Leaving Mexico - Off to Peru!

Monday morning 6am
 

Hey Madre! I am leaving in about 3 hours or so for Peru. Just wanted to let you know. idk if I can email you when I get there but we'll see, and yeah hopefully I don't get duffed!

We were able to zoom  into his flight itinerary and find out the information we needed track his flight. We watched for 6 hours and 11 minutes :) We didn't hear from him until Wednesday at 10:30am. Sounds short to you all, but to this missionary mom, it felt like forever. I was grateful to know that the plane arrived safely :)

District 19A Mexico CCM

Such a great looking group of missionaries!

I was sent this from someone in the CCM, not sure when it was taken, but definitely before haircut day-haha!

My Cheesy Basketball Analogy

Learned so much over this past week that's for sure! There are many missionaries here at the CCM who only have a testimony of this wonderful gospel. Not many missionaries are Converted!  Many people fall here as their testimony is tested, many don't turn to their God to help pick themselves back up, but others do their best & put their 100% trust in God to help them get back on their feet.

"Why do we fall, so we can learn to pick ourselves back up" this is probably one of my most favorite quotes not just because its from batman but, however we cannot pick ourselves back up without the help of the Lord. It’s like laying on the ground without any arms or legs and trying to get up.. It’s impossible. This past week I failed because I needed to be compelled to become humble. When I got ill so did my humility. However like in Alma 32:16 "blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble." I am striving to stay humble without experience. Become "TRULY HUMBLE"

Learned a lot this past Sunday as we got to listen to Elder Holland, my favorite. here are some notes:

-I am a 1st grade Surgeon & we are all the "HOPE" of Isreal

-Do you love "me"?---then Feed my sheep- forever!
-Don’t turn you back on this Gospel, stay your course, you can’t go back.

We also got to watch the "Joseph Smith, Restoration" movie. There were a lot of different things that touched my heart that i had not really noticed from the times before.  When Alvin dies I felt a piece of his pain… And I imagined how that would feel if that was me.. My testimony grew of the plan of Salvation& how we are only here for a short amount of time. Another thing is when Joseph says, "Lord, where art thou?". And the Lord promises this is nothing compared to the reward you will receive in Heaven. We will go through pain & sorrow but it will be nothing compared to the happiness and joy we will have in the thrones after this life.

The other day I had a very powerful but sad experience the other day with one of my other closest missionary friends Elder Hill. He is a very powerful and strong missionary with a huge desire to improve, serve the Lord, and helps and lift others. All he does is talk about his family and all of the wonderful experiences he has with his family.  He would always show me pictures of his family going hunting up in Idaho and what not. But then yesterday he gets called in by the President (pres. Pratt) and finds out (from his stake pres. on the phone) that his parents are getting a divorce. Family means everything to Hill. It just tore him to pieces as he was in complete shock. He never thought this would happen. I felt so bad for him... He keep telling everyone "if my brothers fall away just like my cousins , I am going to be so mad!" He kept saying that all those memories he shared are all gone now and they mean nothing.. I felt terrible.. He got offered to go home, but he said what help would it do for me to go all the way home when its not good enough to be here out on a mission, it won’t make a difference. I got to talk to him a little bit as I tried to give him a piece of advice or some comfort and help. I could feel his pain and anger… I only had about 5 minutes tops to talk to him.

I told him that his story reminded me of Alma the older & how he had so much faith & power of prayer, and praying so hard for his son that he came into the church. I told him you do the same through your faith & prayers for your brothers and family. Then, out of the blue i came up this cheesy analogy, about basketball, because that’s all I can relate to haha. I told him, life is a game of basketball, you have your coach, which is your mom and dad and they get a technical foul and are out of the game. And you are that player on the team who steps up, you are that team leader who brings your team all the way to victory, and in the end you get to come back into the locker room and celebrate with your "coach". You come back and get to rejoice with your family in the end! Hill was a baller back in high school so he liked that, however after that he told me he was just so worried for his brothers and if they would end up like his cousins who fell away and are now drinking and partying. And I told him that you got to tell yourself that "you are going to win the game" not "Im not going to lose this game". Try and flip the perspective of I can do this, my family will be back together. I tried to help him gain some more faith. Kinda told him how you can’t have fear & faith at the same time.

However as the day went by, his testimony grew 10 fold! He bore his testimony later that night and wow was it powerful. He said things like "now that this happened, I would not want to be anywhere else in the world except here. And when I get home and get married, my family is going to be the strongest family this gospel has ever had! My wife and I are going to be the Best companions in the world! No matter what happens we are staying together. And I am going to Peru and I am going to convert everyone I meet because I know this gospel is true!

