Bittersweet Goodbyes

The four day journey home has begun...

Sunday - 6 hour bus ride from Blantyre to Lilongwe

Monday - flight from Lilongwe, Malawi  to Lusaka, Zambia

Tuesday - flight from Lusaka, Zambia to Johannesburg, South Africa

Tuesday - flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to London, England

Wednesday - flight from London, England to Chicago, Illinois

WEDNESDAY @ 4:02pm - arrival in Salt Lake City!

Travel safely Sister Clifford!

Time is Far Spent

Eish. My Friends. Last email. As Carly Rae Jepson would say- "This is Crazy."

In honour of Sister Wallin and my departure next week, the Blantyre Zone held it's first Zone Activity in a year. To get our last bit of Malawi in, we went to the local Animal Sanctuary and had a good old fashion braii, with an American twist. Man- Malawi is beautiful. I have no idea what I did to be blessed enough to serve here. The Lord truly knows what makes me happy- and rolling jungle hills with mystical lighting is one of them.

As part of this Zone Activity, we had a follow-up on some Special Training we received from President Erickson about a month ago. We were trained on goal setting and executing those goals. I decided to apply this back on the entirety of my mission- from before the age change up until today. One of the Zone Leaders shared the story of the three trees who had great goals and dreams of what they wanted to become, a treasure box, a great ship, and something small and useful. The first tree became a feeding box, the second became a fishing boat, and the other sat in a building forgotten. Eventually the box becomes Christ's bed at birth, the boat he uses to fish, and the lumber used for his cross. Of course I had heard all this before, but the last part applies exactly what I have learned the most on Mission. It says:
"The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined."

Boy- do I feel like one of those trees! But that is exactly how I feel about the course of my Mission. I came in with what I thought was no expectations. However, looking back I totally had them. I had expectations of what kind of Missionary I wanted to be, all the adventures I would have, all the great doctrinal things I would know, the great stories of the Gospel changing lives, being a part of history of the church in Africa, learning a new way of life, having God use me in specific ways I was expecting, and so much more- like staying in Botswana for 18 months. For the most part, I have had those expectations fulfilled, some more than others. Just like the trees, never in the way I had wanted, expected, or worked for. Looking back at it, the biggest miracle of my service has been the blessing that Heavenly Father has given me of complete trust and faith in Him, His timing, and His plan.

I know that this Restored Gospel is truly the only path for pure and complete happiness in life here on Earth and in the worlds to come. Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation for us provides countless opportunities at each turn to show our love for Him and His son through obedience to His laws and commandments. I know that even if we fall, whether it be big or small, Heavenly Father loves us too much to let us lose Him. The Atonement- I can't even begin to express my love for it. I am so grateful for the experiences that I have had placed in my path that Heavenly Father has provided me to realize the power the Atonement has for me personally as I've developed and strengthened my personal relationship with them, and that I have been blessed to share it to anyone who wants to listen (and even sometimes those who don't really want to). Our paths are so individualized, and I know that the path that I have ran was exactly what I was meant to run. Africa is in my blood (literally, with all the times I've cut myself in the area some dirt has got to be in my stream). I know theoretically was sent here to give these amazing people what I know, but really I was sent here because there was so much more I needed to learn from them. I don't have enough time to start with my love of Africa and these people that I've been blessed to meet, teach, and learn from in three different parts of the Vineyard. I have loved all the missionaries I have served with- I owe them so much! I am so blessed. So blessed. Even through the course of three missions, and three countries, my purpose as a missionary never changed, and neither did the reality of the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

See you soon- and it better be with a Sweet Pork Salad in Hand-

Sister Kleefourd, Criffold, and Clifford

YOSO {you only serve once}

I wish this second to last email could be full of miracles of and life-changing stories. But it's not going to be. Instead it will be one of more medical diagnosis.

Let's just flashback to eight months ago when I was down for a few weeks due to some freak virus and back pains. Well, we now are speculating this virus to be some form of Malaria, but since I was in South Africa and it's not common, I wasn't tested. I've been having bad, but bearable, knee pains for about the past three weeks, so I was just icing two times a day and living off of ibuprofen. On Tuesday I woke up and it was freezing cold outside, and literally every joint hurt. From my toes to my jaw. I lasted through District Meeting, Gloria's appointment (she's doing awesome by the way, she got called to be the RS Secretary yesterday!), then gave up and went home to ice and call the Senior Couple. Sister Reynolds told me just to keep icing and wait it out as she called the Area Advisor.

