We had another good week. We spent a lot of time finding and we may have found ourselves a miracle. The other night we were knocking doors and we found a man named Modesto. He seemed to be the typical "ya give me a book and leave me alone". When I reached into my bag, I pulled out a tabbed copy of the Book of Mormon. I usually don't hand these out unless it is someone I know will use it. We gave it to him because that is all we had with us and we set a return appointment. We showed up last night and he invited us right in, sat us down and asked us sincere questions. He asked us questions about who Nephi is, so we know he had read a little and kept his commitment. He proceeded to ask questions about if we believe in baptism, if we believe in the trinity or if we believe the correct doctrine of 3 separate beings, and then asked when and where he could come to church. We may have tracted into a golden investigator. The Lord truly works miracles when we put forth our efforts with faith.

Luv ya,

December 25, 2019

Hello everyone! It's ya boy, Elder Graybill. This last week and a half has been a slow one. Elder Robinson and I have been sick so we tried taking things slow, but walking around in the cold, rainy streets of Oregon did not help. So we took a sick day this past Monday. That helped out a ton. Due to the fact that we have been sick, not much effective work has been done sadly.

But yesterday we were able to go caroling as a zone in downtown Salem and that was really fun. We were able to plant a lot of seeds and hopefully people actually look at the papers we handed out. Elder Shafer and I had a cool experience talking with a homeless man named Ted. He explained his story and we shared a copy of the Book of Mormon with him. He started to tear up then we prayed together. He explained that he had been going hungry lately and that this was helping him. We aren't allowed to hand out cash from our allotment money but Nana Graybill came in clutch with some extra cash and I was carrying it. So I gave him some money to buy a hot meal and he just started balling. He was so grateful for helping him feel like he belonged. Then the whole zone sang Silent Night to him and he was super happy. Hopefully he goes to church and starts down the covenant path.

Being on a mission for Christmas is a special experience. You get to focus on the TRUE meaning of Christmas. But not seeing your family on Christmas for 3 years is kinda hard. Family is such a blessing and should never be taken for granted. So whenever you read this email, kneel down and give God a prayer of thanks for the family you do have.

Love all you, 

Elder Graybill 

Hello everyone!

So here's the wrap of what has happened in the last 10 days.

*Alex was baptized. I had the privilege of performing the baptismal ordinance. He was super happy and felt really good. He brought his non member family/friends to come watch and it was super cool. He is continuing to progress towards the temple for December 10th. 

* I was finally transferred from Forest Grove. This honestly broke me a little. I love the city of Forest Grove. Even through all the hard times, it was really good for me. That zone will forever have my heart. However, change is good. And the Lord needs me here in this area now. 

* I now live with my SON ROBDOG!!!!!!!! (aka Elder Robinson) He is the District Leader here in this district and we are hyped to be together. It is bringing back a lot of good memories from our time in Hayesville a year ago. Honestly, it is making me a little sad at how close I am to finishing my mission.Time is going way too quickly.

* My new companion is Elder Shaffer from Boston Massachusetts. He is funny kid and I feel like we are going to do some good things together. Elder Shaffer spent the first 3 months of his mission English speaking and was switched to Spanish speaking about 3 months ago. We are opening up a new area in Woodburn. The city of Woodburn has like 60% Latino population so it will be a great experience. I feel drained both physically and mentally. I fell like I am being carried each day by the spiritual joy of just serving others and being a missionary. 

Gotta go,

Me and my homie Elder Saunders

                                                        

Gales Creek Sisters made us Raspberry Muffins

                                                 

Spanish Missionaries

                                              

Alex and his sons

                                         

La Familia Loza

                                          

Prom Pic featuring Hno y Hna Long

                                       

Prom Pic #1

November 11, 2019

This was another good week we had here in the Grove. It was packed full of service, MLC, planning, and getting Alex ready for baptism. We set a temple day for Alex and his 10 year old daughter was at the lesson as well. She showed a lot of interest and is going to start being taught by us as well!

As time goes on, I have 0 desire to write anymore, but here is a cool quote I found in my personal studies this week."Today we have a little more time to bless others—time to be kinder, more compassionate, quicker to thank and slower to scold, more generous in sharing, more gracious in caring." 

Doors of Death April 1992 Elder Nelson

President Nelson is awesome! 

                                                          
                                                 
                                                     

                                       

October 28, 2019

So this weekly is going to be very short. Like I will highlight what happened

1. Exchanges with Elder Saunders. He is super cool. Really good Elder

2. Interviews with President. Very nice. Even when he made me really trunky and started to counsel me about dating and marriage.

3. I got an email about going home from the mission office. That made me trunky.

4. Alex is still doing awesome and is going to have us over for dinner.