Letter Excerpts from August 29

I will be transfered in two weeks so send anything you want until about September 8th. Then you can still send things (because they are going to the mission office anyway) but I should be sending you an address soon after that. Sorry I went to the post office to mail the SD cards and a bunch of other things you should really enjoy but left my wallet at home and so nothing got sent. But I will try very soon.

I see so many lost souls out here. Understanding God is a gift. We have a rare opportunity as members of His restored truth to understand him and then live life to the fullest because of it.

I love your theme that you have, looking for the miracles and seeing how he waits to bless us. I think that is something I need to do more in my life. Being grateful is one of the best things we can do, and scientifically it is one of the highest frequencies that we can vibrate at (or live in). By giving of the gratitude vibration, we literally are giving off more energy (yes this has all been measured scientifically) -Sister Grenfell and I have some great talks!

So this is my grateful list:

Family

Book of Mormon

Running

Food

Bishop Cranney

Pres and Sister Weaver

Pictures

Cars

America

Prophets

Watches

my nice ear rings that don't make my ears hurt

the clothes I inherited from sister Luke who left last transfer

the friends that I have gained on my mission

the friends I had before my mission

the patience I have learned

Patience of God

laughing

jokes

good health

glasses

contacts

eye drops

hydrogen peroxide in your ear

that you didn't blow up in your car fire!

the brain wave

grocery outlet

people who love everyone

my ipod that miraculously works after I prayed over it

the Parkers

my nicely taped planners

a sense of humor-which holy cow, I need to get that back-why so serious!!!!!

the life of Joseph Smith as guide for how to grow and develop

General Conference coming up

Holidays

P days

Birthdays

temples

different races

diversity in skill

I am grateful to know that though we all have different skills, God is no respecter of persons and counts all of us as worth servants as we work for him

I am grateful when sister Grenfell doesn't get tons of water on the bathroom floor

when spider bites go away soon

when I live what I learn in the scriptures

when I have the companionship of the holy ghost

when I see humility

that I don't have zits

that I have blond hair

that it’s getting long

that I know how to play some piano

that I like to talk to people

that I'm not afraid to come up to people

that I am a member of this Church

that I grew up in Utah

that Mom and Dad live in Beaver Dam

that I went to Europe

that I have nail clippers that are sharp

that we have insurance

that I have nice teeth

that i am not a mom yet

pregnant ladies who let you feel their belly

babies moving inside a belly

I really don't feel like I have even scratched the surface, but that list was hard for me to come up with. I think I need to be more grateful.

Things with Sister Grenfell are getting better. Not that they were bad necessarily before, but let’s face it, EVERYTHING can improve. I have taken note of myself and the spirit is guiding me, helping me make changes and work on our relationship.

I think I was getting really worried about leaving the area that I have been in for 8 months. I know everything about it and care so much for it that when I feel like I can't express my thoughts to the person that is going to take over......YES! I get stressed out! It’s so important for her to know everything! Why cant I just get it all out? Why do my words get bunched up like I am speaking through a straw and she is speaking through a fire hose? bahaha (that’s a funny mental image) but I finally realized that was the issue, that I really need to let her know about things but when I can’t do that, it makes me concerned!

I have only ever left an area twice on my mission. Both times when I left I didn't want anyone to know I was leaving because my ideas were "it’s not about the missionary, its about the work" So don't tell me 'oh I’m sad you are leaving' --because I'm going to where the Lord wants me to go!!! That’s a GOOD thing!!

However. I have grown a lot in these past months and learned much about how the Lord and His work is done. It involves so much more than just the how to. It involves LIVES. When we serve shoulder to shoulder with others, just like Pres Eyring said, a bond of love is formed. It is this love that the Savior is trying to bring to the world. I cannot run from the love. If I do, I am in effect working against His way of doing things.

So in conclusion: I have learned that I love these people and they love me. And it’s ok! It’s ok to take a minute to go and say goodbye. To have closure, to leave them with testimony that this is HIS work and it will roll on. To thank them for their service, to encourage them on the path that lies ahead.

I hope that I can find what the Lord has in store for me these last few weeks. There are many here that I've been working with who have not accepted the covenant of baptism yet. I hope that they will and can experience the fullness of joy that comes when we bind the lord to us through his ordained way. I have such respect and believe in the power of God. He manifests himself to the humble and the meek.

We must be meek to know Him.

We are the miracle.

So much love to you and all the family!

Sister Clendening

Letter Excerpts from August 22

Dear Family:

What an interesting few weeks these have been. I feel like I haven't written to you in forever. The days fly by as we work for the Lord and at the end of the day I can hardly give an accounting of what happened 6 hours ago. Thank goodness for a planner! The Sunset ward had major upheavals and rearrangements in it. The Elders Quorum, YW, Primary, Bishopric and Ward Mission Leader changed. The ward council we had was a whole new experience.

We have an amazing book called the Book of Mormon! Question its purpose and then you will appreciate it more. We really focused on teaching the role of the Book of Mormon in the last days and it is astounding how one little books makes such a difference and caries so much power in it. Probably because ALL those men who wrote in it poured out their hearts to God for it AND it was His will that it come forth.

Shelia* is making progress reading every day. Marissa* left the Book of Mormon home and didn't have its daily influence in her life, she ended up cancelling her baptism until a later undecided date. The Book of Mormon makes huge difference.

Elder Perry came to instruct the priesthood leaders and since he had extra time, the missionaries met with him. It was a wonderful time. He is exactly the way he seems on TV. only taller. He bore witness of the strength of the Book of Mormon and that even though all these things with TV series, politics, and broadway are potentially damaging...that nothing is going to stop the hand of the Lord from pouring out knowledge from heaven. The Marriott owners called him with a problem, that the Books of Mormon are just walking out the door and they can't get enough of them! What a WONDERFUL problem! It is my job to teach the true doctrine. The honest  will bring real questions to me and the spirit will give the answer.

