Leaving Nicaragua

Saturday, June 2nd, began like any normal day, I remember that Elder Gomez and I were having a really hard time finding people to teach that day. It was particularly hot, and no one seemed to want to hear us out. We went to lunch a little bit early, because we had some appointments to fill in the early afternoon. I remember that I could sense that something was not right. I told my companion that I thought they were probably going to pull us out of the country. It was the first time I admitted it, though he'd been mentioning it to me about every day. The call came about 20 minutes later. Our President informed us that we were to go home, pack up, and be at the airport before 5:00. He said that we couldn't say anything to anyone. He said that every missionary had been reassigned to a mission in their home country, and that there was no knowing if we would see the return to Nicaragua.

I did not want to pack. I remember Elder Gomez and I went home with intentions of packing, but we were unable to make ourselves start. Subsequently, we decided to go out and visit with our beloved investigators and converts. We couldn't tell them what was happening, but it was good to hang out with them and grab some pictures. Finally, it had to happen. Elder Gomez and I were the last companionship to arrive at the airport, about 2 hours late. It didn't matter though, all of the flights were for the following morning.

I didn't know to where I had been reassigned to until I arrived at the airport. I think knowing that calmed me down a little bit, but I still wept for my people and the horrors that I knew they would still have to face. My mission President explained to us that God was preparing His people to receive their temple that had been announced just 1 month prior. He also explained that nothing can thwart God's plans. God knew from the beginning that I'd be serving in the Dallas Texas Mission, and He has uniquely prepared me to preach His gospel to these people. I will not cease to dedicate all of my might and strength to this most important work.

Love,
Elder Stephen Watts