The Best Christmas Present Ever...

We were able to have an email pop in on Monday right before Christmas eve to let us know that he would be calling to arrange the phone call time and it wasn't much written, but the pictures told us that he was having a great time on his p-day.  They were on some type of a hike in the mountains and looks like they had a fun ride in a van or something.  But, then again, does he ever not have a good time? 

It was so awesome talking to him, but it ended much too quickly.  It was so hard to say good bye.  Now we anxiously await Mother's Day...

Feliz Navidad & Packages Delivered...

 On Monday we did not receive an email which now I do not worry as this usually means they have a temple day.  So, on Wednesday I was at lunch and they started popping in.  Can you even imagine the amount of happiness when the picture with the Santa hat and the jar of Skippy and the trademark smile was what greeted me!  Oh, I am not going to lie it brought tears to my eyes.  I cannot wait to hear his voice...just three more days.  He is doing so great and as you will see loved the Christmas packages.  He has decorated the tree and has shared with his companion who is wishing that he was a Gringo...hilarious!  The work is moving forward and they have lots to do but he has always given his dad such a hard time about being the small talk king and now he is finding it is coming in handy.  He may learn he was in training all these years..ha-ha.  Enjoy, it's a good one and actually quite long.  A Christmas Miracle...

Hello Clayton Family! So this week was a pretty good one. On Sunday, our bishop spoke about retention, and kind of repeated the talk by Dieter Uchtdorf yeah cant spell that from conference in October. About how people come and go but we can bring them back. There are so many members here that just don't have a testimony but we can bring back. sometimes we visit members on our registros and they don't even know we are missionaries haha. like they just have no idea. So Sunday was pretty sweet. Last Wednesday a way cool member took us to the MALL!! Picture Layton hills mall, but 20 times nicer and in Mexico. Nicest mall in Mexico probably and we went to Carl's junior! Super good and then we walked around the Christmas tree and then went back to our area. She is super cool and is a member for about a year and we are preparing her to go to the temple. So yesterday we had our zone meeting and they pumped us up to find new people to teach. It really helped because we were kind of down with such a big area and so much to do with the other two elders leaving. but yesterday was such a good day. because I contacted this guy with this huge dog and was just asking him about his dog. small talk you know? because I personally know the small talk king. and from there talked to him about the church and he actually has been and accepted us to come back. but everyone here accepts us to come back but he was different he was actually interested and wants to learn more. then a few hours later we went to meet a reference with a member. so this guy is from San Salvador and worked in Manhattan and Boston for 20 years! then got deported I guess. but he is looking to change his life for the better and that is why we are here. he was a way cool guy and I am pumped to teach both of these people. so then we went home and I opedn the packages!!!!! OH FREAK: I am blessed haha. My comp was saying in Spanish that he wants to be gringo. but I am going to share with him of course. but opening packages is just like Christmas, but it was a package for Christmas, entocnces, it was like a super special Christmas hahah. I loved it. thanks for everything!!! and the caramels from Grandpa Clayton! mmm tan ricos son. but the peanut butter was the best. I have found in Mexico the most expensive things here are floss and peanut butter. who would have thought. floss is like 5 American dollars for a thing. doesn't Dr. Feller have like 2500 of those? he should sell them here but no one would buy them hahha. Love you all!!!

Elder Clayton

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Elder Clayton
 hey mom! love you! yes got everything. two boxes and decorated the tree. I will write a big letter in just a little bit

  Hey everyone! I will be going to be skyping you on the 25th but I dont know what time still. Either before 2 or after 3 or so. so plan on either 12:00 or like 3:00 and I will create a username. send your username you want me to call to my email! I got the packages yesterday and they were amazing!! The peanut butter was the best!! I will stil be on for a little



>I sent him a picture of my making the sign on 5th South at the Gym I go to:  here's my email and his reply, it's priceless.  So included it.  Maybe a little self serving, but I loved it.

On Sun, Dec 15, 2013 at 11:38 PM, <claytonmom@comcast.net> wrote:

Well, it finally happened!  I made it one the sign at Four Pillar!!!  Can you even believe it!  I actually have lost a lot more than the sign says, but to be honest the real reason I got on the sign is because I finally made it under the number I have been trying to get to forever!!!  It took me 5 months to lose 8 pounds.  Although I got a lot smaller and lost several inches, I couldn't lose those pounds and get under that number.  Ryan, my trainer said he was as frustrated as I was.  He told me it was not about the numbers and that I should throw away the scale.  But, I'm not finished...yet!

I will finish.  I'm almost there.  It's hard being on the sign.  It's funny though to be on the sign I put it on Facebook and the comments that were put on there were so complementary were and are so encouraging that it makes me want to finish all the way.  Ryan is so great.  He told me that he wishes he could have put more on the sign.  It was more than that, because I go everyday, working hard and never give up.  So there you have it. 

