May 19, 2014~"Always Be Kinder than You Feel"

1. What was your favorite experience from this week? 
Um.. that we had a Baptism!!!!

2. What did you do last week for P-Day?
We just chilled at the beach.  Thats what we will do today too but with a ton of missionaries

Dang Zach Winter is lucky Guate (Guatemala) is a blessed country and they have some much success.  He will love it there.  If I wasn't serving in the best mission, I would go there for sure!  Jace and Landon comps?! Thats so sick! They will love that time.  Man I need to talk to them! But yeah me and Stin still have a cooler story..I mean we were best friends before the mish. Thats so nuts about Uncle Brandon too.. freak! I am thinking it was Elder Roberts... thats so cool.  He is an awesome guy and he lives in Centerville... definitely a friend after the mish.  I'm glad you finally got to go to Bdubs.. its about time gosh mom!
Tell Jimmy (Jaime) that I say hi when they come by... he is a fun guy and I love that man.. I love a lot of things don't I? Tell Ryan I'm so freakin proud of him.  He is gonna be a huge stud his senior year and I'm pumped to be able to see it! Tell him to work hard though... he still has a lot to work on!
Well onto my week....

So this week as a leader, I also have a meeting with my District... which is my Zone and we have been struggling lately.. not bad but not how I want things. So I got the impression to tell the story about the Layton game my Senior year. At the end you could see in the guys eyes fire and a want to do better... that its only halftime and we can still win. I have learned how much sports has helped me relate to other people and also the work. After I worked with my ZL on intercambios but Elder Talla too... in a 3some for the day. It was so freakin fun.  We talked about experiences we had before the mish and honestly I love latinos.  They are the craziest people haha. On Friday we found out that one of our investigators didn't need an interview with Prez cuz he has killed people in the war...because it was warfare... so we went and put a baptism date with him for Saturday... the next day! Man was it crazy planning a baptism and still trying to work. When Saturday came we had to get keys to the capilla (chapel)... mostly just for the pila (font) to fill it up so we went and got the key which everyone that has a key lives far and won't let us get a copy of the key for who knows what reason. So we went and the 1st counselor asks if we want the key to the door to the capilla as well...we said no because on Saturdays the kids always have mutual and its always open so we just got keys to the pila (font). Man was I naive to think that a baptism could go so smooth. Of course we get there and its locked! We ran home which isn't too far and called everyone with keys and nobody was coming because the young men went to the temple! I was so mad... we had 20 minutes to run back grab the key that we could have had 2 hours ago and prepare everything...It was nuts and kinda funny when a tall white guy in a white shirt and tie is running in the street and everyone is wondering what is going on...I'm sure it looked like the James Bond movies when he runs in his suit and  his tie is flying everywhere but he still looks good haha.. hope that even made sense. But in the end we had the baptism and everything was good!

So that was my week... pretty much nothing too cool.  Sorry but I will try extra hard to find or do something cool this week. Love you Mom and fam and friends do whats right and be examples!
Elder Clev

**FELIZ CUMPLIAÑOS tambien eat lots of cake and ice cream for me because when I get back ooooo I'm partying for your birthdays!

"Beach Babes"

Living Country Style still

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May 12, 2014~"A Goal without a Plan is just a Wish"

About being blessed...I am so blessed in so many ways... sometimes its hard to even think about! Ever since the almost robbing haha  I have been so grateful to my Father in Heaven for the protection and the strength he has given me. (This past week at about 8:30 p.m. at night Elder Clev and his companion were attacked by some men who tried to rob them.  They tried explaining to the men that they did not have any money on them just books but the men didn't leave them alone and since the men did not have any knives or guns with them and before it went any further, Elder Clev and his comp made a run for it...they were able to get away safely and without anything being taken or any harm)

I feel so dumb for not being a better example at home and really I find it hard to tell the siblings what to do when in their spots, I didn't do the same but now I have realized my mistakes and as I wouldn't change the way I did things, because I learned from my experiences, I still don't want others to do the same. In speaking Spanish I love it... maybe more than English now haha.   I am always trying to improve and  I am always thinking in Spanish now its crazy!  Put to practice the things you guys need to work on and don't worry, when I get back I wanna help.. also not in a pushy rude way because thats not me but it will help me as well keep things I wanna keep that I have learned from the mission.

Just know also Mom that I feel supported fully by my Mom and that I couldn't ask for better parents.  You guys really have helped me and still do... its nice to know how blessed I am.

