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