Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 17 - Temporary comp

Jean Paul's Baptism -- His mother is active in the church now too! She had a long time where she wasn't coming to church regularly but the activity and testimony of Jean Paul has her back in the church which is AWESOME.

 

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 17 - Temporary companion - Baptisms

Hey everyone.

Hope the turkeys are in the oven, and the Christmas music already on in the car. People here in the DR actually celebrate Christmas SUPER early - starting like 3 weeks ago  - so we're already singing Christmas hymns and everything and people already have their Christmas lights up. Talk about the easiest way to make keeping your thoughts focused on the mission work almost impossible!

BUT, we've been seeing lots of blessings as a companionship lately. First off, I HAVE AN ADOPTED "KID" FOR TWO WEEKS. His name is Elder Walker and he's from Idaho. His companion has a special assignment so he's with us for the rest of the transfer as a temporary companion with three of us working together.  Things have been crazy busy with the trips over to his area and then back to our area again.  If I hought it was hard to run two areas in the same sector, try running two areas 15 minutes apart!

But Jean Paul was baptized yesterday! It was an amazing service and even though it was dumping rain (rain basically means the end of the world for Dominicans and they don't leave their house for ANYTHING) we had a surprisingly great turnout. His mother and niece were there as well as some of our investigators and a couple members. It was really cool to see the enormous change the Gospel has made in his life because I haven't been teaching him regularly since the other elders came in about two transfers ago. He bore the most sincere and powerful testimony after his baptism that actually touched the heart of one of our investigators that was there at the service -  we believe we'll be setting a baptismal date with her now very soon.
 

                              

The problem is that nobody counts when they're gonna take photos they kind of just press the button and if you're looking that's great if not......OKAY!

Ana Gladys is getting baptized this Saturday also which is honestly a miracle. It all was going to depend on the Word of Wisdom if we were going to have to push back the date, but as soon as she got done reading the pamphlet, she prayed for strength and just left coffee just like that. She's been clean for a week and she expressed to us how much better and relieved she feels. It wasn't an addiction or anything, just a small habit. But leaving it has made all the difference in her life. She has a big purpose in the church and she has such a strong, sincere testimony.

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

Elder Graff

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 16 - Best Day ever in Espaillat!

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 16 - Best Day ever in Espaillat!

My heart is full. This week was the best week I've had in the area of Espaillat. 

Una noche mas blanca que las piernas del Elder Graff después de un ano y pico sin ver el sol (An evening even whiter than the legs of Elder Graff after a little more than a year without seeing the sun!)

First off, the Rodriguez Family was baptized on Friday. The support from the ward was amazing and there were a ton of friends and family of theirs at the baptism, including the son of Enrique who is apparently a famous singer here in this country so that was really awesome. The Spirit was so strong and the service was beautiful. Enrique said as he left the baptisimal waters "Ahora, voy a salvar a toda mi familia". (Now, I am going to save all my family) It's just so amazing to see what the Gospel has done and motivated this family to do. Their daughter and her family are working on getting married and baptized. His son and his family in New York are taking the lessons from the missionaries. They've invited friends and just everyone to partake of the same joy and peace they feel. They feel the same as Lehi of the Book of Mormon felt when he ate of the Tree of Life "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should take part of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above ALL other fruits" (1 Nephi 8:12)

El "Chuape" Jajaja!  He's the famous "Dembo" singer in the country and a crowd of like 1,000 little kids were waiting for him downstairs after the baptism of his father because they wanted to see him.

They were confirmed on Sunday and both Manuel and Enrique recieved the Aaronic Priesthood. We'll be working this Sunday on getting them their temple reccomends so they can enter into the temple next Friday.

We've also been working with a woman named Ana Gladys which is a reference from a recent convert we recieved. The lady is a machine. We honestly would've had a hard time teaching her everything we need to before she gets baptized if she didn't read the pamphlets and things we leave with her two times over with really inspired and sincere questions every time we go back. She's dedicated on getting baptized the 14th of this month and we're gonna do everything we can to help her reach it. 

Elder Góngora (from Guatemala) and I are having a blast. Working hard and laughing almost every second with or at each other (usually at me because I trip a lot down here and I don't know why). He's a great companion and I'm 10 percent Guatemalteco now.

