Goodbye Ayacucho

out of ayacucho...

very sad to leave Ayacucho..

it was very tough.. I miss it so much haha.

But now that I am in Chorrillos, I can start somthing new, I am very excited to be able to be a district leader. I am in the area of San Genaro, and my new companion is Elder Soto, he is great, well I can't say anything yet .. I guess.. just pray for me mom, I think it will be a rough one.. I need your prayers, I know you are praying for me! but I know that I will need them even more!

 I had such a fun transfer with my first son. It was hard to leave him, haha. but I hope that the lord can do great things with me . and I am starting something brand new, the area is big, struggling, and my comp doesn't know the area either, he is new as well.  But I know that I am here for a reason, I don't know why, but the lord knows! I am so proud of Noah and his progression as a son of God, I am so proud of the family! I just hope I can reach that level you guys are at and work as hard as you guys are working! I miss you guys but it only helps me work with more love for my Savior! I know this is the way we show our love for him, as we work with determination to find his childern that are lost, they are out there. We need to take a shot, or they will never know, or even have the chance to listen. We are HIS HANDS, we are his CHILDREN.
I know it and I know He loves us and just wants to bless us!
Elder Cl8rk

Well Mom, everything has been super great!

This week we were able to find more choosen children of God. We have seen the tender mercies of the Lord, as we recieved a refferal from someone, and as I wrote it down, I guess I wrote it down wrong and we were able to find a family by going to the wrong the house, however, we were able to find the other guy yesterday. The tender mercies are able to come and be given through the faith we have, like nefi says in his first chapter and 20th verse. And another great thing is that I have grown like 2 inches! I am super pumped! It was like a I had a new vision on everything! haha

But we are doing great, the Lord has really blessed us this week, we have this great family we are working with, the dad is a less active and the wife is an investigator,and wow are these lessons powerful! They listen with their spiritual ears! It is so great! The 4th should be a great day for them! haha.

I love you mom! I am so proud of you and what you are doing! You are the greatest mother anyone could ask for! I love you so much.
Elder C!ark


This is the family!

EARNE got baptized!

Just got an email from Jessie Harrison telling me how great you are! and how you have blessed her life so much, she told my how great  our family is, and it is so true! I am just so spoiled! haha. you guys are the greatest! and I know I am super sad... I got the conference magazine, and wow have I just been feasting upon it! haha.

and yes it is super sad the he passed away.. couldnt believe it.. he was great.

and you got to keep me updated with Lebron! haha or at least keep yourself updated haha.

However, EARNE got baptized this Saturday, and wow was it so great! you could see the new joy in his eyes, and like I have said, he is filled will so much excitement in him and joy when he sees us. It was so cool, my comp baptized him, it was awesome! I forgot my cord at the house, sorry I dont have any pics this week, super sad about that. But it was super special to see the baptism by fire yesterday as I saw his excitement to get the gift of the Holy Ghost. He showed up super early to be comfirmed. I love it.

something I learned is that we have these rebaptisms every sunday as we partake of the sacrament, like it says in 2neph31.13  we can feel this baptism of fire as we are willing to keep our promises through the week. WE become reborn. I love that. I can feel that. as I focus on the ATONEMENT, which is everythng us, and especially me as I have felt this ability to change. I know it is possible! and it is the only way back like it says in verse 21. I have been memorizing chapter 31, it is so great. well the whole book is so great!

I hope you can feel my love I have you mom, before you know it I will be back, which is super crazy for me, cuz it is going by super quick! but I have many more to learn I know it. I feel like you guys are doing great! I know it, you guys are perfect examples for me, I love just bragging so much about you guys, you help me work hard with love, cuz love is power, and power is love, dad taught me that haha. I know that this is the time where I can be molded more than ever, that is why I am so proud of Noah and seeing him already started, I am so happy he is being molded already, as he is putting himself in the best position to become even more perfected through Christ

I love you mom!
love your Son, Elder Clark

The small acts of service, really make a difference!

we made some really good chicken! that we just bought off the market!

This week, We decided to start working in a different part of our area, since it is so big!


