Arrived in France!

Yesterday Elder Garlock and his District flew from the safe haven of the MTC to Toulouse, France! They arrived early this morning! The mission office reported that he arrived safe, happy and looking TIRED! He placed one Book of Mormon on the plane and handed out several pass along cards. They welcomed him to the mission and promptly put him on a train. He has been assigned to Pau, France!

Adieu to the MTC!

It's exciting that my sister will give her farewell talk on Sunday!

As I head out to the real world of Missionary work on Monday, I look back on these last few 8 weeks and realize how much growth has taken place. I have learned more in the last 8 weeks that probably I'm willing to bet-- ALL of my 2 semester at College last year. The MTC has strengthened me because of the wonderful environment and the challenges that come with being with a companion constantly. My companion has taught me so much about overcoming challenges and relying on the Lord. His knowledge of the scriptures and his patience with me has been a great example of what a Brother in Zion is all about.

They completed the Gym finally this past weeek! So I got to play basketball twice in my entire MTC experience!! It was pretty fun but scary on how bad I got. The MTC record for most free throws made in a row is 41 I tried for it yesterday and it went all right-- but no trophy.

My district and I will be singing on Sunday for Mission Conference! We are very excited! It should be an awesome experience.

A quick story for all of you on Wednesday my district wanted to Host the new missionaries. Host Missionaries means to greet the new Elders and show them where their class room is and residence room ect. It's an awesome experience and if you are in the MTC for 9-12 weeks you're supposed to have the opportunity to host. You get an invitation in the mail saying your district has been selected to host new missionaries on this date --please attend a meeting at this time for orientation on the procedures etc.

So this was our last week in the MTC and we didn't get an invitation. My district was super disappointed. Soooooooooooo... Elder Allen and I decided to do some work. :) We went to the front desk and asked if we could host-- they said go to this other building. We went to the other building-- they said go ask this other guy. He said, "we have already 10 extra and we can't have your district do it."

We had a lesson on Tuesday about being bold and confident. Needless to say after much persuasion and patience we accomplished our task!! We got to Host on Wednesday! It was an awesome experience. I could see how similar some of these Elders were to me.

A few missionaries asked us, "How old are you Elders?" I remember asking the same question to many of the older elders as well on my first day! People grow up very quickly in the MTC --it's awesome!

I love all of you!! I'll be in France next week! Adieu!

Garlock Cousins in the MTC: Christopher, Eric and Me

Singing in the MTC

My companion has pneumonia and he takes a few naps a day so I have been getting in some great study time!

Well the gym has had some HEAVY construction--so on Sunday we watched the CES fireside on marriage instead, it was hysterical because we are missionaries.

My language is coming along --it's still a struggle but I've realized half the battle is just taking it all in and not becoming overwhelmed.

We are singing for mission conference in front of everyone the 26th of September and on Sunday we are singing, Where can I turn for peace, for sacrament meeting. Also our new teacher is engaged and our old teacher also just got engaged.

The referral center elders in the MTC are telling all the Elders to tell their families to add them on facebook as friends. It helps them grow their network!

I'm soooo stoked to get out of the MTC! I love all of you and I know that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and if anyone reads the first chapter and sincerely prays and wants to know if it is true they will receive an answer.

I love all of you
ENG

A Crazy Week!! Sept. 10, 2010

My District
It was crazy last Sunday!!

My companion and I went to instant care because he was feeling ill. We went with about 15 other elders and we were there for a good 5 hours!! The Nurse comes out after his appointment and tells everyone in the waiting room to put on "doctor masks" she then proceeded to tell us or rather franticly say, "there has been a flu out break in the MTC!!" it was interesting to say the least.

When Elder Allen came out of the appointment he was sick as ever. After all the missionaries had been seen-- we get back in the travel van and the drivers give us a look like what in the world is going on --we gave them masks.

At this point, no one has really said anything. The elders who went in to see the doctor had prescriptions. We then go back to the MTC and wait in the lobby for an hour and then get taken to Walgreens. When we get back, the MTC Doctor says, "ok, so who's the elder going into quarantine?" We all just looked at one another and started laughing because we thought he was joking. HE definitely was not... the MTC police arrived shortly after we figured out Elder Allen will be going into quarantine for at least 5 days or 48 hours after his fever breaks. So far he has been in there 5 days and there is no sign of him returning soon.

Three days ago, I had the opportunity to give a blessing with our district leader. It was awesome to be an instrument in the Lords' hands. When we finished up the MTC police escorted us out immediately. The day after that --so 2 days ago a nurse busts into our classroom with what is called Tamaflu, a prevention drug for swine flu. Everyone in our district is taking it--it has been a bonding experience. It's been sad though because Elder Allen is a huge part of the spirit in our district and has amazing music skills.

Speaking of music, I heard that Sister Bateman did a great job in her solo I wasn't able to see it because I was at the doctor's office with Elder Allen. Yesterday, Elder Tudor and Elder Noyce (the two elders I'm with now till elder Allen comes back) snuck into the floor where they were holding him. We delivered him his mail and then were escorted out of the building by police it was insane and definitely a ton of fun! I felt like a CIA operative trying to figure out how to see him for 3 minutes. It raised his spirits for sure!

I love you and miss you and know without a doubt that this is the only true Church of Jesus Christ with the proper power and authority to act in His name.
Best Wishes,
Elder Garlock

A Crazy Week!! Sept. 10, 2010

It was crazy last Sunday!!

