Los Minas 13 - Final Letter

Los Minas 13 - Final Letter and Testimony

I've been sitting in front of this computer screen for about 10 minutes just trying to think about what to say and where to start..

There's a lot of things I could write in this last email. Amazing experiences, scriptures, miracles, and moments that have changed my life forever. But no matter what I do or how long I have to describe it all, no amount of words or pages is enough.

I guess I'll just start off by saying how much I LOVE THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

I remember when I first walked these streets and heard real Spanish, I asked myself how in the world I was going to fulfill what I came here to do. It really does look DAUNTING at the start and the closest thing next to impossible. The change is uncomfortable and it throws you for a loop. But from the beautiful to the ugly, if you've served with all your heart and might in the mission, YOU LOVE THE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE MORE THAN ANYTHING. 

This is now my second home. And I know that I was sent here by inspiration from a living Prophet of God.

I also have come to know that God exists. That Christ is His Son. And that the Holy Ghost is a living personage that leads and guides us. From the physical manifestations I've witnessed to the spiritual confirmations, it all testifies and lets me know that it's true. It is not some made up theory. It's not an easy explanation for unknown answers. It is the truth. And I owe it to these two years for making that now for me an undeniable testimony that I will carry with me for as long as I live.

I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the SAME church that Christ himself established in his personal ministry on Earth, restored in these days by someone chosen and called of God. Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus Christ. They gave him the assignment; and although he had almost no worldly experience or knowledge, he was the vessel that was used to bring to pass once again something so perfect. And we have in front of our eyes and hearts, the fruits and evidence of it. 

The Bible and Book Of Mormon are scripture, written by inspired servants of God. If we read and study them out day by day, we can become closer and more like Him. It's one of the most powerful instruments we have disposable at every moment.

Change is real. By the power of the Atonement, EVERY HUMAN BEING CAN CHANGE. Christ suffered for ALL of us and offers us everyday, the opportunity to be clean by His blood. By His. He paid the price, and by our faith and actions, we show him the appreciation and love we have for Him and what he did for us. And by doing so, through his Grace, we qualify to return once more to His presence.

I love my family. I love all of you and the support you've given me. 

This means everything to me. I can't wait to try and use what I've learned here to make a difference back home for myself and for my future family.

These are just some of the things I've come to know here. And every missionary who's ever served has come to know them too.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Taylor Graff

Los Minas 12 - - I Love Missionary Work

Los Minas 12 - - I Love Missionary Work

This email will be a short one. 

Kind of saving my words and experiences and stuff for next Monday when I write my LAST EMAIL HOME. I still feel like it hasn't sunk in yet. Yeah, sometimes I get butterflies when people remind me or thinking about what I'm going back to. But overall, the work keeps progressing and I would dare to say we're working harder than I have in any time of my mission. Just because I know that I don't have much left. 

I've come to love missionary work. It's not a burden.

There's a time that EVERY missionary encounters in their mission when you have just an absolutely terrible day. Or an awful week. Or a really hard transfer or difficult companion. One of the first things that comes to mind when one is new as a missionary is: 

"What a trial. Doing all I can and nothing is going my way." 

Sure, you enjoy and love it when people make the decisions they need to and accept Christ. When you come out of a POWERHOUSE lesson or witness a miracle. It's easy to love what you're doing when you're having success. 

But when I say that I've come to love it; I mean, come what comes, good or bad, happy or sad, there's NOTHING I'd rather be doing more than preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's taken two long years of practice and lots of hard tests and let downs. But I don't think there's anything that could come my way, with the help of God, that could make me feel like the mission work is a burden in any moment of the day. Because I've come to learn that with opposition, there's always opportunity. And it's what the LORD wants, not what WE want. 

It's probably the biggest and most important principle I've learned on the mission. To accept the will of God and to face opposition with your head up, face on, and find the beauty in the struggle.

I'm so grateful for the time God has given me here and for one more full week that He's lent me to work along His side, trying my best to testify to the world about the truthfulness of the message of the Restoration. 

