Oh man, it's always hard to figure out where to start...
Well, for starters, I had my first zone conference this week as well as my first formal introduction to my new mission president, President Jeong. I had the opportunity to meet him while I was in the MTC once before (he was there for the mission president training seminar), and he is just awesome. I have to tell you, it's weird going from only seeing missionaries in the MTC, feeling the Spirit full-force 24/7 and what not. Going from that to Korea and doing missionary work in regular worldly places takes a bit of some getting used to. So by the time zone conference came around, I was super pumped to taste that same environment that I felt in the MTC. The missionaries here are sooo hard working and diligent; I have been blessed to be put in such a mission where there isn't much room for lolly-gagging. We had a super spiritual meeting, got to know our president, I got to know some of the missionaries in the mission; it was great.
Immediately after that zone conference, I commenced my first exchange. My first exchange companion was Elder Seely; this was his first time being a senior companion in his mission (he's only in his fifth transfer). He's a super chill guy, very hardworking, and very intelligent. He's pretty young in mission age but he's already super good at Korean. He imparted some wisdom, we got to know each other, I got a different perspective on missionary work. It was an edifying experience. I got to teach and eighty year old pastor with him as well. He was super sweet to us and the Spirit was super strong in the lesson. Something clicked with him in that lesson that apparently wasn't working out in earlier lessons. Meanwhile, back in my area, my trainer and our district leader totally rescued one of our nearly-dropped investigators, and wants to keep meeting with us. Exchanges make miracles happen I guess.
Just some cool random stuff I'd like to share: 1) We doubled our amount of investigators! And at least one is considering baptism, so that's awesome. 2) I met a man named 007 Lion, who is a professional opera singer, former manager of the Texas Rangers (but wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates), says he was an Italian man in his past life, and is probably a habitual liar. He's currently one of our potential investigators. 3) I'm starting to do the sacrament prayers in Korean. I'm SUPER slow but apparently I haven't messed up yet. 4) I'm officially one-fourth done with my training.
Something spiritual I learned this week is how if we don't set specific goals, we won't be able to achieve specific things. You wants this number of baptisms? Well plan for that number, focus on the things that will lead to that, what needs to happen in order to get there, praying fervently for help and guidance, and seeking all possible ways of achieving it before we can say all has been done. It's just like the the Atonement; after all that we can do, it's by grace that we're saved. We have to do our very best, and then trust in the Lord past our own abilities that He will compensate the rest. It's hard out here, but it's not impossible. I know that we're receiving divine help from Him everyday, and as we act in faith and constantly rely on Him, we can obtain success.
It's been an awesome week, and I hope you have an awesome one too!
-Elder Metcalf
1) My exchange companion Elder Seely
2) My trainer Elder Fox with his mangled umbrella. It rains a lot here at this time of the year so this is no good...
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