9/26/17

Elder Graybill received his visa today. He expressed his gratitude that it came and he is able serve the people in the Bogota South Mission. As he has spoken with Elders already serving in the mission field, he is preparing himself for some of the humbling things he is told he will see and experience. I was surprised to hear from him that he knew the UTES had defeated Arizona. I asked him how? He responded that the CCM President Hansen knew he loved Utah Football and has kept him apprised of the UTES football games thus far. He tells us in our family email, and I want to share/invite all who read this, "keep to the Gospel and do all things to keep the Holy Ghost in our lives." We as his parents are so happy to see him keep a positive attitude even during times of personal struggles. He is truly being blessed and watched over. Thank you for your prayers in his behalf. 

Enjoy this weeks letter

My dear brothers and sisters, this last week was amazing. And what I mean by amazing is that I struggled a lot and actually have been sick because of food poisoning, but I have grown so much as a missionary and my Spanish is actually coming along. I was able to give a blessing to my good friend Elder Porter. He fell and cracked his head and luckily he only needed super glue. Then that night his stomach was causing a lot of discomfort, so he asked me to give him a blessing of comfort and health. I was terrified I was going to mess up but I felt the Spirit the whole time and he guided me through it. The next day, he was all better. The Power of the Priesthood is real! It was such a neat experience for myself and the district. Speaking of District, every three weeks in the CCM they change district leaders so I was released. I was sad but at the same time, Elder Stewart is going to be a great leader. 

Sunday and yesterday were the hardest days. The latinos and the older group left this morning and we have been prepping them to leave and say goodbye. We sang a Childs prayer and the Spirit was so strong. Every sister in the room was balling and the Elders that show emotion were tearing up. and yes i was one of them. Last night we gave our final goodbyes to everyone and I had to say goodbye to my good amigos, Elder Arana from Cali, Colombia and Elder Bolano from Venezuela, both those guys had me in tears. Elder Bolano has helped me so much with the spanish and I am going to miss him a lot. Also, I had to say goodbye to Elder Jamison, Elder McDougal, Elder, Tasimale, and Elder Richey. Those Elders were the ones that i looked up to so much. They all carried the Spirit with them so well and I hope I can be as cool as them when it is my turn to leave the CCM. 

New guys come in tonight around 2 so I probably won’t get that much sleep. a repeat from last night. They all left this morning at like 3 and it woke me up. 

So I keep forgetting to tell you guys but the traffic hear is crazy. People honestly do not care for their lives. Whoever has the biggest car gets what they want. Our bus just plows into traffic and I swear someone is about to die everytime. Also if you ever want to visit Colombia, go for it, just make sure you have a bullet proof vest, and a 12 gauge for protection. I have seen some scary stuff and I have been out in the city maybe like 4 times. Mom and Dad, if you decide to come get me, I will not allow it if i am in the city, other than that it should be ok. 

I can’t believe I almost have been gone for a month, feels like 30 minutes ago I was getting on the plane. Quick shout out to my bros, Zach Lott and Alex Ambrose, sad I missed your talks but i know you guys are gonna kill it in the field. Sorry my emails are so short, it’s hard to write about stuff when we have the same 16 hour schedule everyday 7 days a week. Today we get to go to some Catholic Cathedral that was built 500 years ago and I am super excited. I will tell you more about it next week and hopefully my email will be a little longer. I love each and every one of you. Linda and Amy, please keep taking care of my Mom, I appreciate it. adios mi amigos.​

1st pic Me y Elder Jamison

2nd pic Me y Elder Richey y Elder Tesimale

3rd pic Guanaria a weird fruit you suck the seeds out of

4th pic This is the Mormon District here in the CCM