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