So Marissa* didn't get baptized on Saturday. It was going to be really neat for Sister Grenfell to have taught Marissa* her first day here and then baptized her 3 weeks later. However this didn't happen. What more can we do? She lives in Yelm but was going to live here on the weekends... hmm

Anna* is doing amazing! Her children still are not thinking about baptism but they are still coming to church with her. She may not understand the severity of her smoking problem and I hope to be able to teach her the correct doctrine so she can fix it. In the mean time, we are visiting her every day and teaching simple bible stories to her children.

Rich* wanted to be baptized a long time ago but his mom held him up. Well this week we had a lesson in his home with her and we read the Book of Mormon! It was wonderful and she accepted an invitation to come to church! Something that she used to be so against. His mom dropped him off at a baptism on Sunday and he really felt the spirit at the service. He is going to try again and bear his testimony to her about baptism and his desire to join this church. He is 17 and there are no boys his age in the ward :(

Rochelle* is probably the most prepared heart I ever met on my mission is back. She will be moving to Federal Way with her son but we have laid out as clearly as we can a map for how she will get to baptism with the Seattle missionaries. Hopefully her son will not stand in the way of her progression! She has a shunt in her brain and needs assistance, that's why she will not be living alone any longer.

There is this lady Sariah* who is bed ridden and has MS and she wanted to come to church but her care taker is a bad influence! we aren't positive if he is the reason but she didn't come to church...but it's really sad she didn't come because she is really receptive to the spirit.

Paul* came to church! He hasn't been to church in months!

Our new Ward Mission Leader is going to be great. We spoke with bishop and he is committed to doing a better job with retention and reactivation. There will be an increased efficiency on teaching the new member lessons. And Finally the Focus Families of the ward are going to become what they should-that is families who have accepted the invitation to be taught again by the missionaries. The priesthood keys are to go out and open is, extend the invitation, and then the teachers come in. I am very excited.

Family I have such a testimony of fasting. I fasted to feel closer to the Lord and to feel more of His energy. Lately I have been feeling stressed out and un-energetic, something I never thought would happen on my mission. He answered my fast with such great mercy and calming that I cannot deny his hand in what happened. :) The Holy Ghost is the best thing that I could ever have. It teaches and guides my words at just the right time. Sometimes it might feel like we are not thinking but when we just open our mouths He will fill them.

Christie* made chili rellenos and I love them. We helped her clean. She read her Spanish Book of Mormon and realizes that reading it will put her on the path to peace and happiness.

Devon* is still hanging around.

Sister Grenfell hasn't even met Travis* but bishop has seen him twice at Home Depot where he works and he is still doing good.

 *Names have been changed for privacy

I am grateful for the love and support of you my family!

Take care of everything there!

Oh! I hit my head on this little metal door covering as pressure gauge and got a pretty nasty gash. tons of blood in my hair. that was fun. Hopefully this will make scar number three for my time in Washington. Even if I forget some things, I will have these to remind me!

I love Jesus Christ so much. Who can think of His great mercy and not want to be a better person. Don't ever think of anything else. He will make you into something. Then He will perfect you into His image. That this will happen for each of us is my prayer.

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from June 27th

Hello everyone!

The mission is going along just great. Sister Lyles and I ran the Tacoma Narrows bridge this morning and then got healthy smoothies and studied at the park. What a great way to start a P day-resting and rejuvenating ourselves. There is a fine line between thrusting in your sickle with all your might and not running faster than you have strength but when you find the right side of the line--its so rewarding!

This week has been pretty good for us. We only found one new person to teach but it was a miracle and we were happy for that. We got some good counsel and direction for those we are working with. It is hard to get depressed out here, even when you don't see the fruits that you would like, we always know that it is Heavenly Father who is doing the real work here (preparing the hearts) and so we just do our part to exercise our faith and provide a means for him to work his miracles.

We talked to a guy named Wyatt*. He came on a tour and felt a desire to be baptized. When we were just talking about the sacrament he volunteered! "I've never been baptized" -yep and that's usually something we have to ask about! So that was neat. And then when we taught the restoration to him it was powerful as always and he wanted a copy of the Book of Mormon.

This kind of scenario happens a lot here. Miracles happen and we end up taking people on a church tour, teaching them about the restored gospel, and they are moved!! The spirit lights upon their spirit and they are excited to learn more. But lately a lot of those miracle people have just been fading away. SO! I have been guided to become a better teacher by leaving better questions and really helping people understand the Book of Mormon. (I remember when I first read the Book of Mormon....I was doing it purely because they all said it was great. But I didn't really understand much of it.) 3 Nephi 11 is such a great prototype for what we must do to come to a motivating knowledge. It puts Moroni 10:3-5 in story format! hehehe.

OH MAN!!! Did I tell you guys about Todd*!?? He is awesome. Sister Fields (not mayfield) but a sister from Australia, were on a shifty and knocking on doors. Elder Willis had challenged me to do the stanky leg while tracting and so when we knocked on Todd's* door he opened it to me doing the stanky leg. bahaha. he was a little thrown off. The conversation that followed was nothing less than inspired as he confessed his mistrust of religion but his desire to know the truth. (in not so plain and exact words, but we could tell what was going on!!!)

