November 16, 2015 Letter...

Hahahaha freaking Carrie and Packer that was hilarious ... I could not believe my eyes. That's too funny. I'm glad they got to see each other though.. Carrie is such a mother coon. She will forever be so. Also, it's good hearing about Kula... gotta get him socialized around other dogs. I'm pumped to see the dogs again. How is Bear doing? Just chilling around still? Is he healthy? Good to hear about the family and that all is well in Zion...I love you very much.

This week was interesting. We had some super spiritual experiences and also some super not so great experiences. To start the week off, on Monday we were doing business all day searching for a house for the sister missionaries... we found one finally right next to the house of the relief society pres and we had to help them move and that was hard, but it was fun at the same time cuz service is fun and when we do service we feel good :). Haa. What else happened... so my comp had an interview with pres this week.. everything is good now, which makes me happy. I don't like it when people aren't obedient.. it hinders the spirit and when the spirit is hindered, the work doesn't move along, and when the work doesn't move along, the church doesn't grow and we waste our time.. But yeah, right now we are going chill and teaching with the spirit and we are happpy and that's what the mission and life is all about. It's been a struggle lately getting people to go to church, because the Sabbath day here is not respected at all. Literally, no one cares. The Sabbath day literally doesn't exist here, even the majority of the members don't respect it and it drives me INSANE. So this week the mission had a training that had to do with the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, and we watched the training that the 12 Apostles gave in April before General Conference where they talked about that day. WOWWWW. It was amazing. First off, the Sabbath day has become one of my favorite days. I must say I have recently come to know how important this day is and how sacred it is to the Lord and how sacred it should be to us. Before the mission I guess I just didn't really understand the doctrine (understanding the doctrine is always the answer) of why the Sabbath day is so important, but I can say that now I do and I'm doing all I can to make the Sabbath a delight for me so it can, in turn, be a delight for my investigators. ALWAYS STRIVE TO KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY IN THE FAM:) ...

Anyways, we are working with some real cool investigators right now.. and we are going to get them baptized, because they are cool and need those blessings. We have a family right now that is Juan, Melissa, and their daughter Silvana. They have to get married so they can get baptized, as always, but this family is super promising. Melissa's side of the family are all recent converts that we baptized; so now they are just waiting for her to get baptized. Anyways, they have a goal to get married this December and be baptized the same day. Letsssss get it. The good thing is that there aren't any problems with their papers or anything; so that makes it easier. Oh yeah, we had a super spiritual experience with Melissa the other day, we were giving the closing prayer and we gave it kneeled, and at the end of the prayer I felt such a strong witness from the spirit that every thing that we taught was true, and I know that everyone else felt it, too. As I looked over at Melissa there were tears in her eyes, and I didn't ask anything, I just simply told her, "Melissa, what you feel is the spirit. The spirit will continue testifying like that, as you continue reading the Book of Mormon and praying and asking if it is true." And I said nothing more and let her meditate on that. Wooooowwwww...amazing. The Lord is watching out for us and he is blessing us. It feels good. Our other investigators are good too, we just gotta get them to church and they´ll be baptizeddddddddd. Woooohooooo.

We taught a good amount this week and contacted over a hundred new people to visit for next week. The work is progressing and it feels so good. I gotta say that this ward is one of the hardest yet, because we don't have a lot of help, but we are pushing through. All of my converts here are doing well, too. Two of them received the priesthood yesterday and are going to help prepare and bless the sacrament next week :)

Sister Larson (pres wife) baked cookies this week and when we went to my comps interview she gave me one. I love her. She makes good cookies. A little piece of the UNITED STATES. In Peru cookies don't exist. Neither does milk.. anyways what else.. she always talks to me about church politics. I love it because that news doesn't arrive here to Peru. It usually stays in the US. But she is my source of what's going on in the church. Pres. Larson and Sis. Larson are really my heroes.

Anything else? Nope. Love ya fam :)

Elder Cluff

November 9, 2015 Letter...

Helllloo guys. Good to hear that the week was good and you guys went to Logan. I went there once when we went to Cokeville, Wyoming on a bro outing. I plan on going back one day to enter the hospital where I took my first breath from the womb. Anyways, I don't have a lot of time to write today as allllwwwaayyyss, but yeah everything is cool.

This week has been wild, to be honest. If you didn't know ,I have served my whole mission without being with sister missionaries. I don't know how, or if it's been a blessing or a curse. HA. I started my mission in Rimac, where it's too dangerous for them, then I went to Condevilla, where it's also too dangerous for them, and then I'm back in the Rico Rimac where for like 20 years it's been too dangerous for them. Anyways.. President talks with me the other week, and he's like, how would you feel about sisters in your district.. I was like what. Then he was like yeah... we gotta get them sisters in more places, cuz they are workers. And I was like.. hmm sister missionaries.. well, it just so happens that in one of the sectors in my district, one elder went home and the other got sent home, so it would be a perfect opportunity, and also, the sector where it would be is probably the safest in the zone, so I was like... yes. President do it. And he did it. Now I have sisters in my district.

