Dear mum, papa, and family.
This week has been CRAZY. So we live in Evesham now. It’s pronounced Eve - Shum. Pretty easy. It’s completely beautiful here. Seriously. We live right next to a beautiful catholic church, right on the river. And there are the most beautiful bridges and things. It’s awesome! I love it here SO much! We are whitewashing this area, because . . . When we got here, we were a little concerned on how the branch would be to missionary work, but they are FANTASTIC! They are the most wonderful branch. They are so happy, and good, and service orientated. They all are best friends. There are about 50 active members that come every Sunday, and lots of little kids, and families.
So I am just going to go through the week, because it was all so exciting.
Monday:
We had transfers obviously. Sister P and I then drove back to Evesham. It feels SO good to be in just a companionship. Not a threesome. I learned so much from being with all three of us, but it was so hard also. Always required work. And it was very stressful. We had to work really really hard for all of us to be happy. And on the flip side, because Sister P and I are so similar, we are pretty easy to please each other, and we have been happy this whole week. Even though it's been hard. So we drove home. It took forever to find where we lived, and finally called the elders that lived here previous to us, and they walked us through to finding our flat. It looks like we drive into a driveway, but then it goes around a bend, and keeps going up. It’s really really pretty back where we live. The flat is on the top floor. And it is nice. It’s not as "posh" as the one in Banbury, but I actually like it better. It’s more suitable for a missionary. There is a fantastic desk, and the bedroom has better closet space. And the kitchen is nice and open. It’s not as clean or new as the flat in Banbury was, but I actually like this one better for the most part. I do wish the bathroom was a bit bigger though. But I can't complain. So we finally found our flat, and then drove straight to our branch mission leader’s house for dinner. Brother Wharrad and his wife C are fantastic. C is the RS president (newly called) and she is excited to get to using us. Brother Wharrad is a great mission leader, and he is very involved. The Wharrads fed us, we had coordination, and then they gave us bedding to borrow until we buy some of our own. Our flat had no bedding. Luckily, I had my own pillow and sheets, but we both needed duvets. They are so nice to lend us that stuff.
Tuesday:
For the first few hours of the morning when we left the flat, we just went finding. We learned a little bit of how to get around Evesham, and talked to the people. The people here are really nice. They obviously know who the missionaries are, and don't want to talk to us, but they are still nice. We then went by some members homes. That was a lot of the focus of the week. We had a goal to visit all the active members as soon as possible, so we would know them all by Sunday. And we also visited a lot of the recent converts, and less actives. Everyone in this branch is wonderful! They are all so happy, and beautiful. It’s crazy! We went to the Branch President's home that night. President Retallick and his wife and three children are wonderful. The whole branch is so so excited to have Sisters, and they are so willing to help in whatever way they can! It’s so wonderful! And we are taking them up on what they offer, because we need all the help we can get. We are excited because Sister Retallick and their daughter C both want to come out teaching with us. And as a "house warming" present, they gave us some toilet rolls (toilet paper in American). We also went and visited a recent returning member and his son. His son, T, is getting baptized on November 9th. We are so excited for him. And Rob, his dad, is a professional chef, and has the missionaries over once a week. So we are pretty excited about that!
Wednesday:
We went to a different part of our area called Tewkesbury. Pronounced Tukes - burry. It’s a beautiful place. And there are a lot more people that are receptive there because they don't see the missionaries as often, because it's a bit further away. So we are planning on doing some finding out there later this next week. We visited some of the families that live here, and they are all wonderful. Nobody isn't wonderful here, and we just seem to click so quickly with them. I really feel like I love the people here so much already! One of the part active families that we visited, we got the 18 year old girl to want to come out teaching and finding with us. We are pretty thrilled! One thing we started focusing on this week is referrals. I looked back at the last six months of my mission, and all of my baptisms were referrals from members. That is a rather high percentage. So we really feel like referrals are the way to go in this branch to get moving as quickly as possible. We have been praying really hard, and asking our leaders their ideas, and doing everything we can to get referrals. As we know, we only get them when we are trusted by the people giving them, so we are working really hard to be "exactly obedient" (Alma 57:21) and so they trust us with their friends. I’ve never prayed so hard. Sister P and I pray all the time. When in doubt, pray. We always pray before we leave the car to go into a lesson. And we have goals for while we are driving in the car. We do role plays. And we discuss referrals and ideas. We are a good team!
Thursday:
We had district meeting, which was great. We had a testimony meeting during district meeting. And then talked about bearing testimony about all that we talk about. It was really good. We then visited more members of the ward. We have been so lost so much this week. We have a sat nav (gps in American) and that helps, but sometimes houses or places are hidden. One house we were looking for forever. We pulled into somewhere to turn around, did about a 33 point turn, and with the family in the house watching us from the window...they didn't know we could see them watching us. And then when we were finally pulling out, we realized that's the house we were looking for. We died laughing, and then had to go back. They recognized us right away. Oh good. Hahaha! Another funny thing that happened. We were looking on the ward list for the Fs. Sister F was the RS president till Sunday, and so we wanted to meet her. So we went up to the Fs, and a guy covered with tattoos answered the door. We asked if it was the Fs. He said yes, and then we asked for his wife, thinking we should maybe see the RS president. He said she wouldn't want to see us. We asked if we could try another time, and he said he didn't think so. We left pretty confused. We looked back at the ward list, and there were two F families! How embarrassing. We knocked on the less active F’s door. He must think we are crazy! His parents, the active, RS president Fs, met us the next day and told us their son called and said we dropped by. Funny!
Friday:
Longest weekly planning session of my life. We had to plan with nothing. It was rough. But good. We made some very good goals, and are excited to work together on them. That night, we had dinner with Rob H the pro chef, and it was divine. Very English. But very nice. We had chocolate fondue for pudding (dessert in American) and that was great. He is awesome.
Saturday:
We visited more members. We visited some fewer actives. We had a girl, the one who said she'd like to come out with us, come out with us for about two hours. It was awesome! We prayed for some streets to tract, and we tracted them, and miracles happened. And we went to another street we felt prompted to go to. When I parked, I really didn't feel right about it. I told Sister P, and she suggested we just park somewhere else. So we did. And I felt fine. We started walking to the first door, and stopped a girl with her dogs, and she is awesome. She wanted a book. She wants to read it, and wants to come to church with us. If we had parked where we did first, we wouldn't have met her. It’s awesome following the spirit. I feel so strongly that when we do what we are asked, and are obedient, God will always bless us.
Sunday:
Church is at Evesham High School. And it was a wonderful meeting. President Retallick asked us both to give impromptu testimonies. Which don't even make me nervous anymore? Weird! We met with some amazing people after church. Then Sister Ogden (mission presidents wife) called us and told us that one of the Sisters in Stroud was in the hospital, so could we have her companion for a few days. So Sister KotTbagahagadara (yes. it's really that. she's from Sri Lanka) came to stay with us. The branch promptly brought a mattress for her to use, and a pillow, and bedding. This is the best branch ever! I love it!
I am so happy to be here. I really feel like I am on a mission now. And Sister P and I are doing so well. We asked the branch to fast with us in two weeks for the missionary work in this area, and we are really excited for how it's all going. I love it here. And I love the gospel! I am SO happy! Thank you for everything!
Love,
Sister Clark
PS mom for my birthday, I don’t' know. If I think of something I will let you know. I am still waiting on getting that camera. I will get it next time I see my zone leader I think. I think that Ben's APO address on Croughton AFB would still be best. Because he can get it to the Sisters who can get it to their leaders, who can get it to my leaders, who can get it to me! Thanks so much!
I love you!
pps. So they don't have Picasa on these computers, so I will try to figure something out for pics. Sorry!
Love you SOOOOO much!
England Birmingham Mission
This is where I am serving!!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Harp Recital and Leaving Banbury
7:43 AM (36 minutes ago)
Wow thanks for that letter! It was great. So detailed! So I am glad that you were able to see Joseph and Ofelia and the kids! I would love to see pictures of them!
