And you thought you had to go to a foreign mission to eat parts of animals no one should think of......

 

 

This is a wonderful member of our ward, with Chittlin's.  Translation (since I'm now well versed in southerneese) Pig-intestines.  Yup.  The Stuff that holds poo.  Sounds delicious right?  Sometimes you can still see the cilia, and yup, guess what they smell like? Poo.  Guess what they taste like?  Probably the closest thing I'll ever get to eating Poo. 

 

I was fixin' to spit 'er back up, but I ate me a piece of deer, so it'll be a'ight. 

 

Anyhow, great week

Love the people here, Love my companion.  Sister Black is getting transferred :( I only got to do 6 weeks (half of her training).  I'm looking forward to next transfer though. There will be some great opportunities to serve. 

 

Sending my love and prayers! Thanks for all the love and support!

Con amor,

Merry Christmas Y'all :)

Each week I keep writing about our progressing family, The Elliotts.  They are awesome and I can't express how much I love them! They are so dear to me and they are so inspirational.

Attached to this e-mail is a picture of a Christmas bag. Inside the bag is one of the best presents I have ever gotten (the other being my Dog, 10 Christmases ago).    

We have been asking Bro Elliott to pray about December 28th as a baptismal date.  He has been, but we knew we would have to teach the word of wisdom before he really committed. So Thursday night, that was the plan.  We asked Bro Coggins, a member here to come teach with us.  Brother Coggins is also a convert who, until he was converted, drank coffee, tea, and smoked.  

As we first started to teach the lesson, it was going well.  Bro Elliott though expressed his need for small steps.  He has been smoking or chewing since he was 14 years old, or in his words, nicotine has been flowing through his veins since he was 14.  That's a long time.  I can't image what it would take to quit, I've never experienced that.  We asked him if he would live the word of wisdom, and he was hesitant.  He said he would try.  At one point, Tyler got up and grabbed the other cans of his Dad's snus from the top of the fridge.  We gave him a jar of Pero that we had wrapped in a Christmas bag....and continued to talk.

I don't remember how the rest of it happened. It's all a blur in my head.  What happened though, is that we bore our testimonies, shared scriptures, and really the spirit took over.  I could tell you what we talked about, but not the order or how it exactly happened.  It was not in my control, it was in the Lord's:

I remember looking down, then looking up as Terry stood up, weeping.  He said, "Take it away, Take it all away".  He walked over to the trash, spit out his lack pack of snus, and sat back down.  I asked him if he was sure and he nodded.  Brother Coggins gave him a blessing for strength, that he would be difficult, but he could do it.  As soon as the blessing was done, Pam took the snus off the table, put it in the Christmas bag we had just given them, and handed it back to us.  

We asked Terry if he was ready to be baptized on the 28th of December.  His reply was yes.

I have not had such a tender, spiritual moment on my mission.  I've been down on my knees several times asking Heavenly Father use me to preform his work here, miracles if I was worthy and able.  This family has been that miracle.  Through them, I have felt the Lord's love and seen his hand.  It's been amazing to be apart of.  

Friday, we went to the temple.  I prayed my heart out for them there.

Saturday, we went to check on them. Pam is an amazing example to me.  She is the glue that holds the family together. It has been so hard for her because she knows the church is true, but didn't feel that she could go without her husband.  She has been waiting for this

 Terry had eaten a lot, and a lot of fruit, but he was holding up.  It was hard, that was evident, but he is holding strong!

Sunday, they all came to church.

Tonight, we are doing Family Home Evening with them and the Norton's and my Mom's sugar cookie recipe!

Saturday, December 28th, Terry will be entering the waters of baptism

Sunday, December 29th, he will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  And his daughter and I will be singing a duet to "What Child is this?"

I am so blessed to be a part of this work! 

Love you all! thank you for all the prayers and encouragement.  I am so blessed!

Love all y'all's guts!

Hermana McClune!

Well! It was one of those weeks!

We couldn't meet with any of our progressing investigators.  They were either at drill for the reserve, studying for finals and at the Library or work for hours, and a variety of other reasons.  Which makes missionary work very difficult, but we did the best we could! 

It was also pouring down rain.... :) At one point we were on our bikes, in the pouring rain. I was up front, and kept thinking how I was putting poor Sister Black through this (it was her first time on the bike!) When we got off our bikes though and looked at each other, she had the biggest grin on her face-- as always. Love that girl! She is so positive and such a hard worker.  

