January 20, 2014.... "Strength Does Not Come from External Performance, Strength Comes from Internal Belief"

1. How was William's (Guillermo) baptism?
Read Below

2.  I am glad you got to have interview with Pres and Sis. Hintze...sounds 
like the timing was right since you and Stin had been sick.  I am glad he 
convinced you guys to take a day to rest and get better.  
I am glad everything is better now.   I knew at some time you would probably
have that experience, everyone does. Do you think it was something you ate or drank?
Yeah it was probably what we ate but we switched cocineras (cooks) so its
all good probably because I eat everything too hah

3.Any new investigators you want to tell us about?
ummm not really unfortunately

4. Is this week transfers? I know if it is it doesn't effect you.
 Yeah its sad all my peeps are leaving

5. At Church, do you have anything you do on a weekly basis like 
teaching a lesson or giving a talk?
Way to jinx me

Wow I didn't think that my letters would mean that much..I thought I was
the stupid older brother they all hated haha.  I was starting to grow
accustomed to that title haha! But thats sweet.. Im glad I can show them
where and what they need to be doing after high school. Dang that fire
is raging... sounds like quite the news.. how did that happen? Yeah I'm super
bummed I can't go to that region thing...(.there actually might be a
little truth to that sentence just so you know!) Ooooo some Honey
Walnut Shrimp.. what I would do just to get a whiff of that stuff... Panda
has gotta be going out of business without me.. I'm sure they are scrappin
for something! So onto my shindig...

So let me just get this outta the way.. we didn't baptize and it sucked.
So we had the interview for him..I didn't go, Elder Smith went with my
District Leader to do it while I chilled with his comp. Everything was
gonna be fine... we already went through the questions the day before
with him just to make sure and yeah. Well when they came back all
looked good and I asked for his paperwork and Elder Martinez my district
leader gave it back blank and said he would explain later. I ended up just
hearing what happened from Guillermo himself. He has some things he needs
to take care of and I straight up told him what he needs to do now because
he still wants to be baptized.  It so hard dealing with this stuff.  People
make mistakes I know that... as I have made them myself.   What I told him
and what I want everyone to know is sin isn't easy... repentence isn't easy but
its worth it. Salvation is easy but its sin that makes it hard. The
longer you are in it the harder it is.  I invite all you guys to pray for
this guy as I love him as my own blood. People aren't perfect and
they make mistakes... thats how life goes. But the difference is we can
correct and learn from our mistakes. Simple and true.

Other things! I went on interchanges and met this guy who was the most
humble guy I have ever met. His house is as big as half of our bathroom
at home and I had to bend over to enter. This guy just got baptized
and when I entered his house instantly the spirit was there. This is
how our houses should be.. nothing less. Another thing I learned this
week is to know thyself, control thyself, and give thyself. Like
Peyton Manning, he knows he is not the fastest or strongest but he is one
of the best, still he knows himself. Also David in the Bible in 1
Samuel 17:45-47 knows who he is.

Lets see what else... oh we have an Apostle coming this Jueves!!!! and
guess who two of the 14 people singing will be when he comes!!! Yeah me and
Stin woot woot! Haha scary but siiickk!  Also I had to give a talk yesterday at church
and talked about how we teach and tell people how the gospel makes and brings us
happiness but we sometimes don't show it so guys be happy we have a plan for us!

The Wizards of Layco are being broken up... Elder Ralphs and Elder Paulson
are leaving....but I am going to cambios (changes) hahaha not to change but to
chill because there is singing practice after and we are the only ones not
changing that are singing so we have to go.. also my area is getting
split for sure.  This time my hook ups have shown me the email from
Pres...dang.. we will see how this goes.

We joined the backpack crew and bought 4 buck matching
backpacks haha...Mom the sidebag sucks... its hard to get around on crowded
buses and a backpack is sooo much easier... also lighter on the shoulders
and doesn't make black marks on my shirt like the bag did. I still have
the bag but yeah. It would actually be nice if you sent me like 30 bucks for
a sweet native looking backpack from here that will last longer because
this pack will probably only last a couple months.