So wow, this week has been mad. I will start from the beginning. So K and Ch are amazing. They had us over for the whole preparation day. Our goal was to get sick of each other before they left, so we would be ok with it. We have become best friends. I really really love K. Gosh. I will miss her! So we went to their home and had food, and carved pumpkins. It was very fun!
On Wednesday we went to dinner at C’s house and watched a couple conference talks for the lesson. So much fun! We watched one from the priesthood session, and it was amazing! I can't wait to get the ensign. Speaking of the ensign...apparently they get here so much later than they do at home. Do you think you could send me the conference ensign when it comes? I am anxious to read it, especially because we didn't get to see the last session.
Thursday night, we got the craziest call. Elder Davies, an AP, called us and asked us if Ch had been baptized before. In our church. Obviously we said no. he had never mentioned anything. And he would have. So the next day (Friday) we went to the As. We didn't bring anything up until the Mission President talked to our bishop about it, and made sure it really was Ch. Then we had dinner at the Sellers home. The Sellers are an amazing family, and Brother Sellers is the ward mission leader, and he's so good. So active in the missionary work. Well the bishop had planned to come interview Ch to receive the priesthood while we were there. Well, we found out that Ch was baptized when he was 11, in Guatemala, and he didn't remember it at all! We were so surprised! And he was surprised, and K was so surprised. K kept saying "I’ve been married to a Mormon?!" ha-ha. So funny! Well, we know it all happened for a reason, and it worked out. But it was quite the ordeal. Pretty shocking! So Ch will receive the priesthood tomorrow. So exciting!
Oh, so all week, I went to this wonderful family's home with Sister Byrch, and practiced their harp. They were so nice! I went almost every day for one week, and practiced about an hour and half every day. So much fun! Then I went with Sister Byrch to drive about an hour away to go rent a harp from this woman that we got in contact with. Wow. So much effort! But it worked out. We picked it up on Saturday morning and left it locked up in the bishop’s office. Then we went and taught a lot of people, then went to C’s baptism in OXFORD! Yes. Outside the mission! It’s only about a 45 minute drive from banbury, and it was pretty exciting. We did it that way because the font in the Banbury chapel is still not functioning, and C started meeting with the missionaries in oxford. So yeah, it was pretty darn exciting! C’s baptism went so well! It was uneventful compared to K and Chs, but most are. It went great though, and we are so happy for C. He will be the best member ever! We are so excited for him.
Saturday night, we got the news about the transfers. Sister Nemec is staying in Banbury and training a Sister from Iowa named Sister Rose. And Sister Pope and I are both going to a place called Evesham. It has had elders in it for a long time, and we are "whitewashing" it. Which means we are switching the elders out? It’s scary because neither one of us knows anything about it, and we are completely going in basically blind. But it will be awesome. It has been a pretty dead area, and Sister Pope and I are really going to try hard to bring it out of that. We are excited, but also I am pretty sad. I know that it's time to leave, and I realize I have been lucky to stay in Banbury for so long. But it's still sad to go. I have realized that my purpose for being in Banbury was the A family. They are leaving at the end of this week to move to Mississippi. It’s so sad. K and I both have shared some tears over the phone.
Sunday. Church was great. A little bit of crying, but not much. I kind of shut myself off a little bit to ease the blow. Plus I have been feeling really not well for the last few days, so that hasn't helped. C was confirmed, and he is so happy! Sadly the As had a family function this weekend so they couldn't make it to church, or C’s baptism, but they are so happy. And it is so awesome to see! I am so happy for them! After church, we went and packed some, and had a few lessons, and then I went to the church to practice. I had a few people from the ward singing with me for the concert, and so I had to practice with them. Plus I had to work on my repertoire. Only a week of practicing really isn't enough to get ready for an hour long concert. God was on my side though, because it went well. I have huge huge blisters, which isn't very fun, but it worked out. And the Stake President was able to show up, as well as my zone leaders, and many less actives, and investigators, and non members. It was really good, and a really good turnout. I played ten pieces, and I don't have the list with me, but I will try to remember what pieces I played. I played
1. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (with a member singing)
2. Jesu Joy of Man's desiring
3. O Give Me Back My Prophet Dear (with a member singing)
4. Canon in D
5. First Arabesque
6. Ten Past Two (the little jazz piece I played a long time ago)
7. My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee (without any singer)
8. Ave Maria (the Bach prelude that goes to Ave Maria really.)
9. Abide With Me
10. La Source
Mom, to answer your question. I wore my long black skirt. My cream lace cami and my green cardigan. I was playing a semi grande harp, which was rough, because I am not at all used to that size, but it went really well. And I was surprised by the As. They said they wouldn't be able to come because of their family party, but they surprised me and came, with flowers. When I saw them, I started crying. I have turned into a crybaby. Ok, maybe I was before...but I still am. So yeah, it went really well, and I am really happy that that was like my little farewell from Banbury. I loved it there, and I really feel that I did my best in that area, and I feel that I made a difference.
This morning, we packed the rest of the way, went and visited Sister Mac. So sad to leave her! I will miss her dreadfully. Then we went to breakfast with the A family before we left to go to Birmingham for transfers. I am writing this letter here in the mission office, and we leave soon to go to Evesham.
My new address is
Sister Annie Clark
Flat 1 68 Pershore Rd
Evesham, Worcestershire
England WR11 2 PQ
UK
Please pray for Sister Pope and me to be led by the Spirit as we enter this new area. We are both pretty nervous, but also pretty excited. We both desire to be strictly obedient, and we have so much in common, it will be really good. I am really excited to work more with her. And I am grateful for the time that I was blessed with to spend in Banbury.
Thank you for everything! I love you very much!
Love,
Sister Clark
Wow thanks for that letter! It was great. So detailed! So I am glad that you were able to see Joseph and Ofelia and the kids! I would love to see pictures of them!
So wow, this week has been mad. I will start from the beginning. So K and Ch are amazing. They had us over for the whole preparation day. Our goal was to get sick of each other before they left, so we would be ok with it. We have become best friends. I really really love K. Gosh. I will miss her! So we went to their home and had food, and carved pumpkins. It was very fun!
On Wednesday we went to dinner at C’s house and watched a couple conference talks for the lesson. So much fun! We watched one from the priesthood session, and it was amazing! I can't wait to get the ensign. Speaking of the ensign...apparently they get here so much later than they do at home. Do you think you could send me the conference ensign when it comes? I am anxious to read it, especially because we didn't get to see the last session.
Thursday night, we got the craziest call. Elder Davies, an AP, called us and asked us if Ch had been baptized before. In our church. Obviously we said no. he had never mentioned anything. And he would have. So the next day (Friday) we went to the As. We didn't bring anything up until the Mission President talked to our bishop about it, and made sure it really was Ch. Then we had dinner at the Sellers home. The Sellers are an amazing family, and Brother Sellers is the ward mission leader, and he's so good. So active in the missionary work. Well the bishop had planned to come interview Ch to receive the priesthood while we were there. Well, we found out that Ch was baptized when he was 11, in Guatemala, and he didn't remember it at all! We were so surprised! And he was surprised, and K was so surprised. K kept saying "I’ve been married to a Mormon?!" ha-ha. So funny! Well, we know it all happened for a reason, and it worked out. But it was quite the ordeal. Pretty shocking! So Ch will receive the priesthood tomorrow. So exciting!
Oh, so all week, I went to this wonderful family's home with Sister Byrch, and practiced their harp. They were so nice! I went almost every day for one week, and practiced about an hour and half every day. So much fun! Then I went with Sister Byrch to drive about an hour away to go rent a harp from this woman that we got in contact with. Wow. So much effort! But it worked out. We picked it up on Saturday morning and left it locked up in the bishop’s office. Then we went and taught a lot of people, then went to C’s baptism in OXFORD! Yes. Outside the mission! It’s only about a 45 minute drive from banbury, and it was pretty exciting. We did it that way because the font in the Banbury chapel is still not functioning, and C started meeting with the missionaries in oxford. So yeah, it was pretty darn exciting! C’s baptism went so well! It was uneventful compared to K and Chs, but most are. It went great though, and we are so happy for C. He will be the best member ever! We are so excited for him.
