Squirrel! It tastes like chicken, only super chewy.

Hey y'all,

Saturday was transfer calls.  Sister Latu and I were told that we would be staying together! That is what we figured, since we are still in the middle of 12 week training.

Today we received a unexpected call from the assistants, and President feels that the Lord needs me somewhere else.  I'm very sad to be leaving Athens, I had hoped to stay here until the end of my mission, but I'll go where the Lord needs me! I'm heart broken to be leaving Sister Latu, that girl and I are tight.  I know she will take wonderful care of Athens though.

It never fails to amaze me just how hard it is to leave each area.  I love these people so much.  I treasure the time I have had with them here.

This past Friday will be a night to remember for sure.  One of the families here made us a southern treat that I had not had the privilege of trying yet...

Squirrel!

It tastes like chicken, only super chewy.  I think my favorite was watching my poor, terrified, companion hold the little squirrel arm between her fingers as she was trying to gather the courage to eat it.  But she did! I am so proud of her :)

The highlight of my week though was Sunday.  When you see someone, who you love so much and have done whatever you could to help them, come back to church with the rest of their family....well, there really isn't anything better than that.  It's just that first step that you know will bless them more than we can comprehend, and their family.  Church is a hospital, where each of us, with our own sickness, come to be healed.  The only thing that can really heal us is the atonement of Christ, which we apply each week when we take the sacrament.

This little family, we were definitely led to.  Sister Latu and I had been out in the country trying to find less-active members.   We stopped at one house, and two boys came out.  They had no correlation to the Sister we were looking for, but they knew who missionaries are.  Their Mom was baptized just a few years ago. 

They welcomed us in, and we got to know them.  They haven't been here that long, but due to some difficult circumstances, they have not been able to come to church in a while.  We helped them with some yard work and moving, and invited them to church.  They came.  It seems so simple right? I can't explain how amazing it is to see the people you love take steps to come closer to a Heavenly Father who loves them so much.

I know that we are children of a very Loving Heavenly Father.  I know He loves us so much He sent His son for us. 

And I will never be able to thank him enough for that. 

I love y'all!  Stay tuned! 

Hermana McClune

BAMA is Toasty!

The swampy heat is finally starting to lay off a little, which makes our bikes much more enjoyable! That being said, it's getting pretty TOASTY

T-Thrive

O-On

A-Awkward

S-Situations

T-...

(the extra 't' is just to make it more awkward)

So missionaries are weird right? We were name tags that no one can even read because it's in Spanish, we ride bikes in skirts in the middle of the day when it is super hot, we talk to strangers everywhere, and help random people cut hedges. 

It's not always easy talking to people that really don't want to talk to you.  Actually, it's not easy at all! But we got to do it so we can find the people who really want and need our  message about Jesus Christ.  Which is where the toast comes in...

I think some of the toastiest moments are when you walk by someone or something and just KNOW you HAVE TO TALK TO THEM.  You don't know why, you just do.  So you have to awkwardly turn around and hunt them down.  I'm amazed at how every time I feel that, they really appreciate it or we start teaching them.  The spirit really does lead us!

Yesterday, it was 8:50 and we had nothing to do, but we still had 20 minutes to work.  It is always in the last 20 minutes that you find the person who is waiting for you! Problem is that when it's dark no one really wants to talk to you or its just not safe.  We drove up to a stop light and I looked over to my right and saw a self-serve. laundry mat. Bingo.  "Sister Latu" I said, " I need to clean my shirt".  So we went in. Okay I didn't really wash my shirt, but we did ask this cute little Hispanic lady for prices, and had a great conversation with her.  She was from Guatemala, and some of her family members had been through some very had things.  We offered our service and told her about English class that we have each week, and went on our way.  TOASTY, but great!

I just want to close with my testimony.  I usually do, so I'm sorry y'all have to hear it all the time, but I never tire of sharing the blessings of the gospel. I want each person to have the blessings that I've been given.  I know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. I know he sent his son to die for us.  I know his church has been restored on the earth again today.  I know the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God.  

Love y'all tons! Thanks for all the love and support. Have a great week!

Hermana McClune

Hey y'all!

Did I tell y'all I love Alabama? Well I totally do.