I love serving and have felt the love from everyone, especially my Heavenly Father. Keep moving forward and bettering each day! Love you Mom and everyone else! Peace!
Elder Clev

"No Robbing"

Temple Trip

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May 5, 2014~ "Sacrifice is made Sweet to us when we Treasure the Joy it brings to Another Heart"~ Pres. Henry B. Eyring

1.  How did Carmen's b-day party go? How is the teaching going with the Cedillos?
It was awesome!!!

2.  Details/Plans for phone call for Mother's Day?...will you be Skyping? What day & time? 
Ok so on Sunday we will be Skyping... time we are not sure just be ready in the afternoon from 1 to 7 because we have no idea

Funny thing... last p-day the other Elder got switched out right after writing so now its just Me and Elder Talla alone in the house again and with a huge area but wants me to look for a house for......HERMANAS

Dang wedding announcments what is this? I knew Skyller would get married fast and thats cool for Haden because she is strong in the church and he really has changed his life for the better.  You want consistant weather? here it rains in a second... hard.. it sucks haha

Well my week was different as is every week! More last minute things and pulling things together. So on Pday Elder Goodman left and now its just me and my right hand man Elder Talla! We have been doing work especially this past week. We had the bday party which was awesome.  The whole family of 12 love us and we are now part of their family! We hope to be able to teach all of them and hopefully 12 baptisms!!! We went by again later in the week and put baptismal fechas with Antonio, Carmen, Cristofer and Julio and also with another guy named Dolores ...yes Dolores all of these fechas are for this week.   Dolores 11th and the family Cedillos 10th so we should be swimming in the water this week haha! We watched the Testaments with the family and you could really feel the Spirit there... it was awesome.  Me and Elder Talla really can compliment each other in lessons too and bring the Spirit...I love it!

Also bigger news!! We baptized Adela, the mom of Julie and Marcos!!!!!   On Thursday we passed by and had been trying to put the date for the 3rd of May for probably a month now and every cita we had brought it up, invited her and she would deny not once or twice but multiple times. She had a ton of confidence in Elder Gonzalez and when he left I honestly thought all hope was lost. She was soooo hard.  I couldn't even describe it... definitely a miracle. She knew everything, it was just the change and actually doing the things because she would always go to church. She told us in class at church she had to read a part in principios de evangelio (gospel principles) and when we heard what it was it had exactly to do with her situation and she said it choked her that she almost couldn't speak and that was her sign. So on Thursday night we put the fecha and I was just waiting everyday for her to change it but she didn't. We baptized her in the capilla of the temple because she wanted that and freak was that hard enough. So we went and I called Elder Reynolds the night before to bring baptismal clothing and keys for the church and of course it was all cool but they came late and Adela had an appointment and not too much time. After Elder Reynolds opened the door but he didn't unlock it, so if it shut it would lock again. Well we went outside to take a picture and the chair in the way someone moved and it locked us out! I was stressing out so bad when all of a sudden some random kid comes walking out of the church... don't know what he was doing there but truly a blessing!  After I drained the pila I gave a fist pump in the pila haha..I had too. Well that was pretty much my week hope everything made sense...I'm not really thinking just typing but hope you guys have a good week and I will see you guys Sunday woo! love you guys!
Elder Clev

My buddy Elder Reynolds (brother of Imagine Dragons)

TACO BELL

Adela's Baptism

Elder B Clev's bow and arrow

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April 28, 2014~ "Those Who Move Forward with a Happy Spirit will find that things Always Work Out"

1. Yay!  I am glad you got the package...but you didn't say anything about if you enjoyed it...Did all the candy survive?   
Yeah and was freakin good! Sorry to say its all gone now....

2.  15 lbs huh?  Wow!  Its hard to believe that much of a gain with all the walking you do...you could never do that at home in that amount of time..haha.  Where did you weigh yourself at? 
Yeah I'm loving the weight.  I weighed at a members house... they are US citizens and have a really nice house so yes it was accurate

3.  You need to make sure you are staying hydrated...with water...it will help with the headaches...and you should carry the Ibuprofen in your bag so you always have it with you. 
Yeah yeah the water bottle is annoying... usually we just buy a bag of water at the tiendas cuz they are everywhere.

4. Any baptisms lined up?
Almost... we are working on it

Well there is not too much to comment on this week from you letter.  Thats cool though that Ryan is doing so good..  It will help him when he is a senior.. to be the head guy. I'm glad you enjoyed the week with chocolate strawberries... enjoy that because there are some people who don't get that opportunity hint hint. Well onto my crazy week....

