Ha
Were having a lot of fun. We take these teenagers to either the extremely rich or poverty stricken areas depending on what would be most beneficial at that time. Little do they expect when we knock a door then I turn around and look at them and say "alright, your turn." The best part is that it may be a simple question or line and then we get in the door. It has been awesome. They sure really put me to shame considering the first time I worked with missionaries is when I became one. It has been way cool though because I think Elder Upchurch and I may laugh too much and they see how much fun it is to be out in the field.
We have been teaching some interesting people lately that have been unexpectedly good. We have been going back to return appointments with somewhat of a so-so attitude but they let us right in and desire to read the Book of Mormon. We ran out on Wednesday but lucky for us zone conference was that week and we ordered 40 more which was a surprise that they gave us them since were only allowed 25. The young women on Sunday were awesome too because they got a bunch of their own missionary editions then signed them all personally for us to give out which makes our total potential to give out in 6 weeks about 50-60. The books are like bricks of gold to me and with all these material blessings that they are letting us have we plan on nourishing our part of the vineyard constantly. So far it has been a lot of fun.
The mom of the kids that wants to be baptized is struggling pretty bad on getting married. Apparently we made her a little mad with the challenge last week but gratefully she let us come over. When we got there the conversation quickly turned into a testimony session on the Atonement. We think there are some things or hurt in the past that has been secreted that she is looking forward to getting rid of but is having a hard time letting go. (don't we all...)
We had interviews this week as well. My attitude and personality has changed a lot. I must admit that in Frisco I didn't seem to be enjoying working as a missionary but as I finally motivated myself in Nac to go out and work hard, I have found a totally different person. Never have I been this consistently happy. Something I may have mentioned before is my belief that missions don't change people, the Atonement does. The best missionaries and the ones that are most deeply affected by their 2 years of service are the missionaries who dedicate themselves to helping others come unto Christ thus feeling the power of the Atonement constantly. Whether its in a contact that rejects you or a baptism, if I can go out and at least put forth some effort then I win because I feel like I allow myself to have the Spirit work through me and be sanctified by the cleansing power of Christ while helping someone feel the same. Yesterday in church I felt the Spirit constantly, nearly put me to tears. As some missionaries may say, I will agree with them, I wish I would have figured this out sooner!
In our interview President Smith gave me some key help with some of our investigators that we are having trouble to progress and let me know that Elder Upchurch and I are probably the most easy-going companionship in the mission. (hopefully that is a good thing.) I asked President if it were possible that he could leave me and Elder Upchurch together longer and his answer was that "his mom wouldn't let us."
Zone conference was good, for some reason they called on me at random to give a talk. A bit nerve racking if you ask me. The spirit gave me about everything though. They have all the departing missionaries at zone conference give their testimonies and it was a bit shocking how many are going home. Apparently from what we've heard a third of the mission will be going home which means a third of the mission will be brand new by the end of the summer.
We are having a lot of potential in one of the cities outside of Nac, known as Chireno so we have been down there a couple times a week. We have a lady that wants to get baptized that has been to church 4 times in a the past month and another guy who is married to a returning member that is stoked on the whole families are forever idea. Way exciting.
Were still working with a family of 6 who is having trouble meeting with us because of their summer schedule but little doubt that they will all be baptized by the summer.
Although I may be a bit depressed and discouraged with so much incredible success and so little baptisms, we are having a great deal of fun. I simply have to work harder.
Elder Metcalf
Nac-a-potential-for-a-lot-of-
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