As we anxiously awaited the arrival of our next letter from Elder Graybill, we instead received an email from Sister Hansen of the Centro de Capacitacion Misional (CCM). She informed us that there had been an outbreak of the chicken pox and Elder Graybill had definitely been exposed. We assured her that he had received his chicken pox vaccination. We received a warm response that Elder Graybill is a giant of a missionary who is absolutely thriving. Later, Elder Graybill let us know that the outbreak was in his room and that 2 Elders were removed and confined to their own room. Problem solved. He gave us more details about his district. There are 8 Elders and 2 Sisters and all 10 missionaries are from the USA, 4 of which, including Elder Graybill, are from Utah. Here is his next letter. Enjoy! (Oh, so he had a problem loading all 3 pictures hopefully we get them next time. I am interested to see his new best friends.)
This week went by so much better than the first week by far. To be honest I don´t remember it all too well. On Wednesday, the Presiding Bishop came and visited us and gave a little message. It was by surprise too. Thursday and Friday blended together and were kinda boring. But Saturday came and I loved it. We went out and preached with missionaries already in the field. The best part was, it was my mission.Let me tell you a little bit about Bogota Sur. It is known as the armpit of Colombia. There is someone doing drugs on every corner. And since I am 6´4, blonde, and quite attractive, I was hit on every where by the women. No lie a women was walking with her Husband and said something i did not understand to me, winked at me, and made me feel very uncomfortable.Besides all that, I was able to be apart of my first missionary lesson. We met with a lady named, Hermana Sanchez. She has been turning down the missionaries for years now and finally let us in. We talked about the Restoration of the Gospel through José Smith. I bore my testimony and explained how the priesthood was restored in spanish. I was so scared I was going to mess up but the Spirit guided me. She said yes for another lesson and they met last night at 6. I love my mission already and I spent one day there haha. Sunday was another Spiritual power house day. Presidente Hansen talked about the Spirit and the guidance it gives us. So I would like to challenge everyone, Mormon or not, to try and find a moment that you have felt the Spirit, this could be a time that you have done something good and felt happiness, or you have had a question in your heart and felt a warm conformation in your heart. I would love to hear about everyones experience with it next week. I am trying to see how the Spirit guides me each and every day.This morning we visited the temple for the second time and it was just so peaceful. I love being there and the feeling it gives me.I love all of you guys. You guys are all in my prayers. and !Hasta luego¡in these pics, the first Elder Arana (colombian) Elder Bolaños(venezualan) 2nd pic my district, and 3rd my new best friends haha
Hi Grandson. Papa and I are off to the temple in the morning, with our mission. We will of course be taking family names to have their work completed. It's exciting to think we'll meet up with them someday. We're thrilled you have the opportunity to attend the temple as well. This is a cool pic of you and the South American orometuas (elders). Hope you learned much from them! Our mission is now indexing on the Web. What a blessing that I can index records from the Cook Islands. A double blessing was... one of the names (for a marriage), was my father's sister...or my aunt Sonora Kekena. Sweet blessing indeed! Hope you scared off the chicken pox virus? Love, love you. Now that your first missionary lesson experience is behind you--you'll become more comfortable with the companionship of the HG and listen to and heed it's promptings. Aroa from Nans & Papa (Elder and Sister Graybill.
ReplyDeleteBefore study group tonight, Papa was mowing the park where he and I live. The warmth of the sun was wonderful with the hint of a breeze. I could hear the engine's motor and walked down to where he was mowing. Should see him weave and cruise round the trees and then haul top speed along the stretches. He's lightning quick on his mower! When the wind is right, grass clippings coupled with dirt and debris fly up about his face it doesn't deter him. He's like a man possessed with a mission. I stood from Koala Road watching him. He operates the machine with deft agility. I thought...how blessed we are to be serving in this beautiful place. The pond on the grounds, shimmered, and I don't think I want to leave this place. Perhaps it's a glimpse of what Heaven is! With love from AOA and Nans and Papa Graybill.
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