You could feel the power and strength in his voice and power and strength that he had received from the Lord from this terrible and selfish act. I have a testimony that everything happens for a reason! Everyone experiences something difficult and challenging whether good or bad, to test them and bring them higher in this gospel. These trials are blessings, however it is very challenging to see them at this time for Hill, but his testimony is booming right now, and it was a blessing that this happened right now instead of in the field, or else he wouldn’t have all of his friends to love and help him.

Ether 12:6   ---"for you receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Crazy week. But it’s crazy to think that my time in this prison is coming to an end haha! Feels like I have been in here for an eternity but at the same time I thought I just got here. I am so excited to be in the real world and serve the people of Peru. I can’t wait. Wish my Español was a little better, but I just can’t wait to be out there bearing my testimony in my terrible Spanish!

Matthew 10:39

Matthew 11:28-30

Elder Clarl<

                                                             Elder Davis -  Baller

                                              Flight Itinerary from Mexico to Lima, Peru!

Pre Haircuts

Well, here comes an awful haircut.

 I've only had 2 haircuts in my entire life that were not done by my mom!

                                       

Elder Jenks Reaction to my haircut.

What is she doing?!?! Haha!

                                            Oh Man, this is worse than I could've imagined!

 

Everything happens for a Reason!

Wow, muchos cosas occured this week... don’t know where to start!
 Life is full of humbling experiences!!! (MTC)--***CCM, however I know that everything happens for a reason. The other day during a lesson, I felt very  confident & prepared in what I wanted to say... and when I say I choked ... I mean I choked haha. I mean I felt like a firefighter without any water or  his dalmation dog.  Showed up to the fire..choked. haha. I asked the  investigator "if you feel that these things are true, will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be ____ by someone holding the authority of the Preisthood of God?" I left out the most important word! I felt like a complete failure, like how am I ever going to do this if I can’t even teach a simple lesson & simple practice teaching...However, my companion Elder Smith & I talked about it and how not every lesson can be amazing and spiritual. Plus this is just practice for the real thing. I get really frustrated with myself.. as I compare myself to others. But that’s not what it’s about. I am here to learn, we are all here to learn! But Elder Smith gave me an amazing blessing of comfort & assurance. I was in tears, as I remembered the times back in grade school when I was wee lad struggling in school, trying to become a better reader, and a better speller. And I remembered being in tears because I was so frustrated with myself & I have experienced the same thoughts again of fear and doubt & embarrassment. But faith cannot exist when there is fear. But I remember my BEST FRIEND! Nick Allan being there for me with his arm around me, walked me home from school, comforting me.
Reminds me of Christ, and how he is always there for me, always there to bring me comfort and reassurance. These experiences , humble moments, happens for a reason. To help us turn back to Christ!  2 Nefi 19:17,21 20:4 "....but, his hand is still stretched out."  Be like Christ, be like Nick Allan and stretch forth your hand to help others, provide some one with love and comforting words, put your arm around a brother and tell you love him! I know the lord gives us these humbling experiences for a reason, these trials we face and challenges so that we can know without a doubt in our mind that when we turn to Christ he will bring us joy, comfort , and peace again!!! 
Mormon 5:17-18      "they had Christ for their Shepard, they were led even by God the father."
SCRIPTURE CHAIN- Mosiah 3:19----Mosiah 20:13-14-----2 Nefi 9:28-----Mormon 8:36-37----Mosiah 2:11,17     
*¨came up with that baby the other day.
 Stay far away from the line of becoming a natural man! Go away from the natural man!!!

Had another humbling experience... but this one was different haha. This CMM food finally got the best of me! I was sick as a dog! it was terrible.. I got the crew ship virus. The toilet and I got very personal... it was terrible! haha. I had to miss about two an a half days of class.. I was in so much pain with stomach cramps.. I was sick as dirt.. what can I say more.

 "There I sat all broken hearted,

  tried to poop but only farted,
  then one day I took a chance,
  tried to fart, ...... crapped my pantzzz!"
This ISN'T a true story yet... haha its just a little saying I picked up!

The other day we did a district fast for one of the elders in our district. Elder Meyers, a good good friend of mine. He is amazing, he knows so much doctrine. he inspires me to learn more.. but he has been terribly struggling with anxiety and depression bad. So we all decided to fast for him the other day.  After the fast He was completely changed! He felt amazing and like a new person! It was amazing, definitely a testimony builder of fasting for me and the whole district! Got to watch one of my most favorite mormon messages last night, by Pres. Hinkley. It's the story of two boys who initially decide to hide the man's shoes but instead wisely and kindly choose to place a silver dollar in each shoe. As they wait and see for the man to come back and see his reaction…The man knows it’s a gift from God and begins to pray about his family and how he is low on money and his shortage on food for his family.  I feel the spirit now just as I am writing about it.  I feel the spirit every time I watch this video! I challenge you to watch if you have or already have.