It feels soooo weird. I honestly didn't even know there were sister missionaries in our mission.

But now they are in my district, and I am their leader, and it's fun. They work hard and they both happen to be like sister trainers so that's cool. We are going to get worrrrkkkk done this month. I also got two new elders in the other sector in my district. Two Peruvians.. they're cool.

This month we have to baptized a lot of people, but we have a lot of good people lined up. For example, there is a sister named Berta Velasquez and her BF Antonio, who she, thank goodness, doesn't live with. So yeah, we taught one of the coolest lessons of the restauration yesterday, and they both understood it so well, and accepted baptismal dates for the end of this month. Now we just gotta get members there to slay demons and be their friends. Pray for those two.

Also, we have a doppppeee dude named Gustavo who is so solid. This man has made sooooo many changes in his life, and he now wants to be baptized and follow the example of the Lord. YYYESSS. He used to live in the USA, and he was exported for drug problems. He is here alone, while all of his family is in the USA. He has been able to, with much fighting, overcome his addictions and now helps and works in a recovery center to help others that are like he was. Such a huge example to me. I love this man. We talk english all the time and he has this Virginian accent and it cracks me up. We are getting him prepared for the end of this month, too.

There are some others also, but yeah, swaaahhhgger dagger.

Love ya'll!

Elder Cluff

November 2, 2015 Letter...

That's awesome.. what a week. Garth.. he is my hero. I love everything that man does. He is an inspiration. You wouldn't believe it, but I miss his music more than whatever other music I hear on the mission. He is my hero. And that`s great the all the family came into town, I always enjoyed that. Skyler and Ashley look good and happy and that makes me really happy. Tell them I really love them for me. And yeah, there is a Rodizio's here, but it's expensive and it's not as good as Tucano's so I think I'm just gonna wait until I get home to partake of that delicious fruit. And Ephraim looked awesome. I have never been there, but one day I would enjoy going to the temple in Manti. Anyways, that's also cool that Lauren is home... so weird tho. I went to her farewell and it feels like it was yesterday. But yeah, I'm sure her and Teej get marrrrriiiieeeeeeeeddddddddd.

This week was better. So yeah, since that Elder went home, I was in a trio this past week.. another Elder came with me and my comp, and you'll never believe who it was.. my trainer ... Elder Fernandez! Awesome hahaha. To be honest, it was weird at first because I started the mission with him, and now he is finishing it with me. Super weird situation, but it turned out okay. If you remember correctly, we had a few problems when I started the mission. I was new, I didn't know much, and I wanted to do things right and at that time he didn't always think with that mentality. So for that reason we used to butt heads a lot, and I got really sick of him. So what ended up happening was that he left after one transfer together, and we left kind of on a bad note. So yeah.. like 13 months passed and I didn't really talk to him much because I still had a little bit of resentment in my heart. But then the Lord, to humble me as he always does, put him in my district to finish his mission. Yeah... okay... weird I thought at first. So he came, (after he had been a DL for like 9 months), and I thought in my head like, yeah... he trained me, but now I'm his leader so I'm gonna get him back for what he did to me. Not that extreme, but like... I just wanted to show him the Elder that I had become and I wasn't in the right mindset. So we butted heads once again for the past change and I thought,  "Are you kidding me... what is going on... why can't we get along? Is it me ... is it him.. I don't get it." So I really started thinking.. why did the Lord put him in my district.. what am I supposed to learn from him? Why is he here again. Then I thought, "You know what.. maybe it's so we can reconcile ourselves.. so we can end on good terms. And then once I realized that, boom! His comp went home, and Pres put us in a trio. This last week we were really able to talk, get to know each other better, and really get over our pride. More so, me getting over my pride. Last night we had to get to his last interview in the offices, and we were able to talk for like an hour on the bus about life and that, and it was a super spiritual conversation, for which I learned that I need to be more humble. Because that is one thing I have always struggled with. So I really thank the Lord for the opportunity he game me to be with him again. I'm grateful that we were able to talk, and the truth is I have so much love and respect for Elder Fernandez. He is one of my heroes. It's funny how the Lord works sometimes, that he is constantly teaching us, and he will always provide the means so we can learn the lessons that he wants us to learn. Because every single one of us still has something to perfect and get better at. And now I know what I need to improve, and I'm seeking for the Lord`s guidance to do it. I invite you all to analyze yourselves and think of what you can improve. Whatever it may be, whatever the spirit tells you, do it. There was a Conference talk this past Conference that touched on that subject. I don't know what it was called, but it was by a '70. I invite you all to read it :) I'm happy. My heart is full.

