Santo Domingo (Las Americas - Maria Auxiliadora) 2 - General Conference

Santo Domingo (Las Americas - Maria Auxiliadora) 2 - General Conference 

Wow, my last General Conference as a missionary. Honestly, words cannot describe how I felt after the close of this weekend. 

It was just so spiritually power-packed it was hard to take in. Even though we were super busy with a lot of things that happened during the course of these 7 days, it was nice to be able to sit back and search personal revelation. 

What I think I got most out of the conference is that we need to be HUMBLE. You can say I got "smacked around" a little bit by the "spiritual humble stick", I guess haha. For as long as I can remember, I've been really really competitive. All my good friends and family know that about me. That we're best friends until it comes to sports, games, or competitions. Doesn't matter who it is, if we're on the opposite team, we're pretty much complete enemies.

Over the course of these 19 months, focusing on God and his Gospel. Helping others and putting them and their happiness first - over myself - I can say that I've come a long way. I've definitely learned to see the good in others, lift them up, and help them reach the potential that God sees in them and in me. It's not to say that I don't still have a super-competitive spirit. But I've learned how to control it and use it to compete with MYSELF and drive me to be the best I can be, while still being able to congratulate others and help them see their strengths. And if I can keep improving and controlling this aspect of my life, I just feel that I will be able to reach heights that I otherwise would've fallen short in getting to.

The mission work is going great. Maria Auxiliadora is one of the best areas I've seen. I know that I say that every time that I get transferred. But no matter who the people are and their strengths and weaknesses, I think I'm just getting better at working with what God gives us. But the members are really supporting the work. We don't have as much time in the area as we'd like sometimes, but when we're there, exchanges with members 24/7. And the results are showing. We've been seeing miracles. We're working with some really prepared people. And only time will tell this month who will be ready and who God has planned that we teach.

I'm so grateful for all that you do for me each and every one of you and your support. 

Much love,

Elder Graff

Added April 6, 2016 --

Just doing a list real quick for the mission and wanted to take out 30 seconds to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I love you Aaron and Im very thankful for you. Good luck with everything and I hope you're praying and thinking hard about where you want to go to college. Wherever you go, you'll have success. Just think about what will make you the best person and give you the best chance in life to raise a strong family.

I love you all.

Elder Graff