Testify Boldly

Well- this week was...

oh man.

I don't even know where to start!

 

So Tiffany (our investigator) had a huge Breakdown on Friday night. Huuuuge breakdown.

We had just gotten home early from tracting because I started throwing up (no big). We were laying on my bed watching the D&C movies (I'm so cool) and we got a text from Tiff that said "Hey sisters, I can't do this anymore. I don't have anything against you, I just am not strong enough to be mormon and I just can't keep doing this."

My comp and I were devestated! She turned to me and we both just got on our knees and begged Heavenly Father to tell us what we needed to do. We finished the prayer, looked at each other and said "Let's go."

It was awesome cuz we both were dead silent the whole car ride and just thought about how we could help Tiffany. We pulled up to her apartment. My comp turned to me and said "What if she doesn't let us in?" and I'm all "Well.. grab your coat, we will sit on her porch". We knocked on Tiffs door- she asked who it was, we said, "The sisters" and she said, "I can't do this right now" and I said- "K we'll we will be on your porch, so let us know when you're ready."

10 minutes passed and she still didn't open the door..

15...

20..

Finally she opened the door and said, "Are you kidding me?!?! Are you guys crazy?!"

We both said yes.

We then had a big heart to heart with her and told her that she needed to get a priesthood blessing, we set it up for the next day.

The next day we met at the church and our District Leader, Elder Livingston and Elder Cluff and Elder Stinger and Elder Rowden all came to give her a blessing. Elder Cluff then gave the most AMAZING blessing ever! It truly truly was Heavenly Father speaking through him. it was incredible.

When it was done, I looked at her and said, "Let's do the baptism interview, right now."

Banks (my comp) looked at me and said, "Clement, what the crap?"

and Tiffany said, "ok! "

 

oh boy I was relieved.

Elder Livingston then interviewed her for baptism, she walked out of the Interview with a HUGE smile on her face and said "I'M GETTING BAPTIZED ON THURSDAY!!!!!!"

Banks and I screamed and we all just started crying! It was the best thing ever!

It's so stinkin fun and rewarding to see these people go from such a sad dark place, to being filled with light and true happiness. I love every bit of it! It was so remarkable.

She was really close to not being able to get baptized though cuz she works on sunday and it conflicts with her coming to church.. but we told her and the spirit made me promise her that if she talked with her boss, than the Lord would provide a way to soften her bosses heart so that she could come to church on Sundays.

Last night she called us over for "sparkling cider and cookies" to celebrate the fact that she talked to her boss and her boss is now giving her sundays off!!!!! ahhhh miracle! AND she also got a $2 dollar raise!

THE CHURCH IS TRUE!   It is truly confirmed to me every hour of every day!

 

I love you all so much!

 

Sister Clement

February 13, 2012

Well Hello!

This week has been just lovely, we have been teaching Tabby (9 year old girl) and she is set for baptism! woot woot! She will be baptized this Saturday. My companion (Banks) and I are going to go to Goodwill today and buy her a Baptism Dress! She came to church with us yesterday, she smiled the whole time! Her grandmother also came- she is inactive but has the desire to come back to church. They have a son who is in a wheelchair- he has Hepatitus C, he's had 2 hearts, a kidney, and a lung all put into him. He's pretty much a miracle. The family is super neat though. We are so excited for Tabby's Baptism on Saturday!

We are also teaching this lady named Dorene- she is a way  bad alcoholic and is also addicted to cigarettes. I love her so much it's unreal. Her house is so trashed, so messy, and smells like a casino- but her smile is contagious. It's hard going into her home sometimes, but we say a prayer that we will be able to handle it- and we always do :)

She believes in the church, she knows it is true- she just is having a hard time with the Word of Wisdom. We got her information to do a Detox program at the hospital, she is supposed to call this week! We went over to visit her last night and she had a friend over. Her friends name is Courtney, she is 29 and So So depressed. It was so hard seeing somebody so sad. If anyone needs the gospel, it's courtney.

She lost her brother in a car accident a few years ago, and has blamed God ever since. She is craving happiness so bad, she kept asking us funny questions about stereotypes on mormons. It was so awesome to see her say that we were "the prettiest, most normal people she has ever met".

She is a big drug addict- her ex boyfriend actually showed up at the house when we were there. He stood outside waiting for her, we said a prayer that he would leave- I turned to my companion and said "let's go talk to him".... she looked at me and said "are you kidding me?" and I was like "Banks... we need to go talk to him". So we walked outside, approached him, asked him (very politely) if he would leave.

He looked at us, asked us who we were and why we wore a nametag- we explained that we were missionaries. He said that he watched a documentary on Mormon Missionaries one time, he said that he admired us for the devotion we have to our church... I said "thanks, but before you leave- do you want a Book of Mormon?" he took one, and left.

It's so funny how ever since I have been out here, you learn to immediately love EVERYONE. EVERYONE!!! I will see a person in the street and I'll be like "oh my goodness, I love them, they need the gospel" and we will then pull over and share a message with them.

