Glendale California:  Week 15

You know, when I came on my mission I thought would dread writing emails home. But it's really fun, I love reflecting on each week and sharing about the stuff going on here.

Highlight of tracting this week: We were about to go home for the night, when we came across a guy on his porch, and offered him a Book of Mormon. He said he's not interested in reading it, but that he'll take one because he wants to show it to his member friend in Missouri(?). Not sure why he wants to show a Book of Mormon to his member friend, but glad we could help him out.

Then the very next house we stopped by was a super nice Armenian man who accepted a Farsi book, and took an Armenian one for his wife. Essentially, we gave out 3 different language books in the course of 5 minutes. And he gave us some chocolate! Then his wife walked over, and we recognized her! She's a worker at an Armenian food place we visit all the time.

Now when we talk about them, we refer to them as Chocolate guy and Lahmajune girl, cause that's what we remember them for. That was a cool night for sure.

Also, I've realized Armenians have a hard time saying my name. Whenever I introduce myself they're like "Cleenton? Like the president?" Sometimes they can get Clayton, and sometimes I just settle for Elder Clinton.

This week I got to meet with a somewhat recent convert, and we talked with her about temples. And bless her heart, she was so excited about temple work! We're hoping we can go to the temple with her sometime. 

This week we're doing transfers, and unfortunately the other Armenian elders are moving to a different apartment.  Thankfully we're all still in Armenian work, there was a chance that one companionship would be moved to English work. 

But a bit of change will be good, and I'm excited to meet the new elders who move to our apartment this transfer.

This week I had lessons with several recent converts and another who's progressing towards baptism, and I noticed they all seem to have something in common. They may still struggle with things, and of course they're still learning, but they all bore very strong testimony about the holy ghost. It was incredible to hear each of them tell us about the spirit they felt at the temple, or how comforted they were as they strived to keep the word of wisdom. 

It was proof to me that the spirit is what teaches truth. Those feelings are what change a person's heart and bring them unto Christ. 

I would encourage everyone to invite the spirit into their life a little bit more, maybe pray that you'll be able to feel the subtle promptings and feelings more easily. I know the holy ghost is a very important gift to us, and that we'll be blessed with comfort and guidance as we listen for it.

Thanks again for all the support, and I wish you well until next time.

Love,

Elder Clayton

Երեց Քլինթոն 

PS here are some pictures of a little Armenian totem thing.  All the Arcadia Armenian speaking elders have signed it since 2012, and it's been passed down after each generation. Super cool!