Saturday night, we got the news about the transfers. Sister Nemec is staying in Banbury and training a Sister from Iowa named Sister Rose. And Sister Pope and I are both going to a place called Evesham. It has had elders in it for a long time, and we are "whitewashing" it. Which means we are switching the elders out? It’s scary because neither one of us knows anything about it, and we are completely going in basically blind. But it will be awesome. It has been a pretty dead area, and Sister Pope and I are really going to try hard to bring it out of that. We are excited, but also I am pretty sad. I know that it's time to leave, and I realize I have been lucky to stay in Banbury for so long. But it's still sad to go. I have realized that my purpose for being in Banbury was the A family. They are leaving at the end of this week to move to Mississippi. It’s so sad. K and I both have shared some tears over the phone.
Sunday. Church was great. A little bit of crying, but not much. I kind of shut myself off a little bit to ease the blow. Plus I have been feeling really not well for the last few days, so that hasn't helped. C was confirmed, and he is so happy! Sadly the As had a family function this weekend so they couldn't make it to church, or C’s baptism, but they are so happy. And it is so awesome to see! I am so happy for them! After church, we went and packed some, and had a few lessons, and then I went to the church to practice. I had a few people from the ward singing with me for the concert, and so I had to practice with them. Plus I had to work on my repertoire. Only a week of practicing really isn't enough to get ready for an hour long concert. God was on my side though, because it went well. I have huge huge blisters, which isn't very fun, but it worked out. And the Stake President was able to show up, as well as my zone leaders, and many less actives, and investigators, and non members. It was really good, and a really good turnout. I played ten pieces, and I don't have the list with me, but I will try to remember what pieces I played. I played
1. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing (with a member singing)
2. Jesu Joy of Man's desiring
3. O Give Me Back My Prophet Dear (with a member singing)
4. Canon in D
5. First Arabesque
6. Ten Past Two (the little jazz piece I played a long time ago)
7. My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee (without any singer)
8. Ave Maria (the Bach prelude that goes to Ave Maria really.)
9. Abide With Me
10. La Source
Mom, to answer your question. I wore my long black skirt. My cream lace cami and my green cardigan. I was playing a semi grande harp, which was rough, because I am not at all used to that size, but it went really well. And I was surprised by the As. They said they wouldn't be able to come because of their family party, but they surprised me and came, with flowers. When I saw them, I started crying. I have turned into a crybaby. Ok, maybe I was before...but I still am. So yeah, it went really well, and I am really happy that that was like my little farewell from Banbury. I loved it there, and I really feel that I did my best in that area, and I feel that I made a difference.
This morning, we packed the rest of the way, went and visited Sister Mac. So sad to leave her! I will miss her dreadfully. Then we went to breakfast with the A family before we left to go to Birmingham for transfers. I am writing this letter here in the mission office, and we leave soon to go to Evesham.
My new address is
Sister Annie Clark
Flat 1 68 Pershore Rd
Evesham, Worcestershire
England WR11 2 PQ
UK
Please pray for Sister Pope and me to be led by the Spirit as we enter this new area. We are both pretty nervous, but also pretty excited. We both desire to be strictly obedient, and we have so much in common, it will be really good. I am really excited to work more with her. And I am grateful for the time that I was blessed with to spend in Banbury.
Thank you for everything! I love you very much!
Love,
Sister Clark
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Baptism of the A Family - High Drama
Dearest mum and papa, and the rest of the family and friends.
Your week sounded exciting and eventful! I didn't even know Samuel was moving to Utah. When was that decided? Wow, I feel out of the loop. How long will he be there?
So this week has been completely unbelievable. Seriously. I don't know if I have ever had a more spiritually wonderful and draining week in my whole life. So basically. K had a scheduled date of baptism on Thursday, the 7th of October. So last Monday, we spent all preparation day at their house. We went bowling. And we ate. And we talked. K was stressed out of her mind the whole time, poor girl. The district leader and zone leader came to her house that night, and came to interview K. We felt prompted to ask Ch if he would also like to have an interview while K was having one. He was like, sure why not. Ha-ha. So both of them went in for interviews, and came out with baptismal dates for Thursday! How exciting. Ch wasn't even worried.
The next day, we went back to their home, and while we were there, Ch called his mom and told her that he was getting baptized. He was so excited. It was completely awesome! But on the other hand, K was so anxious. She didn't know what to do. She was so scared to tell people that she wanted to get baptized. So we decided to start fasting for her. We fasted for two days, eating dinner between. We just really wanted K to be able to figure it out. We weren't pushing her to do anything.
The next day she called us, freaking out. crying. Basically telling us she couldn't do it. Then she'd go back and forth. The poor girl had a pretty bad week. She went back and forth the whole time.
Thursday finally came up. We were planning on having the baptism in Banbury, of course. But then we got a call, and the pump in the font wasn't working. So we had to move the service to Warwick. Crazy! Just one thing after another.
Well, K and Ch showed up at the church. K went into the chapel to pray some more, and Ch was just happy as a clam. It was so interesting. I talked to K for a while, and she decided that she wouldn't do it. So we had the whole service. Ch was baptized! So so exciting. He was so happy! I just love how happy this gospel makes people. And M, their four year old was so excited that his dad was just baptized. While Ch was changing his clothes, K was walking with her kids in the hall to keep them quiet. And it was an amazing thing. M wanted to know why his dad was baptized. K told him that he did it for Jesus, and to show Jesus that he loves him. Then M looked at K, and asked "momma, then why aren't you doing what daddy did?” After the service, K went up to brother sellers and asked him if she could still do it. So after refreshments, and some people leaving, K got baptized. Most exciting moment of my mission. seriously. she was finally so happy! So she wrote us three a letter, and I am going to copy some of it, so you can hear this from her perspective.
So this is her letter to us about her baptismal day.
"So, gals. I just wanted to tell you a little bit about yesterday...I had basically resigned myself to making the wrong decision. All day long I prayed for help, looked for signs, waited for an epiphany. And what did I get? Nothing. On the car ride? Nothing. At the church? Nothing. I wanted to vomit and I thought I would spontaneously combust because I couldn't figure out how to make it okay. I was drowning within myself.
And then He helped me. I was calm...crazy calm. I knew right then that nothing else mattered. Everything else fell away and I was fine. For the first time, in what seemed like ages, I was fine. My struggle was over and, at least in that moment, seemed very insignificant.
God helped me and then the innocent words of my sweet baby boy helped me. M asked about the baptism he had just seen and was curious about it. I explained to him that daddy was baptized because he loves Jesus and wants to try harder to live a good life like Jesus did. So, M said, "So, daddy loves Jesus?" and I said yes. Then M looked confused and said, "well, momma, then why didn't you do it too?” and it occurred to me that it really was that simple. I do love Jesus and I do want to live my life according to that. I needed a four year old to point it out.
Then I was able to be baptized whole-heartedly and joyfully...as it should be. "
Talk about miracles! I have never seen anything like it! And since their baptism, she has been so happy! She knows that she made the right decision. Well, they received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday, and it was amazing. And C is getting baptized this Saturday. He is actually getting baptized in Oxford...which is out of our area, but we are allowed to go! Yeah!!! Can’t wait. It will be awesome.
And another fun piece of news. I have a harp concert next Sunday. The 17th. I have practiced two days so far, and I need a lot more, but it will be great. Hopefully. I need prayers. My blisters are coming up, and wow. It will be a miracle if I can do this well. But it will be good, because people can invite friends, and it will be wonderful! And I love playing the harp. I have missed it. It’s been good. And not distracting at all. It’s been very nice. And lovely Sister B has been driving me to go to practice the harp, so that my lovely companions can still work while I am gone. It’s perfect! I love it.
Things are going great! We are going to K's right after this email session, to spend time with her. I cried so much in church yesterday, because I realized that she is leaving, and she has become one of my best friends! I have taught her my WHOLE mission. I love her to death. But then I also realized that when I get home, she will be able to go into the temple, and she will be in America. I am pretty lucky, because I know I will see their family more. I love them!
