17 Oct, 2011
Mom and Dad,
Weather here has been very nice too. The nights are fantastic. I'm glad I don't have to spend another Las Vegas summer on bike again though. Well, who knows what the Lord has in store for us?
H. and M. were not baptized. They didn't come to church yesterday, so we moved it to next Saturday. I'm not sure about M. He's trying a little harder, but he's still in need of some help with one of his habits. H. on the other hand, is quite a trooper. He's been getting a lot of dirt from his workmates, but he just defends the church, and goes on working. He's been a little discouraged, but he's really trying his hardest. He's amazing. I'm excited to be baptising him.
Re: Luis and Arlene. I called Luis and he said that all was going good. He sounded happy to hear me. He said that he's still going to church but not ready for the temple just yet. Kinda bummed me out, but hopefully he'll still be here when I come back to visit. Arlene is also doing good too.
My Sunday was enjoyable. We had a good sacrament meeting. A sister who just got back from her mission in Provo spoke today, and so did her inactive family. I'm really excited for them. I think they'll being coming back for good. Also, this'll really be good for getting the ward excited to do missionary work. After that, we went with the Acevedo family to visit their neighbors whom they referred to us. They seem very in tune with the Spirit, and didn't have any objections to what we taught. I think that there is a lot of potential.
Yes, Kira DID tell me that I'd be Wesley's birthday present. I'm excited to see them all. It's been a LONG time since I've held a kid. You know, thinking about that, I think that that's the thing that I miss the most. It isn't games or movies, or swimming, or holding hands or cuddling, or anything else. I really miss holding and playing with little children...they've always been a part of my life.
I'd be more than happy to speak in other wards. I love speaking now that I don't have as much anxiety as I used to. Ely really helped me out. I gave talks several times while there. Also, speaking in Spanish really helped me out was well. As for your speaking assignment, Dad, of course you need to speak on what the Lord wants you to speak, but if I could choose, I'd definitely talk to the youth about serving missions. They don't understand that it is our priesthood duty. They don't even understand the power of the priesthood that they have! Now I understand better, and I wish that I had understood sooner so that I could've prepared better and sooner. Jotty really doesn't know how lucky he is to have me go through everything first. I think he understands a little better than I did. He's also definitely more prepared.
Things out here in the mission field couldn't be better. The district is working hard, and we're all happy. We had a baptism last Saturday for Elder Shearer and Elder Quezada.
I've got to get going now, but know that I love you dearly for your unconditional love and support. Before I go, I just want to ask you one favor. Please pray that I can finish my mission strong. I'm not slacking off, but I want to be a missionary till the end, so please include that in your prayers. I love you!
24 Oct, 2011
Mom and Dad,
We just had a Zone Conference last Thursday, and Elder Jensen of the Sevety came. Oh, how I wish that that man could go to every mission and every stake conference and teach them what he taught us. The Lord expects us to confess and repent on our own free will, and not be compelled to do so. It's good to be compelled at times (as Alma the Younger) but even better to humble yourself (as Alma the Elder).
I talked to the post office and they said that it'll probably cost around $30 to ship my bike to AL. I'll find out exactly when I get the bike there, but that'll be on the last Monday, the 7th.
Troy branch has Chinese converts?! That's awesome. I really think that the church is going to boom once they open the gates. I was wondering, why can't we baptize 3,000 people in one day like Peter did? The answer is that we can, but probably not here. Here in the US, people already have a predetermined opinion about the church. We Americans can be stubborn like that. The Asian culture on the other hand, love to learn, and because the church is almost unknown over there, there will be many people interested in learning. So we may see 3,000 baptisms daily. I would not be suprised to see that after the gates open. How to open the gates, however, is a completely different question. I think it'll be close, and I'm not trying to be a pessimist or a warmonger, but I honestly think that the gates won't open until those leaders are out of position. As Pahoran said to Moroni "Whatever evil we cannot resist with our words, we will resist with our swords." Evil kings/dictators cannot be removed without the shedding of much blood.
I love you both so much. Take care and be happy!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Time in the field getting short..
1 Sept
Dear Mom and Dad,
Yes, I did get the stuff. Thanks very much. I really liked super big marshmallows Jotty sent. We're going take some pictures of us playing chubby bunny. It'll be grand.
I'm a little rushed right now, but I'll try to write you as much as I can.
Re: Faults... we all have faults and we sometimes we forget that even prophets had faults. Noah got drunk. Jonah didn't want to cooperate. Joseph Smith didn't take no for an answer when God told him no. Moses disobeyed God's command to shout at the rock and instead smote the rock. The Brother of Jared forgot to pray to God. Despite our flaws, God can use us as tools in His hands. He did it with the prophets, so why not with others? Each of us needs to read the scriptures, pray, attend church, and spend time doing wholesome recreational activities (service, play, study, projects, activities, etc.). If we are busy doing those things, we won’t have time to worry about the little things that bother us. It's easier said than done, but it IS possible to just decide not to let some stuff bother us.
I was really looking forward to the Cowboys and Aliens movie. I even bought the cup with the gauntlet laser gun thingy from the 7/11 store. Oh well, there are still a bunch of movies that I'd like to see when I get home. I really want to see Prince of Persia. That's been on my list since it came out over a year ago.
Things in the mission are going great. The new trainee program is amazing. It really helps us focus on our companionship studies and the doctrine of teaching. It helps us understand why it is important to teach with the Spirit, and how to do it effectively. I already knew about this stuff, but it took me a while to figure it all out. If I had had this program in the beginning of my mission, I would have progressed a LOT faster than I did. Oh well, you win some, you lose some, I guess. The good thing is that I'm serving to the best of my abilities right now. That's all that matters.
Speaking of hot sauce, I inherited a bottle of Ghost Pepper sauce. I'm bringing it home. It's definitely hotter than a habanera. In fact, it makes habanera taste like a piece of candy. It was the hottest pepper in the world until Elder Shearer came in. He's a new missionary from Boston that is serving in the Ensign ward in my district. He told me about the newest and hottest pepper in the world that was just recently created. It's called the Trinidad Scorpion. It takes about 1.2 million parts water to dilute the 1 part pepper. Basically, if you eat one whole pepper, you need 20 gallons of water to dilute it. Pretty crazy huh?
I can't write too much more, but the good thing is that P-days are now moving to Mondays, so in 4 days, you'll get another e-mail from yours truly! How exciting is that?!
Take care, and be happy, ok?
5 Sept
Dear Mom and Dad,
No, we didn't play “chubby bunny“ with the marshmallows but I did share them. The first thing everyone said when I opened the packages was Holy Cr@p! Those are HUGE marshmallows!
_______ bore his testimony? Wow. I'm really happy for that guy. Is he active now? It'd be nice to him active in the church again. President Hinckley said that ALL people are our brothers and sisters, and that as we love them; we should want to help them. I'm so happy to know that he has changed so much. I'm way happy for him.
So, let me share with you a kind of spiritual experience I had this week.
Since I'm the new district leader, I have a responsibility over my district that is equal to the responsibility of the mission president. I am responsible for my district's work AND wellbeing. Since moving to the position, I have dealt with some of the missionaries’ emotional problems and I know from helping them, that the Lord qualifies those whom he calls. I have been guided by the Spirit many times as I work and talked with them. My point is; The Lord has a work for us, and if we are worthy of His guidance, then He will not allow our weaknesses to get in the way of HIS work.
(on-going joke between Jim and Miles) Well, I gotta get headed out now. Somebody pulled the alarm, and so a new wave of zombies will be coming in a couple minutes. Don't worry about me though. I've got plenty of ammo and I know how to use it. We're pretty well barricaded in here too. And if anything else, remember I have the priesthood. All I have to do is say "Let fire come down from the heavens and consume thee and thy legion." It'll work. I've already done it twice. :)
Sorry this is so short…hopefully more things will happen by next week so that you'll have a longer email from me. I love you and hope you take care!
12 Sept
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for the Happy Birthday. I feel old now. I'm now 21. I'm supposed to feel like an adult, but I still feel like a child. Is that normal?
When you mentioned your friend and how she stop eating sweets, that reminded me about my no soda diet. I've quit drinking soda completely for about 2 months now, and I've lost a little bit of weight, but it's still not enough. I'm trying other things as well. It's really hard.
You’re gonna love dinner when I get back. I'm gonna do a week of Mexican food for you guys. Now, I’m not a pro but I think that you'd like some of the other foods that aren't tacos or burritos (by the way, tacos and burritos from Mexico are WAY different from the tacos and burritos that we make).
I'm looking forward to seeing those who have been strengthened and improved while I‘ve been gone. I sure hope I come back better than when I left. If there's one thing that I've learned on my mission, it's that we are all on a downward escalator. If we want to progress to God, then we need to work to get there. Though we may not be running down, if we stand still; we are still heading down. As long as we move forward, we can make it to Him, we can't afford to stop.
I really like your idea of an email journal. I really appreciate you going through so much hassle and trouble to do that. That means a LOT to me. I love looking back in my journal and reliving the moment. I also write things inspired by the Spirit that may help me out later on in life.
Man. I really want to work with you at the hospital Dad. It sounds very interesting. Plus, I really don't want to lose my Spanish. Not that I'd have a lot of chances to use it, but at least I'd be able to go with you every now and then to translate partake of the “fun“. Is there anything that I could do besides translate?
If President Salmon wants me to speak in his branch, I'd be more than happy too. I'm really anxious to help out the stake in their missionary efforts. I don't think we're focused enough on it. Oh, what I'd do just to be a ward missionary back home. Not many people realize how important it is. As one of the General Authorities said, mission work is the lifeblood of the church. I'm ready to see the South "blossom as a rose."
