We had some crazy weather this week that nearly crippled the work but had a weird effect on my companion and me. The funny thing is that I haven't consistently contacted 10 people per day since my last area. It just so happens that the absolute worst week of the year, as far as weather is concerned, Elder Hall and I happily bundled up and went out amongst the elements and made at least 10 contacts each per day. The weather was awesome, how perfectly bad it was. One day it snowed, melted a little, then turned to ice, melted some more and turned to more ice. Then the next day snowed a few inches on top of that. About the 3rd day into it, my companion slipped and fell a few times and as I was bragging about my incredible skills of balance, the humility struck as I took off after a couple of people to contact. So it was a lot of fun. Something I have learned about myself is that I thrive in situations that are challenging.
Our efforts were recognized by the Lord and we were richly rewarded for our Faith. On Saturday we were contacted in a apartment complex and after the 2nd door knocked I noticed a girl about my age pulling up and parking. Elder Hall referenced later that as she was parking she was looking at us a bit differently than most. As I approached her, I had in mind to introduce the Book of Mormon and hand off a card (not too much of a fan of contacting girls my age). She opened the door to greet me but initiated the conversation by saying "Oh ya, I have studied with y'all before." As the 10-15 minute conversation ensued we learned that she lived in Utah and took the lessons there. We asked if she had read the Book of Mormon and her response was humble and grateful, "I have felt great reading it." We asked her if she was baptized at that point because it honestly felt like a MTC role play where the investigator was so awesome the role play almost didn't make sense. Her reply to that question was "No, not yet." She committed to baptism right there in the contact but we couldn't set a date because she wants her husband to be on the same page. Fine by me! We are excited to return tomorrow and witness miracles. I am sure Satan is already on the ball with this one so send your prayers loud and clear for Katelyn!
Another awesome moment was during stake conference. It was a broadcast to 76 stakes in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. We had the privilege of having Elder Jensen, Elder Ballard, President Monson and his daughter Sister Dibb speak to us. During Sister Dibb's talk which was on virtue she related a story that was about a girl. Sister Dibb had asked where this girl was from and the girl responded "From the great state of Texas!" Sister Dibb went on to relate that she grew up in a small town and my mind immediately thought, "I wonder if I know where it is?" As soon as I wondered that, Sister Dibb gave the account of this girl and her Faith being strengthened by the small branch of Nacogdoches. Awesome.
We had made some interesting ways to help motivate the missionaries this week. Obviously we weren't allowed to drive, so one day we invited them all over to come and play some games if they got at least half of there contacts on the way over before they froze to death. Another day I grabbed a couple missionaries while my companion and their companions were practicing a musical number for zone conference and we went to Domino's to get some pizza while getting some more contacts on the way over. I have noticed a drastic difference throughout my mission that the longer I go without having experiences in which the spirit can use me, the unhappier I become. Vice versa, the more experiences I provide for the spirit to use me, the more my joy increases. I have always thought of the spirit as if I am learning a language. The more I throw myself into situations where I need to use it, the more acquainted and familiar I will become with the tongue of angels.
We had a couple in the ward brave the snow and pick us up for dinner at their place. The great part about it is they invited their next door neighbor over. She came, we taught the restoration and the Book of Mormon. She is now investigating the church, just like that. Thankfully we have the Faith of members who in Texas have no idea how to drive on this stuff but are making small sacrifices to make a teaching opportunity possible!
Keep up the good work. Thank you for the support.
Love Elder Metcalf
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