Monday October 28, 2013

It is funny how quickly the Lord puts trials into your life when things are going good.  Let me start off by saying what an amazing day I had Saturday.  My investigator Joe from my last area got baptized.  It was such a special moment for me.  We had to move everyone into the chapel because of all the people that showed up for him.  I didn't cry when he was baptized, but when I saw walk back into the chapel after changing I did cry a little bit.  You know me and how emotional I get when it comes to spiritual things.  He just looked so pure and I swear he was glowing.  The joy and peace it brought to my heart was amazing.  I knew that he had made the right step in his life and I can not wait for him to go through the temple.  I told him I plan on being there and that we would stay in touch.  It is crazy how life changing it is to see one of your investigators accept the gospel into their lives.  I know that he is going to be such a solid member.  His testimony is so strong, when he was bearing it I thought he is for sure going to be called a bishop someday in his life.  I will send you a picture.  Things with my companions are going good.  Sister Roberson thinks she has depression and wants to go home.  I don't know what to think because she is always joyful and happy.  I have caught on that when we hear stories from people she some how in her mind turns them into her own.  Last week we were talking to someone about their nephew or something that came home early from their mission because he had depression.  All of a sudden Friday night she tells us she has moderate depression and she feels like it is getting worse and that she prayed about it and wants to go home.  So times she talks about leaving and other times she talks about staying out here.

    Okay now for the part that I have been dreading to right.  October 26th, 2013 will always be a bittersweet day for me.  When my first investigator was baptized and when my dear sweet Grandma Raiser passed away.  Sunday evening I received a text from my mission president asking me specifically to give him a call when I got a chance.  I thought it was to talk about Sister Roberson, but for a split second I thought about it being about someone passing away in the family.  I called him back and he asked me to meet him at the mission office.  Right then I knew that the later thought was true.  I quickly said a prayer to my heavenly father that everyone was okay and to bring peace to me whatever news that President was to give me.  I had a feeling that Grandma had passed away, but I thought it would be Grandma Metcalf.  When we got to his office he pulled me in and told me he got a call from Mom that afternoon and I started to cry, but hold my breathe to see who he was going to say who it was.  When he said it was my grandmother I asked if it was Metcalf and he said no when I asked if it was Raiser he said yes and I began to cry even harder.  Mom I want you to know that after he broke the news to me the first thing I asked him was how you were doing and how you sounded on the phone.  My thoughts immediately went to you and everyone else.  I think that is one blessing of serving a mission is that I am always thinking of others now.  President and I talked for a few minutes then he left me alone in the room for a few minutes.  It was there that I decided that I needed to turn to my Heavenly Father since there was no family near by I could turn to.  I poured out my heart to him praying for all of you.  I can not describe to you the feelings I had during the prayer.  I felt so much love and peace that I knew my Father in Heaven and Grandma Raiser were right there by me.  I could feel it so strong.  It was during the prayer that that I realized that Grandma would be with her parents and her son.  How this is a time that she is taking to get to know him.  It has been tough these last 24 hours.  I am not going to lie, and it was tough to read everyone's emails.  Although I cried while reading them, know that it has brought peace to my heart about everything.  I am glad to know that she was surrounded by all her grandchildren and family that could be there.  I am glad that she went peacefully.  I know that it is better that she is on the other side and doesn't have to go through this life anymore with pain.  I know that she lived a good long life and I think of all the great memories I had with her growing up.  I feel so blessed for the close relationship I had with her because not many people get to meet their grandparents or even have a strong relationship with them.  I feel so blessed to have this gospel in my life and to have the knowledge that I have that I will see Grandma again.  I know that it is going to be a tough couple of days, but I know that this will only strengthen my testimony and make me stronger.  I wish I could be there with you all, I wish I could of been there to say goodbye, I wish I would of known when I was leaving that I might not ever see her again.  Don't worry about me, know that I am okay and I am trying to come to terms and peace about everything that has happened.  I wish I could be there for her funeral, but I will send a letter to Grandma and Grandpa Raiser's house to be read at the funeral.  I pray and worry about all of you, I wish I could just be there to morn with you and to hug all of you and be there with you in this difficult time.  How is Ginny? I have been thinking and praying for her as well.  I pray individually for you all every night, but I have been praying even more for all of you these last 24 hours.  Mom I worry about you, I cannot even imagine what you and Ginny are going through.  I can't even imagine losing you right now.  I know that she lived a full life, but it is still tough.  I cry sometimes mom when I think of what you are going through.  I wish I could be there to give you a hug and just cry with you.  I am so sorry that this happened while I was on my mission, but I can't wait to see how strong everyone will come out from this.  I have been praying that Uncle Aaron will be able to attend his mothers funeral.  I know that it might take a miracle, but I have faith and hope that Heavenly Father can make this happen.  I know that Grandma would love for him to attend.  I am sure grandma is looking over him now. Please send my love to everyone.