Wednesday morning I woke up to severe shooting pains in my bones. So we called in and got clearance to go to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis, with a flare up of this malaria-type virus, given some heavy drugs, and ordered on bed rest for at least five days (I'm on day five in case you're wondering. And still mentally sane). So for this past week, I've been shuttled from Senior Couple to Senior Couple couches. It's been hilarious. And since I couldn't even hold pen to write or to study, I was thoroughly entertained. I now know every detail of the Reynold's and Merrill's lives. Seriously, I could win jeopardy with all this information. 

And that's where I'm at. Waiting out the last two weeks of my mission on bedrest. But man, I have seen so many tender mercies, acts of compassion and service, and the hand of the Atonement more than almost any other week of my life. I thought I would be more upset than I was/am, but really it proved to be an answer to many of my prayers, and allowed me to learn things that I could have only learned through this experience. I know that Heavenly Father knows the intents of my heart, and needed me to exercise all that I've learned throughout my mission. This all sounds like I'm depressed and struggling, but I promise- I'm really not! How could I be with all the love and comfort that has been shown to me throughout this week from both this world and the unseen?! I am too much grateful! I love all of you and are forever grateful for the prayers and support I am being given! And I LOVE Africa.

Sister Clifford

ps- Here's a hilarious quote from our RC Paul. I had asked him if he knew that the 10 Commandments were in the Book of Mormon. He just looked at me with this 'duh' face and said "Well of course Sister Clifford, it's the fullness of the Gospel." Duh. 

Hapee Birthdae Harry!

I have like 0 time.  But here's my week in recap!

I went to my first Malawian Wedding!  Gloria took us, but we didn't know that she didn't know them until after we got there.  So we pretty much just wedding crashed.  But that is encouraged here, so we were totally fine with it.  It was hilarious, I am opposed to American weddings now.  Here they have this whole ceremony where people dance up to you and give you money in this elaborate way, and then they have people pay to get their pictured taken with you.  Yes.  We paid for this photos.

GLORIA GOT BAPTISED!!!  

I was stressful, but it all worked out.  She made everyone sing her favorite hymn... #203.  Think about it.

It was awesome.  We love her so much!

Welcome to the Blantyre Zone.

Power Out!

Sister Clifford

p.s. Sister Griffus and I totally had a child named after us this week.  It rocked.

p.p.s. It's summer here.  AGAIN.  Shortest winter of my life.

10 Reasons I Love Being a Malawian Missionary

This week was just another week, and I haven't thought much of what to report on. We had President's Interviews and a Specialized Training. For my last Interview, President Erickson lectured me about a three month plan. That is the second time he's given that to me, and none of the other departing Missionaries have received it here. Apparently I appear as if there is no plan or structure to my 'future' life. If only he knew the consistent scheming in my head. Sister Griffus and I were blessed enough to have President and Sister Erickson come and teach Gloria more about the Atonement with us. In the same day we had Elder and Sister Merrill teach another investigator with us. It was such a great opportunity to sit back and learn from the pro's! I wish I would have been able to do that back in my beginning days!

Happy Pioneer Day! This week Grandma Clifford (shout out! hallah!) sent me some great history of my ancestors to keep me going. So I thought I'd share because it cracked me up: "You have all kinds of Pioneer Ancestors from Shadrach Roundy - Tall, rough body guard to Joseph Smith & Brigham Young, & part of the Mormon Mafia, to Alfred Corden - First LDS High Priest in England, In charge of the European Emigration Fund, to your Dutch Felt & Van Winegarten Ancestors, all rooting for your success & happiness in life.  Think of all the hard work & sacrifices & daring they went through to lay the groundwork for us!  FYI, Shadrach Roundy is mentioned in D&C 124:141."  Sweet. Don't mess with me Satan- I have the Mormon Mafia on my side! I really am grateful for the Pioneers though, both in the early days of the church, and all the Pioneers now. I am so grateful that I have been able to be a part of the Pioneer Period of the church in three different countries, and cultures in Africa- it is helped me to grow more than I ever could in an 'established' area. 

I LOVE THE PIONEERS OF AFRICA!!!!!!!

