Last days in our own house

I thought this would be a good time to update all of you of our progress. Monday and Tuesday were busy with the usual preparations and storage and final packing of things for our 5 week "vacation" and for Guatemala. We stayed at the local Holiday Inn Express on Tuesday night and went back to the house Wednesday morning for the finishing touches. The carpet cleaner came and worked his miracle. We left our driveway at exactly 1 pm. The drive was actually quite light all the way to Cedar City, even through Las Vegas, until we had to slow in the construction area in North Las Vegas. We stayed in a hotel in Cedar City as it was just about dark. We arrived at Kristen's shortly after noon on the 24th. It was great to be in UT for Pioneer Day. Kaitlin came for a few hours to visit and to say our goodbyes. Scott's family came for the festivities of the holiday. We went to a friend of Kristen's for a potluck and an awesome backyard fireworks show. Dad, Uncle Merrill and Uncle Steve could only dream that their fireworks show at our home in LaVerne could have been as good!

Yesterday was a wonderful and productive day. Dad and I met with our Spanish tutor at the MTC at 11 am. After our two hour lesson he took us on a tour of the MTC. We saw one of the senior rooms where we will be staying. It looks pretty much like a BYU dorm room, except it has a double bed. We can hardly wait to be in that environment. The spirit is so strong everywhere you go there. Afterwards we were able to finish all the major shopping we needed to do at Mister Mac, Sister Missionary Mall and the Distribution Center.

Monday we go back to the MTC for more tutoring. Wednesday morning Kristen will take us to SLC airport. We fly out at 12:39pm and will arrive in Pensacola that night. We look forward to our visits......we dread the goodbyes.

Love and prayers....
Mom
Pic of us at FHE at the Institute

Called To Serve

Excerpts from our mission call...

Beloved Myrna,

It was such a privilege to hear your faith and testimony today. Thank you for inviting me to the special privilege of being with you to be set-apart. I treasure every moment to be with you. You always inspire me to be better. It was a treat to meet many of your family and dear friends from so many years. It's no wonder. .. Whether we just met you or grew up with you, we all love you. Your kindnesses, thoughtful ways and loyalty are etched in our hearts. God Bless you!!

Myrna Rose Graff setting apart, by President William B. Thacker, for full-time mission to Guatemala City Central Mission Perpetual Education Fund Mission. Sunday July 20, 2008

Myrna Rose Graff, by the power of the Holy Melchizedec Priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ I set you apart to be a full-time missionary in the Guatemala City Central Mission Perpetual Education Fund mission.

Sister Graff as you serve the good people of Guatemala and serve the young people I bless you that you will know what to do. As you seek the Lords inspiration, you will see the Lords hand in their lives and you will be blessed. I bless you that you will have a special love for them, I bless you with the spirit of discernment and the ability to understand the Lords will. I bless you that you will have the gift of tongues; you will be able to understand and communicate. I leave with you the gift of health and strength, and the ability to do all that is expected and required of you. I bless you with peace and comfort for all those whose remain here that they will be safe and well and protected. I leave you with the blessing of love and that at this time you will find new meaning to your life and you will grow close to these people. I bless you that you may know and do the Lord will. I leave you with these blessings and others that you may feel the love of the Lord and recognize His hand in your life. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Bishop Richard Jack Graff

Brother Richard Jack Graff, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Melchizedec Priesthood I lay my hands upon you and set you apart to serve as full-time missionary in the Guatemala City Central Mission Perpetual Education Fund.

Brother Graff as you have been called, know that the Lord knows your heart, He knows you are willing to serve and your desire to do His will. I bless you that the knowledge of the language will come back to you. As you help others you will be strengthened. You have had many experiences to prepare you. I bless you that you will understand and know what to do in each and every circumstance. I bless you with peace and love. You have served as Bishop for four years, you have seen many miracles. You will see many more miracles as you serve with your wonderful companion. I bless you that you will be able to uplift and strengthen and help your people at this critical time in their life. I bless your family in your absence that all will be well. I bless your posterity that they will know of the sacrifices that they may grow and learn. I seal upon you all the rights and privileges that come from being set apart as an " Elder " in this church.

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Afterward comments... My parents were called on a proselyting mission and after a couple of months their mission changed from proselyting... He was called to be a branch president

Now I'm not saying that will happen to you, but you can do anything the Lord asks of you.

-Mary Theurer