, 2012

Hola!

     Well, sounds to me that you guys had a pretty good week. Not much to write here as things are pretty slow in the winter time in Argentina. Today is the 9th of July which is Independence Day here in Argentina. So, everything`s closed and the streets are empty. On holidays, the argentine people takes advantage of just drinking and not working. So, there`s not much of parties on the city level. But, its pretty chill anyway. 

     I`ll be doing a fast for you guys on Wednesday since Dad has his interview that day. And I also have a request for you. Be praying for me because on Thursday, I have a dentist appointment because I have been having some pain in my two back molars and I hope its just because they`re sensitive and that they have deep pits. I doubt I have a cavitiy since I take fairly good care of my teeth. But, we`ll see. It hurts whenever I eat or drink something really hot or really cold. The change in temperature from hot to cold bothers them a little bit. 

     Man, everyone`s getting married! Crazy that Zaks getting married already. Send him my love and congratulations. 

     Mike Murphy did not write me back yet, but he probably will soon. He`s probably a little busy, but I`ll probably hear from him in a few days if not a week. 

     Remember next week, I won`t write until Wednesday because thats the end of transfer. Just thought I`d let you know. 

     My birthday was really good. The elders in my house got back from working about a half hour early and they had a cake waiting for me when we got back. They`re awesome. I`ll send pictures next week, since I forgot my camera cable today. I also had an asado with a family in our ward. I`ll have them give me pictures so I can send them to you guys. 

     The weather is finally getting cooler out. Winter is definitly coming and I`m loving it. But, its getting harder to work because now everybody`s inside and not answering doors. But, we still keep working and we are finding people to teach slowly but surely. 

     The ward is good, they help us a lot and are willing to help us with the missionary work that we`re doing here. We leave with members and they help us teach a lot. 

     Well, there is really nothing else to write so I love you guys and I pray everyday that God will watch over you always. Good luck on Wednesday and you`ll be getting my letter next wednesday.

Chau! 

July 2nd, 2012

Hey Guys!

     Well, I don`t have much time to write today because we have a district activity here in about a half an hour. I`m doing fine here. Just plugging along and working hard. I`m not trunky, I promise. My week was somewhat boring given that my companion and I were in bed for two days with horrible colds and headaches. The weather is changing and my body doesn`t like it very much. I have experienced the most humid conditions of my entire life here in these past two weeks. It is so humid that its no longer cold outside and you can´t help but sweat after walkign and walking. You come home at night and your bed and pillow are wet but you have to sleep anyway. Its terrible. But today is the first day in two weeks where its not too humid. Thank goodness that cold is coming back. 

     Gavin, your photos were bomb. The Time Traveler one was sweet. Maybe you could redo the photo now with all the clocks with different times on them. That would be way sweet too. But, awesome job. I could never get Photoshop down really well when I was in Blair`s class. But it was a lot of fun. You are totally designing my new CD cover bro. I`ll even pay you. Haha

     Paige, I`m glad you`re liking your job and I hope it goes well for you. Brother Polluck is a good man and I would love to work for him too. Work hard, 110 percent of your effort 110 percent of the time. 

     I will be praying really hard for you guys this week as Dad goes into interviews. Something has got to come through eventually. Remember that God is never ignorant of any of his children. Mathew 10 talks about that a bird never falls to the ground without the Father knowing. Keep praying, keep looking and know that you will always be guided in all things. 

     The photo I sent is when we got caught in rainstorm without any rain coat. I got soaked to the bone. Sorry for the sort letter but I`ll make it up to you next week. Well, off to eat some American style Fried Chicken made by yours truly with the District. Love you guys and we`ll talk to you later! 

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

June 18, 2012

Hola, 

     Well, another day another dollar in Argentina. The time is flying by faster and faster everyday. I wake up in the morning and then, all of a sudden, I`m back in bed at night. Crazy. Anyway, not to try to break the surprise, but I am really curious as to which photo you will be using for my missionary plaque. Just curious. I`ll think of my favorite scripture this week. There are just so many! But, on Monday, you`ll have it for sure. I promise.

     Thanks for all the letters I got this week. I think a congratulations is in order. PAIGE CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You have a job! Thats awesome! I`m happy now. Work your butt off and be the best employee there. You don`t want to let Bishop Polluck down. You`ll be awesome. 

