I hope you've all had a great week so far and that all is well!
So I'll just get right to it :) This past week has been really good, though a bit of a struggle as well because I've got a bit of a cold. I will explain.
Anywayyyy, so this week we had the amazing opportunity to go to Santo Domingo yet again in order to go to the temple there. We went on Tuesday and it was a real great experience, and has definitely impacted our week for several reasons! Our journey to Santo Domingo was a bit of an adventure yet again. We woke up at 3am again in order to prepare. The gwagwa we were taking with all the missionaries from our zone was meeting us out near the main road to Barahona, which is like 20 minutes out of Vicente Noble. The gwagwa was going to be there at 4:30, and so we had the fun opportunity of figuring out how to get a ride there at like 4 in the morning. The Elders from our district had organized a member to drive us there, but there had been some communication issues and the member wasn't home!! So basically we were all ready, waiting out near the park at 4 am trying to figure out how to get to the gwagwa in time. It was kind of a funny situation but also stressful because it would take about an hour to walk and it was so early in the morning that no one was awake to take us!! There were a definitely a couple of moments where I thought it wasn't going to work out and we would miss our temple trip. Luckily however, another gwagwa came right around 5 and took us out to meet with our zone. Once in the correct gwagwa we just got to relax for the 2.5 hour ride into Santo Domingo and to the temple.
It was so amazing to be at the temple yet again. I am so lucky to have been able to go so close to coming out into the field. We only get to go twice a year so I was super fortunate to return to quickly. It was kind of surreal to be back near the CCM and at the temple. It dawned on my that I've only been out of the CCM for about 7 weeks, but everything has changed so much and dramatically. SO much has changed and I have learned so much in this short period of time. It was definitely surreal but I was just so happy for the opportunity to go to the temple and feel the Spirit there. Temples are just so beautiful and special, and I am so lucky that we have one here in the Dominican Republic. We had the awesome opportunity to hear some talks from President and Hermana Nuckols and also the Temple President, President Flake. Its so great to be reminded of the importance of temples and also to remember that the temple is the ultimate goal for our members here. The temple is the most special and sacred place we can go here on Earth, and I'm just so excited to help new members and menos activos alike learn and become prepared to one day enter into this sacred house of God.
After the temple we came back here to Vicente Noble happy but a bit sleep deprived as well. After going for Elder Holland and the temple, we had two VERY early mornings in a short period of time and we've all just been exhausted. I've gotten a bit sick as a result as well which hasn't been the funnest but we persevere!! My voice is just quiet and singing hymns during lessons is comical because I cant really do it. haha but people don't judge here which I appreciate!! Its been humbling to continue working and striving to serve even while being a bit sick. Even if we're tired, we leave the house and just keep on working and serving. Its amazing because even though some days were hard, we've still been able to have successful lessons and continue helping the people here to build their faith and follow Christ.
The Book of Mormon challenge as been great so far! I am a little bit behind on 6.5 pages a day but its so great to be focusing on this book. I've chosen for my topic The Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have a color for each of the 5 steps of the Gospel- Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Endure to the End. I have already learned so much about what the Gospel really means and how each part relates to the others. Really, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the way by which we can be cleansed from sin and really receive the blessings of Christ's Atonement. Only through the Gospel and can be ready to return and live which our Heavenly Father again. Its so great to be able to teach about this gospel and how living it can bless and change lives!!
Anyway this is a really short email this week, but everything is great here in the DR. I love my companion and the opportunities we are given to serve the Lord and serve the people here. Its so humbling to be able to represent my Savior Jesus Christ and testify of him and the Book of Mormon as well.
CON AMOR,
Hermana Graham
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