Elder Brandon Clark Serving an LDS Mission in Lima, Peru South: God does not make mistakes!

What a week. Started out very rough and irritating. As I didn't quite know what
to expect from my companion as he was a totally different person than me! He is
from Utah, Salt Lake City. On the first day, I had lots of emotions and confusing
thoughts. And everything was just crazy and surreal. Even now it still feels
like a fantasy. The flight there was super sketchy, as the plane was making some
weird noises haha. but I met a cool guy named Elder Fraizer, and he is going to
Lima as well. But when we arrived everything was kinda out of control. As only
one leader was trying to collect and gather all 200 missionaries! It was crazy.
The Mexico airport is nasty and super ghetto haha. But it was super nice when we
finally arrived at the CCM at like 6pm. My companions name is Elder Smith. He is
awesome, I didn't like him at all at first. I couldn't act myself around him!
But after Sunday I got used to him. He has a strong testimony and is very good
at Spanish! Everything happens for a reason, and God does not make mistakes! I
now know why the Lord put me with Elder Smith, when at first I had no clue.

We hear police sirens every 10 minutes along with gun shots and like cannon

shots every 30 minutes! Plus people are constantly honking, the driving is
crazy! It has rained every single day except like once. It will be super hot at
one point and then it will just be dumping rain, people get soaked, but thanks
to my awesome jacket my mom got me I'm set! Thanks mom! Plus the food is
terrible! We get to have pizza on Tuesdays which is like heaven! I miss my mom's
food so much ! I definitely took it for granted.. the food is no bueno here
haha. Plus there are so many barking spiders all over the place, they are
following me everywhere! It's terrible, I think its the food. But all of the
companions are catching on to my AZ slang, haha. I have to shave everyday now,
that's a pain. And there is a really tight schedule here, but I try my best to be
obedient with exactness like the 2k stripling warriors! 100%.

However, it is so challenging when everyone around you is catching on to the

Spanish and already speaking it and I have no clue what I'm doing. However I am
really good at knowing what people are saying and understanding them but I don't
know how to say anything really, I didn't know how to react in Spanish. It is so
frustrating when I know exactly what I want to say, but I can't say it.
Especially when we were teaching out first investigator. His name is Joseph.
He's awesome! It was so difficult teachings him the first few times, I wasn't
nervous, but I did feel really dumb for not really saying anything until the end
when I attempted to say my testimony... I love him, he brought us donuts one
night! It was like winning a million dollars! We have had some awesome lessons,
even though the first two I had know idea what he was saying, or what I was
saying. Since it takes me like ten years to say one word.

But Sundays are the best! Very spiritual! We had a devotional that night, it was

so amazing! Bishop Cates, the director of the CCM spoke about the "eye of
faith"---seeing yourself in the future.

Are the things in the past out weighing what's in the future? Don't let the past

"blur" your future! Let go of the past and take control of the future.
Stick to your task, til it sticks to you. Stay on target. Don't look back like Lots wife.
Target=Missionary Purpose. Bring others to Christ. Push yourself to the edge,
and fly! That which we persist in doing becomes easy to do. Starters are many ,
finishers are few! Got to strengthen my testimony so much that day, as I gained
a greater understanding and appreciation for John Tanner and his amazing and
inspiring story! Wow. And I did start reading "Jesus the Christ", such an
amazing book ! I love it!

Every time I go to bed I think of everyone, my family and friends.. its been very

challenging to fall asleep sometimes, but I have gotten better. I am completely
in the swing of things now. I have a lot of friends like Elder Beckstead, he's raw
as dirt! Super chill guy, we are like the same, haha. I got him saying as dirt,
chirp, you know haha. Got to play ball with Elder Ryan too, that was super fun!
Glad we got to catch up! We have gym time after lunch everyday, I play soccer.
Its super fun! Got to score like a bunch of goals! Feels like I felt a little
bit back home after not playing for 4 years. Kinda like LeBron going back to
Cleveland! haha. I workout every morning thanks to Tanner and his awesome
workout program he gave me! I am sore everyday, its awesome.

And I felt super cool when I got a letter in the mail! I was the first one haha,

thanks Mommer and Papa! Mail takes likes 11 days to get here.
The first couple days were very very difficult! But now it is leveling out. And
I am learning so much everyday. I know the Lord will help me if I have faith and
put my trust in Him. But I know that I have to my best in order for him to bless
me. I asked my DL for a blessing so that I may learn the language, and it was
an awesome blessing! He said , "you will learn the language and that my mind
will be open, and my family will be safe and protected while I am gone." I felt
the spirit so strong. My DL is awesome, he is going to Lima West. Such a good
example.

I love you guys so much ! Thank you for all the prayers and support ! I miss you

all so much !

LOVE, Elder Clark

Ps. I want my missionary plaque to be Ether 12:27 please thanks

Letter from his MTC companion:

Sister Clark,
What an incredible son you have!! I am so grateful for his example and love for
the gospel and his kindness to me. Thank you for raising such a stellar young
man and missionary.
Elder Smith

Brandon's District

Brandon & his District Leader

Mexico Rain

Elder Smith & Elder Clark

Enjoying the Rain!

Trying to escape the prison...haha. The walls of the Mexico CCM.

Elder Meyers & Brandon look like they could be related!

Looks like he already gave away his tie to Elder Meyers

Sweet reunion with Jaydon Ryan. They lived in the same neighborhood for 8 years in Layton, Utah. They played on the same basketball team together. Jaydon left his retainers at home, so Shari mailed them here for Brandon to bring to Jaydon. Brandon was so happy to have a friend at the CCM.