On Thursday afternoon we were planning, well sort of in a thoughtless stupor because Elder Hall and I were both extremely tired. I was sitting down, one of our companionship's called us and I ignored it. They called again and I ignored it. Any yet again they called. I finally mustered the stamina to grab the phone but missed their call so I called them back. "Hey Elders, this is Elder Metcalf, what can I do for ya?" The reply back was like the part in your favorite movie that sparks something heavy in the main actor's eyes, "ELDER METCALF! I forgot to tell you! Felipe and Vanessa are going to the temple tonight!" After a few seconds of silence and a load of thoughts circling my mind, my response, though poignantly frustrated at the late notification, was "I'll talk to you later." Never have I felt motivation as intense as that to make phone calls. Quickly I called the assistants, the Frisco missionaries, left a message with President who called back within a few minutes then I called Felipe. I was most nervous talking to President because naturally going to an endowment session with people you taught and baptized is at the top of the list of mission experiences. I told him the situation and he said back to me, "Well Elder Metcalf, is your temple recommend current?" later he also remarked "I will never deny the opportunity for a missionary to go through the temple with their converts."
After over a year of missing these amazing people, After not seeing Felipe and Vanessa for such a long time, I can not began to express the solemnity of the first time seeing them in the endowment room of the Dallas Texas temple. Although we could only shake hands because the session was about to begin, once we were all through the veil in the Celestial room, I experienced one of the sweetest reunions of my life. There we were, the epitome of the Gospel (and a missionary's short existence) in the temple with those that we love who were baptized just last year! But alas we could only be in there for a few moments before moving on into the sealing room with these two glowing individuals. They wanted to accomplish everything in one night for a very peculiar reason, Vanessa is pregnant and is due 3 days later. Felipe explained that the "Born in the covenant" blessings were something that they couldn't let their precious Bianca miss out on when she comes into the world! The sealing was sweet, I quickly got in a line to congratulate them, and gratefully prayed to Heavenly Father to give my gratitude.
Elder Hall also served in that same area before I did and although he never met Felipe or Vanessa, there were many friends present. The Bishop who served while we were there was beaming and we were borderline irreverent because we couldn't stop conversing. Surely that is what this church is all about, reunions. I think I have somewhat of an idea of how Ammon felt when meeting Alma for the first time in so long.
1) And now it came to pass that as [Elder Metcalf was serving in Allen,] behold, to his astonishment, he met with the [Bordasch's] journeying towards the [Celestial room of the Dallas Temple.]
2) Now these [Brazilians] were with [Elder Metcalf] at the time [when they were taught and baptized]; therefore [Elder Metcalf] did rejoice exceedingly to see his [converts]; and what added more to his joy, they were still his [converts] in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were [a couple] of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
Needless to say we took a picture after the ceremonies before Elder Hall and I flew like Moses home because it was getting extremely late. I think I have stared at that picture a thousand times. Surely this is what its all about. What makes the story incredibly remarkable? A member invited them to a trunk or treat while she was waiting on them at the cheesecake factory and this is what followed my friends... The homecoming talk that Lance gave rang in my mind a few times when he was recounting the couple that he taught, baptized and were sealed and I cant remember your exact words Lance but something like how I feel I am sure. Even if everything else in my mission failed, it would have been far worth it because of this wonderful couple being sealed.
Another fascinating miracle this week was with Miguel. I think I completely forgot to report meeting him last week. Probably because at the time I didn't think we would be able to teach him because of where he lives; the assistants called though and let us know he would probably be moving to Allen so we took over. Miguel came to church the week before yesterday and I went and talked to him after sacrament meeting. He has quite an outstanding story. He was depressed and looking for God but had nearly given it up when he offered a prayer and asked for something to reassure him of his Heavenly Father's existence. 3 days later his friend Josh gave him a Book of Mormon. The first night with this book Miguel was up until 3am reading it, "the stories, I feel like, are written for me!" When I met him he was already halfway through Alma and loving it. I followed up with the invitation to have a lesson and he said "Yes, please. That is what I want." He is now preparing for baptism at the end of this month (although we are considering recommitting him to a date much sooner).
Heavenly Father loves us all a lot and it is amazing with just a few basic things in our everyday life how much more amplified we can feel that love.
Sure do love y'all,
Elder Metcalf
No comments:
Post a Comment