    I know that God has restored His Gospel here on earth.  I know that my Redeemer lives and that He truly understands the pains and the sorrows that we are all going through.  Although He cannot take them all away, I know that He can make them lighter as we turn to Him.  How blessed are we to know the truth and to know that we have a Father and Heaven that loves us.  Alma 11:42-45 has brought so much peace to my heart these last 24 hours.  How lucky we are to have the knowledge that Grandma will be Resurrected and that she will be perfect, she will have no pains and have she will be able to move around like she use to in her younger years.  I know that our testimonies will be strengthen.  This week might be a downer and tough especially on Saturday, but I know that Grandma wouldn't want us to dwell on these things, she will want us to move on and remember the good things about her.  I pray that as I am out here working in the Lords vineyard in Boise Idaho, that I will making Grandma Raiser and Grandpa Metcalf proud as well as my Savior and Heavenly Father.  I love you all so so so so much!!! And I pray for you all.  Know that I am doing okay and I will be fine.

Love

Sister Metcalf

(The youngest Metcalf out in the mission field)

Sister Thompson, me, Joe, and Sister Dickey

He got baptized on Saturday, we all taught him

 This one is Megan's fault.  She told me that since I am done with training that I have to burn a training bra so I did with my trainer hahaha 

Our convert baptism

Monday October 21, 2013

Well on Saturday we go transfer calls and I am staying in my area with Sister Roberson, but Sister Dickey is now joining our companionship.  I am super excited, but I had actually known about it for a week.  Normally this would never happen but President told me a week earlier that he wanted to put me in a trio with Sister Roberson and bring Sister Dickey in.  I am still a little uneasy about things, but having sister dickey here has already helped a ton.  Knowing that there is someone else I can lean on and almost tag team with nice.  This is Sister Dickeys last transfer, she is seriously so awesome and I will be sad when she has to go, but these next 6 weeks we are going to tearin' it up.  I really feel like we will be able to push this work along, it is right there, I can feel so much potential in this area.  I want big and exciting things to happen for her last transfer and for her to go out with a bang.  All I can do is try my best and leave the rest up to the Lord.

   This week has just been a blah week I feel like, nothing was really happening, we weren't able to meet any of our goals, all of our investigators are at a standstill.  I decided yesterday that I am going to have to drop this older lady that we have been trying to teach.  She understands some things but I feel like when I ask her questions she gets confused and starts rambling on about other things.  I mean I love the older people and visiting them as well as working with them, but it is almost like the good,better, best situation.  I will still stop by occasionally to visit, but I feel like she can't be one of the focus' in this area.

    There was a situation this week that I had to deal with with my companion.  Well it all started on Wednesday night when I woke up at 1 am and I saw Sister Roberson between my bed and my desk(the way our room is set up is bunk beds then my bed then a desk).  Anyways so she was over there and the phone was lit up.  I just had the sick feeling in my stomach and I just knew it was the spirit that woke me up because she was super quiet.  I just asked her what she was doing and she said she thought we got a text and then went into the bathroom for like 20sec but didn't even go.  I sat up for the next hour not knowing what to do or how to handle the situation.  I talked to her the next day about it and told her how it was not okay and that i was having a really hard time trusting her with things and I told her how I knew she had been lying to me about things as well.  Like early this week she was telling members how in H.S. the football coach recruited her to be a quarterback, and she has been saying that since the beginning.  But all of a sudden she mentioned how she also got recruited by Baylor to be a quarterback as well on a full ride scholarship.  The members just started laughing and I tried to keep it in but I couldn't.  I mean that seriously was so not believable at all.

