This last week and a half have been CRAZY. (Sorry we didn't get to e-mail
on time; we had an exchange with the traveling trainers on that day, and then
Zone Conference on Wednesday. But better late than never!)
This last week was interesting in the work. We haven't been able to get a
hold of any of our investigators. We also went on a couple exchanges. I
learned a lot on one where I went with an Elder named Elder Fridal.
Unfortunately, the lessons I learned all came from me messing up all over the
place. I'd ended on a really rough note, and I felt SUPER down. It was amazing
to see how the Lord helped me through it though, I saw many small miracles
attempting to lift my vision and help me keep going. The biggest one was the
traveling training exchange; it came at a very difficult moment, and I felt
really not up to it. We did it anyway though, and I learned so much. Elder
Whited came with me out to Nipomo and he really helped me get the right
perspective on things. We saw crazy miracles too. We knocked on one door and
ran into a guy named Chris. He was super cool, about 19 years old, and the
spirit was very strong as we got talking about his life, and as we talked and
testified of various stuff, he kept saying "that's crazy! i was just thinking
about that!!!" It reminded me of when King Lamoni was convinced Ammon could
read his thoughts (People just don't work it that way anymore!) Finally, I
asked him how religion has influenced him in his life and he just started
crying!!! I was stunned; I've never seen anyone cry on the doorstep like that!
I'm really excited to go back and see him next week!
Zone Conference was also incredibly powerful! I was amazed as I watched
President Castro get up and start nailing every single one of the concerns of
our district members, including my own! It really helped me renew my resolve
and desire to work hard.
I'm sorry for using so much money off my card!!! I ran out of funds due to
having to vacuum out the car a bunch and other random, weird expenses like
that. X_X I should be good 'till the end of the month; and then we'll be
getting our next payment. But I want you to know I'm super grateful for the
sacrifices you make to support me.
Keep being awesome and doing your best for the Lord! Be strong with your
faith and hang on to all we're asked to accomplish; life is the best!!!
(Also; Elder Bautista said to have Dad call his dad; Brother Bautista's from
Tuxtla-Guiterrez, and he said Brother Bautista would love to talk to him about
the mission in Mexico.
Love you all; keep being awesome!
Love,
Elder Matthew David Clough
