Well, it was a pretty good week getting used to everything! Nothing too crazy has happened yet, there are no cactus gardens here, no volcanic rock surfing yet, and it definitely is a change, but that's okay. As I was getting ready to leave my old area, I decided that I was not going to complain. I decided no matter how hard the area was going to be, or the zone, no matter how hard of a companion I got, or how much work and fun I was leaving behind, some unfinished, I was not going to complain and was going to have a good attitude. Because I have been so blessed-not only in my mission, but in all of my life. Because I LOVE being a missionary and now that I'm getting more time in the mission I'm not looking forward to it ending. And because "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). On Sunday it was fast and testimony meeting so I took a little time to present myself to the new ward and to share my testimony and I talked about having faith and patience through trials that the Lord will fulfill his promises. I talked about how it was a little bit harder for me at the beginning of the mission, how I thought I would be here forever, and it was going to be 2 years full of trials. I guess you could say that I lost my faith a little bit, but now I'm here, I feel in love with the people and Mexico (especially those tacos) and love every little thing about being a missionary. It is interesting how we get used to some things that might be hard at first, and how much we can learn to love doing what is right in life if we hold onto the hope and faith, and have patience and trust in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Good thing I still have a little while more to work because I have decided I am going to give it my all these last 8 months no matter where I'm at, who I'm with, or whatever the circumstances may be. Because I promised my Heavenly Father I would and I love this great work.
So yes, just like pretty much every area I've gotten to, there was not much work starting out, but we've already started seeing a lot more fruits and success in our area in just 1 week! I remember getting here, getting on my knees, and praying to find and recognize the people and families that I am supposed to meet and bless here, the lives who I have been foreordained to serve. On Saturday night, we got to a very humble house of a mom (Maria) and her daughter (Alejandra). It was really interesting because I never had seem them before but I already felt a connection with them, and that I had been called specifically to serve, love, and help them. Elder Palacios (my new companion) had been talking about dropping them because they weren't really progressing, but after I met them, I thought, there's no way we can drop them now, and asked my companion if we could give them one more chance to prove themselves and go to church. We talked a lot about the importance of the Sacrament with them, the Book of Mormon and it was one of the strongest moments I've ever felt the spirit and a Heavenly love for them in a lesson. It was like my soul was pleading for them to come unto Christ, because I knew how much it would bless their lives. At the end, the mom told me that she knew that God sent us into her life to help her change, and that she was so grateful for us. Alejandra (11 years old) was so excited to go to church. What really made me happy though was when they got to church on Sunday, and I was so happy for them. We have another appointment with them this week so hopefully they can get baptized soon!
Meanwhile back in our old area, Warnick tells me that our investigators keep shading us, or that they tell us they will go to church when they really don't. That was always super frustrating for us and why we could never really get a set baptism, but I'm really hoping Fernando and Patricio can go to church and get baptized soon. Also another convert update for the week- Ramiro is doing great, is now in the Elders quorum Presidency and should be going to the temple to get sealed with his wife in a couple months!!! I'm so excited and can't believe it has already almost been a year since I baptized him! Damian and his family are also doing good in Villada and I saw them the other week in Stake Conference! Always is good to hear that your converts are doing good though, and I love them so much.
Well, as always, thank you so much for the support, love, and prayers you offer for me. I don't know what I would do without such supportive family and friends. Apart from all the investigators we are finding I'm definitely getting to find some of the other important things in our area, like where the best tacos are at, and of course, the gym! Can't ever stop that gym grind out here. Anyways, I love hearing from you guys whenever you can shoot me an email, and you're always in my prayers, have a great week!!
Elder Clark
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