Here are ten reasons that drive me each day to love being a Missionary in Malawi:

1. Fanta Passion. Malawi is the only place it exists. BE JEALOUS.
2. Everyone is so willing to pray. It's almost ridiculous. In other countries I've served in, it could take weeks for someone to feel comfortable enough to pray in front of you. Here they ask to pray in the first lesson.
3. Coke is cheaper than water. A coke a day keeps the parasites away. 
4. We play 'Tourist or Resident' at every Azungu we see. Proven fact: Missionaries are the only white people in Blantyre who bathe regularly. I've never been so irritated by tourists in my entire life. They think they own this place. Whaddup- I LIVE HERE!
5. Here in Blantyre we have our own form of pigeon Chichewa. It's the common 20 words we all know mixed with whatever scraps of formal English we have left with scriptural terminology. 
6. We have ghetto phones where the screens lack color.
7. You know its going to be a good week when you find White sugar. 
8. People love God. 'Too much'. It's all over their mini-buses, their buildings, their shirts, their underwear hanging on the line... everything.
9. No one has internet to look up anti-Mormon literature. #dodgedthatbullet
10. They have the cutest old men. Ever. They get so dressed up to go into town- it's like I'm living in the 1940's. I always say 'Madzuka' too them because I love seeing their toothless smiles. 

Man. Heaven bless Malawi.

Sister Clifford

Adoption (July 14)

I have been formally adopted into the Great Zambia Lusaka Mission. Before I was just on 'Visa Wait', but now it looks as if revelation has been received that there really is no hope in salvaging my Botswana visa. Not like I had much anyway. I mean, my faith was always sufficient, but I know better than that. And the fact that I am at the tail-end of my Mission helps too. 

President Erickson emailed me this week, and we were corresponding about the typical things that Missionaries struggle with as they finish up their last transfers. It's made me reflect about my service over the past 16 months, and how now is the best time to really exercise every muscle I've sculpted and toned. He said that 'you have never been better prepared to do this work', and also how with this time will come with great challenges. I can testify that that is true! And that the Lord truly does prepare us for our finest hour.

Last week we were able to have a Sisters Activity with the Senior Couples. They made us lunch then we had a Q&A session with them. I LOVED it! They were hilarious, yet so wise. The spirit was so strong and I learned so much. It's been some of the greatest highlights of my Mission being able to work with Senior Couples, hear their stories, and learn from all that they've learned. Each Senior Couple that I have served with has been there exactly when I needed them too, and I will be forever grateful for that!

Amongst other things, I was faced with some of the hardest things I've had to eat on my entire mission over the past two weeks. Turns out that Goat really isn't that bad, but that crushed Millet is. Tobwa- the traditional Malawian drink. Never again.

I have seen many miracles and tender mercies this week, both here in the field and at home! The Lord truly does reward us for our hearts desires as we sincerely pray to him and make him aware of all that we are feeling. Man, missions are great. You totally learn to turn everything over to the Lord. I am so grateful for all that I have learned and experienced in my time in Africa. I owe so much to this great place!

Sister Clifford

Azungu Bo

Muli Bwanji brothers and Sisters! HAPPY 50TH INDEPENDENCE DAY MALAWI!!! Who knew that I could celebrate being freed from the British twice in one week! Unfortunately, due to all the elections, all the money is gone though and there was no celebrations. Look like I'll have to wait another year for fireworks. Dang.

Due to a short amount of time and money, this email is going to be a short one.

Things were slow this week. But we were blessed to help to investigators to really progress. I want to share a tender mercy from one of them, Gloria.

We found Gloria while waiting to teach a Recent Convert, she literally just walked in and sat down. We asked if we could share something with her, and she was totally annoyed. We were persistent, and she accepted. It was just a short BRT, but eventually we got to a principle. A few appointments later, we found her in great pain from a cavity. Just remember that Dentists are expensive and rare here, so dental care is done at general hospitals, and the solution is usually just to remove the tooth. We helped her to take some pain medication then to sleep. We came back a few hours later to check on her. Both Sister Griffus and I felt the prompting to ask her if she would like a blessing. After explaining more of what that would entail, she accepted. The Elders came and administered to her. It changed everything. Thanks to the blessing, she understood the power of the priesthood and the divine connection it has with God. She understood how it helps to make the church true. She came to church yesterday, and the Relief Society lesson was on the how we can support and sustain the Priesthood. She bore a powerful testimony of how the Priesthood is there to bless lives and to serve us as Christ would- it moved some to tears. Needless to say, she's getting Baptised on the 27th. We're pretty pumped, but not as pumped as she is!

