Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Things are well, first temple p-day I have ever been 100% awake on... usually I get slightly sleepy on occasion or on the ride back I'm out like a light trying to catch up on lost sleep. It was very nice to go, although it was the LA temple... skunked again on going to Newport on temple p-day.
We also went to the surf museum finally since its open on Tuesday. That was a fun experience, so glad to visit there. Other than that, it has been a LONG week. Almost all our appointment cancelled so we had plenty of time to go around and meet members we haven't seen before. other than that, honestly not much to talk about sadly as a result.
Miracle of the week: We saw a member and helped him locate his cell phone after losing it, he needed it real bad and he was so excited we were able to help and the person who picked it up was just close enough he was able to drive there before they had to leave for the day.
Fay was able to go to the women's conference and had a great time with Sister Labaron and the other sisters, we also met another lady who came and loved it who wasn't a member. Another fun things was to have giant pretzels afterwards and customize them with the toppings they had out while talking about the amazing talks they had. Great memories for sure!
Lasting conversion comes from sincere prayer and faith on the answers one receives. Never let the world tear that down from your life. The joys of the gospel are too precious to let go out of your life.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
71 - Turning hearts to the children
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week was mostly going through more of the ward list to find people who moved out or people we can teach. We have been short on lessons this week especially since people are getting back into school and kids are keeping their parents busy. Yep that time of year.... Worse than the summer for us for teaching, but that is OK.
Miracle of the week was we were on our way to a potential when we talked to some people smoking on their doorstep. We talked for awhile and they weren't interested, but they knew someone who had been taught by us before and gave us her address and name to go visit her. we were confused since we are the only ones in our area and they were currently being taught so we went over to meet her. Come to find out they confused us for Jehovah witnesses, and they invited us right in thinking we were them. They still were happy to learn from us a little sine they didn't have much time today, her name was Goldie and she told us she just likes the JW's over for bible studies one day a week to learn and be closer to god and honestly had no desire to join them.
Afterwards she still wants to have bible studies with them for awhile longer then she will contact us in the future (hopefully sooner than latter) and we will have studies with her as well. I just hope that when the people who do the studies with her come again, they won't spread nasty lies or anything... I hate it when people we teach get fed lots of lies and get caught up in "religious warfare".... I try real hard not to say anything bad about other faiths or at all, since I would expect the same respect in return. Sadly the world we live in doesn't follow the same chivalry..... especially around here.
My rule of thumb for life is, DON'T spread things about others you don't know about if YOU don't attend or participate in it. For all you know, you could have been told something contrary to the truth and will spread those bad lies around. If you are searching for information about some group or person, ask the source, NOT THE INTERNET OR OTHER PEOPLE UNAFFILIATED WITH THEM.
Off my soap box now....
Other than that, everything is moving along fairly well with people we are teaching. Weather is dropping in the temperatures in the morning and night, day is still mildly hot for the most part, so we bring a sweater in the morning, leave it in the car during the day, then take a coat or jacket near the night. Unless we are by the beach...it gets 10+ degrees colder there, crazy how that works... 1 mile inland is so different in temperature.
We had a primary program this Sunday, first for my mission. It's interesting how if they speak and sing for sacrament meeting, it is much quieter. No ruffling bags of crackers constantly making noise, kids flipping crayons around the pews, kids occasionally escaping into the hallway, and so forth... the usual. Not only that but they sat mostly still, and even better was all the adults were wide awake and listening intently to them talk their short lines or testimonies.... My analysis is they should do this more often. I especially love the pure testimonies that don't start with... I was asked to talk on (insert subject here) or how they were cornered in the hallway and asked to cover for someone or give a talk... or any other slew of time wasting openers. THEY GAVE TRUE TESTIMONIES OF WHAT THEY KNOW TO BE TRUE. That was so amazing and brought the spirit into the meeting and into our hearts so well, I really enjoyed this sacrament meeting this week. Adults, take note from the primary. SERIOUSLY.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week was mostly going through more of the ward list to find people who moved out or people we can teach. We have been short on lessons this week especially since people are getting back into school and kids are keeping their parents busy. Yep that time of year.... Worse than the summer for us for teaching, but that is OK.