Our Bishop here asked Sister Black and I to speak Sunday. My topic was the Atonement. I've done a lot of public speaking before, and so I am pretty good at writing talks. I can keep people interested and make some good points. So what? This time I wanted the spirit to really speak to the ward (congregation)...so I didn't write a talk. Don't get me wrong, I spent hours looking up scriptures and material about the Atonement and made little notes so I would remember, but I didn't actually organize a talk. I was scared to death, but I wanted to rely on the spirit and say the things Heavenly Father needed me to say.  I don't usually get too nervous, but I was sick to my stomach when I stood up there. And then as I started, I really did feel the spirit guiding me what to say, and I felt peace. It wasn't perfect, I don't think I changed anyone's life or that was I said was even that great, but as I looked at everyone, I know that what they were feeling while I was speaking--the spirit--was touching their hearts. I hope to use that more in our lessons, and really listen to their needs. I will be a much better missionary if I do.

Tonight we are going to play floor hockey with the Young Single Adults here.  They bring a lot of friends and it's great.  The Oja's are the FHE (Family Home Evening) coordinators and they are an awesome family...from Washington and Oregon :) Best place on earth! 

Tomorrow, back at the Elliots!

Friday-the temple. Oh good! 

Also, I can't believe I have been out for 6 months..... crazy.  My proselyting card expires in a year from today...

Gah! I still have so much to do! haha :)

Love all y'all! Hope you have a great week! So thankful for you :)

Hope you Christmas season is starting off wonderfully!

Hermana McClune

Howdy Y'all! 
It's been a great week-heard that one before?  It's true!

It was sad to say good-bye to Sister Krage, and were running around like crazy, but I can just say how much I love Hermana Black??! She is the best little trainee ever! She came from the Mexico MTC.  Really though she doesn't need much training!  She is from Paige Arizona (Lake Powel).  She was also at BYU this past year, and stayed in Y-view.  She is majoring in Photography.  Basically, she is the most positive person you will ever meet!  She doesn't stop smiling! I love it.  She has already made Columbus better, and she hit the ground running! 

Thursday, Thanksgiving, was her first day!  And we had two dinners :)

The first was with the Elliotts.  We invited Terry to be baptized last week on December 14th.  He has changed so much. He has never offered the Thanksgiving blessing before even though it's been house, for a variety of reasons. It is difficult for him to pray out loud, and he hasn't felt like he could before. This was the first year he offered the blessing.  It was short, but probably one of the most sincere blessings I've heard.  It was very neat to be there.  

Of course they ordered us to try a little of everything, which doesn't sound too bad until you see the lay out of food, and realize a little of everything = a whole lot.  They stuffed us!  It was so fun to be apart of, I love that family so much.  And Hermana Black fit right in! It was great.  

After a while, we asked if we could share a message with them.  The 30 people there didn't look very enthused to stop shooting their guns, come inside, and listen to these two strange girls who both had the first name "sister".  We shared Alma 34:38, about giving thanks daily.  As we bore our testimony of the Savior, their demeanor changed. The spirit touched each of our hearts, and we could see it in their faces.  

In between appointments (they were pretty close) as we were driving, I realized I was not going to be able to eat one bite at this next appointment, and I really didn't want to be rude.  So I pulled over, told Hermana Black to roll down the window and start driving. You can imagine her confused expression, especially as I got out of the car, and in my skirt and boots, started to run along side the car down the road.  I had to make some room in my stomach!  And I still could hardly eat another bite, but I managed. 1st world problems.

Anyhow, the work is definitely progressing in Columbus! we are on our toes.  It is such a blessing to participate in this work. 

Did I mention I am blessed?

I love your guts!

Sister McClune

Hola, Howdy, Hey-there

I know, that's quite the subject for this e-mail, but trust me, it's been a good-week.

First the sad news though: Hermana Krage is being transferred.  Basically we have drowned our sorrows in peanut butter cookies (because we haven't eaten chocolate in 3 weeks in an attempt to loose some of this Southern Squish... pb cookies are a healthy alternative right??) She has been here for 6 months now though, and has done a lot of great things here.  I will miss her! Love that girl!

