Weekly Letter July 11, 2011

Toda piola?

Writing again on yet another P Day in la Bella del Sur (The Beauty of the South). This week has just crawled, although usually the first week of every transfer is super slow. We got a lot of work done and I went to bed totally beat every night. I'm loving it though. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here.

Housekeeping...

Bummer to hear about the shingles Gav. Like I said in your letter, my last companion Elder Unker got shingles here in the field about a year ago. The doctor put him on some meds and he hasn't had it since. So, it's definitely controlable. You just need to relax bro, and allow other people to take that weight of worry off you chest.

Thanks for letting me know about what was going on with our close friends. I'll get a letter off to them shortly. Keep praying for them. Maybe you could put their names on the list in the Temple. I'll continue to pray for them.

Paige, just keep busy. That's what I do when I feel homesick. Just get out of your little comfort zone and work. Maybe you need to go on a mission. It would help you so much, you don't even know. The sisters here in the mission are awesome. Oh yeah, just stay the whole year. If you're going to be making money like that, just stay. Why wouldn't you want to?

Mom, a VISA Card would be nice. Given that the trip to Walmart is kind of a pain. So, VISA would be awesome!

On with the letter...

Okay, I am writing at the end of a very long week. My first week as senior companion was really good. We taught almost thirty lessons and got about fourteen new investigators. We clapped one hundred and eleven doors in a desperate attempt to find new people. Although only one person showd up to church, we are making plans with the members to help us out. The field is definitely white down here. Our baptism goal is seven for this transfer. We are keeping as obedient as possible to receive all the blessings we can. This is going to be a great transfer.

We had interviews with the new President this week. He is an amazing man to say the least. We talked for about 15 minutes. He is an Eagle Scout and he got his Duty to God as well. I told him that I did the same things, and he told me that I would have a lot of potential coming my way later in life. He told a story of three executives that were hired at a fortune 500 company out of a hiring pool of over 300 applicants. He said that they were hired because they had earned their Eagle Scout, and they all had served missions for the church. He said that I would probably be training next transfer as well. We talked about my schooling in the future. Mom, please don't cry when I tell you this. I asked about the possibility of leaving a transfer early to start school in September at BYU. He looked at me and said, Well, Elder, that doesn't sound to attractive to me. We have three options here. One, you can go home early and spend two weeks with your family until you go to school, you can go home on time and have three months until you go to school and that isn't good either, or...you can extend your mission thirty days, come home during the holidays and spend a good two months with your family until you go to school in January. I looked at him and said that I liked the third option a lot better. So, we'll see what happens. I'll give him the yes or no when I hit the year mark in October. He also asked what city you guys are moving to in Florida, because he is from Florida and he wants to know where you're moving to so he can call the Stake President ahead and let them know that you guys are coming.

Also, some sad news. You guys remember my companion from the MTC, Elder Jones? I went to the change meeting on Monday and Elder Bush, a friend of mine from Moreno, told me that he had gone home. Sister Cox, one of the couple missionaries in the offices told me that he was really sad because he wasn't having the success that me and Elder Alkema were having in our missions. So, he went home about two weeks ago. That ruined my day when I heard it. Elder Alkema was there at the meeting too and he gave me a big hug when he heard it. We were so sad because we loved him so much. Never compare yourself to others. The Lord knows who each person is and their struggles. Even though we baptize for the mission overall, we are all here on our personal missions and our personal progress. At the end, if we worked hard and did our best, then we are successful missionaries.

That is pretty much the highlight of the week. Week one is really boring, so the letter will be longer next week.

I love you all and I will see you soon!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

Laferrere, Buenos Aires, Argentina

"Mi proposito es invitar a lodas las personas a venir a Cristo..."

P.S. Here is the link for the mission that the President's Wife made. You can read about what's going on in the mission. Also, my picture is under Gonzalez Catan. www.buenosaireswest.blogspot.com

P.S.S. Send me some pictures from my Facebook account so I can print them here.

Weekly Letter 7/4/2011 Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday Garrett!

¡Hola familia mia!

