Bitter Sweet

Saturday afternoon the air was cool and we had finding time scheduled. We took off on the bikes and went down to the border of the college area after contacting many people. We were sitting at the corner for a while talking about life and the mission when the phone rang. The ringer, which is rarely heard, but obviously very different, identified the caller as President Smith.

"Elder Metcalf, looks like your time in Nacogdoches has come to an end..."

1/3 of my mission in Nac has finally come to an end. Saying goodbyes was a bit strange. The hardest of course was at the Bennetts last night. They came home around 8:30 and so we talked for about an hour then the awkward "All right, we need to go" was said. Man, sure am going to miss that family. They were my first and last 'lesson' in Nacogdoches. The difference was awesome. Very strong friendships were developed.

Tyler was confirmed yesterday and with each confirmation, the Holy Ghost became more and more noticeable when someone receives it. Because it was fast Sunday, we challenged him to bear his testimony which was awesome because even with the opposition he did it. He described that when he woke up he didn't want to come, but did. He had a migraine and was a bit weary when coming up to be confirmed. Although when he was confirmed he said that all physical problems disappeared.

We set a baptismal date with Willie this week who is solid as a rock. He met with us the day after so we could set up a calendar with him with the events leading up to his baptism. He told is that his goal is to read 3 chapters a day. He said that he feels so good in the Church and it is like a little glow that gets brighter and brighter each time it comes inside of him (We referenced Alma 32). The missionaries coming in have many notes on his teaching record.

Elder Jones is getting transferred as well which is rough because the new missionaries wont know the area at all! I'll probably take a picture of the desk so y'all can see the million notes I've left. 8 months of knowledge is coming with me. Elder Jones will be transferred to another out east area and I am going back into the city, which I have not seen for 8 months. I am excited though because I haven't been to the temple since March. Hopefully I can go soon.

When I gave my last testimony in sacrament meeting I hit record on the digital recorder because I wanted to hear what I sounded like on the fly. It was hilarious when I did play it back because with the recorder in my front pocket you could hear my heart beating super strong and then slowly fade when I calmed down.

Well mom, you will like this story. For my last dinner we ate with a family that I really like (well, I like all of them of course) but they asked for my favorite food for a last supper. My response was "Chicken Roll-ups" (or chicken pillows) I think I had about 12. Not sure if you might be able to send that recipe.

Well it is pretty rough leaving Nac town for a while. I highly doubt I'll ever have a area as long as this but I loved it and being here as long as I was. It was super rough saying bye to the Bennetts. Most certainly the greatest joy felt was when they made the decision to be married and Jody getting baptized in the same weekend. AWESOME. (See y'all in the Temple!)

Farewell Nac-a-baptize. Nac-a-Metcalf. Nac-a-Nowhere. Nac-a-fat. Nac-town. Nac-a-contact. Nac-a-joy.
Off to the Big D.

Love Elder Metcalf