Yesterday one of the investigators I found and taught got Baptised in Zingwangwa! I wasn't able to go, but Sister Komiha said it went well and that she was SOOO happy. It may also be because due to the divine revelation that we had while choosing her fellowshipper is ending up to leading to a fellowshipping for eternity. We are hoping that one works out. That would make 13 baptisms and 3 marriages on my mission.

That's all I have for this week! Until we write again..

Sister Clifford

Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore.‏

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sorry I won't be there, but just know that I will be singing every mission-appropriate Patriotic Song possible through the streets of Chilimoni and apple pie will be made in your honor. Next year America- be prepared to party.

Over this past week I have realized that unknowingly, I have come to be obsessed with Malawi and it's people. I had no idea my heart was this big. I thought it was at capacity in Botswana, then it jus overflowed in South Africa, and I just don't even know what it is at now in Malawi. As I was traveling from South up to Malawi I honestly didn't think I could come to love it as much as I had loved the past year of my life, but through much prayer the Lord has truly blessed me and answered my prayers that I could be able to develop that love. I think that long plane ride home will be even longer. Eish. I am dreading breaking up with Africa.

After just three weeks of being in our area, Sister Griffus and I were blessed with a baptism yesterday! My first baptism in Malawi! Man- The First Branch is so functional. We didn't have to do anything. They took care of everything. Paul Moses Bello is now the newest member of the Church here in Blantyre. The Elders before us found and taught him, and we just reaped the benefits. We had absolutely nothing to do with Paul's conversion to be honest, all we did was just hike up the giant hill of death to his house with pamphlets and give them to him. Whatever we gave him he just enhaled. It rocked. He was just so happy! And he gave a super powerful testimony.

This week I found out that our District President's wife, Sister Chinyumba, was the first missionary from Malawi. Where did she serve? Johannesburg! Where was she trained- GWEST! As we were visiting them she brought out her picture book and we talked all the Bots talk, I even got to use my now rusty Tswana. Man. I love that place. It was fun to see who was there when she was there 10 years ago, and to see the progress it is now!

Some other highlights included teached the 10 Commandments in Hand Actions to three 19 year old boys and watching them try so hard to remember all of them, teaching a member's daughter Book of Mormon Stories while she had on both our nametags, the District Releif Society President walking us around everywhere helping us to build relationships with our Relief Society, getting fed at a rocking DA with a member from SA (yes- I am so SA trunky now it's not even funny), watching a child do cartwheels instead of walking down the entire street we were contacting (it's a long street, with hills. We just didn't understand), and eating at our favorite chip stand- Hunger Kills. Let me tell you- it totally lives up to its name. Rat Sightings: 4. Giant Cockroaches: 2. Dirty handwashing water turned into soaking water: alot. Good thing I'm sticking with my "Coke a day keeps the parasites away" motto.

Man. I love this work. Being a missionary is so unreal. You learn so much in so many different ways. You are stretched like you'd never believe. People's salvations are totally dependent on you being worthy and on the look-out. What a privilege I have been blessed with to be a part of all of this- in Africa! Thanks for all the prayers- you can feel them more than you'd think!

Sister Clifford

Rock On (June 23)

I left my planner at home, which is a shame, because now I can't remember the highlights of the week that I was prepared to share with you! I was racing the security alarm out the door, so it must have fallen out. It's amazing how well day to day life blends in as a missionary, and how recalling them are so hard. I realised that my past emails have once again become only somewhat spiritual, exciting, or uplifting. It's not because I'm not loving my Malawian Missionary life or terribly depressed, but I think it's just that everything is so normal to me that it doesn't seem significant enough to share it, because to me these spiritual tender mercies and experiences have just become as normal to me as eating three meals a day. I will repent, and strive to do better to recognize specific moments and experiences and share them with my dedicated supporters. 

