That is cool that the sister missionaries visited you! Did you guys set up a time to work with them? or at least feed them? If not then do it. Many blessings will come. About that rat infestation in Melissa's home, just come to the Philippines, you can find all the rats you could ever want... We had a mice infestation in my last apartment. This apartment is just way too small. Its actually not too bad, just compared to the last one that was so big, it is kinda small. haha I am just complaining a lot haha. So our bishops 6 year old son died yesterday, so we are going to the funeral services tonight to support their family. It is really sad, we just dinner at their house for his sixth birthday last week.
Have you guys heard about the Youtube initiative that the church is launching? Use it! It is a great tool to help many people! And I hope you guys are still continuing to go to the temple. Over these past couple weeks, I have been working my best to stay clean, and always make my bed and stay organized. Let me tell you that that has helped me feel the spirit so much stronger. I encourage you guys to always keep the house clean and remember that it is easier to always handle it once. It is amazing how hard headed people can be. It took me 19 years to learn the importance of cleanliness. But I testify that that is important, remember it is easier to keep something clean, then to clean it after it is dirty. haha
Monday, March 23, 2015
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
2015-03-17 Went to the Temple Today
That is so cool that you got to see Holden! I hope you liked his testimony! Thats probably what I sound like too! So we went to the Temple earlier today! It was amazing! I also finally bought myself a good birthday present! I bought myself a disc with all the bible videos on it. It was 445 pisos, or 10 dollars. I am really excited about that. So Hopefully the package will get here soon, you said it should be here on like the 28th so I will get it in no time! So thats cool that Melissa and Nick could come stay with you, that must have been great! Did you tell Holden what I told you to say? Also, and how is Jared! He is home now right? Tell I just want one email from him! I want to know if he has any advice for a fairly new missionary! I also want to know how his mission went!
So this week we had two more brand new investigators who we have never met, just show up at church. Both of them were just refferals from members. You don't even realize how effective it is to have the members work with you. So Dad and Mom, I want you to get more involved in missionary work. As members, it is your duty to share the gospel. I want you to Work with the missionaries, or bring people to them to teach. Just ask them what days they need someone to go with them to a lesson, I know they will love to hear that. Even if it is just one lesson. Anyways, Will you guys commit to doing this? Just go to one missionary lesson a week? I actually have a really really good way for you to share the gospel. Just go to the missionaries in your ward, and say to them that if they ever need a place to teach a family, tell them that they can come to our home and you will feed them. That way you literally sit in the house and prepare food, and the missionaries will bring investigators to you. All you have to do is fellowship them. I dont know about in america, but here, that has led to many baptisms, and that is actually what we do with one family in our ward and It worked out great! I kknow the Lord will bless you for your effort. I love you
Love Elder Clark
Sunday, March 8, 2015
2015-03-08 Wonderful blessings in Manila
When Holden gets home, tell him I say Kamusta! Masaya ako dito sa Pilipinas! Walong buwan na! Matanda na ako sa mission! Pero namatay ka na! Sayang! Malungkot iyan! Pero kapag uuwi ako, magsasalita tayo ng Tagalog!
Anyways, that is weird to think that he is already home! I still remember the day when he got his mission call, and I was like wow, that language looks soo hard haha. but now I can manage! That would be cool if we crossed paths in Manila! I am guessing he is taking a flight to Manila before he leaves, so who knows, anything could happen! And as for handwritten letters, that would be nice, but you dont have to write them I like to focus on my mission... haha no just, kidding, I would love them! but I wont write back, that is way too much time!
Right now I am really learning time management! There is soooo much do be done, and so little time to do it, you really have to choose between good uses of time, and the best uses of time. So I have really been trying to have the best uses of my time here in my new area. It is weird, time goes by so much faster in this area, it is ridiculous! I am so filled with activities! and I have realized how much faster the work of salvation is when members are involved!