Reminds me every time how much I need to do more service for others and to be watching for opportunities, and to pray for these opportunities! This week has been a challenge but I know that the Lord gives experiences for many reasons so that we can remember our father in heaven & to remember that I am/WE are "Llamados a servir" --"Called to Serve" Him!

As I look back on my past several weeks in the CMM and pretty much my whole life, I find myself comparing myself with others to their bests or there weaknesses, whatever, it has prevented me from reaching my full potential and learning a lot more in my life! I am sometimes afraid of failure or not becoming "the" best.. I challenge you all NEVER to compare EVER!  Don’t let pride get in the way of anything.. because I know that if I let my pride get in the way then I cannot be a consecrated missionary.  The only comparing that should ever happen is to who you/I was yesterday. Strive to become better than you were yesterday!  Being humble to is key to everything.

Alma 26:12

ST John 11:10    15:13-15
Romans 8:31

Elder Cl@rk!

Me & all my homeskilletz! Elder Meyers is in the yellow shirt, Elder Lunt is to his right, really good friend, he's going to BYU to play baseball. Elder Jenks is in the striped jersey in the front with the neon socks, he's the funniest kid ever! And I'm on Elder Beckstead's shoulders, dude is chill as dirt. I love them all!!! Super chill guys

Here's a picture of Elder Beckstead. He's raw haha, he's from Mesa! He's already making plans for when we get back!

It's not all about you, it's about the people you serve

Time is flying by even though some days feel like forever. I hope I don’t repeat myself because, everything is just like an eternal cycle of the same the thing almost everyday. So it is very easy for most missionaries to slack off and not study.  I have seen this a lot in almost everyone, where it is easy to lose focus and determination to learn more, because they feel overwhelmed with how much they have to learn.  Many fall into this  lazy cycle of I need to take a break, many do not know how to work hard and be out of there comfort zone. I’m not going to lie, I find myself sometimes telling myself that I need a break. But then I remembered a devotional we had, don’t waste your time and more importantly the Lords time not, I need to do my part so that He can bless me. I had a really powerful experience yesterday, with my teacher and one of my fellow missionaries in my district. My teacher spoke to me about my progression in this work and how he would place me under his progression missionaries list.  Plus I felt the spirit soooo strong that night.  When I was talking to this missionary Elder Rindlisbacher, how he has been an inspiration to me for going on a mission (his cousin died couple weeks ago before his mission). And how he has been an example to me for how much work he has put into this language, and how he is terribly struggling with the language. But I bore my testimony to him that I know he will be a good missionary & he will learn this language, because he is putting 110% into his study and I know the Lord will provide! The Lord called him to this mission for a reason, and the Lord gives no commandment unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them!
1 Nephi 3:7

Last Sunday we had a devotional, and this speaker...forgot his name... taught about this wonderful work. He said something that was very interesting to me. "How much faith does it show if you are hoping it will rain but you don’t take an umbrella with you outside?" I thought that was interesting.

I have learned so much just over these past weeks concerning pride, Many missionaries like to talk about themselves and how they are prideful, kinda ironic, But many picture the mission only for them, however it is for you and will bless your life forever and ever. However it’s not all about you, it’s about the people you are serving and the lives you are going to change!  It’s about listening to their needs , and then being able to know what to teach them.  It’s about bringing the joy of the gospel unto others, it’s about them.

I have felt a piece of happiness, and how much joy we will feel when we return to live with God again! This is the Lords work, and we should obey the rules and commandments, because we love the Lord!  Not because we just want the blessings.

Helaman 5:17-19 really hit me preach with power! Astonish people, become  invested in this work! And help build this kingdom! Preach "My" Gospel! His work, his way! You want people to repent, He wants you to repent, you want people to stop bad habits, he wants you to stop bad habits.

The SECOND COMING has already STARTED! 194 years ago!

I’ll share some funny stories later, running out of time sorry. Thanks again
for all the prayers and support! Love you all and miss you all so much!

Elder CL$RK

Mosiah 27:25

And the Lord said unto me:

Marvel not that all mankind, yea men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters

Matthew 18:20 (don't worry mom)   ;)

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 Just for kicks 2 kings 2:23-24, Helaman 1:21

*He sent me in a very brief additional email that he is healthy & loves the letters from Dearelder.com--so thank you to all who have reached out and emailed him! He also added that he Goes to Peru August 26th

*A side note....for several years he said Helaman 1:21 was going on his mission plaque, he has loved this scripture for so long, just for the thought of someone being that strong.