My companion and I went to instant care because he was feeling ill. We went with about 15 other elders and we were there for a good 5 hours!! The Nurse comes out after his appointment and tells everyone in the waiting room to put on "doctor masks" she then proceeded to tell us or rather franticly say, "there has been a flu out break in the MTC!!" it was interesting to say the least.

When Elder Allen came out of the appointment he was sick as ever. After all the missionaries had been seen-- we get back in the travel van and the drivers give us a look like what in the world is going on --we gave them masks.

At this point, no one has really said anything. The elders who went in to see the doctor had prescriptions. We then go back to the MTC and wait in the lobby for an hour and then get taken to Walgreens. When we get back, the MTC Doctor says, "ok, so who's the elder going into quarantine?" We all just looked at one another and started laughing because we thought he was joking. HE definitely was not... the MTC police arrived shortly after we figured out Elder Allen will be going into quarantine for at least 5 days or 48 hours after his fever breaks. So far he has been in there 5 days and there is no sign of him returning soon.

Three days ago, I had the opportunity to give a blessing with our district leader. It was awesome to be an instrument in the Lords' hands. When we finished up the MTC police escorted us out immediately. The day after that --so 2 days ago a nurse busts into our classroom with what is called Tamaflu, a prevention drug for swine flu. Everyone in our district is taking it--it has been a bonding experience. It's been sad though because Elder Allen is a huge part of the spirit in our district and has amazing music skills.

Speaking of music, I heard that Sister Bateman did a great job in her solo I wasn't able to see it because I was at the doctor's office with Elder Allen. Yesterday, Elder Tudor and Elder Noyce (the two elders I'm with now till elder Allen comes back) snuck into the floor where they were holding him. We delivered him his mail and then were escorted out of the building by police it was insane and definitely a ton of fun! I felt like a CIA operative trying to figure out how to see him for 3 minutes. It raised his spirits for sure!

I love you and miss you and know without a doubt that this is the only true Church of Jesus Christ with the proper power and authority to act in His name.
Best Wishes,
Elder Garlock

Stormy, Sunny, Rainy 9/3/2010

We got a new Teacher. We got this short, like seriously, short 4' 10'' Soeur (Sister) who is awesome and very motivated!

Our other teacher, busted his leg 4 months ago and had surgery on it. His scare is awesome! Dad would love it! We think he is Cosmo because he is short, athletic, can do a back flip, and travels with the BYU football team for what he calls "marketing". He is a really good sport about us trying to figure it out.

I've been feeling sick these last couple days so I went in to the health center it was incredibly busy but the receptionist said, "your one of the luckiest Elders! We just had a cancellation and you can see the doctor now!" They were short handed and only had one doctor there instead of the normal two.

Long story short, the Doctor said I have a sinus infection and I'm on some medication this week! :)

Speaking of BYU my heart hurts. Tomorrow is the BYU vs UW game! Last year I went and saw it up in Seattle. I think UW will win 28-21 I'll be able to hear everything but see nothing! SO cheer loud if you get to go to the game and think of me sitting outside listening during dinner!

This week has been better than ever! I read, Our Heritage as well as, Our Search for Happiness in 5 days. They are great quick uplifting reads. It made me realize that everyday we can choose to be miserable or happy. When we are miserable it's just selfish. Therefore, I have been focusing on being positive.

My district and I tried out yesterday to sing in a Devotional and we made it! Emily Bateman also tried out and made it! Its going to be awesome singing in front of the entire MTC with just 12 guys!! I'm singing 2nd tenor with one other Elder so I had to really know my part! It was hard trying out and not cracking yesterday on account that I was sick.

Elder Richard G Hinckley came this week and was awesome!! He looks, talks and acts like his father, Gordon B. Hinckley. He answered questions for 30 min which I thought was very rare!

Well, I love all of you and I apologize to those who I cannot write back I have limited time and my time is for the Lord.

Love,
Elder Garlock

Roller Coaster Week 8.27.10

Wow what a week a roller coaster if you will! Where to begin where to begin?

I loved receiving your packages!! Elder Allen and I absolutely loved the goodies! We laughed and laughed about the Toothbrushes I gave him the Spiderman and I took the HULK of course!

Our district got a tip that the gym was going to be done and an Apostle was coming for the Tuesday (8/24) fireside. The gym has been under construction since we arrived.

We got to the fireside 2 hours early and we were still 20 people deep which I guess is better than 2000 people deep. It was a stampede to get into the building! When the doors opened at 6:30 it was some intense heat! After the ruckus and the tumbling we got to sit in about the 15th row back and Elder Jeffery R. Holland walked in.

When he walked in the spirit of the Lord was incredible strong. We had watched his firesides before to the missionaries and he is a YELLER!!!! So we expected some intense shouts!! and boy did we get them :)

He talked about the title of Preach My Gospel and how they were going to put Preach My Gospel by the Spirit but they thought it was to long. He also said, "This isn't Burger King, we won't hold the pickles! This is WAR and it has been going on long since we were born." He said," How can any of us expect to be like Christ if we don't want to go through our own Gethsemany?" He continued and said,"This isn't your church, its not my church. it is Jesus Christ's church and if you aren't obedient, leave your tag at the door and get out!" It was some intense stuff!

I am continually amazed at the love Jesus offers me as well as his other children.

My testimony has grown more in the last 4 weeks than in all my life combined. The french is coming easier and I am growing in many ways I love it here and I love being a missionary. It is harder than anything I have ever done in my life but its much more rewarding as well!

Elder Garlock