The Rodriguez family and the family of her son with President Corbitt and his wife.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN AND HOLIDAY SEASON TO ALL YOU GUYS AND HOPE YOU ALL EAT A SLICE OF PUMPKIN PIE AND DRINK A GLASS OF EGG NOG FOR ELDER GRAFF. Because if we only have electricity half the day, you can bet that we don't have much pumpkin pie or holiday food down here :)

Elder Graff

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 15 - The Plan of Salvation

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 15 - The Plan of Salvation

I just want to express the gratitude to each and every one of you that helps and inspires me with your letters and emails (that I receive frequently) to be a better missionary. 

TEMPLE NIGHT. We went as a district and it "rained empanadas" and bad hairdos because of a storm that came in.  But through it all, we hardly even noticed how hard it was raining. It was a really cool lesson.

The Rodriguez and Olivo Family (besides Manuel who was sick that night and couldn't make it). The wife of the Olivo Family is the daughter of Miriam. We started teaching them about a month ago and the other elders are working with some difficulties in the marriage papers, but the whole family has a baptism date in December if everything goes as planned. It is so touching to see the unity and faith of both families. They'll be a light and strength to a lot of people as they've already been. It's such a blessing from God to be able to teach them.

The Rodriguez Family had their baptismal interview and their baptism will be this Friday. The whole ward is getting involved and it will truly be a night to remember. We had the privilege of going to the temple with them again and lots of others on Friday. It was a beautiful night and we were able to set a goal with Enrique, Miriam and Manuel to be able to enter into the temple on the 7th of November and do the most important spiritual work there is. They accepted and they will be such a great family in the Gospel. (More photos from the wedding of Enrique and Miriam):

Shouts out to having like 32 different cameras and out of 6 photos Miriam and I were the only ones looking at my camera --but hey, it's the thought that counts.

CLASSIC CROSSED ARMS MARRIAGE TOAST NON ALCOHOLIC VERSION!

Miriam and Enrique busting a move.

We've also been working hard with the references we recieved and we're teaching a woman named Ana Gladys that's a reference from a recent convert. She's been to church twice and she's really interested. Elder Góngora and I thought a lot about what to teach her and we had started with the Plan of Salvation. We had planned yesterday to talk about the Creation and Adam and Eve when at the start of the lesson, we started talking about temples and the importance of the ordinances we do inside. We knew she was a widow but we had NO IDEA how powerful that small change would be. As the Spirit testified to her heart about the truth behind the work we do inside the House of the Lord, she began to express her desire to go inside. It was such a powerful lesson and in the end of it all, she accepted a baptism date for the 14th of November. We're trying to think how we'll be able to teach all we need to before then, but I'm sure we'll be able to do it.

I hope everyone is doing great and always feel open to send me suggestions on how I can make these letters better cause Im not much of an author or good with english anymore haha.

Much love,

Elder Graff

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 14 - Marriage

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 14 - Marriage

Sometimes, the special things in life require a little bit of waiting, and then waiting a little more. Wilson's baptism fell through that was supposed to be on Saturday. He called us on Tuesday and explained to us that he needs a little more time to arrange some small things that he's dealing with. He was still good with his goals and everything, he was just worried with a situation he has that he would fall after. We explained to him everything we could to try and comfort his pre-baptism fears but we really felt like it would be best to give him the time he needs so it can be a great and satisfying experience rather than something rushed. So, even though it was one of the hardest things I've done because of how much I care for the guy, we're giving him the time he needs.

It's really been a process with the investigators we have. There have been moments where, just out of the sheer work and somehow everything delaying or postponing itself, I've wanted to give in. I've wondered, nights before, if I'm truly making an impact out here. Would I be of better use back home? Am I even a missionary of success? Despite the beautiful moments one has had in the past, one always wants more. And more often than not, we forget or overlook the little changes and blessings we play a part in.

Fraileen and his family back in Villa Agricolas. Saw a lot of people I love and it was a great night. 

