DC Week 21-22!

Hello everyone!

Sorry I dropped the ball with writing last week. Life here is so good though.

Happy (late) Fourth, and Anniversary Mom and Dad!!! Sure love you both. Thanks for raising us the way you did. We can never repay you... I will be writing you soon so keep a wary eye on the mailbox. 

Well, these last two weeks have been full of miracles. 

We had another baptism! Her name is Tiffany Heath. She was baptized on Mom and Dad's anniversary (7/7). I can honestly say we did nothing. Nothing. Tiffany was so prepared by from the beginning. She practically taught herself the lessons. I was just lucky enough to participate in that special day with her. It is so interesting how the adversary will try so hard to destroy these sacred days. Every time, no matter how much preparation goes into the mix beforehand, he still looks for ways to trip it up...to ruin the show. I know he has real power...but I also know without a doubt that Heavenly Father is more powerful.  It always works out. With some work on our part and God's, it always works out.  Sister Bowman, Sister Tembo and I sang When I am Baptized. Reminded me of sweet and simple primary days. The speakers were wonderful, and she was truly changed, I know. There was definitely a special spirit there, and we couldn’t be more proud of her and this decision she’s made. I will send pictures. 

We’ve also been working with many less actives in Laurel. It’s interesting how many aspects of “missionary work” there really are. I have come to understand that the Lord works in the details of each of our lives.  He works many mighty miracles in every stage of our “conversions”… 

There is this one woman, a less active named Sheryl, whom we have been working quite closely these past several weeks. It’s the first time I have had a situation like this on my mission. She has been struggling with same-sex attraction, and is currently in a relationship that she wants out of, but she feels trapped. Since her conversion to the church as a young adult, she has been sealed in the temple, raised a family in the gospel, and taught seminary for eight years. Then…the unthinkable happened, and she admit to us that she let Satan get a hold of her. She confessed to giving in to temptation, and watched as her life slowly and painfully fell apart in front of her eyes. When we visited her the other day, she expressed her gratitude to us for our visits (which have been in secret at her request so her partner won’t begin to question her motives). Sheryl sheepishly mentioned that “Taking lessons from the missionaries was a lot easier the first time…” She then added that she never fully understood our role as missionaries until now. I didn’t either…

Our sole purpose is to help individuals come unto Christ. No matter their situation or circumstances. We are not out so simply baptize; we serve God by being that pure vessel for good and truth in the lives of ALL those in need--whatever they stand in need of. Last Sunday, Sheryl attended church for the first time in years. We have been visiting her regularly, and she is beginning to take those steps to mend her relationship with her Heavenly Father by casting out fear, and “lay[ing] aside every sin which easily doth beset [her].” I love seeing the humbling process in action…it’s something each of us must go through.    

Our recitation for this transfer is the following:

“[We are] called of God. [Our] authority is above that of the Kings of the earth. By revelation, [we] have been selected as […] personal representative[s] of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is [our] Master, and He has chosen [us] to represent Him. To stand in His place. To say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent [us]. [Our] voice is His voice. [Our] acts are His acts. [Our] words are His words, and [our] doctrine is His doctrine. [Our] commission is to do what He wants done. To say what He wants said. To be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter-day work. How great is [our] calling! ~Bruce R. McConkie.

Oh family…I love you. I also love being a missionary. I hope you all know that.

This church is so true. Until next week.

Love,

Sister Graff

DC Week 19-20!

Please forgive my lack of updates these last couple weeks...

This transfer is turning out to be not too shabby. My companions are wonderful. Sometimes it takes a try or twelve to figure things out, but when we get it right, the results are so rewarding.  I love Laurel. The people are very similar to White Oak. Lots of Africans and Hispanics. I love them so much! My Spanish is slowly improving. Yesterday I talked with a few ladies (7th Day Adventist) from El Salvador for a while and got their contact info to send the Spanish missionaries. Sometimes I feel the Lord is teasing me by sprinkling Hispanics in my path, only so I can send them to someone else... Irritating sometimes, but I know I am where I need to be for now. The Lord sure does have a sense of humor though...