The number 3 is a weird number. It can be great like the 3 Nephites or bad like 3 batteries when you need 4 haha... that analogy sucked! Keep this number in mind.... Elder Talla is awesome, great teacher and way cool guy. People mess up and I know that he has repented and is ready to work.  We have so much fun.  He isn't like Elder Gonzalez but still way fun and more outgoing....different but not worse at all. My OTHER comp haha yes I had another crazy week and now I have 2 comps hahaha! Elder Goodman from Salt Lake. He lived in my house before and his comp was from here and was waiting for his visa for Argentina. This past week he got his visa and left so now there are 3 of us! haha I do struggle with him as he is a good guy but a little different. One... he is never wrong and its so annoying haha... also out of all of us he has the least amount of time but thinks he knows more than us and has a lot of experience.  He also tries way too hard to bring the Spirit and sometimes ruins moments. He isn't as bad as he sounds but it hasn't been like my other comps. I'm glad I have Elder Talla though because we joke so much and the people can be so rude to Elder Goodman.  All his investigators like us more and more than once he has been asked why his Spanish sucks and mine is so good.   But all is good in the neighborhood. It is fun to be in a trio at times as when one is feeling down the others can make it more fun. Also the power of some of our lessons can be awesome... its hit or miss right now but we are working on it. So now I have one huge area as we work in both my area and his area so to tell you the truth I would like to tell you about everyone we teach but its a lot haha. The most golden are the Family Cedillos in my old area... Antonio, his wife Carmen, their son Cristofer, and their nephew Julio.  They are all way cool and invited us to Carmen's B-day party this Wednesday so we can talk to all of their family who are all neighbors. Antonio is so cool and really wants the best for his young family and they are truly looking to change their lives and put God in their lives more. He has so much respect for us and they really are the coolest people.  We are hoping to put baptism dates with them this Wednesday so pray to help us! Well I don't have too much more as I have been running from area to area this week and can't remember too much but just know I'm doing great. Also I am learning so much from the experiences I am having and I am growing in every aspect that I wouldn't have if I never went on a mission. I have been so blessed and hope you guys know how blessed you guys are too.

Speaking of being blessed you will never guess where we are going! TACO BELL for lunch today with Prez ..just our zone! I'm so pumped and Prez said he is paying.  He really is the coolest guy ever and the best Christlike example I know in my life.... the guy does no wrong. Well I hope you guys have a good week... Love you Mom and Fam and Friends!
Elder Clev

Elder Talla with Elder Cleverly

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April 21, 2014~"Successful People Never Worry About What Others are Doing"

1. Do you have any information about Mother's Day phone call...like when you will be calling?
 Nope.. nada

2. Since it was change week last week....Did everything stay the same with you?  This change came up so fast!
I'll explain...

3.  When you ate at B-dubs, wasn't it expensive? 
Like 7 bucks

4.  Do they do anything for Easter there? Did you do anything? 
ya... its called semana santa or holy week and everyone goes to the
beach and gets drunk to celebrate the last week of Jesus life yeah and
we thought we were weird

Thats awesome Coach Sims replied!! Yeah Elder Gonzalez said I'm
fat...just for the record..I checked last Friday and  I have gained 15 pounds
here and now weigh 170! Also I did get the package just so you know

Sounds like a normal week though nothing  much to comment on.