There was a worker that was working outside of our house, the house of bishop, and we passed by a couple times, and we said hi to him of course, and as we were coming home I felt like giving him a pass along card with Christ on it. And as I did, it looked like he had been touched by the Spirit, and had some tears of joy and love. Then we went in the house, and I wondered, why didn't I contact him? So we ran back out of the house, and contacted him. And so yesterday, we were able to find his house, that was way up on this hill, and it was such a miricale that we found him, because I'm not very familiar with the area. However, we found them way up on this hill with his mud and wood-like house, and we sat on some wood logs and taught his family(Paulino). WOW was it great! As his humble ears were open and ready to listen, as his wife barely spoke Spanish, she could feel the loving spirit that we had brought into their home.  There are many humble spirits in these poorer parts of Ayacucho, as many don't even speak spanish . but I know that the small things mean the most! The small acts of service, as seen by our Savior, really make a difference! He was ready to listen and believe every word that we told him. Just like Ammon and Aaron, we can offer service to others, and they will know us by our fruits, by the acts we do and the light that we shine! They will want to know where this light comes from!


Elder Clervice

Our new toothbrush holders!

mom, it was one of you the most challenging weeks that I have had in the mission, since my training.. however, there are many challenges that come, because it means the Lord is ready to stretch you and make you better. I ran into a some poles that were sticking out of this building the other day, and it ripped a hole in my shirt.. it was just like that moment but it was all week haha.. however, we are doing our best, never have worked more hard in my life than now.. but that rough moment was like that all week, like all of these things were just happening all at once.. it was something that I had to learn to just laugh off. I learned this week, that I need to be happy in my trials, not just happy when this are all good and dandy. we are finding new investigators, however, I know that the Lord wants me to just learn and grow, and especially come closer to HIM. It's all for a reason,and I know HE knows what HE is doing for me and the area that I am in.

I know that only those who truly read his personal letter (Book of Mormon) everyday, are those who will make it back to HIM in the celestial kingdom. Only those will are willing to die for the book, will be exalted. I'm striving to get to that point! My testimony of that book grows everyday, by like a million, its just too great and perfect!

I invited Gabe to church, I keep telling him that I am going to baptize him when I get back! :)

and do you know the email of Nick haro. I would like to talk to him.

sorry my letters are not very interesting like the other missionaries I'm sure haha. The mission is hard, but the greatest ever haha. I hope that Doug is alright, and that Aunt Kristin is reading her book of Mormon like I asked her :)

I love you mom! so much!
your son,

Elder Cl°rk

Fried Oreos!

He didn't feel well the next morning.

Penny shuffle board

I have learned so much as new challenges have been thrown at me. but I have learned that everything we are given is a blessing. Like Lehi says to his son, 2nefi2:2, all of our aflictions are just a blessing, for our advantage. And even if we don't understand this, we can have faith in the words of Nefi. when he says, 1nefi11.17, I know that the Lord loves his Children, but I don't know the meaning of all things. He loves us and just wants to help us develp faith in his Son Jesus Christ, 2nefi2:9

I know he loves us. To put aside all, like Nefi says again in his last words, 2nefi26:24, he doesn't do anything, unless it is to bless us as his children.

Even though we may not understand his will, we can look to someone who did, our Savior Jesus Christ, as he submitted to his fathers will completly, as Abinadi explains in Mosiah 15:7, HE understood HIS purpose here. And we need to strive to do the same, to understand and remember, (never forget) who we are. WE  are HIS children, and he LOVES US. Remember that the things you can count, usually don't count,however the things that you can't count do count.  Look to be like CHRIST. This gospel or better said, this ATONEMENT, is not a burden, like Elder Utchdorf explained, it's a blessing, repentance is a blessing. We can become like HIM. and that's all he wants , is for us to have the full potential to receive these promised blessings, as we strive to become like HIM.

HE LOVES US! AND WE ARE HIS CHILDREN!


AND I LOVE YOU MOM!


the GREATEST FAM of all Time!


YOUR SON, ELDER CLARK

Saying Goodbye

Kristin & Dave-
Zoom into the floor & check out the mini-penny shuffle board taped on the floor! He's teachimg the Peruvians our family game!

Slight Changes lead to GREAT Changes

I just got back today from a 10 hour bus ride again from Lima, it's the worst.  Sorry mom I don't have my camera, left it at home. But I hope that you remember my skype account...I don't remember how we did it last time. However, I have a new comp now. Elder Barrera. He is from Utah, I know he doesn't look like it haha, but he is brand new. I am training him, and he is great, he wants to learn, and I have got to learn a lot from him. just like the teacher learns more than the student, the trainer learns more from the trainee. I can't wait to start a new chapter of the mission.

