This is what we look like at 4 in the morning when we go to the airport to translate for a recent convert at the airport at 4 in the morning.  Welcome to Birmingham :)

 

 

 

It was so sad to leave Columbus, but I'm very excited about my new area. I'm in actual Birmingham! It's definitely different being in the big city (my allergies can attest to that), but great!  There are so many latinos! I'm hablan spanish!  (thats actually spanglish)

This is my first time serving in a spanish branch, and I love it! I love hispanic culture! 

 

Yesterday was one of the awesomest days. It was a good use of the Lord's time day! We started out at one lady who we invited to church.  She was very hestiant about church but we talked about coming with questions and how she would receive answers.  She was writing notes the whole time through, and just loved it! She said she received so many of the answers she needs. 

After church we went over to JoAnna's, who needed help decorating for her Daughter's baby shower.  We helped clean and set up, and then people started showing up.  Lots of wonderful latinas! It was the best form of contacting ever! (Not to mention we got to eat super yummy mexican food).  We gave out our number and should be meeting up with many of the ladies this week.  Plus, JoAnna was very grateful.  After we went and had a really great little good-bye lesson with the RC Maria Elena, and then a lesson with Doris, and the Juan.  Then we stopped by JoAnna's on the way home because she asked us too, and we asked her if we could say a prayer with her, and she got all of her family up (ever her husband who was asleep on the couch) to pray with us! It was wonderful!  The work is progressing in Altadena!

 

Here are some of the great sights we get to see here in the South. This guy had a microphone and was calling us all to repentance outside of walmart by the Free-Way. Intense.

 

 

Friday we were on an exchange and I was in a different area, when Sister Nuckols texted and asked if we could switch back earlier because we had some place to be.  She surprised me by taking me to the temple where Mama Donna, Sister Norton, Gabby, Sister Huber and Sister Wong (from Columbus) all were.  It was so wonderful to be at the temple and see Mama Donna there for the first time. She was baptized for some of her family members who have passed one. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father provided a way to do those covenants-or promises between us and the Lord like baptism-for those who did not have the opportunity to do it themselves.  We all felt to much peace and love there at them temple, and it was so wonderful to see Mama Donna.  She was baptized just under a month ago, and her testimony continues to grow.

 

 

 

I know we have a Father in Heaven who loves us very much. I know he sent his Son for us to do what we could not do. Just like we do work in the temples for those who cannot, the Savior preformed work we could not.  He atoned for all of our sins.  We are never alone, he is always there for us, arms extended. I am so grateful for that knowledge and the opportunity to share it.  I love this work. I love these people. I love Alabama!

 

And love y'all too! Thanks again for the love and prayers. Have a great week!

 

Con Amor,

Hermana McClune

February 17, 2014

It's been a good past week. We have started to teach english classes at the mexican restaurants around town during their slower restaurant hours.  We have really been trying to establish a good relationship between the Mormon missionaries and the hispanic community here.  It's been good.  We are also teaching spanish to some of our ward members, and teaching a little bit in Relief Society each week, so that when our latina investigators do come to church, they will be able to introduce themselves and communicate a little.

We had Zone Conference on Friday, Valentine's Day! Or, as we call it, Lock your heart day! We made lock your heart valentines for lots of the missionaries, it was funny.  We also got President and Sister Hanks shirts that have sayings that should be on church billboards. they are great! It was very uplifting.

Last week, Sister Huber and I were writing in our journals when she pauses, looks over at me and says, "Hey, Sister McClune, happy 8 months".  Crazy.  It feels like just yesterday.  I'm probably going to have a mid-mission crisis this next transfer.  

This is at Mama Donna's.  She was just called as a RS activity coordinator yesterday, and is going to the temple this saturday to do baptisms! I'm so excited for her!

A couple weeks ago, we went to Mama's so her sister could teach us some cake decorating! It was great! Here are some pics:

 

annnd...the finished product:

Yes. It does say "Go Team Jesus".

Only in the South.

I have so many good memories here! It breaks my heart to leave, but we got transfer instructions and it's my turn to boot.  

Columbus Mississippi will always be close to my heart. I have grown here so much.  When we were saying our good-bye's, I was fighting so hard not to cry. I love this ward so much. I feel so blessed that I was able to serve here. It was especially hard to say goodbye to the Elliotts, Whites, and Mama.  They told me how much they loved me.  It could have been any Sister that got to be here as they went through the experiences that they have these past few months.  I'm so grateful that the Lord allowed me to stay here and be a part of those miracles. I have spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with these families. They really have become my second family. I love them so much. And I am so happy for them.  Terry will be receiving the Priesthood this coming week.  It will bless him and his family so much. In one year, they should be preparing for the temple.

