LAST EMAIL! - 8/10/11

Hey family!

I cannot even believe how fast this past week has been! It was absolutely wonderful. I saw so many people that I love. I kind of wish it hadn't gone by so fast! But it was great.

It’s crazy to think that my time as a full time missionary is already up. I am beyond grateful for these past 18 months. I’m grateful that Heavenly Father led me to the decision of serving a mission. It has been the best decision I have ever made, as cliche as that sounds! The people here are amazing and I love them! I have learned so much from them. I have learned the importance of hard work. Because of them, one day I will have my own garden.  I have learned what it means to be a true fellowshipper, someone who is an “Amulek”. My testimony of the temple has grown tremendously. We need to make it a priority in our lives. I have loved serving at the Visitors’ Center. I have met people from all around the world. No matter what language we speak or where we come from, the gospel can help and bless each one of us. Families are central to the gospel. As we implement the teachings of our Savior, we can have happiness here and in the life to come. We can be with each other forever. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet today. The church has been restored. The priesthood is here today. The power of prayer is real. God really does listen to us and answers us. Many times, it is not in the way or the answer we were hoping for. But, it is always for the best. I know without any doubt that the Book of Mormon is true. That book has changed my life and I have seen it change the lives of others. 

The biggest testimony I have gained while serving my mission has been of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He lives! He is here today. His Atonement is real. As I have applied it, I have been strengthened to do things I never thought I could. He has made my weak things become stronger. I have seen how He has helped the people I have taught. I have seen the miracles that have come from Him and my Heavenly Father. In the Visitors’ Center, I love to stand next to the Christus and testify of Him. I am just tall enough that when I stand next to Him, His hand is on my shoulder. It’s as if He is literally right next to me. He came here to show us the perfect example. He is preparing mansions for us. As we keep His commandments, we will one day return to live with Him and our Father in Heaven again. These past 18 months have been difficult, but I would never change my decision to serve. I am terrible at expressing how deeply grateful I am for this gospel, but I think that Ammon said it best: 

"My brothers and my brethren, behold I say unto you, how great reason have we to rejoice; for could we have supposed when we started from the land of Zarahemla that God would have granted unto us such great blessings? And now, I ask, what great blessings has he bestowed upon us? Can ye tell? Behold, I answer for you; for our brethren, the Lamanites, were in darkness, yea, even in the darkest abyss, but behold, how many of them are brought to behold the marvelous light of God! And this is the blessing upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work. Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name. Now if this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo. Yea, blessed is the name of my God, who has been mindful of this people, who are a branch of the tree of Israel, and has been lost from its body in a strange land; yea, I say, blessed be the name of my God, who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land. Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen." (Alma 26:1-3, 35-37)

God lives. Christ lives. Missionary work is the greatest. I love y'all and I’ll see y'all tomorrow!

Hermana Clay

Temple Departure Trip

Idaho Pocatello Mission
Attachments3:09 PM (3 hours ago)


Dear Brother and Sister Clay,

Attached is a picture of your missionary from our departing missionary temple trip. We have truly enjoyed serving with her.  Her testimony of the gospel has been evident in every aspect of her service.   We will miss her. 

Thank you for supporting and loving your missionary.  We appreciate her service and dedication in the Idaho Pocatello Mission.

With love and appreciation,

President and Sister Hancock

La conferencia hispana otra vez! - 8/2/15

Hi family!

This week was super busy! It was really fun though! Here's the highlights:

A family from Brazil came into the VC. The daughters spoke very broken English. We were able to speak Spanish to them and they understood pretty well. However, when they spoke Portuguese to us, we had no clue what they were saying! Sister Pulido was finally able to understand what it's like to not know what someone is saying. They were not members and were super interested in the church. They took a Book of Mormon and we were able to help them sign up for a family search account. Super great experience.

All of the departing missionaries were able to go to the Rexburg temple! It was a great experience. So much peace comes from the temple. I'm excited to be able to go more frequently.

We had breakfast with Miriam this week! Remember her? She is the one that got baptized last year. She is still so amazing! Unfortunately, her husband is struggling right now. However, that does not bring Miriam down. She is going to get her patriarchal blessing soon and is planning to prepare to go to the temple. I have never met someone with so much faith as her!

We had MLC this week! It was super great! I learned a bunch. Recognizing and listening to the Spirit has seemed to be a theme for me this transfer. President Hancock talked about that. It reminded me of a talk I read this week. It has become one of my favorites! I encourage you all to read it and see how you can apply it into your life. :)

This weekend was the Hispanic Conference! It was weird to be back there with Sister Pulido again. It was her first weekend in the mission last year! The conference was great. Saturday was games and food. That's always awesome.Sunday was the conference at BYUI. There were a lot more people this year! The talks were so good. Elder Batt and Sexton (from the Seventy) were there. They focused a lot on how we don't always see the seeds we plant and also on the Sabbath Day. Loved it all! I also got to see a lot of people from my old areas, so that was fun!

