One Journey Ends...

Hey everyone!

It's Elder DeGraw again from Scottsdale, AZ. Everything is so beautiful here and I can understand why so many people live here. So much happened this week and I'm excited to tell you about it-- and I'm so happy General Conference is this weekend! So here's the week...

Monday was a little bit of a different day; I got to go to a Diamondbacks game with some members! My first baseball game ever... and the Diamondbacks lost by 15 points! Woah. It's a miracle to see the kindness of members no matter where you are in the world. One member we went with lives in a 7 million dollar house and two other houses (Mexico and Coeur d'Alene). 

Tuesday we had Zone Conference and this was one of the best I've been to. We learned about how important it is to study the Book of Mormon, everyday. It was written for us, none of the Nephites or Lamanites (except for maybe Moroni) ever read this book. I've learned that if we read it and ponder it, it can open our eyes to see God's hand and his love in our daily lives. The Book of Mormon is just the greatest.

Wednesday we didn't do too much. I think we had a lesson that night with the Hummels and we passed off the new-member lessons to the ward's YM's President. 

Thursday... I don't actually remember what happened at all that day.

Friday was a busy day. This last week we met a 23 year-old named Max. He just got out of a motorcycle accident, so he was really humbled when we visited him. The best part is while he's recovering, he has plenty of time on his hands to read the Book of Mormon! Right? Yeah. This was the day that we had to pass Max off to the YSA elders who are also the assistants. I got to go to the lesson with one of them and it went pretty well. I hope Max gets baptized one day.

Service Saturday, Suprise Saturday... this was one of my favorite days this week. Here's why-- first we helped clean the church around 9. Then we helped the elders we live with move one of their investigators. Her names Ann and she gave us sooooooooooo much stuff. I made a list (toilet paper, I think 8 crosses, shower mats, inspiring boards with scriptures on them, letter openers with scriptures on them, lamps with scriptures on them, and much more). After, we ran to the church to help take down a relief society meeting that happened that morning. Then, I got a surprise visit. This story deserves a whole paragraph...

I had just gotten out of the shower and was about to get dressed when I decided I needed to get some music going. I walked into the living room where my desk is and began to listen to a hymn. While I was sitting there, I heard the front door open and, when I turn around, a friendly 90 year-oldish looking man walked in asking where Ira was. First off, lets all stop to remember that I was not decent, I was sitting there in my underwear. So Gary II (that's what we named him) came inside and sat in my companions office chair. I didn't know what to do! I awkwardly shuffled out and found Elder Horrocks. I said: "Elder, there's an old guy in our apartment, help." So Elder Horrocks went out and told Gary II that Ira wasn't there. Gary II said okay and left. We had a good laugh. The other two elders didn't believe us. I didn't even believe me. Woah.

Sunday was awesome. We got 4 investigators at church. Shereen came with the Brimhalls and loved sacrament meeting! She brought her Book of Mormon too! One of the 4 also got a calling as an assistant scoutmaster. He is married to a member and has two great little boys. I'm sure he wants to be baptized one day.

So that was my week. One that I'll always remember. 

This last week I found out that I'll be returning home after General Conference. I have been struggling with some medical things for the past 6 months or so. I have tried to get better while staying here, but haven't. I am being sent home with a medical release. I am sad about that. My heart is hurting. Missions are hard, but they are great too. I have given my all. I hope I have made you all proud.  I have learned many great things. I have changed in many great ways. I have learned to love many great people, most of all-- I have come to better know and love my Savior. 

I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for your prayers and your love for me and my family! I'm so blessed to call you brothers and sisters, and friends. I'm excited to see you all!

Love Elder DeGraw 

6265 N 82nd St
Scottsdale, AZ 85250