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