So, maybe you'll get to see it again.  I love you pal.  Hope to talk to you today when you're on.  I love you!!!!!!  MOM

Hey mom!! You made the sign! Every time I worked at Salt city I read that sign haha. That is so awesome! I need to start working out, we don't walk as much as my first area. I have bands and my pushups but I am just always tired! hey remember the Christmas story we would always read?? The bed of baby Jesus? I thought of that the other day and tell families about it here when I teach. but yeah...the families dont follow through with anything around here haha

-Elder Clayton

 Says this is an awesome mall with one of the members in his new area

 Oh that smile, and he loves peanut butter, can you tell?

 Monterrey Temple with his district

Not Much of an Email, But Great Pictures...

We didn't get much with emails today, but we had great pictures this week.  He is working hard and trying to get less actives to come to church.  Love him so much and am so proud of him.  I told him that I get so many comments about his awesome smile.  And that we definitely got our money's worth with him.  He said he brushes and flosses everyday.  For that we are grateful and he has always taken excellent care of his teeth and it shows. 

 A family just moved there from St. George and in his words, my heart leaped with joy when I saw this plate.  Love him so much!

Man, he always looks so good.  Can't wait to talk to him in less than 10 days.  But, who's counting...

On the Move, & Lot of Work to Do...

He sounds good and ready to go to work. Hard to believe how many less actives.  His enthusiasm shows in his writing and we are all getting so excited to talk him soon.  This week marked his six month mark. And you will see he looks like he likes his new companion.

 His new companion Elder Chable from Cancun!

Hello Family!! Here I am in Centro Monterrey. I was transferred out of Sabinas Hidalgo to Mitras. What a change it is!! I am used to the slow pace of the country and pueblo life to right here in the middle of the city. My area is a little bit crazy but I am loving it, as a missionary learning to adapt to change! My new companion is named Elder Chable he is from Cancun! Spring Break!! And it is his last transfer. I has taught me a lot and we work well together. He is the district leader and I will get the chance to go to San Pedro…the richest part of Mexico one of these days! Sick huh? So we live with 2 other missionaries and we have a freaking washing machine!!Life in the city aint to bad haha. I miss Sabinas Alot and all of the members, but I have to progress in other areas. We went to church yesterday and we need to change this ward around. It is just like the story of Sabinas, we need to help the ward come together and start the obra misional here. On Friday night the area president of Mexico, President Johnson came for a huge meeting with all of the missionaries and leaders here in Mitras. There is a problem here in Monterrey. It blew all of our minds and will blow yours too. So out of the six stakes within our mission there are 21000 members. 16000 are inactive…freak!!! Haha un buen! So yeah, basically President Johsnon knows we need to step up our game. Vamos a ver! Other than that, I am happy aquí en Monterrrrey!! 

--

Elder Clayton

His Desk - nice and tidy!

Happy Thanksgiving & Learning Patience

This week he only sent a short video, a picture and let us know he is probably in for a change.  I will include my email to him this week as it will explain his reply to me.  He had to send pictures and an email to the President and so didn't have much time, which is kind of typical.  But, that's ok.  I have said, I will take the pictures over the written word and he is keeping a good journal which will be what will be helpful to recount his experiences.  And, to be honest the pictures can not lie.  So, here you go.  Enjoy.  As always, he looks fantastic and I hope the video comes through, because he for sure is looking more and more like them and now is starting to sound like them, too.  It's awesome.

On Sun, Nov 24, 2013 at 11:20 PM, <claytonmom@comcast.net> wrote:

Hello Pal.  Well, this week has been a busy one.  How's yours been.  I worked all week which always keeps me hopping and then, it was Caleb's Eagle Project.  He has done a great job and you would be proud of him.  He collected a lot of things.  Saturday he only had three from his quorum show up, but two from the 6th ward came to help which was awesome.  He also had Brian, his YM leader take a box to his work and he also brought some cash.  I think this really excited him and he is thinking this didn't turn out too badly.  It will be interesting to see what comes of this week.  We still have one more week to go.  I will send a couple of pictures to you of the boys and the items we collected.  We fed them hotdogs after with chips and water and all in all I think it was a good time.  Glad we are at this point.

How's the work going?  Any progress on the work of the members getting you a baptism, or a family closer to the temple.  Don't get frustrated.  You know, the scripture says about saving a soul.  Sometimes, that one soul could be your own.  Don't be discouraged sometimes it has to be on their time, and the Lord's.  You just don't know how long it will take.  Today, Jaesi Jones reported her mission from the Texas Houston area.  She gave an excellent report of just how you sometimes have to really put your faith and trust in the Lord, even when you don't want to.   It's so difficult at times.  She was teaching a lady that was so ready and it took over 8 months to get her baptized.  She was getting so frustrated and then she finally put it in the Lord's hands.  Then when she was ready, she was baptized and they took her to the  temple to do baptisms for the dead.  It was there that she revealed why she had been so stubborn.  And then Jaesi said to her, I knew you before and I told you I would find you.  It took this long.  And the girl said, I knew.  I knew that you would, I was just being stubborn.  She said it was so awesome.  Maybe some of these people just are on the Lord's time.  I have been anxious to see if you are staying or going.  Bridger got moved right before Christmas and that is the one thing that I was hoping wouldn't happen to you.  But, I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Well, this week is a short week due to it being Thanksgiving.  I only work Monday and Tuesday.  I need to go get groceries tomorrow night or we won't be having anything here...ha,ha.  G&G will be coming here so it should be pretty quiet, just like usually.  Dad and Grandpa are thinking of going to some sale on Friday at 5:00 a.m. at I want to say Cabela's.  I'll believe it when it actually happens.  I have nothing really to get so I will enjoy sleeping in. 