   Anyways so we had district meeting later that day and a lady in the office that I talk to quite a bit pulled me aside to talk to me because I wanted to ask her if people with aspergers lie and what not. I also wanted to ask her they steal, because her granddaughter has the same thing.  There was an instance earlier in the week where when we got back from exchanges one of the sisters called asking if Sister Roberson knew where her coloring pencils were.  She didn't remember using them and I had to pull it out of her and basically told her to go check her bag, and as I knew they were there.  Anyways since then I have had this feeling that see has been taking things from members houses because she goes to the bathroom at every house we go to and she wanders a lot when I am in the middle of a conversation with people and I don't even notice that she is gone.  Anyways so I was talking to Sister Olson(lady in the office) about this and she told me how when we were eating at her daughter in laws house with her a few weeks ago she saw sister Roberson take some packet stuff by the sink.  She thought it was hers and had forgotten to say something to me.  Anyways so I had to confront sister Roberson about all this and literally all heck broke lose.  She was denying everything and was crying up a storm and was throwing a fit.  I was trying to calm her down but kept saying how it needed to stop and that these things have been brought to my attention by members.  She said she use to steal petty things back at home but she stopped that.  and she threw in at the end that because of her diabetes she sometimes forgets things/blacks out....basically she was trying to make that an excuse, I have no clue.  I told her she has to sit by me at all times and let me know when she is going to the bathroom.  I will be writing my mission president about this this week and we will see what he will have to say. 

   The rest of this week has been a blur to me.  I did have some little elves drop off some packages to me:) My winter stuff and cookies.They were quiet, I just happened to be walking up the stairs to grab something to leave and I saw some people at the door and I didn't have my badge on so I hurried upstairs to put it on and when I looked out the upstairs window I saw all the kids running away....it was so cute!!!! Let me tell you, I wanted to run out there and talk to them and give everyone all hugs but I was too sure on my comp would like that. So I just yelled at the window that I loved them all and waved at them when I went to grab the things as they drove by. Thank you so much for the goodies I really do appreciate them and the winter things.  I am not going to start wearing my winter things till the upper is in the 40s.  I have this theory that if i wait as long as possible I won't have to wear big coats for winter cuz the jackets will keep me warm.  And I mean it is still in the upper 60s right now.  Well I love you all.  Oh and mom you can send me a journal for Christmas   I have already filled up one(i have one more that i will use).  I can't believe i have already filled up a whole journal in just two transfers.  That just tells you of all the stories that I will have to tell you when I get home.  I can't believe that it has already been three months, has the time just blown by for you as it has for me?

Spiritual thought this week is a video, saw it in R.S. and it brought me to tears, so dad be prepared cuz I know this one will make you cry as well.  It is so 

inspirational to me. http://www.mormonchannel.org/mormon-messages-for-youth?v=911161826001.  God Lives and he hears and answers prayers.  Know that we are suppose to learn and grow from our trials, I am coming to know and realize this more and more this week.  I love you all and hope all is well.

Love
Sister Metcalf

Tablerock Hike

Nieces & Nephews ding dong ditch

Shhhhh.  Don't tell anyone, but these little cuties left some treats on Sister Metcalf's doorstep!

There are 2 video clips, first one you have to click on the link...

this is the kids sneaking up to the doorstep.

http://youtu.be/7sReJSPDzMQ

The second one is when we were driving away...

Tuesday October 15, 2013

Family and Friends,


I almost wish every P-day was like yesterday.  Since it was Columbus day, all the libraries were closed.  Apparently it is a big deal her in Boise.  I love it though because I got to have two extra hours playing sports or running around doing errands.  This is way I am writing you today, we told since everything was closed yesterday that we could do our e-mailing today.

    This week has had its ups and downs like always.  I am struggling with our investigators right now, the 14 year old(Alex), we haven't been able to meet up with her dad yet.  When I was on exchanges with Sister Dickey(my trainer) we stopped by her house and her step-mom answered the door she was very cold to us and said that Alex would set up when we will come to meet the family.  I feel so bad because Alex wants to get baptized and her home life isn't the greatest and I feel like she feels all this pressure from everything.  You can tell she is struggling with her dad not supporting her.  So I am hoping and praying for that and am hoping that I will be able to talk with her dad soon to relieve that pressure from her.  I feel like the conversation about baptism should come from adults to her father because I feel like there are just certain conversations that I child can't have with their parent because they don't understand their parents concerns about things.  Anyways we are still trying to track down Brent.  He has responded to our fellow-shipper saying that he still wants to take the lessons and his girlfriend actually wants to sit in on them as well.  So that is awesome news, the only thing is that he hasn't responded about where he is living right now.  So we are going to start trying to contact him as well.  Honestly I am just leaving everything up to the Lord.  I felt like things were progressing well that first week in this area and I feel right now it is just at a stand still and has been for a few weeks.  I am trying to figure out how I can push this work through the slump and getting the ball rolling soon on things.  I sadly don't have any funny stories like Megan's mine are just funny awkward encounters.  As well as the things that my companion says or does.  I feel like whenever I try to be myself and just laugh about things and joke with members she always gets upset at me and even says out loud to the members how she has a short temper and is needs to calm down at the moment.  Anyways so I feel like I will never really be able to let loose and really be myself and enjoy the mission while she is my companion.  I feel like there was so much more that happened this week but some things have happened this weekend that have really been weighing on my mind and have replaced everything else that I have been thinking about.