Words cannot describe how anxious and excited I am to see you all. But it's time to sprint now, and end the mission the way I started it.

Love,

Elder Graff

Los Minas 11 - Baptisms, Final Temple Trip, Miracles

Los Minas 11 - - Baptisms, Final Temple Trip, Miracles

My last temple trip...........

Probably one of the most spiritual moments of my mission was leaving the temple. Looking back, proud of the effort and work I've put in these past 24 months. It was sad. But I think what keeps me from tears and being depressed is seeing the fruits of the mission work. 

Sorry for not writing yesterday like I usually do. I know I've been pretty bad with the letters lately. But we had interviews with President Corbitt all day yesterday. As a result, we had our P-day switched to today. 

It was a great day though. We went to visit Villa Agricolas, one of my old areas, to say goodbye and it was super tough. I got to see a lot of people I care about, even though some of them weren't there for work and stuff. It was - tied with Los Molinos - another great way to spend P-day. 

Misiòn Republica Dominicana Santo Domingo Este 2K14 - 2K16

Only part of the group. All of us going early to begin college studies.

SAW WALDO AT THE TEMPLE AGAIN. He's doing so amazing. Getting ready to go on a mission next year when he finishes high school.

Saying goodbye to Elder Reyes. He left to San Pedro to one of the biggest country areas of the entire mission, Quisqueya. Tons of mud, Dominican cows, machetes, and adventures.

It's kind of starting to sink in though that I really will be home shortly. I am giving it my all these last few days. Miguel Casò and Jaris Capoi were able to be baptized last week! It was such a spiritual service and their family and friends were able to be there which is the most important part! We're seeing progress with their families even though they haven't been able to go to church yet. But you just gotta' keep enduring and give them the perfect chance to accept the Gospel. 

Mariolvi, the daughter of two less-active parents in the church is getting baptized this Saturday! Her parents have come back to church as well, which is such a blessing. It was a fight to get them active again. But their daughter is really motivating them to be better.

Yaris and the gang.

MIGUEL !! 

We had a SWEET experience with Rebecca. We've been teaching her for about a month and a half. Initially, Elder Reyes and I started talking to her doing a service laying tile for a member family. She was Jehovah Witness for a long time but left it about 6 months ago. She was really interested and had a TON of really hard questions to answer. Doubts, but interested. We invited her to be baptized and she told us basically that it was going to be a WHILE before she committed to that. But we kept passing by. 

We invited her to observe the baptism last week and she all pf the sudden gets really anxious to see it. It was a great night and everything and she seemed really calm and at peace. Elder Cruz - my new companion - comes and his FIRST day, we got and visit her with some members. We asked her how the baptismal service was and she begins to tell us a story. About a month into teaching her (so, a week before this baptismal service), she had a dream one night that she was being baptized in a small font-like area. She didn't remember anything about the service. All she could remember is how the font looks. She told us the reason she was so anxious to go to the baptism is to see if it was the same font from her dream (she had never seen the baptismal font in the church). When she saw the baptism, she came to the realization that it was THE SAME EXACT FONT FROM HER DREAM. The glass in front, the baptismal suit, the set up, EVERYTHING was as she saw in her dream. She told us that it was a sign from God and she committed herself to be baptized this 20th, the last Saturday of my mission.

Nothing less than a miracle. I was in shock when she told us. She's left coffee, going to church and SUPER motivated. The cool thing is that her cousins that are helping her out who live right next to her, and both of them had dreams as well that testified to them the truthfulness of the Gospel. It amazes me just how miraculous God is and to what extent He goes to help convert those who have softened hearts.

My new companion, Elder Cruz and I bringing out our inner Mexican cowboys. 

ARRRRRIBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Que trensa en tus veinas, carnal. Me gusta tu bigote, vato.

Elder Cruz at EL CORRIDO. The restaraunt from heaven in this zone. Traditional (more or less) Mexican food. Did someone say Los Favs?

I know this church is Christ's. I testify that mission work is inspired. That the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead and that only through His influence, people can become converted. 