He also is positive he will come home bald, hence the love for 2 Kings scripture

Kemish Martinez - our teacher

Taking a ride on a garbage can roller,

sporting his Duke blue devils Nike Elite Socks!

Boy do we ever miss him.

Reach your Full Potential

Not quite sure where to start with this week ! Everything has just kind of meshed together.  its really strange. Been sick with a soar throat.. the worst.. so I haven't been working out. But I have learned so much in this past week with all that has happened, even though its not much. However I and everyone in my district has come to love our teach. Kemish Martinez, he is in the picture of us all in the classroom and he took the video.  He is an amazing teacher! he has taught so much over these past few days. "Stay in the boat, stay in the lords hands."  The boat is where we are supposed to be, stay on your mission, and if you quit you will be in dangerous territory.  "When the storms come, are you going to stay in the boat , or jump out ?"  Teach with simplicity & show your love and compassion towards them.  He taught us how to react , when an investigator says no to a baptism invitation.  If they don't feel ready yet you would say, well will you be willing to, when you FEEL & TRULY KNOW that baptism is correct, will you be baptized? He also taught a good analogy, about a mustang cobra, how would it feel to go 10 mph.. lame and wanted to go faster of course.. but how would feel to go 160 mph!?  Excited and reaching its full potential.  How would it feel if you just have a small testimony or teach just a few lessons?  Reach your full potential!  WE need to have good desires, we must desire to become our Best! And the Lord will provide.

I gave a talk last Sunday, went pretty good surprisingly... I actually talked at normal speed haha. And I knew what I was saying kinda. My talk was on repentance.  

The mangos here are amazing! I ate 6 of them in one day! haha. I experienced a pretty intense hail storm yesterday! it was so loud inside we couldn't hear ourselves talking! it was crazy.

Time is flying. The days seem like forever, even though the weeks go by quick.  We went to the temple today, it was pretty awesome, too bad its closed for some inside construction work.  But it is insane driving through the city and cars are near 2 inches away from you!  It was like an amusement park ride! The city is insane. Very interesting site to see.

During your mission, you can notice Satan's craftiness in everything and everyone around you, including your self.  During a service project , I found myself murmuring about doing service, when I realized I am helping someone, I should be very happy and proud right now.  But you can see how Satan will deceit the minds of many missionaries and trying to strike fear and doubt into their lives.  As he tries to make you focus on the negative, focus on how much you miss your family, how much stress and how many challenges you are facing. As he tries to influence the lord's servants to turn their back on this wonderful work.  He will place many opposing thoughts of doubt and regret!  I never thought that I would ever have any of these kind of feelings or thoughts about my mission.. But I did.. and it was terrible, a terrible feeling.  Satan know peoples weaknesses and knows how to inject anger, irritance, and pride into the hearts of many. If he can stop one, he can stop many.

However, if we have self-discipline and control over our thoughts, we will control our destiny. Mosiah 4:30 WE must rely on the Lord at all times and always be in tune with the Spirit. Or Satan will control our destiny.

As I watch my fellow brethren -missionary friends- struggle, because they let Satan inject some poisonous thoughts, influence their character. A contributing factor I think is their willingness to obey.  But I also have seen a positive side of others fighting back and learning to turn to the Lord and putting their trust in Him, but many do. Many have crumbled and are beginning to crumble, like last night their was a new missionary who was completely broken and in tears telling everyone that he needed to go home right now!  He was letting these thoughts over power him.  We, our whole casa, every missionary joined and knelt down in his room and said a prayer.  It was very powerful as you could feel every missionaries faith be put to work, and none of us had even known him. It was pretty amazing. And today I saw him, all dressed and ready. I hope he can pull through.

I love you all so much! I know this church is true without a doubt, this is the Lord's work! There would be no way I would know this much Spanish in only two weeks if it wasn't for the Lord. The Lords work is perfect.

Love,
Elder Clarkster

Window view outside of bus on the way to Mexico City, Mexico Temple

                    

                                     Elder Clark & Elder Smith at the LDS Mexico Temple

                                                         District 19A Mexico CCM

Elder Meyers pretending to teach (over whelm) Elder Clark Spanish

I'm so happy Brandon is still having fun!

Brandon played on a soccer team with Elder Garlitz when we lived in Layton,Utah! He's the Elder he has his back to.

                                                  
                                                  

                            
                                          Elder Clark & Elder Jensen

                                                                   Street in Mexico.

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.

Mexico Sky

Mexico Street, I'm pretty sure he took this picture because of the statue on top of the building!

Heaven Sent Doughnuts!

Testing the perimeters of the CCM--he cracks me up! That door makes Brandon look tall-haha!