I have never been more confident in sharing the Gospel. It's so funny how the spirit will just be like "amy, go talk to them" and I'll be like "what the heck spirit?! what should I say?!" and the spirit will be like "amy, just go" .. and next thing you know, my mouth is filled with words.

It's so hard to describe! I wish I could explain it better!

I just love that the spirit is so strong when you are on your mission. It's so awesome to just follow the smallest voice of the spirit- it has lead us to SO many incredible people. Our days are full of people saying "I'm so glad you came today" it is AWESOME!!!!!

The ward I am in is fantastic! Everyone is so nice and so helpful! they help out with missionary work so much, it is AWESOME!

We are also teaching this lady named Tiffany- she is 26, and going through a divorce. Her husband was mean, very very mean to her. He is currently over seas with the millitary. She has been taking the discussions for about a month- yet she wouldn't get baptized. She knows it's true, she was having a hard time with Joseph Smith and the fact that her parent's wouldn't be at the baptism.

The first night I met her, I told her about my trip to Palmyra- I shared with her how I felt and my thoughts on Joseph Smith. She said "I just wish I could know for myself that he is real" I turned to her and said "let's do it... let's say a prayer right now." I told her that I was confident that she would get an answer during our prayer. my poor companion.. my poor poor companion hahaha she turned to me and said "Sister Clement, are you SURE you want to do this?" and I said "I honestly am not, but the spirit says we have to" she couldn't argue with that.

We kneeled down, and Tiffany began to pray...

I have never in my life been more sure of Joseph Smith. I know that he restored the one and only true church here on the earth today. I know without a doubt in my mind that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in the Sacred Grove.

My testimony grew so much that night- It's funny how in the end your investigators are the one teaching you.

Anywho- I love you all!!!!! Please take comfort in knowing that I am in the Lords hands- he may be putting me in some scary/interesting circumstances- but I will ALWAYS be taken care of! I love you all!

Sister Clement  

 

February 8, 2012

Heyo!!

So I am in Seattle- and LOVE it! Holy smokes it's so much like Alaska it kills me!
This is how yesterday went...

3.30 AM- Woke up in the MTC
4.30 AM- Loaded the bus and took off to the airport (PS- I was the only sister in my group- I flew with 6 Elders. I sat next to Elder Gilbert and a guy from Oklahoma. I asked him why he was going to Seattle and he said "Because I feel like it- Look lady, I'm not interested in your church, I just want to sleep".
hahahahha AWESOME first experience!!!!!

4.35 AM- Hated my life cuz of how tired I was
5.30 AM- Arrived at airport
6.00 AM- Was interviewed by channel 2 news and called Mum and Dad!
(PS did anyone see that?!?!?!?!)
6.30 AM- Attempted to go through security (guess who had to be extra searched and taken to a different room?... THIS KID)
7.30 AM- Went to flight gate only to find that our plane had been delayed.
9.45 AM- FINALLY left the SLC airport
12.00 PM- Arrived in Seattle, greeted by the most awesome mission president and his wife!

They had the AP's and the Korean elders there as well. They took LOTS of pictures (you'll see those soon). We then loaded up the van and truck with our luggage. I rode to the Mission home with President and his wife. Found out they used to live in Manhattan- so cool! The mission home is on Mercer Island.
We arrived at the mission home, immediately wrote letters home. 
We had such a yummy meal! Home made Philly Steak Sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and rice krispie butterscotch peanut butter bars- YUM!

1.30 PM- I met my trainer/companion!!!! Her name is Sister Banks, she is from Cody Wyoming! Holy cow she is awesome! She is so sweet, so patient, and so awesome! I love her loads! You'll see pics soon. I was also then assigned my area! I am currently in the Federal Way ward in the Federal Way zone! It's on the mainland- it's BEAUTIFUL!!

3.00 PM- We went grocery shopping. It is so weird being a missionary in public! People stare at us and look at us like we are dorks when we say hi.  Haha.

4.00 PM- We went to our residence in Federal Way, we live with members (the Jarsteds) in a MANSION- i'm not kidding. They live on the sound. So we look out the backyard and it's directly on the sound! ahhh it's beautiful! Bro. Jarsted is an eye surgeon. They are so nice and so sweet.

6.00 PM- We went and had dinner with a member family (The Grishams) we also shared a short spiritual thought. They are awesome and have a 19mos old son! ahhhh I miss Squishy!!!

7.00 PM- We attempted 3 investigators homes, they didn't answer (yet we heard them rustling inside- those punks)

8.00 PM- We visited a recent convert, her name is Sopa and she is from Cambodia! She works as a card dealer and a casino, the ward is trying to find her a new job. She was awesome.

9.00 PM- Went home, studied, planned- went to bed!

TODAY

6.15 AM- Woke up
6.30- Got ready
7-10- Studied
11- Visited with a lady named Krissy, she is an investigator- she has great faith and knows the bible well. we challanged her to read the BOM. let's hope she does!