Wednesday, I will be picking up my new companion fresh off the plane.  Training! Yikes!  I've been praying for this new little sister, whoever she is. Her first day out will be Thanksgiving, which I can imagine will be hard because we are away from our families.  It's a great opportunity for me to reflect, and see what I want to change.  I hope it goes well!   

Anyhow, now to explain about why yesterday was the best Sunday on my mission.

THE ELLIOTTS CAME TO CHURCH!

Pam and Terry have not been inside that building since the day they were married, 15 years ago.  And not only did they come, but their son Josh and his wife, and Kayla, and Sage!  Josh and Kayla are members, but Josh's wife and Sage are not.  Sage is sort of an adopted son, and the brother of Josh's wife (I know it's confusing). But basically what you need to know, is they came to church! And, it was honestly the most perfect sacrament meeting for them.  Brother Young was speaking, he is a convert and a very good friend of the Elliots.  His talk was similar to a sermon, which is what they are used too.  And it was such a great talk on gratitude!  Then we had a youth speaker, which gave a great talk and really impressed Terry.  THEN (it keeps getting better!) we had a beautiful musical number that just happened to be Pam's favorite song.  They both cried! 

I could not have planned a more perfect day for them at church if I had tried.  It just goes to show, the Lord will do what's best in his way, in his time.  I have fought tooth and nail before to get people to church. I've knocked on their door and 6 30 so that they'd get up and get ready.  I've called the Sunday School Teacher, RS Pres, Bishop, ward members to fellowship...to make sure the Sunday went well.  And I've never been able to put it together like that.  Yesterday, I was praying so hard that they would have a good experience, and as the meeting unfolded, I just sat back and was amazed at how my prayers were being answered.

I love the Elliotts so much, this family means so much to  me.  Their faith is really growing, and we hope that they will be baptized soon.  I pray that I can see them go to the temple.

AND I SERIOUSLY JUST GOT THE BEST EMAIL EVER FROM MY COMPANION IN DECATUR. My dear Miss Brenda has committed to a baptismal date for the 25 of JANUARY! oh my goodness! I just screamed I was so happy! She is so close to my heart! I am so happy for her, I know this will bless her.  The gospel has answered so many of her questions and given her the strength she needs.  She is so wonderful. 

I am so blessed to be a part of this work.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve am mission.  I love the people here. I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father

I really do miss you all, especially at this time of year.  It will be hard to be away for Thanksgiving ( Nortons, Elliotts, Smiths....)  We have about 4 homes to go on Thanksgiving day though, so don't worry, I will be with the people I love here.

But no one replaces family, and I just want you to know how grateful I am for my family and friends.  

I love all y'all!  I hope you have a wonderful week!

Love your guts!

Hermana McClune

 One of the Hispanic ladies we work with made us the best PJS in the world! 

YES, I 'VE WORN THEM ALL WEEK! WITH PRIDE! it's basically a massive sweatshirt that goes to the floor

Pam, Terry, Hermana Krage, and I have started an air band.  We made them instruments.  After my mission, they are going to take my hunting and we are going to do karaoke to every country song under the sun.

And Kenzaria did my hair the other day right before we did a little lesson.  Cute right??? 

Howdy!

It was a crazy week!  

No body told me it got this cold in the South!  There is a saying here though that goes, "If you don't like the weather, stick around, it'll change in a few days".  Tuesday, we were biking in 25 degree weather + intense humidity = freezin' my toes off.  But then Thursday I had to de-layer because I was starting to sweat while biking.  What's up with that???

Speaking of Thursday, we were leaving a lady's apartment, and were biking past an officer.  I was wearing black boots, thick black tights, and a black skirt with a long black coat, with my helmet.  Apparently the officer assumed we were Elders, because when I said hello to him, his response was, 

"WHOA! It's a female!" 

and then as my companion passed by he said 

"WHAT? It's two females!!!!"

Yeah. That's what an announcement in Octobers conference announcing the age change for Sister missionaries does.  Go Sisters.  

Basically the best part of my week.

Well, almost, because Friday was Zone Conference, when our President comes to speak to us.  I swear, I have the best Mission President in the world!  President and Sister Hanks are the most genuine, loving, fun people.  I don't know how to explain how awesome they are.  

