Aug 5, 2010
Yes. I got both packages. Thank you and tell the Todd's I said thank you too. You guys sent a load of stuff. I didn't have to buy much today. Just some milk, tajin powder, T.P., and Mexican candy. Mexican candy is weird, but I like it. I think it's an acquired taste.
People in the ward treat us nicely, but that's about it. Spanish people are a little too nice to say no, so they say yes (to whatever it is they say they'll do) and then bail out at the last minute. I still like them though. Some of them are mega-awesome members.
Well, welfare problems are over, but thank you for the help. I understand it a lot better now.
It's funny how you mentioned that now that I've been out this long (8 months), I'd start getting leadership positions. Well.... now I'm training a new missionary that just got off the plane. His name is Elder Meiners. He is from Maryland, and from a family of 8. I'm a Dad - hahahaha. We got off to a really good start, and he and I get along very well. He has a really strong desire to serve, has a great heart and is a hard worker . His Spanish is pretty good too, cuz he had 2 years in high school. I'm glad I got a good “son“. I was really worried that I'd have to put up with a hard-headed, immature missionary. But this guy is nothing like that. He is the man.
To answer your question mom, my last companion was Elder Berkey. We got along really well. He’s from Gary, Indiana, but didn't like it when people would start singing the Music Man, so he said he was from Chicago, (which is technically right..he was only a short drive away from Chicago). He really helped me get over smaller things and how not to worry and stress out.
Yes, I am wearing sunscreen, but only on certain occasions. I don't wear it every day, but I don't get burned either. The bike helmet shades my face, and of course I'm wearing slacks. I thought it was pretty strange that the sun is extremely strong over here, very bright, yet I don't get burned. I think it's because I've been gradually getting used to it. My legs are REALLY white but my face and arms are tan. Just to let you know that although the weather is awfully hot, is not that bad. Humidity is the worst during the heat, and because we have negative humidity (not really, but it is REALLY dry here), I can take the heat despite sweating a lot. (yucky)
It's good to hear that all is going well, even though you are busy. I appreciate you guys continuing to email me every week. I love you very much and I hope that you are able to have the strength to do what you need to get done. I'm glad for the example that you've set for me. Take care!
con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Last 2 weeks of July
Jul 22, 2010
The bike is doing awesome, even though I got one flat already. I got it patched though.
(in response to some silly thing Jim wrote him about) Yes, Dad, I HAVE noticed a fewer number in the zombie population. I haven't had to carry as much ammo with me which is great because ammo prices are going up, and I don't have enough funds to keep it going. Maybe I'll purchase a melee weapon and use that as I bike past them. :)
I can't believe Jotty's going to be an Elder already. That seems so odd. Having the Melchizedek Priesthood really has been a blessing for me. I've been blessed with the opportunity to magnify my priesthood by giving blessings. I've felt the spirit speak through me, and what an amazing feeling it is. I really liked Elder Oaks talk last General Conference about priesthood blessings for the sick and afflicted. It's really helped me NOT worry about how the blessing will go.
Glad to know that Youth Conference was a blast. I have to say I wasn't very impressed with it last year (you know me. I'm tired of the same youth getting 100% of the attention).
No, I haven't met any famous people out here yet. But I have heard of some missionaries eating dinner with the Osmonds and Liberace's old house is out here too.
I'm glad to hear that the kids are getting better at swimming. From the looks of it, it seems that you’re getting a lot more company than usual…good to see the pool getting used.
I have faith that God has a great blessing in store for me after my mission. Because I have that faith, I've been able to work all day without thinking about the future too much. I'm still working on losing myself completely, but I'm getting there.
Well, the only spiritual experience I can think of is something that happened last night. We were trying to go through a hole in a brick wall to take a short cut when I heard something very faintly. You know me mom, sometimes I'm a little hard of hearing. The bugs in a tree next to me were EXTREMELY loud, but I still heard something. I turned around to see another guy across the street. He got our attention and we started talking. Mom, I'm telling you, this guy is one of the Lord's elect. He started reading the Bible a week ago, and said that he's just looking for "truth." The spirit opened my ears to hear his faint call. I love it when the spirit works through me.