We set up a church tour for almost a week out. Usually when that happens it means the person just can't say no to you right then and are trying to delay (kicking against the bricks!) It was so sketchy that we even set up another tour on top of his-for the same time. we called that day and confirmed and about 10 minutes before, he called and tried to cancel, saying things like I can't because my girl friend cant come and I'm not comfortable coming to another church by myself. I asked if we could come over and show him the web site (Mormon.org) on his computer....he agreed. And then! 5 min later he called back and said that his Internet wasn't working and so he would just come down to the church. !!!! :)

Sister Smith came to help. She was perfect fellowship. I think Todd* is Eskimo? or Hispanic? but Sister Smith was great and made him feel comfortable. We taught him the restoration after the church tour and he was very humble about everything. He mentioned that he has a co worker that is Mormon. He was skeptical...but openly so. He was willing to learn! We assigned him to read 3 Nephi 11. The next time we met with him we showed him how the Book of Mormon was supported by the bible by reading from Ezekiel 37 and 1 Nephi 13 or 2 Nephi 29..something like that! And that totally made sense to him! Inspiration lead us again and we assigned 2 Nephi 2 and 31. We met again and he learned about baptism, repentance, faith and everything else!!!! he  came with belief in the Book of Mormon!

That night he called us, worried and asking for our help to teach his girl friend Marissa*. She is very christian and anti LDS. She keeps bringing up things she has heard and Todd* says it is hard for him to teach her. He was getting ready to show her the Restoration video, and he was nervous. He said he doesn't know what she is going to do, she might kick him out...but whatever happens he just wants to get closer to God. He knows this is true and whatever happens will be for the best. WHOA!! FAITH!!! he just had a son Ralph* about 5 months ago and he STILL is willing to give up his current good situation to stand up for the truth he knows.
*names changed for privacy

It is so cool to see him get such a firm hold of the truth! When investigators/Recent converts have an abiding respect and love for Joseph Smith-that is when I truly know that they have been taught by the spirit, not just me. It is then that I can see they are committed to this church. Only the Spirit can support such a bold thing-to go "against" all christen sense and revere a man!? That's amazing!

I think I learned about Joseph Smith in a relaxed, after the fact sort of way. I knew what had happened and I took it as a fact of life. Of course, without the chicken we wouldn't have the egg! But my love of what he did, what Christ was able to accomplish through his obedience-is a shining pattern that I wish to apply in my own life. I love the Prophet Joseph Smith. 

All the prophets from the beginning of time have testified of the same thing; that redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah for he is full of grace and truth: behold he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin to answer the ends of the law unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. When Gods children heed this message they are blessed and when we don't, we loose blessings.

Christ lived a mortal life on earth and with Godly grace fulfilled his earthly ministry. He partook of the bitter cup and finished his preparations for the children of men showing us his love unto the end. He left us with a church, prophets apostles and teachers for the perfecting of the saints till we all come in the unity of the faith and unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.  We can gain that fullness when we fully submit ourselves to the Lord and  witness it unto him by going down into the waters of baptism.

But the drown of the crowds go pushing on. Truth was blurred. Clear understanding purpose was no longer leading those teachers who were left to guard the flock. the priesthood, or the power of heaven, cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness and so it was taken from the unworthy. Separation from God came to the earth as was never known before. The world functioned as an amputee. One leg, the line of personal communication, continued to hobble along but full movement was impossible.

This was destined to be. For a small moment  have I forsaken thee but with everlasting mercy will I gather thee, and all they children shall be taught from the Lord. The time was right for this prophecy to be fulfilled. A young boy name Joseph Smith was troubled. Amidst a war of words and tumult of opinion, his mind was caught up to serious reflection and great uneasiness. How could the Lord be the author of so much doubt? Which church should he join, which church was right, and how was he to know it?

We all know the familiar verse in James, "If any of ye lack wisdom let him ask of God which giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him." Never had any scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at that time to the young boy. He reflected on it again and again knowing that if anyone needed wisdom from God, he did. For how to act he did not know and unless he got more wisdom than he then had, he would never know. At length he came to the conclusion that he must either do as James directs that is ask of God. And knowing that God would not upbraid, he ventured out.

It was spring time. He went to a place where he could be alone and quiet. He began to pray vocally and recounts he experience thus: "I saw a pillar of light. Exactly over my head. Above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. When the light rested upon me, I saw two personages. Whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me calling me by name and said pointing to the other, This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"

The heavens spoke! And the boy listened. He was instructed from deity himself. The true nature of God was revealed. Intimacy and love were made manifest. He walked away from the vision overcome. He walked away in faith, the boy prophet of this dispensation. Here we stand today, in living legacy of that greatness. The power each of us can possess is nothing short of limitless. We are called upon to read the Book of Mormon. A living miracle of Gods kindness and love for his Children.

Read this book! It brings us nearer to God! Nearer to perfection, and more worthy for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Dearest family I know this message is true. It burns in my heart every time I share it! Please value what you have. Next to this message you are the most important thing in my life!!! I love you so much. Hearken and be blessed!

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from June 21st

Truly the importance of family becomes ever more clear as I draw closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. The swellings of peace and gratitude I feel as he becomes my friend are ever so much the same kind of feelings that I feel as I interact in love and harmony with my dearest friends (other wise known as FAMILY!)

Yes yes yes, we need to communicate in person. Actually I realized this the other day that whoever I am close to-I need to BE with them. There is something physically I feel when I am in person with another person. their spirit. What a unique idea!? Leading us to wonder how miserable will we be when we are separated. How much more wonderful will the resurrection be!? Jacob was truly on to something when he called death a monster of hell 2 Nephi 9. wowy! 

Sister Lyles is great. She is so humble. How wonderful is it when we get the opportunity to grow. I have decided something very important. You do no look at bad examples. Ok we learn from them, but when we get into the nitty gritty and constantly are pondering about others flaws or mistakes (meaning when they are NOT in the scriptures) it just leads us down a path of rationalization and finding new ways to justify our natural man tendencies.

