September 29, 2014~"Faith is Having the Courage to Let God Have Control"

1.  Since you are not legal in Belize yet, when you go to Belize City do you have to just fill out paperwork? How long does it usually take to be legal there?
No... they usually just see my passport and put another stamp in there.   I should be legal within a couple months

2. You said last week that the rain makes the people there really sick...What did you mean by that? Its a superstition?
Its a superstition... I have never gotten sick yet haha

3.    Do you have to give many talks in church? or teach a class?
Yes ,almost every week.  I am now giving "Understanding the Scriptures" class on Friday nights.. its pretty much institute haha


I can't tell you how frustrating it is when there are events... it means your day is gonna be really really long haha. Its so crazy Nate is finally going.  I am sure he is so ready too because he has had his call for awhile now.  So crazy that guys are now coming home from their missions. I have been so blessed to know so many good guys and I am so happy for them and to know I still have their support.  I really do love them. I am now gonna start getting happier and happier knowing its starting to get chilly there woohoo!!! haha I think Fall is the season I hate the most! Well sorry but I will recount on yet another short week...

Well I don't know how to explain this week. We have been trying to do a lot but feel like we don't have enough time to do it! We are trying so hard to get this Branch on its feet but it is hurting our time getting investigators and its hard to have time for both. I guess you could say that will be the goal for this upcoming change. I won't have changes this time nor my comp and this next change will be a short one and will end the end of October. I love where I am at...I just think we could do more and wish I had more control in what goes on haha...I guess you could say that is kinda my weakness. We did improve the attendance in church a ton and it was good but the lack of investigators is killing me! The good thing is that is the only problem I worry about.  The District, Zone, my Comp and my health are all good.  I have no problems with them. I am definitely going to try and make an extra effort to do better to find more people this week because I see so much potential here! 

A funny story this week was we were in a lesson with an investigator who is paralyzed and my comp asked him if he would kneel to pray to see if these things were true and I sat there like oh no haha.. luckily the guy didn't get offended. I am definitely not happy nor satisfied at all with the amount of people we have and are teaching so lets hope that changes. It would help to get a few prayers from you guys please!

So that kinda is it. I am so pumped for conference this week you don't even know!!! You guys better listen too! Hope you guys have a good week love you Mom and peeps!


Elda Clev

Playin the Harp

More Xunantunich Mayan Ruins...

BELIZEEEE!

Guatemala!!

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins BABY!

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September 22, 2014~"What You Do Everyday Matters More than What You Do Every Once in Awhile"

1. Since you are now in Belize, Is there someone that does your laundry?
Yes but its kinda sketchy and I feel like they don't want to.

2.  Why didn't you take a picture of the Tarantula you saw?
 I did! I'll send that pic

3.  What did you think of the ruins?  Was it cool? You sent the pics but didn't say much about it.... 
Yes it was way cool! There are other sites too 

4.  Do you get invited to eat over at others homes there in Belize? 
Not really but its all chill

5. Do you live close to the Church? How long does it take to get there? 
Its like 5 minutes on bike ...15 walking.. so kinda close

If I bring my journal than I end up reading more than I am writing! I'm sorry to hear about Scoot ...that is such a good family. I wish the best for them!!!
You sure it was Austin that got on the field?? Why don't I believe that ahaha!! That sweet though he be reppin it! So sorry for my crappy English but I now write how I speak here and sometimes don't notice! Thanks for the pics though ...they were awesome! Keep sendin dem! 

I wish I could have been there for the temple dedication but I will for sure have to go to that temple after..It sounds like I actually missed out! As for all my friends...I love all those guys... they are the best.  Its so cool to tell people about all my friends!