I was able to visit Villa Agricolas, my old area, again. It was there that I saw the delayed fruits (you could say) of the work the Lord did through my companion and I in the short time I was there. I was able to baptize the son of a less active father Elder Maatatia and I worked to reactivate. It was such a spiritual experience. To see that man still fighting and active now in the church after the many visits that we gave him filled my heart with joy. Erika, who was a lost teenager in a religiously seperated family, is now going to Seminary and fulfilling her spiritual responsibilities with God. Julia, the mother and the matriarch of a once-involved family in the Gospel that forgot the simple things, is now the Relief Society President of many members in need. Those closest to my heart that I shared and taught while there -- Frank and Eliany and Maireny -- are active and happy in the Church despite many difficult trials. When I focus on the numbers or compare myself with others, maybe I misunderstand what I'm really here to do. But when I try to look at the small changes and the love people develop for the Gospel, that's when I believe I truly understand my purpose.
 

MARRIAGE OF ENRIQUE AND MIRIAM!!!!!!!! One of the best days of my life.

Nothing like a little public affection. "BESO! BESO! BESO!" 

Also, another absolutely amazing thing that happened was ENRIQUE AND MIRIAM GOT MARRIED!!! It made me so happy to see the love and joy they have for each other and that their main purpose for it all is to be able to be baptized as a family. We had a super sweet celebration in the church too with some gifts from us and the ward for them which included photos in frames of their marriage and the temple here in the Dominican Republic. One of the best and most satisfying days of my mission and a miracle from God.

Best Dominican cake ever.  Along with two framed gift photos (from the Ward and us) to the Rodriguez Family. It was a super awesome celebration - with calamari, tons of good food (that wasn't rice and beans and meat), and everyone was dancing bachata hahah (besides us, of course. But as soon as I get home, bachata on replay, yes sir!)

We also received some really inspired references from the members this week and three of them came to church so we'll see where everything goes with them.

Really enjoying the mission and loving the good and the hard things that come. Hope you all have a wonderful week.

Elder Graff

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 13 - Beehives and Marriage

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 13 -  Beehives and Marriage

Photo sent to Laura from an LDS family visiting the DR from Utah who happened to run into Taylor while they were visiting a park on Preparation Day

So a lot of interesting things happened this week. First off, on Tuesday we ate raw honeycomb. We were with a less active family when the dad, who isn't a member, busts into the house late from work with a GIANT bag full of honeycomb. Apparently, he found a HUGE beehive while he was constructing a house in the basement, the home of more than 2 million bees. I wish I would've had my camera but it's something I'm always gonna remember. I honestly almost got sick from all the honey we ate in that lesson. And we taught using the example of a beehive actually which was pretty sweet. The mother came to church for the first time in over a year which made us really happy to see. They stopped drinking coffee and they're on their way back into the church, slowly but surely.

Wilson is doing amazing. He has his baptisimal interview on Tuesday and if everything goes well, we'll be having his baptism this Thursday!!! He's really content with his progress and how much he's changed. We've been inviting everyone and we'll see how it all goes.

The Rodriguez Family is getting married on Thursday!!!!!!!!!!! Elder Góngora and I are really excited and the ward is putting on a surprise party Thursday night to support. They've loved their time in the church so far. Miriam's daughter, her husband and their two children also, who we were teaching, are getting baptized on the 7th! Elder Herrera and Wenzel have been helping them a lot and we're just working with the documents and marriage situation. But they're two very prepared families. We went on splits with Manuel and he loved it. He gave his testimony to a reference we're teaching and she came to church. He's gonna be a great future missionary.

Slowly, but surely, we're making progress with the investigators we're teaching and having fun in the process. Life is better than ever.

Hope you all have a great week.

Elder Graff

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 12 - General Conference

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 12 - General Conference:

Saw the best friend Juan Carlos in Conference. We talked a little bit and he told me that Frank and Eliany and Maireny are doing great. They were watching the Conference in Villa Agricolas so I didn't get to see them but I was super happy to hear that they're staying strong in the Gospel and working to try and reach their goals.

It was a really spiritually packed week with General Conference this weekend. We had a lot less meetings and had actually a lot of time to work in our area. We contacted two really cool references that have a lot of potential. They weren't able to see General Conference with us for various reasons, but they've both been to church a couple times so we'll see where everything goes.

It's such a blessing to hear from inspired Prophets and Apostles from the Lord. To recieve general direction as a church and personal insights as individual members of this True Church. I truly enjoyed and learned much from various talks, including the newly called Apostles. One doesn't have to look far or for many reasons why these men are called of God other than their burning testimonies. I really learned a lot and recieved many inspired personal revelations that I know will help me become a better missionary and servant of Christ.