Well, a sad day to report. My companion, Elder Unker, has gone home. We became great friends and i´m going to miss him a ton. Although, when I go to BYU; we´re totally hanging out. I did get a new companion. His name is...are you ready?...Elder Mielnikowicz. He´s from Argentina and has been in the mission for five months. By the way, I´m starting my first transfer as senior companion! I am so excited, and we´re going to baptize a ton!

Housekeeping...

To answer your question Mom: Yes, I was taken care of on my birthday. I had a great birthday. It was strange, because it was my comp´s last day in Argentina and my birthday. So it was sad and happy at the same time. We went to two member´s houses. A sister named Hermana Dorilda and our Branch President´s house. I included pictures from both.

I hope that the Florida thing works out. Although I would much rather stay in Idaho; if the Lord has different plans, they will make themselves manifest.

Not much is happening on the home front me parece, so I´ll move on to my letter...

We did not have a good week this week. Our numbers were super low, because we had to go the mission office multiple times to help send my companion off. He wasn´t trunky, but it was just things with the government and flight stuff. So, we didn´t work much. I was really sad to say goodbye to Elder Unker. We had such a good time together and I´ll miss him terribly. I talked with one of the Assistants today at the mission office and he told me that we all have our favorite companions in the mission, but we´ve just got to keep working. So, I guess I´ll just keep working. :-)

I am now senior companion with Elder Mielnikowicz. Its an interesting feeling. We were walking to the city center today and I swore I could see the area change. This is now my area. This area and what happens in it is my responsibility. Its so crazy. But, I think I´m ready for a little responsibility now.

It has been a super dry week this week, so as a result, my skin is acting up yet again. I just wish that this would go away. I really don´t want to be battling this my whole life. But, I´m going to call the area Doctor tomorrow and get this solved.

It...is...cold...here. I remember when I got my call and it said Argentina. I thought "Dang it, it´s going to be hot all the time". That´s a lie. The cold here is incredible. No matter what I put on, it just cuts right through my clothing. But, we are staying warm the best we can.

Well, I have decided to be more obedient. Its a rule that we can´t email friends. So I have stopped emailing all of my friends. If I want to comunicate with them I have to send a physical letter. I sent a letter to Stewie this week so It will arrive soon. I know it will be hard, but I know the blessings will be that more rewarding. I need to get Adam´s mission address so I can send him a letter. If you could give it to me, that would be great.

One question. Am I getting another card or what´s going to happen? Did you guys figure out what´s going to happen to my CD account? Given that all of my CD sales are connected with that account. It would be nice to know so I don´t start worrying about it.

Well, I think we´re going back to the apartment to get some well deserved rest before we get back to work. I love you all and I´ll write you again next week. Keep the letters coming, I love reading them.

¡Hasta luego!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

"Mi proposito es invitar a lodas las personas a venir a Cristo..."

Weekly Letter 6/27/2011

¡Buen día a todos!

Okay, sorry again for the super short letter last week, but this week will be better.

I´m glad that Paige arrived in alabama okay. Mom, don´t worry. Paige needs to learn to grow on her own. Having bad experiences and trials are the only way that one grows in life. I can say, from experience, that I am not the person that you guys said goodbye to on the curb in Provo. Over this short period of time; I was able to experience trial and heartache with bad companions, sickness, and dissapointment. Because of that, I have grown and will continue to grow in the coming months. Paige will be fine. She needs an experience such as this. By the way, most people move out at around that age, right after High School.

If you are planning on leaving in the middle of July; shouldn´t you already know by now? That seems a little fishy to me. But, then again; I´m not there. I hope everything come through okay. Although, I would rather stay in Idaho, I hope everything works out. By the way, way to go Gavin! That´s my little bro!

On with my letter...

Well, we had quite a busy week. First of all, we had the President´s Farewell on Tuesday. President Benton is finishing a three year mission on Thursday and the new President comes tomorrow. I attached a photo of my last picture with President Benton. It was really sad. I played my rendition of God Be With You ´Til We Meet Again for the mission and had everyone crying. Sad day. I´m going to miss him a ton. He has helped me so much since I came out into the field.

