Happy Mother's Day, 2016

Mother's Day

Off to work we go, nosotros misioneros (we missionaries).

  Hello family and friends,  We are assigned to the Harlingen Stake and other surrounding areas.  The major cities are (from West to East) Westlaco, Mercedes, Harlingen, San Benito, Brownsville, Port Isabel, and South Padre Island.  We have been busy on our mission.  We have been busy helping people get jobs.  Finding out also that we can't help others who are illegal (without a social security number).  The only thing we can recommend is net-working (find a job through friends, Church members, or family members).  Those people who come to us, just want a job to take care of their family.

  The Hispanic people are very family oriented.  They are so welcoming and loving.  The missionaries call us Abuelo & Abuela (Grandpa & Grandma) and love to give us hugs and hand shakes.  They treat us like Family too.

(L-R), Sisters Calero, Clark, Captain Jack Sparrow, & Sister Luna

  We went to Port Isabel, last week, to have lunch with 2 sister missionaries.  They are on the outermost part of the Stake (& mission), East of Brownsville and on the Gulf.  We check on them periodically, because we are the closest Senior Couple to them.

  Once every 6 weeks, we inspect the 6 missionary apartments in the Harlingen Zone, before transfers.  Elder Clark also inspects the missionaries' bikes.  The Mission Office (Elder & Sister Tracy) are inspecting all of the apartments in the mission to see if they are in good condition or in need of being changed.  Also, to see if each apartment has cleaning, cooking, bedding, etc. supplies.

Fun with missionaries, members, & soon to be baptized

  Elder Clark was cooking a meal for a single district of missionaries every 2 weeks.  But, this got to be time consuming and expensive.  So now we bring in ice cream and toppings for a district treat.  We always have candy (not chocolate) for the missionaries and kids to eat when they stop by our office.  We try to get candy that we will not eat, thus-no chocolate.

(L-R) Sisters Sanchez, Holloway, Finlay, & Schaffner

  We went to a Mother's Day (Cinco de Mayo) Branch party on Friday.  We were invited to 3 different Unit's parties this time.  We were planning on going to a Brownsville Branch Spanish speaking, but another English Harlingen Branch had 3 different members call us and begged us to come to theirs.  For the Spanish Branch, Elder Clark was going to bake chocolate chip cookies.  The Harlingen Branch told him they would provide the deserts and he did not have to bake. As you could guess we went to the Harlingen branch party.  You could be wondering why Elder Clark is doing the cooking.  He decided that he wanted to cook instead of doing the dishes, so we changed.  Sister Clark is happy doing the dishes.  Elder Clark is becoming a very good cook.

Where's Elder/Sister Clark with General Authorities and Texas McAllen Missionaries

  We got to meet Elder Jeffery R. Holland, 2 weeks ago Monday in McAllen.  All the missionaries were invited from the whole mission, Lorado to Corpus Christi.  We all came together and listened to Elder Robins (of the Seventy) and Elder Holland.  I have never seen Elder Holland so animated and passionate about a subject.  Before hand, we were all asked to write down questions we have about our mission so that everyone could get something personal out of his talk.  He complimented the missionaries for being obedient and encouraged them to continue their missionary habits at home.  Arise early, study the Gospel, go to Church, be of service, go on to get an education at a University, Technical College, or a Trade.  Improve yourself, and stay close to the Church.

(L-R) Elder Holland, Pres. Maluenda, Sister Maluenda, & Elder Robins

  Our Employment task gets busy and then slows down.  We are in a slow period right now.  It is picking up again, for the Young Single Adult (YSA) branch in Los Fresno, wants us to come and give a Family Home Evening on jobs, interviewing, resumes, education, etc. in 1 week.  So, we are preparing for that and have more Candidates that are looking for work.

  Our Manager (Steve Stotts) comes from Houston once a month to check on us, teach us, and answer any questions we have.  He has helped us a lot and it is nice to have someone teach us what we are to do - especially on the computer.  Most of the job applications are filled-out online now.  Resumes are up-loaded and Candidates are telephoned for an appointment and for an interview.  It is much different from when we used to apply for jobs.

Spring time in Southern Texas

  Well, this is enough for now.  We will try to write more often like before.

  Love. ....................... Elder & Sister Clark

p.s.,  Happy Mother's Day !!