This week we had two complete families at sacrament meeting! One is the Colliantes family! He is a refferal that the old Elder's in this area went to once but decided to never go back, so last month we followed up and taught the father many times. they have three kids, 8 5 and 4 or something like that. Anyways, he showed up late, but he brought his whole family! wife, and kids! I had never met his wife before because she is always at work, but they all just showed up which was great! The second family is the Morales family! The father is a member but his wife is not. They were taught once before I got here. The kids are all young like 5 4 2 and 1 I think. Anyways, they were all together at church too. Then we had a man who a member brought, that we met not too long ago. And two friends of a recent convert. They are just 12 years old though and their parents aren't too interested.
Anyways, this week was great, we have also been setting and hitting our goals which I think is really good and Important. Anyways, Love you guys, dont worry about me, and I hope the package comes soon! We also have zone conference with President Ostler tomorrow which is very exciting! Love you!
Nathan’s Letter to his Mission PresidentDear President Ostler,
This week we had two complete families at sacrament meeting! One is the Colliantes family! He was a referral right before I got here so last month we followed up and taught the father many times. They have three kids, 8 5 and 4. Anyways, he showed up late, but he brought his whole family to church! Wife, and kids! I had never met his wife before because she is always at work, but they all just showed up which was great! The second family is the Morales family! The father is a member but his wife is not. The kids are all young like 5, 4, 2, and 1 I think. They were all together at church too. Then we had a man who a member brought, that we met not too long ago. And two friends of a recent convert. They are just 12 years old though and their parents aren't too interested, but we will continue to follow up with them. Needless to say, it was a great week!
Elder Briskin is making improvement on Tagalog every week, but I think I need to be more patient with him. I have been pushing him hard. I talked to him about what I can do to help him more, and help him relieve his stress level, and he told me that I just need to relieve my stress level and that would help him out. I think that my stress has been rubbing off on him and that is part of the reason he gets stressed. So this week I'm going to stay as cool as a cucumber. That is my goal! I really feel like we do have a strong relationship, but with these things it will get better. I am very excited for zone meeting tomorrow! Goodbye President Ostler! Love you and I'll see you tomorrow!
Anyways, that is weird to think that he is already home! I still remember the day when he got his mission call, and I was like wow, that language looks soo hard haha. but now I can manage! That would be cool if we crossed paths in Manila! I am guessing he is taking a flight to Manila before he leaves, so who knows, anything could happen! And as for handwritten letters, that would be nice, but you dont have to write them I like to focus on my mission... haha no just, kidding, I would love them! but I wont write back, that is way too much time!
Right now I am really learning time management! There is soooo much do be done, and so little time to do it, you really have to choose between good uses of time, and the best uses of time. So I have really been trying to have the best uses of my time here in my new area. It is weird, time goes by so much faster in this area, it is ridiculous! I am so filled with activities! and I have realized how much faster the work of salvation is when members are involved!
This week we had two complete families at sacrament meeting! One is the Colliantes family! He is a refferal that the old Elder's in this area went to once but decided to never go back, so last month we followed up and taught the father many times. they have three kids, 8 5 and 4 or something like that. Anyways, he showed up late, but he brought his whole family! wife, and kids! I had never met his wife before because she is always at work, but they all just showed up which was great! The second family is the Morales family! The father is a member but his wife is not. They were taught once before I got here. The kids are all young like 5 4 2 and 1 I think. Anyways, they were all together at church too. Then we had a man who a member brought, that we met not too long ago. And two friends of a recent convert. They are just 12 years old though and their parents aren't too interested.
Anyways, this week was great, we have also been setting and hitting our goals which I think is really good and Important. Anyways, Love you guys, dont worry about me, and I hope the package comes soon! We also have zone conference with President Ostler tomorrow which is very exciting! Love you!
Nathan’s Letter to his Mission PresidentDear President Ostler,
This week we had two complete families at sacrament meeting! One is the Colliantes family! He was a referral right before I got here so last month we followed up and taught the father many times. They have three kids, 8 5 and 4. Anyways, he showed up late, but he brought his whole family to church! Wife, and kids! I had never met his wife before because she is always at work, but they all just showed up which was great! The second family is the Morales family! The father is a member but his wife is not. The kids are all young like 5, 4, 2, and 1 I think. They were all together at church too. Then we had a man who a member brought, that we met not too long ago. And two friends of a recent convert. They are just 12 years old though and their parents aren't too interested, but we will continue to follow up with them. Needless to say, it was a great week!
