HOLA HOLA HOLA. From Ohio to Utah to Hawaii!
Happy Birthday Camille!!!!!! (I know what you're getting for your birthday hehehe) I can't believe it. My family grows up so fast.
Enjoy life in Hawaii! Send more pics! Can't wait to go when I get back ;)
So this last week was pretty rough actually, like the lowest reporting week of my entire mission. I wrote about it to president so here's a piece of it so I don't have to re-type...
"It's awful hard to report our numbers this week; they're almost non-existent. We had a grand slam of 9 lessons, the lowest of my mission. We did everything we knew how to get members involved, find new investigators, and teach lessons but it just didn't happen. Appointments fell through, members cancelled, and people we talked to weren't interested. Last week was rough but I think it's going to bless us as a companionship moving forward. I know this is a bit of a refiner's fire moment where all weaknesses are exposed. I know Heavenly Father is molding us into better servants. I've already seen personal growth because of it. I'm more committed, more driven, and more anxious to dig a little deeper, work a little harder, walk a little faster. I want so much to provide Elder Foote with a good experience, but I know I need to trust in Heavenly Father's plan, not my own. To count my blessings I can tell that my Spanish has improved incredibly. I'm also comfortable as senior companion. I have a great companion as well. Elder Foote is really a great missionary. I don't know how long this refiner's fire will last but I know we've got a few seeds to reap this week because of last week's efforts. Improvement and progress are in the works!"
So yeah, last week was a bit discouraging. We didn't find any new investigators and it really seemed like nothing was working. We tried everything I knew. We even were so desperate as to search the phone book for Hispanic-sounding names (that's what we did all Saturday afternoon. It was actually kind of fun, but all in vain). But I really can't complain. I've grown a lot because of it already- emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and linguistically- the whole package. I'm more sincerely seeking the direction of the spirit and I'm developing a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father. Friday night I was kind of venting in my journal about how nothing seemed to be working but I didn't get that far before Heavenly Father sent me the warm fuzzies, the good calming reassuring impressions that I was doing alright. So that's where I'm at. Last week is behind us and we're pressing forward into this week! I really like President Porter. He always impresses me at how well he knows the scriptures, he's got a library in his head and is very empowering. I really like something he said in a training meeting last Wednesday. He reminded us that "God doesn't make mistakes." He didn't Forget to put prepared people in our areas. He didn't put us with the companions and circumstances that we have by accident. There ARE prepared people in our path. We WILL find. We WILL teach. And, while we're at it, we WILL baptize! We've just got to do it His way, which is always the best way. So I'm excited to get out there and work this week because this work is awesome. The church is awesome. The scriptures are awesome- study them EVERY DAY. It's so important, and the blessings are irreplaceable.
Anyways, all in all, I'm happy healthy and doing well. Also, pretty cool thing happened, prepare yourself... are you prepared?... okay here it is: Hermano Torres prayed with us for the first time!!! WAHOOO! conversion happens step by step :D He's on his way and we're excited for him.
Also, Guess what?!!! I saw a tornado!!!! WAHOOOoooo! Prayers answered :) We were out contacting a referral when all of a sudden these tornado siren alarms start blaring throughout the city. I was like "what in the world is going on?" and then I see this funnel shape cloud forming. So Elder Foote and I did the most reasonable thing possible.... whipped out our cameras and took pictures! I'll send a couple pics next week, I don't think I have time to do it this week. But not to worry it didn't last that long and actually just ended up disappearing. But it got the addrenalin pumping for a little bit. :)
Got to go. have an awesome week! enjoy summer while it lasts!!!! Remember - Scriptures and Prayers CADA DIA, that's EVERY DAY! (no exceptions for those of you on vacation!)
Love, Elder Kevin Graf