Unfortunately, almost all of our appointments fell through this week. It was alot of creativity of plan B's and C's. However I do have some highlights:

-We have one Recent Convert in our area. His name is Vumbulutso, or Revelations. He was 'babatised' in November and is an incredible natural missionary. He hangs out with us alot, but after a few days we noticed that he only contacts males, and says nothing when we contact females. We asked him why. Ready for his response? "I don't really chat with girls." My companion: "WHAT? Why not?!" Rev: "They scare me." Me: "SERIOUSLY?! Why?" Rev: "They remind me of my grandma. And my grandma scares me." And so began Sister Griffus and my longest attack of laughter of the week. We have now taken it as our companionship goal to get him over this fear. This week we planned to pull out the FSOY on him- dating 101 here we come! 

-On Saturday we got stuck walking to the Chapel for cordination. Why? The President got married. Closest thing to a Royal Wedding. I was dying. 

That's pretty much all I have time for! But Malawi is rocking, and as a wise missionary once told me "You either die lazy, or crazy." And as for me and my house, I have chosen the later. 

Sister Clifford

Chilin' in Chilimoni‏ (June 16)

This week has brought me to realise a few things why I love my family so much. Over the past 15 months they have very dedicatedly sent me updates of obscure things that keep me happy: monthly pictures of Prince George and his growth rate, Haley and Brad Devine's life and baby ...

A year ago today I had my first baptism! I think back on that day and remember feeling totally stressed, exhilarated, and total joy. Now here I am one year and ten baptisms later and I still feel the same. Being a missionary really does take you into emotions you don't even know you had. The Lord really does stretch you, and I am so grateful for that!

First week in the First branch! IT ROCKS! They actually speak English. It was the first time in my entire mission that I have taken the sacrament in a real chapel. I was sitting on a pew. WHAT?! I love them so much! The members are incredible, and are so dedicated to the gospel. They are PUMPED to have Sister Missionaries for the first time!

Mafikeng culture shock was pretty bad, and the difference wasn't really even that bad. But this week was even worse. I went from a mountain village with no electricity and cooking on the stove to an area where every house has cars. Seriously - I am in love with my new area. I feel like it has such great potential. It looks like Italy or Spain- rolling hills, mountains, cute pastel houses, it's great. I always wanted to serve in Europe! But we also have a compound area as well. The Zone leaders showed us around on Thursday, but it was completely foggy, so we couldn't see anything. It's been an adventure. The only bad thing is that there aren't any good food places. I may or may not have eaten in a shack with rats one day.

My new companion is Sister Griffus, from Minnesota. She's been out six months and has been in Lusaka the whole time. Yes. Her accent is still totally strong. I may or may not be speaking in some Malawian-southern-twisted accent by the time I get home. The best part? She is dying on all the hills. It's hilarious. It makes me feel better about myself that I have been whipped into shape in the 2 1/2 months that I've been in Blantyre!

The church is true, I love this work, and I can't wait to see what is in store for me in Chilimoni/Fargo! Even if I was freezing all week long in 60 degree weather. Africa. What has it done to me?!

Sister Clifford

Fourteen Months Down!

Well. This week has been one of hot and cold.  Both in the weather and in the work.  We went from extreme heat to winter literally overnight.  The worst thing about that is that I have lost my main conversation starter. Now I have to think of something new to contact people with in the mini-bus. Shame. 

But I decided that this week I will tell my week via pictures...

 

A great guy we met. He was really excited about the new President.

They went around the Circle three times. Yay for elections!

What Sister Komiha and I eat for lunch almost everyday. Half rice-half Nsima, masamba, and chicken with soup. 400 Kwatcha. It was the best day when we found that restaurant. 

The difference of change recieved on the mini-bus verses in Shoprite.

SISTER MBELE'S 21ST BIRTHDAY. 

We woke her up with polka-dotted pancakes in the shape of 21, then proceeded to party all day.

Yes. She didn't notice all day. Her companion said it was hilarious.

The door we decorated for her. 

We even got to ride in the same mini-bus to our areas, and got the whole bus to sing with us.

Cody Simpson cups in a members house. WHAT?!

Africa's #1 Car Insurance.

We love when men stick their behinds in between us on the mini-bus.

Our Birthday feast.

Ending the Birthday Celebrations with a SA scarf (miracle that we found it!) and watching a movie on our flat screen. Yes. We have a flat screen in our flat.