We have to take a survey before Elder Jensen comes to visit the mission, so that's going to take up a little bit of my email time. Oh, and yes, I got lots of birthday wishes, twelve people emailed and many of them said "can't wait ‘til you get back!" That makes me “trunky“. I don’t think that they realize that I still have 5 more years to serve. (lol)
I love you!
19 Sept
Dear Mom and Dad,
Re: what you asked: One of the things that I've learned on my mission is to accept the Lord's will on ALL things. We have to have faith that no matter what we want for ourselves, what he wants for us is better for us. We need to constantly look for ways to progress. As I said before, life is like going up the down escalator. In order to get to Heavenly Father (the top), we have to keep moving. If we run down, we go straight to hell. If we stand still, we still go down. Even though it may be a slow pace, it's still a descent. We have to keep moving in life. The moment we decide to be content with who we are and stop trying to improve, we slip farther and farther down into the abyss.
The temperature has been letting up over here too. The highs are in the high 80's, and it feels great at night. We've finally got past the deadly summer. I kinda regret not frying an egg on the side walk though. I should've tried it before it ended.
The work has been going great. The district is kicking right now. Even though we haven't had any baptisms this past transfer, we have a lot in store for the month of October. We have several people set for that month, and they all look really promising. We're also getting the ward more involved. It's funny how the zone leaders and president are like "You're such a great district leader. Keep up the great work. You've made a lot of progress lately in that ward. Keep it up." But I'm like, "I just have a great district. All I'm doing is writing down the numbers they get each week and report them to the zone leaders."
26 Sept
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for the update on things back home. I'm so happy for Tim and his wife. I wish them the best of luck.
My teaching pool is doing pretty good. Hilario and Modesto have come to church several times now. Hilario also defended the church from his Pentecostal aunt. He already considers himself Mormon. Also, Modesto isn't getting deported just yet so he'll be able to be baptized here before he goes. One thing I've learned out here is acceptance. Many of the illegals here, aren't here for what the majority of other people think. I'll never forget my first area's Elder's Quorum President when he told us that the only reason he came here to the U.S. was to escape the persecution. He told us how in his village, mobs came and asked who there was Mormon. Those who were Mormon were shot and killed! I had always thought that they just came over here to work or get welfare but there are so many people here that would've been murdered if they had stayed in their country. I'm not saying that all illegals are good or that we should just turn a blind eye to the problem. There are quite a few that do nothing but cause trouble. But I've learned that we can't judge people, and that we need to do what we can to help them.
Anyways, we've got a couple more investigators that are also progressing well. I've been able to contact some of my recent converts, and they seem to be doing good. Arlene is still very active, and she just got her patriarchal blessing. I'm so excited. I'm really hoping that Luis is still active so that I can go to the temple with him when he goes. That'd be even better than a baptism!
No, I didn't hear anything about the whole Hell's Angels thing, so that's news to me. We are alright though. Nothing happened near us.
I think it's funny how people go hunting for certain things, like grizzly bears. I don't know if they're the tasty sort, but I guess it'd make a sick trophy in your house. It'd scare the sheep dip out of anyone who tries to rob his house. Imagine walking in a dark house, turning the corner, and seeing a giant stuffed grizzly. It'd scare me, that's for sure.
It's interesting how you mention the garden thing. I HAVE noticed that many important Spiritual things have happened in Gardens. Also, think about the first vision. Wasn't that a garden of trees? Or how about the appearance of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John? Also, Mountains, are often a choice place that God uses to reveal and bring His work to pass, i.e.: Mount of Transfiguration, Mount Sinai, and the Mountain in the Lord's appearance to the Brother of Jared. Interesting huh?
Things are going well in the mission field. All the other missionaries don't hesitate to remind me that I only have one month left. It kinda bugs me at times, but I need to accept the fact that the mission comes to a close, and that I need to move on. Not that I'm not looking forward to career, marriage and family, but I am going to REALLY miss the work. I love it!
Take care!
3 Oct
I guess that other people will have to wait when I arrive at the airport… I get to hug you first Mom.
I absolutely loved this conference broadcast. I love Pres. Monson's personality. He's such a vibrant yet spiritual speaker. I really liked Elder Anderson's talk too. I always wanted to have kids, but I hated it when even members of the church would tell me that that's dumb and that I needed to wait. His words rang true when he said that the prophets of the scriptures NEVER ignored nor forgot the Lord's commandment to multiply and replenish the Earth, even during times of tribulation. I also liked Elder Arden's talk on organizing our time.
As for mailing, I'll be sending one or two large flat rate boxes. I've got to pick them up first though. There's this old guy here named Bro. Hatch. He is amazing. He's a retired conservative school teacher and you'd love to hear his political jokes. Anyway, I think he'll be able to pick up the boxes for me and send them once I get them packed.
Let me know if there's anything that I can do for you while out here. Also, if you need to, make a list of jobs for me to do when I get back home.
RE: senior missionaries. There are a slew of senior missionaries here in this mission. Some work in the office, such as secretaries, vehicle coordinators, housing coordinators, medical advisers,and baptismal record coordinators, but there are also senior missionaries in the field. While district leader in Ely, I had Elder and Sister Winder in my district. They worked on the Church's cattle ranch located in Spring Valley. To put it shortly, senior missionaries are doing almost everything. I would look into it if I were you. I can testify to you that you will experience a joy never before experienced in your life and that the love of the Savior will abound in your lives.
I can see there are a lot of things I might want to do when I get home...are we still going to go see Grandpa Parker?
(Jim/Miles joke) I'd take care of the Novistadors if I knew what they were, but since I don't, I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Take care, and be happy!
10 Oct
Hello Mom and Dad,
Similar to the mission experience of that woman in your ward, President Christensen had us take fresh copies of the Book of Mormon and make highlights too but he wanted us to highlight the words of Christ, His name (or any pronouns or other names), His qualities, and His doctrine. It was an amazing experience to read it through like that. I can now testify to other people that the Book of Mormon truly is another testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that only through HIM can we be saved of our sins. If people refute that, I can boldly say, with power and authority, that they have not read the book, and that if they have read it, then they do not understand it.
Yeah, I’ve heard of the group Vocal Point. I even have one of their songs on my MP3. I saw that church news thing too in-between sessions but I had no idea that Sanita had married one of them. Well, I didn't even know that she’d gotten married!
So, I haven't gotten an email from Jotty yet. Can you get me his address? The talk that we had on Wednesday, before he entered the MTC, was good. I hope that he understands the importance of his calling. Hopefully he'll really understand while in the MTC. Even though I wasn't a perfect missionary (far from it), my understanding of my calling has kept me out here and kept me from being lazy. Yeah, there were times when I got distracted, but I did my best afterwards to repent and to bring others unto Christ. I know he'll do good.
So... missionary work isn't going that well huh? Why is that? Are the people in the south just stubborn, or are the members not trying hard enough? Are they trying at all? I hope that I do a good job at getting referrals for the missionaries. I think people need to start reading Preach My Gospel. It'd really help them understand that MISSIONARIES CANNOT DO THE WORK BY THEMSELVES. Members need to be involved.
So, I gotta go know, but before I do, Just know that I love you and miss you both. I'm excited to be coming home, but if I look a little sad or upset, don't take it the wrong way. As I've told you before, I love being a missionary. It hasn't quite hit me yet that I'm going home in a few weeks and then I'm taking off the name tag for good. I may appear sad, but don't take it the wrong way. I'm just really going to miss this.
Take care and be happy. I love you!!!
Dear Mom and Dad,
Yes, I did get the stuff. Thanks very much. I really liked super big marshmallows Jotty sent. We're going take some pictures of us playing chubby bunny. It'll be grand.
I'm a little rushed right now, but I'll try to write you as much as I can.
Re: Faults... we all have faults and we sometimes we forget that even prophets had faults. Noah got drunk. Jonah didn't want to cooperate. Joseph Smith didn't take no for an answer when God told him no. Moses disobeyed God's command to shout at the rock and instead smote the rock. The Brother of Jared forgot to pray to God. Despite our flaws, God can use us as tools in His hands. He did it with the prophets, so why not with others? Each of us needs to read the scriptures, pray, attend church, and spend time doing wholesome recreational activities (service, play, study, projects, activities, etc.). If we are busy doing those things, we won’t have time to worry about the little things that bother us. It's easier said than done, but it IS possible to just decide not to let some stuff bother us.
I was really looking forward to the Cowboys and Aliens movie. I even bought the cup with the gauntlet laser gun thingy from the 7/11 store. Oh well, there are still a bunch of movies that I'd like to see when I get home. I really want to see Prince of Persia. That's been on my list since it came out over a year ago.
Things in the mission are going great. The new trainee program is amazing. It really helps us focus on our companionship studies and the doctrine of teaching. It helps us understand why it is important to teach with the Spirit, and how to do it effectively. I already knew about this stuff, but it took me a while to figure it all out. If I had had this program in the beginning of my mission, I would have progressed a LOT faster than I did. Oh well, you win some, you lose some, I guess. The good thing is that I'm serving to the best of my abilities right now. That's all that matters.
Speaking of hot sauce, I inherited a bottle of Ghost Pepper sauce. I'm bringing it home. It's definitely hotter than a habanera. In fact, it makes habanera taste like a piece of candy. It was the hottest pepper in the world until Elder Shearer came in. He's a new missionary from Boston that is serving in the Ensign ward in my district. He told me about the newest and hottest pepper in the world that was just recently created. It's called the Trinidad Scorpion. It takes about 1.2 million parts water to dilute the 1 part pepper. Basically, if you eat one whole pepper, you need 20 gallons of water to dilute it. Pretty crazy huh?