I really love missionary work on a bike, because we meet so many awesome people. Like last week for instant! We met Paul and Florence.  They are an older couple in their 80s. Paul was out mowing the lawn in his hounds-tooth-hat (Roll Tide!).  We stopped by to offer to help, and they invited us to sit on the porch with them.  A little ways into the conversation, I asked Paul if he had ever met Mormons before.  He said,

"No, not really. I did run some of 'em of my property one time". 

I responded: "really?! cool! hey, we are Mormon!"

He looked at me for a second, and then we both started busting up!

Doing a little service!

They told us a little about their story.  When Paul first saw Florence it was at a restaurant.  He sat down and told her: "Either run off and marry me right now, or give me a menu!".  Florence shrugged her shoulders and said "I gave him a menu".

We laughed and offered our service and left them with a scripture and prayer.  By the end, Paul told us we were welcome anytime.

I love how the Lord is able to work through us, to brighten someone's day. I don't know that they will ever come to church, but in that moment, they just need to feel loved. 

This is the best work ever!

Love y'all!

Hermana McClune

Only in Bama!

Hey y'all,

Another great week here in Alabama! Filled with some of the hottest, sweatiest days possible.  Sister Latu's bike

finally got here, and I've nearly biked that poor girl to death. 

I wasn't going to share this but I feel like I should. 

Most of y'all know that I love running.  There is a peace and satisfaction that comes from it that I love.  Two years ago I did a marathon- 26.2 miles. 

During training, you build up mileage each week.  While I was on my 20-mile week, we were on a family vacation in Hawaii.  I ran the first part by myself, Derek ran the second part with me, and my Dad ran the last leg.  I was so grateful for them.  

Around mile 18, I hit "the wall": the point where you don't feel like you can't go further.  I remember I couldn't breathe, I started to hyperventilate.  I thought I was going to have to stop.

I am so grateful my dad was there. He coached me through it, helped me to calm down. He encouraged me through the last 2 miles, and then said, "Let's keep running to that stop sign".  Then, "Lets keep going just a little longer".  Little by little, he showed me that I could do it. Actually, I could do more.  I ran just under 22 miles that day.

A lot of the time, life is like that way.  Lately I've just felt overwhelmed.  I'm not about to quit, but it's hard to put on feet in front of the other at times. I feel so inadequate. I'm not the missionary or person that I would quite like to be. I'm doing my best, but it never feel enough.  I feel as though I've hit a wall with my mission. 

Maybe you've had a similar experience? 

Just like my Dad ran with me when I didn't think I could do it, our Heavenly Father is running along side us, every step of the way. He is showing us that not only can we do it, but we can be stronger or better than we though possible.  He sees us for what we can be.  He sees our potential.  He is coaching us every single step of the way.

There are many people here that don't know they have a loving Heavenly Father.  Yes, I'm in the bible belt.  There are many people who know about God and Christ; much more than I do. I want to help them know him personally.  In Spanish there are two words for "know". Conocer is more of a word like familiar, or to personally know someone. Saber is like to know a fact.  I hope that I can help people "conocer" su Padre Celestial- their Father.  He truly loves us.   I met a gal this week who is very angry at God.  She was out on her front porch, trying not to make eye-contact with us, but we made our way up there anyway.  We started talking and she opened up about some of the very hard things she has gone through.  She feels abandoned and that her children were abandoned.  As she was explaining this, her daughter came out.  Her daughter then put her arm around her, told her Mom how much she loved her, and that she didn't feel abandoned.  It was neat to see how Heavenly Father used us to help initiate a conversation between a mother and a daughter that really need to happen.  They both cried as they told each other how much they loved each other, and were grateful for the hard times.  I told her that her Father was mindful of her, and that is why he had sent us that day.  He really is reaching out to is children in love.

That knowledge is what gets me through. It's what keeps me going when I feel like giving up.  It keeps me motivated to find the next person, after someone turns me down.  It's what keeps me peddling in the rain or hot sun. It's what gives me hope when I feel lost.  I am a daughter of God.

I hope you come to know him for yourself.  Your knees will get sore from praying, and your eyes might get a little bit tired from reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but I promise it's worth it.  Every step.