Miracle of the week was we were on our way to a potential when we talked to some people smoking on their doorstep. We talked for awhile and they weren't interested, but they knew someone who had been taught by us before and gave us her address and name to go visit her. we were confused since we are the only ones in our area and they were currently being taught so we went over to meet her. Come to find out they confused us for Jehovah witnesses, and they invited us right in thinking we were them. They still were happy to learn from us a little sine they didn't have much time today, her name was Goldie and she told us she just likes the JW's over for bible studies one day a week to learn and be closer to god and honestly had no desire to join them.
Afterwards she still wants to have bible studies with them for awhile longer then she will contact us in the future (hopefully sooner than latter) and we will have studies with her as well. I just hope that when the people who do the studies with her come again, they won't spread nasty lies or anything... I hate it when people we teach get fed lots of lies and get caught up in "religious warfare".... I try real hard not to say anything bad about other faiths or at all, since I would expect the same respect in return. Sadly the world we live in doesn't follow the same chivalry..... especially around here.
My rule of thumb for life is, DON'T spread things about others you don't know about if YOU don't attend or participate in it. For all you know, you could have been told something contrary to the truth and will spread those bad lies around. If you are searching for information about some group or person, ask the source, NOT THE INTERNET OR OTHER PEOPLE UNAFFILIATED WITH THEM.
Off my soap box now....
Other than that, everything is moving along fairly well with people we are teaching. Weather is dropping in the temperatures in the morning and night, day is still mildly hot for the most part, so we bring a sweater in the morning, leave it in the car during the day, then take a coat or jacket near the night. Unless we are by the beach...it gets 10+ degrees colder there, crazy how that works... 1 mile inland is so different in temperature.
We had a primary program this Sunday, first for my mission. It's interesting how if they speak and sing for sacrament meeting, it is much quieter. No ruffling bags of crackers constantly making noise, kids flipping crayons around the pews, kids occasionally escaping into the hallway, and so forth... the usual. Not only that but they sat mostly still, and even better was all the adults were wide awake and listening intently to them talk their short lines or testimonies.... My analysis is they should do this more often. I especially love the pure testimonies that don't start with... I was asked to talk on (insert subject here) or how they were cornered in the hallway and asked to cover for someone or give a talk... or any other slew of time wasting openers. THEY GAVE TRUE TESTIMONIES OF WHAT THEY KNOW TO BE TRUE. That was so amazing and brought the spirit into the meeting and into our hearts so well, I really enjoyed this sacrament meeting this week. Adults, take note from the primary. SERIOUSLY.
Monday, September 12, 2016
70 - Loud celebrations
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Yesterday was quite loud with constant helicopters going overhead for memorial services/displays/ ect. Tons of them too, and cannons going off.... they sure do celebrate with a bang around here and make it no small thing. They want the whole world know their patriotism!
Other than those tributes yesterday, Bishop Terry gave some great words of tribute during sacrament meeting. Someone in our ward was born on 9/11, so that day has double meaning for her. It's also interesting, I think I heard for the first time what happens to a speaker who doesn't prepare for their talk, especially the 30 minute one. You can tell. As they say here in the mission field, the atonement is real, or in other words repentance is real! I'm just happy they remembered what they learned in primary and our investigator Fay was touched by his words. It was her first time there so first time impressions count. Lots of themes about overcoming the constant barrage of perfectionism the world portrays and reality with its truth and Christ's atonement to make things better for class time as well. Made for a good day.
Isn't it just life when I come up with amazing things to share, then when Monday rolls around, I have all but forgotten it all.
I was real sick on Tuesday, but we still got some work done which was great. Feeling better now thankfully!
We had dinner with Kenneth and his girlfriend came as well even though she had her second round of chemo. She was thrilled to tell us she wasn't as sick as she was expecting and is going along well. Just has to avoid the sun at ALL costs. Kenneth even bore his testimony of his mission experiences in Japan and how that has blessed his life. Such a neat experience!
We also saw all of our investigators except one so it's been a great week. Anthony is going on a cruise, but we did get to talk before he left that day. He said he would be so proud of us and the work we do if we were his daughters and our lessons have made a difference. At least we can still see his daughter who is house sitting and dog sitting so we are looking forward to that!