I appreciate the love and support you have continued to give me (and the cover fire too. I didn't know you were handy with a sniper rifle Dad). Take care and be happy!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
PS: I wanted to let you know that there was a missionary who went home some time ago that served his WHOLE mission in the Vegas Valley (Henderson and Las Vegas). He never left the valley his whole mission.
Jul 29, 2010
This email isn't going to be too long. We've been on a real time crunch today.
Things are getting a little negative around here. It's pretty interesting working in Spanish wards, because they see us as the priesthood leadership. My companion likes to sometimes say, "Alright then, time to go into Bishop Berkey mode." We've had a lot of people do their ranting with us. It's gets annoying after a while, especially if it's about something the Bishop needs to handle. The Bishop is a great guy and very missionary-minded.
Thanks for helping me out with that welfare question Dad. I will say a prayer about the job too. That'd be great if you could get that. Sorry that this email is so short. As I said, we are a little limited on time this week. Plus, Kira had a question for me and I need to email Jotty still. I'm sorry. Take care and be safe.
Love you all,
Elder Parker
The bike is doing awesome, even though I got one flat already. I got it patched though.
(in response to some silly thing Jim wrote him about) Yes, Dad, I HAVE noticed a fewer number in the zombie population. I haven't had to carry as much ammo with me which is great because ammo prices are going up, and I don't have enough funds to keep it going. Maybe I'll purchase a melee weapon and use that as I bike past them. :)
I can't believe Jotty's going to be an Elder already. That seems so odd. Having the Melchizedek Priesthood really has been a blessing for me. I've been blessed with the opportunity to magnify my priesthood by giving blessings. I've felt the spirit speak through me, and what an amazing feeling it is. I really liked Elder Oaks talk last General Conference about priesthood blessings for the sick and afflicted. It's really helped me NOT worry about how the blessing will go.
Glad to know that Youth Conference was a blast. I have to say I wasn't very impressed with it last year (you know me. I'm tired of the same youth getting 100% of the attention).
No, I haven't met any famous people out here yet. But I have heard of some missionaries eating dinner with the Osmonds and Liberace's old house is out here too.
I'm glad to hear that the kids are getting better at swimming. From the looks of it, it seems that you’re getting a lot more company than usual…good to see the pool getting used.
I have faith that God has a great blessing in store for me after my mission. Because I have that faith, I've been able to work all day without thinking about the future too much. I'm still working on losing myself completely, but I'm getting there.
Well, the only spiritual experience I can think of is something that happened last night. We were trying to go through a hole in a brick wall to take a short cut when I heard something very faintly. You know me mom, sometimes I'm a little hard of hearing. The bugs in a tree next to me were EXTREMELY loud, but I still heard something. I turned around to see another guy across the street. He got our attention and we started talking. Mom, I'm telling you, this guy is one of the Lord's elect. He started reading the Bible a week ago, and said that he's just looking for "truth." The spirit opened my ears to hear his faint call. I love it when the spirit works through me.
I appreciate the love and support you have continued to give me (and the cover fire too. I didn't know you were handy with a sniper rifle Dad). Take care and be happy!
Con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
PS: I wanted to let you know that there was a missionary who went home some time ago that served his WHOLE mission in the Vegas Valley (Henderson and Las Vegas). He never left the valley his whole mission.
Jul 29, 2010
This email isn't going to be too long. We've been on a real time crunch today.
Things are getting a little negative around here. It's pretty interesting working in Spanish wards, because they see us as the priesthood leadership. My companion likes to sometimes say, "Alright then, time to go into Bishop Berkey mode." We've had a lot of people do their ranting with us. It's gets annoying after a while, especially if it's about something the Bishop needs to handle. The Bishop is a great guy and very missionary-minded.
Thanks for helping me out with that welfare question Dad. I will say a prayer about the job too. That'd be great if you could get that. Sorry that this email is so short. As I said, we are a little limited on time this week. Plus, Kira had a question for me and I need to email Jotty still. I'm sorry. Take care and be safe.
Love you all,
Elder Parker
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