I hope you all have a great week. I'll be seeing you in two! 

My homecoming talk will be the 28th of August at 10AM (Dad you know the details : INSERT by DAD: At the Chapel on Lemon Avenue and San Tan Blvd - address: 1805 E. San Tan Blvd, Queen Creek AZ 85142).  Dad, just make sure to include the invitation in the letter and to those that would love to receive an invitation.

I love you guys.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 10 - Short Note

Los Minas 10 - Short Note

So Mom and Dad, 

I don't have any time to write. Being that I'm going home in three weeks, they decided to throw us together with the group that goes home now by joining in with them in the temple trip and self-sufficiency class. Needless to say, it feels weird.

 I don't know how its going to turn out these next three weeks. I'll be training a brand new missionary. Don't know who it is yet. I find out tomorrow. Elder Reyes is heading out to the "campo" and he seems happy and sad at the same time. It's bittersweet. But ill write a lot next week. 

I love you all so much.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 9 - NO BETTER FEELING

Los Minas 9 - NO BETTER FEELING

Yet another Pday in the DR.

I just wanted to apologize, everyone that still reads these letters, that I wasn't able to write last week. We just didn't have any time at all in email for a trip that we made to Los Molinos, one of my old areas.

Moreno, the coolest colmado owner alive. He went to church actually since I left. We worked my entire three months to get him to church while I was there and he was never able to go. But he's doing really well and who knows where the seed God planted in him will take him.

He's the coolest guy though.

Let me tell you, probably one of the most rewarding days in all of my mission. We got up super early, cleaned the house really well and did all our studies and everything. Left right at 10A and spent the ENTIRE P-day over in Las Americas. We got to visit so many people. Preciado, Dashmin, Anell, Familia Rosado, Familia Hernandez, the family of Angelina, Waldo and his brother Saulo, Familia Florián and some members along the way. It filled my heart with so much joy and happiness to see all of them strong in the Gospel and taking the next steps such as entering into the temple, preparing to be sealed as a family and talking about mission service. There is NO BETTER FEELING in the entire world than to see the fruits of this message in the lives of people you love. NO BETTER FEELING. It's better than a walk off home-run, winning State, playing music in front of the biggest crowd, anything that the world can give you. And it is hands-down the number 1 reason why mission service is so satisfying. 

Yeah, it's difficult sometimes. There are some days that with so many things that go wrong, fallen-through lessons, rejections and fallbacks into addictions, that you just want to grab your hair sit in a corner and feel sorry for yourself. Cause failure is really really tough. You just want to so much for the people you teach, you want that fairy-tale ending for them and you KNOW just how much they'll be blessed to make the right decision. And when they, after so many lessons, testimonies and spiritual success, decide NO, it's one of the toughest things in the world. But to push through all of it and see the seeds planted months later, is tremendous. And it was one of the best P-days of my mission.

Anell!!! He and Dashmin are best friends. He's also a really cool story. Just a great guy and while we were there, he described to us just how happy he's been since he found the church. 

DASH! Dashmin is doing amazing! He's planning on moving back to Haiti in about three months but he's prepping to serve a mission before he turns 19! He truly is a miracle and has a strong testimony of the Gospel.

LA FAMILIA FLORIAN!!!!  Liz's husband, Junior, finally found a job! He was really depressed about his situation and just without any confidence for about 2 weeks. He wouldn't even get out of bed to do anything. The missionaries called President Corbitt to ask if he could visit him. He went out to Los Molinos and visited their beautiful family. He talked with Junior and made him some promises depending on his efforts and work. That same day, Junior decided to try again and after a week found a GREAT job as an electrician in a new buisness. They gave his family a work car, and there's just so many blessings they've seen. Their testimony has grown and Junior is finally going to church. Just amazing what God can do in our lives.

It was hard because I couldn't see everyone I loved in Los Molinos for work, vacation and such like Enrique, Angelina, Elkin, and many more. But I know I'll see them again soon.