We also saw a former who we dropped. He called us saying he had questions from his reading The Book of Mormon like we asked, but sadly it was the usual bible bashing so we left it at that one requested visit. Glad he likes us, but that isn't our purpose.
Sister Painchaud and I have agreed to disagree for the most part so things will most likely remain as they are now. In life, it is true when they say there are just some people in this world you won't get along with, some more than others. Other than that, work keeps moving along in our area fairly well despite that.
We are working a lot with the ward council and trying to implement new ways to work with the ward for missionary work so things have been interesting.
Miracle of the week: We went by formers and knocked on the door of a lady named Paige. We almost walked away when she talked through the window and said to come another day, then a moment latter said, "Wait right there, I feel like I should talk to you, so let me get properly dressed." She let us in and we talked about the restoration, and she said how happy she was to hear that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. She had been going through a tough spot, and her only daughter is almost done with school, so her life is going to be empty nesting soon. She then told us about her goals in life and how she writes it down (no matter how high set they are or crazy), then she keeps inspirational stories with it in a binder to help her achieve her goals. She is such a giving and nice person. She even said how happy it was to see ladies on a mission and would love to learn more and have her questions answered. She knew God sent us that morning, and she was getting so down on life, then we picked her right back up and strengthened her faith as well. I love it when that happens!
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Yesterday was quite loud with constant helicopters going overhead for memorial services/displays/ ect. Tons of them too, and cannons going off.... they sure do celebrate with a bang around here and make it no small thing. They want the whole world know their patriotism!
Other than those tributes yesterday, Bishop Terry gave some great words of tribute during sacrament meeting. Someone in our ward was born on 9/11, so that day has double meaning for her. It's also interesting, I think I heard for the first time what happens to a speaker who doesn't prepare for their talk, especially the 30 minute one. You can tell. As they say here in the mission field, the atonement is real, or in other words repentance is real! I'm just happy they remembered what they learned in primary and our investigator Fay was touched by his words. It was her first time there so first time impressions count. Lots of themes about overcoming the constant barrage of perfectionism the world portrays and reality with its truth and Christ's atonement to make things better for class time as well. Made for a good day.
Isn't it just life when I come up with amazing things to share, then when Monday rolls around, I have all but forgotten it all.
I was real sick on Tuesday, but we still got some work done which was great. Feeling better now thankfully!
We had dinner with Kenneth and his girlfriend came as well even though she had her second round of chemo. She was thrilled to tell us she wasn't as sick as she was expecting and is going along well. Just has to avoid the sun at ALL costs. Kenneth even bore his testimony of his mission experiences in Japan and how that has blessed his life. Such a neat experience!
We also saw all of our investigators except one so it's been a great week. Anthony is going on a cruise, but we did get to talk before he left that day. He said he would be so proud of us and the work we do if we were his daughters and our lessons have made a difference. At least we can still see his daughter who is house sitting and dog sitting so we are looking forward to that!
We also saw a former who we dropped. He called us saying he had questions from his reading The Book of Mormon like we asked, but sadly it was the usual bible bashing so we left it at that one requested visit. Glad he likes us, but that isn't our purpose.
Sister Painchaud and I have agreed to disagree for the most part so things will most likely remain as they are now. In life, it is true when they say there are just some people in this world you won't get along with, some more than others. Other than that, work keeps moving along in our area fairly well despite that.
We are working a lot with the ward council and trying to implement new ways to work with the ward for missionary work so things have been interesting.
Miracle of the week: We went by formers and knocked on the door of a lady named Paige. We almost walked away when she talked through the window and said to come another day, then a moment latter said, "Wait right there, I feel like I should talk to you, so let me get properly dressed." She let us in and we talked about the restoration, and she said how happy she was to hear that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. She had been going through a tough spot, and her only daughter is almost done with school, so her life is going to be empty nesting soon. She then told us about her goals in life and how she writes it down (no matter how high set they are or crazy), then she keeps inspirational stories with it in a binder to help her achieve her goals. She is such a giving and nice person. She even said how happy it was to see ladies on a mission and would love to learn more and have her questions answered. She knew God sent us that morning, and she was getting so down on life, then we picked her right back up and strengthened her faith as well. I love it when that happens!