Here is a picture of Scary clowns from here...clowns aren't funny but latino
clowns are even worse..But you knew I wouldn't go two weeks sin los fotos!
(without sending photos) Love ya mom

The last couple things are ..I love this.. I found out....the supreme reward
to struggle is strength, the pursuit of easy things makes men weak. Do
work and do what is hard and needs to be done. Love you guys and keep it
shaggy out there! Also tell Thanks to Courtney and her family, Grandpa
Clev, and the Jacos for the letters! Mom thanks especially.. I love you!
Elder Clev

Scary Latino Clown

The Wizards of Layco...will be parting ways...Elder Smith, Elder Cleverly, Elder Paulson, Elder Ralphs, Elder ?

Joined the backpack crew and bought matching backpacks

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January 13, 2014...."Be Happy With What You Have While Working For What You Want"

1.   Will there still be a baptism this week?  How old is the William 
that you talked about that is suppose to have the baptism this week?  
So far yes! he is 53

2.  What did you guys do for P-Day last week?
We did the usual finally and played futbol... yeah I scored the most
goals as usual haha

3.  Fireworks? Really?  I can't believe you tried buying them.  
Isn't that against the mission rules?  How much do they cost?
Um I have no idea to be honest, but they were like 50 cents each or something

4. Have you been getting the DearElders that I have been sending?
Yes...Thank you!

5. What has been your favorite thing so far about being a Missionary?
Hmmm my favorite thing? Probably just having the stress to live the
higher law.  I love that even if I  do something not bad at all but it isn't
in tune with what I should do I always repent and it has gotten me in a
routine of really praying and it is something that I will probably do the
rest of my life. I love learning things now... I  probably will till I die 
and making people truly happy (duh)

Yeah the package still lives! haha.   We are having a fun time everyday.
Its just gonna suck when its over...the t-shirt thing was funny but
its way too big so  I will probably not keep it. I'm glad you guys
finally got that stuff I sent.  Sorry about the trouble it probably
brought you guys in having to deal with all these people haha. I'm glad
everyone liked the letters.. sorry they were kinda crap and  I will be
honest, I had so much to say in yours but couldn't really say it all and
felt like I didn't.

About your guys week....
Wow that is a shock to say the least...I'm sad I never got to really
thank him for the things that he did for me and us and his support for
my mission. One thing for sure though is we know he was good and did
all the right things and I have no doubt where he is now, enjoying life
after life. That must have been nice too to see your side of the family
again. I'm sure it was hard on Kae though.  She always thought
of him as her other grandpa and who didn't... he was like our other one.
Now you just need to teach Kae the Plan of Salvation because that is what
brings us comfort and why this gospel is so wonderful because not only
does it bring happiness but peace as well to our hearts.
Its alright to hear about bad news.  I knew every week of my mission
wouldn't be sunshine and roses but its all good... things happen. And yeah
get with Stins mom because he is pretty much our family now... you have a new
son! The machete is sweet and I might get one more before I boogie
here.
Well onto my week! First of all I decided I have been slacking on my
letters to you so I have decided to spend more time on this like I
should have been.
My week wasn't the best. William or Guillermo as his Spanish name is
came to church like he needed to but he almost didn't because he was asleep.
We went by and woke him up whew! We worked out with him in a gym
Saturday morning... it was so fun and nice too.  I really miss doing that
and might have to get a gym membership when I get back haha. But the
next day we were so sore and still are but its all fun.  We did find
out we can't go again because gyms are prohibited on the mish because girls are
there or something idk. Also this week on Martes we had interviews with
Pres and his wife.  It was so nice to talk to them because they are
chili beans. Also that day me and Stin had been sick with the poops
since Friday and it hadn't passed and got worse.  We got
dehydrated because we didn't drink water after all the times in the
bathroom.... So we were dead that day.  I didn't feel like I could work but
then convinced myself we were going to but after talking to Hintzes
and Elder Paulson that day, they convinced me to take the day off...that it
would be better so we did and it sucked. I now hate sitting around.  It
isn't fun at all... even if I'm hurting...I wanna work. But we are all good
now.  It did throw me off my working routine this week so it
wasn't as good as it should have been. That night I woke up and felt like
I had a hangover (not that I really know what that feels like) but
what I guess those feel like and was like there is no way we will work
tomorrow either, but in the morning I felt great and good as new! So
really that was our week.  Sorry I don't have pictures this week.  The
pictures would have all been in the bano (bathroom) haha. Oh we did find these cool
people, the guy who gave me his shirt and they are way receptive haha.  When we
walked in their home which was way nice, they had ESPN on! It took so
much for me to ask him to shut it off... especially when they were
showing NFL highlights of the past week....dang mish life sucks! haha
just kidding, but I love this Mission I am doing. I really can truly feel
a tiny bit of how Jesus felt when he preached on the earth. As hard as
it is there is a joy and goal in doing it and that is what makes it
all worth it. Thanks for all the support guys... especially you Mom! Love
you guys and keep being spiritual as its the best feeling we can have
on this earth!  Love you mom!
Peacin out
Elder Clev