So I have a lot to tell so I will get right to it. So Cambios came and no
one in my District got calls so none of us were changing... we were so
happy especially me because I freakin love Elder Gonzalez! The next day I
got a call in the morning from my ZL saying that he wasn't my ZL anymore and
that our zone had been split so now I am in zona PUERTO.  We took all the
beach and left the city area ..no more Mcdonalds on Pday noooooo!. But we
do have the best beaches in El Salvador so thats alright. Also that an
area in my district now has changes so one Elder was leaving. So that
was cambios. Next day we had zone conference down in Puerto.. well
remember semana santa.. everyone goes to the beach and we ended up being
2 hours late because of it. My new zone leaders are my abuelo in the
mish (my trainers trainer) and the old DL down there who goes home
this change. They are awesome guys. Also my "District" is also my zone
haha so I'm like a third ZL right now.. the only thing I don't have is a
cell which I'm gonna ask Prez if I can have one haha jk.. but other than
that I pretty much have just as much authority as them... its kinda
weird but I think its because Prez is training me to move up this next
change as we lose 7 zone leaders this next change. When we got back to
my area we went straight to work.   I got a huge headache so I
finally said lets stop by the house and get medicine... so we did. When
we got there, there were 20 missed calls from the APs and a message
from Elder Reynolds (my bud) saying to call him as soon as possible... he
has an emergency. So we called and he said Elder Gonzalez has
emergency changes and that they are coming by in an hour to pick him
up. I just sat there stunned...Elder Gonzalez started packing and when
he said bye, had tears in his eyes as he told me I was the best comp
he has had so far even though he has only had 2.   It was so sad. They
then came by and Elder Reynolds told me my new comp has had problems
in the mission and thats why we were changing. So I now have a new
comp named Elder Talla from Panama. At first I was super mad at myself
especially because it was my fault we came home.  We found out they
almost changed him with another companionship in the mission but then
we called. I honestly still can't forgive myself fully and am having a
hard time accepting the will of God. Its something that happens to all
of us... its a human thing and something we all experience sometime or
another in our lives. I then read Mosiah 16:12 and Luke 22:42 when
Christ gave us the perfect example and probably one of the most
humbling scriptures we have. I'm fine now but still miss Elder
Gonzalez. Elder Talla is a cool guy... he has a year and like 4 months
and is a great teacher.  I can definitely learn from him.. its just
helping him with other things.

Also this week we had a temple activity and all my converts in Layco
came but were scheduled before we came.. it sucked because I really wanted
to see them but I did get to see Stin and he is doing awesome...I'm so
proud of my son haha. Well I challenge you guys to never forget God
always has a plan for us and its the best things that can happen for
us and to always accept the will of God...Not as my will but
thine...Love you mom and the rest of the fam!
Elder Clev

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April 14, 2014~ "Courage, not Compromise, brings the Smile of God's Approval"~ Thomas S. Monson

That is so cool how everyone is doing great in their sports.  I couldn't be
anymore proud! It does suck that I can't be there to see it but
honestly I think their doing good is because of the blessings of the Mish!
hahahahah!  It sounds like it was a good week and good on Ryan to
get that freakin Eagle done! I have found that hearing everyone's
conversion story helps me learn more so I loved reading about yours
and how blessed I am to have someone so strong in the gospel as my
parents so thanks.

My week I would describe as the week of heroes this week. Why? Because of a
lot of things. First because I showed my football pictures to these two 12
year olds who are part of a family we teach...They are named Cristofer and
Julio.  They are so funny and they love football even though it
doesn't really exist here. After seeing my pictures they are now my
biggest fans haha. They always go TOUCHDOWN HERMANO CLEVERRRRLY! haha
Its so funny and they are always talking about me going pro. haha...so
thats cool to have a little support. Next we were visiting with
another family and this little kid came from nowhere.. he is like a cousin
or something and he whispers.. which wasn't really a whisper because I could
hear and he said he looks like Spiderman hahah!   After that
we got on a bus and these 2 sketchy guys get on and I accidently
punched the one who had all these tattoos in the face while I was reaching for the
bar haha so I'm beating up bad guys too! but enough with the weird stories.

So this week we did have a Baptism!!!!!!!!!! I was so happy because it
was Elder Gonzalez's first one of his mission and that had been my goal
for him to get his first. Marcos and Julie got baptized and we are
still working on their mom,which is a little harder...she is really
stubborn. But it was a good experience as every baptism is! We don't
have too many stories this week because we were running around a lot for
other people and for a lot of things that we didn't get any good work
days but as of now my district has 5 baptisms with another 3 on the
way! Me and Elder Gonzalez are trying to put 4 more too so we shall
see. On Sunday we came late to church because we went to bring Cristofer and
his family and they weren't ready so we waited for them and it took
forever. While we were waiting the TV was on cartoons haha and it was
right in front of us so we just started reading our scriptures.. well
then Cristofer comes in and goes oh we can't watch this and changes it
to some Catholic church channel hahah and me and my comp just looked
at each other like what the.... Finally I was like hey you look
bored you should just change the channel or just shut it off! And
Cristofer then says I was waiting for you to say that haha!

Well this week is changes and I don't know if I am changing or what.  I'm
kinda stressed.  I really hope things stay the same for at least one
more change.   I love my comp and don't wanna change! Also this change was
way fast where did the time go?!