Well lets see...I always think of a million and a half things I want to share during the week, and somehow seem to manage to forget them all once I'm on the clock...

At our last transfer meeting, we said goodbye to President and Sister Matsumori. We love them dearly, and they have truly made lasting impacts in the mission. But as Mission Presidents tend to do, they leave for home this week. In their last email to us they said:

If you want your mission (and life) to be rewarding and enjoyable, YOU must assume responsibility to make it so. Likewise, if you are not enjoying your life's situation, it's your fault. You are an agent to act, not an object to be acted upon. You can choose to be happy, regardless of the situation – your attitude determines your altitude.

If there's one thing I'm beginning to learn this transfer, it is accountability. Not sure how or why, but this has been something of an overlooked aspect in my life. Somehow, it always falls through the cracks. I refuse to let that happen anymore. We have a very specific and significant responsibility. "Our authority is above that of the Kings of the earth..." ~Bruce R. McConkie. There is no room for selfish thoughts. I have a growing testimony of qualifying for the Spirit. It's tricky. It's a constant struggle...but maybe that's not necessarily a bad thing...to "struggle" for the Spirit. Think about it... 

Hope you have all had a fantastic week! Carly, we are officially serving together!! Couldn't feel more privileged.

Love you all!

Sister Graff

1Nephi 17:3

DC Week 18!

Jordyn Reed got baptized! 

She's an adorable 10-yr-old girl that we've been working with for the last several months. Her family is part-member, but has been coming back to church as we have re-fellow-shipped them and established solid relationships. Well, ironically enough, everything that could have gone wrong that day, did. Yet, somehow--and I don't know why I continue to be surprised--it all worked out. Heavenly Father has a plan for her, and it can not be frustrated by the futile attempts and distractions of the adversary. Her father and grandparents are not members, but were all at her baptism. Afterwards, Sister Reed told me her husband wants to be baptized. Oh happy day. So exciting to see the work progressing... 

Today is transfer day. I am leaving White Oak, going to Laurel which is just east by about twenty minutes. My companions are Sister Bowman (from Kansas) and Sister Tembo (from Zambia). Yes, we are a trio! Oh what fun we will have this transfer! We are all very excited to be working together. I am anxious to discover new avenues and angles we can take in this work.

In other news... 

Happy Father's day this week!--Expect a letter :) 

Welcome home, Elder Starr! What an exemplary missionary...I've learned so much from you. 

And Carly, I sure have no doubt your farewell talk went well on Sunday. Can't believe you report in a week! I am honored to serve together as "Sisters" :) 

I will also be praying for little Ashy this week... 

Oh I love you all so much.

More next week,

Sister Graff

Moroni 9:6 ~Let us labor diligently... 

Pictures:

1. Asian market--she was in heaven.

2. Night of Music and Inspiration--power was out downstairs, so we went on with the show on our crowded main floor. Such a humble, but strong spirit.

3. Singing The Lord is my Shepherd with Sisters Clement, Carcamo, Nakasuka, Shaw, and Chappel.

4. Tracting in the rain...

5. Kady's baby boy, Idrissa. 

6. Visiting the Antique shops in Kensington. 

7. Not yet.

DC Week 17!

This week I have more of a spiritual thought rather than a novel, so I apologize in advance for this mish-mash email...

The following is from a 2001 General Conference address...

"Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time.... Three things never come back the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity. We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever." ~Elder Dallin H. Oaks Focus and Priorities

Transfers are coming up next week. I have been in this area my whole mission thus far.  Chances are that I will be moved. I love the White Oak people. They are humble and eager to learn about the gospel. They acknowledge their need to rely on the Savior. That's the key to conversion. They have been my family these past several months. Whatever happens, I know I need to be ready for change...

 

I have many goals for next transfer...I want to be more selfless. I want to use time more effectively. I want to keep my promises I make with the Lord. I want to demonstrate more faith...

 

What are your goals?

 

Love you all.

Sister Graff

 

PS--Pictures next week... :)