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January 6, 2014...Still enjoying the Missionary Life

1. Did you do your roof/oreo milkshake event?  You need to be careful being on the roof...thats how people get electrocuted.  
 Uh yeah... you know we wouldn't just bail on that! Don't worry we´re fine

2.  How is the training going with "Stin"?  
Its going good!  His Spanish is getting better and its going by way
too fast! 

3.  Have you given away any of the CTR rings?
Yeah 3 of them

4.  How often do you get to see Pres. Hintze?
Um like 3 or 4 times a month... idk depends on how many reuniones we have

Sounds like a fun New Years but also kinda boring.  I remember after
Christmas Break its really slow and nothing happens. Thats sweet about
Dave.   That's lame I miss the Olympics but oh well summer is
still better for sure! Things are going good... so now onto my week!

So this week was way good! First we met with William and talked with
him as usual and put down a baptismal fecha so now we have a baptism
for the 16th of this month yeah!!! We were supposed to work out with
him in the morning but we had to cancel because we had Stins newbie
meeting and I was so bummed! We also had 3 other citas that morning
and had to cancel with all of them.   I was pretty mad. But all is well.
At the meeting we talked to Hermana Hintze and she asked how we were
doing and how much fun we were having haha.  She said she also saw some
of the pics you put on facebook.   It was really helpful.  She said my
Spanish was getting really good and that Elder Smiths is good too...
thats why they felt comfortable with me training a gringo. Also she
talked to us about how her son was comps with one of his friends but
now they are done and how much it sucked after... haha I don't want changes
to happen again even though I still have a lot of time with him! We
are starting to get our mojo down and its getting way fun... where we
both can teach and have fun and its awesome! Another thing... at church
yesterday a guy showed up... his girl I guess just left on a mish in our
branch and he was like yeah I wanna be a member so we might have 2
baptisms already woooo!   Also on New Years you know we bought
sparkling cider and oreo milkshakes and partied again haha.. it was way
fun and now there is no more holidays for a while.  We also tried
buying fireworks and our Branch President drove by.  Before  he drove by
I was like watch something is gonna happen ahah! but he was chill with it.  He
just said let someone give them to you, don't buy them. Other than that me
and Stin have been doing work here!   Sorry this is short.. really not much
 happened but always having fun. This guy gave me his Detroit Tigers shirt too
because I said I liked it, but its huge on me because the guy is massive.. not fat but
 just big.  He just took it off and was like nope your having it.  It was so weird but gypsy too!
Well I hope all is good there...Love you guys...Know I'm as good as ever! Love you mom!
Elder Clev

The start of Celebrating New Years....drinking Sparkling Apple Cider

Happy New Year!