Anyway side track. Sister Lyles. She is sweet and petite. I love running with her because I don't feel like its a competition. I love her willingness to do anything I tell her. I feel so so not prepared to teach her. I have realized HOW MUCH SHE I LOOKING FOR SUPPORT!! what? Ok you don’t need me to tell you “yay good job” and la la la, but I am finding how much of a difference it can make if I do play up the good things, do praise her, and essentially give goodness on top of her goodness. It's hard when I feel responsible for the events that transpire here and making sure everything goes good  to stop and congratulate/compliment her when something goes normal...but! Its so good to do!

Now where am I going? I think I am suffering from a short night last night. hahaha. sorry for the ramblings!

Ummm I think I mentioned that I am in a biggest looser contest? Its not really a contest, but just me committing to exercise. And it helps when Its summer and my comp wants to work out too. Yes. Well I've lost about 3 pounds. I am happy that I can take care of myself AND do missionary work at the same time.

Well it is really sunny here these days. I lost my planner all last week. and it tried my patience. Having to rely on sister Lyles' planner, not having it at my disposal for note taking, plan checking/revising....was stressful! Plus add to the mess that I couldn't remember what we had done, what things we still needed to do because I couldn't review our progress! It was only about a week and 2 days. But it was an eternity of appointment making and keeping and canceling and checking that I was stressing over. hahaha.

Sister Lyles and I can laugh! Its so great! she is so good natured and laughs at the things I want to laugh about. I really appreciate someone who does that!

I will send out an email to the family about the work. I feel like I have been neglecting the family...Not sending out these emails like other missionaries, telling of miracles, experiences, updates etc. From the family consensus (that I know you just naturally have, being connected w everyone) is there anything they would rather see in my emails?

Love Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from June 13th

I love every minute of this work. As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course or turn it up stream as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge upon the heads of the latter day saints. As I prove the Lord’s law of obedience and service- this scripture is coming true for me! Nothing that my well meaning totally devoted and loving sister could do would stop that. :) keep it all coming my way!

I am glad that you get to go to girls camp. It is there in YW that they are going to start waking up and realizing that they need to figure this "church is true" thing out. You have a powerful testimony to share with them. This morning sister Lyles and I were talking about Alma 17:2+3. I will be so happy to come home and find that my family are still my brothers and sister in the Lord.

So today we went to Point Defiance Park. We met up with the Lakewood sisters and some elders from our Zone. I touched anemones and star fish and saw this huge-O walrus and elephants and monkeys!!! I want to be a monkey. If I picked an animal to be, it would not be a bird-definitely a monkey. It was really fun only sister Gandolph and sister Nybo went faster than we did. WE really enjoyed our time!

Have you ever watched flight of the concords? Oh man. They are so supper funny. And no I am not watching them while I am on my mission...but these Elders think they are funny and sometimes we talk about it. funny. And Sister Lyles and I made up mission lyrics to Chris Brown's forever song. Which is also fairly hilarious.

Missionary work this past week! amazing. Our family is still progressing. Still loving coming to church. They are trying to read the Book of Mormon and get an answer about its origin and Joseph Smith. How cool. What church

we belong to. All of the vital questions are answered: why do we need church? How can "church" help me? Who made church? What does this mean for me? How does my family fit into the picture? What is the POINT of it all!? No wonder people have become disenchanted with religion. So much of the cake is missing. We have such an obligation to use our knowledge to the fullest.

This up coming week will be amazing. Mark* is getting baptized. We just knocked on his door before church Sunday and asked him to come to church. He agreed. We taught him the restoration (and sister Lyles said the

first vision! I was so proud of her. She is very nervous and feels so inexperienced but I encouraged her and the spirit's promise is true. She taught with power and authority.) and after that lesson, our fellow shipper Brady* gave us the name and number of one of his friends!!! To teach!!! YAY! he trusts us! And what a marvelous thing to share.

I have learned that we must take breaks when we are tired. YES: don't waste a minute and be a HARD worker. However, the Lord even commands us to take breaks. Mark 6. YAY!

I have also learned how to stay calm. What it is that is pulling me to give in to just blowing up and letting things go wild. But it feels so much better (and keeps the spirit with me) when I just contain it, and then

swallow it. Gone! Nil. Shnin. Ate up.

We met a very humble Mexican man named Jose*. He is full of questions and openness. I hope that we can continue to teach him.

Transfers are coming up next Monday. I probably  (and HOPEFULLY) don't get transferred because sister Lyles is not ready to take this area by herself.

Did I describe sister lyles? She is 18 -turning 19 on july 13th and from Aberdeen. She is so so so so so sweet. she is part Filipino. I love her. She is going back to BYU in the fall. I want to play with her and be her friend when I return home. Hahaha. she likes Country. she likes pizza! and fruit. and is funny. and sings with me. and plays the guitar. and...has a fat dog she likes at home.

Yes! I was going out with sister Anderson (a senior couple lady from the office) the morning before sister Lyles got here and sis Anderson said that President Bowen was bragging about me the other day! said that I had been through a lot and was still going good. :) President Bowen is so kind. He knows my situation and reads about my struggles.

The Lord is exponentially expanding the work here in sunset! We are getting many people at Church, finding new, and giving church tours.

One tumultuous event: I have lost my planner. This is ultra sad. 1-it was my favorite decorated one thus far. 2-has a BUNCH of investigator/potential phone numbers in it. 3-is a journal/mind keeper for the past 6 weeks of my

life (which in missionary world IS AN ETERNITY!!! no joke) AND! 4-it has appointments for the remaining weeks.....i really really really hope that we find it.

OK! great news. Richard*, baptized in February, has the strongest testimony ever! His family it 7th Day Adventist and they won't have anything to do with the church. But he said that doesn't get him down. He said, 'this

church will stand the test of time. Nothing can stop it. I know this church is true. I know the Book of Mormon will continue to change other people's life because it has changed mine." He recently went to the temple to do

baptisms for the dead and now his daughter wants a bible of her own. YAY!