Los Minas is going really well. Amauris and Naomi have had some troubles and opposition with their marriage with his mother in law that came in from the United States at the WORST time possible to plant doubts and everything into their decision. But we're going to have a powerhouse spiritual lesson tonight to see if they stay firm or look back. It's going to be a trial of faith, but that's the best way to gain a testimony of making the right choice. Jaris and Miguelito are doing amazing. We're preparing for their baptism this weekend if all runs smoothly and seeing small miracles in the midst of so much difficulty. 

Kind of a blurry picture (ironically right where my face is hahaha). But the Hernandez Family. Wow, they've changed so much. They've truly been protected and guided by God in the months that I didn't see them. Progressing and doing great. It was the best to be able to see them.

La Familia Rosado! Even though Alejandro was only there when I visited, it was still so great to catch up with him about his family. His sons, Guillermo and Nelkin found jobs and are working with the skills they adquired on their missions. But they're doing well with callings in the church, visiting the temple and such. A really blessed family.

Preciado is doing really well in the Gospel. For being 93, the man is a complete trooper. Soon as I saw him he said "Elder Graff!! Hey, sabe que? Ya no estoy usando mis muletas!" He had crutches when we were with him and apparently, after all of the health problems he still has, his feet are doing better and uses a cane instead now. Fancy hahaha.

I'm so grateful for the decision I made to serve a mission. It's blessed my life in so many ways and I know this last month of mission service will teach me things I need to improve.

I hope you all have a great week. I love you all so much.

Elder Graff

We went out for sushi for my birthday as well. The BEST meal I've had in two years. Words can't explain how much I MISS SUSHI.

In the car with Waldo and Saulo. Even though we couldn't see Yokasta, his mom, beacuse she was working, their family is doing better than ever. Waldo went to EFY and is super motivated with the Gospel. He's actually preparing to do the work for his father in the temple next month. But just a great family that's progressing so well.

Los Minas 8 - Chastity, Marriage

Los Minas 8 - Chastity, Marriage

So the Motilla family is super awesome. 

Honestly, one of the most amazing families I've taught in my mission. 

So they've been progressing really well and we came to the point this week that we knew was going to be the sacrifice they would have to make to accept the Gospel: the law of chastity.

Amauris and Naomi aren't married and they definitely didn't have it in their plans 'til a couple years from now because Naomi is waiting for residential papers from the US to go with her mom in Massachusetts with the kids and bring Amauris over a year later. And apparently to get married would be a huge problem and set back the papers. 

We talked with the bishop, his counselors and just everyone possible to see how we were gonna teach the lesson and what we could say or do to help them realize that they need to get married to be able to reach their goal to become members of the church. And we found out that a family in the ward about two years ago did the same thing. They got married and the papers came out FASTER and they're in the states right now. So with a lot of preparation and the first counselor, we had a STUPENDOUS lesson in the church. The Holy Ghost softened their hearts and they realized that God is more powerful than man and that if they obey his commandments, if it's his will and plan for them, he'll make it all work out. Amauris got down on one knee right there and proposed and even though he didn't have a ring or anything for the economic situation they're going through right now, it was so beautiful and just awesome. They went to go get the birth certificates today and we'll be setting up the marriage date tomorrow. It'll be a fight and God will still test their faith up to the day, but we're really confident that they're set on making the decision and want the blessings this Gospel brings for their family. 

This week was just truly full of God's blessing and I enjoyed it so much. Being a missionary is the best thing in the world. It's just so satisfying to see people change their ways and watch how their happiness and trust in God grows. I know this church is true and that I'm doing the right thing to serve God for this time in my life. I have no regrets in making the decision. It's blessed me and made me grow in so many ways; and here's to a month and a half more of it!

I love you all and give a HUGE EARLY BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT TO MY LITTLE BROTHER JOSEPH (aka "JoJo") for turning 11 on Saturday! Too bad we couldn't have the same birthday but it's close enough.

Elder Graff 

Los Minas 7 - Happy Fourth of July!