12.00- Went to Zone meeting, met our whole zone- found out that I went to High School with one of the elders.
1.00- came to the library! and here i am!

The field is awesome, teaching real people has been great. I have just come to accept the fact that I will be a nerd for the next 18 months! Haha, people stare at us in public- so i always have to be on my best bahavior!
I make jokes that have gospel references... haha
At the airport, we were lost and I said "blasted, I wish I brought my Liahona"
yes... yes, i said that out loud.
I'm such a nerd.

I love this place! it's so pretty- the work is hard, yet awesome.

I better get going, but I'm safe in the Lords hands, and have been so blessed already!

Sister Clement

Week Three!

Hey kids!

So today is my last day at the MTC.
I head out tomorrow morning at 5am... eeeek.
I'm not too sad about leaving this place, haha I love my companions... but holy cow I can't wait to go around real people again!
Everyone here is way too nice... which can get annoying. haha
jk
My comp almost went home.
That was sad.
But then she decided to stay.
That was awesome.

I've had a lot of interesting happenings due to my calling as Coordinating Sister... Girls are SO dramatic!
holy cow!
It's crazy how many people will just come into the MTC being so selfish and not wanting to get along with any other sister... especially their companion.
I've had to referee many fights, haha, I've had to break up many crying sessions.
What the heck! This is supposed to be the happiest place on earth!
jk- it's just like prison, but with the spirit.

I've  actually learned a lot here at the MTC- I've learned that I hate BYU more than ever, and I have learned that I am a lot more picky of an eater than I thought I was.
Oh and I learned how to teach people about the gospel and stuff like that.
I guess that's a good thing!
Haha
jk

The MTC has been lovely, I've learned a lot more about the gospel in a way that I couldn't have ever learned anywhere else. I am grateful for all the teachers and all the cooks.

On Tuesday, it was the  50th year celebration of the MTC- Elder Nelson and Elder Holland came and spoke! it was so cool! AND Elder Nelson re-dedicated all of the buildings that have been restored or remodeled.
It was awesome!
  
My new address will be:
10675 NE 20th Street
Bellevue, WA 98004
United States
 
Sister Clement

Week Two!

Heyo!!!

  

This week has been interesting! 

On Tuesday I dislocated my knee, which caused the tendons to stretch cuz I kept trying to walk on it.... I'm an idiot sometimes. Just sometimes, mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Anywho- They did an X-ray and other stuff and told me that the cartilage in between my knee caps is non-existent.

whatevs.

I've been having to keep a brace on it so it stays in place until everything heals.

I'm fine- don't stress!

I get to use the elevators everywhere I go- which is pretty bomb.

My companion had her dad mail cornbread- so technically i guess she didn't make it, but its her Gma's recipe- it was sooo----o yummy.

My comp has been so trunky lately. We are constantly in the hall missing class cuz she has a breakdown every day. She keeps talking about giving up and going home- I hope she doesn't, but I don't know what will happen.

   

I leave to Seattle next Tuesday! eeeek!

I'm almost out of Diet Coke- eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

I have a nasty cold- sick.

*sneeze*

My day starts like this:

6.00- wake up

7.00- class

8.00- bfast

8.30- class

1.00- lunch

2.00- class

6.00- dinner

630- class

930- go back to residence, read, pray

1030- go to sleep

isn't my life awesome? aren't you so jealous?

The MTC is like prison.. with the spirit 24/7

Haha!

Monday is our Pday- we do laundry, go to the temp, nap, shop, eat... nap... shop... repeat.

All the other days are full of class.

Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of the MTC.. they are having a HUGE celebration- word around town is someone pretty big is coming... maybe the Osmond's or something. haha, jk.

I bet an apostle. Maybe the Prophet, no one knows so it's just a big guessing game!

I leave on the 7th, so if you're sending anything- just make sure that it would get here before the 7th. Or write me at my Seattle address

Seattle address: 

10675 NE 20th Street

Bellevue, WA 98004

United States

Sister Clement

Week One!!

Heyo!

 

So, I'm still here... They accepted me even though i didn't write my acceptance letter!

My comp is Great!  Her name is Sister King. She is a short little black Southern Bell from Georgia. She is so cool! She reminds me of an old black lady. It's awesome. She is going to the Boise, ID Mission. I'm the only sister going to Seattle.

 

Only 2 elders in my district are going to Seattle, the rest are going to Boise.

Tonight i was called to the "Coordinating Sister". My branch president called it the "District leader of the Sisters", and he also said i had to keep the D.L. and Elders in line.  Let's hope i can do that!

 

The MTC is cool.. The food is gross..  They pack it with fiber, so people get gas... It's Gross!!

 

Anywoo- I hope all is well :) I am safe, and sound, and comforted

 

Sister Clement (Weird!)