     I really miss going to the temple. I haven`t been in more than a year and a half! I am so excited to go through the Buenos Aires Temple before I head out. It gets re-dedicated on the 9th of september. We found out that the missionaries will be attending the cultural event and we`ll be having a multi-mission meeting afterwards with Elders Eyring, Ballard, and Cristofferson. Look up the temply dedication on LDS.org. So, that will be pretty amazing. I`m excited, but now as I look forward to that, my time is going to go by faster here, and that stinks. 

     We`re a really cool family right? We have Thurgoods, Grassles...what more can you ask for? 

     Anyway, my week was pretty boring to tell you the truth. I went to capital today and talked with about 10 missionaries from the Buenos Aires North mission. It was nice to see other missionaries. I talked to a sister missionary who knew a sister in my zone in the MTC who served in the north mission, pretty cool. I enjoy living in an apartment with four elders. Its a lot of fun. But, my companion is the only non-american out of the four. We try to include him in everything, but I think he`s a little anti-social .We speak spanish in front of him and everything, but nothing. Hopefully, I can raise his ànimo a little bit. 

     We have good investigators but we`re really struggling with them getting to church. They always tell us that, yeah we`ll go to church, but then we show up at their house to take them and they either don`t answer, we hear people inside, or they come up with excuses. Is it that hard to dedicate three measly hours of your most un-eventful life to do something worthwhile? Maybe its too much to ask. But, we keep swimming. 

     My companion is really cool. He`s 24 and is a convert of 2 years. All of my companions are converts. Anyway, he loves to work and has a great testimony. He has a really hard time with the language, since he`s from Brazil, so he speaks Portugese. But, he`s learning and I`m learning a little portugese at the same time. So, I`ll be able to talk to Brother De Souza when I get home. 

     Anyway, thats pretty much it for my week. I hope that you are all okay and in high spirits and that you`re not too trunky for me, because I`m not. Haha I love you guys and I look forward to seeing you soon.   

Chau! 

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

 

June 11, 2012

Hey Guys!

     Well, writing after quite an exhausting week. We had transfers this week and I am tired. But, today`s P-Day and I am looking forward to a rest.

     Thanks again for writing me, I always look forward to your letters. I got sent to an area called Merlo. My ward is called Merlo 2. Its about 10 minutes by train to my first area in Moreno. So, I`m back in Buenos Aires. Its really weird for me to be here after seven months out in the middle of nowhere. But, its okay because everything is cheaper here. So, that makes me happy. Its not such a dangerous area like my first or second area, but still a little sketchy. The people are great and the ward is awesome! There were seventy people in church on Sunday! I haven`t seen that many people in church my entire mission! Its a good strong ward and I look forward to working with them. My companion`s name is Marivelton Silva, and he`s from Brazil. He is still having a really hard time with his Spanish, since he speaks Portugese, but he`s a really cool guy. He`s been in the mission for five months now. I am living in a house with another companionship who is in the Merlo First Ward. They`re way cool missionaries, so it makes the experience fun.  

     Side note. You remember my convert Estiven who I always taked about all the time about a year and a half ago? Well, I found out that he is now the ward mission leader in my first ward, is leaving with the missionaries almost everyday, and is now preparing for the mission in a few months. I can`t express the joy that I felt when I found that out. It is truly rewarding to know that a convert of mine is genuinly progressing in the gospel, and now he`s going to do the same thing that I was doing. He`s going to mission prep institute here in Merlo 1, other ward. 

     I don`t know whats happening with my card lately. It is impossible for me in an ATM to take more out than is in the account, so how its overdrafting is beyond me. I apologize for the inconvinience and I wish that there was something I could do about it. Don`t worry about my birthday, its just another day. I`ll figure something out. We`ll have a pizza or something. 

     We were contacting in the streets yesterday and we stopped a family of six people. We were just going to do a normal contact and invite them to church. We found out that they live two blocks from the church and they were always curious about what we do there. We taught them a little bit about the Restoration and they told us to pass by their house. So, we`re going to be passing by this week. I hope they can come to church this week. There name is the Corvalàn Family.  