On Thursday while hiking Soche we contacted this crazy man. I started talking to him because he had blue hair, so obviously he was someone cool. As we continued talking, we found out that he was indeed crazy and has very 'spiritual' dreams- that he proceeded to explain to us for the next 28 minutes of our lives. As he dramatically re-counted to us every detail of his dreams, all these children began to gather around us. By the time we were done, there was over 30. We started walking away, and they followed. We would laugh, they would laugh. It was like the ultimate game of Simon Says. It was hilarious! Don't worry- I videoed it. We didn't know how to get rid of them- so we ended up teaching them 'I am a Child of God.' And after a bit, we heard them sing it all the way up the mountain as they finally headed home. I love Africa.

We were blessed with many service opportunities !  Dishes, laundry, gardening, and my favorite...

PAINTING!!! 

We walked into a LA's home (when I mean home -  it's a two-room brick and mud shack) and they were painting the walls. So without asking I grabbed the brush and started painting. It's been my dream to help someone paint their house my whole mission- and no one has ever let me.

Uno night with the sisters!

On Saturday and Sunday we had District Conference (Malawi and Zambia have no Stakes)! It was AWESOME! We had President and Sister Erickson up from Lusaka, and gave a great training session to the auxiliary leaders. We have one family that we have been teaching, and we have been trying so hard to get them to church, and they have been promising us that they would come this Sunday. The Conference was held in the Blantyre Chapel- which is a huge sacrifice to get to from our area. After much prayer and fasting (really though)- THEY CAME! They came late, but they loved it! And in the end it was a blessing that they came late, because everyone saw them and recognized they were new. So the entire District greeted them. It was awesome! Really though- it's such a miracle they were able to make it! We are so blessed to have them in our teaching pool! 

While President was there he decided to tell us transfers in person- which is always nice. And here are the results: Sister Komiha will be training in Zingwangwa! Just wait- the new sister is Sister Rasband. As in the Presidency of the 70's granddaughter. HA! She is dying. But because of that I will be moved to open a new area for Sisters with Sister Griffus from Lusaka. We will be the first set of Sister's in Blantyre 1st! I am pretty pumped- except that I have to pack again- for the last time. This is the first transfer I've had that hasn't involved countries and visas. 

Here are some of the goodbyes:

Love you all!

Sister Clifford

​

I Survived!

Malawi. It's a special place. I watch monkeys from my bedroom window every morning. Members pick fresh vegetables out of their hill-side gardens that they live off of and give them to us. Hyena's roam wild just over the hill. Avocados are as big as my head. And most importantly- they finally decided who the heck the President should be. I SURVIVED ELECTIONS 2014. I didn't think it would happen- but I did. And now today we are celebrating with the rest of the city for the inauguration- I have some sweet pictures of flat-bed semi's packed full of hundreds people wearing nothing but blue, and some crazy costumes. But, I lack a card reader still. So those will just have to wait.

Another great thing about Malawi is that I am usually the only white person I see all day. In chichewa, 'white person' is 'azungu'. As I walk around my area I usually have swarms of children running about me shouting "AZUNGU!" I swear it's the first word they teach their children, because I've even had babies say it at me. They usually follow with their one phrase of english- "Azungu! I'm fine and how are  you?" So of course I respond with "I am good and how are you?" And they say back "I am fine and how are you?" And it continues on to an endless cycle of 'how are you's. This week I decided to teach a particular group of children a new phrase. So now when I walk past, instead of having azungu screamed at me, I get "SWEET DUDE!" yelled at me. It cracks me up every time.

This week we had a Zone Meeting. As part of this Zone Meeting we were instructed by Elder Merrill (yes- he is making my emails three weeks in a row. I'm just too obsessed with him and Sister Merrill. 80  years old and on their 7th mission.. in Africa.) about health here in Africa. He definitely called all of us to repentence. Here are just a few things I found out: mosquitos are attracted to smelly socks and feet- if you don't want malaria, wash your socks; ants are scared of chalk; bacteria doubles every 45 minutes in Malawi; and if you want to be hip like the Merrills- bleach everything, all the time. They also encouraged us to get ourselves on a planned diet. I decided to take them up on it- I figured it couldn't hurt to try. WRONG. I don't think I've ever been more irritable in my entire life! It wasn't even that big of a difference, but my flat mates are demanding I go off of it. Who knew?!