*Mom, Dad......anyway we could fly back here in a year???*

Well, I've got to run. But I love y'all! Thanks for all the prayers and support. I pray for y'all daily!

Love,

Hermana McClune

February 3, 2014

Good Week! Always a good week!

It was a bit of a different week. Sister Huber was feeling a little under the weather, so we were careful so that she could get better, but got some good work done. 

We snuck into the Elliotts and Whites (Pam Elliott is Tammie White's Sister. We spent Christmas morning at Tammie's with her husband and boys Adam (8) and Allen(7)) and cleaned their house. It was fun :) We also went over to Mama Donnas with some of the YW and cleaned out chicken coups! they have like a chicken castle! Trust me, you want to be a chicken at mama donnas. 

I am so having a farm after my mission with chickens, goats, and a couple of horses in my red house with my red cow girl boots. It's happening!

Yesterday was a wonderful Sunday! Tammie has not been to church in years.  Yesterday, she came with her boys! It was wonderful! Part way through, Adam went up with me to bear our testimonies. Then Allen asked his Mom, and they went up together.  The spirit was so strong. Her boys talked about how they "love Jesus".  When Tammie heard that, she cried. She bore a wonderful testimony. She looked so beautiful.  It was wonderful to see her there.

My favorite part of yesterday was when we went over to their house later.  We asked the boys what they wanted to be when they grew up, to which they both replied: " A MISSIONARY!"

I am so glad that I am a missionary too! When I grow up, I also want to be a missionary.  This gospel is such a blessing.  I am so grateful for the strength it has given our family.  This is the best work!

Nobody is excited about the Seahawks here......but this Washingtonian is! I told the Elliotts (who were all rooting for the broncos!) that the Seahawks won because they were fueled by Washington Apples. true story!

Love your guts :) Thanks for all the love and support!

Hermana McClune

P.S. oh! the pics are of a speedway racetrack we found (like in footloose!).  yes, we pulled over and admittedly danced for a brief moment.  It was necessary. A 'box' on the speedway is a glorified trailer on stilts. epic.

Sister Huber and I are exhausted! It has been a fantastic week! Packed full of Goodness!

We were only in our area last week for about 3 days honestly. Not ideal, but necessary.   

Friday we had interviews with President.  He is so awesome!

Then right after that we went to the Haylesville's District Meeting (the other district in our zone) and met with the Sisters after, and then started an exchange with the Hamiltion Sisters. They were double transferred in, and are basically working from the ground up.  It was definitely bellowing freezing and I did not have the clothes I should have with me, but I've never been so thankful for so many hills while we were biking! They kept me warm!  We had a fun exchange with the Sisters, and hopefully helped them out to bit. They are wonderful Sisters!

  

Right after that we rushed as fast as TIWI (our little box in our car that yells at us when we speed) would let us to Decatur, AL.  I haven't been there in a while! It was so weird to be back, but good!

A few months into my mission when Sister Leahman and I were in Decatur, we were trying to figure out more effective ways to find people to teach. There are a lot of members who are less active in the area, and they live a ways out, so we decided to spend a day visiting different members.  We baked cookies, and were not having a ton of success, but when we stopped at Stephanie's door-a young single adult who usually went to a ward in Nashville-her Mom, Brenda answered. 

Long story short, Brenda, in her cute pink pjs welcomed us in out of the hot and we had a little chat. As we got to know her, we asked her if she had ever wanted to learn about some of things her daughters believed.  Her daughters had both joined when they were in high school, and Brenda supported them, but she had not been interested and was very active in her own church.  She always supported her daughters, but it had been difficult for her to understand why she could not go to her daughter's weddings in the temple, and very hurtful.  We invited her to read the Book of Mormon, and find out for herself, if what we believed was true.

As Brenda prayerfully studied, she gained a testimony for herself that this was where the Lord wanted her to be, and that the Book of Mormon was the Word of God. My last night there in Decatur, Sister Leahman and I invited her to be baptized. Her response at the time was that she wasn't ready yet, she wanted to keep learning.  I knew she would in her own time :)

Mama Brenda and I have been writing letters back and forth since I left. A few weeks ago she invited me to speak at her baptism.  I was so excited I screamed and started to cry! I love her so much, and I am so happy for her. I know the gospel has, and will continue to bless her life.  She has been through some very hard things, and has found a lot of comfort in the church. 