I know Heavenly Father loves us so much, that he sent his son.  I know Christ has felt all that we feel.  He is the only person who can say that. He felt that so he would know how to help us.  I know this is his church on the earth today.  I know he lives. 

McClune Clan: Thanks for always being there for me. I sure love you guys. Thanks for being with me every step of the way.

I love y'all!

Hermana McClune

Hola and Malo e lelei,

Hola and Malo e lelei,

That is how you say hello in Tongan! When did I become fluent in Tongan? When I picked up my new little, Tongan companion who is fresh from the Mexico MTC!

Hermana Latu is from Australia too, and so she has the cutest accent ever.  She has so much energy and enthusiasm for this work, which is awesome.  As it usually goes, I'm not training Sister Latu, she is training me.  Although I am teaching her American ways...like Twinkies. She had never had a Twinkie! or a Ding Dong! Don't worry, we fixed that very quickly. 

This week was filled with little miracles that I am so grateful for.  I have so many weaknesses, and am so inadequate. I can't do it all.  The Lord never lets me down though, he always steps in and takes care of what is really important.

Gevon was baptized this past Saturday as well.  The baptism was really awesome. Gevon bore his testimony, and shared a little bit of his story as well.  He shared how one night he had been praying really hard, asking God for help.  The next day: "Sister Stiles and Sister McClune knocked on the wrong door"... and that's how we found him.  We had told Gevon that we were trying to find another gal who we were teaching--one of his neighbors.  What we didn't tell him is that we already knew she wasn't home.  We didn't know why, but both Sister Stiles and I had the strongest impression that we needed to knock that door.   Then we met Gevon.  The Elders started teaching him, and a 3 weeks later-this past Saturday-he was baptized.  He is going to be a great missionary in a year! 

Keep smiling and remember how much I love y'all! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love,

Hermana McClune 

Lice. More Lice. Apartment flooded. Washing Machine....ready...set....laugh.

This week summed up in a few words:

Lice. More Lice. Apartment flooded.  Washing Machine....ready...set....laugh.

It was a crazy week! I was trying to figure out what exactly what I was supposed to learn from all these set backs, and I didn't get a huge answer, but I think it can pretty much be summed up in one word: laughter.

One of my favorite quotes is:

It's easy enough to be pleasant,

when life hums like a song,

but the person worthwhile,

is the person who can smile,

when everything goes dead wrong.

I found this on a plaque by California Screamin' my freshman year of high school. I liked it so much I didn't leave until I had memorized it. Only recently did I find that It was written by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

Heavenly Father wants us to be happy: " And men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nephi 2: 25) We have a choice. We can't control the circumstances around us, but we can choose to be grateful.  We can choose to laugh, we can choose to be happy.  This week I think Heavenly Father taught me that I could have had a really horrible week, but instead, it was a great week! And what made the difference for me, was laughter. 

We met some wonderful people this week, including a young couple that is going to be married this October.  He is a member, and she is not,  but wants to learn so that she can better understand his beliefs, and how to best support him.  We are very excited to teach her because we know the blessings of the gospel, especially in families. 

Through covenants that have been brought back in this day, we can be sealed in the temple for eternity.  Covenants are like a promise between us and God: baptism is an example of a covenant where we promise to follow Christ.  Those covenants bind us together in this life and the next. I could not imagine being in the next life, without the sure promise that I will be with my loved ones. I have the 2 coolest brothers in the entire world, and the best parents. One day, hopefully, I'll find someone who can put up with me enough and can love me enough to want to be with me forever, not just until "death do we part".

Today is my parent's anniversary (Happy Anniversary!).  I am so grateful for the promises they made to God and to each other over 20 years ago.  Thanks Mom and Dad for your great example, and for honoring those promises.  I love you both.  You have inspired me and continue to inspire me to be better everyday.  I hope I can be the kind of daughter you deserve.  I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have given me.

Christ offers hope. Living the gospel offers happiness. I want everyone to have that "good-stuff".

