Villa Agricolas 15 - That Ye May Be Able To Bear It . . . .
Yet another Pday in a blazing hot Internet Center!
I thought Arizona was hot. I right now have a bucket underneath my feet so the people that work here don't have to mop the floor from my sweat here when I'm done! Ok, not really, but the good part is that most people we contact now let us in because they feel bad for me I sweat so bad -hahaha. But in all reality, it is a very hot summer here in the Dominican Republic.
Otherwise, a pretty normal week. We've been working hard, trying to focus on the goals and everything we've set as a mission and as a district. Finding new people, having to occasionally leave good friends to find people that are more prepared (the toughest part about the mission work in my opinion). But we're really hoping for great things from the people we're teaching and really focusing on how we can keep the people going strong on track for their baptisms coming up in July.
Learning a lot in the mission. Had a really cool experience with Maireny this week. We've been going over with her again the 5 lessons she received before baptism (as we should be doing as missionaries) and we were talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, focusing in on the part about enduring to the end. We mentioned that she would face some challenges and obstacles would come up in her way but that if she keep true to the little things that she'd always have the strength and desire to overcome them. She then asked us a really good question. She has a tough life. Lots of financial struggles, hard times, temptations, and being the only member in her family makes it even harder. Most of the people here are in a pretty bad shape if you just look at it from the physical standpoint. And many people think that as missionaries, we just have it made. She asked us about personal trials and challenges we've had being a member of the church. She at first thought that really we didn't have many. That it was easier somehow for us. But Elder Maatatia and I explained, really, the trials and weaknesses we have in life are personalized. Each person struggles, the majority of the time, with something different. It could be a hard financial situation, a sickness, a tendicy to addiction, good or bad looks, whatever it may be, it's for our benefit. That it's a part of life necessary for us to become more like our Heavenly Father. But after we shared, we read a scripture from the Bible that went along perfectly with the lesson and I honestly had thought I forgot it (shout out to spiritual inspiration as missionaries) in 1 Corinthians 10:13
Really, everything we go through in life is what we need. God knows what he's doing. He never abandons us. The question is are we abandoning him? I know he listens to us. Loves us. And wants the best for us in our lives. I have such a strong testimony that if we do the simple things, we'll always have the strength to overcome whatever comes our way.
Have a great week everyone. Make it memorable. Enjoy the little things.
I thought Arizona was hot. I right now have a bucket underneath my feet so the people that work here don't have to mop the floor from my sweat here when I'm done! Ok, not really, but the good part is that most people we contact now let us in because they feel bad for me I sweat so bad -hahaha. But in all reality, it is a very hot summer here in the Dominican Republic.
As we were on our way to a lesson, a member family called us over to help them set up a birthday party for their three year old son. We stopped by, blew up about a billion balloons, threw up a bunch of banners and stuff and got some cake afterwards. I just had to take a picture with the big 4 year old. It was a minion-themed party too so thats why he's got the yellow glasses on.
Elder Maatatia and I are doing great. Had to reschedule the temple trip for this Thursday because we weren't allowed to go in the temple as missionaries to help the branch out if they don't have enough men of their own to go out and help at the temple. But, it's ok because we're planning on taking a family we're teaching over there so they can see the temple, hoping that the father will be touched by being in such a holy and spiritual place. Really excited for Frank, Eliany and Maireny as it will be their first time doing temple work.
Mango plus sweet and condensed milk plus crazy Australian = memories
Otherwise, a pretty normal week. We've been working hard, trying to focus on the goals and everything we've set as a mission and as a district. Finding new people, having to occasionally leave good friends to find people that are more prepared (the toughest part about the mission work in my opinion). But we're really hoping for great things from the people we're teaching and really focusing on how we can keep the people going strong on track for their baptisms coming up in July.
Learning a lot in the mission. Had a really cool experience with Maireny this week. We've been going over with her again the 5 lessons she received before baptism (as we should be doing as missionaries) and we were talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, focusing in on the part about enduring to the end. We mentioned that she would face some challenges and obstacles would come up in her way but that if she keep true to the little things that she'd always have the strength and desire to overcome them. She then asked us a really good question. She has a tough life. Lots of financial struggles, hard times, temptations, and being the only member in her family makes it even harder. Most of the people here are in a pretty bad shape if you just look at it from the physical standpoint. And many people think that as missionaries, we just have it made. She asked us about personal trials and challenges we've had being a member of the church. She at first thought that really we didn't have many. That it was easier somehow for us. But Elder Maatatia and I explained, really, the trials and weaknesses we have in life are personalized. Each person struggles, the majority of the time, with something different. It could be a hard financial situation, a sickness, a tendicy to addiction, good or bad looks, whatever it may be, it's for our benefit. That it's a part of life necessary for us to become more like our Heavenly Father. But after we shared, we read a scripture from the Bible that went along perfectly with the lesson and I honestly had thought I forgot it (shout out to spiritual inspiration as missionaries) in 1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR IT."
Really, everything we go through in life is what we need. God knows what he's doing. He never abandons us. The question is are we abandoning him? I know he listens to us. Loves us. And wants the best for us in our lives. I have such a strong testimony that if we do the simple things, we'll always have the strength to overcome whatever comes our way.
Have a great week everyone. Make it memorable. Enjoy the little things.
Elder Graff
"For behold, I have refined thee, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" 1 Nephi 20:10
Elder McCary who lives in my house gave his last testimony to the Zone on Thursday. Really proud of this guy. One of my best friends in the mission. Gonna' miss him a lot.
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