Los Minas 7 - Happy Fourth of July

AZUS

Happy Birthday America and Happy Independence Day to all. Hope the barbecues, lake, fireworks and family time was great. Probably one of my favorite holidays (and not just because it's close to my birthday or anything). Gotta love the red white and blue. American pride!

GOLF TRIP! 

We passed The Fourth well down here in the DR as well. Even though they don't celebrate it down here, we still enjoyed every second. And luckily, it fell on P-day. So a bunch of us - Elder Reyes and I included - went golfing with President Corbitt. Unfortunately, as probably all of you know, it is not like mini-golf. Whatsoever. So Elder Reyes and I came in last place with a 22 over par. Not bad for my second time in my life and Elder Reyes first time haha. Golf is definitely not my sport.

 Pic of Gabriel and his family

Pic of Dariel and his family

Surprise birthday celebration for Amauris and the Motilla Family

The mission work on the other hand is going great. We've been teaching Oliver and Ivan over this past month. Two really prepared and awesome brothers. We found them when we helped Oliver carry some GIANT grocery bags to his house when we saw him suffering on his way. They're really open to the message though and we had an amazing lesson last night about the Book of Mormon. They're both Agnostic and believe in God kind of, even though they don't believe in religion but they've come 4 times straight to church and LOVE it. They're progressing really well and we'll see where things go! The Family Motilla is doing awesome as well. We're going to be setting a wedding date tomorrow with the bishop. The work is progressing well and just really enjoying my time in Los Minas.

I hope you all have a great time this summer and that everything turns out well! 

Elder Graff

2 Nephi 1:6-7

Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save shall they be brought by the Hand of the Lord

Wherefore this land is consecrated unto him who he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

Los Minas 6 - Only 4 Minutes to Write!

Los Minas 6 - Only 4 Minutes to Write!

So I have 4 minutes left now before I have to leave internet! We have a temple trip as a mission, my last before I leave, this week so we only have half of a P-day.

But this week was really spiritual. Full of a lot of small miracles. Gabriel and Dariel were both able to be baptized! It was a rich experience and both families were there to support. We're just working with the rest of the family to try and see the potencial they all have.

Amauris and Naomi are really excited about the Church. They're loving it and we threw a surprise party for Amauris' birthday after the baptism on Saturday. It was awesome. We'll be talking about them getting married in July tomorrow with a member family. They've got a ton of potential.

The work is going great here in Los Minas. The members are really helping out a lot and God is fulfilling his promises because we're trying to work hard always. I know this church is true and that we'll be blessed for good decisions.

Love you all. I'll write more next week and send lots of pictures because I've been "flojo" about that lately.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 5 - Changes - Two Year Dream

Los Minas 5 - Changes, Two Year Dream

Sometimes, I really think twice about writing on Monday because every time I leave the Internet Center having read letters from home and first, my head is spinning for about ten minutes just from the amount of CHANGES and mission calls and marriages and all that has happened.  

Feels sometimes like I'm honestly in a two year dream.

But I'm super happy and stoked for all the good decisions and changes a lot of my friends and loved ones are making so even though I'm trying not to focus too much on all that, I just wanted to say congrats!

Back to the mission work, Elder Reyes and I are having a blast and working smart and really good together. It's been amazing to be in this area. To arrive with so little blanking to having a lot of really good people we're teaching has kept me humble and reminded constantly of who really is in charge of the mission work and who causes the changes in the hearts of the people.

The ward is slowly growing. Amauris and his family are doing great. Almost all my pages in my agenda are full with stick figures and houses drawn in highlighter by their 2 and 4 year old kids! A super awesome family. The ward is really excited for them and they're loving Church. The other investigators are doing well also. Rosagni and Gabriel are really excited for this weekend. They've been making big changes in their families with their example at such a young age. Both families are inactive in the church, now starting the process of coming back. The father of Gabriel who isn't a member, when he heard that he could give his son the Priesthood at age 12, got a whole lot more excited about the message and his role in his son's life. It's been sweet to see how ready they are and excited to follow in the footsteps of our Savior. Things really are going better than ever. Ready as always for opposition. But I know the Lord will provide a way to plant the spiritual seeds we need to.

