Enduring

 Monday was pretty fun. We got to drive about 20 minutes south to Saginaw to be with our Zone Leaders. Elder Houskeeper had to sign Jazzii's baptismal form so we just ended up chilling there all day. We played basketball with us and the sisters that live in Saginaw. We played for about 3 hours. It was pretty fun. Afterward we decided to get food. Chipotle was what people wanted. I honestly never have had a Chipotle bowl ever. I got it and yeah I was right, it's pretty average. Got back to the ZLs apartment and did our laundry. At 530 we left their apartment and went back into our area.

Tuesday I was a part of the most spiritual lesson of my mission thus far. About three weeks ago I messaged a man named Billy Ashby. Billy replied to this text on Sunday and we scheduled a lesson with him on Tuesday. When we got here he brought his girlfriend and one of his other friends to join the lesson. Billy has heard of the Book of Mormon and met with missionaries over two years ago. He loved the book of mormon and church when he went. He said that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only one that interests him. When we were talking about it, his friend Jessica pops in saying she wants to get baptized into our church. Billy and his girlfriend Rachel said they wanted to as well. We set their baptismal date for January 1st to become members of the restored Church. After we closed this spiritual, overwhelming meeting, Billy looked at us and said,"I had a vision last night that I needed to get baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." This strengthened my testimony immensely that The Lord prepares his people for His message. 

On Tuesday night we had another lesson with our friend Debra. After the lesson concluded we put her and her son on date for baptism for December 26th! We had the chance to see 5 people accept a baptismal invitations on Tuesday. What a great day to end November! The Lord prepares people!

I love the Bay City Bishop's family! We met with the Klopf Family on Thursday. I have a close relationship with most of their 8 kids. Their youngest who is 5 is always trying to tackle me at church or whenever I see her. Her name is Evelyn. During the lesson she started putting stuff in my hair while we were talking. Sister Klopf took some photos of it. I will probably miss this family the most when I depart from Bay City. I guess I will have to visit after I return home.

Friday we got to eat with a person we are teaching named Duff Zube. Duff was the very first person I found on Facebook who is actually pretty solid. He fed us some pizza he bought for us, very yummy. We watched some of the restoration movie then as we were leaving he gave us some gifts. He handed me a tub of popcorn and Christmas socks. Such a loving grandpa!

Saturday afternoon we met with the Behling family in our ward. They have 5 kids who are all pretty young, what a chaotic household. It was fun teaching the little kids. We got on the topic of piano because they are all practicing it. Afterword Brother Behling volunteered me to show them what hymns I could play. I showed them about 5-6, but then Brother Behling said he is now going to talk to the bishopric in making me the pianist for the Bay City ward!

I'm on the tail end of the transfer. By the next email you receive, I will know if I am staying or leaving in Bay City. I really hope I stay and receive a new companion, but I guess we will see. That might not be what The Lord wants for Elder Clouse. 

Sunday night we watched the Christmas devotional as a district. I didn't know they do those things lol especially every year haha! I didn't get much from it mainly because I didn't try my best to listen. I thought it was cool and who doesn't love Christmas hymns???

Also, Light The World is here! I have always liked that we started doing this, probably because I love Christmas. I encourage you all this next week to do at least 4/7 days of what the Light the world calendar says. Light the world with love Clouses!!!