But i have had some great times with Elder Ivancovich, especially last week. As we were teaching Ernie, who is from Lima, and just pure energy, funny as can be. Reminds me a  little part of my African America friends from the states. However, we were teaching him and we felt the need to change the lesson that we were going to teach to the word of wisdom. and he was a little shocked as we touched on the subject of tea and coffee, especially when they were sitting on his windowsill. However, we helped him out a bit, and shared some scriptures, and the spirit was there, and then we invited him to throw them away right then. and right at that moment, Ernie stood right up and walked over to his tea and coffee and threw them right in the trash can! and he explained how he does want to change his life... and I was so proud and excited at that moment! you can see the slight changes, that lead to great changes!

I know we can all change, as we come to understand the atonement of Jesus Christ, as we read the Book of Mormon. as we can grow a true testimony as we understand the Book of Mormon. WE all need a strong and firm testimony of the book that can change us, through the understanding and studying of the Book of Mormon.

Mosiah 27:25

3lder Clark

wow that is so great mom! I love it! sounds like you guys are still just the cutiest ever! I feel so spiritually uplifted! I love the scriptures. and I will never go a day without reading them! I have learned so much! this week is going to be different as my comp and I have noticed a lot that we lack and need to improve on! this week we had a great exp. We saw this kid who was playing the claw. and he lost the game. and walked away all sad. we saw all of this happen. and so we decided to do something about it. we saw the toy he wanted. so right then we ran over to the game and skillfully caught the toy and won! it was great. then we ran over to the kid and gave him the toy. he was shocked as I am sure he was heading home to his mom empty handed, who probably didn't have the money to play again. however, as we saw him walking away playing with his toy. we felt the love of christ! and this week we are going to change. and think more of our savior! we are going to focus on what he would do. As utchdorf said. the things that you can count usually dont matter, but the things that you can't count really do count.  the service stat is not in the agenda, and you can't really count it. but angels up in heaven can! so this week we will focus on the things that don't count but that are going to be written up in heaven. we are going to change our mentality to the mentality of the Lords, or at least strive to the best of our abilities!
I love you so much mom! I really miss you, but in a way that it makes me work harder. I am working or will work the most efficient that I ever had before this week. I love you and I am sorry for the lack of detail that I give. but I will try and do better! I am so greatful for all that you have to offer me as a missionary, but first off as a son! I am trying to be molded through the atonement of our savior, and change and become more like him! this week I can't wait to change the ideal work. I wish I could have seen you as a misionary. I am sure you would have been great. remember the challenge I gave you and the fam! to find or better said, save a family! you don't need a plaque to be a missionary! you can do it! I love you mom!
love your son!
elder clark!

 My comp fell Asleep During Companionship prayer!  I was dying! HAHA!

The spirit is always willing to guide us

Well I can't wait to talk to you soon, its coming up. But like I said, I have been staying up till like 1 or 2 trying to catch up, but I know the promise from Elder scott last conf is true as I have truly lived this promise, everytime I study late at night, I ask the lord for energy, and he always gives it. SCRIPTURES>sleep. The scriptures are more important than sleep.

But this week we had a pretty cool exp., after this meeting or training that we have with President Douglas, he told elder Ivancovich and I that he felt impressed to tell us that we needed to find a family that day. So we were super pumped all day, just looking everywhere. all afternoon, however we werent finding anyone. Until about 8:15 came around and we were like , man we are running out of time.. and we have no one to visit. and we only had 45mins left till we had to be in the house. And then we both decided that we need to say a prayer. So we went around the corner, and elder invancovich offered the prayer, that we would find the family, that our Saviour had promised us, because President is the mouth piece of the Saviour, and right when he started the prayer, a map showed up in my mind,  not a specific map, it was like a dark map, then a darkish dot showed up on the map, and I knew exacted where we needed to go! and the Spirit indicated that we needed to go up the hill. And when he finished the prayer we felt good, and I followed the spirit exactly where it had indicated me to go. And just a little bit up the hill was a man playing in the street with his kids. And I knew it was the man we needed to contact, we contacted him , and he asked us where we were headed, if we were going visit someone in the neighborhood. But we told him or asked him if we could teach him. and he gladly invited us in his house. And we taught him and his younger crazy little kids that are super cute. they are great.

however the ward limits changed so we had to give them up.

