10/5/15
What a
week it’s been. Maybe one of the craziest of my mission. The week started off
pretty simple but then Tuesday hit. We got a call from President and he told us
my companion was leaving in an emergency transfer. So that was exciting. We immediately
started packing and making all the arrangements. THEN! We got another call from
the sisters. One of the sisters was ALSO being transferred that same day. So
half of my district is new and doesn’t know the area or the people and the
other 25% that isn’t me got here only 2 weeks ago and due to her sick
companion, didn’t even leave the pension and so doesn’t know anything about the
area! Fun! So with a white washed district we are chuggin' right along. But
even with all that, we are doing great; seeing lots a miracles and we are going
to have success this transfer. I know it!
We also had a tragedy this week in our ward. A wonderful sister
who literally gives her whole heart and everything she has to everyone, had her
house burn down. They lost everything. I can't explain the love that we as
missionaries have for those whom we know. I was brought to tears as I watched
the firefighters put out the last of the flames as we got to the house. I have known
this sister for maybe 7 weeks. And yet I have developed a love for this person.
The mission allows us to love. I truly can't imagine the pain of our Heavenly
Father and our Savior to see us suffer in this life, even if that suffering is
for our own benefit.
I also want to testify of the power of service. In spite of this
horrible tragedy, the ward that very night, only a few hours after the flames
were put out, got together and with-in a matter of minutes between the members
and the mission we were able to get everything we needed to rebuild the house
and to furnish it and get them clothes and food and everything. Elder
Christofferson said it so well. God established His church for the benefit of
His Children. The spirit of service is real. It was tangible in that room as we
all came together and helped this wonderful sister.
OK! CONFERENCE! It was so good. We got to watch 3 of the 4
sessions in English. You would think by this point in my mission (17 months on Wednesday)
I would be able to get a lot out of it in Spanish session but I don’t haha SO I
was grateful for the English. A few comments:
1)
I am so incredibly
grateful for modern Prophets and Apostles that guide us. There remarks are also
so perfect for everything that happens to us on a daily basis.
2) I am
grateful for my wonderful mother. I testify to the words of Elder Holland and
what to make it clear that I love my mother with everything I have and am
grateful for her support.
3) I am grateful for my
family and the love they have for me.
Ok well I don’t have much time. But I wanted to make a special
shout-out. This may seem to be coming from nowhere but I want to make a shout
out to Brother Litchfield. For some reason, while listening to conference, I
was brought to think about some of the things he has shared with me over the
years and how grateful I am for those bits of advice that have served me so
well. I’m sure he doesn't realize the impact he has had on me but I hope he
knows now haha! Thank you Brother Litchfield for your example and
teachings.
I love you all so much! I am so grateful for all of your love. I’m
sorry for not having much time but next week hopefully I will be able to
comment more.
Elder Clifford