Things are going great. I am dreading transfers, because I realize that I am most likely to move. And I don't want to. Banbury feels like home now. I love the ward. I love the people. And I feel like things are really going well. But I guess wherever I am needed; I will go, because I know God has a greater plan for me. I know I have been here in Banbury for K. And now that she is leaving to Mississippi, I will be needed somewhere else.
I love the gospel. This week is my 6th month birthday. Crazy. One year left. I have to make the most of it, because the time has gone by so fast. Kinda scary actually. I love the time that I have to study, to learn, and to become closer to Christ. I have really felt my faith grow this week especially, and I feel really blessed to see the miracles that I have. I know this church is true, and I know that it blesses lives. It’s the only way to be happy!
I love it!
I love you!
Thank you for everything! You are amazing.
Love,
Sister Clark
ps. mom, I haven't received the package yet, but I’m looking forward to it. And I think you can keep using his address, because he can just give it to the Sisters who can get it to the zone leaders, who can get it to me. Everyone is so connected!
Well, I love you! Lllllooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee youuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Muah!
Your week sounded exciting and eventful! I didn't even know Samuel was moving to Utah. When was that decided? Wow, I feel out of the loop. How long will he be there?
So this week has been completely unbelievable. Seriously. I don't know if I have ever had a more spiritually wonderful and draining week in my whole life. So basically. K had a scheduled date of baptism on Thursday, the 7th of October. So last Monday, we spent all preparation day at their house. We went bowling. And we ate. And we talked. K was stressed out of her mind the whole time, poor girl. The district leader and zone leader came to her house that night, and came to interview K. We felt prompted to ask Ch if he would also like to have an interview while K was having one. He was like, sure why not. Ha-ha. So both of them went in for interviews, and came out with baptismal dates for Thursday! How exciting. Ch wasn't even worried.
The next day, we went back to their home, and while we were there, Ch called his mom and told her that he was getting baptized. He was so excited. It was completely awesome! But on the other hand, K was so anxious. She didn't know what to do. She was so scared to tell people that she wanted to get baptized. So we decided to start fasting for her. We fasted for two days, eating dinner between. We just really wanted K to be able to figure it out. We weren't pushing her to do anything.
The next day she called us, freaking out. crying. Basically telling us she couldn't do it. Then she'd go back and forth. The poor girl had a pretty bad week. She went back and forth the whole time.
Thursday finally came up. We were planning on having the baptism in Banbury, of course. But then we got a call, and the pump in the font wasn't working. So we had to move the service to Warwick. Crazy! Just one thing after another.
Well, K and Ch showed up at the church. K went into the chapel to pray some more, and Ch was just happy as a clam. It was so interesting. I talked to K for a while, and she decided that she wouldn't do it. So we had the whole service. Ch was baptized! So so exciting. He was so happy! I just love how happy this gospel makes people. And M, their four year old was so excited that his dad was just baptized. While Ch was changing his clothes, K was walking with her kids in the hall to keep them quiet. And it was an amazing thing. M wanted to know why his dad was baptized. K told him that he did it for Jesus, and to show Jesus that he loves him. Then M looked at K, and asked "momma, then why aren't you doing what daddy did?” After the service, K went up to brother sellers and asked him if she could still do it. So after refreshments, and some people leaving, K got baptized. Most exciting moment of my mission. seriously. she was finally so happy! So she wrote us three a letter, and I am going to copy some of it, so you can hear this from her perspective.
So this is her letter to us about her baptismal day.
"So, gals. I just wanted to tell you a little bit about yesterday...I had basically resigned myself to making the wrong decision. All day long I prayed for help, looked for signs, waited for an epiphany. And what did I get? Nothing. On the car ride? Nothing. At the church? Nothing. I wanted to vomit and I thought I would spontaneously combust because I couldn't figure out how to make it okay. I was drowning within myself.
And then He helped me. I was calm...crazy calm. I knew right then that nothing else mattered. Everything else fell away and I was fine. For the first time, in what seemed like ages, I was fine. My struggle was over and, at least in that moment, seemed very insignificant.
God helped me and then the innocent words of my sweet baby boy helped me. M asked about the baptism he had just seen and was curious about it. I explained to him that daddy was baptized because he loves Jesus and wants to try harder to live a good life like Jesus did. So, M said, "So, daddy loves Jesus?" and I said yes. Then M looked confused and said, "well, momma, then why didn't you do it too?” and it occurred to me that it really was that simple. I do love Jesus and I do want to live my life according to that. I needed a four year old to point it out.
Then I was able to be baptized whole-heartedly and joyfully...as it should be. "
Talk about miracles! I have never seen anything like it! And since their baptism, she has been so happy! She knows that she made the right decision. Well, they received the gift of the Holy Ghost yesterday, and it was amazing. And C is getting baptized this Saturday. He is actually getting baptized in Oxford...which is out of our area, but we are allowed to go! Yeah!!! Can’t wait. It will be awesome.
And another fun piece of news. I have a harp concert next Sunday. The 17th. I have practiced two days so far, and I need a lot more, but it will be great. Hopefully. I need prayers. My blisters are coming up, and wow. It will be a miracle if I can do this well. But it will be good, because people can invite friends, and it will be wonderful! And I love playing the harp. I have missed it. It’s been good. And not distracting at all. It’s been very nice. And lovely Sister B has been driving me to go to practice the harp, so that my lovely companions can still work while I am gone. It’s perfect! I love it.
Things are going great! We are going to K's right after this email session, to spend time with her. I cried so much in church yesterday, because I realized that she is leaving, and she has become one of my best friends! I have taught her my WHOLE mission. I love her to death. But then I also realized that when I get home, she will be able to go into the temple, and she will be in America. I am pretty lucky, because I know I will see their family more. I love them!
Things are going great. I am dreading transfers, because I realize that I am most likely to move. And I don't want to. Banbury feels like home now. I love the ward. I love the people. And I feel like things are really going well. But I guess wherever I am needed; I will go, because I know God has a greater plan for me. I know I have been here in Banbury for K. And now that she is leaving to Mississippi, I will be needed somewhere else.
I love the gospel. This week is my 6th month birthday. Crazy. One year left. I have to make the most of it, because the time has gone by so fast. Kinda scary actually. I love the time that I have to study, to learn, and to become closer to Christ. I have really felt my faith grow this week especially, and I feel really blessed to see the miracles that I have. I know this church is true, and I know that it blesses lives. It’s the only way to be happy!
I love it!
I love you!
Thank you for everything! You are amazing.
Love,
Sister Clark
ps. mom, I haven't received the package yet, but I’m looking forward to it. And I think you can keep using his address, because he can just give it to the Sisters who can get it to the zone leaders, who can get it to me. Everyone is so connected!
Well, I love you! Lllllooooovvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee youuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Muah!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
October Conference in Banbury
Dear mom and papa and family.
The next transfers are the 18th of October. Just so everyone knows, and so you can send my mail accordingly. If it's too close to the 18th, send the mail to the mission home. Thanks!
This week has been great. I will try to fit everything in this email in the time limit that we have. First things first, we had sisters exchanges again this week. This time it was with sisters Bioleome and McKelvie, who serve in Peterborough. Sister Pope and I and Sister McKelvie stayed in Banbury and sisters Bioleome and Nemec went to Peterborough. It was a very fun exchange. Sister McKelvie is hilarious, and so much fun. It’s crazy. All of us came out at the same time, and are reaching our six months this month, so it was interesting to be with our "generation". Exchanges were great. I learned so much. And my goals for these next couple weeks are to apply the new training that we have had, and to be able to really use it in my every day teaching. I love the new training, because it's really getting us to know the people that we teach. It’s pretty great!
