Getting Real

Hi everyone!

This week was pretty regular honestly, not much has happened event-wise. I suppose I could write about what I'm learning and experiencing. 

I didn't grow up singing 'I Hope They Call Me On a Mission' in Primary, nor was it on the front of my mind during my teen years. Beforehand, my perception of a mission was that you left for some foreign country and baptized people. I knew that people could leave and come back a different person, but I didn't think much about it. 

Being out on a mission I now know that is half-true. Aside from the general missionary purpose of invited everyone to Christ, I've found is that everyone has their own 'purpose' for being there. For example, one missionary may be sent to a mission in order to find and baptized one specific person or family that no one else could have. Some are placed on a specific mission to help out their companions, other missionaries or the Mission President. Others are on missions and don't baptize a single person, but become life-long converts themselves. I think my purpose for being here at this time is largely personal.

I probably won't recognize the full effects of my mission until long after I'm home, but I know one thing: my relationship with the Savior has grown, and my personal conversion has become deep, meaningful and lasting. Although I've been able to help other people throughout my mission, there's no equal to the things I've learned through personal study and the development of my character.

I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. 

Love you all,

Elder Gray

 A tie almost as big as my heart.

A Year and a Day

Life is so crazy. This picture above is a perfect representation of my own life. I didn't even have plans on serving a mission two years ago, and now look where I am! I'm hesitant to make long-term plans because I know things will likely change. But that's part of life right?? My theory is just to relax and let it happen, like a lazy river. Thanks to my Mom for the great card. 

Sister Dahl is the new addition to our district(2nd from right). We actually share the same birthday

Mexican Independence day was a few days ago, everyone was out in the streets partying and grilling! There was mariachi music blasting in the streets and a Mexican flag flying from every lowrider. 

I feel like this is a foreign mission sometimes.

Elder Gray

Graynnis

Hello ya'll,

Goodnight, sweet prince

My previous companion, Elder Paulsen was sent to Zapata, my first area! I was excited to talk to him about the people and things to do as I showed him pictures. I'm sure he'll take care of my first city.

Grannis and I almost a year ago, full of fire and energy.

 Grannis as he appears today.

Elder Grannis replaced Elder Paulsen, making him companion #8. Elder Grannis and I go way back, he sat behind me on the plane on our way to Mexico, and we were together in the MTC. He's a great companion (so far) and he brought a guitar so we'll definitely jam. Our first week together we hit the ground running, trying to find, find, find! We can find people to talk to pretty easily here, but finding people who actually want to learn is a different story. We've been working hard though.

I love my mission. I love learning. I love people. I love Mexican food.

Love,

Elder Gray

11/24th of the Way DoneNe

Hello, everyone! 

Last week of the transfer. As missionaries, sometimes we gather around and play Transferdamus, a game in which we all guess who is going and where. The collective mind of the group is usually pretty accurate, but there are some surprises occasionally. One such surprise is that my faithful companion is leaving! He will be a District Leader in Zapata, my first area. I was happy to talk to him about it and show him some pictures.

Hidalgo A District, Aug 2k17!

My new companion will be Elder Grannis. I first met him on the plane and got to know him better in the MTc. I'm excited to serve with him for the next 6 weeks. 

Our last leadership training was themed "Let It Go", about leaving behind worries, problems, and investigators who aren't progressing. I had the opportunity to do some soul-searching and identify some things to let go. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. No use in worrying about something that can't be controlled, so let it go and move forward.

At the end of the meeting, he played 'Let It Go' from Frozen, which was perfect. 

New Record

Love you all,

Elder Gray