Well as for my week... man was it kinda a boring one ...workwise!!! So we had Tuesday and Wednesday where we had full days to go out and work and they were good finding more people and really trying to change this area! We are trying to get the Branch President more involved so we went to his house which is far with the Sister Missionaries ...Sis. Olalere and Sis. Montes. (this is how his Companion, Elder Jack described the visit...."We have been laboring to rebuild the Branch after all of this moving and becoming inactive, so on Tuesday we decided to visit our evasive Branch President at his house-all the way by Spanish Lookout. So Elder and Sister Rinderknecht drove us and the sisters to his house. It was the first time at his house for all of us since it is over an hour drive away, and my breath was taken away! He has a ranch of a few hundred miles in Spanish Lookout, which is described by many as a Tropical Switzerland in appearance. So it was very pretty with all of the rolling rolling green hills and palm trees, with the sheep and cattle grazing. On his land there is a big problem with Black Panthers killing the cattle. Some of the Mennonites on the surrounding land are about to contract hunters to kill them. He told us to be careful on his land because one in particular liked to stay near the house. You can imagine how excited I was to hear that. It was hard to focus on the emergency meeting with a beautiful view, a breeze coming through the door of his electricity-less, comfortable home, and a possibility of seeing a panther in the distant trees.  But we nevertheless had a very productive meeting that resolved many of the concerns that we had. He called a councilor on Sunday, so we are only going to need to be the Second councilor. That was a relief.)   It was good but hard because I am not familiar with all the members still so the names everyone was throwing around were hard to know who was who. I'm good at remembering things but the only thing is that here members sometimes don't come as often... even if they have a calling and all the good members have District callings so they sometimes don't come to our Branch. It is really hard but I know I am learning a lot and lovin it! The church is really young here and from talking to members, Pres. Hintze has been the best Mission President they have had who has actually cared about Belize. So we are like pioneer missionaries here... its cool to think about!!

On Thursday I had to go to Belize City AGAIN! because I am still not fully legal here so every month I have to go there till I become legal... after that we had a fireside with Elder Alonzo the new area 70.  He came to San Ignacio... it was cool and he talked about how the progress here depends on the members and promised there would be more than one temple here someday... super awesome!! The next day we had a multizona with just missionaries and him and he said a ton of cool things. Pres was also there but Hermana Hintze wasn't.. she was back in the states because her dad died... but now she is back. Elder Alonzo talked about how a lot of the scriptures talk about the Atonement and we usually don't realize it and don't talk about the Atonement as often as we should. He also gave a strong promise to the Senior missionaries who are trying to learn Spanish and I feel bad because it never said that they would have to know Spanish when they left and there is still a lot of Spanish here and they are struggling. But he comforted them by saying they will get the language. Then on Saturday we had a Branch Independence Day Activity because Belize Independence was yesterday... but no one showed up! It was raining and here the rain makes you really sick so no one ever is out in the rain... its ridicualous.... so we cleaned everything up and then everyone came! haha So then we did a tiny activity.   On Sunday was Independence Day and we only had 35 in church and only had Sacrament...its sad how this country is just not a God fearing country...but then we stayed and worked with the Sisters because there were drunks everywhere and the parade which is pretty much just walking naked people so we kept strong but had no one to talk to because everyone was out partying! Hard week but hey everyone has em! Well I'm doing great as usual and loving life .  Weird September is already ending! Hope you all are doing just as good as I am! Love you Mom and errbody!!!
Elda Clev

Here is a story from his Companion, Elder Jack, that describes an experience they had a few weeks ago that I really enjoyed reading about....
"We got to play with dragon wasps, and little bee's this week too! But this time not at our house. This time it was the key to break the ice barrier with the Chiac family (the less-actives we found last week). We didn't really click with them at first, because they really don't know the church much at all. They got baptized a few years back, and then missionaries got taken out of Santa Elena, so they immediately went inactive. They don't know any of the members, or much of the doctrine, and they haven't talked to missionaries in years. But luckily Elder Cleverly noticed a big bee and wasp problem they had, so he offered our help to take care of them. so the next morning, I put on a long sleeve shirt, tied bags on my hands, climbed a ladder, and grabbed a huge bee hive off of their house to throw it as far as I could. Only one bee stung me when they started chasing me!! Totally worth it. Then we smashed the "dragon" wasp nests, escaping without a single sting. The Chiac family thought that we were absolutely crazy. As did all of their neighbors as they gathered around to watch. As did I. But now they absolutely love us, and invited us to eat at their house. President Hintze has been telling us to "stand on a wall" as did Samuel, and do something different. So we decided to stand in a bee-hive. :-) Whatever works, right? "

Look whats for Dinner

Made a friend

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September 15, 2014~"Choose Your Friends with Caution, Plan Your Future with Purpose and Frame Your Life with Faith"

1. If I send you some pictures in the Christmas box, what are some suggestions of pictures that you would like?
Any... get creative like I do!!!

2. How big of a place is Santa Elena?  Is it countryside or more city like?
Its like a ghetto city... its the twin city of San Ignacio which is right next to here 

3. What experience this week stood out the most to you?
Ummm.... you know I'll tell below

4. Are there a lot of insects/bugs around?
Yes ...I saw a tarantula the size of my hand this past week and freaked out

So I heard about Scoots dad through my hook ups I got here on da mish. I'll be sure to keep him in my prayers..sounds like a fun homecoming game but still just not the same as when I was playing idk it might just be me but I don't think so! Sucks to hear bout Stock's team but he is good.  He has all of the physical and talents needed and just needs someone (me) haha jk that can refine or improve his game... but anyways I will send a pic where I live next week.  I did hear from Kevin and am so happy.   I have been truly blessed being on the mission and my friends are all changing for the better. I freaking love it!   Sounds like everyone has problems driving too... they were not as good as me in not getting caught :) hahah I still got it!!! but onto the events...

