Phone Call Home: Monday, December 6, 2021

I wasn't entirely sure I was going to end up with an actual phone call from Elder Garcia today. He has been transferred and is back in Kpalime and I would be lying if I said he was even one bit excited about this change. He is really struggling and I tried to send a message on the Facebook as best I could (but voice telling vs message telling is way different) and I was worried I upset him and so he wouldn't call. Then as my day continued to move on and there was no call I figured I would have to wait until next week. I was THRILLED when my phone rang and it was Elder Garcia on the other end. :) 

Elder Garcia said this week that when he got word that he was headed back up to Kpalime he really really struggled. He kept saying "my mission is not there" and so I asked him why he felt that way. I mean, Kpalime is after all in his mission and there are clearly those who need to hear from the missionaries that are called there. I just needed him to explain so we could talk it out together and see if we could make heads and tails of his 'why'. He really couldn't give a reason as to why but he just kept saying he felt like this wasn't it for him. I took this opportunity to talk to him about perhaps the first run in Kpalime with Elder Obeya was a lesson for him in more ways than even he and I know right now. It was hard yes. It was tricky yes. Is there maybe a reason tied to his first time being there that is holding so much frustration with being there again? Sure. I can validate all kinds of reasons that being in Kpalime for Elder Garcia just isn't great. But...I told Elder Garcia that the Lord clearly needs him to go back and to be among those people again. A new companion. Elder Garcia has tasted the good of being a missionary and his entire countenance and being have changed over the last 6 weeks of being down in Lome. It may not be to baptize anyone in Kpalime that he is there. It may be just that he needs to be someones 'safe' or 'comfortable'. Maybe he was someones comfortable face you know? Elder Garcia promised he will give it his all and that he will try and see what it is that the Lord needs him there for. He promises to have the best possible approach and attitude that he can.

Elder Garcia talked so lovingly about his time in Anfame. He absolutely loved every minute of the mission there. He mentioned that the Elders told him that he would know when a specific area would be 'home' for him. Most missionaries have that for their first area because they spend so much time there but Elder Garcia said that he knows without any doubt that Anfame is his home. He knows that he will work hard to be able to return there one day again. He said that the people there are so so poor yet they are so grateful and humble for all that they do have. He has learned so many priceless lessons from them and says he will NEVER forget his experience there with them. 

Elder Garcia recounted his last Sunday (yesterday) in Anfame and my heart just swelled and my eyes leaked tears as he shared. He and his companion were invited to dinner at the Sunday School Presidents home. He reminded me that they are poor. Like super poor. The home they have is a one room home and yet they went all out for these two missionaries. The Bishop and his wife also joined them as well. Elder Garcia told  me that the Sunday School President found out how much Elder Garcia likes these specific peppers and made sure that there were plenty of them for him to enjoy. The Bishop and his wife made fresh pineapple juice by squeezing pineapples for them as well. All of this expense and time for these two sweet missionaries and Elder Garcia was touched to the core at this. He said after they enjoyed a small feast it was time for them to catch a taxi and head back to their apartment. The Bishop and his wife walked out with them and the Bishop hailed a taxi for them. He paid TRIPLE the cost of the taxi and it was then that Elder Garcia said tears welled in his eyes. He knows it is not something easily afforded yet this Bishop wanted to ensure that these two missionaries were taken care of. As they headed back, others were picked up along the way and Elder Garcia said his heart was so happy that he simply could not share a kind word or a 'have a good night' as others exited their ride. His companion turned to him and asked if he was okay a couple of times to which Elder Garcia answered "never better". 

I can't help but think of the phrase "mighty change of heart" when I think of this call with Elder Garcia this week. I wondered when something would click for him or when his heart would be open to that of Africa and where he was asked to go by the Lord. This week it was made very clear that it has taken place and to see the tears streaming out of his eyes and seeing the ache of his heart touched me. I am so grateful he has fallen in love with these people and I am so grateful for him trusting me to share such tender moments along the way. 

Elder Garcia handed off the Christmas gifts to his new companion who just keeps telling him thank you. He is so excited to have been included and just loves everything that was sent for him. He questioned the wrapped gifts and wondered if he was supposed to eat the wrapping paper. Elder Garcia laughed and explained that the reason we wrap them is to add to the suspense of the gift receiver. His companion said that there was no way he would be able to afford that extra expense where he lives which made me hope that he wasn't thinking that the American or the 'white boy' was trying to show that he had more money than him. I genuinely  hope that never comes across for Elder Garcia to have to deal with. 

Elder Garcia informed me that his African outfit (the one that looks like a gender reveal short set) is one that he had made by a member out of some fabric he purchased. He also had one made for Elder Kikwati and so the plan is to arrive to the Multi Zone Activity that is planned for December 21 wearing them together since they are no longer companions! I simply cannot wait to see this photo! Elder Garcia makes me smile and laugh pretty good here at home.

Transfers continue to be something I struggle with as a Mom. I wish I could be there to help navigate the changes that take place and the hard times that come from that. The feelings, the emotions, and just the overall as a whole. I realize each transfer that it is from these that growth comes and although hard, I can't be more proud of what I can see taking place before my eyes each week. I know that Elder Garcia will continue to push and work hard on the Lord's behalf as he is in Kpalime once again. I know that as long as he will be open and allow, the Lord will use the Holy Ghost to help guide and direct Elder Garcia to know what he needs to be doing. 

I am so dang proud of you. Keep your head high, keep pushing forward, and know that I will forever have your back in all things. I love you for forever.

Mom