I can't write too much more, but the good thing is that P-days are now moving to Mondays, so in 4 days, you'll get another e-mail from yours truly! How exciting is that?!
Take care, and be happy, ok?
5 Sept
Dear Mom and Dad,
No, we didn't play “chubby bunny“ with the marshmallows but I did share them. The first thing everyone said when I opened the packages was Holy Cr@p! Those are HUGE marshmallows!
_______ bore his testimony? Wow. I'm really happy for that guy. Is he active now? It'd be nice to him active in the church again. President Hinckley said that ALL people are our brothers and sisters, and that as we love them; we should want to help them. I'm so happy to know that he has changed so much. I'm way happy for him.
So, let me share with you a kind of spiritual experience I had this week.
Since I'm the new district leader, I have a responsibility over my district that is equal to the responsibility of the mission president. I am responsible for my district's work AND wellbeing. Since moving to the position, I have dealt with some of the missionaries’ emotional problems and I know from helping them, that the Lord qualifies those whom he calls. I have been guided by the Spirit many times as I work and talked with them. My point is; The Lord has a work for us, and if we are worthy of His guidance, then He will not allow our weaknesses to get in the way of HIS work.
(on-going joke between Jim and Miles) Well, I gotta get headed out now. Somebody pulled the alarm, and so a new wave of zombies will be coming in a couple minutes. Don't worry about me though. I've got plenty of ammo and I know how to use it. We're pretty well barricaded in here too. And if anything else, remember I have the priesthood. All I have to do is say "Let fire come down from the heavens and consume thee and thy legion." It'll work. I've already done it twice. :)
Sorry this is so short…hopefully more things will happen by next week so that you'll have a longer email from me. I love you and hope you take care!
12 Sept
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for the Happy Birthday. I feel old now. I'm now 21. I'm supposed to feel like an adult, but I still feel like a child. Is that normal?
When you mentioned your friend and how she stop eating sweets, that reminded me about my no soda diet. I've quit drinking soda completely for about 2 months now, and I've lost a little bit of weight, but it's still not enough. I'm trying other things as well. It's really hard.
You’re gonna love dinner when I get back. I'm gonna do a week of Mexican food for you guys. Now, I’m not a pro but I think that you'd like some of the other foods that aren't tacos or burritos (by the way, tacos and burritos from Mexico are WAY different from the tacos and burritos that we make).
I'm looking forward to seeing those who have been strengthened and improved while I‘ve been gone. I sure hope I come back better than when I left. If there's one thing that I've learned on my mission, it's that we are all on a downward escalator. If we want to progress to God, then we need to work to get there. Though we may not be running down, if we stand still; we are still heading down. As long as we move forward, we can make it to Him, we can't afford to stop.
I really like your idea of an email journal. I really appreciate you going through so much hassle and trouble to do that. That means a LOT to me. I love looking back in my journal and reliving the moment. I also write things inspired by the Spirit that may help me out later on in life.
Man. I really want to work with you at the hospital Dad. It sounds very interesting. Plus, I really don't want to lose my Spanish. Not that I'd have a lot of chances to use it, but at least I'd be able to go with you every now and then to translate partake of the “fun“. Is there anything that I could do besides translate?
If President Salmon wants me to speak in his branch, I'd be more than happy too. I'm really anxious to help out the stake in their missionary efforts. I don't think we're focused enough on it. Oh, what I'd do just to be a ward missionary back home. Not many people realize how important it is. As one of the General Authorities said, mission work is the lifeblood of the church. I'm ready to see the South "blossom as a rose."
We have to take a survey before Elder Jensen comes to visit the mission, so that's going to take up a little bit of my email time. Oh, and yes, I got lots of birthday wishes, twelve people emailed and many of them said "can't wait ‘til you get back!" That makes me “trunky“. I don’t think that they realize that I still have 5 more years to serve. (lol)
I love you!
19 Sept
Dear Mom and Dad,
Re: what you asked: One of the things that I've learned on my mission is to accept the Lord's will on ALL things. We have to have faith that no matter what we want for ourselves, what he wants for us is better for us. We need to constantly look for ways to progress. As I said before, life is like going up the down escalator. In order to get to Heavenly Father (the top), we have to keep moving. If we run down, we go straight to hell. If we stand still, we still go down. Even though it may be a slow pace, it's still a descent. We have to keep moving in life. The moment we decide to be content with who we are and stop trying to improve, we slip farther and farther down into the abyss.
The temperature has been letting up over here too. The highs are in the high 80's, and it feels great at night. We've finally got past the deadly summer. I kinda regret not frying an egg on the side walk though. I should've tried it before it ended.
The work has been going great. The district is kicking right now. Even though we haven't had any baptisms this past transfer, we have a lot in store for the month of October. We have several people set for that month, and they all look really promising. We're also getting the ward more involved. It's funny how the zone leaders and president are like "You're such a great district leader. Keep up the great work. You've made a lot of progress lately in that ward. Keep it up." But I'm like, "I just have a great district. All I'm doing is writing down the numbers they get each week and report them to the zone leaders."
26 Sept
Mom and Dad,
Thanks for the update on things back home. I'm so happy for Tim and his wife. I wish them the best of luck.
My teaching pool is doing pretty good. Hilario and Modesto have come to church several times now. Hilario also defended the church from his Pentecostal aunt. He already considers himself Mormon. Also, Modesto isn't getting deported just yet so he'll be able to be baptized here before he goes. One thing I've learned out here is acceptance. Many of the illegals here, aren't here for what the majority of other people think. I'll never forget my first area's Elder's Quorum President when he told us that the only reason he came here to the U.S. was to escape the persecution. He told us how in his village, mobs came and asked who there was Mormon. Those who were Mormon were shot and killed! I had always thought that they just came over here to work or get welfare but there are so many people here that would've been murdered if they had stayed in their country. I'm not saying that all illegals are good or that we should just turn a blind eye to the problem. There are quite a few that do nothing but cause trouble. But I've learned that we can't judge people, and that we need to do what we can to help them.
Anyways, we've got a couple more investigators that are also progressing well. I've been able to contact some of my recent converts, and they seem to be doing good. Arlene is still very active, and she just got her patriarchal blessing. I'm so excited. I'm really hoping that Luis is still active so that I can go to the temple with him when he goes. That'd be even better than a baptism!
No, I didn't hear anything about the whole Hell's Angels thing, so that's news to me. We are alright though. Nothing happened near us.
I think it's funny how people go hunting for certain things, like grizzly bears. I don't know if they're the tasty sort, but I guess it'd make a sick trophy in your house. It'd scare the sheep dip out of anyone who tries to rob his house. Imagine walking in a dark house, turning the corner, and seeing a giant stuffed grizzly. It'd scare me, that's for sure.
It's interesting how you mention the garden thing. I HAVE noticed that many important Spiritual things have happened in Gardens. Also, think about the first vision. Wasn't that a garden of trees? Or how about the appearance of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John? Also, Mountains, are often a choice place that God uses to reveal and bring His work to pass, i.e.: Mount of Transfiguration, Mount Sinai, and the Mountain in the Lord's appearance to the Brother of Jared. Interesting huh?
Things are going well in the mission field. All the other missionaries don't hesitate to remind me that I only have one month left. It kinda bugs me at times, but I need to accept the fact that the mission comes to a close, and that I need to move on. Not that I'm not looking forward to career, marriage and family, but I am going to REALLY miss the work. I love it!
Take care!
3 Oct
I guess that other people will have to wait when I arrive at the airport… I get to hug you first Mom.
I absolutely loved this conference broadcast. I love Pres. Monson's personality. He's such a vibrant yet spiritual speaker. I really liked Elder Anderson's talk too. I always wanted to have kids, but I hated it when even members of the church would tell me that that's dumb and that I needed to wait. His words rang true when he said that the prophets of the scriptures NEVER ignored nor forgot the Lord's commandment to multiply and replenish the Earth, even during times of tribulation. I also liked Elder Arden's talk on organizing our time.
As for mailing, I'll be sending one or two large flat rate boxes. I've got to pick them up first though. There's this old guy here named Bro. Hatch. He is amazing. He's a retired conservative school teacher and you'd love to hear his political jokes. Anyway, I think he'll be able to pick up the boxes for me and send them once I get them packed.
Let me know if there's anything that I can do for you while out here. Also, if you need to, make a list of jobs for me to do when I get back home.
RE: senior missionaries. There are a slew of senior missionaries here in this mission. Some work in the office, such as secretaries, vehicle coordinators, housing coordinators, medical advisers,and baptismal record coordinators, but there are also senior missionaries in the field. While district leader in Ely, I had Elder and Sister Winder in my district. They worked on the Church's cattle ranch located in Spring Valley. To put it shortly, senior missionaries are doing almost everything. I would look into it if I were you. I can testify to you that you will experience a joy never before experienced in your life and that the love of the Savior will abound in your lives.
I can see there are a lot of things I might want to do when I get home...are we still going to go see Grandpa Parker?
(Jim/Miles joke) I'd take care of the Novistadors if I knew what they were, but since I don't, I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for anything unusual.
Take care, and be happy!
10 Oct
Hello Mom and Dad,
Similar to the mission experience of that woman in your ward, President Christensen had us take fresh copies of the Book of Mormon and make highlights too but he wanted us to highlight the words of Christ, His name (or any pronouns or other names), His qualities, and His doctrine. It was an amazing experience to read it through like that. I can now testify to other people that the Book of Mormon truly is another testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that only through HIM can we be saved of our sins. If people refute that, I can boldly say, with power and authority, that they have not read the book, and that if they have read it, then they do not understand it.
