Entry Seventy One: Bush's Baked Beans Breakout Bonanza

May 25, 2026

Entry Seventy One: Bush's Baked Beans Breakout Bonanza

I'm not even surprised anymore that it's my P-Day again. I'm fully expecting to blink today just to end up in November in the middle of a Thanksgiving meal. But, despite how fast time is speeding by, it means we are having FUN! 🤩

And you know I hope that you all are too, because life is so good! There are truly good things everywhere, sometimes you just have to look for them; they're a bit shy. If you are struggling to find them, perhaps try opening a note pad and writing down everything you can see/experience at that time, and it'll come to you :)

But yeah, this week had quite the adventure! I'll start with Thursday morning:

There we were, knocking a little beachside (we have a massive tourist lake in our area) community in absolutely pouring rain. The rain kept piling on harder and harder, and the doors kept getting slammed in our faces. Determined still, we got in our car and drove to Huey McGoo’s to meet up with the Lakeway Elders for exchange.

Yeah that's right the knocking isn't exactly part of the whole thing but I just had a good time with it :)

Post lunch, we swapped bags and I was off with Elder Newman to the Lakeway (Morristown) ward! Ngl, leadership has been cruel to my son. He's had 2 exchanges so far and both have been him leading out 😭

As much as I worried about Elder McQuiston not getting too swamped early on, we had such a great time! Lots of good conversations on life, tons of good finding. Elder Newman and I go wayyy back to when I was plopped at the Farragut building when Elder Driggs went AP. I seriously love the guy!

The next morning they had an oil change in Sevierville, and so we decided to unexchange at an albeit far out spot, but by far the most spectacular place in this state: the Bush's Baked Beans Factory! 🫘

We said goodbyes and I decided to take Elder McQuiston inside so we could briefly (and urgently 🤓) browse around, then do some weekly planning. We also got some very delicious lunch at their family cafe. 9/10 I recommend.

We hop back in the car to get to our next teaching appointments, and to my horror I realize I left my Tiwi card in the Lakeway car.

Now, for those that don't know: in order for a missionary to drive a mission vehicle, they must under no exceptions log in to the car using this card. With Elder McQuiston being in his first transfer, he is not allowed to drive at all. Meaning, neither of us could drive, rendering us stranded 🫠😵🪦

We made a bunch of phone calls and was able to sort things out. The gameplan was:

● Our member for this upcoming lesson takes a quick detour to pick us up for the lesson.

● Afterwards, he drives us to the church (35 minute drive)

● Then, we wait for the Elders to get back to the church so we can get the card back.

● Hope and pray we can get someone to take us back to Bush's (our member only had so much time to help out)

At the end of the day though, we got it all sorted out. The Elders were able to take us back to Bush's, and I was back to driving and we had a killer evening. At last, absolute tragedy was avoided.

However, more often than not in life things don't work out this way. Sometimes there is no happily ever after, just a plain old ever after. It seems as if tragedy can sometimes alter things so much, there can't be any hope of a restoration to a normal life.

Throughout my mission I've met thousands of people afflicted with all manner of infirmities, whether self inflicted or not. Incurable diseases, financial problems, and broken, beaten, and utterly destroyed hearts.

But I can offer this as my testimony of a Savior: Christ knows how it feels. Like as taught in Alma 7:11, He went through all your pains, and your afflictions, to understand you! His love may not be able to restore your previous life, but it can rectify and heal the wounds that have been inflicted.

Whenever you are tasked with a problem, I plead with you to ask yourself how you can involve the Savior and apply His atoning blood. Time after time again, he will be able to work with whatever situation you are in, and he will help you to rise above.

I testify with all my soul that he is real! I know that this has essentially been my spiritual thought for the past millennia, but it is what I am coming to know in a very real sense each and every day as I serve Him.

If I had been stranded at that factory as a mere little 16 year old I would have beaten myself to a pulp for that slip up. There is no way I could've made it through on my own, because I could not have trusted in the Lord then. But the most beautiful part of this earth life is that I have learned how to rely on Him!

It is a conscious choice, and I again beg you all to learn for yourself! Put in the spiritual work now so you don't suffer later. Jesus Christ is here for you. And I offer this all in His name, that of Jesus Christ, amen.

I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, He lives who once was dead. He lives, my ever living Head.

I love you all! Remember that the Lord loves you too ❤️

-Elder Clayton

Now I know y'all scrolled past everything to see the pictures (*cough cough* Ana)