Oh yeah, to end we went and played beach volleyball today on the beach and it was the sickest Pday yet. I'll send pics. CHAU WEIRDOS.

Love you, Elder Cluff

October 26, 2015 Letter...

IT'S MY DREAM TO SEE GARTH LIVE, THAT MAN IS MY HERO. MY FAVORITE ARTIST OF ALL TIME. And I'm not joking either. That man is an animal and I miss his music. Please take a lot of pics. I wanna see him live one day...really is a huge dream of mine. Christmas package is gonna be coooool. Thanks mom. Diego got his mission call, good guy. Good to hear the bros are laxing hard. Cam is a baller, haha. Ahhh, I love Sister Ada and Brother Jay. It's sad that I might not see them again. But I'm really happy you guys have been able to make a difference in their lives. That's the most important thing. Thank you mom for the Christlike love that you show to all.

This week we had a baptism! Enrique... a stud got baptized and his baptism was great. He is happy and we are happy and the Lord is blessing us out here:) really we are giving it 100 percent. Every single night I am soooo tired, but full of the spirit and of gratitude for the blessings the Lord gives us. I love the Lord´s work. There are no greater blessings that one can receive then when he is giving all his time to the Lord. It's not always easy being here to be honest, every day people in the street look at me and laugh because I'm from the US and give me crap every day, but it's worth it. (I don't think you know it, but white dudes here in Lima are like aliens, haha) This week had its difficulties, but I'm grateful that I was able to find peace and comfort in the Book of Mormon and losing myself in the Lords will.

I love you guys and hope all is well. 

Elder Cluff :)

October 19, 2015 Letter...

Tell Dad I wish him a huge HAPPY BIRTHDAY and that I love him very much. Good to hear dad has weekends off... the man does derserve it. He is almost done there anyways. French toast and hashbrowns... yum. Goosebumps... that's awesome. And Cabela's... sounds like a good bday. I love dad.

And lately we´ve been working our tails off... we are going to have baptisms this week :) my comp is good.. I gotta push him to work and be motivated, but he is getting a lot better. That would be awesome if I saw the Schwarz fam here, haha.

And that whole thing with the dog bite suit is awesome! I know the Lord does bless us with tender mercies :) I see them every single day out here. When we are obedient and follow the Lord´s guidance, the Lord will show us his tender mercies and we will be so blessed. Honestly, I love the gospel. I love the Lord. Obedience is the key.

How is Kula´s wound doing?

And YEAH.. I think there is a whole bunch of Nashville Tribute Albums... I want you to verify for me... honestly if there are a lot, I think there is like a Joseph Smith Nashville Tribute also, then could you either send them to me with the Christmas package on USB or CD? Mormon Christian Country brings the spirit like no other and I kid you not, there is a CD I have here that's like a pioneer country album.. with the song ¨Like Comin' Home¨ on it.. and wow. I highly recommend downloading that for you and dad. Amazing... please do it.

And I have honestly been waiting for that CD Madeline sent me, but it still hasn't gotten here! So I'm a little confused. But I'm sure it's here, the office just has to go get it. When did she send it? I really want it.

And yeah, Jake Irving is a stud.

Today we went and played ¨middle school PE games¨ in this big field haha as a zone and it was a good time. We played dodge ball, then played like Sharks and Minnows and all that stuff. I felt like I was two, but I had such a blast. I'm burnt as John though and I praying that I don't have skin cancer because apparently, it's like super easy to get it here?? Anyways..

This week we just gave it our all... talked with like 65 people this week teaching them the gospel... and we had a lot of spiritual lessons. This one family, the family Morales, is a family who is passing through some difficulties, because recently their son died, and they're asking, "Why us, why us, we don't know why, where is he, what is he doing, we don't know." We explained to them the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement.. wow. Amazing. I'm so grateful for the opportunity that I have to teach families here about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is the center of the Plan of Salvation and the thing that makes the Plan of Salvation even possible. Thanks to the Savior, we will see our loved ones again, and if we are obedient and live the gospel, we'll live with them forever in an endless state of happiness. We explained these things to them and they were brought to tears and just wow! We tied the Atonement into baptism and they accepted a baptismal date for the next month. Just amazing. We had a lot of great experiences this week. Keep praying for us... :) The prayers are always felt. Pray for Adrianna in especial. Pray that she will have the desires to be baptized this week :)

Anyways, love you guys a lot.

Elder Cluff

October 12, 2015 Letter...

Haha, the McEwan's are too great. I love them. Good to see you guys are getting your hang out time in. And maybe they´ll see Packer and McKay while they´re there, hahaha. That would be too great. She is going to be the photographer... haha. Awesome.