The other night we were at Walmart, trying to find some people to talk too (it's a little more difficult for them to slam a door in your face...).  We met a young family. We talked with the young mother and really just clicked.  She has very strong faith in Christ and her family is extremely important to her.  She was not too interested in learning more about our message, but she did mention her husband's boss was a member of our church. About an hour later, we got a text from that member telling us that they had told him about us.  Long story short...we now have dinner with them scheduled tonight, and I've been trying to figure out all day how to best share a message that would invite them to learn more.  I know this gospel will bless them.  They are a wonderful family, and I want them so have the same happiness that I have had in my life.

Side note, I'm losing Sister Stiles Wednesday :( But I am getting a brand-spankin-new missionary to train! I am so excited! Mostly because I feel like I need to re-train myself. I've been out for 14 months now...and I still have so much to do! so much to learn!

Well that's it, I got to wrap up. Love y'alls guts!

Hermana McClune

Lice!

Our hair is perfect for lice!!

Loving

In

Christ-like  

Examples

(Don't worry Mom, it's just an acronym)

My professor at BYU called the Book of Luke the "Book of the Outcasts".  Christ is constantly doing things that really tick off the Pharisees and leaders during that time.  Often it's just by the crowd he hung out with...the outcasts.  Like in Luke 11: 37 40, Christ sits downs with a Pharisee but didn't wash his hands, which really upset the dude because of all the rituals they had.  The Pharisee's really emphasized being "clean", so not only would they not touch anything dirty (a sinner, someone with a disease, etc) but they also had very intensive cleaning processes.  To break one of those laws, was a big no-no.

Luke 11"And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.

 38 And when the Pharisee saw it,‍ he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
 39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean‍ the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward‍ part is full of ravening‍ and wickedness."

Christ rebukes him, which probably didn't make the Pharisee feel too good.  Christ really didn't care what you looked like on the outside, or what things you'd done in the past, he saw you for the potential you had, for your heart.  Most of his ministry was spent among those who had serious diseases and were cast out from society, or sinners who were considered so unworthy.  Christ saw them for the Sons and Daughters of God that they really were. It happens again and again. 

SOOO how does this tie into my week?? 

Well this week we were sitting in a meeting for church, and the topic turned to helping a family that had lice.  Their intentions really were to help this family, but of course some of the individuals there were not very enthused about the lice (and by that I mean they were pretty grossed out)

Well, after church, we were sitting in another meeting and we get a text from a member:
"Sisters...[person] thinks you might have lice...let me know".

Yeah, we booked it out of that meeting pretty fast and ran to the bathroom.  Sure enough, we both had lovely little bugs crawling around our very long, thick, dark hair with all of their lovely little eggs being laid.  Charming.  We were pretty grossed out by ourselves, and went straight home, neither of us having a clue of what to do to cure lice.  We have people we needed to see and were obviously pretty worried.  We texted the member, and she showed one of the most Christ-like examples I've seen:

(Okay...its not just an acronym)

She came down to our apartment after getting to her house, which was a good 30 minutes away, armed with lice shampoo and all the things we needed to take care of it.  She didn't stop there though--she stayed and helped us comb out all of those little bugs and eggs, which took well over an hour of tedious work.  She didn't have to do any of that. 

Many of the members would have gladly bought us the stuff and helped, but she actually was there face to face with it. She didn't even care, she was willing to do whatever necessary to help.  That just really struck me.  I'm not trying to degrade any of the other members, and honestly I don't really judge the Pharisees for not wanting to touch "unclean" things either; hanging out with lepers wouldn't necessarily be my hobby either.  Christ could have easily healed people from a distance, and not touched any of them.  He could have stayed what others considered "clean" the whole time.  You know though, he loved those individuals so much, that he didn't care. He exposed himself, he was not physically "clean" by society's standards.  But because of the great love he had he dealt with each person on a personal level, and ministered to their needs. 

That is charity.  When you "turn your arrows out" and focus more on how that other person feels, then your own concerns or needs. 

This particular sister has demonstrated this many other times as well.  She has adopted children because of her great love, in order to give them the home they deserve. She sees people as who they can become, and looks at their heart. She is a great mother figure to a lot of the kids around here who don't have the Mom they need. She doesn't care what you look like, where you come from, or even if you have lice.

