First of all, Friday and Saturday we had to go down to the Garland events center for the Texas Jubilee and youth conference. (Which was funny because a stake president mentioned that the youth of the 11 stakes in the mission have been practicing and putting this together for 2 years since August 2009.) They had the missionaries involved in one of the numbers so we had to practice on Friday then stick around all day and all night Saturday for the performances. I called it 'paid vacation' time as a missionary. What really made it special (other then my singing) was all the reunions. It was another Ammon like moment when he passed out from getting so excited meeting Alma again. This church is all about reunions. After our first rehearsal we had a couple of hours to kill so I convinced one missionary who wanted a picture with President and Sister Smith to chase them down before they took off. As soon as we walked out one particular door with the Smith's, we ran right into Bishop Nicholas of the Nacogdoches first ward. We talked for literally 2 hours waiting around for my next cue. It was awesome! Friday and Saturday I crossed paths with tons of the Nac youth which nearly put us in tears. When one of them saw me he screamed "MEEETTTTCALLFFF!" and chased me down for a hug.
Another tender mercy was during the 2nd performance on Saturday. They had ushers right above where we were sitting for the Jubilee and who was the volunteer usher that was right above me? None other then Brother Mcdonough of the Frisco 2nd ward (if you are questioning who he is, he is the member who has provided me with the most powerful spiritual experience on the mission.) We spoke with each other for an hour until the next performance began which was yet another spiritual experience and something that I needed to hear.
So needless to say there are some pictures attached.
Sunday night was awesome. We went over to Summer's house and talked with her for a long time and then spoke with her oldest son McKinnon who did not get baptized with the family. He now has a date for July 16th so pray your hearts out for him. He did have a huge concern though, he said "I am not going to wear one of those white jumpsuits! No way."
Friday we had a lesson with Tony who is getting baptized in July which was an awesome experience. He said he had been feeling the spirit pretty heavily lately and knew he was doing the right thing. He used my example of the 'learning the voice of the Lord' and said it worked perfect for his situation so he feels he is on the correct path now.
Sunday morning we had an appointment which we set up at the Slavens. I have taught in their home so many stinkin' times that when we walked in with Brother Slavens he told his wife "Hey we're having a discussion here in 5 minutes, just a heads up." We taught a YSA named Hardy the restoration and set a baptismal date with him in July.
We taught Mike a couple of times this week and then he met with Bishop Thomas on Saturday. He has stopped smoking for the first time in 40 years. He is ready for baptism but his job is making him work odd hours on Sunday while his sister is out of town. Normally I would think this is Satan's doing but considering the drastic changes in his life he has been making, he may need a little more time to fully feel he is doing the right thing with all the chemicals exiting his body. He is incredible. "Oh yes, I have a testimony which is strong about this truth" he says.
A huge highlight this week was with a part member family. We had a dinner at a active member's home and she invited them over to eat with us. What I enjoy about being in areas forever is that you develop relationships with just about everyone so there was nothing really awkward about the dinner. However the active mother had a son who was being tortured with a double ear infection. We offered a blessing after the meal which she accepted. The poor kid struggled heavily so we made it quick. I sealed the anointing and said a sentence "you will be comforted very soon." Well later in the week we ran into the part member lady at the gas station who approached us and said "about 10 minutes after you left he was healed."
Glorious.
I love you to pieces,
Elder Metcalf
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