Yeah, I’ve heard of the group Vocal Point. I even have one of their songs on my MP3. I saw that church news thing too in-between sessions but I had no idea that Sanita had married one of them. Well, I didn't even know that she’d gotten married!
So, I haven't gotten an email from Jotty yet. Can you get me his address? The talk that we had on Wednesday, before he entered the MTC, was good. I hope that he understands the importance of his calling. Hopefully he'll really understand while in the MTC. Even though I wasn't a perfect missionary (far from it), my understanding of my calling has kept me out here and kept me from being lazy. Yeah, there were times when I got distracted, but I did my best afterwards to repent and to bring others unto Christ. I know he'll do good.
So... missionary work isn't going that well huh? Why is that? Are the people in the south just stubborn, or are the members not trying hard enough? Are they trying at all? I hope that I do a good job at getting referrals for the missionaries. I think people need to start reading Preach My Gospel. It'd really help them understand that MISSIONARIES CANNOT DO THE WORK BY THEMSELVES. Members need to be involved.
So, I gotta go know, but before I do, Just know that I love you and miss you both. I'm excited to be coming home, but if I look a little sad or upset, don't take it the wrong way. As I've told you before, I love being a missionary. It hasn't quite hit me yet that I'm going home in a few weeks and then I'm taking off the name tag for good. I may appear sad, but don't take it the wrong way. I'm just really going to miss this.
Take care and be happy. I love you!!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
July and August 2011 It's HOT here...and other stories
June 30th
Re: the last discussion we were having: My opinion is that if it helps if someone isolates themselves from temptation then that‘s what they should do. The point of repentance is not to build up strength so that one can combat sin. It's to overcome it. If someone has to isolate themselves, then so be it. I know a man here who had a problem with gambling. The Bishop is so proud of this man’s progress. You want to know how this brother did it? Isolation. He moved to another city, which is 45 minutes away from the casinos and stuff. He doesn't go into the city with casinos without his wife or anyone there to stay with him. That's how he does it, and he will never go back into that city alone until he has completely conquered his problem. I remember a lesson that taught if you have a problem fighting off temptation, to change the physical environment. It's part of repentance. If someone has a drinking problem and is trying to repent, then it's perfectly fine if he doesn't go into a bar. The Lord doesn't want him to go into a bar and prove his strength by sitting at the bar and staying there for an hour without a drink. There's my rant. Sorry about that.
Re: Our 5 scheduled baptisms: Four of them fell through, but they still want to get baptized. Moroni, on the other hand is still scheduled to be baptized next Saturday. This kid is gung ho for church. Just last week, when we came over for the lesson, he showed us his brand new church clothes and tie. The next day (Sunday) he called his uncle and asked him what time church started. He said 1:00. Moroni said that he'd show up at 12:00. Sure enough, he walks to his uncle’s house all dressed and ready exactly at 12:00. He told his uncle that he needs to start getting ready. At 1:15 Moroni says that they need to go because they are late. His uncle says that he still needs to dress his daughters. Moroni says that's too bad and that they'll have to leave them home. Too funny. This kid is awesome.
So, Dad discovered Facebook is pretty fun… I had to be careful though not to spend too much time on it. You could easily pass away a day and not even know it.
I'm sorry to hear about Sis. Sitz. Like you said, she is in a MUCH better place. She doesn't have to worry about mutant possums or meth lab beakers anymore. I think she'll be enjoying a life of health and no misery. Funerals are a great way to teach the Gospel to non-members.
I'm really excited to help out with the Rescue program back home. You can count on me to keep up with the things that I need to do. I don't know how people just sit back and do nothing about their ward family members that are rotting away in inactivity. If they want to be clean from the blood and sins of others, they need to be involved. That's one thing I've learned about missionary work. While we're out here, we are cleaning the blood from our hands. As members, we all have blood on our hands automatically, and the only way we can clean it off is through working in the ministry. Ezekiel 33 1-9 explains that CLEARLY. It doesn't just apply to missionary work.... it applies to teachers, bishops, stake presidencies, Elder's Quorum presidencies, Prophets, area authorities, and so on. Reading that passage really opened up my eyes. Of course the Lord doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He DOES expect us to give it a shot and keep at it.
Well, Thanks for the email. I'm really happy that things are going well for you. Hope that Obamanomics don't affect you TOO much and that you'll be able to manage.
July 8th
Our 4th of July was actually a little anti-climactic. We didn't do any fireworks at a member's house, but I did turn 20 (missionary) months old. I'm scared to come home now. Not like terrified, but more like "What the heck am I gonna do?" I can't go to school just yet, cause I don't know where to go. I don't know who to date (well, that's if you- know-who ends up getting married). I don't know where to work. I just don't want to have to worry about it, but I know that I'm gonna have to. Don't get me wrong. I miss you all a lot. I just don't know how to handle the situation at home.
That must've been scary with Brice (he had an incident where he was in the pool and after swimming to the bottom of the deep end suddenly became pale, incoherent and slow to respond). I love that we have the priesthood and faith on our side. Priesthood blessings have saved my behind so many times (well, you already know THAT, but whatever- I can still say it). Keep me updated on how he is.
Oh, I DID do something yesterday. We didn't get any fireworks, but we DID get those little pop thingies that you throw on the ground. An investigator’s kid was playing with them and she gave me three little boxes. She had like 20 boxes. So I was throwing them around when I got a bright Idea. I took 20-30 of them, took out the rocks and but it all into a paper towel and made a BIGGER pop-thingy. It was loud. I didn't think that it would actually work, but it did.
Don't ask me why, but I just thought of a pair of scissor that I saw a month or two ago. They are made by Fiskars, and lemme tell ya, they are SICK. They have a twine cutter, tape cutter, bottle opener, blade sharpener, they come apart to make a knife, and something else I think. Anyways, I saw it and a demo video right next to it, and thought, "Wow, I could use something like that. That'd be really handy." Then I thought, "Wow, I sound just like Mom." I thought it was funny. It's interesting to see how children pick things up from their parents.
Yeah, we’ve seen some crime out here in some areas…even murders. Not like at the moment they happen, but I've seen the police bust out the yellow tape several times. It's pretty sketchy. I'm not worried by any means, but at the same time, I AM cautious. While I'm not afraid of death, I don't think that I'd find it convenient at this time of my life. I've still got a couple of things to do on my bucket list before I kick it.
I've got to get going. Thank you for everything that you do. I love you, and hope the best for you. I hope that your Missionary experience goes well. Once you start the fire of missionary work, the only thing that can put it out is inactivity, and we both know that that won't happen to you, because you are awesome!
July 14th
You are so funny Mom. hahaha. Seriously though. I like how you listed calling her as 4 of my 11 promised blessings from God. I just told Jotty actually, that I'm not getting my hopes up, but I'm also not dashing it to pieces. I'm just gonna go for it if I get the chance.
Wow, what a story (about Jotty and another brother being in Wal-Mart when another member collapsed there). They seriously need to write that and send it into the Ensign. That would be a great article to show that God really IS in control. You're definitely right. That was no coincidence. I can't tell you how many times me and my companions have been in the right place at the right time. It's been the result of several baptisms. BOY am I glad for the guidance of the Spirit.
I kinda know how Dad feels. There have been a lot of times that I have been told, "Don't worry about it." It bugged me at first, but I'm over it. I think that you are right. Dad is very focused when it comes to his calling. He's a very obedient man. I think that that's why the Lord put him in the stake presidency. He loves to teach, and like you said, always teaches with the Spirit. He's good at it. I think in the end he's really gonna miss his calling (and the teaching) when they are released. I'm gonna miss mine as a missionary.
I DID get the box. Thank you for the goodies. Thanks for sending me healthy ones too. I've actually been eating a lot of sunflower seeds recently. They help curb my appetite, and you can't get fat on them. I've also got some chili/lime powder to put on fruit so that I can snack on that. I'm losing a little bit of weight. Also, I'd like to work with Dad at the hospital or somewhere... basically, I'd like to translate.... and work. I like working. Thanks Mom, for teaching me to appreciate it.
Before I go, I want to let you know that I miss the rain a LOT. We've been having some rain here recently, and I loved it! It never lasted long though. It would rain a TON for a couple of minutes, then stop and the sun would come out, resulting in Alabama humidity. I miss thunderstorms and all that jazz. Oh the things you never knew you had until you didn't have them anymore.
Something I'm glad I learned before I came out on my mission is to not let things get to me. I think I started working on that when I was 16 or 17..... anyway, that has helped me out a lot. I'm pretty sure now that when I get back home, I'll have even more patience. I'm glad I learned that out here in the mission.
We had a baptism last Saturday!!!!!!!! Moroni finally got baptized. He didn't get confirmed though. To put a long story short, he was locked inside the house, so his uncle couldn't pick him up to bring him to church. It was kind of a bummer, but he should get confirmed this coming up Sunday. Man, the adversary really doesn't rest at all, does he?
July 21st
Yeah, it's pretty hot out here, but I don’t miss the Alabama mugginess. yuck. That's the ONLY thing I don't like about Alabama, but I still love it.
Dad told me about the floods in the rooms downstairs. I'm glad to know that Mark and Sarah offered to help. Hope that takes care of it.
It's gonna be so weird when I get back. I really will have a need to tell people at church, I'm Elder Parker....... MILES Parker." Many families have moved already huh? I still miss the Tukuafu's. I think it's so cool that her son was born on the day I went into the MTC. He'll be two when I get back.