New Years "Kiss"

Nativity at the Temple

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December 30, 2013

**Sorry All...there was no email last week since he got to Skype Call us on Christmas**

That's sweet about "Gotts"...I freakin love that guy and am so sad he is not
here anymore. I have a ton of pictures so hopefully they get there! But this
week was a whole lot better! We found this guy named William who speaks a little English and is the
chillest cat. He said he would come to church with us and waited in the
doorway waiting for us on Sunday... it was awesome. Then in church when they kinda
sent a shoutout to him, he stood up and fist pumped it ...siickk! He is
way receptive and we were talking and he was like "the Church needs to
be more happy.... everyone looks bored maybe they need me"... haha! Also he
was like you guys were popular in high school no? (he is from San Fran)
and we were like ehhhh and he goes "Hey I know what its like... we can't
help that girls like us and God blessed us with such good looks"....hahahaha!
I love this guy and want the world for him.  He is the nicest
guy. It was so nice to see you guys and really helped me for some
reason and it got me refocused out here... it was nice. You know this New
Years we are doing the roof again with Oreo milkshakes! haah... but yeah
you would be naive to think I wouldn't hook the bros and sistas up from the
Salv! I want the best for you guys and love you guys so much...
especially you Mom! Don't worry you know I will be fine out here as long
as I rely on God!   I just hope I wasn't too weird! I really have had my
life changed through here.  I have realized so much and never want to look
back! I love you guys and I will be looking forward to next week.  Have a
fun, safe New Years... you know we will....well...I can't guarantee safe ;)
Elder Clev

The 4 Golden Boys

Pres. and Sister Hintze, Elder Cleverly with Comp Elder "Stin" Smith

Bowling on P-Day

On top of the roof checking out the view

Matching Christmas Shirts...Christmas tree w/angel Moroni on top!

View from the Roof....

"Deep Thoughts"

Remembering the advice from his good friend Elder Gottschalk who returned home last week...

Proud of their matching Christmas shirts

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December 16, 2013....Training one of his Best Friends!

1.  So do you know when you will get to Skype for Christmas?  Christmas Day or another day?
 Christmas Day!

2.  Where did Elder Purser get transferred to?
Los Heroes... the rich part...He is a District Leader

3. How was the baptism? Do you have something after the baptism? (like refreshments? do ward members come?)
Good! Yeah ...there was a farewell party for a missionary so we had tortas

4.  How is the teaching coming with those you have found? 
Right now we´re stuck again but still working!

5.  Did Elder Paulson stay in the area or did he get transferred this change? 
He is still in the zone

6. Have you received your package from us yet? It should have arrived.
Yup.. got it this past week... thanks so much...I loved it!!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a pretty good week... sorry I'm not commenting too much on it
but I have so much to say from this past week so here I go....

First I can't stop thinking about that money charge ouch....that really
hurts....Anyways so we finished my training up and all was good.  I was
freaking out the day of changes... how could I do it? What was gonna
happen? I  just knew I was gonna get some person who wants to go home and
everything. So we get to the capilla for changes and who do I see? Mom...
"Stin" is freakin in my mission!!!!!! I was so happy when I saw him... it
seemed like forever! So then me and Gottschalk and Stin all took
pictures together and were like yeah Northridge baby!!! haha  It just
sucks Gottschalk leaves next week because I love that guy. But anyways we
had the meeting of trainers and trainees and you sit there just
wondering which of them is your next comp and who you will have to deal
with. So I knew I was getting a latino... there were only 5 gringos out
of the 25 or so Elders that came. So then we did all that and we
finally went to the changes presentation.... they showed all the pictures
and all that fun stuff then starting showing the pictures of
companionships. What I liked about this time around was that I knew
when I was coming up because I knew I was staying in Layco... So they keep
showing all the other areas in my zone and I was the only gringo
trainer going to changes in our Zone this change. Our whole zone is
now training every zone because some from last change are still training.
But anyways they show all the other areas in my zone and all were
latinos so  then I am like they are not gonna overrun the zone with latinos.. they
usually balance it out so I'm probably gonna get a gringo.... Finally they show Layco
they show my picture and the next picture who is it? FREAKING ELDER
SMITH OR SO CALLED......"STIN!"   MOM I'M TRAINING ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS
OUT ON THE MISSION! I still can't believe it and don't think I ever
will.  Its the coolest thing ever because I wanna help him out so bad but
yeah its so cool!   I honestly can't express my feelings so I'm just gonna
stop. But he has way good work ethic and I have gotten way more organized
to help him and stuff... but Gottschalk hooked us up and told Prez we
would be good together so we still have a ton of responsibility and
being comp mayor I'm really feeling it ...but I just gotta work hard and
be way obedient.   This is the coolest thing ever Mom.