     So we do a scripture study with a lady in our ward whose son(from a previous marriage) wants to get baptized but his dad will not allow it.  Anyways so she always offers us drinks and my companion likes these cascade ice that she has so she gets those and usually she has like 3 or 4 while we are there and they are like a buck each.  So the lady has talked to me before about it.  And I have had instances at others peoples homes where they offer us drinks and my companion will go back and grab a few more and put them in her bag and I don't notice these things until we are home.  Anyway so as we are walking out of this lady's home I see she has one in her arm and the member sees it as well and I tell her how she doesn't need to take this with her and all that.  When we left the house she begin back-talking to me about it and what not and I just was stern with her and said that we are only going to have water at members homes and that is final and she can't argue with me about it.  I have just been tired with dealing with it and I have been noticing that she has been lying to me about some things.  Anyways later that day the Lady calls me and asks to speak to me in private and tells me how she feels that some of her drinks are missing.  I felt so horrible because she isn't in the best financial position and those few drinks really do matter.  Anyways I felt so lousy that I hadn't kept a better eye on my companion and I told her how we had talked about things after we left and I told her how we will be only having water at members home.  I said how I would talk to my companion about this and she felt bad for calling but just wanted me to be aware of it and she asked me not to bring it up to her or talk about it with her.  I just start crying and don't know what to do at this point.  Do I respect the wishes of the member? I knew that if I was to confront her about this she would deny it and then just begin to get upset and cried if i continue to push it(when I have caught her in her lies earlier that week this is what had happened every time)  So I called sister Dickey that night to tell her about what had happened and I decided that I needed to talk to President about this and would call him.  I called President and told him everything that had happened basically how she was talking drinks from members refrigerators with out their knowledge or mine. We had a long talk about things and he told me how him and his wife would talk things over and they would deal with the situation and to not worry about it.  So Sunday night President text us saying to have Sister Roberson call him when he had a chance.  He talked to her on the phone while I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed cuz i felt awkward being in that situation.  Anyways president that asked to speak to me privately and we talked about a lot of things.

     He said how he dealt with the situation and asked me if I think if this is a regular thing and I told him I didn't know but there were a few other instances that weekend that I told him about but wont explain in the email cuz i don't have enough time.  Anyways he told me how the next part of our conversation was to be kept confidential because he never normal does this.  But I figure it is okay to tell you and to give you the heads up on things.  Anyways he asked me how he was thinking of putting her in a trio for next transfer and my thoughts on that.  I expressed how I would feel that this was best and explained why.  He then asked how I would feel being one of the companions in her trio.  He said that I would have a solid companion and gave me an idea of a few sisters that would be it.  Anyways I just broke down crying because I didn't know what to say.  I told him that I wanted to pray about it and would get back to him and he said that that was fine but I had to call him the next night.  That night I prayed so long and even though it was fast Sunday I decided that I needed to fast again as well on this.  I was tossing and turning the whole night and all day yesterday I was torn on what to do.  I prayed so many times yesterday and again I prayed so hard before I called president about my decision.  I told him that I felt best that I should leave it up to him and the Lord to inspire him on what to do with this matter.  I said that if he felt inspired that I should be her companion for the next transfer that I would support his decision, but how I would need a true solid companion with me to bear the struggles as well.  I told him that if he felt inspired to do that to know that I would support him and the Lord in that decision and to not worry about me.  I feel like the Lord is pushing me to trust him more and more.  If the Lord thinks I need to serve another transfer with her and I am the best option that the Boise Mission has to offer for her then I would do it.  I just wanted to tell you that after the phone call with president I felt peace in my heart with my decision, it is out of my hands and in the Lords.  I felt like I needed to tell you all this so that if I do end up doing another transfer with her to not be upset with the President Winder.  I gave him my support for his decision.  I know you all might think that I am crazy and heck I think I might be a little crazy right now.  But if this is what the lord needs me to do right now I will and I will be the only person to tell the President if she works better in a trio of duo.  Know that this wasn't an easy decision for me and it is one that I have contemplated these past 48 hours and have prayed all I can about it and fasted about it.  I told the Lord that I would do his will,but to know that he would be hearing from me more often hahaha and that I would need a lot of His help as well.  I truly feel that if I am to be with her again with another companion that is one that is solid as well that we will be able to push the work along and to carry the burden together.  Now I am not saying that this is going to happen for sure, but it is a possibility. I will find out this Saturday what is going to happen on transfers.  