During that training, K A called, and we talked for a long time. As you all know, she's been investigating the church for a LONG time now. Well before I got here. And so I am really really close to her. She’s like another sister. I love her so much. Well, she called, and we talked for about an hour, and she decided that she wants to get baptized. The only problem is, is that she is moving to Mississippi on the 22nd of October. And the only time she will be able to make it to church is the tenth (this Sunday) so that doesn't really leave much wiggle room to decide when to get baptized. Basically, it has to be this week. Well, that's pretty soon after deciding, and so it's a little bit stressful for her. To say the least. So since that day that she's decided, I have talked to her probably for an average of 2 hours a day on the phone, trying to figure things out. wow. It’s been good, but a lot of talking. She keeps psyching herself out, and trying to figure out what to do and stuff. Pretty crazy. Today actually, we are going to her house to spend all pday with her. We are going to go bowling. We are going to carve pumpkins. And then we are going to have her baptismal interview tonight. Prayers would be appreciated. Because she is full on freaking out today. She called us crying. We’ll see what we can do tonight. We made sure she knows that we aren't pushing her into this, and that it's fully her decision. But she is freaking herself out. So we are just really trying to help her. That’s actually been what my whole week has revolved around. K deciding to get baptized. It’s been fantastic.
On Friday, the Sellers family invited us, the As, and C over for dinner. Brother Sellers is our ward missionary leader, and he is amazing. He is one of the Americans here. Well, we had a great dinner, with a brilliant gospel discussion the whole time, and then the As asked for blessings. Wow. The spirit was so powerful during those blessings. It was amazing. Even T (K and C's four year old boy) was completely silent throughout both blessings. (We played the "quiet game" the whole time, which we all know never actually works. but it did this time) That night, K called us to tell us goodnight, ha-ha, and she said that Ch couldn't stop smiling. He was just so happy from the blessing. What a powerful experience for them! It was also a great experience for C to strengthen his testimony by bearing it to the As, and trying to help them through their struggles. C is the best!
The other AWESOME thing that happened this week was conference!!!!! It was completely weird not to be watching it in Utah with the family. I missed all the traditions a lot actually. I missed elder Scott’s mission reunion. I missed finding tickets (which I didn't really miss....but, kinda...). I missed shopping with mom and whoever else was there that wasn't going to priesthood session. I missed PF Changs. mmm. And I missed falling asleep on mom's shoulder in conference. What great times. I can't believe it's already been six months since I left basically. Crazy! But besides all that, conference was awesome. Wow. We first watched relief society on Saturday afternoon, which was completely wonderful. President Monson's talk on judging others was completely brilliant! Then we watched Saturday morning session on Saturday night. Then Saturday afternoon session Sunday afternoon, and Sunday morning session after that. We are really sad, because we won't be able to watch Sunday afternoon session. So I just have to wait till it comes out. Unless...mom, would you be able to send it to me, if it's online? We aren't allowed to go to any other websites but this one. Thanks! But the conference that I did watch was completely amazing. I have never before been so excited to watch conference in my life. I was practically giddy. Ha-ha. I am such a missionary now! But I watched with questions in mind. Some questions were mine, and some were for my investigators. I have K’s name all over my conference notes because I was thinking of her the whole time. Ha-ha.
It was a really great weekend. I know that general conference really is inspired. I really felt, and still feel, completely uplifted from the talks that were given. I loved it!
Mom, did you go shopping still? Find a cute skirt? Did you still try to figure out what key each song was? I didn't. Sadly. It’s less fun when nobody around you really wants to talk music. Ha-ha.
Well, things here are going great! We are working so hard, and learning so much. I am trying my best to be the best, most exactly obedient missionary I can be. I am so grateful for the time that I have here. I really got an epiphany this week, that why I am here at this time, in banbury is specifically for K. I really feel that way, and I am so grateful that I followed that impression that told me that I should go on a mission. There is nowhere else I would rather be. I love it so much here. I am so happy.
Thank you for the package mom. I got it, and love the book stay opener! I was thinking I should have brought my cute apron with me, to wear to member’s houses, not that I ever really spill on myself, but it would be nice when food was being flung at me. (This really did happen. Brother B put a spoonful of chocolate mousse in his spoon and flung it at me. I didn't think he'd do it, and then he did. I was completely shocked. So yes. I should have brought my apron with me! it would make me think of when papa used to give elders aprons when they came to our house to eat. Ha-ha.)
Well, I love you all!
Love you soooo much!
Love,
Sister Annie Clark
The next transfers are the 18th of October. Just so everyone knows, and so you can send my mail accordingly. If it's too close to the 18th, send the mail to the mission home. Thanks!
This week has been great. I will try to fit everything in this email in the time limit that we have. First things first, we had sisters exchanges again this week. This time it was with sisters Bioleome and McKelvie, who serve in Peterborough. Sister Pope and I and Sister McKelvie stayed in Banbury and sisters Bioleome and Nemec went to Peterborough. It was a very fun exchange. Sister McKelvie is hilarious, and so much fun. It’s crazy. All of us came out at the same time, and are reaching our six months this month, so it was interesting to be with our "generation". Exchanges were great. I learned so much. And my goals for these next couple weeks are to apply the new training that we have had, and to be able to really use it in my every day teaching. I love the new training, because it's really getting us to know the people that we teach. It’s pretty great!
During that training, K A called, and we talked for a long time. As you all know, she's been investigating the church for a LONG time now. Well before I got here. And so I am really really close to her. She’s like another sister. I love her so much. Well, she called, and we talked for about an hour, and she decided that she wants to get baptized. The only problem is, is that she is moving to Mississippi on the 22nd of October. And the only time she will be able to make it to church is the tenth (this Sunday) so that doesn't really leave much wiggle room to decide when to get baptized. Basically, it has to be this week. Well, that's pretty soon after deciding, and so it's a little bit stressful for her. To say the least. So since that day that she's decided, I have talked to her probably for an average of 2 hours a day on the phone, trying to figure things out. wow. It’s been good, but a lot of talking. She keeps psyching herself out, and trying to figure out what to do and stuff. Pretty crazy. Today actually, we are going to her house to spend all pday with her. We are going to go bowling. We are going to carve pumpkins. And then we are going to have her baptismal interview tonight. Prayers would be appreciated. Because she is full on freaking out today. She called us crying. We’ll see what we can do tonight. We made sure she knows that we aren't pushing her into this, and that it's fully her decision. But she is freaking herself out. So we are just really trying to help her. That’s actually been what my whole week has revolved around. K deciding to get baptized. It’s been fantastic.
On Friday, the Sellers family invited us, the As, and C over for dinner. Brother Sellers is our ward missionary leader, and he is amazing. He is one of the Americans here. Well, we had a great dinner, with a brilliant gospel discussion the whole time, and then the As asked for blessings. Wow. The spirit was so powerful during those blessings. It was amazing. Even T (K and C's four year old boy) was completely silent throughout both blessings. (We played the "quiet game" the whole time, which we all know never actually works. but it did this time) That night, K called us to tell us goodnight, ha-ha, and she said that Ch couldn't stop smiling. He was just so happy from the blessing. What a powerful experience for them! It was also a great experience for C to strengthen his testimony by bearing it to the As, and trying to help them through their struggles. C is the best!
The other AWESOME thing that happened this week was conference!!!!! It was completely weird not to be watching it in Utah with the family. I missed all the traditions a lot actually. I missed elder Scott’s mission reunion. I missed finding tickets (which I didn't really miss....but, kinda...). I missed shopping with mom and whoever else was there that wasn't going to priesthood session. I missed PF Changs. mmm. And I missed falling asleep on mom's shoulder in conference. What great times. I can't believe it's already been six months since I left basically. Crazy! But besides all that, conference was awesome. Wow. We first watched relief society on Saturday afternoon, which was completely wonderful. President Monson's talk on judging others was completely brilliant! Then we watched Saturday morning session on Saturday night. Then Saturday afternoon session Sunday afternoon, and Sunday morning session after that. We are really sad, because we won't be able to watch Sunday afternoon session. So I just have to wait till it comes out. Unless...mom, would you be able to send it to me, if it's online? We aren't allowed to go to any other websites but this one. Thanks! But the conference that I did watch was completely amazing. I have never before been so excited to watch conference in my life. I was practically giddy. Ha-ha. I am such a missionary now! But I watched with questions in mind. Some questions were mine, and some were for my investigators. I have K’s name all over my conference notes because I was thinking of her the whole time. Ha-ha.