On Wednesday, we had the worst rain storm I have ever seen in Argentina so far. It started to rain at about 5:00pm and it didn´t stop until Thursday at 2:00pm. We were working when it started and I didn´t have my rain gear. Oops. It started to sprinkle a little bit and then it started to downpour. Elder Unker and I came back to the apartment soaking wet and dripping everywhere. I attached a photo of our experience.

On Friday, we had to go to Capital again for the third time. Not too fun, but now my documents are done, so I am an official Porteño (a person from Buenos Aires). In the immigration office, we saw President Benton and his wife. They were verifying their VISA so they could leave the country. They had a handler from the Area Offices named Sabrina with them. She helped us with everything as well since we were there. And, I´m sorry, but she was a very beautiful person to say the least. Haha

On Sunday, my companion had his exit interview with President. He was in there for almost an hour. During this time, the Branch President in Laferrere II (my branch) showed up! Of all people in all places! He and President Benton are really good friends. Oh, by the way, his name is President Golinowski (I think its a Jewish name). He is such a stud. We go over to his house every week to eat pizza and empanadas. He is a convert of three years and he´s our Branch President! Crazy! He absolutely loves the missionaries and he wants to feed us all the time. haha

And here we are on Monday. My comp´s last monday in Argentina (not counting his travel day next monday). We are going shopping today for him and his family. The one day that I don´t have my card or money... :-( Oh, by the way. What is going to happen with my CD account? Given that CDBaby is connected with my STCU account. I was kind of worried the other day and I don´t know how that would be figured out. But, I know that you´ll figure it out.

Oh, one more thing before I go. You need to ask Liz this pronto! Me and my comp were talking the other day and he was saying that all of his friends kind of bailed on him during his mission and that he wasn´t going to have a bunch of friends when he gets back. I said, "Well, I have a friend for you. This guy is going to go to University of Utah (where my comp is going). His name is Adam Thurgood." My comp looked at me and said "Are you serious? Adam Thurgood? I lived two houses away from them in South Jordan! I know him and Zac really well!" Holy Cow! That is so crazy! Here we are in Laferrere, Argentina and we both know the same person. Adam and his family moved from South Jordan up to Post Falls, where I live, we become best friends and me and Elder Unker serve in the same mission. That is so crazy to me. I couldn´t believe it when I heard it. You need to ask Liz if she knows who Andrew Unker is. I guess Adam, Zac and Andrew used to play Basketball like everyday on their driveway. I can´t email Adam direcly because its against the rules, so you need to ask Liz that.

Anyway, I´ve got to go. I love you all so much and I will write you next week. Keep up the faith and I look forward to hearing from you next week.

Love you!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

Weekly Letter 6/20/11 Short!

Hey everybody!

Thank you for the letter, I always enjoy hearing from you guys! First of all...some housekeeping...

I´m pretty sure my grades are good enough to go to BYU, Mom. My GPA average is over 3.7. I´ve only gotten one C in my entire life. But, you could always find out. Call and ask about return missionaries.

Paige, I do something to say...

Que te vayas bien en tu viaje. Voy a pensar en vos siempre y orar por vos. Espero que encuentras mucho gozo en Alabama y que estés segura. Que los peligros del mundo no tengan poder sobre vos. Que el Espíritu del Señor vaya contigo y que te proteja. Escribíme a mi cuando vos llegues en Alabama. (Thought I would testyouon your spanish. If you don´t understand Google Translate does a pretty good job).

Translation:You go well on your journey. I'll always think of you and praying for you. I hope you find much joy in Alabama and you're safe. The dangers of the world does not have power over you. May the Spirit of the Lord go with you and protect you. Write to me when you get in Alabama.

Gavin, always be doing missionary work. I do know Ryan, he´s a good man. Let him knowI said hi, and to keep going. Always bear your testimony to everybody. You are a missionary now, you don´t need the black nametag to be a missionary.