I hope that I can follow that example. I hope that rather than any other natural response, I can just jump in, and help.  I am so grateful that Christ sees more in me than I can see in myself.  I'm one of the most imperfect people you will meet, and yet through him, I can be more than I would ever be otherwise.  He has paid the price for me, and his church is restored. That's why I'm out here. To spread that knowledge. 

Throughout your week, I hope you think of the invitation Christ gives in Luke 10 after sharing the Parable of the Samaritan:
 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou
 likewise.

Alabama skies....

Love y'all's guts!
Hermana McClune

I am exhausted:-)

Howdy Y'all!

Last night, Sister Stiles and I collapsed on the floor after finishing our planning with a prayer at 9:30, and I really had no motivation to move to my actual bed. That is one of the best feelings in the world, being so exhausted because you have worked so hard. This work is the best!

Only in Alabama!

Some Highlights from the week:

Wednesday we were invited to lunch at a members, a tea part sort of thing. It was super fun! I rediscovered however, that I am much more myself around red necks, and ghettos. Get me a red pair of cowgirl boots, and I'm set.

Friday, we got very rained on.  Alabama gives you two options during the summer: to swim in your sweat and the humidity, or to swim in the flash floods. Take your pick.

Sunday: All of our plans fell through, so we hopped on our bikes and then just started walking around trying to follow up on different people we have taught.  We walked past this one house with a huge fiesta. One of the guys waved us over. I don't enjoy crashing parties, but I do enjoy talking to people about the gospel, so we awkwardly made our way over.  Next thing we know, two little "gringas" are sitting at the table with this very generous Hispanic family from Guatemala. They gave us a big plate of food, and we joined in the celebration. We talked to them and exchanged info, we are going to go over Wednesday to teach English, and about the Book of Mormon!

I love sharing the Book of Mormon with people.  It is one of the biggest blessings that I have. This week I was studying in Luke 22:

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove‍ this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
 43 And there appeared an angel‍ unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
 44 And being in an agony‍ he prayed more earnestly: and‍ his sweat was as it were great drops of blood‍ falling down to the ground.

In those short verses, we read that Christ prayed, and was in so much pain that he sweat great drops of blood. But we don't understand completely what happened. 
Then, if we read that with Alma 7, we understand a little bit more.

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

In that moment, Christ was in a lot of pain. He was feeling what each of us have felt. He knows exactly what you, I, and everyone on this earth feel. He is the only one who truly understands.  He suffered that, because he loves us so much. Those 4 verses in the Bible, record the greatest act of love and sacrifice known to man, and we understand that, because of the Book of Mormon.
I know that Christ lives. He lives for each of us. He was sent here by our loving Heavenly Father.  He is there for us, we are never alone.

Love,
Hermana McClune

I don't have much to say this week, but it was a great week!

Friday, I drank 8 big bottles of water.  I only went to the bathroom once. Where did all that liquid go? My shirt. It is blistering hot here and we were out on our bikes or walking alllllll day. Too much information? Sorry!

We were out in the hot, on bikes, in skirts, getting eaten alive by bugs, talking to random strangers who didn't necessarily want to talk to us...but you know what? I loved every minute of it. Our circumstances were miserable, right?! But I didn't even notice! All I could think about is who was at that next door, that need this message. 

Our Savior lives. He lives and his church, which was lost after his death and the death of his apostles, has been restored. There are so many churches because many truths were lost, and good people were trying to piece it back together...but our message is that we don't have to be confused any more. We believe that the Christ's church was restored through a modern day prophet, just as in bible times, whose name was Joseph Smith. Heavenly Father is again reaching out to his children, and each person can know for themselves through prayer, and reading the Book of Mormon. 

It is a message that has given my life, that makes me happy in the worst of conditions! I know that it will bless each person who finds that truth for themselves as well.  I hope that everyone does!

And so what do we do in blistering heat? We work. My Mom says its going to be 107 degrees in Wenatchee, Washington, I purposely don't look up the weather here haha. 

I love this work. I am so blessed to be a part of the changes that Christ makes in the people's lives here. It's the best!

Love y'all's guts!,
Hermana McClune

Grateful to be an American!

Serving a mission, in the South, in the Summer, is the best! Yes, it's so hot and I swim in my sweat, but the South is where it's at! ROLL TIDE!