Monday, September 5, 2016
69 - Relinquishing worldly things
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Feeling sick today, not fun!
We also got word that the entire mission is going through "the purge" today so that means we have only 2 suitcases and 1 carry on for all our belongings... Sounds like a lot of elders have to clean out their apartments and sisters decide which clothing they REALLY want. I have to send home a box of books and some souvenirs. It will be tough with food as well because he said to leave it behind. I sure hope I don't have to get moved, because otherwise I'm broke before the end of this month with the food I had to purchase today. Thankfully, I already sorted through lots of things last transfer so I'm in pretty good shape.
Miracle of the week: We found out Anthony went to the hospital due to illness and effects of too many years of smoking, so we talked with his daughter (whose name I forgot... Oops) while she was waiting for him to come home. We got talking about overcoming challenges in life and how priesthood blessings help, and that got us teaching her about most of the restoration. She was quite interested in getting a blessing because of things going on in her life and her Lupus is acting up more lately causing her pain. I hope she continues to have interest in learning because she invited us to come back whenever to talk with her. In the next few weeks, her parents are going on a cruise, hopefully, so she will be by herself for a while for the most part.
Ken is progressing pretty well, but we will have to pass him on to YSA soon if he doesn't decide on a course of action soon. He already has a calling in Scouts due to how long he has attended this ward so this will be interesting.
Other than that, my companion and I have had to see president Patterson about some things... It was decided that we just don't get along and was told not to try and be friends. That about sums up our companionship right now. Our goal is to make the area work and survive the rest of the transfer. We discussed other things, but it was mostly how to go about peacefully doing our missionary duty as things stand. We just have too opposite of personalities to make things work out the normal way, just my luck. He is really trying to keep us together so Sister Painchaud doesn't want to go home or myself get emergency transferred from her. I hope this works, it has been a week already.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
Feeling sick today, not fun!
We also got word that the entire mission is going through "the purge" today so that means we have only 2 suitcases and 1 carry on for all our belongings... Sounds like a lot of elders have to clean out their apartments and sisters decide which clothing they REALLY want. I have to send home a box of books and some souvenirs. It will be tough with food as well because he said to leave it behind. I sure hope I don't have to get moved, because otherwise I'm broke before the end of this month with the food I had to purchase today. Thankfully, I already sorted through lots of things last transfer so I'm in pretty good shape.
Miracle of the week: We found out Anthony went to the hospital due to illness and effects of too many years of smoking, so we talked with his daughter (whose name I forgot... Oops) while she was waiting for him to come home. We got talking about overcoming challenges in life and how priesthood blessings help, and that got us teaching her about most of the restoration. She was quite interested in getting a blessing because of things going on in her life and her Lupus is acting up more lately causing her pain. I hope she continues to have interest in learning because she invited us to come back whenever to talk with her. In the next few weeks, her parents are going on a cruise, hopefully, so she will be by herself for a while for the most part.
Ken is progressing pretty well, but we will have to pass him on to YSA soon if he doesn't decide on a course of action soon. He already has a calling in Scouts due to how long he has attended this ward so this will be interesting.
Other than that, my companion and I have had to see president Patterson about some things... It was decided that we just don't get along and was told not to try and be friends. That about sums up our companionship right now. Our goal is to make the area work and survive the rest of the transfer. We discussed other things, but it was mostly how to go about peacefully doing our missionary duty as things stand. We just have too opposite of personalities to make things work out the normal way, just my luck. He is really trying to keep us together so Sister Painchaud doesn't want to go home or myself get emergency transferred from her. I hope this works, it has been a week already.
Monday, August 29, 2016
68 - Beaches (without Bette Midler)
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week has been trying but better than last week. We got in 4 lessons with Ken alone, mostly on a bench by the beach since it was just across the street. Got cold we found out after dinner times. One would not expect it to be cold, but it does by the ocean. Lessons learned.... He also went to a Baptism going on in our zone, and he was thrilled to finally see one and get a feel of what it really is. He loved the experience, and now he wants to be baptized, just unsure of when. We have over half the lessons done since he will be going off to college in a few months and will be hopefully getting into a firefighting program. He really wants to do that and has been asking questions on how he would be able to go to church still considering the vocation he wants and stuff like that. He is so prepared, it is amazing.