Well this week workwise was bad because we gotta find noobs and we didn't but we still
worked our butts off and soon it will pay off... between that  and we have been
catching up and what not but its a party here to say the least. Well
thats pretty much all I have.  I can't think of anything else but yeah
good baptism, crazy changes,  and now lovin life and working hard.
Well we are supposed to go bowling today too so yeah. But  I love you Mom and hope
you guys enjoy the holidays and what not... sorry for the big bills and
stuff....But thanks for everything Mom love you so much!
Elder Clev

Elder Cleverly, Elder Gottschalk, Elder Smith....."Northridge Buddies"

Pres and Sister Hintze, Elder Cleverly with his newbie  Elder Smith "Stin"...his friend from home...Crazy!

Christian's baptism..."Elder Stin's" first baptism with Elder Cleverly

They are already having fun together...haha! Watch out El Salvador

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December 9, 2013

1.  Why do you think you have gained weight?  Do your clothes feel tighter? 
because my belly is bigger! haha..I need to exercise a little more but yeah a
little tighter.

2.  With this being transfer week...have you heard anything about training or a new companion?
Um ..I'll explain below

3.  Do they have Christmas Decorations there? What do they do for Christmas?
Yes... lights little trees nothing huge but yeah

4.  Any spiritual experiences or crazy experiences this week?
Um...I'll explain below tambien


Sounds like an average week with the Fam... crazy but fun haha. Thats sweet about the snow.
I'm kinda mad because I realized how much I like it! Thats also cool about Stock keeping the W's and Ryan keeping the tradition. And yeah please try and send those M&Ms next time...I love those things! 

Well on to my crazy week..
So Wednesday we had intercambios with the Zone Leaders.  I stayed here with Elder Ralphs ...a way chill guy and we ruled this place. We found a couple noobs too. One is the hermana of one of our investigators.  She is really receptive and we hope to get to her because she influences her sister a lot. Another was we finally were able to contact William again.  It seems like intercambios brings him out haha. He just so happened to call in sick for the day and we just passed by but his schedule is still way difficult. A friend was there named David...I call him Davy Crockett...He is just as cool as William and has a ton more time.  We are hoping and praying for him so who knows. That night me and Ralphs roasted marshmallows in this ally thing in my house... it was
buck wild! He is probably leaving so it was our last party haha. The
next night I went to the fridge to eat some marshmallows when a call came... my comp answered and started screaming so I poked my head in and he is like YOUR TRAINING! I stood there and then yelled I NEED TO CHANGE MY PANTS I JUST CRAPPED! haha yes I'm still me. So yeah I'm going to train... the rumors are true Paul Walker died but there is a new Paul Walker (me) getting on the fast track haha.. we will see how this goes but I
need a lot of faith.  I feel so inadequate...I mean I end training this
week and start training this week too. The next day we went to the
Trainer meeting and I find out more than half of the people I came
with are all going to Belize now.. menos me. There is still work here for me and my Spanish will be better haha. Also we are gonna baptize Christian this Thursday... everything is good and ready to go! I'm gonna have my noob do it...It will be good for him. So yeah that was my crazy week...But I know everything is possible with faith. Just like all missionaries before without it nothing will happen but I would appreciate some prayers just in case haha.  Any crazy stories and such? I have one... I was teaching these investigators and started quoting  the 1st vision... all of a sudden they start laughing...I know that I hadn't messed up though and I look behind me and these two dogs our doing their thing... like what 
the heck!!!!  Definitely Satan is real and its usually dogs for me. Then this guy lights a random firework by us and then after that this guy rips a huge fart and that was the last straw but the lesson was good and they still felt the Spirit and want us to come back. Oh and be best friends with Elder Paulson's mom so we can party after the Mish...
But love you guys... we will see how this week goes! 
Love you mom and thanks for everything!
Elder Clev

