Week 8

 Hello Friends!

The longer I am in Bristol, the more I realize how "deep" southern culture is here. This week we sat with an older lady on her porch, shaded by a giant oak tree with spanish moss hanging down over our heads. We looked out across a lake and as we swatted bugs away from our faces, we talked about Jesus. As she was speaking to us through her thick southern drawl, I realized how lucky I am to be here.

I would have never had the opportunity to meet the wonderful people of Bristol if I weren't on a mission. I regretfully realize that if I probably wouldn't have wanted to visit a "deep south" town nestled in the middle of the Florida panhandle with less than 1000 people before my mission, but it has been an amazing and enlightening experience. I am constantly amazed with how kind and inviting everyone here is. 

As a missionary I have a unique opportunity to see the world through a lense not tainted by ideological or political differences. I am not here to talk about politics or pragmatism vs. idealism; I am only here to talk about God and how to come closer to Him. As a result, I feel like I am able to really get to knowpeople. The details of different beliefs don't get in the way. 

What a privilege it is to see people only through the lense of spirituality. It seems that all people have a spiritual desire to do good. I hope that this common desire is something that can unite people. 

I am reminded of a quote by a previous president of the church. President Beson wrote, "Only the gospel will unite men [and women] of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family". 

I hope and believe that through our shared desire to become better people and make society a better place, we can become a big happy "human family" where we love, respect, and honor each other despite the details in our beliefs. 

I love you all and hope you have wonderful weeks!

Love,

Elder Garff 

Here are some fun photos. 

1. Elder Murri, Elder Bair, Elder Mecum, and I

2. A dog that really likes Chex Mix