For the past while we have been teaching a young family we tracted into. They live in the area where the people have toilets- so that's a big deal. The wife is from Tanzania and was Muslim, but changed to Christianity with marriage. We LOVE them! It's been a process teaching them, but they are so willing to learn and are very diligent in keeping their commitments. The father is applying the teachings into his life, and is able to recognize the changes in his life. And he is loving the BOM! We have been asking around for a Swahili Book of Mormon for the wife, but EVERYWHERE is out. We've had the President's wife looking from the temple to all the distribution centers, and there was nothing. When we heard this, my companion and I decided to pray. Later that night we recieved news that the office couple by some miracle found two Swahili Triple Combinations in the back of the Lusaka Distribution Center! We told this to the family, but told them that the only thing was that they had to come pick it up personally from Sister Erickson at District Conference this Sunday. They haven't been able to come to church because they are staying with his younger brother, who is a pastor, so they feel obligated to go to his church because they are living off of him. However- they realized that 'it's everyman for it's own' and that they will be coming on Sunday! We have so many investigators with so much potential, but we are facing a huge challenge of getting them to church. Amazingly, most of them have committed to come to the conference on Sunday- with much prayer we have faith they will all come!

Sister Gehring emailed me this week that someone we tracted into while I was in Lusaka has the whole ward wrapped around his finger. He is a security guard to a government house, and an 'undercover christian' (not the first one Sister Gehring and I have ran into). They've been teaching him and has totally been converted. Although I only met him for a few minutes- it feels so cool to be a part of someones conversion process. He even bore his testimony- and I guess it was powerful. That's what I love about this work- it is always surprising you! From what we thought was a semi-productive morning and an un-interested contact came a changed heart. The Lord- isn't he great?!

Everyone stay classy-

Sister Clifford

This week brought to you by: President Joyce Banda

And just when I thought my collection of Mission Stories couldn't get any crazier... this week happened. I am so grateful for the good old U.S of A and our lack of rioting. It's probably a good thing I didn't live in the sixties.

As previously stated in last weeks email, elections were scheduled to take place on Tuesday, so we were to be in starting Monday up until Wednesday. We had been told that things were peaceful and it shouldn't be too bad of an issue. Well- Tuesday came. And with it came riots and demonstrations. Right out side of the Elder's flat. So- Zone Meeting was canceled and we began our week of long-suffering and patience. For the sake of the White handbook, I will not go too into detail of what has been happening with elections, but it has just been one crazy scheme after another to get power. Suicide's, re-counts, hacking, false ballots, not enough ballots, pre-marked ballots... you name it, they did it. We weren't authorized to leave the flat until Thursday afternoon, but our specific area wasn't authorized. Friday we tried going out- but it was just too eerily quiet and we didn't feel comfortable, so prayed about it, and felt that we should go home early.

Saturday we went out, and had planned to be near members. All of them told us we shouldn't have been out, and updated us on all the latest scandals. Malawians are enjoying this WAY too much. It's hilarious. But also scary. We were on our way to Cordination at the meetinghouse, but then the Zone Leaders called (they work in our branch, so they are close) and told us that they were coming to meet us to take us home. Normally we don't ride with the Elders- ever, so we knew this was an emergency. Riots had begun in some of the neighboring areas against President Banda calling for a re-election. We've been under lockdown ever since then, with only a few exceptions for church yesterday and today. We don't really know what to expect of this week. For the most part things are safe, but we don't know when things could be announced, so anything could happen at anytime.

That's it in short. One day I'll tell all of you about this week in full detail, and I'll reenact the Zone Leaders driving their truck like Tom Cruise. It has been such a different week, but quite enjoyable. We all find this quite humorous. I am so grateful to be raised in a country where the ruling President isn't exempt from the law and does whatever She wants. With that comes consequences that they are not willing to face. I am so grateful that this gospel teaches us the truths of life that allows us to understand our agency and the plan for our lives here on earth, and that we understand the love that God has for us as his children.

One good thing about this week was that on Wednesday my companion got an endoscopy- so she was drugged for two days. It provided much entertainment, and tending over her gave me something to do. We found out that there is absolutely nothing wrong. Except that there is everything wrong. We met with the former area doctor who is here as a CES - Elder Merrill and we talked through everything. We were there for hours. This is what we concluded with-She was given malaria medication in the MTC that was banned from the markets years ago. How this happened, we are still not quite so sure. With this medication come severe side-effects, some of them even fatal. Well, she has a good majority of them. It's going to take at least another 52 days to get it out of her system. And with that is going to come withdrawal effects, some of which we're already experiencing, like depression, mood swings, chills, fevers, and many more. What amazed me most was how the Merrill's took everything back to the gospel. All healing, support, patience, and endurance. It really only is the medicine. They don't call Christ the Great Physician for anything!