I guess I'll let you go and hope to hear all about your week.  Hoping it's a long email.  So thankful for you and all you are doing as you are faithfully serving.  Can you believe this month is your 6th month mark.  1/4 of your mission is behind you after Friday.  Hard to believe.  I hope you are keeping an awesome journal.  That is one thing Bridger says he wishes he would have been better at. 

Oh, and we came up with a theme for girl's camp next year:  It's a Jungle out There!  Great one right!?!  I think it will be fun.  And Kelly Sansom is on my committee  What a blast!  And Joan Johnson, too. 

Love you so much, pal. Hope you have a wonderful week.  Love and miss you,  MOM

 

On Sun, Nov 24, 2013 at 11:20 PM, <claytonmom@comcast.net> wrote:

Hello Pal.  Well, this week has been a busy one.  How's yours been.  I worked all week which always keeps me hopping and then, it was Caleb's Eagle Project.  He has done a great job and you would be proud of him.  He collected a lot of things.  Saturday he only had three from his quorum show up, but two from the 6th ward came to help which was awesome.  He also had Brian, his YM leader take a box to his work and he also brought some cash.  I think this really excited him and he is thinking this didn't turn out too badly.  It will be interesting to see what comes of this week.  We still have one more week to go.  I will send a couple of pictures to you of the boys and the items we collected.  We fed them hotdogs after with chips and water and all in all I think it was a good time.  Glad we are at this point.

How's the work going?  Any progress on the work of the members getting you a baptism, or a family closer to the temple.  Don't get frustrated.  You know, the scripture says about saving a soul.  Sometimes, that one soul could be your own.  Don't be discouraged sometimes it has to be on their time, and the Lord's.  You just don't know how long it will take.  Today, Jaesi Jones reported her mission from the Texas Houston area.  She gave an excellent report of just how you sometimes have to really put your faith and trust in the Lord, even when you don't want to.   It's so difficult at times.  She was teaching a lady that was so ready and it took over 8 months to get her baptized.  She was getting so frustrated and then she finally put it in the Lord's hands.  Then when she was ready, she was baptized and they took her to the  temple to do baptisms for the dead.  It was there that she revealed why she had been so stubborn.  And then Jaesi said to her, I knew you before and I told you I would find you.  It took this long.  And the girl said, I knew.  I knew that you would, I was just being stubborn.  She said it was so awesome.  Maybe some of these people just are on the Lord's time.  I have been anxious to see if you are staying or going.  Bridger got moved right before Christmas and that is the one thing that I was hoping wouldn't happen to you.  But, I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Well, this week is a short week due to it being Thanksgiving.  I only work Monday and Tuesday.  I need to go get groceries tomorrow night or we won't be having anything here...ha,ha.  G&G will be coming here so it should be pretty quiet, just like usually.  Dad and Grandpa are thinking of going to some sale on Friday at 5:00 a.m. at I want to say Cabela's.  I'll believe it when it actually happens.  I have nothing really to get so I will enjoy sleeping in. 

I guess I'll let you go and hope to hear all about your week.  Hoping it's a long email.  So thankful for you and all you are doing as you are faithfully serving.  Can you believe this month is your 6th month mark.  1/4 of your mission is behind you after Friday.  Hard to believe.  I hope you are keeping an awesome journal.  That is one thing Bridger says he wishes he would have been better at. 

Oh, and we came up with a theme for girl's camp next year:  It's a Jungle out There!  Great one right!?!  I think it will be fun.  And Kelly Sansom is on my committee  What a blast!  And Joan Johnson, too. 

Love you so much, pal. Hope you have a wonderful week.  Love and miss you,  MOM

And his reply:

Hello mom! love you! What a fun letter! so this week was okay. It was just kind of sad, we didn't have a baptism again and all that. but thanks for your words about being patient. I want to go but want to stay here too. All is possible, but a new comp for sure because we have been together for 2 changes. Last week was Mexico's black Friday all weekend its called Buen Fin. but nothing seemed to change price haha. Its all a show. Girls camp will be a blast! Joan Kelly and Tammy. wow! holy cats. I do keep a journal and write in it about 3 or 4 times a week. Its fun to just look back now and read what I have written. I love the mission and everything I have learned. its just makes you appreciate what you have. from your family to just everyday things. I really do appreciate all of you more. Family is so precious and its so easy to go down the wrong path. You know my friend M from salt city? she wrote me and told me her boyfriend XX is drinking and they don't live together anymore, which is good but also sad. its just one example but I have seen more her in Mexico. but I cant wait to Skype you all on 25th. I have so much to say

 He says he's camping, just like at home.  Must be feel comfortable.  Love this boy!

 Found some whitetail deer, says signs of home says he knows he's being watched over.