We also got to help out with sea cliffs with Pokeno. The ladies there gave us trouble for not coming as often as we used to be allowed and for us being so busy we couldn't come on a certain day anymore. Along with that we helped a member with putting together signs in the overflow about the history of the HB stake year by year from the past 50 years. Took a while with just three hands so she was grateful for the help and we went to MOD Pizza place for lunch as a thank you. So much has changed in 50 years, back then there was a warehouse they used to meet in called the "tin can shack." Then they were in the recreation center for elderly and had to sweep up beer bottles and cigarette butts before sacrament each Sunday. Hearing that makes me so grateful we have buildings to meet in of our own and we don't have to do that anymore. Quite beautiful, too! To save up money for the first building of their own, members sold their second cars, fasted and prayed often, gave generously to building funds, put on fundraisers, and even took out loans to help.
Miracle of the week: We stopped by Anthony again for fun, and although he was feeling a little under the weather, he wanted to hear from us. Normally he would dominate the discussion and let us know why he disagreed with our church and its policy's on missionary work and so forth, he listened. He also missed us coming by since this whole transfer. We didn't try by since we figured we could talk to many other people who would actually listen. We taught the plan of salvation because he probably has heard that one a million times before. His wife and daughter even came by with a friend at one point, so we restarted in 2 more times so everyone was on the same page. They had many great questions and seemed to enjoy the lesson. We used many scriptures from both the Bible and Book of Mormon, and by the end they wanted us to come by next time and talk about where The Book of Mormon came from and why, aka restoration. His daughter's friend even asked for a copy and might come next time to hear us. SO COOL!
If at first you don't make any progress, try something they might accept and go forward with faith that God will soften their hearts to accept the other lessons latter on!
Lots more lessons this last week which made things go by so much better and faster, hopefully this week will be similar.
I also found out I am staying with Sister Painchaud so this should be good and interesting.
Went near dog beach (since it is in our area) and took pictures of the "sea rats" nearby.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week has been trying but better than last week. We got in 4 lessons with Ken alone, mostly on a bench by the beach since it was just across the street. Got cold we found out after dinner times. One would not expect it to be cold, but it does by the ocean. Lessons learned.... He also went to a Baptism going on in our zone, and he was thrilled to finally see one and get a feel of what it really is. He loved the experience, and now he wants to be baptized, just unsure of when. We have over half the lessons done since he will be going off to college in a few months and will be hopefully getting into a firefighting program. He really wants to do that and has been asking questions on how he would be able to go to church still considering the vocation he wants and stuff like that. He is so prepared, it is amazing.
We also got to help out with sea cliffs with Pokeno. The ladies there gave us trouble for not coming as often as we used to be allowed and for us being so busy we couldn't come on a certain day anymore. Along with that we helped a member with putting together signs in the overflow about the history of the HB stake year by year from the past 50 years. Took a while with just three hands so she was grateful for the help and we went to MOD Pizza place for lunch as a thank you. So much has changed in 50 years, back then there was a warehouse they used to meet in called the "tin can shack." Then they were in the recreation center for elderly and had to sweep up beer bottles and cigarette butts before sacrament each Sunday. Hearing that makes me so grateful we have buildings to meet in of our own and we don't have to do that anymore. Quite beautiful, too! To save up money for the first building of their own, members sold their second cars, fasted and prayed often, gave generously to building funds, put on fundraisers, and even took out loans to help.
Miracle of the week: We stopped by Anthony again for fun, and although he was feeling a little under the weather, he wanted to hear from us. Normally he would dominate the discussion and let us know why he disagreed with our church and its policy's on missionary work and so forth, he listened. He also missed us coming by since this whole transfer. We didn't try by since we figured we could talk to many other people who would actually listen. We taught the plan of salvation because he probably has heard that one a million times before. His wife and daughter even came by with a friend at one point, so we restarted in 2 more times so everyone was on the same page. They had many great questions and seemed to enjoy the lesson. We used many scriptures from both the Bible and Book of Mormon, and by the end they wanted us to come by next time and talk about where The Book of Mormon came from and why, aka restoration. His daughter's friend even asked for a copy and might come next time to hear us. SO COOL!