All is fun and games in Blantyre! Really though- the Elders have been playing Monopoly for 6 hours straight everyday.

Sister Clifford

Mini-bus Miracle

Happy Election Week Everyone! That also means that starting today at 4 we're on lock down until further notice. At least tomorrow and Wednesday, and most likely Thursday. Have I ever mentioned Malawi has a female president? There is potential things could get a little crazy around here, but the weather is stormy so we're hoping that means it will scare people from doing.. things. Let Operation Study Your Guts Out begin!

Amongst other things, it's been a crazy and exhausting week. We were blessed to have Elder Hamiliton of the Area 70 here to address us. And for the occassion we were able to combine with the Lilongwe Zone! Do you know what that meant- I WAS IN THE SAME ROOM WITH 44 OTHER MISSIONARIES. That hasn't happened for about 9 months for me, it was so strange. Mostly because some where white. There was about 45 of us, which is more than double what Botswana has. Last I heard Bots had about 11 missionaries. Prayers to my homeland! But the conference was great-exactly what I was thirsting for. Elder Hamilton claimed Blantyre as the prettiest area in the whole South East area. And I totally agree! It was such a great opportunity to gather as all the missionaries in Malawi (even if everyone was stressing like we were going to prom) and to share our insights, concerns, and issues with the work and have them spiritually enlightened by a General Authority. 

I. Love. Being. A. Missionary.

On another note- I found out that giant rats (like the Rodents of Unusual Size) exist in the swamps of Ghana, and are commonly eaten. That made me grateful to be in Malawi.

My companion and I don't have a car, making us rely on public transport. Public transport in Malawi comes in the form of Mini-Buses. Usually when I enter into these mini-buses I repent because I know there is a likely chance of death, especially when you see where the floor has been welded, then re-welded, then welded together again. And most of the drivers don't have licenses. After being in Africa for 13 months, it finally happened. I was hit by a mini-bus. Full speed, almost straight on. They swerved to miss my companion, and swerved back not knowing I was there- hitting my whole left side with the corner of the bus. But guess what?! MY NAMETAG SAVED ME. My tag blocked the mirror of the bus from hitting my shoulder and color bone- so instead of having a broken clavicle I just have a bruise from the side of it digging into me. Other than that, I just have a sore wrist, a bruised thigh, whiplash, and a tense upperback. The bus just kept driving, and all I could do was yell 'EXCUSE ME?!" after them. It's amazing how many times Elder Holland's talk has had to come to my mind since I heard it.

But the miracle just doesn't stop there. After evaluating and deciding that I wasn't injured, we continued on with our plans and went to our Co-ordination meeting. Luckily we had just bought cucumber at the market, so we iced my wrist with that. Once at the meeting house we found that Elder Merrill was there. He has been the Area Medical Advisor in Africa three times. So obviously that was a tender mercy. After looking at everything he declared me 'blessed' and went on to his meeting. After his meeting, he came back to look again and demanded that I get a blessing of prevention from the Elders. And this is probably the biggest miracle of all- I was in need of a blessing for so many things. I was just too prideful to ask the Elders for one. The Lord knew that I had to be hit by a mini-bus, place Elder Merrill there, and to make the Elders to hear in order for me to have the blessing and receive the revelation I was so desperately needing. The Lord works in mysterious ways my friend. The best part of all this? I was actually able to say 'Man- I feel like I've been hit by a bus' in context.

The Lord knows us. He knows our needs. He knows our concerns. Sometimes we are just too stubborn or humble or prideful to come to where he needs us to be. I learned that lesson the hard way. Literally- that bus was hard.

Sala Bweno!

Sister Clifford

CONFERENCE! Just look at all the missionaries! If anyone can spot all my items of clothing being worn by other sisters I'll send you a virtual high five.

MTC group reunion! SHOUT OUT TO SIS NTULI!

How I ended my week- in the hospital with my companion. Nurse Clifford on duty once again.