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