Look how cute she is: 

After her baptism, Sister Huber and I drove back to Columbus MS.

Sunday, right after church Mama Donna was baptized also.

Last transfer, when Sister Black was here, I was training her on different door approaches.  It was cold, and dark, and neither of us really wanted to be out.  We knocked on one last door, and started walking back to the car, when a dog started barking at us.  As we walked by the house, it kept barking, and I felt a tugging at my heart that we needed to stop.  I told Sister Black we needed to turn around, and so we did.

Mama Donna welcomed us right in! We did her dishes and chatted. come to find out, her brother is a member.  We helped her wrap her Christmas presents, and introduced the Book of Mormon. She read, prayed, and also gained a testimony for herself of its truth.  I don't know that I have met anyone else more ready.  When we taught her the Word of Wisdom she stuck out her lip and said "I'm going to miss my sweet tea, but okay!". That was that, no if whats or buts about it. 

Her baptismal service was so wonderful.   Cool story: she had asked Sister Huber and I to sing at the service, and told us to pick the song. Sister Huber and I, without saying anything to the other, both felt that we should sing "Come Thou Fount".  As we sang, Donna started to tear up, and mouthed the words along with us.  Come to find out, that was her favorite hymn.  There are no coincidences in the Lord's work. 

I am so blessed to be in this work.  I have learned so much from the examples Mama Brenda and Mama Donna.  I love them both so much. They will always be close to my heart.

Love all y'all! thanks for the prayers and support! sorry for the novel....but it was such an amazing week! I miss you and pray for you each every day.

expect miracles!

Hermana McClune

Mississippi is beautiful.  I love my mission.  I love this work. 

 

This is how I feel this week.  It's truly been amazing. 

Sunday, Terry was baptized.  It has truly been amazing to be apart of it.  A few months ago, when I first met him I addressed him as "Brother Elliott".  He corrected me, because he wasn't comfortable with it and not interested in the Mormon church.  He loved his wife, but didn't not understand the Book of Mormon or much else he had heard.  That was a Tuesday.  Two days later we visited, and talked about the Savior's Atonement, and introduced the Book of Mormon.  We addressed some of his concerns, and he committed to reading it. That was it. 

 

After that, Terry continued to read.  Step by step we saw him make changes. He tried to control his temper, treat his children and wife with more kindness, be kinder at work.  He said the blessing on the Thanksgiving meal as the head of the house for the first time; he had not felt worthy before.  He really developed his own relationship with his Father in Heaven.  He quit drinking coffee, sweet tea, and any form of tobacco. All because of his love for the Lord.

 

I've never seen anyone happier than him on Sunday. He had the biggest grin on his face.  The service was right after church, and most of the ward was there. They were so excited.  Sister Huber and I sang "The Ol' Rugged Cross"-an old Baptist hymn that has meant a lot to him.  He was baptized by Brother Norton and confirmed by Bishop Jolley.  It was a great service.

 

My favorite part of the whole day though, was when after everything was said and done, Terry put his arm around me and told some one: "This one has worked her tail off to get me here".  I replied, "It was the Lord, but we will keep working to get the rest of your family here too". 

 

He response was: "Don't worry, I'll take care of it".

 

When he said that, I knew that I had been a part of a miracle.  He changed his life, right to his very core. It had been in the Lord's hands the whole time, and I had a privilege of being a part of it.   I did all that I could.  When he said he would take care of it, it showed that he really had made a complete change, and was going to continue to grow and nourish his testimony, and be an example to his family.  I feel so honored to have become a part of that family, and to be a part in the Lord's work. 

 

I have a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel, and the love that our Savior has for each of us.  He has come below us all, so that he can lift us up.  I know that we our children of a Heavenly Father.  He sees our potential, what we can become.  It's impossible for us to see that, but when we trust in him, miracles will happen. 

 

 

 

Later this week on Sunday, Donna will also be baptized. I can't wait to tell you here story next week :) We found her knocking doors, but she was just waiting.  Saturday, Miss Brenda from my old area in Decatur will also be baptized.  She has asked me to speak, which is an honor. 

 

I love you each so much. Thank you for all the prayers and support.  It really is a strength to me. 

 

Love all y'alls guts!

Sister McClune

 

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!