Elder Briskin is making improvement on Tagalog every week, but I think I need to be more patient with him. I have been pushing him hard. I talked to him about what I can do to help him more, and help him relieve his stress level, and he told me that I just need to relieve my stress level and that would help him out. I think that my stress has been rubbing off on him and that is part of the reason he gets stressed. So this week I'm going to stay as cool as a cucumber. That is my goal! I really feel like we do have a strong relationship, but with these things it will get better. I am very excited for zone meeting tomorrow! Goodbye President Ostler! Love you and I'll see you tomorrow!
2015-03-01 The work of the Lord this week
Tell Dallin to practice Piano! Tell him I said more girls will like him if he does, And I am a missionary, I dont lie! And Dad! You will only be like one Island away from me if you go to Japan! That would be so cool! haha. You will have to send me a present! Although I already have a key chain from when I went there 7 and a half months ago! Isn't it crazy that it has been that long! I am getting closer and closer to 1 year everyday! Its crazy that it is P-day already. The weeks go by so fast it isn't even funny! I feel like I am so busy all the time in this new area! Life just goes by so much faster here in this area, and the mission in General!
I have been thinking a lot about what I can improve on these past couple days, and I have been writing down goals of what I need to be in order to become a great missionary! I really am having a great time here in Manila! It is pretty safe here. And about the questions Dad asked me, The work with the district is going good. It's just hard to have a "model area" to be an example. Challenging things are that it takes up a lot of time reporting, or following up like all the time. but i love it. Things about this area that I love are that the members are soooo good at working with us! and We have established caring members! And I like Elder Briskin because even when I get mad and yell at him he doesn't take it personally, haha but seriously he is trying so hard, And we are doing really well together! So I love you guys so much and I will talk to you again next week!
Love Elder Clark
2015-02-23 Birthday in the Philippines!
Sweet send me a video of Dallin Playing Piano! That will be cool! And that is funny that they didn't believe Dad in the Interview (I was summoned for Jury duty and the lawyers and judge did not believe that I have never drank alcohol). And that is sad that they (Hailie & Brett and the girls) moved out but happy that they found a house to rent! I am having a good birthday! I made the brownies! And thank you for sending a new pillow! I actually fixed the smell in my last one, but two will be nice!
So Today for my birthday We ordered Pizza hut, They definitely didn't have that in my last area! And right after this we are going to the Davisoria mall, which is basically the cheapest place to buy stuff in the Philippines! You can get new basketball shoes, for like 25 dollars, and nike shorts for like 5. It is all knock off but it looks real so its fine. They don't have copyright laws in the Philippines. Would you mind if I spent like 50 or 60 bucks on myself today? I am pretty ecxited for that! Later today we are also going to eat at a members house. They usually make some pretty good Ulam. Ulam means rice toppings. Its funny how here in the Philippines, if people want to know what you are going to eat for dinner they just ask, what is your Ulam tonight or something like that haha. That is how much people eat rice here. Like you will never ever eat at a members house without eating rice. But I really like rice so it is Okay haha. So people here are really good a english. There are many fluent people here. Like members will just give their church talks in straight englishl. They are really good! But Tagalog is still the most common language, but if you want to speak english they almost always understand. Anyways, My birthday is going great! Miss you guys tons! Byebye! Love you
Love Elder Clark
Sunday, February 22, 2015
2015-02-15 My first week in Manilla - Sampaloc
So, My new compnion is Elder Briskin. He is most recently from El paso texas, but he has lived in many placs from Montana to italy. His dad is in the army so he moves around a lot. He is really nice, but super shy when it comes to teaching and talking to people. We get along really good though. The city is a lot different from the province... haha There iss many people, and building, and allys, but a lot more members too which is really nice. We are having a very good time,and I have been losing weight too, I have lost a pound or two in the last week or so, and I feel a lot better. I have been following President Ostler's advice to the mission and been eating healthier and not as much. It is eaier in the city because there is more choce of foods, and it isnt all processed. haha. The new ward is super cool. There is a lot of people and we have someone working with us everyday usually. The chapel is right in the middle of Univesity Belt, which is an area which is full of different universities. Its a pretty cool area. There is so many people here. I really love this area. Our apartment is smaller than my last one, but it is fairly nice. So I have been thinking about what President wants me to learn here and there is so much! I have the opportuniy to be a leader and teach Tagalog to another companion I am excited.