And Max* is almost done reading 2 Nephi! He was baptized at the beginning of the transfer. I have much concern over him for he is still faced with many temptations but when I see him make progress like that! I

have strong faith in the power of the word of God.

*names changed for privacy

The sun in now out in Washington. It is the source of life!!!! I am so grateful for the sun. I didn't realize how much I loved it and how much I missed it!!!! I LOVE SUN!!!

Love Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from June 7th

YOU ARE GOOD!

Today was the best! We went to Anderson Island (with 1000 permenant residents on a 3x5 mile island) for a hike with sister Gandolph, sister Nybo, elders willis and conolly-my zone leaders, and 3 others elders from another zone. It was SO FUN! and guess what? Hahaha-I ate a live crab. yep! and I ate a cricket. It was just a day for interesting eating.

AND!! AFTER fasting-when my stomach is the smallest! I load on TWO dinners. Mashed potatoes, roast, croissants, Texas sheet cake THEN Puerto Rican beans rice chicken banana and root beer floats. Did I know my stomach could hurt like that from so much food in only a 75 minute period? Nope I didn't. But let me assure you, the pain lasted well into the night and is lingering today...

The work is going so well. Loving leaders makes a huge difference. When they have faith in you and support you and your work, it is easier to have faith and trust in the work of the lord. HOW important is it then for the family to be the center for teaching the gospel to the world! It needs to be reinforced at home!

We saw wonderful success this week! Thanks to sister Lyles' consecration we have been able to do 100%  everything! We saw 6 nonmembers at church, found 6 New investigators, and put a high functioning autistic boy on date for the 19th! Which is when we are striving for 5 baptisms. It is a HUGE goal. But as you know, the small and simple things bring great things about. A simple record, given by simple inspiration, brings HUGE results when its readers gain more of an understanding about the Son of God, the Savior of the world.

hahah funny story: we took a great church tour with a man, and later that night he called and was RAILING or hailing?? I don't know, but he was showering out compliments on me about the gift that God had given me of speaking and language and words and making people feel comfortable. I am grateful to have his help in recognizing this, that when I teach the Savior's gospel, my prayers are answered. I know that it is true. While I am on my mission there is something DIFFERENT about my testimonies!!! I have been blessed and prospered by the hand of the lord and who am I NOT to acknowledge that? He is every watchful and acknowledging of my needs and wants and desires and failures. He compensates and distributes accordingly. I love him and know no other with whom I could feel more secure.

I am learning about how to love easier and fuller. Your heart can expand so much! I would not trade my missionary life for anything. ANYTHING. Yes I love my home. I am excited to come home. BUT! I am excited about everything. The time and energy invested here will return ETERNAL results. For me and for you and for those I've met.

oh but this is actually the funny story: I entered my comp and I into a biggest looser competition. WOW! hahah against our zone leaders. We have about a month and a half. So we are going to be waking up early in the morning to go running and at night HOPEFULLY we will get home on time and done planning on time and do AB workouts. So! :D its going to be funny. and silly. and motivating! My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. But the Lord said to prepare every needful things. And That's an interesting thing I am coming to learn of my mission, how to be serious and have fun at the same time. Of course I still struggle with it-but I am WAY better at it and have seen it bless me so much!

I love you tons! I wrote you a letter last week but didn't get it sent until this week!

My companion: she is the cutest little angel. I love her. She is half Filipino and she is only 18 and i Love her and she loves the gospel so there can be nothing better!!!!!

LOVE YOU!!!!

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from May 31st

Ok family! This was a crazy week! and the one ahead of me is going to be even better!

 On Wednesday, our mission visited the temple. This is a house of learning and revelation. After this visit (in which I learned how to further consecrate myself and improve the service I am giving to the Lord) my companion sister Mayfield decided she needed to return home and there recover in hopes that she could return to full service. We told our mission president and expected to have something happen within a week or so. Saturday morning, we look and find 4 missed calls from our mission president-all in about 10 minute intervals!! (and when the mission president calls, you ALWAYS answer-no matter if you are in a lesson, in a meeting, whatever.) We call him and sister Mayfield is informed that she is getting on a plane at 4:00 the next day and to meet at the mission home at 2.! ok!?

And so...what does that mean for this area!? There are no sister threesomes in the mission! I will be left companion less!!!? I have been surviving with sick and lame companions for the past 5 months...but now not to have anyone? And its coming at the same time that we have to move out of our house because our hosts are having guests come!? So luckily in Tacoma stake there are other sister missionaries serving and I went to live with them. And thankfully I was able to find splits to come out with me the remainder of the day Saturday and all day Sunday. BUT! That still doesn't solve the problem that I am companion less! A split is fine...but when there is only one person making goals and plans, there is no one else to 'counsel with'. THE LORD'S WISDOM is best!

So Saturday morning I was rushing around with the pressures of packing my things AND the supplies for the area-but not having anywhere to pack them to because our car was to be filled with both sets of luggage and the rooms where we were currently staying were going to be occupied by family members of the Parkers. My mind and heart were at unrest! I didn't know what to do, or even what to expect! Was the work in sunset ward going to be put on hold for 3 weeks? Would they call a sister on a mini mission? Would they combine sisters? Would they move elders into this area? AHH!! my little heart was full of concern for the people I loved and was not ready to give up working with them! I felt they needed constant attention. This area is SO white and ready to harvest. Moving us out would not do anything! :(

But as always the Lords hand is behind me and behind this work. Saturday evening I went out tracting (door knocking) with a lady named Martha*. She is not even in our ward. But as I visited with her-this one eternal truth was burned into my quivering soul by the power of the spirit. Trust in the Lord. This is His design and His will will be done. I had forgotten all about that. I knew it was revelation for sister Mayfield to go home, yet in my limited mortal view of things-I didn't see what was beyond that. Line upon line and precept upon precept. The lord prepares for his miracles and this was just one of them. I could see how this experience was no different than all the other counsel of the Lords teachings. To trust in him and His plan, to have faith that He will continue to lead us even when we cannot see. These are principles I knew! I have a testimony of them! I teach them to families and individuals struggling with obstacles in their lives EVERYDAY! But it was another thing for me to be asked to apply them. In this tiny way I could see how loosing a husband in marriage would be no different. Loosing a child would be no different. The Atonement is infinite! Having pondered that and now applying it, even in this situation where no grievous sin had been made-was revealing and educational like only mortal experience coupled with the Holy Ghost can bring.