It was a really great weekend. I know that general conference really is inspired. I really felt, and still feel, completely uplifted from the talks that were given. I loved it!
Mom, did you go shopping still? Find a cute skirt? Did you still try to figure out what key each song was? I didn't. Sadly. It’s less fun when nobody around you really wants to talk music. Ha-ha.
Well, things here are going great! We are working so hard, and learning so much. I am trying my best to be the best, most exactly obedient missionary I can be. I am so grateful for the time that I have here. I really got an epiphany this week, that why I am here at this time, in banbury is specifically for K. I really feel that way, and I am so grateful that I followed that impression that told me that I should go on a mission. There is nowhere else I would rather be. I love it so much here. I am so happy.
Thank you for the package mom. I got it, and love the book stay opener! I was thinking I should have brought my cute apron with me, to wear to member’s houses, not that I ever really spill on myself, but it would be nice when food was being flung at me. (This really did happen. Brother B put a spoonful of chocolate mousse in his spoon and flung it at me. I didn't think he'd do it, and then he did. I was completely shocked. So yes. I should have brought my apron with me! it would make me think of when papa used to give elders aprons when they came to our house to eat. Ha-ha.)
Well, I love you all!
Love you soooo much!
Love,
Sister Annie Clark
Exercising inside or outside
Dearest momma and papa,
And the rest of you people!
Thank you for the note about the harp. I know that I will be OK with harp. It may even be good for me. It will let my wrist fully recover, and maybe let me forget all my bad habits on the harp. But I sure do miss it. I miss being good at something ha ha. But about harp, I have been letting some people in the ward listen to my DVD, and Brother S (the ward mission leader) listened to it and decided he was determined to track down a harp for me to give a concert for the ward to be able to bring friends and investigators. Well, last night, Brother B called me and told me that one of his driving students plays the harp, and she may let me borrow it! I can't wait! I called President Ogden and asked if that would be OK, and he said yes. So I am now anxiously awaiting the final verdict if I can borrow the harp or not. Way to go Brother S!
Oh man, our tripanionship is going OK. Sister P and I are one in the same. We are so much alike, it's really great. We both really want the same things. We want to be healthier, we want to go running, we want to have a clean flat, and we really want to be exactly obedient. So together, man, we are a team! It’s so great though, having sister P be my companion. We laugh and laugh so much. And we are also finding great ways to make use of being in a tripanionship. We sometimes bring out a girl in the ward, then split up for lessons. It’s great. It means we double our time! and it's seriously wonderful because after a long talk, we decided that it's only fair that we switch off every day going outside for exercise or staying in. So on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays, we are able to go running, and then on the other days we stay in and do a good workout K gave us that we can do exercizing in the flat. It’s working out great. Still obviously not ideal, but it's so much better than it was. It’s very nice. I love it.
The training was so amazing. And we have really seen a difference in our lessons since then. We find ourselves being much more quiet and listening, and it's really changed things. It’s great! We used it especially on a lesson with the A's. They have been doing everything we ask, and they still don't want to get baptized. We don't know why, and neither do we. So we decided to use "heaven sent questions" to help us out. It was an incredible lesson. K was almost crying when we left, and they really knew that they had to do something. They have to make a decision about what to do. Whether to continue on in the church and get baptized or what. They called us the next day and said that they don't feel like they should set a date, but they think that at some point it will happen. I have high hopes that when they get to Mississippi they will be greeted by the ward and missionaries, and am able to have a smooth good hand off. They are such an ideal family; they would be perfect in the church!
Oh, C is doing so well. He has moved his baptism to the 16th of October because he has friends flying in from Finland, and he wants them to be able to come. He is so excited to get baptized. We talk to him every night as daily contact, and he is awesome. It’s always a pretty funny discussion. Last night, it was all about how his baptism. He also said that he wants to start coming to some of D's lessons, because we were telling him about them. C is such a good guy; it will be so exciting to have him in the ward. What an incredible asset to the ward and church! He also wants to meet with the A's, because a couple months ago, he was at the same point as they are now, and he thinks he may be able to help them. Talk about a golden investigator! Oh, and yes, he is excited for general conference. To answer your question mom, he will be there. It’s going to be the best
M is also doing well. I haven't talked to him much this last week, but hopefully we will see more of him this week. He is awesome. Hopefully he will come to church this week. That would be really great.
B is doing great. He is making all of us a painting, which we are pretty excited about! I love that. He is receiving the priesthood next week, and he seems so excited and honored. He is still learning, and it's awesome to see how much he still grows from the lessons and from church. He grabbed a stack of pass along cards from the church on Sunday and had us write our number on the back of all of them, so he could give them to people that he felt prompted. I think if he could, he would go on a proselyting mission right now. He’s so excited about missionary work. And he just got his home teaching assignment, and it's so clear that he will magnify every calling that he has. What an example to us.
D is doing well. He had a weird dream that he wrote down and we told him he should pray about it. But he continues to read and pray. He says he's not getting answers at the moment. We asked him why he thinks he's not getting answers, and he said that he thinks if he stopped smoking, he would receive the answers. We agreed. We continued on to teach him the word of wisdom. The poor kid is only 23 and has problems with every area of the word of wisdom! So it will take some time for him to stop doing all of them, but he has the desire. He knows that he would be happier if he stopped smoking, drinking, doing drugs etc. he is awesome though. We told him that we are here to help him, and he was really excited. He said what if it takes me a year? We told him that missionaries would help him the whole time. I know that he is doing all this for baptism. He wants to be baptized, and the only way to be baptized, is to be clean. He wants that happiness that comes from being able to feel the spirit. He’s so great. He is really on the right track, and really wants to do everything right. I love that desire. Desire is really all that matters. Oh, and funny thing about D. We asked him his address, and he lives in the same shared house as B. Crazy!!!! So yeah, B gave him some advice also. What a good opportunity for missionary work for B. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Things are going great. I am really receiving answers to prayers daily, and the mission is really just flying by. I can't believe it's almost October. Next month, I have just a year left of my mission. That really seems so short now. It’s crazy that I have served for a third of my mission in my greenie area. I am so lucky, because I really LOVE Banbury. I will be heartbroken to leave, but I know it will happen. Thank you for all your prayers, letters, love, and support. I really feel them. I know that what I am doing is what God wants me to do. I am so happy doing this work and seeing people's lives change. It’s unbelievable! Every girl really should go on a mission. Otherwise they are seriously deprived of some amazing chances to change people's lives. I love this mission. I love the Lord. And I love being in England. I hope you have a great week! Thank you for all the updates, and the news. I love you so much!
All my love heaped up pressed down and running over,
Sister Clark
PS. I LOVE YOU!!!
And the rest of you people!
Thank you for the note about the harp. I know that I will be OK with harp. It may even be good for me. It will let my wrist fully recover, and maybe let me forget all my bad habits on the harp. But I sure do miss it. I miss being good at something ha ha. But about harp, I have been letting some people in the ward listen to my DVD, and Brother S (the ward mission leader) listened to it and decided he was determined to track down a harp for me to give a concert for the ward to be able to bring friends and investigators. Well, last night, Brother B called me and told me that one of his driving students plays the harp, and she may let me borrow it! I can't wait! I called President Ogden and asked if that would be OK, and he said yes. So I am now anxiously awaiting the final verdict if I can borrow the harp or not. Way to go Brother S!
