Ontario Airport: Week 105

Well, it's official. I hit my 2-year mark on Saturday and now I'm in the airport coming home! It's exciting but I will definitely miss this place and the people here. 

This week was amazing honestly! We went really hard and had a great time. We met some new people to teach and I got to say goodbye to all my friends in the area. They had me get up and bear my testimony in sacrament meeting and it was pretty sad looking out at everyone and knowing it will be my last Sunday here! I'll have to come back and visit for sure. 

We also had some great times in the zone. We went out to a nice Thai place for a "Last Supper." Then on Saturday we did exchanges and I went with a tagalog speaking Elder. Some members took us out to dinner and even got us a thing called Halo-halo(?) which was basically filipino shaved ice with ice cream, boba, banana, nuts, and a whole bunch of other things. Then on Monday morning a group of us got together and we ran a 5k at the Rose Bowl. And yesterday, we went to Micha's house and she gave me a leaving/Christmas present: a painting of my face!! (Pics attached) How cool is that???

It's been a wild ride, that's for sure. I was not expecting the whole covid thing, and all the other surprises I encountered along the way. But I just want to say, I am so so so grateful for my mission. It's probably the best decision I've ever made.  I feel like a completely different person. I've learned so much, but it all boils down to this: Jesus Christ changes lives. I've seen it firsthand in other people and I've seen it in myself. 

2 Nephi 2:6-9

        6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

7 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.

8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.

9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.

I know that's true. I love Jesus Christ! I know I can never repay him for what he's done for me, but for the rest of my life I will serve and follow him.

Thank you for your support, I love you all!

Elder Clayton

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My home email: clayton.williamE@gmail.com

Pictures:

Me and Elder Stephens at the airport, last supper, 5k, halo-halo, some Armenian church members, Micha and my face portrait, final zone

 Glendale, California: Week 104

I thought next week was going to be my last pday, but we got an email saying that Thanksgiving will be a pday, and that next Monday will not be. So I guess today was my last one!  

I will probably still write an email next week before I come home.

Last Monday we did our Armenian family home evening, and it was really fun! We played a card game, had food, had a spiritual thought, then at the end one of the guys got up and challenged us to shoot hoops. All these guys were like 50+ and they still made more baskets than I could!

On Sunday we had a combined ward primary program. Those are always so adorable. About 85% of the kids that participated were from the other ward cause our ward literally has like one family with young kids haha. 

I have to say, I am starting to get sad about leaving next week! I've met more amazing people out here than I can count. All the ward members, leaders, fellow missionaries, and even the random people I met on the street have had a huge impact on me. I'm excited to go out and make this last week count! 

Elder Clayton

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Pic of me and good friend Jeremiah:

 Glendale, California: Week 103

Well, a whole lot of this week was spent going by and calling inactive Armenian members. We're having a family home evening activity for the Armenian group and we're hoping to get as many people there as possible. In the past, there's been more people show up at events like that than at church. It seems a little backwards, but I think it's because there's food and games and such. Most of them that we stopped by didn't answer, but some of them did and I got to meet a few who I haven't even met before. One guy said he stopped coming because he got offended by political things, but when we came by he asked us when church services are and said he would like to come back! Another said he couldn't make it because of health problems but that he would like to watch over zoom. 

Also, on Wednesday we had a game night, where people brought various board and card games and we all played together. It was fun! We're planning to continue them every week.

That's about the only new and exciting things from this week. I'm also preparing to come home in a couple weeks, which is absolutely crazy! As part of preparing to finish the mission, I've been doing My Plan, which is a program the church does to help missionaries set goals for the future and reflect on what they've learned. It's starting to sink in how close it is to the end! I'm kind of sad but also definitely excited. 

As always, have a good week!

Elder Clayton

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 Glendale, California: Week 102

This week, Friday in particular was a day of miracles. We were having a lesson with our Armenian friend Victoria, and her friend knocked on the door. She invited her in, introduced us to her, and we all had a great conversation about the restoration. Now her friend wants to keep meeting with us, and both her and Victoria said they'd like to come to church! 

Then later on in the evening, we met a guy while we were out walking on the street, and he was really nice and actually struck up a conversation with us, which is rare haha. He said he met with missionaries in the past, like half a year ago, and the way he described them, I knew which missionaries they were. So now we'll be meeting with him again and he's already messaging us and asking us questions about the gospel.

Also, yesterday I gave a talk in sacrament meeting. I just kept it pretty simple and talked about faith, repentance, and ways of sharing about Jesus Christ with others. The other speakers along with me were Elder and Sister Womack, the senior missionaries assigned to the ward. 

We also had a cool missionary training where the APs came and taught our zone. Each companionship brought some members from their ward, and all the missionaries practiced teaching the members about using technology to share the gospel.

And for Halloween yesterday, we didn't do too much, but we went over and had dinner with some members, which was nice. Some trick-or-treaters came by their house when we were there so that was fun. 

Have a great week!

Elder Clayton

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