The seeds and the popcorn where really good. I like that popcorn. I'd have to try other flavors when I get back.
Our new mission President, President Neider, is awesome. He's a LOT different from Pres. Christensen, but just as good. He's got a great sense of humor too. I'm still companions with Elder Carrasco, and our teaching pool is doing good. We're still looking for investigators though, which gets increasingly harder as it gets increasingly hotter. The work still must be done. Who else will do it?
Dad, speaking of Captain America, have you heard about the movie Cowboys and Aliens? I've only seen the cups, and a glimpse of a preview while eating dinner, and it looks pretty cool. 7/11 is selling a slurpee called "Alienade".
So, it's getting hotter out here. I'm fine with it (Alabama heat is MUCH worse), but people out here are irritable. They don't even want a card. pretty sad if you ask me. Yesterday this one woman asked us what we were doing. I told her we were missionaries and we came to visit someone. She said we were trespassing. I told her no, we came to visit someone specific, and we don't sell anything either, neither are we knocking on random doors. She told me that I was lying and that I don't need to come back. I told her "Go knock on that door. She'll tell you that we just finished visiting her." "Look. Don't argue with an 80 year old lady. I'm right, you're wrong. Get out please." The nerve of some people. She's lucky I wasn't some hoodlum with a short temper. Some people these days....
Things are going good though, despite the setbacks. We're working hard, and making progress.
Well, that wraps it up for now. I'm glad that you’re all still working and that things are still going good for you. Life is meant to be full of surprises. Take it as it comes with a smile and a PMA. Y’all are awesome. I love you!
July 28th
The new auditorium at the high school sounds like quite a jaw-dropper. I'm kinda anxious to see it now. Maybe it would be possible to do Phantom of the Opera there with all that stuff. Speaking of stages and theater, I'd really like to take you out here to see some shows. While there is some very questionable stuff, there's also a few family approved shows and entertainment. I'd have to do some more research though. I wanted to take you to see Phantom out here, but I here that they've added some inappropriateness to it. What a bummer. Why do people do that?
So.... when are Stefanie and Brady getting married? Will I be back in time? I'd kinda like to go, but at the same time, I don't. I don't want to see or experience a sealing until my own, but at the same time, I'd like to see Stefanie get married. She's been a great friend and example to me as a focused member and temple worthy one too. She wrote me a note in the MTC about how I had set an example for her, when I really did nothing of the sort. SHE inspired ME to take my calling seriously, and to do what I could, even though I was only in the MTC. I'm really happy for her. oh, quick question. Does she still speak Spanish?
I don't remember the model number for my typewriter. I’ll let you know what model it is next week. Thanks for trying to get the ink cartridges.
I'm glad to hear about her friend learning the TRUTH about Mormon's and not believing what some other preacher says. I hate bigotry and hypocrisy. Preachers who do that aren’t thinking. How in the world can we believe in a different Christ than they do when the Christ that we believe in was born of a Virgin, performed miracles, suffered for our sins, died on a cross by the traitorous hands of a "friend", paid for our sins, and was resurrected 3 days later. How is our Christ different from "theirs" when ours is also our Savior and Redeemer, the Son of God in the flesh, and the ONLY MEANS whereby salvation can be achieved. It's not that hard to find out what others believe, so people should do some research before they make an assumption, ya know what I mean? Good golly. I don't mind if people don't believe our message, but to judge us unrighteously based on rumors and false statements is unacceptable. Man. Sorry for my rant. It's a pet peeve of mine.
This week did kinda go by fast. It seems like it was yesterday I was here at the computer writing you an e-mail. The weeks seems to blend together and the time slips right on by. I used to want time to go by fast. Now I want it to slow down. I don't have much time left, I still have a lot of work to do. Do you feel that way about your calling? I love helping the Lord in His work. I love making things go the way they should, but after I'm released, I can't. I guess that's what the Lord intends to happen though. I think that He enjoys seeing us change our perspective of His work, changing it from a burden to a pleasurable privilege.
Even though we are out almost all day in the blistering heat, I'm surviving. Everyone here is very generous with their water (and their beer, but of course we don't drink that). If we ask for water, they give it to us. I'm so happy for the goodness that still lives in the hearts of even the worst of sinners.
So, we finally confirmed Moroni. He came in just in the nick of time (right before we closed the doors for Sacrament). Now he's a full-fledged member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!
I wanted to know what you think: We have a problem here in that when we ask for people to give transportation to someone, they decline, reasoning that we need to help our investigators be more self reliant. I understand what they mean, and it’s true- but don't you think that that's a lack of charity? In our ward at home, nobody has a problem driving 20 extra miles to pick someone up, but here, they grumble and complain that they have to go 6 extra miles. There’s a temple right here- but they still don't go every week, whereas back home, we look forward to our next temple trip in 3 or 4 months. I'm not saying that the Saints here are terrible, but I don't understand that mentality. Why would someone NOT want to help someone out. Saying that they should walk to church in the heat while they ride in car is like saying, "Hey. YOU make sacrifices, cause I don't want to." Whatever happened to the Savior's teaching of "If he bid you go with him for a mile, go with him twain."? Do you have any suggestions or scriptures I can use to teach this to others? in the ward?
Thanks for all that you do. I hope that work goes good for you Dad, and that you can find a better job. I WILL keep you in my prayers. I love you and hope the best for you. Take care and be happy! I hope that all goes well with the play Mom.
4 August
New Babies! I'm really happy for Tim and Nicole! He must be doing awesome right now. And I DO remember the Mitchell's. He was my EQP before I left. I didn't know him very well, but I do remember that I felt a strong spirit of sincerity and kindness around him. Tell them both I said Congrats on their new additions.
I just got a call from the mission office. Here‘s the conversation:
"Hello, this is Sister Royal from the Nevada, Las Vegas Mission Office. How are you Elder Parker?"
"I'm fine."
"That's good. Well, I'm calling because I need to purchase your flight tickets now. What major airport to live close to?"
It trunked me out. I can't believe that I'll be done in three months. I kinda don't want to go back home. I love you all, don't get me wrong, but..... I love serving the Lord. If I could, I'd just bring you guys out here and keep on working, but as you well know, I can't. Life goes on. There are many things to look forward to: Marriage, school, marriage, career, marriage, games, marriage, family home evenings, marriage, work, marriage, Enterprise ward, marriage........ oh I almost forgot -- marriage. I think that all these things will keep me from being DISTRAUGHT when I'm released. I think marriage would help me out too. :)
Yeah, I think I'll do that Dad. If someone refuses to help, I'll ask them, "What would Jesus do?" or better yet like you said, "If Jesus asked you for a ride, would you give it to Him?" Maybe they will see it better that way.
Man, we've never been robbed before I left on the mission. Then all of sudden, our cars get broken into twice and JaNae and Jeremy’s house..... I want to find this guy and show him the power of the Mighty One. Seriously though, as far as suggestions go it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep Moroni around on the middle floor. Although, he is getting old and less protective. Just FYI, Pit Bulls are VERY loyal and VERY protective dogs. They aren't like what a lot of people think they are. I've met quite a few of them here on the mission, and they are quite an intimidating sight for those that break in. So are German Shepherds. Interesting trivia. Do you know why German Shepherds are so named? In Germany, the farmers sent their boys to town with one of these dogs. They are big, loyal, friendly, and protective. They have the nastiest bite of all dogs. They would "shepherd" the boy to town and back safely. Cool fact eh? If worse comes to worse, you can set up booby traps to catch the thieves red-handed.
Well, I gotta get going now. Take care and be happy! I love you very much! Lemme know if I can do anything while over here in the Desert.
11 August
Don't worry Mom. I wouldn't ever NOT email you. The computer I was on warned me about turning off to have a scheduled update. So we had to go back to our apartment for awhile. Now I'm here. Don't worry. I got it all under control. Take notes. LOL
The 17 points of the true church lesson that Jeremy did for FHE sounds great. I heard the talk when the man first published them. The story is AMAZING. He figured those points out with the Bible alone, and then found the Mormon church and was baptized AFTER he made up the list. Quite an inspiring story. We don't use it much out here. Sometimes we go into certain points, but we don't do them all.
Jotty told me that he's been working on his Spanish, and that he didn't think that he'd have many problems when he gets to the field. Since he asked me, I responded to him, completely in Spanish. Then I reminded him that he's going to Mexico City. Down there, they have this type of people called chilangos (much like rednecks). They have an awful sense of dress, and poor grammar. He's GOING to have a hard time, unless of course the Lord blesses him with the gift of the interpretation of tongues. Speaking of which, I'm still having a hard time understanding people. It's so weird. I still speak and write much better than I can understand. I can even translate good when reading, but listening and comprehending is a different story. I think that it's kept me humble though. I enjoy being humble. Less problems in my life when I am.
That pirate ship trip sounds really cool. I remember Jacob telling us about it. One day I hope to bring you out here to see some shows. While there are a lot of "sketchy" ones, there are also a lot of family ones too. There's one that I think Dad would really like. It's called Kind Arthur’s arena. While you sit and eat, men down in the pit, donning a full suit of armor, are jousting, fencing, and what ever else knights do. It's a little noisy, and I heard that the food isn't that good, but whatever…sounds like an awesome show. There's also the Blue Man Group, Penn and Teller, and MacKing. Terry Fator the ventriloquist is there, and he's very clean as well.
Thanks for the stories about JaNae’s boys. Cian's such a funny kid. Brice is too. I'm looking forward to playing with my nephews and nieces again.