    One thing before I forget.  Dad talk to your brother Mervin.  I had dinner with a older couple this week and she said how she knew a Mervin Metcalf and that I believe she served a mission with and dated him(not sure about the later part).  She said how when he was on his mission that his mother had another kid, his only sister, Sharon.  I know that this is my uncle.  Her madden name is Sister Woolley, ask your brother if he knows her.  Also they use to live in Thousand Oaks hahaha Their names are the Judds.  They are such an awesome couple and were telling us about their mission in Africa for auditing, they were in Johannesburg a lot which is where Ryan served his mission, so crazy.  Anyways such a small world.  So many people say they know someone with the same last name as me but this is the first time that I have seen someone that knows my family.  You would think that I would of ran into someone sooner with two sisters living here hahaha That just goes to show how big of a place Boise/Meridian is.

     I love you all so much and truly appreciate all the hand written letters as well as e-mails and packages that I receive from all of you.  It helps me more than you will ever know.  I would encourage you all to try and to trust in the Lord just a little bit more this week.  Also read elder Ballard's talk!!! Do his commitment, pray to have missionary opportunities.  I love the story of Lehi's dream in first Nephi of how he partook of the fruit(love/word of God) and was desirous for his family to take it.  My favorite part is the next verse where he then cast his eyes about to find them.  I think we are all desirous to share the gospel with people, but are we acting on that, are we looking for those people and opportunities around us?  I love you all and know that I am well

Love 

Sister Metcalf

I forgot to mention.  I had a good nice long talk with President after the meeting and I told him straight up about things.  He asked me if he needed to make other arrangements like an Emergency Transfer.  I broke down and really wanted to say yes.  But I Felt the Holy Ghost tell me that the Lord put me with her and He knew I could do it for 6 weeks and so I was going to do that.  I wanted to say yes, but I am full on trusting the Lord right now!  I told him with my sports back round I am a fighter and I am not a quitter! One day at a time.  Just letting you know I do have my moments of weaknesses.  He said to call if I ever needed too and I said that he shouldn't be waiting for that phone call.  There is so much peace and power of prayer.  Everyone should pray everyday and night!!!  I love you all.  Know that I pull so much strength from all of you and your encouraging letters!!!

Monday October 7, 2013

 First Couple I stayed with

 Green Package from Mom

 Random Krammer painting in some ones house.

 Meridian South 

 Teaching the Pet pig

 Playing pratical joke on companion

First Trainee

Family and Friends,

Well it looks like I haven't broken the habit of being a procrastinator.  I decided to do e-mail last because a bunch of the missionaries I am friends with were wanting to go on a hike this morning.  That was a bad idea, it was fun but now I only have like 30 minutes to e-mail you and the mission president.Today was so good though and much needed.  We hike table rock, which was an awesome hike and it was just awesome to be around other missionaries and to just be talking and joking around.  And then their was sports afterwards, and I couldn't pass up on that either.  I ended up playing flag football and I ended up being the quarterback, let me just saw that I did not get any of Nathan skills.  I can get the ball there but it doesn't look pretty. hahaha But it was tons of fun.  I really have a greater appreciation for p-days, I truly believe that God created them for a reason.