The week was filled with the normal, but I just wanted to take a moment and write how grateful I am to live in such a beautiful country.

We had a concert where the stake choir (they are very good!!!) sand with the something Army band...I should really remember the name. It was cool though. They go big in the south!

At Walmart today (yes...Walmart...), Sister Stiles and I each bought matching shirts that say "Blessed Girl" on the front. It's true! I am so blessed. I am so grateful.

I am grateful to live in a country where I can worship as I choose, and share that with others.  I am so grateful to all the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. I am grateful for the leaders who have fought, and continually fight, to make this country "the land of the free". 

I am proud to be an American. 

I love the quote that says "Freedom isn't free". 

The battle I fight against is a little bit different, but I know that through the gospel, we can be free from other spiritual bonds and weights.  I am grateful for the opportunity that I have to be a soldier for the Lord. 

I'm not a poet, and  I don't put my words together very well always (plus I'm super short on time) but I am so grateful for this country.

Love y'all! Thanks for all the love and support!

Love y'all's guts!

Hermana McClune

 Churning homemade ice cream. Blue berry. Yeah, it was good.

Little Alyssa was baptized this past Sunday. She is so beautiful! They had been teaching her when I got here.

Athens.... Alabama?!?

How'd y'all know we was in Athens?  I didn't get no chance to tell nobody

(insert southern drawl)

But, I'm happy to be back here.  It's crazy! We were driving through Decatur, and it was a little like coming home. So much has happened in a year! I can't believe it!My companion, Sister Stiles, is from Turlock, California.  She is so sweet :) And everyone keeps asking if we are sisters...which is kind of funny.  We are like well yes! But uh, no... and then we explain :) Apparently we look a like. I'll try to send pictures next week. 

I think my favorite part was going to see Mama Brenda.  Friday, we went to Decatur for a District Meeting. The District leader showed up a little late, apparently they had been lost in the hospital or something.  After the meeting, I went and asked him if I could have permission to go see Mama Brenda while we were there. Turns out, that is who they had been visiting in the hospital.  We rushed over.  She is okay, but had to go in and ended up staying there.  It was so good to see here.  I basically started crying on the spot. (wimpy missionaries!)

When you have seen someone take those steps to come closer to their Heavenly Father, you feel a special connection with them.  Mama Brenda has had such an impact on my mission.  She was one of the first people we found and started teaching, and we really were led to her...it was to much to be coincidences.  We just met her in August last year, when we were trying to bring cookies to her daughter. She was baptized this past January. She needed the hope that the gospel brings, she has gone through so much.   When I feel unmotivated or tired, I think of her, and how are there are more people like her who need the gospel. She is so much happier than she was before--even though she was in the hospital. She has absolute faith that everything will work out.  Only Christ can offer that kind of hope. 

You know who my favorite person in the Book of Mormon is? Ammon. Why? Because he is the happiest guy! In Alma 28 he falls over he is so stinkin' happy when he is reunited with his friend Alma again.  I'm trying to read the entire book of Mormon in Spanish this transfer, and I was reading about him this morning. I love what he says in Alma 26:

  27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.
 28 And now behold, we have come, and been forth amongst them; and we have been patient in our sufferings, and we have suffered every privation; yea, we have traveled from house to house, relying upon the mercies of the world—not upon the mercies of the world alone but upon the mercies of God.
 29 And we have entered into their houses and taught them, and we have taught them in their streets; yea, and we have taught them upon their hills; and we have also entered into their temples and their synagogues and taught them; and we have been cast out, and mocked, and spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks; and we have been stoned, and taken and bound with strong cords, and cast into prison; and through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered again.
 30 And we have suffered all manner of afflictions, and all this, that perhaps we might be the means of saving some soul; and we supposed that our joy would be full if perhaps we could be the means of saving some.
 31 Now behold, we can look forth and see the fruits of our labors; and are they few? I say unto you, Nay, they are many; yea, and we can witness of their sincerity, because of their love towards their brethren and also towards us.
That's how I feel.  I feel so blessed to be a part of this work. I know Heavenly Father really does love his children, and I feel so blessed that he would trust me to go out and help care for them.

