Email from Mom: It's getting COLD

To: Christian.garcia@missionary.org
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Subject: It's getting COLD

Well, today was a big day for you! How were your baptisms? Did you get to participate in any way? If so, how? How are you feeling about all of it? What was some of your most favorite moments? I cannot wait to hear all about it. I absolutely LOVED all of your photos you uploaded and I was thrilled to be able to 'see' you and the goodness of this Gospel moving about this crazy world.

So, how was this week? How are things going with you and Elder Obeya? How is the language coming along and how are you feeling with sharing lessons/discussions with those friends you are working with? Are you able to have any kind of conversation with Elder Obey at the end of the day or how does it work when you two need to communicate? Kaden White is having some struggles right now with a companion so I messaged him just before I sat down to write to you and told him that we encouraged you to find ways to serve Elder Obeya and see if even something small would be helpful to soften a heart. I am hopeful that maybe it will be something he can try and it will help. Fingers crossed. Maybe keep him in your prayers if you think about it.

Things here have been low key again. The chiro has been out with the Covid so I haven't been able to go get a neck adjustment all week and last night I was hurting pretty good so Jason Miller came up and needled my neck for me. It was kinda awesome. I could do that all the time. It hurt but it felt good. He has two bases...one in each side of my neck and then put a needle on my scalp on the left side and one on the right, turned on the e stimulator thing and it was all sorts of wild and weird. Then he took the scalp needles out and put two new ones in my shoulder muscles and my left muscle tightened up which was AWESOME when the stimulator got turned on. My muscle was jumping all over the place. And even though I was dying it was so worth it! Crazy things we do right? Ha

Brooklyn had another short week with no school on Friday due to parent teacher conferences. She didn't complain at all. :) She hung with Cutler and Jada, Luke and Pratt most days this week and even helped me out with my Relief Society activity we had. I had a nice nap next to the pool (unintentional both days) on Thursday and Friday. The weather was mid 80's but there was a light breeze that made it perfect to have the heat of the sun and the cool breeze kind of nap. Friday I set an alarm for 1 hour and ended up at almost 3!!! I must have just been exhausted or something? Anyways...before I climbed into bed last night I checked the weather and it said rain was due today so I thought I better cover the patio furniture. Boy was I glad when I woke up! It was dumping rain! And it is cold today! The high was 74 and on Monday it is a high of 60 right now is all! That is BRUTAL! I have a tee shirt on with a flannel on top, long pants, full socks, and wore my Dr Martens when I was out and about earlier today. I know we need it...I get it but I love the Summertime. I don't imagine the pool will be open much longer, that makes me sad. But for every pool season it means it is one less that I have to do before you come home. :) See how I flipped that?!

We had a whole family in the ward (a new one, the Heimuli's) come down with the Covid this week so that has kept me busy with my calling. Between making sure dinners go in, the Mom was admitted to the U so her 3 kids are home with their Dad who also has the Covid. I have tried to stay on top of groceries, etc. They asked for a blessing for the Dad at home and so I turned it over to Jason (Elders Quorum Pres) and he was SO mad that anyone would ask him to do such a thing. I was a little annoyed because I know if Tyler had been home he would have gone in no problem. Not Jason though...nope no way. So, I hope that we didn't offend a new family and I hope that when they feel better they will be back to church. It is so tricky you know? Speaking of the Covid...how are things looking there? Numbers looking better?

I have been sharing with some friends this week that the borders are closed and that there could be a chance you would be reassigned to the States. Everyone, including us here, are so confused by that! I get don't let anyone in but why would they ship you out if you are already there? And is it the church or is it the government there locally that is saying they could send you out? I have been confused all week on it and when I try to get on the Google I am not 100% sure what to look at number reporting wise for Africa in general (they aren't really in the technologically advanced world). It will be interesting to see what comes in the future. I really would love for you to be able to stay and continue to do the work you are doing and to really have a chance to embrace the people and the culture there. I know you will be blessed if you can stay and I know that you will see the Gospel come into so many peoples lives. Anyways, that is my prayer. That things are still getting better, that you are happy, you are loving where you are, and that you can see the hand of the Lord in all things.

I am so proud of you and I love you oodles. I hope to get a chance to talk to you on Monday. I love you for forever and for always,

Mom