Week 15

Hola a todos! I hope you're all doing well. This week I've received more questions and so I'll just answer those. And if any of you have questions feel free to send them my way.
  This week it's rained a ton which has been awesome. The only problem is that the streets just empty as soon as it starts raining but Dominicans have a strong belief that rain=being sick
Question time
- What part of being a missionary do you enjoy the most?
- I love talking to the people and connecting with them. It's also been super cool to see how the gospel has blessed their lives. Also it’s been cool to see how money doesn’t mean happiness. The people here are all very happy even though they are very poor. They are more than willing to help the people next door with whatever they need. For example, not many people have a car and have to walk a long ways to church. There are a few people that walk almost an hour to church. But every morning before church the members with cars drop off their families and then go and try and pick up anyone that doesn't have the ability to walk to church. They will not let church being far be a reason why their members and friends don’t come.  
- What part of being a missionary is most challenging?
- the most challenging part is probably seeing the trials that some people go through. We are teaching a boy my age that wants so so bad to belive in something but hasn't been able to see the love of God in his life. It's hard to see this because I know and want him to know so bad that God is right there next to him
- What is something that your mom taught you at home, that is helpful now?
- one thing my mom has taught me is how to keep a clean house. And also how to cook, that has been awesome. Also how to show compassion on others. 
- What is something that your dad taught you at home, that is helpful now?
This one is easy, how to walk fast and how to walk up a hill because we walk a ton and it's always up a big hill. 
- What is a skill that you wish you would have improved prior to your mission?
- I really wish I would have learned how to study. 
Do you live in a house or an apartment?
- we live in a house which is awesome. 
Are you in a large city? Or a rural area?
- we're in a relatively rural area but there's still a lot of people. 
Are you close to any type of shopping? Grocery, markets, etc.
- not really, we have one store about the size of the chery creek store in young Arizona. Other than that we get all of our stuff from different street vendors and shops. 
Are they celebrating Dia de los muertos?
-I don't belive so
How is the work going?
- the work is good the people are very interested but struggle to understand and keep commitments 
How far are you from the Mission Home?
I think about 1.5 hours

If you have anymore questions you'll have to email me haha. 

Spiritual thought
This week week while reading the book of mormón I was reading in 2nd Nephi 19, in the Isaiah chapters. First he prophesies of Jesus Christ and then he goes on to talk about how wicked the people will be. He talks about the wrath and justice of God and then in the end of verse 19 he says ,"for all this his anger is not turned away but his hand is stretched out still" People often note that God is a God of justice but often miss the crucial counterpart. He's also a God of mercy. While he can not excuse sin if he did he would cease to be God that does not mean that he hates all who sin. No matter what you've done or are doing in life his hand is still stretched out. He is begging you to take it. You are never too far gone. His hand has never left your side. We have only forgotten to grab it. I testify that He loves us and is reaching down with his hand wanting us so bad to take it. You are never too far gone and he will never give up on you. He loves you and all of us. 

Hope you have a great week! If you have any questions feel free to email me. 
Love you all
Elder Jonah Greer

Villa Altagracia with Companion Elder Gray