Que pasa!

Hello,how's it all going? Glad to hear you all had a great Thanksgiving.

You guys are gonna be jealous of me, (especially Dad). Elder Dallin H. Oaks came and spoke to us last Tuesday. Two things he said stuck out to me: the first is that we carry a mantel, just like Elijah. Through study in class and in the scriptures, that statement summed it all up for me. I never realized how much responsibility I had as a missionary until then. The second thing he said was "You are all sons and daughters of God; everything else you are is subordinate to that."
Then, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke to us on Thanksgiving! I have to admit that I enjoyed his talk more that Elder Oaks, mostly because it applied to me more. Once again, two things stuck out: as he spoke, he briefly mentioned homesickness. He told us that if we feel that way, that it was good. He even said he wanted us to feel that way. I was shocked! But then he explained…he told us, through a quivering voice "How do you think God feels about being away from His children?" I had never thought about that before; Because He loves us, He is homesick for us. It makes perfect sense. The other thing that especially struck me was when Elder Holland said that when we don't forgive ourselves, we are denying the Atonement.
So with that in mind, in order to clear my mind from guilt, I want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for every time I groaned when you asked me to do a chore. I'm sorry for every time I forgot to do something you told me. I'm sorry for every time I raised my voice at you when I was upset. I'm sorry for not listening to you when we would talk. Most of all, I'm sorry for every single tear I ever made you cry. I can't believe I had to leave on a mission to realize how important you all are. Especially you, Mom. Please forgive me.

I love you all so much. Keep sending the mail. I'm doing my best to reply to them. I'm sorry it's not such a long e-mail. Take care. Se amo mucho.

Con mucho Amor,
Elder Parker

Latest email

Hello all! Glad to know my letters and e-mails have been reaching you. Thanks for the info from home. And yes, I'm wearing my CPAP mask everyday, and I've written in my Journal everyday since my second day here (didn't have time the first day).
Went to the temple again and I learned something new today too. The cool thing was that I didn't have a question to begin with. It was like the Lord said, "Miles, you're going to learn something whether you have a question or not." :) That brought me comfort. I don't have to worry anymore if I have a question or not now. I know I can pick something up on the fly. haha
Yeah, it was cool to see Stefanie(from Enterprise-going on a mission to AZ). Just to let you know we aren't allowed to shake hands. Yeah.... they're afraid of the swine flu. But I have to say that their reason make sense. They don't want us to be a cause of spreading swine flu throughout the world, since missionaries are going everywhere. Elizabeth Smart came in last Wednesday. I remembered what she looked like, so I recognized her when I saw her. I won’t say anything unless she's right there. I'm not going to seek her out. I bet she gets plenty of that.
None of the other siblings have written me yet. Camaris(his cousin)did though! She even bought me a CTR ring and sent it to me. What a sweet woman!
I pray for you three everyday, so I have faith that the Lord will keep you healthy.
I love you guys so much. I have a feeling that I'm forgetting something. If I remember, I'll let you know in a letter.

Con Mucho Amor,
Elder Parker

Putting it into perspective

(Miles with companion, Elder Mostert)





Well guys, in emails I've told you about my physical well-being, so let me tell you how I am doing spiritually.
It's hard being here alone, away from you. I miss my bed, Freya (his lizard), Guitar Hero with Jotty, long talks with Mom, MST3K with Dad...but I do like it here, and I know this is where I need to be.
We watched a film yesterday (we get to watch one every Sunday)about Joseph Smith and I couldn't figure out why this is so hard for me. I mean, along with teaching, he organized the church and recorded revelation. On top of that, he was lied to, betrayed, slandered, beaten; he lost children and was eventually murdered...all in the name of the same Gospel that I am called to teach. But I don't have to worry about persecution, family problems, or anything else and I am only out for two years. I couldn't understand why it was hard to me. So I decided to re-dedicate myself to the work right then and there.
So, even though we work a lot, we get an hour of gym a day. I've been playing volleyball a lot. Let me tell you...the Tongan missionaries know how to play! And they don't care about points either; they just want to hit the ball.
It snows here too---I haven't made a snowman yet, or hit anyone with a snowball but the time will come (bahaha). Everyone can tell that I never see snow because I'm like, "Hey! It's snowing!" and they're like, "Yeah, whatever."
That's all I have to say right now. As selfish as it sounds, please keep praying for me. Let me know how Freya is doing.
Oh, yeah-Dad, we DO get to hear General Authorities speak. One of the Twelve is supposed to come next week...for a Q and A session. We heard from Elder Walker of the First Quorum of the Seventy and we heard from Sister Sherry Dew last night.
One more thing: I've seen Joey Bateman, Aaron Ellis and Stefanie Barker. Aaron lives one floor above and Stefanie is in my branch. And Jotty, I saw Danny Clark too---you know, "Master Boot-to-the-Head" from EFY.
Okay, Goodbye- Thanks for everything you do for me. I love you all so much!
Elder Parker

Roger that...communication is clear

16 Nov 2009

I'm just about to finish my second week here at the MTC. It's gotten a lot better. The past few days have been rough, but I finally got the hang of it all. I'm getting the hang of teaching the lessons, still working on the teaching by the Spirit though. Espanol is getting better too.
We get to go to the temple every Monday, and the past few times I've learned something new. When I went with Jason to Salt Lake (which was by the way amazing--so much is symbolic), I learned why God divided the land from the sea BEFORE he divided the light from the darkness. Hermano Coles asked us to ponder one while we were there. He asked us "How did Moses know what to do to free the Israelites, when all God showed him was the creation?" After I thought about it, his question made sense. What did the creation teach him? The coolest thing is that my companion and I got the same answer. By viewing the creation, Moses witnessed the infinite power and wisdom of God. Therefore Moses relied on His strength to free the Israelites. The reason was to show forth His power. And the water before the light and darkness thing, Jason pointed out that in order to have day and night, you need an atmosphere. And how do you get an atmosphere? you need water. That's why God divided the water and land before he divided day and night.