Finally a good normal kinda week! It was a fun and good one.  We found a ton of good, new, positive people and I just love being here and improving in this part of the world. The branch here needs a lot of help...I mean a lot.  I have heard its one of the worst branches in the mission and I love that...I mean it wouldn't be worth it if it was easy right?! We do have one of the best members who hasn't even been a member for a year yet and he is the only one that gets it. So its really hard.  Our best young man went apostate this past week and we are really starting from new.   None of the missionaries before did anything in helping the branch... just baptizing people who go inactive.. kinda like my last area so I gotta do the dirty work and help this place and leave it feeling like I did when I left Zaragoza.

So contacting people here is so easy, like we found this guy named Wilbur who has or had a way sick Fro... so you know I had to talk to him and we taught him and he is pretty positive ...haha his sister is way religious and taught with us which wasn't really teaching haha.  She said she had the priesthood and Wilbur just sat there like my sister is crazy haha and he left his friends smoking weed and listening to reggae the second time we came by to listen to us and while he was praying said God I pray to you while I'm listening to this music...which is kinda disturbing ...it was the funniest prayer but then we have found a part member family named the Chiacs as well as a guy named Abner who is a chef.  Those are kind of our most positives for right now but its definitely getting better. I love the grind and how hard it is... most wouldn't but I take no better pride than to think God trusts me enough to lift where I stand which is a hard area. We will have success.... that is my mindset and keeping an open mind that success can be more than just baptizing but I hope I can baptize as well here. Well thats kinda the happenings for the week.  We went to the ruins this morning that is why I'm writing so late but keep moving forward and being the beautiful people you are haha...Love you Mom and Fam and friends!!!!
Elda Clev

Elder Cleverly thinking he is spider man...or something haha

Maybe he is thinking he is Indiana Jones?

Day at the booth at the market.  The missionaries greet shoppers as they hit the market on Saturday morning.  The free juice is great, and they share a message.  From left to right:  Elder Galvez, Brandon (new convert), Elder Stoker, Elder Boyer, Elder Richardson, Jason (new convert), Elder Viera, Elder Cleverly, Elder Jack, Elder Tello, Sister De Leon, Sister Jensen and Nigel (a faithful member)

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September 8, 2014~"Life is Better When You Are Laughing"

1.  Did you enjoy your Birthday? 
Freakin all out on the bday!

2.  When you have torn your pants riding the bike, were you able to get them fixed/sew it? 
Not yet haha...I need to do that

3.  Will you be able to go to the ruins while you are there? 
Yeah...I want to so bad too!

4. Does it feel hotter there than El Salvador or is it about the same?
Yes it is but you get used to it!

5.  What are the stores like there? Little?
 No they are kinda the same...I like them better actually

Dang sounds like football isn't going too cool but hey hopefully when I get there it will be! I loved playing and even though I didn't get too many balls my way, I didn't need to know that I was a good player (thats confidence not cockiness haha) and sometimes it takes ONE person to be a man and take a lesser role and be more humble to get more wins as a TEAM. I've always liked the underdog underestimated role. Sorry not too much to comment on but  I will go to my week.

So this week was awesome!!!! I am now 20 ...what the heck..I'm old...haha.  Work wise was still kinda hard because we have had so many problems ...not with us but with other things like having meetings and doing stuff for others in the District or Zone but you gotta work with what you have. This week  I got to meet Pres Duncan, our area president, as well as Brother Durrant and Pres Hintze as well as all of their wives. We had 2 meetings, one Wednesday night in Belize city which was a 3 hours bus trip and 3 hours back and another just for missionaries Thursday morning... another 3 hours there and back but it was so worth it! Truly a spiritual feast and they are so awesome! To hear my Mission President speak alongside General Authorities and there was no drop off ...Pres Hintze is a future Apostle haha... you can see how he is called of God as well and is just as much a General Authority as the others.  They all just killed it and gave so much inspiration! I wish I could write everything that I learned but to be honest its hard to put it into words. They said one of the best examples of the Lord hastening his work is here in Belize. We are working on getting the first Stake here and it is so close...I hope I can be here when it happens. They also talked about an invitation I would like to extend to you guys. They showed us how to invite people to talk to the missionaries or accept to hear the gospel. They said start out a normal conversation then find a way to tie in the church or talk about the church and ask them "would you be willing to hear a brief presentation about (blank)" then if they say yes get their info and if they say no just keep going on with the conversation! Brother Durrant said he got tons of no's but it was ok! Look up Brief and Willing on youtube to see more. We all can help spread the Gospel in simple little ways. I wish I had more to say but its hard to put everything into words. I'm loving life,  I am as happy as can be and I am so blessed and grateful...I mean I GET TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL! How am I  so blessed, I don't know but I love it. Keep working hard and being good examples.  I love you guys and Mom and hope you guys continue what you are doing!
Elder Clev