     Congrats to Gav for completing Junior year of High School. Now its just senior year. Think about it, you start school and then a month later, I`m home. What!!!! Crazy right? Its going to pass by so fast. But anyway...

     Paige, don`t move here. I love this country, don`t get me wrong. Its a great country to visit. I would never live here. And If I had to live here, I wouldn`t live in Buenos Aires. I would live somewhere in Cordoba or Mendoza or Bariloche. But, you could still have babies and get paid in where ever you live so if that`s what you want to do, go for it. I support ya.

  

     I sent you a video that we watched in a Zone Conference when we learned about teaching about the Book of Mormon. I love this video so much. Its epic. Turn up the sound, its even better. I want to make one just like it when I get back.

     Anyway, not much to write. How is my application going to U of I? Have you heard anything from Dr. Murphy? If you do, send him my deepest gratitude for all that he`s done for me. But, thats the way the cookie crumbles this week. So, I`ll talk to you guys next week. I love you! 

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."

Weekly Letter June 6, 2012

Hola a todos!

     Well, writing at the end of an interesting week this week. But, I´ll try to address the things that you sent to me first.

     It fills my heart with joy upon reading the story about Mom and Dad that you sent me. I know that our Heavenly Father loves us and that He wants us to be happy. I know that he blesses us with everything we need, if we are willing to come halfway. Think of the story of the brother of Jared, who wanted to know how to light the inside of the ships. The Lord didn´t just pull out a bunch of stones and touched them and handed them over with zero effort. The Lord only extended his hand when the Brother of Jared had done everything in his power to solve his own problem, and the Lord did what the Brother of Jared could not do, that is, touch the stones and give light to the ships. The Lord only blesses us with the things that we cannot do, not with what we have inside of our power to do. What you shared is definitly a miracle and I appreciate you sharing it with me.

     I was reading a scripture the other day and I thought you would really like it. Its in Alma 37 where it talks about the Liahona. Maybe you could try to apply it in our daily life. Look and live and according to our faith, daily miracles are worked. Its a great scripture of which you´ll definitely enjoy.

     Also, can you do me a favor? Daniel is probably waiting for my letter, poor kid. I sent it and it got sent back to me. So, I´m going to type a letter and send it through you so he can get it instantly. Tell him I´m sorry and that he´ll be hearing from me next week.

     Congratulations are in order for Gavin and his Eagle. Now, Mom can buy that bumper sticker that says Easgle Scouts instead of Eagle Scout. I did a slide show for my Eagle. It was pretty cool. The Mac would do a sweet video, you can make a DVD and everything.

     Paige, just keep going. If you give up, then you will truly not get anything. Blessings are found in dilligence.

    

     On with my week:

     Well, I have interesting news. My companion and I have just suffered a ´White Wash´, or when both elders are taken out of the area. We had interviews with President last week and he said that he was thinking about doing it. I think its a good idea. That branch needs some new blood and I´ve been there for seven months. I´ve been there for their good times and bad times and I think they want to see a new face. So, we´re in the offices right now waiting for our transfer meeting to start. So, I don´t know where I´m going yet. I´ll let you know next week. I´m kind of nervous but I´m excited too. New ward, new members, new investigators, new companion. It´ll be interesting.

     I think I´ve decided that I want to go to U of I after I get home. I feel good about it. I would be close to home, I could work and I could probably work the summer camp in between school years. They pay well and they know me there. Who knows, we´ll see what happens. It´ll be awesome being with Stewie in school. Maybe, I could live in there house and we could go to school together until I get a car of my own. We´ll see. I´ll have three months to make plans. I´m excited to study. Not trunky....haha

     I know that this time will go by quickly, but I know that I´m where I´m supposed to be. On the mission, as a missionary preaching the Gospel and inviting others to come unto Christ through faith in him and his Atonement, Repentace, Baptism, Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and Enduring to the End. I would appreciate that you help me stay focused on the work as I wind down to the end of my time as a missionary. I would be eternally grateful for your words of encourgement and support. I love this work, I love the Gospel, and I love the Lord, and I want to serve Him with all my might until He says that my work is done. I love you guys and I look forward to be reunited with you again in the near future.

     I LOVE YOU!!!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

 Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

        "La mejor misión de todo el mundo..."