Why can't we be friends?

Sometimes I wonder why people can be just so darn mean. As missionaries, we get made fun of a lot. Normally it doesn't bother me a whole lot, because, unfortunately, I'm used to it. But this week I had just kind of had it. Especially when people go out of their way to be rude to us. Sometimes I just wish they knew just how much we go through to do what we are doing. I am not an idiot. I did not idiotically "sign up" to mindlessly wander through the streets of Spain and try to communicate to people in a language that is not my native tongue. I did not wish to wear down my body by being on my feet walking around for over 55 hours per week in humid 90° weather. I did not wish to be cat-called 158 times in 27 days. But, I did wish to help people come closer to their Savior, Jesus Christ. I did "sign up" for this. For the mission. And even though people can be rude, I don't have to be. It's not the end of the world when someone is mean or unkind. We just keep on going.

I've been thinking about a lesson I learned from my mom a lot, lately. I remember her telling me once, that when we were little kids, and we saw someone being mean on TV she would have us wag our little pointer finger at the TV and say, "No, no! That's not nice!" I'm very grateful for that little lesson I've learned on being nice. Just be nice.

As missionaries, people are always noticing us. We stand out a lot. And that's okay. It just reminds me that I really need to be sure to be the best representative of Christ that I can be. Or maybe even just the best representative of a human that I can be. I hope that makes sense...

Well, I'm going to sign off here. We had a busy, packed week. Full of sweat and happiness. I love you all! Thank you so much for your emails and support! Be good! And as Cinderella would say, "Have courage and be kind."

-Hermana Clark :)

Ps- I can't remember how Americans greet each other besides just a handshake. Do women give handshakes, too? It will be weird not giving people a kiss on both cheeks when I get back to America one day... 

Turn Down For What?!

We were walking past a park the other day, and I noticed three little Spanish kids playing. Maybe around the age 7 or 8. And I just thought to myself, "Oh how cute! Some little mini Spaniards!" I love listening to little kids speak Spanish, it's adorable, even when I can't understand them haha. So anyway, I was just listening, and then all of the sudden one of them blurts out, "Turn down for what?!" And I just lost it! Hahaha I died laughing. And then they continued in Spanish. It was the best hahaha.

Well my companion finished her mission today. I had to say goodbye to her yesterday, and boy, that was hard. There were tears shed. She is literally just the best. My sassy little English companion. My new companion is named Hermana Richey and she is from Layton, Utah! I'm excited to spend this transfer with her!

So the way that things work in this mission, is that your first night of the mission, you spend it with an Hermana or Elder, and then you go back to the mission home the next day to recieve you actual companion. And guess what! I'm taking out a brand new missionary tonight! I'm pretty excited! It feels like just yesterday I was spending my first night in the mission with Hermana Pratt (who went home today). And in about a week I will have been in my mission for six months.

Well, I need to head out! I love you all so much! Be good! Eat strawberries! (They are out of season here... it's sad...)

-Hermana Clark

Ps- It's finally starting to cool down here. It's wooooonderful

Fruit Pastels

The people in Spain really like to go to the beach. As missionaries here in Barcelona, we are not allowed to even go in sight of the beach. I'm not close enough in Hospitalet, but if we go into downtown Barcelona for preparation days, we steer clear of the beach. There are quite a few tourists here. It's fun to listen to all of the different languages and see all of the different cultures. And it's fun to help lost Americans haha. Well, we help everyone, but I enjoy speaking English every once in a while.

Anyway, nothing crazy is going on here. My companion finishes her mission next week. So that means I will be here for at least one more transfer (six weeks) in Hospitalet. I wouldn't mind going up North to Bilbao or San Sebastian for my next area. Somewhere not as hot haha. But then again, all of the Latinos live here in Hospitalet, and I love their food so.... It's a toss up haha.

We had another zone conference this week, and as usual it was amazing!! I also learn so much. I love learning from the other missionaries. It's great! Fun fact about the missionaries in my district. Between the 8 of us, we represent 4 different countries. America, England, The Dominican Republic, and Russia. So that's always fun!

It's fun to hear what is all going on back home. I love you all so much! I miss a lot of things back home, but I really do love it here in Spain. So much. I have come to love so many different people and cultures. It's just the best. Serving a mission was never something I had planned on doing, but I am so grateful that I did. Best decision I have ever made. I'm really going to miss it. It's weird to think that in a couple weeks, I will hit my 6 months mark. I will be a third of the way through my mission. Well, I need to head out. I love you all so much!

-Hermanita Clark

Ps- My companion gave me English sweets (candy) this week. Fruit Pastels. They are amazing. I'm a fan of English candy so far.

Foooood

Oh boy! Oh boy! This week was sooo much fun, hard, but fun! But first thing first, Happy Fourth of July!!! Wooooo! Our preparation day was today, and so we celebrated by having a barbeque! It was literally the best! Ribs, chips, hotdogs, watermelon, fruit, soda, and chicken. Just your typical American stuff. But it was soooo much fun! I really am grateful for American, though. Without the religious freedom, the Church wouldn't have been restored in the way that it has. So I am very grateful for that. I won't go into too much detail, but it's interesting being an American here in Spain. I've learned a lot about so many different cultures, religions, countries, and people. It's definitely given me a perspective on things. In the end, we are all brothers and sisters.

Speaking of cultures and stuff, it's time that I give you all a food update. Most of the people who live in my area are immigrants from other countries. We get to experience food from so many places. I love it! (And yes, for those who are wondering, I have gained weight haha. Woopee!) So far I have eaten food from Spain (obviously haha), Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia, Honduras, Colombia, Venuzuela, Nigeria, Uruguay, England, Pakistan, Argentina, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic. I have a complete photo album of just pictures of food haha.

The work here is a bit harder in the summer because all the people who live here are always working because there are a million tourists. Where I live and work is technically in Barcelona, and so most of the people who live here are working to support the influx of tourism during the summer. But we're still here working, because we know our purpose. So we're alright :) Because of this, we are spending a lot of time outside contacting. I am getting sooo tan haha. I'm actually the same color as some of the Spaniards.

I love you all soooo much! Have a wonderful week! Remember that you are never alone. And remember that family is the most important thing. Love your family. Serve your family. I have seen so many broken families here. It breaks my heart. If something is going on, just say sorry. Work on it. The pain and stress isn't worth it. I see it here so much. So much. Love your family. Serve your family. Tell your family that you love them. There is a family here, and the father is dying of cancer. They have tried everything. He is probably going to pass away while I am here. Love your family! They are everything! We may fight and bicker, but we need to overcome these things. Think of yourself less. I'm sounding like a broken record, but I'm serious. Love your family. The anger, stress, and worry is not worth it. It's never worth it.

-Hermana Clark

Ps- I'm starting to learn Catalán now. It feels like I'm talking with a mouthful of water