The One with the Whitewash

I thought I knew a lot about the Gospel, but it never stops. You could probably spend your whole life studying and still not learn it all.

For the past few weeks of personal study, I've been reading every scripture in the Topical Guide about Jesus Christ. I think there's a total of about 2000. The past two weeks I've only gotten through two pages, but filled about half a study journal. I feel like I'm not just learning about Him, but actually getting to know Him. These past few weeks have been the most spiritual on my mission, and I believe it's because of my effort to know Christ. 

 I think the more you try to learn on your own, the more the Spirit teaches you. For instance, the more I read and study the more connections I can make on my own, the more thoughts and insights will pop in my head, and I can make my own cross-references. 

 Hidalgo Leadership + Elder Paulsen

This week we were asked to completely clean out our areas and start new. We dropped a couple people who weren't progressing and focused most our time on finding new people. We saw a lot of little miracles and cool people popping up out of nowhere. It takes a little faith to let someone go when you don't have anyone else to teach but hey, that's what we're trying to learn.

Love ya'll

Elder Gray

The Air Hurts My Face

This thing doesn't even measure humidity.

Family and friends, gather 'round.

This week's been really nice. The air here hits you in the face as if you had just opened an oven. I took a picture of the hottest temperature so far, a nice 110. It's gotten to the point where 90 degrees feels nice and brisk. 80 degrees, oh man you better take out a sweater it's getting chilly. 

We got a warning that the first cases of Zika were found in Hidalgo, so that's wonderful. If I remember maybe one of these days I'll put on some bug spray.

Our ward is really cool, I'd say a really large part of the ward was converted within the last 5 years. Many haven't had the opportunity or don't know certain procedures in the Church. In Priesthood class we went over how to confirm someone a member of the Church. Next week we'll go over how to give blessings to the sick. There's a ton of support and unity in the ward in helping new members out.

Word on the street is that we'll be getting a visit from a General Authority early next month.

Well, that's about it. Thank Y'all for your time.

Elder Gris

(P.S. His new address is: 305 South 25th St. M2, Hidalgo Texas 78557 )

Esta Area-

Bueno,

PRAY (Paulsen+Gray)

After some hard goodbyes in Corpus Christi, I was put in Hidalgo not knowing with who, where or what I was doing. So first off, my companion is Elder Paulsen. We're total bros, can't complain there. We work really well together. My area is Hidalgo and the neighboring suburb Las Milpas. Hidalgo is right next to Mexico right across the border from Reynosa, and absolutely everyone speaks Spanish. We are assigned to the Spanish Ward and teach all the Spanish investigators. Since being here my ability to speak has improved so dang much. This isn't Corpus anymore. 

I am still a district leader, but my district got a little bigger. Four sisters make it a bona fide Relief Society, which makes me a Relief Society President. It's a lot of fun. The Zone Leaders come to our district meetings so it's basically a district of 8.

We lit Paulsen's ear on fire

I love this area. Its perfect, we get fed every day. Its 105 degrees every day, but I'm used to it now.

Hasta luego,

Elder Gray

HIDALGO

Hello, friends and family all over the world. 

On p-day last week we went laser tagging as a Zone. This was probably the craziest laser tagging I've ever done, the guns looked real and had red-dot sights. We played several game modes in a realistic mini village. We got smoked, despite me and Harris teaching our team mates squad movements. But the real winner that day was friendship. 

The next day about 6 of us tasted the worlds hottest pepper, the Carolina Reaper. We each had a piece smaller than half the pinky nail but it still lit my mouth on fire. Man, I was red, sweating and crying. We drank like a gallon of milk and a tub of ice cream trying to cool off.

Transfers are tomorrow! I got the word... I'm going to Hidalgo Zone! I don't know where exactly, with whom or doing what but I'm excited. It's closer to the border so hopefully, there's going to be a lot more Spanish and Carne Asada.

The new love of my life, the Banjo Ukulele.

I also got a Dear John letter. I've always wanted to get one on my mission, and now my dream has come true.

Love you all,

Elder Gray