I love you all! Eat some watermelon for me, enjoy the Columbia, and have a wonderful 4th of July!

Love y'all's guts!

Hermana McClune

"I am a child of God", and so is the little lady from Syria, and so are you!

It only took 15 minutes of raining for this to happen....good ol' 'Bama! 

Are you tired of hearing from me yet haha each week I sit down and think "Hmm....I have no idea what to write".   So much happens every single day.  I  love it!

A cool experiences from this week:

We were tracting in an apartment complex, and one lady-probably in her 80s- whips open the door and says " Come! Sit down!" in a very accented English.  At first, sister Pickett was trying to talk to her in Spanish, but we realized she was speaking Arabic.  She happened to be skyping her granddaughter who spoke some broken English.  We found out that this little lady was from Syria.  Her other family is living in Sweden (including the granddaughter I was skyping with) because of the war.  We explained who we were, and that we were just here to help. We then asked the granddaughter if she we could sing them a song, and if she could explain that to her mother. 

Me and a little gal we are teaching

We sang "I am a Child of God".  Even though we could not understand a word of what the other was saying, just that understanding that we do have a Heavenly Father who loves us was very strong; we know she felt it too.  She gave us a big hug goodbye, almost not letting go.  My heart hurts for her, but I am so grateful that in that moment we could help her feel loved.  

There are a lot of Heavenly Father's children who walk all around us, and don't know that they have a Father in Heaven. 

 I love the quote:   "We are not spiritual orphans".  - Elder Stanley G. Ellis

 He is there for us, He knows us and everything He does is because He loves us.  Even the hard things! Even the things that we wonder why on earth could that happen, He can't control the choices of others but He gives us these hard experiences so that we can learn and grow.  For that, I am truly grateful.  

A beautiful family that will be baptized next week!

I've learned we really are all brothers and sisters.  Sounds cheesy right?  Maybe it is. But it's true.  I've learned a lot about that.  Sometimes it is so easy for me to be so focused on my needs, that I don't think about what it is like in their shoes. That that telemarketer is trying to work hard for that family and really couldn't get another job.  That the cashier is having some hard things going on a home and so work is not the first thing on her mind...or maybe it's just that little Washingtonian-missionary knocking on your door who is really excited about her message and just wants to share it with you. Who knows? We don't, so we just have to treat everyone with kindness :) 

I've been very inspired by the example of my parents, and how the treat everyone with love. They love me and help inspire me to be my best self.  Happy Father's Day Dad.

Love you all tons! 

Sister McClune

What a year it has been!

Hey y'all!

Soo...this week I hit my year mark. Which is crazy!  Sister Pickett and I pulled out our first mission journal last night, and I was reading through.  I thought I'd share a few inserts from journal entries of the past year:

Missionary Training Center

June 12, 2013

"Currently I am on a flight to Salt Lake City.....saying goodbye this morning was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I am going to miss my family so much.  I was doing okay until Derek started crying, then I couldn't stop.  I hope they know how much I love them....My Dad gave me such a big hug, and my Mom held me so tight.  Devyn and Aunt Elizabeth came to the airport. I could not ask for a better friend than Devyn.  She stayed over last night. I can't express how much I will miss them all.  I know this is a wonderful sacrifice though."

"I am very honored to devote my life to the Lord in the next 18 months.  I love Him so much, and already love his children in Alabama."

June 17, 2013

"Yesterday, Sunday, was by far my hardest day...it was Father's day, so I wrote a long letter home to my Dad tell him how much I love and missed them"

June 24, 2013

"Also, I finally got a letter!"

July 22,2013

"We will be leaving the Missionary Training Center for Alabama in 45 minutes...I'm so excited!"

July 23,2013

"Alabama is beautiful! Everything is so green! It was raining all day, but I loved it! I'm excited to use my raincoat! There is a bible in the nightstand by the bed, and at the airport there were ladies with big cross necklaces.  I'm so excited to be here!I can't wait to get to work! 

DECATUR, AL

July 29, 2013

"Friday and Saturday we got to work and started knocking on doors. It's interesting how different people respond to us.  We found one guy.  He is about mid-20s, bright red hair, with tattoos up and down his arm, and he seemed interested...Another lady told us they were preachers at a local Baptist church and we were wasting our time..."