As far as spiritual experiences go, I don't have one on the top of my head. But I DO have an awesome story that goes to prove that scripture doesn't lie. ahem:
A couple days ago, we were just biking, looking for people to talk to. We came across a couple pushing their baby in a baby stroller. We talked with them very briefly about how the Gospel as taught through a modern day prophet can help us come closer to Christ, and closer as a family. They accepted a return appointment, and gave us permission to refer them over to English missionaries (they didn't speak Spanish). A couple days after that, the missionaries who we referred them to told us how they had already taught the couple the first lesson. They went by yesterday and Kyle (the husband) said, "Ya know, I've been thinking about what you guys said yesterday. Me and my wife prayed about it, and it's something that we want to pursue. We'd like to continue with you guys." In Doctrine and Covenants, section 4, the Lord says to Joseph Smith, "Behold, the field is white, already to harvest. And lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same perisheth not, but bringeth salvation unto his soul." We as missionaries are reapers. We were given sickles, not seeds. It is not our job to plant seeds. That belongs to the members. Some wheat stalks take a couple more hacks to cut down (meaning, several missionaries might need to work with him before he is baptized), but nonetheless, we are reapers. These two people were "white, already to harvest". Scripture does not lie. Anyone who says that their mission was just to plant seeds, is wrong. Members plant seeds, not missionaries.
Well, I've got to get headed out now. I love you very much. Take care, work hard, and be happy.
18 August
Re: bike. No cost. The Todds bought a warranty, so it gets fixed for free. I like this bike a lot. I'm not being hard on it, but I AM a big guy.
I'm about at that point where I need to send stuff home so I’ll be starting to send boxes.
I'm planning on sending books. Also, when you send my SD card back, would you be able to send a book of stamps please? That would help me out greatly.
I have planned to write Brice a letter. I just need a little bit of time to write it up and to send it. Also, has Bro. Jones gotten back yet? I was going to write him, but he told me that he was coming back soon, so I didn't want to send a letter to Iraq, and have him return after he comes home.
Wow...... Jotty's already going to the temple. Time goes by so fast. I can't believe that he'll be leaving in less than a month.
So this week has been a little slow. We've been on foot for a while, but I'm trying not to let it get to me. I don't mind the heat and stuff, but what I do mind is that I'm not able to talk to many people. Not many want to stop and talk to us. They all say that it's too hot to talk and I'm like, "Yes, but if you would just listen to what we have to say." Of course I don't really say that, but sometimes I really want to. Oh the things I'd say if I didn't have this tag on my chest. Oh well. I can't have it all now can I? teaches me more patience.
I'm training a new missionary again. I'm also district leader. My new trainee is Elder Martinez. He's from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico. He's a way cool elder. He already speaks English too. He learned a lot from his uncle, who served with a bunch of Americans on his mission. I'm a little nervous, but I know that this work will only bring me blessings. When I was district leader in Ely, it was really like I was a senior companion of two companionships. I only had to call the senior couple once a week on Sunday, and prepare trainings for a hour-long district meeting that we had every other week. Now I'm responsible for 3 companionships, exchanges, daily stewardship calls to my district and to the zone leaders, baptismal interviews, and weekly district meetings. I'm excited for it though.
I've got to get going, I love you very much!
25 August
I heard about Jotty and his delay into the MTC. It‘s cool that he‘ll be part of a pilot program though. I haven't heard about any pilot program until just now. Is it something new that they are trying, or is it because he's a little more advanced in his Spanish? Whatever it may be, I know that he's ready to do it. I love 1st Nephi 3:7. It's really helped me out while here on the mission.
Oh man! Did the Temple President really say that? That'd be awesome!(re: helping Miles get into Auburn’s Vet program) I'm fairly excited to see what happens with that. I hear Jacob's planning on going to Auburn too. I think that'd be cool to be there when he is. Eric will probably be gone by then.
Things in the field are great. Elder Martinez is the bomb! He's a little unsure about himself, but he's really doing great. As for me, I'm doing good as well. It's really hot out here. The whole week has been over 100. Yesterday was a murderer. 110 degrees. Not the most ideal temperature, but we worked anyway. The Lord protected us. As for investigators, we've got several who are progressing towards baptism. The Rivera Family have been coming to church for the past 3 weeks, but we haven't been able to visit and teach them, because the Dad is always working. It seems like Satan doesn't just work through discouragement. I think God allows him to do things that physically block us from our goals, but He also knows that if we have faith, he can remove them for us, or he will at least give us strength to cope with it. I hope that we, AND our investigators have that faith that we need.
Re: spiritual experiences. I'm not quite sure why I don't tell you as many. They definitely still happen, but I think that they are a lot smaller and more frequent. For example, yesterday, my companion got a flat. Because he got a flat, we had to get a ride and as a result, ended up arriving late to our appointment. When we got inside, they mentioned how they had just gotten home and were hoping that they hadn't missed us. We thought that the flat tire was a hindrance, but it was indeed a blessing. Our investigators (Miguel and Lucrecia), really want to come to church and to change their lives. If we didn't show up late, we wouldn't have been able to teach them. We see them again on Saturday, and plan on setting them for baptism. I know that they will accept.
Re: the many questions that you asked. 1) I've been using other missionaries white pants to baptize since mine were lost. 2) I’m not sure when I will be sending the bike home…probably “as I leave” so to speak. Right now I am waiting for a new rim to come in. In the mean time, Elder Ellis is lending me his bike. 3) Yes, the suit is holding up nicely too. 4) I'm planning on sending 3 to 4 boxes home using the flat rate boxes because there's no weight charge up to 75 pounds. If you can fit it, they'll ship it. It'll mostly be extra clothes and books. They make up a lot of the weight that I have. And 5) In the district, there are 3 companionships. My role as a district leader is to make sure that my missionaries are happy and are working hard. They report to me for the week, and I report to the zone leaders. I am also in charge of making sure that the ward is progressing. Not like I'm in charge of the ward (that's the bishop), but since all the district companionships are all in the ward, and I'm the leader, I head the work. I plan out district meetings and trainings, and I also do baptismal interviews for the missionaries in my district. It's a lot different than when I was in Ely. I guess in Ely I was more like a senior companion of two companionships. This is a lot different.
Well, I've got to get headed out now. Take care and be happy. I love you very much.
con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
Re: the last discussion we were having: My opinion is that if it helps if someone isolates themselves from temptation then that‘s what they should do. The point of repentance is not to build up strength so that one can combat sin. It's to overcome it. If someone has to isolate themselves, then so be it. I know a man here who had a problem with gambling. The Bishop is so proud of this man’s progress. You want to know how this brother did it? Isolation. He moved to another city, which is 45 minutes away from the casinos and stuff. He doesn't go into the city with casinos without his wife or anyone there to stay with him. That's how he does it, and he will never go back into that city alone until he has completely conquered his problem. I remember a lesson that taught if you have a problem fighting off temptation, to change the physical environment. It's part of repentance. If someone has a drinking problem and is trying to repent, then it's perfectly fine if he doesn't go into a bar. The Lord doesn't want him to go into a bar and prove his strength by sitting at the bar and staying there for an hour without a drink. There's my rant. Sorry about that.
Re: Our 5 scheduled baptisms: Four of them fell through, but they still want to get baptized. Moroni, on the other hand is still scheduled to be baptized next Saturday. This kid is gung ho for church. Just last week, when we came over for the lesson, he showed us his brand new church clothes and tie. The next day (Sunday) he called his uncle and asked him what time church started. He said 1:00. Moroni said that he'd show up at 12:00. Sure enough, he walks to his uncle’s house all dressed and ready exactly at 12:00. He told his uncle that he needs to start getting ready. At 1:15 Moroni says that they need to go because they are late. His uncle says that he still needs to dress his daughters. Moroni says that's too bad and that they'll have to leave them home. Too funny. This kid is awesome.
So, Dad discovered Facebook is pretty fun… I had to be careful though not to spend too much time on it. You could easily pass away a day and not even know it.
I'm sorry to hear about Sis. Sitz. Like you said, she is in a MUCH better place. She doesn't have to worry about mutant possums or meth lab beakers anymore. I think she'll be enjoying a life of health and no misery. Funerals are a great way to teach the Gospel to non-members.
I'm really excited to help out with the Rescue program back home. You can count on me to keep up with the things that I need to do. I don't know how people just sit back and do nothing about their ward family members that are rotting away in inactivity. If they want to be clean from the blood and sins of others, they need to be involved. That's one thing I've learned about missionary work. While we're out here, we are cleaning the blood from our hands. As members, we all have blood on our hands automatically, and the only way we can clean it off is through working in the ministry. Ezekiel 33 1-9 explains that CLEARLY. It doesn't just apply to missionary work.... it applies to teachers, bishops, stake presidencies, Elder's Quorum presidencies, Prophets, area authorities, and so on. Reading that passage really opened up my eyes. Of course the Lord doesn't expect us to be perfect, but He DOES expect us to give it a shot and keep at it.
Well, Thanks for the email. I'm really happy that things are going well for you. Hope that Obamanomics don't affect you TOO much and that you'll be able to manage.
July 8th
Our 4th of July was actually a little anti-climactic. We didn't do any fireworks at a member's house, but I did turn 20 (missionary) months old. I'm scared to come home now. Not like terrified, but more like "What the heck am I gonna do?" I can't go to school just yet, cause I don't know where to go. I don't know who to date (well, that's if you- know-who ends up getting married). I don't know where to work. I just don't want to have to worry about it, but I know that I'm gonna have to. Don't get me wrong. I miss you all a lot. I just don't know how to handle the situation at home.