But I know the spirit is always willing to guide us, if just listen. But we cant listen if we are not worthy or obedient. We had to be dilligent to the rules and instructions of the mission, or better said, the Lord.

Elder Cl-rk

I know this might sound cheesy but , the story I told you is true but like it says in alma 56.44 I was was called, or I chose to accept the calling. And the 46-47 verses talk about the mothers, and I know that through your teachings and counsels your were able to help and you helped me and are helping me complete my acceptance to the calling. So thank you. You are the best and would have been a better missionary than me. you are the best. I love you so much!

Love your son.

* Mom note:
Brandon challenged Bryan,  myself & himself to read the book of Mormon in 30 days & end on our anniversary. That's what he us referring to when he says he's trying to catch up to finish this week :)

Well, I have learned a lot this week mom, this week my comp and I have realized many things, last night especially. As the spirit opened our minds and helped us realize what we need to change. We are very good at reaching our goals and things, however, we sometimes have felt that they are not true offerings unto the Lord that we can offer.

We have felt that we are doing well, however we are not direct and to the point. Like Elder Oaks said, we can not be afraid to offend. like amulek haha Alma 11:23

We need to be steadfast and immovable with our lessons. We need to firm in all we do. We need to have the fear before the Lord. So when people talk apostasy, we tell them how it really is, with love we show them what we believe.

I had a great recording I was going to send... but it was too big and I couldnt send it for some reason... sorry. I am so sad... I took too much time trying to get it, or I would have wrote more of the amazing story that I recorded...

I know the Atonement can save all those who are willing to change and be truly saved. like Zeezrom. in Alma 11:21 ,35

As we see that he has commited a terrible sin, we can see that the lord still accepts him into his arms of mercy.

Alma 15:5-12

The Lord lifts him up, as he can lift us up. I know that it is only through him we can be saved. We are only strong when we are on his shoulders. We need to just come unto him.

I have seen lives change, maybe not if they got baptized or could not get baptized, they began to change, and they could see it too. The Lord is always there.

He is just waiting for us, like a brother over the other side of the edge. And as we slip on the sand to our death, HE is there.

Elder Clªrk

Brandon's companion sent this email to us today:

I just wanted to tell you that you have the best son in the world. What a joy it is to be able to serve with him. He is the type of missionary (son) that all moms and dads yearn to have. I am so truly blessed. Thank you for raising such a valiant son.

Elder Ivancovich

General Conference

Those pictures are so great! Noah looks huge... That sounds like the coolest contest on the planet!!! talking about contests haha, who won march maddness hahah. i forgot to fill out a bracket.go duke!

That conference was so amazing. it flew by as I felt like I was trying to suck out every bit of info that I heard. cant wait to read the talks again. but I imagined you guys we eating your biscuits and gravy. so jealous haha. But this was insane. We had this so called "semana santa" holy week, which just meant an excuse to party and drink haha. But the weekend of conference, they had a bull run just outside the stake center. so they would run down these inclosed roads, getting chased by this bull. We showed up early to the conference, but it was locked. So we waited for it to start, and we watched the start of the bull run as we stood on the sidelines watching the bulls get let loose. everyone freaked out. But it was so cool to see the tradition. But then it just got worse...as the night when on.
 But you could feel the difference from just outside the gates of the stake center and from inside hearing the words of the prophet & apostles. But when you stepped out side you could smell the evil...

But I felt so much power of the words of every servant as they talked about the family.

I didnt get to listen to preisthood session. There was this crazy party outside the church. so we had to go haha. but I'm sure it was great. I thought about you all this week so much, especially as I got to talk to my comp a lot as we stay up late having these super deep and spiritual converstations with each other about everything. And we always brag about the families that we have. I always go off about the parents I have and all the wonderful lessons they taught me that sometimes I didn't see it in the past but I see them now. I feel the power of families. I know that you were and are the greatest dad. ALL the heveanly father like moments that I had with you, as you let me feel the redeemly love, and you both helped me feel the song, not just know the dance moves. you guys are the greatest.

Fried blueberry muffin mix