I just wanna say that I hope you all remember that we are children,
sons and daughters of God. Knowing this we can know that God wants
everything for us because he loves us. We are not just his creations. I
share this as this week i have had a lot of experiences explaining this
to people who really don't believe we are children of our Heavenly
Father... its sad.   I hope you guys always remember this...I love you
Mom and everyone else! Peace!
Elder Clev

Marco's and Julie's Baptism

Elder B Clev found a Buffalo Wild Wings...(one of his favorite places to hang out with friends when he was home)

Just some "B-Dubs" in the El Salv...it did suck because they didn't have any
rubs, only sauces!

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April 7, 2014~ "Even if Everyone is Doing it, WRONG IS NEVER RIGHT, Evil, Error, & Darkness will NEVER be Truth, Even if Popular"~Russell M. Nelson

1. How was your conference weekend?  What was your favorite talk? 
THE WHOLE FREAKIN THING! DUH! but probably priesthood session the
most... by all the 1st Presidency

2. Did you have anyone you invited to Conference go to Conference?
Yeah we had 5 of the 8 we wanted

3.  How are things going with your comp Elder Gonzalez? You guys get along well? 
Things couldn't be better Mom... there was no drop off from Stin. We
never fight, always joke around and I have been so blessed by my comps...
they are all such great guys...I respect this little chapin like my own
brothers.

Sounds like a fun week at home. I'm not gonna lie...I'm a little jealous
of Stock because I miss those times we got to spend together but luckily
its not the end. I know that he will cherish those moments you guys
had together too and will impact his life more than you know it as it
has in my own life as well. I'm glad Cass got asked to Prom... sadly I
won't be there again to dance with her so kind of a bummer...Tell Kae
good job at her competition and that I'm always rooting for her just as
much as I am with the boys! Oh I forgot to tell you..I did get the
postcard and thanks! Man do I have a lot to talk about so I'll hurry
and start...

I have so much to say so excuse me if I jump around a ton. We had such
a good week... 3 baptisms for my District and 3 more this week.. 2 in my
area! I would like to thank you guys for your prayers as I really felt
them this week as I saw a miracle happen. Julie and Marcos Dad left
the hospital last week and we were able to get permission from him and
so now they can be baptized. I would like to explain that he was in
the hospital and his condition was unknown... no one really knew if he
would get better.. let alone in one week. I know it was because of your
guys prayers so thanks so much  for the help.. you are helping
bring others into this fold!!! Also this past week we went to the
beach and it was awesome because 3 other zones went and we played football
finally! and you know I had a diving catch in the endzone and got up
and danced hahaha... everyone pretty much just looked the other way haha..
it was awesome and so much fun! I was a little bummed though because I
wanted to go to the golf course in my area and I found a b-dubs nearby
as well woooo!!! but maybe another time I'll be able to visit those
areas. Also this week we had a random service activity on the street
as we were contacting and ended up shoveling dirt in our proselyting
clothes.  I wish I would have taken a picture after but before that those people
weren't really receptive and now they let us in every time.. crazy what
little things can do to help you. But enough about the fun stuff onto
other matters...

Also I would like to say I hope you guys enjoyed conference as much as
I did.  It was amazing and just what we needed. I hope you guys actually
paid attention as well because there was so many great stuff. They talked
about knowing our heritage and that it will help us feel proud of
where we come from and want to carry on the work so I invite you guys
to do so. As well as not only having the priesthood but using it and
that isn't limited to women either so USE YOUR PRIESTHOOD. There were
so many things and if I could talk about every single one I would but
what I will talk about is something simple.. that is that I know our
Savior lives. Yesterday was such an important day and I hope you
realize why. I put my testimony with those who spoke in conference
that I know that my Redeemer lives. With this simple knowledge brings
so much clarity and peace. As well as so much other knowledge. Guys we
are guided by a loving Heavenly Father not just some being... he is our
Father and knows what is best for us. Use and learn about the plans he
has for us as they will bring more happiness than we can imagine.
Another thing is to help your brothers and sisters in service and
bringing them to the knowledge of the Gospel. As Elder Ballard said
follow up on your commitments and also find someone you can share the
Gospel with to bring them into the Healing Waters. I have witnessed
changes in my life and in others through baptism and they truly are
Healing Waters.  Always remember your baptism and share that experience
with others. I love you guys and am always praying for you guys!
Delight in the words of the prophets!
I love you mom and keep moving forward and helping the family.
There isn't a better family I can think of!
Love you!
Elder Clev

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