August 3, 2013

"Hermana Leahman and I get the funniest looks while we ride our bikes.  We just smile and wave--it's great!.

I'm slowly but surely learning what it means to be a good missionary, especially a missionary in the South.  I can do everything I can, but really, it's up to the Lord and his timing."

August 10, 2013

"Well, I was warned.  I lived in western Washington for seven years, but when it rains in Alabama, it pours!"

September 6, 2013

"Well, I got my fill of F-bombs yesterday."

October 10, 2013

"On our way to trying to bike to some people who just moved in, we passed a lady...who had run out of gas, but no one had helped her...Apparently two girls in skirts trying to push an SUV on a slope got some attention fast, because two cars immediately showed up."

COLUMBUS, MS

November 13, 2013

"Yesterday was probably one of the hardest days of my mission..Then it was also about 25 degrees outside, and we were on our bikes...thankfully I was wearing my fleece-lined tights my Mom had sent in her package...that being said, it was still a really good day.  I prayed so many times to Heavenly Father to give me strength.  I did not know how I was going to make it through, and He gave me that strength... I lost count of of the hymns I sang yesterday. It took an hour to bike home, usually it take 30-40 min.  But it was a good day"

December 12, 2013

"Today is exactly my 6 month mark! And I witnessed a miracle...We invited Terry to be baptized, and he accepted" 

December 28, 2013

"Rain, Rain, Rain...We done been soaked! But it was a great day.  Went to a former investigators, and got preached too...also my feet hate me, but my keens are holding up great!"

January 19,2014

"I know the Lord still performs miracles.  Today, I had the privilege of being a part of one."

January 23, 2014

"Momma Donna is so ready, its amazing.  I was just thinking about what if we hadn't stopped that cold night when it was dark and we could have left.  But as we walked by, the dog was barking, and the spirit was tugging at my heart.  I knew we had to go in, so I told Sister Black we had to turn around.  She welcomed  us in and we did dishes and chatted....Her baptism is this Sunday, and she is so excited."

BIRMINGHAM, AL

March 10, 2014

"...then she fed us too! Yup. 3 meals. One night.  Do you see my tummy? That is a lot of love!"

March 23, 2014

"Happy Birthday Derek...She quit smoking and is moving! We helped her pack today...We also taught Hermano Paco english, and played soccer with some ward members and people who are interested in learning.  I am terrible, but it was fun!"

April 20,2014

"Then-my favorite part- Montse bore her testimony.  She said she wanted to be baptized to bring more guidance in her life for her baby. She said:  'En las palabras del Libro de Mormon...' (In the words of the Book of Mormon") to have more peace and happiness. She was so sincere, so beautiful".

April 22, 2014

"Side note:it's always funny when you are speaking Spanish and you realize they can speak english"

April 28, 2014

"Well, I am currently sitting in a bathtub.  Sister Layton is sitting next to me, while Sister Pickett, and Sister Torgerson and Sister Klein are sitting on the floor...

Tornado. Yup."

May 22, 2014

"Alabama has my heart"

I  hope you all enjoyed that a little peak into my past year.  I am so grateful for the support of my family and friends.  I still got 6 months to go and so I am going to keep running.  Whenever I am having a bad day, the best thing to do is to go out, work hard, and loose myself in the service of others.  I wouldn't not be able to share all the wonderful experiences I've gained in the past year, and I know I still have so much to learn!!! 

I know,  without a doubt, that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me.  We take so many things for granted.  I have been so blessed in my life, and all I want is to share those blessings. That's where I've found my true happiness.  When I was going through a hard time, people who tell me to go and find myself, take time for "me".  What does that even mean??? I have only found myself by losing myself and putting others first.  I never understood what that meant before. If you don't either...I hope you get out and try it :)

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your  fellowbeings  ye are only in the service of your God."

Mosiah 2:17

I've seen the Book of Mormon, which we study with the Bible to learn about gospel of Jesus Christ, change lives.

I am so grateful for all that I have been blessed with.  This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the best.  I love my God, I love my family, I love life!!!

Roll Tide!

Love y'all!

Hermana McClune