If at first you don't make any progress, try something they might accept and go forward with faith that God will soften their hearts to accept the other lessons latter on!
Lots more lessons this last week which made things go by so much better and faster, hopefully this week will be similar.
I also found out I am staying with Sister Painchaud so this should be good and interesting.
Went near dog beach (since it is in our area) and took pictures of the "sea rats" nearby.
Picture of the piano at Lee Peterson's place they are remodeling. I thought it was neat!
Monday, August 22, 2016
67 - Making a difference
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week was SLOW, very slow due to almost all of our appointments cancelling, a few people dropped us, and other small disappointments. Lots of the people left on our list we found out are do not contacts and or ignore us, so that made for an unpleasant week. At least some of the people were nice, one flat out bashed us.... Go figure, a member on top of that. We hope things don't fall through this week, don't know if I could deal with another week like that one again.
Miracle of the week: I got to see someone today near the beach who the elders taught in HBN almost a year ago. He is still investigating, thankfully he is still out of jail and out of trouble for 2 years now. He was so used to prison life, he didn't know where to begin to live a regular normal life. (One would think they would have programs or something to help them around here.) One day he met another church leader who told him he had great potential, and that comment of self worth was the first he could ever remeber getting in his life for a long long time. That jump started him to want to change, be baptized (in another church more than a year ago) and help others change for the better who are in similar cituations. I wish him luck!
Today we went with Stella on an outing by the PCH (pacific coast highway (shopping center)) that we planned for awhile. Mostly window shopping, but at least Sister Painchaud and her had lots of fun. I think I enjoyed the meal the most. (Not a real fan of the current styles of clothing or prices for that matter.) Saw lots of California shirt shops, make your own T-shirt design shops, and surf shops. (Lots of Pokémon Go inspired shirts on display as well, kind of interesting to see.)
One thing I noticed is the overall message that kept coming up when we did scripture thoughts or at church was about even if you don't think you are doing the best work, or even making a difference, YOU ARE. You are doing what God needs you to do if you are being obedient, having faith, and working hard (in missionary terms that is). It has been discouraging, but we are working hard. We may not have lessons to show for it, but we are still doing what God needs us to be doing.
Another great miracle:
We did get to give out our first Book of Mormon for this transfer. Ever since President Patterson put in the no knocking rule, we haven't had any luck with teaching or finding, but one man near the end of the night from out of state was looking at his phone, and we talked for awhile. We shared about the Book of Mormon the usual way when out of the blue I felt prompted to ask him if he had at any point in his life feelings of guilt or regret he wished he could get rid of. I shared about Christ and repentance, and how the Book of Mormon helped me with that journey of using Christ's atonement to heal mistakes in my past and let me move on with my life with leaving my guilt and regrets and sins behind. (Granted that doesn't take away any consequences, but at least you feel better and can do better afterwards). We then gave him a copy and he accepted it then had to get back to work. He would be there away from home and family on a job working power lines for a month, but I hope it can help him become a better person and father and more.
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week was SLOW, very slow due to almost all of our appointments cancelling, a few people dropped us, and other small disappointments. Lots of the people left on our list we found out are do not contacts and or ignore us, so that made for an unpleasant week. At least some of the people were nice, one flat out bashed us.... Go figure, a member on top of that. We hope things don't fall through this week, don't know if I could deal with another week like that one again.
Miracle of the week: I got to see someone today near the beach who the elders taught in HBN almost a year ago. He is still investigating, thankfully he is still out of jail and out of trouble for 2 years now. He was so used to prison life, he didn't know where to begin to live a regular normal life. (One would think they would have programs or something to help them around here.) One day he met another church leader who told him he had great potential, and that comment of self worth was the first he could ever remeber getting in his life for a long long time. That jump started him to want to change, be baptized (in another church more than a year ago) and help others change for the better who are in similar cituations. I wish him luck!