*names changed for privacy

 My heart settled. Monday morning I was given another companion!!! A sister in Aberdeen had come home from BYU and hadent' been able to find a job. she regularly went out with the missionaries. The sister notified president Bowen about her and within 24 hours of her finding out about it she was set apart and given to me!!! her name is Robin Lyles. She is 18 turning 19 next month. she is a jewel. Her spirit is pure and her desires are sure. I have been given time to teach her and have her blessings of sacrifice help the work in this area. Miracles will be happening as we set out to bring 5 people into the waters of baptism by the end of this 3 weeks. pray for us. time is up love you all!!

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from May 23rd

Guess what, I have been in the sunset ward now for about 5 months! That is a while:) I love love love it. I have gotten to know most all of the ward fairly well. I love serving with these people. As I get a new companion, a whole multitude of opportunities open up! The same place but its Tacoma and SOOOO much work to do. Only now I know the ward very well and they are playing a great role in helping with our recent converts.

One guy: Thomas*. He was baptized last Sunday and confirmed this Sunday. WONDERFUL guy. I tied his tie for him and then Tyler* (just 12 yrs old) said oo! can I wear a tie? Yep sure, go grab one. I cant even tell you how proud I am to see this young man. Escaping the rough and rebellious teenage facade that he has created for himself, he wore a full suit! He came to a missionary prep fireside by my MTC mission president and....:D we are going to help get him ready for a mission. He can go from probation to proclaimer of truth. The road ahead of him is long and filled with obstacles. But the power of love!!! What a real thing. It has already helped him overcome fear about being baptized and making a covenant to follow the Savior. It has given him the courage to listen to the prickling of the Holy Ghost. I know as a person follows that guidance from above, it will continue to flow down! He is going to start  reading the Book of Mormon from front to back. Now he'll need to get a job and have TONS of encouragement from the ward. Which we are well prepared to do. hahah It was funny, we took Thomas* to see a baptism and after asked him how he felt. He said he felt sleepy. We realized that the spirit was so comfortable to him and so warm-"sleepy" was the ONLY thing in his life that he could equate with it. Not excitement. Not a hug. But sleepy. I know the power of Christ is for everyone. I don't know how he saw my face when he was in the garden but I do believe he did. He saw and felt my personal weaknesses and trials. I can say this for the Spirit which testifies to my heart and the way I see a boy respond to the message of the Atonement-even when the world immediately around him is distracting and contradicts this message of peace and love. AHHH!!! I know I am just rambling on but really, missionary work is amazing. I feel bad for neglecting to share more details about teaching with you. lets see what else can I share....

My companion Sister Mayfield and I had and interesting discussion this morning. About love and admiration. Did I tell you that she talks a lot about boys and getting married? Yes that is good, marriage is the goal, and I DO have that as my ultimate objective...but I just don't spend every evaluation thinking about it. I imagine that if I did that, when I got to marriage I would be sadly disappointed or find it lacking because I had spent most of my thinking energy on only and idea and had not build up any experience to help me prepare for it. hmmm. If any of those thoughts make sense:)

Well she said that to her: love was synonymous with admiration. Upon reflecting, all the people that I love I have admired. She wondered if that was 'right' and I didn't know at the time. I mentioned that God loves us (and does he have much to admire in us? We are his creations...we are his spirit children...but is that enough for admiration?)

Well then I remembered an experience I had the first week in the mission field. I don't know if I shared this with you guys...I hope I did, I meant to, but I am not sure. So I will share it again now for it has helped me answer this question about love=admiration.

Sarah* had a lot of problems in her life, and struggled with so many different things. And I saw a pattern of behavior from this individual that was not impressive. I did not hold anything against her. This is the situation she had painted for herself. We've tried to help her. But what else can I do? Heavenly Father she won't let me help her...what am I to do? I felt like a bystander. And then I knew what I must pray for.

Right then in the middle of soap boxing from her sprawled out position on the couch I said I silent and fervent prayer to my Father in Heaven to show me the love that he has for Sarah*. Almost immediately I will overwhelmed with a strong feeling of goodness. Of hope in Sarah*. I felt that she was loved! I knew that Heavenly Father knew this daughter and loved her. I didn't understand why but I did understand the intense feelings of love that I felt for Sarah*. As she went on about idea that I completely disagreed on all levels ethical, moral, and spiritual - my heart went out to her. My mind, situation, and experiences with her had not changed; the only thing which solicited such a powerful feeling was my urgent prayer to my Father.

 I know as a missionary and His servant I was able to feel love for her. With this, I asked. And I received. Knowledge poured out from Heaven upon my head that I don't understand. It truly was as if I was being drowned in the Missouri river. I knew and felt the power of God that comes through the love he has for his children.

Since that time I have not felt such powerful feelings of love just flow down to my heart upon request. But I know the line which has been revealed to me. I seek  with an earnest heart for revelation to build upon that line. I have received a priceless gift. Know that God loves me. And knowing that he loves someone else.

God's mind is higher than our thoughts and his ways are higher than our ways. Our love is not  His love. But As Moroni instructs us in chapter 7:44 we are to pray for this love. I testify that when we do, our prayer will be answered. We will come to grow in the wisdom of God and become more pleasing unto him.

