Howdy

No letter from Elder DeGraw this week, he had a pretty full day, but here are a couple little snippets he sent...

"We taught a girl named Jessica yesterday. She has a great story and of everyone I've met down here, I think she's the most prepared to enter the waters of baptism. She actually came up and talked to us on the street. She has a 9 month old named Eli. She loves the church because of our feel for families and how important they are. She remembers being little and having an LDS friend that would take her to primary. That's what she wants for her little boy. She is also recovering from a few addictions and wants to find help and support so she can overcome those temptations. We would have asked her to be baptized yesterday, but just before we did; her phone rang and she had to go. She has bright purple hair and is really kind."

"I sure will miss President Monson. I was sad to hear that he passed away. I wish I would have listened to his teachings a little more closely. I did have a neat experience this week. I remember biking along and thinking about President Monson and getting an overwhelming sense of joy that he was with his sweet wife again and happy. We are so blessed to have Prophets and Apostles on the earth today. I love the examples they set and the love that they have for the members of this church. I'm excited to see how President Nelson goes about fulfilling this new calling. I know he will be an amazing prophet. I loved his last talk about the Book of Mormon so much. The tribal king story was my favorite part."

Lastly, I got this sweet email from Elder DeGraw's companion, Elder Bird...

Hello,

This is Elder Bird.  I am your son's missionary companion.  With the time I have left of P-day, I just wanted to thank you for thinking of me as you were preparing Christmas presents for Elder DeGraw.  It was very thoughtful of you and I wish to say thank you!

I also want to let you know that your son is a great man.  He is a very kind person to everyone he meets.  He is always found with a smile on his face and looks forward to helping people.  Elder DeGraw is an example of a meek, temperate, patient, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.  He has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon.  He talks about his family a lot and it really shows he loves all of you.  Your son has taught me a lot and I am forever grateful to be his companion.  

Elder Bird 

Elder Bird's birthday celebrations...

 Elder DeGraw picking some fresh oranges...