Anyway this week has been really good and seemed to go by a little quickly.  We didn't get as many lessons taught as I would like but I am fine with that considering the circumstances.  I have been doing a lot better.  I am learning to laugh at things a lot more and I call Sister Dickey(my Sister Training Leader) every night when she showers and it helps to just get things off my chest so I can start the next day fresh and with a new slate.  We had a new missionary/trainer meeting this week as well.  At one point we split up into groups of new missionaries and the trainers went into another room.  We talked about things that are going well and things that are not going so well.  Of course I didn't say anything although when I was in the middle of writing things down, President called me out and asked  me what is going well in our companionship.  I think we wants the other sisters to have some positive thoughts on her.  I just said how she has taught me a lot about myself and that her as well as the Lord has shown me my weaknesses and what I need to work on.  I said how it has been a humbling experience, but I love it because I feel like I have grown so much closer with my Savior and Heavenly Father.  People notice things and so they are always asking how I am doing.  I just say that I am doing good and that there are difficulties just like in any other companionship.  We had dinner with one of the Lady's that works in the mission office.  The people that work in the mission office are amazing and are always looking out for me and making sure that I am doing okay.  Anyways we went to her daughter-in-laws house because her 10 year old has the same thing.  It was actually quite funny to see them interact, at one point my companion was doing something and the little girl said"aren't you a little to old to be doing that?" we all just busted up  laughing.I have learned to laugh at things now, when she doesn't notice, like at dinner one night she told the members how in Texas at her high school the varsity football coach asked if she would be the quarterback.  And how she was the 5th most popular girl in the school.  I was just laughing so hard.  I try but sometimes I can't hold it in.  She is getting a little too comfortable with the with the members, and it is not good.  She just walks into their house sometimes and I have to pull her back or she will go straight to their refrigerator to grab things without asking and isn't considerate about things.   I am seeming more and more of her lack of social skills I guess.  We have been trying to practice the lessons on members to help her but it doesn't seem to be helping much.  I thought a tight schedule would be good for her, but in the mornings she has trouble getting ready within an hour.  Yesterday it took her 1:40!!! Anyway I talked to her and now we are gonna do personal study right after working out which she does not do.  I am doing what I can but with some things I just have to let it go because I have done all I can and when I remind her of things we have talked about before she will get irritated with me and then I have to change the subject so she doesn't get too upset.

Yes I did get a chance to watch all 4 sessions of Conference yesterday! It was so good, I love hearing the Prophet and General authorities speak. We watch a session with a family yesterday whose son wants to get baptized but his father doesn't want him to.  Anyways their daughter has a friend who was there that watched it and she was really interested and felt like it had answered so questions she has.  She wants to learn more so I am super excited, we should possibly be picking her up as an investigator.  I telling you the youth are just looking for the gospel so much right now and I feel like the youth in our wards are doing an amazing job talking to their friends and bringing them out to activities. I am just so excited to go to the temple tomorrow!! It is much needed to recharge my spiritual batteries.  Things with our investigators are still the same.  The 14 year old(Alex), her dad wants to meet up with us this Sunday, we are hoping to resolve any concerns he has about the church and see if he will support her in her decision to get baptize.  I hope and pray her and another investigator who is 12 want to get baptized but the fathers don't want to allow it.  We picked up a new investigator this week she is in her 80's/.  She is so cute and I love old people, but it is tough teaching them let me tell you!! They just get off topic and ramble on.  It took us forever to teach her the first lesson but it was good.  She believes that it is all true, that Joseph Smith really did see the Father and the Son.  She has learned a lot about the church.  I extended a soft invitation to be baptize, if she comes to know that what we are teaching her is true and she agreed.  I am not getting my hopes up.  I am going by with sister Dickey this week, she has taught a lot of older people on her mission and will be able to give me a better idea if she is understanding it all.  Our investigator Brent moved out of his sister's house so we are trying to track him down.  I hope we find him so he can continue to take the lessons.  He was progressing so well!!! I could see him getting baptized!  

Anyways things are going good for me.  Know that I love you all and I hope that everything is going well!!!  Elder Holland's talk was amazing he said things that I needed to hear and helped me in my situations that I am in now.  

Well I got to go! Thanks for all your letters and packages.  Elise is a sneaky one.  On Saturday between sessions I mowed the lawn which felt really good to do by the way and Elise dropped off a package when I was mowing the front and I didn't even see her. hahaha Love it. My companion was freaking out/excited that she saw Elise.... I can't believe that I didn't see her!!!!! The people we lived with were shocked/proud that she didn't even say hello to me, they thought she was the ups person or something.

Follow the teachings from conference.  Us missionaries can't do it alone we need to work hand and hand with the members.  Talk to your friends, find little ways to bring up the gospel!!!

Love Sister Metcalf

P.S. I will have to just read you my journal when I get home.  I have some funny stories to tell about awkward encounters.  I am trying to embrace the awkward moments but it is not as easy as you thing