Pasadena, California: Week 87

We got transfer calls yesterday, and I was fully expecting to stay in Pasadena since I've only been here 6 weeks. But, turns out I'll be going to Azusa in the Glendora zone! And I'll be companions with Elder Watson, who was my district leader back in Chino. I'm excited to see the new area! Although we are back on bikes so that kind of stinks. :/ 

Another thing that kind of stinks is that we're back to wearing masks indoors. Even for those who are fully vaccinated, we have to wear masks at all times indoors, including church. I'm starting to wonder if things will ever truly return to normal in California.

Another covid-related issue that the ward is dealing with is whether or not to continue broadcasting church meetings over zoom each week. Recently, they've restricted it so that only those who are physically incapable of attending in person have access to the link. But it's kind of causing problems because a lot of people are requesting the link even though they could go in person, or when they go out of town or something. It's a tough situation because on the one hand, we want as many people to be able to participate in church as possible, but it's definitely ideal to have people come in person so the ward gets some interaction with each other. 

Also, for the first time in my entire mission, we did an overnight exchange! It was with the zone leaders, and we got to go and have a sleepover at their apartment, which is considered by most missionaries to be the #1 missionary housing in the whole mission. And I agree, it's amazing, it has 2 stories and a basement! The exchange was fun, and I learned a lot as we went out talking to people and did some lessons. We also contacted someone completely in Spanish, and I managed to say something to the effect of "I don't speak Spanish but we have other missionaries that speak Spanish if you want to talk with them," and she agreed!

I also finally got to speak some Armenian again! We came across this sweet old lady and she said she doesn't speak English, just Armenian! I haven't gotten to do that for like 8 months so that felt really nice.

Have a good week,

Elder Clayton

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