I love Los Minas and this country and everyone who lives here. Being half-Dominican now, I've grown an appreciation so big for these people and my brothers and sisters here. It's been a long and difficult road. But to see the things I have in this last year, every difficulty has been worth it.

Have a great week. Always be grateful for family and friends and for all the blessings that God gives us each day.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 4 - "The Only Time I Was Truly Happy . . . "

Los Minas 4 - "The Only Time I Was Truly Happy . . . "

It's amazing how many curve-balls and changes 7 days in the Dominican Republic can bring.

This week was amazing. We had so many miracles as a companionship, mostly for Elder Reyes dedication to this work. The man is a missionary work machine! He's teaching me more than I think I'm teaching him. And it's a privilege to work along side him. 

 

We found a lot of people this week. We also unfortunately have had to stop visiting some others that we had found at the start because of lack of interest or not coming through with commitments. But we found an AWESOME family. Actually the owner of the gym where we've started to go, the best friend of a member named Willie. The family Montilla maybe wouldn't be the family a missionary would see and know from the start that they're ready to hear the Gospel. When we got the reference from Willie the first day at the gym, I was a bit surprised that Amauris, the dad, would be interested. You have to see him. He's absolutely giant, tons of tattoos and just looks kind of like a rough guy. Maybe in pictures he looks meek, but the guy is an animal. We give him a pamphlet and invited him to church and he and his whole family came on Sunday. He BORE HIS TESTIMONY the pulpit in church which was something we were not expecting at all and they're just a superstar family. They're really interested in the Gospel. We had a great lesson last night and we have a lot of hope for them.

Thanks to the Ward as well, we've also been finding a lot more people that are prepared. Working hard to reach the goal we have as a mission and help God with his work. It's been great and the work is without a doubt getting a bit easier every week. But come what comes, we're putting on those church shoes early every morning and hitting the streets 'til all day. It's a blessing every second you have as a missionary. Especially as you see your best friends coming to the end of the road and hear their testimonies and mission experience, it motivates you not to waste the time you have. I love being a missionary and I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for the countless blessings He gives to me and to those we teach.

One of the coolest experiences of the week is a man we found named Rafael. Unfortunately, he lives in a different area and we won't be able to keep teaching him. But he has been a member of the church for about 26 years. All his brothers served missions. His whole family is active in the church and he has a STRONG testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. We found him on the streets, drunk and from what we saw a bit drugged up. We started talking and he told us of his love for the church and how blessed his life was when we was active. Fighting through the tears, he explained us what had happened and how the addiction to drugs slowly destroyed his life. How abandoned he felt and how insignificant his life was. We testified of the power of the Atonement and his potential as a child of God. How forgiving and loving of a Father we have and how everyone can repent. We invited him to church and gave him a pamphlet and he ended with one of the most powerful and sincere prayers I have ever heard. I left that street corner lesson humbled to say the least. But the most powerful part of it all, the part that hit me most was something he said. "I've tried everything the world has to offer. And the only time I was truly happy was when I was active in the true church of Christ." It makes me grateful for the influences I have in my life and the parents god gave me. We work hard everyday to be able to in the moments when we need to, reach the hearts of the Dominican people and invite them to have more happiness and true joy in their lives.

I hope you all have a great week. I love you all.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 3 - Baptisms

Los Minas 3 - Baptisms

This pic is legendary. Dariana (aka super super super energetic little girl in front with the crazy hair) is awesome hahahah. Turns out their dog had puppies and they named one Elder Graff. I about died laughing.

Hey everyone! Hope that all is well and that this week was a good one.

It was a great one for us, seems like all of them are like that. Some really difficult, some sad, but there's always something you can learn and take from the opposition. We've been working our shoes off. Literally, my shoes are kind of starting to wear away. Sweating like crazy because summer has officially hit the Dominican Republic. But really enjoying the time and experiences.

The investigators are doing well! We're focused on the goal that we have as a mission for June and July and we know that God will prepare the way! We've been having great lessons and finding families to teach which makes me really happy. 

