ZL Life in Edinburg

So this week has been absolutely crazy. Since 3 new areas in our Zone opened up, we were asked to go out and look for apartments and move them in. I didn't work quite as much as I would have liked but now that we got most of it done, I think I can look forward to a regular schedule.

Being a missionary is hard work.

I'm working in a city called Edinburg, its really close to McAllen. It's more of a suburb than a city. Our Zone covers the city of McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr, Mercedes, Weslaco and Donna and contains 30 missionaries. I love everyone in our Zone right now. There's a lot of new people but I met a few in my days in Zapata. 

I found out that at Wal-Mart they have these caffinated energy drink mixes for like 10 for 1.50. I've learned that this is the greatest mission hack of all time. It's like bottled enerygy, we call it jugo de animo (happy juice). It's probably not healthy long-term but it has to be done.

My new companion is Elder Melo! He came out with me, but from the inferior Provo MTC. He's brasilian but moved to Utah a while ago and converted there (kinda like me!). He's a really good musician. We got a bunch of instruments and we have a jam session every day. Sometimes we wake up early to work out and we record some music with the extra time. I can tell that we are gonna be friends. 

Pretty good so far. Love you all!

Elder Gray

Hidalgo to McAllen

Today marks the end of one of the best periods of my mission. After 6 months of enjoying every part of Hidalgo, I'm being sent to McAllen as a zone leader.

The past 6 months were full of highs and lows. Some of the most exhilarating and joyful days of my life were spent here, as well as some of the lowest, most painful days. At one point I believed my faith couldn't be stronger and I couldn't be closer to God than at that time. I also experienced complete and utter loneliness. Looking back I can say that everything worked out for my good, and it was during the hard times I learned the most about myself and about God. I can leave with no regrets, having poured out my heart to my companion, the people, and to the Lord.

I'll never forget my time here. I'm looking forward to whatever comes in McAllen, and I've heard many good things about it.

Love you all,

Elder Gray

21 Years Later and I'm Still Alive

So I had a birthday, and everyone wanted in on it.

I went to the Church where the sisters in my district surprised me with my first party of the day. They made me a shirt, a comic and gave me a cake! Elder Grannis smashed my face into the cake but we all ate it anyway. There was a Church clean up happening at the same time and some dope members took ALL of us to a Chinese buffet.

A cool girl with the same birthday as me got baptized!

It was probably one of the best birthdays ever, thanks to everyone who remembered! My family sent me a bunch of cards and presents as well. if you're reading, thank ya'll! It was a really good way to end the year. Holy cats I go home next year.

Elder Gray

The Last Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Grannis and Gray

This past week we had a Christmas conference. It was really good to see all my old companion friends. We watched a recap of videos and pictures the mission had taken that year and opened a couple presents. Since it was also his anniversary, Presidente gave a training about how great his wife is and how amazing marriage is. Basically what I took away from it was that I need to get married as soon as possible.

All the sisters that have ever been in my district!

After being a district leader over sisters for 7 dang transfers quite a few have passed through my district, including three who have already finished their missions. Seeing all of them in one place brought back like a year and a half of memories. 

Papa Anderson and I, one year ago.

Speaking of memories, this is what I was going a year ago. Zapata seems so far away. So much has happened since then that the person is that picture is different from the person I am today. 

Today I'm going to call my family!

Love you all,

Elder Gray