Our investigators enjoyed the Conference as well. Enrique and his son Manuel were able to see - as father and son - the Priesthood session, and as a family on Sunday. They loved it and they also had a sweet piece of news for all of us. They bought wedding rings!!!! They showed them to us on Wednesday and I jumped out of my chair and almost gave Miriam a hug - but then I came to my missionary senses and gave her a firm handshake haha. We're so happy for them. Manuel is taking seminary now and he's gonna be going on splits with us tomorrow. We're just waiting for the marriage date and trying to keep them spiritually growing through it all.

Wilson is doing great. He was a little sick this week and we weren't able to see him much. But we talked and he's excited and on track for his baptism that's coming soon. 

Rafa got back from Haiti. I don't know if I included that in the last letter. But he loved the Mormon church when he was visiting his family and he's really dedicated on his conversion process. We'll be teaching him the commandments this week, trying to get him prepared.

We recieved transfers yesterday and I'm STAYING!!!!!!!! With yet another Latin companion, Elder Góngora, who actually was in our zone just a month and a half ago. A REALLY COOL missionary who works super hard. So we're hoping for big things as a companionship for the transfer.

I'm loving the mission so much. There are so many unexpected things that happen sometimes. But you just have to enjoy the beauty of it all.

Love you guys,

Elder Graff

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it"

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 11 - Noche Blanca

Santo Domingo (Espaillat) 11 - Noche Blanca (White Night), Ward Activity

First, I just wanted to express my love and appreciation for the Haggarton Family. It's always hard when someone we love and to whom we are close passes away. I remember 6 years ago when my Grandpa Graff passed away and how hard that was for me. Even though with the Gospel, we know that this life isn't the end, it's still something rough to go through. My prayers and thoughts will be with you guys.

Elder Cornejo has been a little sick this week so we didn't have as much time as we would've liked to because he's been really nauseous and throwing up. But, we did find some really cool people that came to church on Sunday so we're really excited for their progress and to see where it goes.

"Cheesing" with some of the most beautiful people (I mean, Elders and Sisters) in the Dominican Republic -- not being biased or anything.  (This is Taylor's Zone)

On Saturday, we were able to have "La Noche Blanca" (The White Night) with our Zone. Stress, stress, and more stress! The Stake President showed up a little later than we wanted, one of the baptisms didn't have baptism clothes and we had some problems with the agenda but at the end of it all, the special activity went really well and we enjoyed it a lot. I had to help out serving cake and soda and we were trying to make sure everything went smoothly so I unfortunately didn't get to take any pictures but it was a really awesome night.

Wilson is doing great. We moved his baptism to the 10th due to General Conference that's coming up this weekend. But we think that'll help him be even more ready and spiritually in tune for his baptism. Ruben is progressing super well also. We talked with his parents and set a date for the 17th. He's talking about a mission, invited his girlfriend to church and he's really excited.

Miriam and Antonia with one of the members that was in their group for the Church activity. This was at the end when we announced the winners. 

We were in charge of one group and we basically were asking questions about the Book of Mormon, The Bible, and other Gospel related questions and they did better than some of the members to be honest -- hahaha. 

It was really cool to see and they answered some questions right that 2 years ago, I probably would have had no idea about myself!

Enrique and his family are doing better than ever. The came to the big ward activity we had which was basically a rally with church questions, fun games, and it was just a huge competition. And they won 3rd place --haha. I don't know how, but Miriam and Antonia (her daughter that is coming to church now with her entire family that the other elders are teaching, another really cool family), got free Tshirts and they had a ton of fun. We'll be taking Manuel out with us this week to teach a couple of lessons. He's been changing a lot and he's also asking about a mission and even though he's still got about 4 years to go, it's still cool to see the change the Gospel is making in their lives. They're really excited for their marriage and everything and we'll be setting up a celebration with the ward for the 15th after the marriage in the office.

A picture we took in Sambil for the birthday of Elder Orellana. Hooray for being the only gringo! 'Merica! Well, I'm really half Dominican, but you know.

I'm very grateful for everything that the Lord is doing with the people we're teaching. It's really amazing to see how if we work hard and give it our all that God makes up for the rest.

I hope you all have a great week and that you enjoy General Conference.

Elder Graff