This week has been a very tiring week here in the Newberg Spanish area. We had transfers this week, and we had an Elder leaving and the Elder that was staying was receiving a trainee that was not coming until Thursday. So we were in a trio because he was supposed to stay with the District Leader (me). We went over to a members house to do service and we ended up sorting through and throwing away over a thousand National Geographic’s dating from 1940-1995. That took forever but saved an 85 year old man from breaking his back. On top of that, a new Spanish Elder was coming in from the Mexico MTC. That MTC services a day earlier than the Provo one so he was waiting for all the other missionaries to come. While he did that, he stayed with us, the trio for a day. This made us a quadpanionship. That was exciting I guess. But a hassle to make sure that he was comfortable yet working hard. 

Once that all settled, Elder Morrison and I got to work. After the baptism last week, we realized we have nothing else in our teaching pool. Friday, we had an awesome lesson on the plan of Salvation with a man named Geronimo. He is very interested in our message but isn't the most willing to act.

My spiritual thought for this week.

Jacob 6:12

O be wise; what more can I say

Use your common sense people. Or in other words, use the light of Christ that is in all of us. If it is something that brings you closer to Christ, do it. If not, maybe you should rethink things. 

Anyways I'm really really tired. Even though I’m getting 8 hours of sleep every night I somehow have fallen asleep 3 days in a row while marking my Book of Mormon during personal study. Also, shout out to my mom for sending Toilet paper and candy bars to the apartment. It was much appreciated. 

Send me an email this week. I would like to hear from you if I haven't in a while.

E. Graybill

6'-8'' Elder Long and I. Who do you think wins the battle on the court?

So this week has been my favorite week. And here is why. 

Ariel and his wife were married Saturday night. The wedding was awesome! He pulled us aside and thanked us maybe 45 times  and each time with a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. He got up to speak and went on to explain how they have tried to get married before but every time they were about to do it, he would run off and do something stupid. He then gave us a shout out and said that we have helped him find the Gospel which made him a better man. Hanny pulled us aside at the wedding and thanked us. She told us thus has been her dream for the last 9 or 10 years. And she never thought the day would actually come. And it did!. Alejandra, the daughter, had tears running down her face when they were performing the ceremony because she was so happy het mom and dad were finally tying the knot.  The night went on and there was good music and food. 

And last night, the Baptisms happened! They were all baptized and confirmed members. It was so awesome. It's awesome to see that no matter what, the Spirit can be felt at a baptism. Even if it is being put on by a small slightly dysfunctional Spanish branch out in the middle of nowhere, Oregon. I loved it! Ariel bore his testimony and went on to testify that he knows this is the correct path. And before he was introduced to the Gospel, he had no care for his family, but after hearing of the Plan of Salvation, he said "I look into my son's eyes and see so much potential." It was really cool. The change we have seen in this man is exponential. I'm grateful that the Atonement exists and it allows us to make these changes. I'm grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The guidance it gives us is amazing. Five simple steps;

Faith

Repentance 

Baptism (the sacrament)

The Holy Ghost

Enduring to the End

Enduring to the End doesn't mean that we are perfect. But it means we do the first 4 steps over and over and over again. This life is a life to learn, love, and grow. We obtain as much knowledge in this life to take to the next, we love our family and friends and neighbors. Giving service to those around us. And this is what helps us grow and become better people.

I know that Joseph Smith was the man that Christs Church was restored through. And that through him, we have the same priesthood keys that Christ has. I know that Christ died for each and every one of us, individually. Giving us the opportunity to repent and change. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and the teachings it gives us. 

Love all of you, have a good week.

This week went by really fast and I'm sure glad it did. Monday was p-day and then Elder Morrison and I went out to some lessons and of course they were not home so that was a bummer. We had exchanges Monday night and I was with Elder Long. He expressed some stuff to me and how he was grateful for the friendship I have developed with him. I am grateful that I am in a position where I can hopefully help other Elders out a little bit more. Last week I had exchanges with Elder Ounesavath and Elder Wadsworth. Elder Ounesavath is new to the mission and I was able to give him some pointers on how to get through those first couple of weeks. 

Back to Elder Long and I. We walked around quite a bit but were not able to find anyone who was super interested. But I had  SPC that night, which is a meeting I have to go to with the Stake President and the Zone Leaders and the other district leader. Wednesday we worked up in Newberg for most of the day but it was snowing and nobody was out. We went back to Dayton and had a super cool lesson with Ariel and his family. We were able to teach the last thing they needed for their baptismal interviews. Thursday we had zone conference and were blessed to hear from our President and get some good in put on how to become more effective teachers. Also, I saw Elder Robinson, my trainee, there and I was super pumped to see him. He is doing really well in Forest Grove right now. After Zone Conference we went back to work. Friday was weekly planning so nothing too crazy happened. Saturday was supposed to be the wedding, however, someone forgot to tell the Espanola’s that they needed a wedding license to get married. And that was not obtained so we pushed the wedding back to next week. Which made us nervous that we would push the baptism back a week. Which is after transfers and there is a chance I am being transferred. But, the Baptism is going to be Sunday now and all is well. So we are all set. Sunday we were the organ players at church (no I can't play, however I can press buttons) and then Ariels family had their interviews. They all passed! Yeah, happiness!! The change I have seen in them is so awesome. I have truly come to love this family. Ariel has changed from a playboy to a family man. He is a good example to me. So we had a full, crazy week. Just not one that involved a lot of finding. 

Keep reading your scriptures.

Back together again. Me and Elder Robinson

Elder Ounesavath