Today we went with Stella on an outing by the PCH (pacific coast highway (shopping center)) that we planned for awhile. Mostly window shopping, but at least Sister Painchaud and her had lots of fun. I think I enjoyed the meal the most. (Not a real fan of the current styles of clothing or prices for that matter.) Saw lots of California shirt shops, make your own T-shirt design shops, and surf shops. (Lots of Pokémon Go inspired shirts on display as well, kind of interesting to see.)
One thing I noticed is the overall message that kept coming up when we did scripture thoughts or at church was about even if you don't think you are doing the best work, or even making a difference, YOU ARE. You are doing what God needs you to do if you are being obedient, having faith, and working hard (in missionary terms that is). It has been discouraging, but we are working hard. We may not have lessons to show for it, but we are still doing what God needs us to be doing.
Another great miracle:
We did get to give out our first Book of Mormon for this transfer. Ever since President Patterson put in the no knocking rule, we haven't had any luck with teaching or finding, but one man near the end of the night from out of state was looking at his phone, and we talked for awhile. We shared about the Book of Mormon the usual way when out of the blue I felt prompted to ask him if he had at any point in his life feelings of guilt or regret he wished he could get rid of. I shared about Christ and repentance, and how the Book of Mormon helped me with that journey of using Christ's atonement to heal mistakes in my past and let me move on with my life with leaving my guilt and regrets and sins behind. (Granted that doesn't take away any consequences, but at least you feel better and can do better afterwards). We then gave him a copy and he accepted it then had to get back to work. He would be there away from home and family on a job working power lines for a month, but I hope it can help him become a better person and father and more.
Monday, August 15, 2016
66 - Exodus
Email address (preferred):
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week we spent our days visiting the remainder of the people on our ward list. Met more Do Not Contacts than usual. It's sad when that happens, but we all have free agency, and that matters more in life. We also had exchanges and due to the mas exodus of sisters in the mission (illness, homesickness, and things out of their control). I was put with Sister Poulson (a new missionary) and we sort of did a reversal exchange. We had lots of fun together that day and met a few more elderly members who are in recovery and would love us to come by and teach them until they are able to go to church themselves. I love hearing stories from their youth and how life was back them vs. now and how they were able to overcome challenges with Christ in their life, even how missionary work was back then.
We had a fun outing with Stella at a Japanese restaurant, very authentic, then we taught a lesson on Temples, and she said that years ago she worked with her LDS sister on some family history. She now understands why she was so persistent on learning about her relatives and gathering photos and stories, then she turned it into a video for the whole family to enjoy. She was thrilled she was apart of that whole process and looks forward to our visit hopefully soon at the temple visitors center to learn more and be around the LA Temple grounds.
Things are going well with Ken, He loves soaking up all the things we teach him and informing us on the little discoveries he finds each day.
We had a lesson with Titiana and Sister Goode (a friend of hers for many years) and talked about choices we all make in life and how having a patriarchal blessing helps us along our path of life with guidance and is an invaluable insight of ourselves and our potential that God sees in each of us as we live righteously and do all we can to help those things happen and help others around us. She loved Church and was presented to the relief society sisters for graduating young women's with the other youth. She also is excited to try going to the YSA ward with Lacey next week and possibly the fun activities and classes at institute they have for youth her age.
Miracle of the week was an opportunity to do service with the Harwards. They had to cancel an appointment due to some work they were doing on the house, and we both felt prompted to ask if they needed our help. They had started work on their kitchen and dinning room taking off... yes you guessed it.... dreaded 20+ year old WALL PAPER! They needed to paint the walls and have it ready for some carpet cleaning in 4 days, and they needed it before they moved the furniture into that same room. They were deeply discouraged from learning the usual ways you can get it off for newer paper is useless for the ancient wall covering, and they barely made a dent in the work to be done the day before. We came over and started working at one wall they had tried to work through the other day and found that by soaking it relentlessly with very hot water would get bigger pieces then the shreds they were getting before. It worked out well since we wanted to get to know them more and do service since they were going through so much as it was; and this time we could. We shared experiences about the gospel, how the youth trip to the tabernacle was for the youth, and more. It was almost like 1 big lesson for the time we did the service with them. They were almost done by the time we had to leave and were happy beyond words for our help. They said they could go to sleep that night without worry of not getting this project done in time and were almost in tears (Sister Harward was anyways). After this experience, I'm not so scared of wall paper removal (that and I did a harder job at my own house in the past). More hands make the work light and fun!
