Happy Presidents' Day

Thank you for your letters.  I always look forward to them.

            One of the most exciting things that happened this week is we found someone to teach from tracting.  Usually when you knock on doors people say they're not interested in one way or another.  But this girl, who is in her 20s, when I told her that we had come to share a message of Jesus Christ and how he can bless us and our families, she said “Yes, I’m interested.”  So we shared with her about how Heavenly Father has a plan for each of us and a bit about the pre-earth life and our purpose on earth.  It was awesome.  Her eyes teared up a bit.  We met with her again and also went on a church tour where we showed her the church building and how it is not scary.  We also talked about what we do at church.  It is hard to pass that kind of person to someone else when you leave an area....

            So... exciting news is:  I am being transferred to another area.  The area I have been working in is south of the mission office.  I am currently a Ducks fan (since they won the Rose Bowl-- I believe that is the one they won) so it is going to be a bit interesting in the new area as they are Beavers fans.  As you can obviously tell I still don't pay too much attention to sports, but almost everyone in my current area is a Ducks fan. 

My new area will be north of the mission office.  It is a huge college town that gets more rain than here and has its very own singles ward, which I get to cover.  My new companion is going to be Sister B.  My current companion, Sister W, is also going up to the same area and she will be in a family ward. 

I kind of don't want to leave and I am only half packed.  I am leaving at 5pm today.  Sister F said she would help me make everything fit in my suitcases.  She was in the military, so she is pretty good at packing.  I have just been attempting to cram everything in-- it's not working.  My stuff grew.   It must be all this humidity.  Things just can't help but grow.  Ha ha.

I love you all and I am so grateful to be on a mission where you can clearly see just how much the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses individuals and families.  Keep sharing the truth with those around you.  Love, Sister Cluff.

Short & Sweet

Sweet News!  We had a baptism!!!  I forgot my camera cord, so I won’t be attaching any pictures this week.  It was an awesome baptism.  The spirit was so strong!  Brother J, Kathy's fiancé, called us up less than 3 weeks ago and said "My fiancé wants to take the lessons and be baptized."  The call came on a day of really long tracting or knocking on doors. 

Some thoughts I’ve had about missionary work: 

-It is amazing when you are blessed for doing what you should be doing. 

-Member missionaries are so important. 

-Friendship is one of the three most important things church members need.  Investigators and recent converts are no exception and also need friendship.

I should be hearing about transfers on Saturday.  Next Wednesday is transfer day.  We are going to be moving to a new apartment soon.  We, the R ward sisters, have been living with the M ward sisters in the same apartment.  I will let you know next week what is up.  Exciting times.

I love you all so much!  The church is true and it makes your life better. 

Love, Sister Cluff

P.S.  Sorry the note is short, but I had to fill out an online survey for the mission and it took my computer time this week.

Super Bowl Sunday

As most of you know the Super Bowl was yesterday.  None of the Sister missionaries really like the Patriots, so it is a good thing the Giants won.  Did you know that people don't like answering the door/talking when the game is on?  We tried not to tract after knocking on 3 doors and people not liking to talk to us.  People were either watching the game, or not home because they were going to a super bowl party.  We figured it wouldn't really gain the respect of The Church and they wouldn't really want to hear about Christ when the biggest game of the year is going on.  Oh, well.  We didn't even remember about the Super Bowl until we were at church.  ha-ha

Another fun thing is that Sister W and I got to go into the YM’s class (YM = Young Men, ages 12-18) during church yesterday and answer all of their questions.  They asked a lot of hard ones like "What is your favorite hymn/scripture/candy?"  And, yes they really asked us all of those questions.  It was fun being the source of knowledge and also kinda scary.  The Bishop was there and a lot of YMs leaders who know a lot.  I hope we helped at least some of the boys.  They started getting rowdy towards the end.  Anyways, it was fun and a good learning experience.

The other day the Stake President (He's in our ward) was talking to Sister R, who’s now in the other ward.  He said that we (Sister W and I) were doing well.  He also said that I prompted Sister W to ask a good question when we were at their house for dinner/lesson.  The funny part is I don't remember doing that....  Maybe she asked a question when I decided it was her turn to talk?  I don't know.  Companionships definitely take a lot of work.  You have to watch out for the other person and gauge how they're feeling and adjust accordingly.  I think Sister W is getting tired of hearing me ask "Are you okay?" or something similar.  But it is what I do.  I try to watch out for those around me.  I do the same thing for Sister R and Sister F.

To all my friends and family, keep doing well.  Keep sharing those things close to your hearts, especially with Heavenly Father as He loves hearing things from your heart… anywhere from worries and concerns to complete joy.  He is truly our Father in Heaven.  I love you!