The baptism of the Family Florian from Los Molinos!!!!! 

Yesterday, Elder Reyes and I were actually able to go back to Espaillat to see the baptism of the sons of the Olivo Family, a family Elder Gongora and I were teaching a long time back. They were going to wait to do it as a family, but they're still trying to get their birth certificates figured out so that Leo and Antonia can get married! The kids wanted to give their mom the best mother's day gift they could. So they decided to baptize Raymond and Nataniel. Their energy and excitement to do something they had been waiting almost 9 months to do was unreal. It rubbed off on everyone there and it was such a special time. I got to see Ana Gladis, Jean Paul, Wilson and the Rodriguez Family as well which made pretty much my entire mission. To see them all strong and firm in the Gospel is the biggest joy for me. To know that the hard work, the tough days and the shut doors is never in vain. It was an amazing experience. Also, having one of the Rodriguez's famous lunches to top it off wasn't bad either;)

Baptism of Raymond and Nata together with Leo and Antonia. They're waiting for their papers. But should be getting baptized soon! Antonia is actually the daughter of Miriam Rodriguez, which makes their conversion even more beautiful. Enrique said that his goal is to help his whole family enjoy what he is living.

Picture of the baptism of Raymond and Nata! Enrique, the father of the Family Rodriguez actually was able to baptize Raymond. Their family is so happy and really loving the Gospel. 

I'm loving the mission work. I know that what we're doing out here is one of the most important callings there is. God is speeding up his work. We just have to decide to hop on and follow Him or not. 

I love you all and hope you have another great week.

Elder Graff

Sorry the email is so short. We have a lot of things to do today.

Alma 17:2 "Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added MORE to his joy, there were still his brethren in the Lord."

Picture of Elder Reyes and I at the house of a member that invited us over to eat lunch with them. They live right next to the Ozama river and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a pic.

Los Minas 2 - Graduation!

Los Minas 2 - Graduation! 

Yet another week has passed by.

I have to start off by saying congratulations to my brother Aaron, and to every one graduating from Basha or other schools tomorrow. It's been 2 years since I came to this point. Makes me feel old. But I just want to let you know Aaron how proud I am of you and everything you will do in the future.

(Photo Added by Jordan and Laura on Taylor's behalf for his brother, Aaron)

The mission work is steadily progressing here in Los Minas. It's been great being with Elder Reyes. Teaching me all about Guatemala, making BOMB food and just having a blast. He's a great companion and loves to work. He really understands with so little time what he came here for and just how much God can do through him. 

Even though the first week was maybe a bit difficult because we're blanking (meaning that we both got here knowing NOTHING of the area), we saw so many small and big blessings these past couple days. The people we're teaching are opening their hearts and really letting God help them. We've had some really spiritual lessons and we're looking for everyone and anyone that's willing to sacrifice a litte time.

As I said (at least I think so) about Peterson thats preparing to serve a mission for his church, last night we had one of the most powerful lessons about the Restoration I've ever had. He had a LOT of questions but God helped Elder Reyes and I answer them all and the Spirit was overwhelming. We invited him to be baptized the 9th of July and he told us that if he keeps feeling what he's feeling and comes to know for himself that it's true, he will. It was amazing for me to see that even after having his whole life in another church, to hear and read and pray, he's feeling something else. And he's slowly starting to realize what this message means to him.

Leaving that lesson going home, this woman called out to us and asked if we could pray with her and her family for her son Jimmy. He's been in intensive care for 20 days. He's 8 years old and while his father was constructing a room for their house, a huge brick wall fell on him and he was pronounced dead. But by a miracle of God, he lived. And they knew who we were and who we taught of. The prayer truly was special. I felt peace and assurity in the prayer that he would be ok. We have a lesson with them on Wednesday. They are really interested and this may be the perfect time for them to accept the Gospel. We've been praying for them and we firmly believe that they're ready for this message to bless their lives.