Goes to show that sometimes physically working with the less active members builds trust, especially when they need a helping hand. Not only that but the ward as a whole has lots of trust in us, it has been amazing. They have offered us to meet their friends, have us over for dinner (more days than we have available), and tell us all we need to know about people we need more information on to visit so we can share something to cheer them up or help them through a tough time in their life. Our hard work is starting to pay off now!
rachael.clark@myldsmail.net
Mission address:
Sister Rachael Geniel Clark
California Long Beach Mission
6500 E Atherton St.
Long Beach, CA 90815
This week we spent our days visiting the remainder of the people on our ward list. Met more Do Not Contacts than usual. It's sad when that happens, but we all have free agency, and that matters more in life. We also had exchanges and due to the mas exodus of sisters in the mission (illness, homesickness, and things out of their control). I was put with Sister Poulson (a new missionary) and we sort of did a reversal exchange. We had lots of fun together that day and met a few more elderly members who are in recovery and would love us to come by and teach them until they are able to go to church themselves. I love hearing stories from their youth and how life was back them vs. now and how they were able to overcome challenges with Christ in their life, even how missionary work was back then.
We had a fun outing with Stella at a Japanese restaurant, very authentic, then we taught a lesson on Temples, and she said that years ago she worked with her LDS sister on some family history. She now understands why she was so persistent on learning about her relatives and gathering photos and stories, then she turned it into a video for the whole family to enjoy. She was thrilled she was apart of that whole process and looks forward to our visit hopefully soon at the temple visitors center to learn more and be around the LA Temple grounds.
Things are going well with Ken, He loves soaking up all the things we teach him and informing us on the little discoveries he finds each day.
We had a lesson with Titiana and Sister Goode (a friend of hers for many years) and talked about choices we all make in life and how having a patriarchal blessing helps us along our path of life with guidance and is an invaluable insight of ourselves and our potential that God sees in each of us as we live righteously and do all we can to help those things happen and help others around us. She loved Church and was presented to the relief society sisters for graduating young women's with the other youth. She also is excited to try going to the YSA ward with Lacey next week and possibly the fun activities and classes at institute they have for youth her age.
Miracle of the week was an opportunity to do service with the Harwards. They had to cancel an appointment due to some work they were doing on the house, and we both felt prompted to ask if they needed our help. They had started work on their kitchen and dinning room taking off... yes you guessed it.... dreaded 20+ year old WALL PAPER! They needed to paint the walls and have it ready for some carpet cleaning in 4 days, and they needed it before they moved the furniture into that same room. They were deeply discouraged from learning the usual ways you can get it off for newer paper is useless for the ancient wall covering, and they barely made a dent in the work to be done the day before. We came over and started working at one wall they had tried to work through the other day and found that by soaking it relentlessly with very hot water would get bigger pieces then the shreds they were getting before. It worked out well since we wanted to get to know them more and do service since they were going through so much as it was; and this time we could. We shared experiences about the gospel, how the youth trip to the tabernacle was for the youth, and more. It was almost like 1 big lesson for the time we did the service with them. They were almost done by the time we had to leave and were happy beyond words for our help. They said they could go to sleep that night without worry of not getting this project done in time and were almost in tears (Sister Harward was anyways). After this experience, I'm not so scared of wall paper removal (that and I did a harder job at my own house in the past). More hands make the work light and fun!
Goes to show that sometimes physically working with the less active members builds trust, especially when they need a helping hand. Not only that but the ward as a whole has lots of trust in us, it has been amazing. They have offered us to meet their friends, have us over for dinner (more days than we have available), and tell us all we need to know about people we need more information on to visit so we can share something to cheer them up or help them through a tough time in their life. Our hard work is starting to pay off now!
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