That's about it for this week! I can't believe that I only have one more week! Happy birthday to Asher this week! Love y'all bunches!

Hermana Clay

Picture 1: Don't be too jealous of how good looking we are.

Picture 2: I will forever be a giant next to Sister Pulido.

Picture 3: My favorite family from Iona South 9th Ward came to visit me! Love them!

Picture 4.  I held another baby this week. He is the cutest. It's my old Ward Mission Leader's baby.

Pulido Family Reunion - 7/27/15

Hey family!

This week has been lots of fun! Here's what happened:

Sister Pulido and I were in charge of VC training this week. It actually went really well! We trained on recognizing and following the Spirit. We first watched Elder Bednar's videos (Patterns of Light) which y'all should definitely go watch. Then, we read Moroni 7 and shared our thoughts on it. It was amazing to hear everyone's opinions and thoughts on that chapter. We didn't even get through it before we had to finish up. I definitely learned a lot from that training!

A whole bunch of Sister Pulido's family came to visit! It was so much fun. We got together at a church and had Panda Express. Her family is so cute! I'm glad that she was able to see them!

We went on exchanges again this week and I went with Sister Jones. It was great to be with her! She is really good at making people feel comfortable, especially in the VC. She is very diligent in missionary work!

Richie came to the VC to visit! It was great to see him. He was down in IF to buy himself a suit for church. He said that everything is going well and he's excited to get the priesthood soon and help with the sacrament. I asked him what has been his favorite part so far and he said that he can forget about his past and be a new person now. He is great!

Our most favorite Elder and Sister Huntsman had us over for dinner on Saturday! We serve with them in the VC. They are so cute! Sister Pulido taught us how to make tinga! Hooray! I finally know how to make my favorite hispanic dish!

We met an amazing man on Saturday night! Sister Pulido and I have been praying to find someone prepared in our area. Most of the people we have been teaching/finding just weren't very interested in the gospel at the time. But we finally found someone! His name is Rafael. He let us come in and told us that he loved what we taught. We began to teach about the Book of Mormon and the power it contains. We invited him to be baptized and he probably gave the most sincere "yes" I have ever heard in a Spanish lesson. He had read the Book of Mormon before, but lost his copy. We gave him another copy and he kissed it when he got it. So cute! I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father that He led us to Rafael! He is great and I can't wait to meet his entire family. I know that the Book of Mormon really can change people. It is amazing!

On Sunday, I realized it was the last Sunday that I would have the opportunity to play my violin in sacrament meeting. In a matter of one hour, we got it all pulled together and I was able to play one last time. I sure do love that branch! The Spirit is always so strong there!

That's about it for this week! Happy birthday to Mom! Love y'all tons!

Hermana Clay


Picture 1: Laser tag last P-day with the zone!

Picture 2: Pulido Family!

Picture 3: Dinner with the Huntsman's!

Almost right is still wrong. - 7/20/15

Hey family!

This week was great minus getting a little sick. But, I'm all better now! It's tradition that I get sick every other transfer, so I'm glad I got it over with!

We were able to meet a few new people in our area this week. We finally found the Yellowstone trailers and holy cow is it a master piece. There are so many trailers there! We met a lady named Jackie and she was awesome. She was excited to read from the Book of Mormon. The girl that we took out with us actually knew her and invited her to come over for dinner one night. Solid. I love having such great members out here!

I also got to see Aide again. I haven't seen her in a year! She is still the same cute lady and she still doesn't really want to progress. Sad. But, it was great to see her!

We also saw Raquel for just a short minute. She seems to be progressing very slowly. She is starting to see how she has changed for the better the past year with having the missionaries come to her home. We are going to continue working hard to help her feel ready for baptism!

I went on exchanges with Sister Alaiasa this week! She is awesome! She is very bold and loves to work. It was great to be with her and to learn from her example.

Sister Pulido and I were able to go out to lunch with Elder and Sister Gee this week! It was SO great to see them! They have been such an influence on me. While they were serving at the VC, I would always ask them what their "words of wisdom" were and write them down in my Book of Mormon. I truly treasure those and the many wonderful times I've had with the Gee's! Love them!

Sister Pulido and I were also able to go to Jerrica's baptism. She was the one that came into the VC that we were able to help get in contact with the missionaries. She was so excited to be baptized and it was awesome to be there! We are excited to continue keeping in contact with her and see her progress in the gospel.

I love serving in the Visitors' Center! It is super cool to meet so many different people. There is a man named Matt who comes in pretty frequently. Last year, he met with the missionaries and was baptized. He's now been through the temple and goes once or twice a week. He is awesome! He lovessss President Monson and always comes into the VC to listen to Monson's testimony. He came on Sunday and told me all about how he loves the gospel. I told him that some how I would get him a ticket to General Conference so he could see President Monson. Dad, you should start working on that ;)

I read a talk this week by Richard G. Scott that I thought was awesome. He gives us ideas on how we can share the gospel with others. Make sure to take some time to read it!