I love the mercy that Heaven shows! I know there is so much I don't understand or comprehend yet. But I seek to use the time given to me to cultivate more fruit for my savior. He is the Lord of the vineyard AND He tread the wine press alone. We can both purge the bad and cultivate the good through his everlasting grace.

I have seen this work in my own life here as a missionary. I am ever growing as I recognize new areas that I can improve and the bring them to the Master healer to take them from me. Christ is King of Kings. Lord of Lords. and he wants to become my friend.

Nancy* (who was the second person I had the privilege to teach and baptize in Silverdale) went to the house of the Lord and received her endowments. WHAT A STEP!!! Her life had been fraught with difficulties and unfairness. She was knifed and received brain damage from an ex boyfriend, her daughter and been raped by her ex husband, she'd experienced moving her little family from house to house in the south just to keep them safe from those that were stalking her. She drove truck and met many unique and scary situations. But! Through it all, she was willing to have and open mind to the message of Jesus Christ. Through the authorized channels, following the covenant of our Father, she has found relief from all pain through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

On Wednesday the mission is going to the temple!!!!!!!!!!!! AGHH!!! I love it!! I am so excited! I am going with a very devoted spirit. AND!!! It will be great because I will be sitting with sister Gandolph! (or at least I better be! :)) 

Oh um the Parker's (where we are living) are having family come into town so we have to move houses for a week. inconvenient.

OH!!!!!!! HUGE MIRACLE!!! ok so our zone set a goal for 30 new and 30 on date by mid weeks. This averaged out to about 3 per companionship. Thus, everyday that week sister Mayfield and I set a goal of 3 new for the day.(usually 1 new is good) Thursday morning I prayed for the faith to reach this goal. That day we gave two church tours and Found 3 new people to teach. The lord works in mysterious ways!!!

Max Greene* : our apts had cancelled so I thought mmm lets go see the Johnson's* (which wouldn't really do much for our purposes) on the drive over there I passed an old investigators house-ooh! that would be good to show Sis Mayfield. ...mmm ok no, still go see the Johnson's*.

we pulled up beside the Johnson's and counseled about why and what was going to go on, What is our desired outcome here??? AND THEN! Max* walked by. We rolled down the window and started to talk to him.

Our conversation went from 'any church is good' to Max* recognizing the unique situation in which we had met and coming on a church tour. As I shared the First vision, the spirit bore powerful witness to Max* (and to me---which it does EVERY TIME!!) that this was spiritually grand. Max* looked and looked at the painting of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. After ages of spirit filled silence, He turned back to me to answer "how do you feel' and said he felt hungry. HUNGRY! like when you just need to eat something. He just wants to learn MORE about this.  Then we introduced him to the Book of Mormon. He soaked everything in. We asked him: Will you read ____ Max*?" "I will read it all! I HAVE TO! I have got to know if this is true."

The lesson with Max* was so sweet. The other church tour was great too. Amazing things are happening here. I have no more time.

*names have been changed for privacy

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from May 16th

How vast and eternal each day of our lives is in it's impact...to think of an eternal increase...and how much we grow and learn from those who past before us and those who are following after...there is no end to God's truth. His dominion is an everlasting dominion. Without compulsory means it flows unto him forever and ever. when we feel His matchless love, there is no compulsion. When we feel the power of forgiveness from God, there is no compulsion. Instead flows into us that grand feeling of Christ's love. It is this love that I know you are experiencing and am happy to say that I am too.

I am grateful, grateful for faithful members all over the world who respond to the ministering angels. Truly it is those on the other side of the veil that are overseeing our education. Everything works from Heavenly Father down to us. I know that His grand scheme of things is so much bigger than I can really realize or understand.

But I can catch glimpses of it. Jason* was baptized on Sunday. It was one of the sweetest experiences I have had in a long time. The room was filled with members who knew their duty and supported the Lords work. Jason* was fighting fear but knew in his heart the desire to repent was from God and would follow it! Angels filled the room and comforted those in attendance. When we shared the message of the restored gospel and the full blessings of coming unto the atoning blood of Christ through the ordinance of baptism, my body felt as if it was being pushed through a cheese grater. or a garlic press. The spirit was so strong and so intense. But I didn't crumble under the great force behind my words. The spirit sustained me and I was able to call upon my preparation and His guiding spirit to teach and testify as the situation required.

*names changed for privacy

This was where heaven and earth met for a moment. The angels ministered to those there and after the service two non members expressed interest in the message. Carefully and deliberately Gods creation and glory continues on. the love that motivates it all is infinite. His glory and majesty I live to know and because I know it I can live.

Some words about my companion. I think this is a great opportunity for the sunset area! She is willing to be exactly obedient and baptism focused. I have high expectations for this transfer as we do everything that we can do, willing to pay the price, so the Lord may remain true to his promises.

Sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from May 10th

ok so transfers. Sister Fox is gone and I am here with Sister Mayfield. Its so interesting how we gain knowledge and then we are tested to see if we will make it pure knowledge, by staying true to that which we have received. I am being thus tested. I am striving to conquer my self my pride and my natural man. It is so hard at times but I know that all things are possible through Him who overcame all.

We left late this morning because we had a comp inventory (usually on Thursdays) but we had one to start off the transfer) I know that unless we are unified and have some kind of an understanding we cannot accomplish much. I don't know what the next 6 weeks will hold. but we have been told we are expected to baptize weekly in Tacoma and I want that to happen. To do this we must work closely with the ward. I think that will come as sister Mayfield will require a lot of ward support. She cannot go tracting because she has some nerve problem in her foot where it tells her brain it hurts.

