So Many Miracles!

There is a definite learning curve to writing a missionary.  It took us some time to figure out how to get the most information out of Hayden.  I have learned each week to ask him two or three questions at the beginning of my email.  He then answers them in return.  Sometimes the questions are as simple as, "Did you get the package?".  One week I asked him when the last time was that he cried on his mission.  (It must have been a good thing to ask, because it was just that week he cried.)  This week I asked him the best and worst part of his week.  This was his reply.

Best part of my week was hearing the "still-wet-from-the-font-Alfredo" give his testimony about the Atonement. 

Worst part.. Well I didn´t really have anything bad happen. 

In his group email, he explains a little more about Alfredo.

"Alfredo was bapped. Super cool dude! He´s been waiting for a surgery for 5 years to restore full function because he´s partly paralyzed. He got mugged and was left pretty bad, but right after he passed his baptismal interview, he got a call saying that his operation would be this Tuesday! So many miracles. 

Josefina will be married and bapped this week. SO cool!

Love yall

Elder Clegg"

Sleepless in Santiago

As babies, all three of my kids had chronic ear infections.  This made for lots of tears and even more sleepless nights.  Hayden has had some sleepless nights this week.  He mentioned in his email to me that he had to do some visits to other missionaries during the night.  From the sound of things, I think I would rather deal with a fussy baby, than fussy missionaries.  Hang in there Hayden!


"Hey there! 

Thought I would pop a group email this week because lots of stuff happened. Haha it was a really crazy week. 

We got woken up in the night a few times to help some Elders, so it was a long week in the sleep department. 

We bapped Alina. She is great! We have 3 more lined up for the next two weeks. Miracles! Also, pray for Sandra. She is a single mom that we are trying to baptize this change. The ward is giving us all sorts of references. 

Speaking of the ward...we went to lunch in the most rich place ever. Haha Ferrari's and Rovers type of rich. It was on a private golf course and the food was SO good. 

Found a dog with rabies for the first time. Rabies is a real thing. Haha I didn´t think it ever happened. 

Conference was super sick.  I love Elder Renlund and President Uchtdorf! 

We had an interview type deal with like 10 other missionaries with the head of the Missionary Department and a 70.  It was really cool! 

That´s about all that came to mind.

Love you guys,

Elder Clegg"

Heroes

This week I asked Hayden who some of his mission heroes are.  This is his response.

"My mission heroes...people in the scriptures and/or people in the mission... 

President Barreiros. He is the coolest dude!  He has basically enabled me to have the exact mission I´ve wanted. 

Elder Johnson.  He was my first ZL and he really helped me to be a good missionary. 

Enos! I just love the chapter that he wrote. I relate to it so much!  Haha I feel like that was the exact thing that happened to me when I got out here on the mission.  The last verse is my favorite scripture. 

Peter!  He is just a beast."

Little does Hayden know, he has become a HERO to our family.  He has shown courage, done noble deeds and made the way easier for others to follow.  He has allowed himself to be a tool in God's hands to teach the joyful news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Any missionary who serves with their heart is a hero!

P.S.  Apparently being called a "beast" is a good thing these days.  I believe it means you are super good at what you do. 

20 to 0!

Hayden reminded me of something important this week. 

"The work is going very well. We have several women that are very close to baptism. One of them has her interview today.  NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER.  Haha we were knocking doors when she came out and I was just like...Oh crap, she just wants to talk to gringos!  But something told us to teach her and she is changing her life so fast.  She went from smoking 20 cigarettes every day to 0.  She is the best!"

President Uchtdorf's words come to my mind when I think of judging others.  He reminds us, 

"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters."

Swing and a Miss

So...this past week, my email didn't go through to Hayden.  This has happened before to other family members, but not to me.  I guess in Hayden's book, that means he is off the hook to respond. (Stinker!)  I only got two old pictures and one line telling me that he didn't get an email from me. Who, me...resentful?  Couldn't be!!  Actually, I am glad he is focused on the work and not worried about his Madre. Also, there was no group email, so I will share the old pictures and hope that technology is on my side next week!!

As Is

Transfers occurred this week and Hayden gets to stay "as is".  He will carry on the work with Elder Peterson (L) and Elder McDermott (R).

"Buena! 

Haha it was a good week. We got some great news on the changes.  That means that I´m gonna be staying in Talagante for another change.  My comps didn´t change either, but it´s good news, because trios are awesome and Talagante is sick! 

We bapped Antonia.  She´s a cute little girl!  She´s part of La Familia Gutierrez that is really big and we´ve been working to reactivate them.  Constanza is also part of that family.  She got baptized a couple weeks ago.  Easiest baptism of my whole mission. It was basically a Ward Baptism, but hey...blessings! 

This week nothing all that funny happened.  I also am not a fan of sharing super spiritual stuff over the internet, so we´re gonna make it real short this week. 

Love ya´ll 

Elder Clegg"

Three Pictures and a Dr. Pepper

Hayden cracks me up!  He didn't send a group email this week.  Instead, we got three pictures.  One of him and a Dr. Pepper (His Aunt Jenn will be so proud!), one of some awesome dogs and one of a house.  I assumed it was the house where they live.  I assumed wrong.  He told Mike they don't live there.  I don't know who does, but I'm sure they are lovely people.  I'll bet they even drink Dr. Pepper.