I am so sorry, but it is almost 9:00 and I have to go. I am here on special permission from the Assistants, because my companion and I went to visit converts in another area, since he´s leaving in 2 weeks. They told me to write a little snippet and send it. I´ll write more on thursday when we do Progressing Investigator Form. Know that I am all well and fine and healthy. If I don´t write on thursday for some reason, I´ll write again next monday.

I love you all!

Élder Garrett Brighton Rook

Misión Argentina Buenos Aires Oeste

"Mi proposito es invitar a lodas las personas a venir a Cristo..."

Pictures from Argentina!

Garrett's weekly letter is in an earlier post. He looks really good and is happy. Skinny as a rail! He has lost 30 lbs. I'm so grateful that he is doing well, and that he loves being a missionary. I'm grateful that he is worthy enough to serve a mission! What an awesome adventure he is having. So proud of him! It's hard to have him gone, but I wouldn't change anything. It has been an awesome adventure for us as a family to see his growth in the gospel.

¡Hola!

Quiero pedir perdon por mis cartas cortas en mis cartas pasadas. Esta carta va a ser un poco más larga...jaja

I want to apologize for my short letters these past few weeks. This letter is going to be a little longer...haha

Housekeeping...

Congratulations to Paige for finally making it through the craziest week of one´s teenage life. I remember my graduation. I went to the party with Adam, and I couldn´t make it all the way home. I slept at Adam´s house and forgot to tell Mom about it. I did, although, play poker and lost everything. I remember how I felt, making such a big step in the path of life. I was ending an era in my story by graduating. It was really scary, but I was ready to take on whatever came.

Congratulations to Gavin as well, for looking like such a stud at graduation. You could totally be an Abercrombie and Fitch model. I am so proud to have a brother such as you. I hope that you do all that you want in life, and better than I could do it. I remember when I was really angry that you were better at soccer at the age when I played. But now, I am proud to have a brother that can do all that I did, and then excel. I thank God everyday for my amazing family, that he has blessed me to be born into.

That really breaks my heart about Lucy. I got really close to that creature over the last year, before the mission of course. I hope that she´ll be okay in the house of Coughenhour.

Gavin, I know it´s really hard to keep going in Scouts. Trust me, I let my Eagle Project sit for nine months before I got it done. If you don´t want to keep going in scouts, that´s your decision. But, know that the benifits in scouts, especially from receiving your Eagle, will carry over for the rest of your life. Plus, we´re brothers, and we´re going to be the two only scouts of the family, and the two Eagle Scouts. I know it´s hard and a little discouraging. But...keep going. Never give up. Only 1% of all Boy Scouts in the entire world earn their Eagle Scout Award, don´t be part of the 99%. We are the few and the proud...

By the way, I did receive the package you sent...thank you. I can already tell you that all of the candy that you sent survived only a few hours after its removal from the bag. Thanks for the music, although the Prince of Egypt soundtrack is missing like the best songs of the movie. But, it´s okay... :-( The the other songs are really sweet too...

Letter...

Okay, about the area. Our area is called Laferrere 2. Our boundaries are gigantic, but we´re only a branch. Our ward records show 560 members of our branch, but less than 70 are active. The leadership here is amazing, but other than that, we don´t receive a lot of support from the members. Our branch President is a convert of 2 years. He is the only man in the world who was sustained as an Elder before he was baptized. He went to Stake Conference the Sunday that he was going to be baptized. He never held the Aaronic Priesthood, he went straight to Elder. There is a total of 30 buses in our area, but all of them go out of the area. So, we don´t have any form of transportation, except for our feet. I have walked more in this area, than I have in my entire life. There are a few little cars that run around and take people places. They are called "druchitos". They drive on a route, and pick people up as they go. It costs like $1.50 ARG per trip. But, they only go to limited places, like to and from the station, so that doesn´t help us a lot.

My companion, Elder Unker, is from South Jordan, Utah and has been here in the mission for a total of 23 months. I am his last companion of the mission before he goes home. It has been a really good experience so far. He really wants to work to finish off his mission well. It is really nice to finally have a companion speak English after 8 months. I like it a lot.

