Entry Eleven: Of Royal Descent

March 31, 2025

Entry Eleven: Of Royal Descent

3/31/25

Hola, amigos! Esta semana estuve de intercambio con un anciano hispanohablante. Resulta que lo hablo con fluidez, así que me han reasignado. Olvídense de todo lo que he dicho en inglés.

Ok, so I’m just joking, but this week I had my first exchange! In fact the exchange was so good we said, “well why not do it again!” So, I ended up spending 2 whole days away from Forest City, which was pretty eye opening.

My first exchange was with Elder Farr from my district (No, not related to a Sister Farr iykyk), and it was en Espanol! I didn’t really understand too much, but the cool thing with Hispanic populations is that they are out late and are willing to listen to the Gospel message. Grind time that night had lots of good finds.

My second exchange was immediately after, and this time I was with one of my ZLs, Elder Wyeth, and his junior companion (they have a trio), Elder Williams. This one was actually in English so I was able to contribute a substantial amount more. We had a good finding flow going on that night as well, so I’m glad I was able to help with that!

Speaking on the finding flow, I feel like I’m getting more confident in the message I’ve been called to share each day. It’s definitely scary at times, especially when you lose your train of thought or your words literally just stop mid-sentance, but the more I get to share my testimony, the easier it gets to face these fears. If you would’ve asked me 2 years ago if I’d chase down a group of huge young men in a Walmart parking lot, I would’ve thought you were crazy. (But for real though, those guys were jacked it was a really cool encounter)

This one’s more for fun, but: we had zone P-day last week, which meant an all out nerf war! My team creamed the other team like 6-0 it was actually insane. Afterwards everyone did a blitz, except for us in Forest City since they told us about it the night before and we already had commitments to keep :/

I got to perform a baptism! When I first got here, we baptized Hayden, and his wife attended the baptism. She was interested and said she wanted to get baptized next, so Elder Driggs and I have been teaching her for the past 3 weeks. Now, they’re both baptized, and we’re hoping to get them to the temple as soon as they can so they can be sealed together. It’s all super exciting and I’m incredibly proud for both of them. Another cool part about the baptism is that our friend Maya from last week came to church again, stayed for second hour, attended the baptism, and (the icing on the cake:) she said, “I’m next.” My apologies if this sounds like bragging, I’m just very excited that we have awesome friends who have been prepared here in Forest City!

Spiritual Thought:

Something in mission culture that I like is that we refer to our trainers as Dads and Moms. Meaning my mission Dad is Elder Driggs. His mission Dad is Elder Rumsey. Elder Rumsey’s mission Dad is Elder Bangeter. The reason I bring this up is that all 3 of these gents are considered legends in the TKM (wow sorry if this email sounds braggy, I’m making a point, don’t worry). When I was on the exchange with Elder Wyeth, he said that it’s almost like I’m of royal descent. Long story short, it got me thinking of our divine and royal lineage. The scriptures say, “Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” (Psalms 82:6) I want to testify to you all that we are all children of God, our Heavenly Father, King of the most High. We are divine and we are all of this royal descent. He loves you, and I mean you. Remembering where I came from has helped me through some dark moments in my life, because I know that my Heavenly Father loves me. He truly sent his only begotten Son for me, and for you. So, say to yourself aloud right now, “Wow, look at me! I am awesome! I am a child of God! He knows me! He loves me! I am gifted-gifted with the Holy Ghost as my constant companion!” Repeat this to yourself often, and I promise that it will make your day brighter. (Also yes I shamelessly stole that quote from Elder Gary E. Stevenson 😔)

Anyways, I love you all very much! I hope you had an incredible week and that this week will be even more incredible! Also sorry the photos didn’t work last week, if you want to see them you should check out my complete email log. 👀

Depression lingers in the past, anxiety drags you far into the future. Joy is found only in the present moment.

Trying to boast not of myself, but of my God,

Elder Clayton

Photographs!