The email we received from President Donaldson shortly after Elder Gardner arrived in San Diego. It was Wonderful to know Ryan arrived safely and hear of his NEW Assignment!
Greetings from the California San Diego Mission!
Your son, Elder Gardner has safely arrived in the mission field. We are delighted to have him serving with us among the wonderful people of Southern California. In addition to the tremendous weather and scenery, we have remarkable missionary opportunities.
Thank you for sending such a wonderful missionary to our mission. We are confident that with your prayers and his hard work that he will have a rich experience here in San Diego that will bless both him and those he teaches.
Elder Gardner will serve with two of our finest trainers, Elders Nelson and Pinkston. Both of these elders have been some of our finest mission leaders. We have put them in a trio so that your son can learn Spanish. Elder Gardner will become a Spanish speaking missionary. I ask for your faith, prayers, and encouragement as he learns Spanish in the field. I am very impressed with your son and feel confident that he will master both missionary work and the Spanish language. He will be assigned to work in the Linda Vista 3rd Branch.
I have attached a couple of pictures that were taken this afternoon at the Mission Home.
God bless you for your sacrifice in sending us your son to labor among some of Heavenly Father's choicest spirits.
Lee Donaldson
President, California San Diego Mission