I also got the package with the brownies and caramels, they are so good. I also got the one with the picture book, but I lost it already, sorry. I looked at over. Love you guys! My district is super cool. Love you so much goodbye, i will send pics if i have time this computer sucks.
love Elder Clark
2015-02-08 My last week in TayTay
About the packages. The small one you sent is in the mission office in Manilla. I will get it when I go to Manilla on wednesday. And anything that you send. Just send it to the mission office. They divide it up from there to the different missionaries.
Dear President Ostler,
This time in Taytay has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. And I am thankful to the Lord for this area. I have been pondering about what I am supposed to learn from this area, and there is so much I can't put my finger on it. I know the Lord put me here to grow. I have learned so much from both my companions, and other Elder's and members here in Taytay. I am so grateful for it. I may not have been able to baptize someone yet, but I feel confident that my work has not been wasted, and if I haven't converted anyone else, at least I converted myself. I have grown so much in my testimony in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I feel that he is happy with my time in Taytay. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in Sampaloc, and follow up Elder Briskin. I don't know him yet, but I look forward to it. I also want to express my thanks for the opportunity to serve with Elder Cowan. He has taught me so much, and I will miss him very much. He is a very good Elder who has such a desire to do what is right and humility which I idolize. In the Text you sent me you told me to be exactly obedient and to meet the OYM goal every week. I give you my word that I will give 100% to make this happen. I am thankful for all the opportunity I have been given to serve others, and I pray that the Lord will bless me with the skills I need to fulfill my calling.
Love,
Elder Clark
So I am getting transferred to Sampaloc. That is in the city on the mainland. I got a text like an hour ago from President Ostler that told me. I got assigned as district leader and follow up trainer of Elder Briskin. I will be leaving tomorrow early in the morning to go to Puerto, then I will fly out on Wednesday to the main Island. You can probably google maps the new place that I am going Just type in like Sampaloc, manilla, Philippines or something like that. I am pretty excited to experience a new area and to be able to have more opportunities for service.
Hopefully Brittany's baby will come soon. You have to send me pictures when he arrives.
So the city is quite a bit different from here. I will send you pictures next week. I here my new companion has been having a hard time and is super shy. Like he doesn't speak in lessons. So I am really looking forward to meeting him and helping him. He Is a foreigner, so I will have to help him learn Tagalog too. As for Elder Cowan, he has improved so much since he has been here in every way. He is a lot better at Tagalog, not afraid to teach and he is a lot more organized. I am so thankful for this area. This area may not have a whole lot of baptizing, but it definitely makes missionaries grow. |I am really sad to leave but I am excited to experience new things. I also heard that the Day Visoria mall is super class to my area! And I here everything is soooo cheap. It is like the flea market of the Philippines. I love you guys, and I miss you so much!!!!
Love,
Elder Clark
Bother Twante and Family
Casipong Family
Zone Conference
This time in Taytay has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. And I am thankful to the Lord for this area. I have been pondering about what I am supposed to learn from this area, and there is so much I can't put my finger on it. I know the Lord put me here to grow. I have learned so much from both my companions, and other Elder's and members here in Taytay. I am so grateful for it. I may not have been able to baptize someone yet, but I feel confident that my work has not been wasted, and if I haven't converted anyone else, at least I converted myself. I have grown so much in my testimony in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I feel that he is happy with my time in Taytay. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in Sampaloc, and follow up Elder Briskin. I don't know him yet, but I look forward to it. I also want to express my thanks for the opportunity to serve with Elder Cowan. He has taught me so much, and I will miss him very much. He is a very good Elder who has such a desire to do what is right and humility which I idolize. In the Text you sent me you told me to be exactly obedient and to meet the OYM goal every week. I give you my word that I will give 100% to make this happen. I am thankful for all the opportunity I have been given to serve others, and I pray that the Lord will bless me with the skills I need to fulfill my calling.
Love,
Elder Clark
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