Oh man, our tripanionship is going OK. Sister P and I are one in the same. We are so much alike, it's really great. We both really want the same things. We want to be healthier, we want to go running, we want to have a clean flat, and we really want to be exactly obedient. So together, man, we are a team! It’s so great though, having sister P be my companion. We laugh and laugh so much. And we are also finding great ways to make use of being in a tripanionship. We sometimes bring out a girl in the ward, then split up for lessons. It’s great. It means we double our time! and it's seriously wonderful because after a long talk, we decided that it's only fair that we switch off every day going outside for exercise or staying in. So on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays, we are able to go running, and then on the other days we stay in and do a good workout K gave us that we can do exercizing in the flat. It’s working out great. Still obviously not ideal, but it's so much better than it was. It’s very nice. I love it.
The training was so amazing. And we have really seen a difference in our lessons since then. We find ourselves being much more quiet and listening, and it's really changed things. It’s great! We used it especially on a lesson with the A's. They have been doing everything we ask, and they still don't want to get baptized. We don't know why, and neither do we. So we decided to use "heaven sent questions" to help us out. It was an incredible lesson. K was almost crying when we left, and they really knew that they had to do something. They have to make a decision about what to do. Whether to continue on in the church and get baptized or what. They called us the next day and said that they don't feel like they should set a date, but they think that at some point it will happen. I have high hopes that when they get to Mississippi they will be greeted by the ward and missionaries, and am able to have a smooth good hand off. They are such an ideal family; they would be perfect in the church!
Oh, C is doing so well. He has moved his baptism to the 16th of October because he has friends flying in from Finland, and he wants them to be able to come. He is so excited to get baptized. We talk to him every night as daily contact, and he is awesome. It’s always a pretty funny discussion. Last night, it was all about how his baptism. He also said that he wants to start coming to some of D's lessons, because we were telling him about them. C is such a good guy; it will be so exciting to have him in the ward. What an incredible asset to the ward and church! He also wants to meet with the A's, because a couple months ago, he was at the same point as they are now, and he thinks he may be able to help them. Talk about a golden investigator! Oh, and yes, he is excited for general conference. To answer your question mom, he will be there. It’s going to be the best
M is also doing well. I haven't talked to him much this last week, but hopefully we will see more of him this week. He is awesome. Hopefully he will come to church this week. That would be really great.
B is doing great. He is making all of us a painting, which we are pretty excited about! I love that. He is receiving the priesthood next week, and he seems so excited and honored. He is still learning, and it's awesome to see how much he still grows from the lessons and from church. He grabbed a stack of pass along cards from the church on Sunday and had us write our number on the back of all of them, so he could give them to people that he felt prompted. I think if he could, he would go on a proselyting mission right now. He’s so excited about missionary work. And he just got his home teaching assignment, and it's so clear that he will magnify every calling that he has. What an example to us.
D is doing well. He had a weird dream that he wrote down and we told him he should pray about it. But he continues to read and pray. He says he's not getting answers at the moment. We asked him why he thinks he's not getting answers, and he said that he thinks if he stopped smoking, he would receive the answers. We agreed. We continued on to teach him the word of wisdom. The poor kid is only 23 and has problems with every area of the word of wisdom! So it will take some time for him to stop doing all of them, but he has the desire. He knows that he would be happier if he stopped smoking, drinking, doing drugs etc. he is awesome though. We told him that we are here to help him, and he was really excited. He said what if it takes me a year? We told him that missionaries would help him the whole time. I know that he is doing all this for baptism. He wants to be baptized, and the only way to be baptized, is to be clean. He wants that happiness that comes from being able to feel the spirit. He’s so great. He is really on the right track, and really wants to do everything right. I love that desire. Desire is really all that matters. Oh, and funny thing about D. We asked him his address, and he lives in the same shared house as B. Crazy!!!! So yeah, B gave him some advice also. What a good opportunity for missionary work for B. The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Things are going great. I am really receiving answers to prayers daily, and the mission is really just flying by. I can't believe it's almost October. Next month, I have just a year left of my mission. That really seems so short now. It’s crazy that I have served for a third of my mission in my greenie area. I am so lucky, because I really LOVE Banbury. I will be heartbroken to leave, but I know it will happen. Thank you for all your prayers, letters, love, and support. I really feel them. I know that what I am doing is what God wants me to do. I am so happy doing this work and seeing people's lives change. It’s unbelievable! Every girl really should go on a mission. Otherwise they are seriously deprived of some amazing chances to change people's lives. I love this mission. I love the Lord. And I love being in England. I hope you have a great week! Thank you for all the updates, and the news. I love you so much!
All my love heaped up pressed down and running over,
Sister Clark
PS. I LOVE YOU!!!
Tripanionship
DEAREST MOMMA AND PAPA, and the family and friends,
Thank you for the letter! What a fun musical fireside! I want to be in a musical fireside! Someday, I will find a harp here, and be in one. I have been letting people borrow my harp recital DVD (like the bishop and his family, and some others in the ward) and they love it. I don't think they believed me when I said I play the harp. Even though I feel like when I get home I won't be able to play it anymore. Sad.
Fun to see Norman Ortiz! I hope you said hi to him for me. He was such an inspirational teacher. I was so sad to have to stop piano when I did, but I guess it was best. But I still wish I could take from Mr. Ortiz. He’s fantastic! Was Simple Gifts a duet and did you play it at the fireside with him too? Fun fun! And WAY TO GO bringing non-members to the fireside! What a good missionary you are mom! Love it! Keep it up!
So about the organ. I am not playing anymore, because I was just substituting while H was out of town. But I did love it. And I will try those tips out next time I play. But I am relieved when I don't have to play because then I can talk to the ward before the meeting and after, and sit with people. It’s more about the missionary work. But it is fun to get a chance to play the organ. I even tried to play the pedals. Just tonic and dominant, of course. But it's still a challenge!
So SOOOOOO much happened this last week. It feels like it's been forever since last week, and at the same time it went by so fast. First big thing is that at transfers, we knew Sister N and I were staying in Banbury, and that's all we thought. But much to our surprise, we ended up with a TRI-panionship. Yes. We have three of us now! It’s me, sister N and Sister P. Sister P came out at the same time as me, and she is from Logan Utah. I love her so much, and since we first came to England, we became friends right away. So it's so fun having her here! It does make it difficult though. Having three in a companionship can be rough. Communication really does have to be KEY. But it's very fun to teach people. And we are going to be able to do a lot of splits with the ward and stuff. It’s pretty exciting! AND, sister P and I are going to be exercising together, and she is a runner, and I am so excited about that! We did a work out together in the morning, and we are going to eat really well together. I really can't wait! We have such goals for ourselves! I am pretty excited about it all.
So last week, we had the sisters training. It was three day training with Sister and President Ogden, and it was absolutely AMAZING. Seriously. I have never learned so much! I learned how to be a much more effective teacher, who relies on the spirit. Basically, the main points of the training were to teach us how to ask effective questions or "heaven sent questions" that have the investigators teach themselves. It’s all about feelings. Like "how did you feel when you prayed? Or how did you feel when you read the Book of Mormon." such good questions. And it's also all about silence. Because when we take a slower pace in teaching, and let there be some silence, then the spirit can talk to us, as well as our investigators. It’s amazing. We did SO many role plays in that time that we were in training, and just from those, I learned how to follow the spirit better. It’s so amazing how the spirit works. The training is seriously inspirational, and I can't wait to become more effective in that teaching.
So when we got home, we decided to really try right away to focus on the new training, so that we can change our old less effective ways. Well, yesterday, at about 6:00 in the evening, we felt like we should go finding in a place in Banbury called Grimsbury. I went here only once, and that was when I was on exchanges with sister Nadsady a couple weeks ago. And that's when we found a couple new investigators. One of which was D from Hungary. Now if you're asking yourself, wait, I thought we had a recent convert named D from Hungary, you are right! This is another one! And he is 23, and he met the elders in Hungary, and wanted to learn more now that he was here in England. Well, yesterday, when we were there, walking around talking to people, D came up to us. And we started talking. He said that he read what we asked him to, which was 3 Nephi 11, and he read it on Skype with the elder that was in Hungary before. We then went to a park, and promptly gave into the spirit. We asked questions and then just listened. To him and the spirit. We found so much about him, and we read with him, and the spirit was so strong. By the end of the lesson, he told us that in Hungary he had prayed to know that the Book of Mormon was true, and he got an answer, and that he knew without a doubt that it was true. It was an incredible lesson! I couldn't believe it! By the end he was asking us how many times a week he could see us! Wow, it really does work. I am so amazed! I love how the spirit works so well. Why did we ever try to rely on ourselves, when obviously God knows best!
