So this is how it ends . . .

And now the end is here
And so I face that final curtain
My friend I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again too few to mention
I did what I had to do
I saw it through without exemption
I planned each charted course
Each careful step along the byway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Yes, there were times I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew
But through it all, when there was doubt
I ate it up and spit it out
I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way

My Way by Frank Sinatra

I had a very insightful week.

Let's start with the biggest amount of information. Shall we?

About 2 weeks ago now, I started experiencing some uneasy discomfort in my abdomen. I was pushing through because I thought it would just go away. It in fact did not get better but only kept getting worse. After finally being brave enough to face the doctor and all the appointments that I had to go through, I got some pretty devastating news. I have to get surgery. Now with this, there were many different options of things to do but the best is to go home, get it all taken care of, and then come back out stronger than ever! So that is what will be happening.

This Thursday I will be flying back to Utah to get surgery, recover, get strong, then fly back to Texas! Yes, I am pretty nervous, I am not going to lie. I do not know what this new chapter entails but it will be one giant step for me and the Lord. I am excited to see how this trial will help me grow in the long run. There are still many unknowns but hey, that's ok. I am still leading in faith and counseling with God on what to do. Don't worry about me, I will be ok! I am excited to see my family and get this surgery done and over with!

ANYWAY!! We finally decided to go to the dry cleaners this past week. It was actually a pretty dang good deal. They said they would have it done by tomorrow afternoon. We picked them up the next day and it was pretty cheap from what I know. I really don't know anything about dry cleaning but it seemed like a fair price!

I have two Lego sets that I have gotten this past week. I got a Batmobile and then the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R from Fast and Furious. Yes, I will be taking them home. It was fun to build. Now they just look cool sitting on my shelf.

I was able to go on my last exchange with Elder Hoffmann this week. Mini exchange while the ZL's were at their meeting for more than half the day. We were able to do a few different things. We went to Green's one last time with the Temple 2 Elders and then I had a doctor's appointment—pretty solid day. Oh, and we went to T-Valley! My favorite service project to do each week.

I made some baller pancakes this week! Oh, they were so so good! I had blueberries and chocolate in them then topped them off with bananas and syrup! Now, were they healthy? Not at all. But it was a one-time thing. Just so worth it though.

We had dinner with the Bryan's this week and we went to a hibachi place. It was Elder Giuffra's first time going to a hibachi place. There was so much food! I got sushi of course and some salmon as the main dish. Elder Giuffra got two types of meat and finished it so fast. Brother Bryan was putting some of his food on Elder Giuffra's plate so that he could eat it. Haha It was a good night and I am very grateful for all the members in the Temple ward!

Elder Stevens and I went on our final exchange this week. It was kinda sad. We had a really solid exchange. We had a lesson with a referral that they got who requested a free Bible. So we brought it to her and read Matthew 3 and talked about baptism. We showed her the Bible video of Christ's baptism and she loved it. We then asked her if she would like to be baptized. She said yes!! It was a pretty baller lesson! She is super ready and they are in a good area.

We went to Cracker Barrel with one of their new members of about 8-9 months. It was my first time going. It was pretty fire. Would I go back? Yes.

I have been able to pack some of my stuff up. I am actually surprised with all the room I have in my suitcases! The first two are pretty packed but my biggest one is still pretty empty and I don't have that much left to pack.

It has been a pretty crazy week. I am excited about this new chapter but also pretty dang nervous about what will come. I am grateful for all the support and will continue to give updates every once in a while.

That's about it. See ya.

- Elder Kohl Payne