That must've been scary with Brice (he had an incident where he was in the pool and after swimming to the bottom of the deep end suddenly became pale, incoherent and slow to respond). I love that we have the priesthood and faith on our side. Priesthood blessings have saved my behind so many times (well, you already know THAT, but whatever- I can still say it). Keep me updated on how he is.
Oh, I DID do something yesterday. We didn't get any fireworks, but we DID get those little pop thingies that you throw on the ground. An investigator’s kid was playing with them and she gave me three little boxes. She had like 20 boxes. So I was throwing them around when I got a bright Idea. I took 20-30 of them, took out the rocks and but it all into a paper towel and made a BIGGER pop-thingy. It was loud. I didn't think that it would actually work, but it did.
Don't ask me why, but I just thought of a pair of scissor that I saw a month or two ago. They are made by Fiskars, and lemme tell ya, they are SICK. They have a twine cutter, tape cutter, bottle opener, blade sharpener, they come apart to make a knife, and something else I think. Anyways, I saw it and a demo video right next to it, and thought, "Wow, I could use something like that. That'd be really handy." Then I thought, "Wow, I sound just like Mom." I thought it was funny. It's interesting to see how children pick things up from their parents.
Yeah, we’ve seen some crime out here in some areas…even murders. Not like at the moment they happen, but I've seen the police bust out the yellow tape several times. It's pretty sketchy. I'm not worried by any means, but at the same time, I AM cautious. While I'm not afraid of death, I don't think that I'd find it convenient at this time of my life. I've still got a couple of things to do on my bucket list before I kick it.
I've got to get going. Thank you for everything that you do. I love you, and hope the best for you. I hope that your Missionary experience goes well. Once you start the fire of missionary work, the only thing that can put it out is inactivity, and we both know that that won't happen to you, because you are awesome!
July 14th
You are so funny Mom. hahaha. Seriously though. I like how you listed calling her as 4 of my 11 promised blessings from God. I just told Jotty actually, that I'm not getting my hopes up, but I'm also not dashing it to pieces. I'm just gonna go for it if I get the chance.
Wow, what a story (about Jotty and another brother being in Wal-Mart when another member collapsed there). They seriously need to write that and send it into the Ensign. That would be a great article to show that God really IS in control. You're definitely right. That was no coincidence. I can't tell you how many times me and my companions have been in the right place at the right time. It's been the result of several baptisms. BOY am I glad for the guidance of the Spirit.
I kinda know how Dad feels. There have been a lot of times that I have been told, "Don't worry about it." It bugged me at first, but I'm over it. I think that you are right. Dad is very focused when it comes to his calling. He's a very obedient man. I think that that's why the Lord put him in the stake presidency. He loves to teach, and like you said, always teaches with the Spirit. He's good at it. I think in the end he's really gonna miss his calling (and the teaching) when they are released. I'm gonna miss mine as a missionary.
I DID get the box. Thank you for the goodies. Thanks for sending me healthy ones too. I've actually been eating a lot of sunflower seeds recently. They help curb my appetite, and you can't get fat on them. I've also got some chili/lime powder to put on fruit so that I can snack on that. I'm losing a little bit of weight. Also, I'd like to work with Dad at the hospital or somewhere... basically, I'd like to translate.... and work. I like working. Thanks Mom, for teaching me to appreciate it.
Before I go, I want to let you know that I miss the rain a LOT. We've been having some rain here recently, and I loved it! It never lasted long though. It would rain a TON for a couple of minutes, then stop and the sun would come out, resulting in Alabama humidity. I miss thunderstorms and all that jazz. Oh the things you never knew you had until you didn't have them anymore.
Something I'm glad I learned before I came out on my mission is to not let things get to me. I think I started working on that when I was 16 or 17..... anyway, that has helped me out a lot. I'm pretty sure now that when I get back home, I'll have even more patience. I'm glad I learned that out here in the mission.
We had a baptism last Saturday!!!!!!!! Moroni finally got baptized. He didn't get confirmed though. To put a long story short, he was locked inside the house, so his uncle couldn't pick him up to bring him to church. It was kind of a bummer, but he should get confirmed this coming up Sunday. Man, the adversary really doesn't rest at all, does he?
July 21st
Yeah, it's pretty hot out here, but I don’t miss the Alabama mugginess. yuck. That's the ONLY thing I don't like about Alabama, but I still love it.
Dad told me about the floods in the rooms downstairs. I'm glad to know that Mark and Sarah offered to help. Hope that takes care of it.
It's gonna be so weird when I get back. I really will have a need to tell people at church, I'm Elder Parker....... MILES Parker." Many families have moved already huh? I still miss the Tukuafu's. I think it's so cool that her son was born on the day I went into the MTC. He'll be two when I get back.
The seeds and the popcorn where really good. I like that popcorn. I'd have to try other flavors when I get back.
Our new mission President, President Neider, is awesome. He's a LOT different from Pres. Christensen, but just as good. He's got a great sense of humor too. I'm still companions with Elder Carrasco, and our teaching pool is doing good. We're still looking for investigators though, which gets increasingly harder as it gets increasingly hotter. The work still must be done. Who else will do it?
Dad, speaking of Captain America, have you heard about the movie Cowboys and Aliens? I've only seen the cups, and a glimpse of a preview while eating dinner, and it looks pretty cool. 7/11 is selling a slurpee called "Alienade".
So, it's getting hotter out here. I'm fine with it (Alabama heat is MUCH worse), but people out here are irritable. They don't even want a card. pretty sad if you ask me. Yesterday this one woman asked us what we were doing. I told her we were missionaries and we came to visit someone. She said we were trespassing. I told her no, we came to visit someone specific, and we don't sell anything either, neither are we knocking on random doors. She told me that I was lying and that I don't need to come back. I told her "Go knock on that door. She'll tell you that we just finished visiting her." "Look. Don't argue with an 80 year old lady. I'm right, you're wrong. Get out please." The nerve of some people. She's lucky I wasn't some hoodlum with a short temper. Some people these days....
Things are going good though, despite the setbacks. We're working hard, and making progress.
Well, that wraps it up for now. I'm glad that you’re all still working and that things are still going good for you. Life is meant to be full of surprises. Take it as it comes with a smile and a PMA. Y’all are awesome. I love you!
July 28th
The new auditorium at the high school sounds like quite a jaw-dropper. I'm kinda anxious to see it now. Maybe it would be possible to do Phantom of the Opera there with all that stuff. Speaking of stages and theater, I'd really like to take you out here to see some shows. While there is some very questionable stuff, there's also a few family approved shows and entertainment. I'd have to do some more research though. I wanted to take you to see Phantom out here, but I here that they've added some inappropriateness to it. What a bummer. Why do people do that?
So.... when are Stefanie and Brady getting married? Will I be back in time? I'd kinda like to go, but at the same time, I don't. I don't want to see or experience a sealing until my own, but at the same time, I'd like to see Stefanie get married. She's been a great friend and example to me as a focused member and temple worthy one too. She wrote me a note in the MTC about how I had set an example for her, when I really did nothing of the sort. SHE inspired ME to take my calling seriously, and to do what I could, even though I was only in the MTC. I'm really happy for her. oh, quick question. Does she still speak Spanish?
I don't remember the model number for my typewriter. I’ll let you know what model it is next week. Thanks for trying to get the ink cartridges.
I'm glad to hear about her friend learning the TRUTH about Mormon's and not believing what some other preacher says. I hate bigotry and hypocrisy. Preachers who do that aren’t thinking. How in the world can we believe in a different Christ than they do when the Christ that we believe in was born of a Virgin, performed miracles, suffered for our sins, died on a cross by the traitorous hands of a "friend", paid for our sins, and was resurrected 3 days later. How is our Christ different from "theirs" when ours is also our Savior and Redeemer, the Son of God in the flesh, and the ONLY MEANS whereby salvation can be achieved. It's not that hard to find out what others believe, so people should do some research before they make an assumption, ya know what I mean? Good golly. I don't mind if people don't believe our message, but to judge us unrighteously based on rumors and false statements is unacceptable. Man. Sorry for my rant. It's a pet peeve of mine.
This week did kinda go by fast. It seems like it was yesterday I was here at the computer writing you an e-mail. The weeks seems to blend together and the time slips right on by. I used to want time to go by fast. Now I want it to slow down. I don't have much time left, I still have a lot of work to do. Do you feel that way about your calling? I love helping the Lord in His work. I love making things go the way they should, but after I'm released, I can't. I guess that's what the Lord intends to happen though. I think that He enjoys seeing us change our perspective of His work, changing it from a burden to a pleasurable privilege.
Even though we are out almost all day in the blistering heat, I'm surviving. Everyone here is very generous with their water (and their beer, but of course we don't drink that). If we ask for water, they give it to us. I'm so happy for the goodness that still lives in the hearts of even the worst of sinners.
So, we finally confirmed Moroni. He came in just in the nick of time (right before we closed the doors for Sacrament). Now he's a full-fledged member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!
I wanted to know what you think: We have a problem here in that when we ask for people to give transportation to someone, they decline, reasoning that we need to help our investigators be more self reliant. I understand what they mean, and it’s true- but don't you think that that's a lack of charity? In our ward at home, nobody has a problem driving 20 extra miles to pick someone up, but here, they grumble and complain that they have to go 6 extra miles. There’s a temple right here- but they still don't go every week, whereas back home, we look forward to our next temple trip in 3 or 4 months. I'm not saying that the Saints here are terrible, but I don't understand that mentality. Why would someone NOT want to help someone out. Saying that they should walk to church in the heat while they ride in car is like saying, "Hey. YOU make sacrifices, cause I don't want to." Whatever happened to the Savior's teaching of "If he bid you go with him for a mile, go with him twain."? Do you have any suggestions or scriptures I can use to teach this to others? in the ward?