MTC facilities are great. These building are old, but they are well maintained. Food is quite plentiful, and it's pretty good. I do miss your cooking though, and dad's grilling. My companion is still awesome. Once again he's patient with me all the time. Typical days include almost four hours of study time and six or seven hours of class.
Oh, I forgot! The Japanese restaurant was amazing. We all had a blast, and it was really great to see Kim and Ariel again. The coolest thing is that they were both in the same Book of Mormon class, and they had never met until we went to dinner. Jason sure was nice to pay for it. I told him that I had it covered, but then he told me he would. I argued, and then he made a point (won't tell you what it was…it's between me and him) so we all had a great time, especially since we got a hibachi and a cook.
I’m running low on time. I wasn't able to type much cuz the keyboard is sticky. Oh, and make sure you e-mail, or send me a letter through dear.elder.com , so I know that you guys are getting my e-mail. I'm pretty sure I got your address right.

Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker

Roger, MTC. You have control.

Miles Daniel Parker
MTC Mailbox #184
NV-LV 0105
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

I want to remind everyone that the ONLY way that they want you to contact Miles is through the mail. Get busy! ;)
Soooooooooo,
Miles obviously made it to SLC safely (albeit delayed arrival). Jason and Michelle picked him up from the airport. Among other things they took him to do a session at the SLC temple, visited Temple Square and surrounding area (the mall?). They also visited an LDS bookstore where he had a delightful surprise to discover that one of the cute, young ladies working there was none other than cousin Camaris Meservy!! She apparently recognized Jason and Miles right off. What a small world and how nice that we even get little blessings like that. My thanks to Camaris for being so observant. He was tickled that she recognized him.
I talked to Miles that night and he said, "Mom, Camaris isn't married? What's wrong with these guys? I mean...cute return missionary, knows 3 languages, strong testimony, college graduate...what's not to like?" He has a point.
Oh yeah, when we were saying our last goodbyes to Miles at the airport gate, this pilot kind of bumps into our group, then looks up at Miles and says, "What's going on here?" I'm thinking, "Duh...we're saying goodbye" but Miles chuckles and responds, "Hey! It's the boss-man". I really never looked at the guy's face but then I look closer at the pilot's nametag and discover it's Jason Hammond, a brother from our ward who had hired Miles for his lawn business. Miles later worked for brother Hammond's relative doing landscaping work. Yep, small world.
Let's see, Miles also got to spend a little time with two of his best friends, Ariel Reiley and Kim Smidt who are attending BYU. The girls didn't know each other before...having been in our ward at different times. Miles says both are now in the same Book of Mormon class. Too cool! Anyway, Jason, Michelle, Mila, Miles, Ariel and Kim all went to a Japanese restaurant and had a nice time. Miles was glad he got to see them again before he left. It had been a year or longer since he'd seen either of them.
Wednesday before entering the MTC they took him to Edinburgh Castle...I assume it's a store...where he bought a tie with the Parker tartan plaid. Then it was to the MTC!!!
I talked to him earlier Wednesday and he said he was excited. I can't imagine the "buzz" in the air at the MTC with that many excited missionaries in the same place. Bet it was awesome!
I will post some pictures as soon as Michelle has an opportunity to email them to me.
One last thing...
While Miles was packing and putting scriptures and books in his backpack, he showed me a blue Book of Mormon and said, "I'm taking this and I'm going to place it before I go into the MTC."
Well, he did just that! He talked with his seatmate from Atlanta to SLC. The guy was retired Navy and worked in SLC. They talked a little bit about a lot of stuff. Families, church, military, scouting etc. and the man showed Miles pictures of his family on his laptop. Miles told the guy about how important the Book of Mormon was to him and that he thought that if the guy would read it it he would probably like what he read. The man accepted the book. I was pleased for Miles...especially to discover that that the man was also a Baptist preacher! Miles told me that at some point while they were talking, he decided this was who he would give the B of M to and that he KNEW this guy would accept it and not be rude or anything. Don't you just love it???

Elder Miles Parker embarks on his travels

Today was an emotional one as Miles had to say goodbye to all his friends before leaving for Utah tomorrow afternoon (Monday). We had an "open house" for him tonight at the church and we had a great turn-out. Then afterwards, we (Miles, Jim, Jotty and I) went to Dothan so the Stake President could set him apart as a missionary. Kira and Ben came too.
Monday he will say goodbye to the seminary kids and then he flys out of the Dothan airport at 2:00.
Jason and Michelle will meet him at the SLC airport and take him to the Salt Lake Temple on Tuesday and to see two of his friends, Ariel and Kim, who attend BYU right now. I guess Jason will be his companion until he enters the MTC on Wednesday.
As I hear from Miles,um...Elder Parker...I will post to this blog. I will also post his address as soon as I get it.
Keep Elder Parker in your prayers!
Later, Jan