So with B, he is still doing wonderful! He is coming to church every week, and soon should receive the priesthood! We are so excited about him! He’s awesome!
C. Wow, C is on fire. He came to church on Sunday (like he always does) but this time, he asked the Bishop where he could get a tithing slip, and he paid his tithing! He’s not even a member yet!!! Wow. And after we were talking, and he said he is SO excited for his baptism on the 9th of October! I can't wait for him. He’s an amazing man. We are so lucky to be entrusted with someone like him!
And M, he is also doing wonderfully! We love him! He is now reading a chapter a day. He reads and then comes to us, talking about Nephi and Laman and Lemuel and Ishmael. He remembers all the names. He is excited about reading it! And he said that the one day that he didn't read, his day went really badly. So we know that he has a beginning of a testimony of the book! We are so excited for him! I can't believe how much he has changed since I first met him, in my first weeks in Banbury, finding with Elder H. Wow!
There are amazing things happening in Banbury. Everyone in the ward feels it. Everyone we meet feels it. It’s amazing. It was lovely. When we called all the people in our ward when we found out we were staying in Banbury, the bishop was one of the most excited. He told us that he had called the mission president, and had told him how much sister N and I have changed the ward and the feeling of love and unity. I love it! I love this work. Sometimes it's so rough. And sometimes I cry, but it's because I so want to be a good missionary! I want to be obedient. And hard working. And diligent. And faithful. I want the lord to be able to entrust his children in my care. Wow, that's a lot of responsibility! I feel it on my shoulders. But it's also such an amazing feeling, because I know that I have been called to do this, and that the lord will bless me with what I need to succeed. I love this work! I love this gospel. I know without any doubt that this is the only true church on the earth. I love it! And I am grateful mom and papa, to have been so well raised to have the gospel be such a crucial part of my life!
I love you so much!
Love,
Sister Clark
All my love, heaped up, pressed down, and running over!
Thank you for the letter! What a fun musical fireside! I want to be in a musical fireside! Someday, I will find a harp here, and be in one. I have been letting people borrow my harp recital DVD (like the bishop and his family, and some others in the ward) and they love it. I don't think they believed me when I said I play the harp. Even though I feel like when I get home I won't be able to play it anymore. Sad.
Fun to see Norman Ortiz! I hope you said hi to him for me. He was such an inspirational teacher. I was so sad to have to stop piano when I did, but I guess it was best. But I still wish I could take from Mr. Ortiz. He’s fantastic! Was Simple Gifts a duet and did you play it at the fireside with him too? Fun fun! And WAY TO GO bringing non-members to the fireside! What a good missionary you are mom! Love it! Keep it up!
So about the organ. I am not playing anymore, because I was just substituting while H was out of town. But I did love it. And I will try those tips out next time I play. But I am relieved when I don't have to play because then I can talk to the ward before the meeting and after, and sit with people. It’s more about the missionary work. But it is fun to get a chance to play the organ. I even tried to play the pedals. Just tonic and dominant, of course. But it's still a challenge!
So SOOOOOO much happened this last week. It feels like it's been forever since last week, and at the same time it went by so fast. First big thing is that at transfers, we knew Sister N and I were staying in Banbury, and that's all we thought. But much to our surprise, we ended up with a TRI-panionship. Yes. We have three of us now! It’s me, sister N and Sister P. Sister P came out at the same time as me, and she is from Logan Utah. I love her so much, and since we first came to England, we became friends right away. So it's so fun having her here! It does make it difficult though. Having three in a companionship can be rough. Communication really does have to be KEY. But it's very fun to teach people. And we are going to be able to do a lot of splits with the ward and stuff. It’s pretty exciting! AND, sister P and I are going to be exercising together, and she is a runner, and I am so excited about that! We did a work out together in the morning, and we are going to eat really well together. I really can't wait! We have such goals for ourselves! I am pretty excited about it all.
So last week, we had the sisters training. It was three day training with Sister and President Ogden, and it was absolutely AMAZING. Seriously. I have never learned so much! I learned how to be a much more effective teacher, who relies on the spirit. Basically, the main points of the training were to teach us how to ask effective questions or "heaven sent questions" that have the investigators teach themselves. It’s all about feelings. Like "how did you feel when you prayed? Or how did you feel when you read the Book of Mormon." such good questions. And it's also all about silence. Because when we take a slower pace in teaching, and let there be some silence, then the spirit can talk to us, as well as our investigators. It’s amazing. We did SO many role plays in that time that we were in training, and just from those, I learned how to follow the spirit better. It’s so amazing how the spirit works. The training is seriously inspirational, and I can't wait to become more effective in that teaching.
So when we got home, we decided to really try right away to focus on the new training, so that we can change our old less effective ways. Well, yesterday, at about 6:00 in the evening, we felt like we should go finding in a place in Banbury called Grimsbury. I went here only once, and that was when I was on exchanges with sister Nadsady a couple weeks ago. And that's when we found a couple new investigators. One of which was D from Hungary. Now if you're asking yourself, wait, I thought we had a recent convert named D from Hungary, you are right! This is another one! And he is 23, and he met the elders in Hungary, and wanted to learn more now that he was here in England. Well, yesterday, when we were there, walking around talking to people, D came up to us. And we started talking. He said that he read what we asked him to, which was 3 Nephi 11, and he read it on Skype with the elder that was in Hungary before. We then went to a park, and promptly gave into the spirit. We asked questions and then just listened. To him and the spirit. We found so much about him, and we read with him, and the spirit was so strong. By the end of the lesson, he told us that in Hungary he had prayed to know that the Book of Mormon was true, and he got an answer, and that he knew without a doubt that it was true. It was an incredible lesson! I couldn't believe it! By the end he was asking us how many times a week he could see us! Wow, it really does work. I am so amazed! I love how the spirit works so well. Why did we ever try to rely on ourselves, when obviously God knows best!
So with B, he is still doing wonderful! He is coming to church every week, and soon should receive the priesthood! We are so excited about him! He’s awesome!
C. Wow, C is on fire. He came to church on Sunday (like he always does) but this time, he asked the Bishop where he could get a tithing slip, and he paid his tithing! He’s not even a member yet!!! Wow. And after we were talking, and he said he is SO excited for his baptism on the 9th of October! I can't wait for him. He’s an amazing man. We are so lucky to be entrusted with someone like him!
And M, he is also doing wonderfully! We love him! He is now reading a chapter a day. He reads and then comes to us, talking about Nephi and Laman and Lemuel and Ishmael. He remembers all the names. He is excited about reading it! And he said that the one day that he didn't read, his day went really badly. So we know that he has a beginning of a testimony of the book! We are so excited for him! I can't believe how much he has changed since I first met him, in my first weeks in Banbury, finding with Elder H. Wow!
There are amazing things happening in Banbury. Everyone in the ward feels it. Everyone we meet feels it. It’s amazing. It was lovely. When we called all the people in our ward when we found out we were staying in Banbury, the bishop was one of the most excited. He told us that he had called the mission president, and had told him how much sister N and I have changed the ward and the feeling of love and unity. I love it! I love this work. Sometimes it's so rough. And sometimes I cry, but it's because I so want to be a good missionary! I want to be obedient. And hard working. And diligent. And faithful. I want the lord to be able to entrust his children in my care. Wow, that's a lot of responsibility! I feel it on my shoulders. But it's also such an amazing feeling, because I know that I have been called to do this, and that the lord will bless me with what I need to succeed. I love this work! I love this gospel. I know without any doubt that this is the only true church on the earth. I love it! And I am grateful mom and papa, to have been so well raised to have the gospel be such a crucial part of my life!
I love you so much!
Love,
Sister Clark
All my love, heaped up, pressed down, and running over!
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