This transfer is the last transfer of our beloved President Benton. He´s going home after a long 3-year mission. We had interviews this last week, and he told me some interesting things of which I will write:

The first thing is that I might be training this next transfer. I am so excited to be training! I would try to be the best trainer ever! But, I guess the new President is going to have a lot of say into who goes where. But, he´s going to put in a good word for me.

I hope you don´t cry when I say this, Mom...but...I was talking to President Benton and he asked me where I wanted to go to school after the mission. I told him either University of Idaho or Southern Virginia University. He strachted his head and said "Well, Elder...that doesn´t sound like such a great idea to me. Because there aren´t a lot of members in either of those areas. And, where are you going to find a wife in an area with not a lot of members? God can raise up a wife for you anywhere, but it would be a lot easier to find her in BYU..." :-/ Thanks President haha So, he got me thinking. He also said that he would write a recomendation letter for me if I ever wanted to teach at the MTC. But, I don´t know what´s going to happen. Although, everytime I think about BYU, I do get a really good feeling. So, just for your information, when you start my college apps, you can start one for BYU. Remember your son who didn´t want to go to a church school? Where did he go? Haha President Benton is a great man, and I have no doubt that what he recieves for his missionaries is pure revelation. Plus, I was talking to a missionary from Virginia, my District Leader, about SVU and he said that he would never go there. He said it´s almost like a community college. So, just thought I would throw that in there.

Well, I´ve got to go. I included some pictures from my travels. I went to Capital with my comp this week to do some government stuff and that´s where some of the pictures are from (like the cathedral, the flags, and the pic by the ocean). The other ones are all from my area.

I love you guys so much! I look forward to the day when we will again be reunited. 15 months is nothing :-)

Con amor,

Elder Garrett Brighton Rook

Laferrere 2

June 6th Still no Pictures!

Hola,

It was so great to hear from you guys today! But, before I start, there is some housekeeping that needs to be done...

First of all, Mom; I did go to the area doctor today. He checked my blood pressure and told me that it was 130/73. Perfectly normal for somebody my size. He told me that I did the right thing by stopping my medications, because I could have had some major problems, had I continued on the medication with normal blood pressure. I have lost a total of 30 pounds here, and he told me that I don´t need to take the medications anymore for the weight I´ve lost. He told me to tell you that. I spent all day in Capital to see the doctor. He´s a great guy.

I do apologize for lack of letter on thursday. My companion got the flu and was in bed all day with diarrea and vomiting, and the next day too. Kind of stunk to be in the apartment all day.

Tell Paige I said congratulations for graduation this week. This is definitely a great time of your life. Enjoy this week, cause it rocks.

Sorry Gavin about the job. That happens! i remember when Hollywood closed down, I was incredibely sad. Although, it would be nice to know why you were laid off. But...whatever sea lo que sea (let it be what it is).

We had a great week here in Laferrere. We had two baptisms on Saturday and both me and my companion were able to baptize one. I will send pictures next week, given that I wasin the city all day and I didn´t bring my camera, and this letter has to be quick. We have a great stake presidency who love to help us with everything we need. The weather is getting colder by the day. the humidity sure makes it a lot colder. I´m now having to wear my coat and a sweater underneath, but I´m staying really warm, no worries. My companion, Elder Unker, is getting ready to visit investigators next week and the next. So, we´ll be pretty busy trying to get him off in the next four weeks.

I do have to say, that I am a little dissapointed about the whole Florida thing, given that I´m going to miss all of my friends, especially my best friend, Daniel. I don´t know what to do or what to think. I know we need to go where the Lord wants us and I know that his ways are higher than ours, but that won´t really help when I can´t see my best friend anymore. He´s like my second brother. But, I guess all will work out in the end.

I´ve got to go, but know that I love you all and that I want to see pictures of graduation next P-day!

With lots of love,

Elder Garett Brighton Rook

P.S. President Benton is finishing the mission in four weeks. I hope you like this video I attached. This was the transfer video we all watch as a mission. It gives an overview of President Benton´s mission and what we do in the mission. Mom and Dad; don´t get mission trunky when you see this video. It´s awesome! Watch it as a family: (My picture is the first on the slideshow)