I'll be riding dad´s motorcycle a lot when I get home, FYI. And dad told me about is patriotism speech.. that makes me happy. I love dad and I love the amazing example he has given us. What a stud :) How is Bishop Rasmussen? I think of bishop every time I look at Elder Rasband, haha. Idk why. Ya I'll send pics today cuz I think I'll have time. Peru is good, all is well. And yes we will be Skyping here very soon :) and Christmas package.. I'll start thinking now. It's almost here.. crazy.

But yeah, not much happened this week, as always. Super chill. Haha... It was a little stressing to be honest because of some of my responsibilities, but everything is good and I'm grateful for all the opportunities the Lord gives me to serve with the other Elders. I really feel like I'm beginning to understand here.. I feel like the gospel has taken a whole new meaning as I have served here in my mission. I´ll be honest, it hasn't been easy. It's taken me a long time to understand a lot of things, but as I have strove to be exactly obedient things always work out, and I can feel that the Lord´s spirit is present and guides me. As I have been guided by the spirit, I have learned SO many things. Plain and precious truths. I have been touched so many times by the spirit. I look forward every morning to reading my Book of Mormon, because in those moments, I'm able to receive impressions and whisperings and teachings from the spirit that always help me to become better, and what I can do to bless the lives of others. This week I have been studying a lot about grace. Grace is the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow from the flawed and limited beings we are now into exalted beings of "Truth and light, until [we are] glorified in truth and [know] all things." (Elder Uchtdorf). Grace is what helps us to become more like Christ. We can receive Christ´s grace, or his enabling and strengthening power, thanks to his Atonement. I feel like in the church, sometimes, we spend too much time focused on the saving part of the Atonement; how we will be able to be saved one day because of Christ´s suffering, but we sometimes forget about the other part, the part of the Atonement that helps us in the here and NOW, that gives us help and strength to become better and eventually return to his presence. His grace is essential to make it through this life. As Elder Uchtdorf explained last conference, we are flawed and limited beings. Grace helps us change that. Grace helps us separate ourselves from the natural man and become saints. We received grace, because it's a gift. When we search for it, pray for it, and when we are obedient and keep the commandments the Lord can bless us through the Holy Ghost. I wanna keep going, but I'm short on time and there are a million scriptures that I have but I'm not going to list them. I challenge you guys to study more about grace :) 

This week we also had a baptism! His named is Brandon, and we taught him only 3 times before he was baptized. He received his testimony after the first lesson and wanted to be baptized. What a stud. He is only 14 years old, but has one of the strongest faiths I have ever seen. :)

Love you guys a lot! 

Elder Cluff

 Brandon's Baptism

Fernando's Baptism

October 5, 2015 Letter...

Yes. I got to see every single second of conference, and better yet, in English. I have to say this has been the most edifying conference I have ever seen. I absolutely loved it. I love the new Apostles. They are perfectly qualified for the positions the Lord has put them in. Every single talk this conference was SPOT ON. There wasn't a talk that I didn't enjoy. Wow. And Ponderizing hahaha.. I love that. What a solid talk! I challenge you guys to start doing that in the home! I'm starting it, too! Elder Bednar.. what a stud. You have no idea how much respect I have for that man. He is one of my great heroes and role models. And wow.. Elder Holland... when he spoke.. I cried. I will be honest... it made me think of YOU mom. I love you so much mother. I'm grateful for the unconditional love you have given me, even when I have been a punk in the past. You really are my hero. :) Honestly what a perfect conference. And hey, please keep me updated with President Monson, he didn't look well towards the end of his talk, and I don't know how many more conferences we`ll be able to listen to him.

I got so much out of this conference. I cant wait to read them and go over them again. They focused a lot this conference on the importance of being obedient and keeping the commandments. The importance of doing that, so we can have the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost. The course of becoming true disciples so one day we can be exalted. I loved every piece of it. We are all in this journey to return home to live with our Father in Heaven and we need to decide now if we are going to submit ourselves to His will and follow Him. I'm so grateful for our living prophets, men of a secure and firm understanding of the gospel, that can lead us, and guide us, and give us direction. I have never felt such an inner peace and love and confirmation of these men as I have this conference. I know that this is the truth.

And my comp is Peruvian from Moquegua, southern Peru. He is talkative, but a solid dude. :)

And dad, I can't wait for you guys to finish the BOM as a family. That's an awesome goal. Also, good luck with all the CPA stuff! I know you`ll kill it. And running detection dogs would be awesome. I hope to see Kula in beast mode when I get home.

And mom, keep working too so you can get your license. I know you`ll be able to get it done. :)

I love you guys! Have a great week! :)

Elder Cluff