Love you all bunches! Can't believe how fast time is going by! Have a great week! Happy birthday to Christian!

Hermana Clay

This is how much my companion loves me.

Surprises - 7/13/15

Hey family!

This week was amazing! So many great things happened!

Our one night in our area went awesome! We were able to see quite a few people. Lots of crazy things happened during that time. We first met April. She is a less active and has gone through SO many things in her life. It was insane. I think Heavenly Father sent us to her door that day to help her know that there is still hope. 

We also found a gold mine that we had never been to before! We met a woman named Araceli. She was the sweetest and wants us to come back. Hooray! 

We met a kid named Saul. We asked if his parents were home and he said they were sleeping. However, we could clearly hear them inside. Typical. There was a name, Beto, scratched into the front door. I asked Saul if he had any siblings. He said no. Sister Pulido asked, "Who is Beto?" "Oh, that's my brother." Nice.

We then knocked on the door of Jonathon. Holy cow, he was so drunk! It was hilarious. I tried not to laugh. I asked him if he had ever been to a LDS church. He said, "No. I don't think there are any of those churches around here." Haha actually there's one on like every corner.

We were also able to visit Raquel. We read Alma 7 and talked more about baptism. She is still really hesitant about it. The next night she was able to come to the VC. We showed her the art exhibit and then listened to the Christus. The Spirit was so strong! Raquel started crying. Hopefully going to the VC was able to resolve some of her concerns.

Ready for the greatest part of the week? RICHIE WAS BAPTIZED AND CONFIRMED!!! And I was able to go to the baptism! Richie had called me a few weeks ago to tell me that he was going to be baptized on the 11th. I asked permission to go, but our zone leaders said no because it was more than 45 minutes away. That's the mission rule. I was bummed about it, but there was nothing I could really do. I told the Crockett's, who also know Richie, and they weren't very happy about that. Elder Crockett emailed President Hancock about it and President said that I could go! Miracle! I was so surprised that I got permission. Anyway, the baptism was beautiful. Richie didn't know that I was coming, so that was a surprise for him. I always knew that he would one day get baptized. I am SO grateful that I was able to be there. He was beaming. The Spirit was incredibly strong, especially as he was getting baptized. I remember our first lesson with Richie...he wasn't sure if he believed in God. And now he's a member! Crazy how the Spirit can work on people. He wouldn't be where he is today if it wasn't for the members. Sister Seton was the first one to give him a Book of Mormon, the Green's were the first ones to introduce him to the missionaries, and the ward just surrounded him with love. I am so grateful for all of them! I know that Heavenly Father sent me to Victor to meet Richie. He has strengthened my testimony so much. I've never met someone so prepared before. On Sunday, he came to the fireside at the VC. I was able to talk to him a little bit afterward about how he felt the past 2 days. He said it had been a pretty emotional couple of days but that he felt great. He felt like a new person. He is amazing and I can't wait to see him go to the temple a year from now! 

I love missionary work! All the tough moments in the mission are so worth. Seeing Richie be baptized was incredible. I feel so blessed to have been a tiny part of his journey towards Christ and His true church. I know that this church is true and I know that this is where we can find true happiness! 

Hope that y'all are doing well! Happy late birthday to Ryan Bucky and happy birthday to Tracy this week! Love y'all tons!

Hermana Clay

Guess Who is Next? - 7/12/15

Dear Sister Clay (a.k.a. Joy Joy),

I did not send you this picture.  I did not want to detract from your work, but Mom and I are looking forward to your speedy return.  You are now at the top of the missionary plaques in the Raleigh Stake Center.

Love, Dad

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From the mission president:

FW: Final - CLAY/MARISSA JOY 11AUG2015 PIH SLC

Idaho Pocatello Mission

to vclay222, me, phneubert, matt.harding.e.
Dear Parents and Leaders,

Your daughter, is scheduled to return home on August 11, 2015.  It has been our privilege to serve with her in the Idaho Pocatello Mission.  As she maintains the patterns of righteousness she has achieved on her mission, it will bless her the rest of her life.

Sister Clay came to Idaho to teach the truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and she has succeeded.  She has touched many hearts and has made many friends.  The attached document lists the areas she has served in, her companions, and the assignments she has fulfilled.

We love her and will always remember the experiences we have shared.  Sister Clay and I will be praying for her future success.

We deeply appreciate the sacrifices you have made to allow Sister Clay to serve the Lord.  May Heavenly Father’s choicest blessings be with you and your family.

President and Sister Hancock
Idaho Pocatello Mission

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