  

 There is never enough time, and we certainly felt that this week with zone conference, and then stake conference; but I great spiritual-kick-in-the-rear that I needed.  I seem to have lost a lot of fire that I had when I first came out, and I am working to re-kindle it.  I love this work, I love the Lord.  I want to do my best!  I learned and re-learned a lot of wonderful things that will help me to find that fire again.  At home, we got a big sign on the door that said "FOGO".  That is how you say fire in Portuguese, where my Dad served his mission (Lisbon, Portugal).  My parents always told us to have FOGO in whatever we do, not just sit back and be a spineless jelly fish.  I've been out for 5, going on 6 months, and I've lost a little bit of my fire, but I am going to get back my FOGO! 

The Elliots, our red-neck family, are really progressing though!  Terry, the father, has read up all the way until Jacob 4; we only asked him to read to Moroni 10!  He has been reading everyday during lunch!  Isn't that wonderful?  It is so amazing to see the effect the spirit is having in his life.  Yesterday night we read some of the scriptures (Moroni 7: 13, 16-17) you had shared with us during conference to explain how the spirit talks to us, because that was one of his questions.  He went on to explain how he has withheld from cussing, not let his temper get the best of him, and not been so prejudiced -all because of the Book of Mormon!!!!  It truly is a book inspired of God!

I wish everyone would read it!  It really helps us learn more about Jesus Christ, and come closer to him.  The great thing, is that everyone can find out for themselves if it is true! If someone reads just even one chapter, and prays with a sincere desire to know if it is true or not, there is no doubt they will receive an answer, because Heavenly Father loves them that much.  He wants each of us to have truth, and feel of his love.  It's amazing.  

Well if I haven't bored you yet, I won't keep it up!

Life is golden! I'M SO BLESSED! thanks so much for all of your love, support and prayers.  I am so thankful to have you!

Love all y'alls guts!

Hermana McClune

Howdy y'all!

I don't know where this week went.  I literally say that every week.  

We are continuing to make progress with my large part-member family.  This is my true, red-neck family.  Each time they leave they tell us "Watch out for deer! But if you hit one, call us!".  The first time they said that, I thought how kind it was and how they'd be helping if we were hurt or the car was damaged or anything.  Then I realized it was because they wanted the deer meat....

(btw I have never seen so much road kill in my life. it's all over the south)

but seriously, these guys are awesome.  And family is number one priority.  They really have welcomed us in; we are even on the chore list now :)  I love these guys guts!

The Mom, has stopped going to church because she didn't want a divide in her family.  Her husband though is slowly opening up.  He  is not a member, and has a lot of questions and isn't afraid to ask.  Which is good, because we are able to clear up his understanding.  He continues to open up as we teach.  We hope to have them at church soon.  

As we have taught this family, I've really learned what it means to teach by the spirit.  In the scriptures we are promised:  

Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.

There have been many times in the lessons where I pray "Heavenly Father, I don't know how to answer this question, or what to say, please help me".  He asks some hard questions.  My mind is blank, and I'm scared, but as I start to talk, the words start coming.  

We are also making progress with a few other less-actives in the ward, and they actually came to church for the first time in years on Sunday!  Brother Young always comes, but his wife, daughter, and granddaughters have not been for years.  The granddaughters are not members.  Sister Young is very closed off, and so we started with the only thing we knew how to do-service.  (have you heard that one before?)  We started coming over after school to help her granddaughters-ages 12 and 8-with their book reports and science projects.  Now the girls love coming to church, and have been coming for a couple Sundays with the grandpa, and then yesterday Sister Young and the girls mother came!  We were so excited!  

I'm also finally attaching some photos! 

The second photo might look familiar.  Yeah...that fried chicken we get from Tony's Market on the corner of Grant and Kentucky in East Wenatchee, that the boys (Derek and Landon) love so much?  It's like all over here.  Yup, gas station southern delicacy.  That's why it's good!

The third photo is of a building at Mississippi State! I went on an exchange to Starkville- home of the Dawgs.  Beautiful campus!

And the last photo is for My Mommy :) Sorry it's a week late! I forgot my camera last week when we came to do e-mail.  But I hope you know how grateful I am for you.  I love you so much, and am glad you had a great birthday!  

I hope you are all doing well :) thanks for all the prayers, letter and love! you are wonderful! I hope all y'all have a great week.

Love

Hermana McClune