Being a missionary is a one of a kind experience. When someone comes to appreciate it. When you leave behind your desires and put all your trust and confidence in our Heavenly Father, you see things that have no other explanation but to be from the heavens. You understand why hundreds of thousands of parents, sons, and relatives sacrifice so much to preach it. Because it heals, changes, and blesses the lives of thousands of people daily. And its amazing.

I love you all. Hope you have a great week.

Elder Graff

Los Minas 1 - 7th Inning Stretch (or Sprint!)

Los Minas 1 - 7th Inning Stretch (or Sprint!)

I WOULD LIKE TO START OFF THIS LETTER SAYING A HAPPY VERY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD JORDAN MCKAY GRAFF. Due to our schedule as missionaries, we can only write on Mondays. Last Monday, I didn't have any time to write because of transfer work and such. But I just want to say that I love you so much Dad and happy 43 or such big ones.

MY "KID" (aka "Greenie", "new young missionary")  and I with President and Sister Corbitt

How do I start? Well the Mother's Day call with the family was awesome. It was a bit weird talking a little about studying, books, jobs and all that fun stuff because that hasn't been a part of my life for two years. All I know now is mission work pretty much. I don't even really speak good English anymore haha. Apparently I have a Caribbean accent now? Don't know what that means. But anyways, it's a bit frightening that I'm coming up to the end and frankly, I don't even want to focus on that right now. 

I was transferred last week to a new area called Los Minas!!! It's in the Zone Ozama so unfortunately I didn't go back to Las Americas or stay in Santo Domingo. But it's a really cool part of the country. It's pretty urbanized and everything. But the ward is REALLY excited to work with us it seems like. I'm training a new elder from Guatemala named Elder Reyes. He's super cool and has a ton of energy. Understands why he's here and just ready to work which is great. I actually got to know a member named Alberto that was companions with my cousin Mike in his mission in Mexico. Pretty big coincidence huh? But I love the ward and we've already seen so many miracles. We found a family that belongs to the Evangelist church contacting on the way to visit a member the first day and they're really interested; especially a 26 year old named Peterson. He's actually preparing right now to serve a mission for his church. He welcomed us in and we sat down and shared the Plan of Salvation. We found out that both his parents had died when he was younger and as we testified that he could be with them again and have an eternal family of his own in the future, the Spirit was undeniable. I'm without words to describe it. You could tell he was soaking it in, because it's a lot different from the beliefs he has his whole life believing. But in the end, he told us to come back and he went to church on Sunday!!! It was awesome. He's SUPER interested and told us that if keeps feeling like this and receives an answer from God that it's really true, he'll do all it takes to accept it. Cool to see how much it's motivated him and how much he wants to learn more.

Some CHICKEN WANGSSS and other vegetables with some rice and Elder Reyes and I made. Who ever said that a gringo and Guatemalteco made a bad chef team?

Elder Reyes and I also got to go back to Los Molinos in Las Americas to see the baptism of a family Elder Pediet, Searle and I were teaching, the Florián family. Words cannot describe the sheer happiness I had that night. I got to see all the members, many recent converts including Dashmin, Yokasta and Waldo and Alberto a less active we were teaching who's the recently called Teachers Quorum President. The baptism was so special. Their family was so grateful and the change they had made since we started teaching them was obvious just looking at them. The father is now investigating the church as well and the mom Liz is helping him out a lot. A really special night for us all.

I know that my time here is closing in. I lose sleep at night sometimes thinking about it. I just see it as a baseball game. In the 7th inning stretch. But in this work, right now, its a 7th inning RUN SPRINT GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT. Cause you're only a full time missionary once. And there's so many people waiting for this Gospel. All you can do is love, teach, and invite everyone you can. And God does the rest.

I know these things are true. And I invite all of you that haven't heard it before or studied it out in your heart, to start your own search for the truth. And I testify that it will change your life and give you blessings you can't even begin to comprehend.

Have a great week and I can't wait to see all the graduation pictures soon.

Elder Graff

Bittersweet times . . . . 

I hope I can get a picture of the baptism from Elder Richards because I didn't bring my camera to take pictures of it. If not, Ill send it next week.