Glendale California:  Week 12

Two weeks into the field! In a way, I'm shocked it's been 2 weeks already, but it also feels like it's been way longer than that.

I think my favorite days here are the Sundays. Church is always nice, and the people are so friendly. There were 6 people in the Armenian group this week! Still tiny, but hey, it's double from last week.  And I actually knew one of the Armenians! We had a TRC with him a while back in the MTC. Such a pleasant surprise to see him again, I guess he was just visiting Glendale for a bit.

I've noticed that the way the Armenians speak varies greatly from person to person. Sometimes I can understand entire conversations, and sometimes (usually with older people) I don't understand a single word. They just talk so fast!

This morning we woke up at 5 and went for a little hike/drive into the mountains. It was beautiful looking out at the city lights in the dark! Chilly though, there was actually a little snow up there. I attached some pictures, along with one of our MTC class.

It's been a hard adjustment coming out here to California. We're constantly busy, interact with all kinds of people, and I miss my family and MTC group.  But I've seen God's hand a lot in my life this week. I know God doesn't give us challenges we can't handle, he's always there and helping us with everything we go through. I came across Mosiah 24:14-15 this week in my personal scripture study:

"14. And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

15. And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

And these few verses really resonated with me. I know that relying on God to get us through difficult times brings real comfort. I've seen that these past few weeks more than ever.  No matter what kind of challenges you may be facing, I would encourage you to look to God and ask for help. I know he will make your burdens easier to bear.

I love you all,

Elder Clayton

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