It's great to see new people and get to know new children of our Heavenly Father. I love the restoration so much. The truths we know and hold dear and the most comforting things this life can offer. The spirit can come very near to feeling like a hug. What a marvelous blessing it is that we have bodies to experience life in.

I am grateful for all my family’s support.  

read! pray! love! live!

sister Clendening

Letter excerpts from May 2nd

Hello! From Washington Tacoma:

The weather here is not as hot as it is in Utah. There is more rain. There is more green. But there is none of YOU!!! I love you!! :)

Serving the Lord is an amazing pursuit. No matter what we do-there is always something that we could have done better: been bolder, followed more exactly, had more charity, invited more exactly, shown more ingenuity, or prayed harder, longer, or simply more. Still!!! With all of these things lacking, the Lord still pours down his grace upon us. If we are willing to receive He will make us into tools fit for his work.

In general conference I learned a number of things. Something sticks out to me: Don't be afraid of the pathway of discipleship. It is a long road to travel but you have the assurance of hope as the Savior has provided each new step of the way and will support you as you move forward. Just keep moving forward. How long shall rolling waters remain impure? The more rapid the river the clearer the water. SO COOL!

ok. The Lord is working miracles in the Sunset ward in Tacoma. The Anthony's had a fix it man come to their house. Sister Anthony started talking to him and eventually found out about his 6yr old deaf daughter and how he was looking for a better church to take her to, he wants her to learn about God. Mike (the repair man) has known LDS members before and respects them. He and daughter came and looked at the church. They spirit of the lord directs people to find the gospel! Its amazing (p.s. I want to learn to sign now!!)

When is the last time that you studied the restoration? Do you feel grateful for Joseph Smith? If not, you might consider if you understand what his story was about, what God intended behind that prophet. It is fundamental and reinforcing in knowing the true nature of God. I testify that Heavenly Father lives. He works through His Beloved Son Jesus Christ and shows the same love compassion and mercy of old to us today. I know they have a plan for every one of the children of men. We are all here with different experiences. Not all of us have the gospel knowledge>but do not be dismayed by that! Do not ever be pacified into thinking, " Well the gospel isn't going to get to everyone in this life" or "everyone has their own choices to make" !! NO! Do not make that choice for them or try and dictate Gods will by NOT sharing what you have.

President Piersen (former WA_TAC mission president) said that if you don't have an urgent desire to share the gospel, you are not feeling the Atonement work in your life...and you should repent more. WHOA! those are strong words. Joseph Smith said that a man is truly converted to the gospel when he will not be satisfied with his own salvation but desires that of everyone else. Please pray! pray for this desire. Pray to feel the atonement working in your life. It is there for so much more than just sins. It has the capacity to carry us beyond the grave of our choices and our mortality. Christ's redeeming work is done, now ours is the task.

My love goes out to you all! Mark I especially think of you and pray that you will think about your commitment to the Savior. Please serve a mission.

I love you!

Sister Clendening

Letter Excerpts from April 18th

Dear family:

Do you know what it is like to be serving out here? Well life is pretty normal, but then if I take a glance at what normal really is...it is completely different! Always I am thinking about who to find, what they need, what responsibility I have! There never seems a moment not involved in someone else. Its quite interesting and exciting! I love it! probably something of what it feels like to be in a parenting role.

hm hmmm!

so Sister Fox got an ultra sound and they couldn't see anything wrong. so we are  going to try and adapt her diet to fix her stomach problems. I am really learning a lot about patience and nurturing. How grateful I am that these things can be worked on here at the SAME TIME that we are helping people come unto the Atonement of Christ. I love  growing and advancing. Our God is an awesome God.

I was reading in Daniel this morning, so interesting that Nebecaneezer  recognizes that Daniels God is the God of Gods but he will still not live up to the commandments of Daniels God. If we ever have a question about if we will follow Gods command or not, think of the positive. Think of all His goodness and mercy-ponder on the happy state of the righteous. He wants to shower that goodness down upon you but you have to be open to receiving it.

Ok sorry for the side note: really I wanted to talk to you about what it is like to be in the Washington Tacoma mission under President H Kent Bowen. Well I love him!

In Tacoma, Sister Fox and I serve in the Sunset ward. It takes in the area in university place (where the mission office is) which is pretty safe and relatively affluent and also takes in parts of town that struggle more. Each week we have a meeting reporting the progress in each of our wards or areas. It requires faith when our teaching pool is near to empty: we have to remember believe and act on the promise of the Lord that the field is white already to harvest.

I know this is true!! Travis* got baptized. He quit smoking, loves the Book of Mormon,and cried when we was confirmed. I love him.

*name changed for privacy

Mission standards weekly numbers are thus:

2 New investigators, 2 Church tours given to non members, and 30 lessons taught to investigators/recent converts /less actives. We shoot for 2 referrals received and contacted each week but actually get much less (at least from what I have seen-its not a number we report on in weekly zone meetings) We discuss "the spread" or people working toward baptism on any dated 3 weeks out. It is amazing! the brethren of the church expect investigators to meet us, hear the word, and join the Church in 3 weeks! To missionaries that is a very long time, but think of it in your own life. How much really goes on over 3 weekends? Do you think you could learn even a quarter of what you know about the gospel in 3 weeks?? Now this is how a recent convert feels. Please help anyone you know who has recently joined the church. Even if they joined 5 years ago, they are still in need of constant support! My greatest concern after baptism is that our new friends do not have a friend!!! As missionaries, we move on! There is still the love there but we are not constantly calling them, meeting with them, teaching them. THEY NEED SUPPORT! wow. umm once again I have gotten distracted.

Well I hope that if any of you have questions about what happens here in the field: ask. It is all just normal to me and I can hardly think of what it is like to not be a missionary. So love you all and pray that you are being kept in the Lord's loving arms!

peace

sister Clendening