P.S. Send more pictures you guys are slacking!!!! and more pics in packages!!!   Also if you want any stone carvings, the guy does them for about 20 dollars (10 US) and any picture or thing you want. I thought you might like some and he can write things on them as well just if you were interested.

Presidente Duncan (Area Pres)

Brother Durrant

Spendin the B-day on the bus

Car ferry on the river!

Thugga

Stone carving

Preach My Gospel

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September 1, 2014~"Your Setbacks and Just Setups for Great Comebacks"

1.  In your house, is it just you and Elder Jack or do other missionaries live with you as well? 
Just us

2.  Did you get your package?  Sis. Hintze told me she was going to take it to you last week...if so did the M&M's get there without melting all over? 
Yup I did! Thanks... the m&ms are perfect... nothing happeneed to them! Everything else is there too

3.  Sis. Hintze said when I send packages to you to send them to Belize because you will get them faster.  She said to ask you about what P.O. Box your area is? 
I don't know yet haha...I will get on that

4. How many members are in your branch?  Do you meet in a chapel?
There are like 75 but its one of the struggling branches in the country so I still am not catching a break haha

5. Wow, you get to ride bikes? Don't you like that better than walking or is it more tiring? 
It is soooo much better because my area is flat too!

6. What are the people like there? Very friendly or more reserved?
The people here are so chill.. i don't know how else to describe them... just really chill

7. Are you teaching anyone?
Yes we are.... a couple we found want to get married which is rare here as well as another guy we found who wants to change his life named Abner.  He is a Chef so maybe he can show me how to cook more things

8. What is Elder Jack like?  Does he like sports? 
He is a good guy.  He likes hiking. 

I really am trying to keep my Spanish as well as learn some Creole! The Rinderknects are awesome...I freakin love those guys and definitely I am going fishing with Elder Rinderknect one day! That is soo sick about Kevin!  Please get in contact with him... that makes me so happy! That is cool about the whole sports happenings this week.  I got a guy in my Branch from Utah who gives me some updates but he likes the Utes haha. And of course Tom has the best team..I love that guy and he just can't get away from coaching can he? That is so awesome that you guys brought families to the temple! I'm impressed you guys are doing missionary work from at home! Keep it up! I'll keep everyone in my prayers don't worry and thanks for the money.  I will be sure to get something cool!   Well onto the week...

So this computer is way slow so it might be short but this week.  We did a lot of running around for the sisters in our District... meeting investigators as well as doing other favors because 2 got sick.  We also had District Conference this week which is Stake Conference there and we brought these 3 kids Friday for a fireside, Saturday and Sunday... they love to go to church.. its awesome! The District Conference was about the temple and there were so many great talks.   Prez came as well. Its so weird because during they had translators because not all spoke Spanish or English haha.. really weird because I heard the same thing twice! Then this morning we went and helped a member who is a stonecutter, go get stone and it was awesome.  We went to the jungle pretty much and we saw toucans and all types of animals.  I was just waiting for monkeys but sadly we didn't see any, but for helping him he is gonna cut something for me so we shall see! Well other than getting my pants destroyed by the bikes ( getting caught in the chains, ripping where the butt is and all) it was a good week! I'm learning more about this place and I love it here!

Crazy  I will be 20...I don't even feel like it.  I will get to spend my b-day though with Elder Duncan, our Area President who is coming as well as Brother Durrant from the Sunday School Presidency in Belize City so it will be a different b-day for sure! I'm doing great and  I am having the time of my life.  I love my mission and to be able to do the things I can! Sorry, I feel like I left out a ton ...maybe next week I will get a better computer! Love you guys and Mom keep up the good work!
Elder Clev

Brudda Griffith ...this guy is a legend and sings hymns like a boss!!

Jungle!

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