Elder Clev with companion Elder Purser, Elder Garcia, and Elder Paulson

Thanksgiving in El Salvador with Elder Paulson and Elder Ralphs

Roasting Marshmallows...

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December 2, 2013

1.  How was your Thanksgiving with the Pres?
It was freakin sweet!!! 

2. Do you know if you get to Skype for the Christmas call or just call?  I will get a skype account set up for you just in case and email you the log in info next week.
I'm pretty sure Skype

3. Have you eaten any strange foods or anything that was gross?
Um No...I eat everything... there hasn't been the greatest things.. like pumpkin with miel (honey) and other stuff ..the whole thing was like black and wasn't that great and they drink oatmeal in this drink stuff not for breakfast...but nothing gross.

4.  Have you checked in the store for the Probiotics?
No sorry..I will.  I have been healthy so I try staying out of that place haha


Sounds like a usual holiday week haha. It probably was more enjoyable though because I wasn't there.  I know you were hinting at that haha. That's too bad about the Black Friday because I so would  have gone all out.. you know that no one can replace me though ...especially Austin and Cass! Thats so weird that the Football Banquet is tonight...I remember that like it was yesterday! Good memories to say the least but always more to come! Which leads me to my week...

So we did have Thanksgiving and it was way different but still really nice. It wasn't all of our mission because it was split into two days and we were the first. It was good to see old MTC buddies and all that but the best was the talks by our mission Pres and his wife. I know I always say it but I have the coolest mission parents! Paulson is friends with their son from the MTC and says he is his and mine missing piece haha....He says we  are partying at Presidents house after the mish haha. But the food was good and I ate a ton but not as much as a usual Thanksgiving. Mom.. its wrong to say but I think I am gaining weight out here haha! Its because I eat everything even if its something I hated at home. I have learned to like food in general haha... my comp calls me a black hole. Like yesterday, we ate after fasting and ate a ton at our house because we didn't think we would eat the rest of the day... well after a cita we passed by a members house and they were having a graduating party and gave us all this food and we had to stuff it all down haha. But I have ate some good things.. a little weird things too but I'm trying to expand my food selections.. like next week they have something called pan con pollo... its famous here during Navidad and I wanna try it and will next Domingo so we will see!

More about my week is we had another baptism fecha fall because they didn't come to church but one maintained... Christian did! We should have a baptism next Monday. Also next Monday I should know if I'm training or not so who knows! We also found this way cool family and find out they are recent converts in our area but another zone baptized them and that Ward is way far away. We were so mad because no one notified us and I think thats against the rules but they are way cool so I have an opportunity to strengthen this family in the gospel. Its not all about baptisms but keeping people in the church too. I got some pictures with the crazy family and the book! Haha I had to because the others I wasn't in! Another is with this guy we call "everywhere guy". He is a loco but he is everywhere.  I have even seen him on intercambios! haha so I had to get pic with him. But yeah thats kinda the party here in Layco.  Its weird.. its my last week of training...I'm almost done! 

Well its good to hear you guys are all doing good and having fun! Just keep being the family I know you guys to be! Love you Mom and I am always so grateful for you! Oh and Paulson got peanut m&ms and they didn't melt so peanut butter ones could come here! :)
Love you!
Elder Clev 

"Everywhere Guy"

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