Thanks for all that you do. I hope that work goes good for you Dad, and that you can find a better job. I WILL keep you in my prayers. I love you and hope the best for you. Take care and be happy! I hope that all goes well with the play Mom.
4 August
New Babies! I'm really happy for Tim and Nicole! He must be doing awesome right now. And I DO remember the Mitchell's. He was my EQP before I left. I didn't know him very well, but I do remember that I felt a strong spirit of sincerity and kindness around him. Tell them both I said Congrats on their new additions.
I just got a call from the mission office. Here‘s the conversation:
"Hello, this is Sister Royal from the Nevada, Las Vegas Mission Office. How are you Elder Parker?"
"I'm fine."
"That's good. Well, I'm calling because I need to purchase your flight tickets now. What major airport to live close to?"
It trunked me out. I can't believe that I'll be done in three months. I kinda don't want to go back home. I love you all, don't get me wrong, but..... I love serving the Lord. If I could, I'd just bring you guys out here and keep on working, but as you well know, I can't. Life goes on. There are many things to look forward to: Marriage, school, marriage, career, marriage, games, marriage, family home evenings, marriage, work, marriage, Enterprise ward, marriage........ oh I almost forgot -- marriage. I think that all these things will keep me from being DISTRAUGHT when I'm released. I think marriage would help me out too. :)
Yeah, I think I'll do that Dad. If someone refuses to help, I'll ask them, "What would Jesus do?" or better yet like you said, "If Jesus asked you for a ride, would you give it to Him?" Maybe they will see it better that way.
Man, we've never been robbed before I left on the mission. Then all of sudden, our cars get broken into twice and JaNae and Jeremy’s house..... I want to find this guy and show him the power of the Mighty One. Seriously though, as far as suggestions go it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep Moroni around on the middle floor. Although, he is getting old and less protective. Just FYI, Pit Bulls are VERY loyal and VERY protective dogs. They aren't like what a lot of people think they are. I've met quite a few of them here on the mission, and they are quite an intimidating sight for those that break in. So are German Shepherds. Interesting trivia. Do you know why German Shepherds are so named? In Germany, the farmers sent their boys to town with one of these dogs. They are big, loyal, friendly, and protective. They have the nastiest bite of all dogs. They would "shepherd" the boy to town and back safely. Cool fact eh? If worse comes to worse, you can set up booby traps to catch the thieves red-handed.
Well, I gotta get going now. Take care and be happy! I love you very much! Lemme know if I can do anything while over here in the Desert.
11 August
Don't worry Mom. I wouldn't ever NOT email you. The computer I was on warned me about turning off to have a scheduled update. So we had to go back to our apartment for awhile. Now I'm here. Don't worry. I got it all under control. Take notes. LOL
The 17 points of the true church lesson that Jeremy did for FHE sounds great. I heard the talk when the man first published them. The story is AMAZING. He figured those points out with the Bible alone, and then found the Mormon church and was baptized AFTER he made up the list. Quite an inspiring story. We don't use it much out here. Sometimes we go into certain points, but we don't do them all.
Jotty told me that he's been working on his Spanish, and that he didn't think that he'd have many problems when he gets to the field. Since he asked me, I responded to him, completely in Spanish. Then I reminded him that he's going to Mexico City. Down there, they have this type of people called chilangos (much like rednecks). They have an awful sense of dress, and poor grammar. He's GOING to have a hard time, unless of course the Lord blesses him with the gift of the interpretation of tongues. Speaking of which, I'm still having a hard time understanding people. It's so weird. I still speak and write much better than I can understand. I can even translate good when reading, but listening and comprehending is a different story. I think that it's kept me humble though. I enjoy being humble. Less problems in my life when I am.
That pirate ship trip sounds really cool. I remember Jacob telling us about it. One day I hope to bring you out here to see some shows. While there are a lot of "sketchy" ones, there are also a lot of family ones too. There's one that I think Dad would really like. It's called Kind Arthur’s arena. While you sit and eat, men down in the pit, donning a full suit of armor, are jousting, fencing, and what ever else knights do. It's a little noisy, and I heard that the food isn't that good, but whatever…sounds like an awesome show. There's also the Blue Man Group, Penn and Teller, and MacKing. Terry Fator the ventriloquist is there, and he's very clean as well.
Thanks for the stories about JaNae’s boys. Cian's such a funny kid. Brice is too. I'm looking forward to playing with my nephews and nieces again.
As far as spiritual experiences go, I don't have one on the top of my head. But I DO have an awesome story that goes to prove that scripture doesn't lie. ahem:
A couple days ago, we were just biking, looking for people to talk to. We came across a couple pushing their baby in a baby stroller. We talked with them very briefly about how the Gospel as taught through a modern day prophet can help us come closer to Christ, and closer as a family. They accepted a return appointment, and gave us permission to refer them over to English missionaries (they didn't speak Spanish). A couple days after that, the missionaries who we referred them to told us how they had already taught the couple the first lesson. They went by yesterday and Kyle (the husband) said, "Ya know, I've been thinking about what you guys said yesterday. Me and my wife prayed about it, and it's something that we want to pursue. We'd like to continue with you guys." In Doctrine and Covenants, section 4, the Lord says to Joseph Smith, "Behold, the field is white, already to harvest. And lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same perisheth not, but bringeth salvation unto his soul." We as missionaries are reapers. We were given sickles, not seeds. It is not our job to plant seeds. That belongs to the members. Some wheat stalks take a couple more hacks to cut down (meaning, several missionaries might need to work with him before he is baptized), but nonetheless, we are reapers. These two people were "white, already to harvest". Scripture does not lie. Anyone who says that their mission was just to plant seeds, is wrong. Members plant seeds, not missionaries.
Well, I've got to get headed out now. I love you very much. Take care, work hard, and be happy.
18 August
Re: bike. No cost. The Todds bought a warranty, so it gets fixed for free. I like this bike a lot. I'm not being hard on it, but I AM a big guy.
I'm about at that point where I need to send stuff home so I’ll be starting to send boxes.
I'm planning on sending books. Also, when you send my SD card back, would you be able to send a book of stamps please? That would help me out greatly.
I have planned to write Brice a letter. I just need a little bit of time to write it up and to send it. Also, has Bro. Jones gotten back yet? I was going to write him, but he told me that he was coming back soon, so I didn't want to send a letter to Iraq, and have him return after he comes home.
Wow...... Jotty's already going to the temple. Time goes by so fast. I can't believe that he'll be leaving in less than a month.
So this week has been a little slow. We've been on foot for a while, but I'm trying not to let it get to me. I don't mind the heat and stuff, but what I do mind is that I'm not able to talk to many people. Not many want to stop and talk to us. They all say that it's too hot to talk and I'm like, "Yes, but if you would just listen to what we have to say." Of course I don't really say that, but sometimes I really want to. Oh the things I'd say if I didn't have this tag on my chest. Oh well. I can't have it all now can I? teaches me more patience.
I'm training a new missionary again. I'm also district leader. My new trainee is Elder Martinez. He's from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico. He's a way cool elder. He already speaks English too. He learned a lot from his uncle, who served with a bunch of Americans on his mission. I'm a little nervous, but I know that this work will only bring me blessings. When I was district leader in Ely, it was really like I was a senior companion of two companionships. I only had to call the senior couple once a week on Sunday, and prepare trainings for a hour-long district meeting that we had every other week. Now I'm responsible for 3 companionships, exchanges, daily stewardship calls to my district and to the zone leaders, baptismal interviews, and weekly district meetings. I'm excited for it though.
I've got to get going, I love you very much!
25 August
I heard about Jotty and his delay into the MTC. It‘s cool that he‘ll be part of a pilot program though. I haven't heard about any pilot program until just now. Is it something new that they are trying, or is it because he's a little more advanced in his Spanish? Whatever it may be, I know that he's ready to do it. I love 1st Nephi 3:7. It's really helped me out while here on the mission.
Oh man! Did the Temple President really say that? That'd be awesome!(re: helping Miles get into Auburn’s Vet program) I'm fairly excited to see what happens with that. I hear Jacob's planning on going to Auburn too. I think that'd be cool to be there when he is. Eric will probably be gone by then.
Things in the field are great. Elder Martinez is the bomb! He's a little unsure about himself, but he's really doing great. As for me, I'm doing good as well. It's really hot out here. The whole week has been over 100. Yesterday was a murderer. 110 degrees. Not the most ideal temperature, but we worked anyway. The Lord protected us. As for investigators, we've got several who are progressing towards baptism. The Rivera Family have been coming to church for the past 3 weeks, but we haven't been able to visit and teach them, because the Dad is always working. It seems like Satan doesn't just work through discouragement. I think God allows him to do things that physically block us from our goals, but He also knows that if we have faith, he can remove them for us, or he will at least give us strength to cope with it. I hope that we, AND our investigators have that faith that we need.
Re: spiritual experiences. I'm not quite sure why I don't tell you as many. They definitely still happen, but I think that they are a lot smaller and more frequent. For example, yesterday, my companion got a flat. Because he got a flat, we had to get a ride and as a result, ended up arriving late to our appointment. When we got inside, they mentioned how they had just gotten home and were hoping that they hadn't missed us. We thought that the flat tire was a hindrance, but it was indeed a blessing. Our investigators (Miguel and Lucrecia), really want to come to church and to change their lives. If we didn't show up late, we wouldn't have been able to teach them. We see them again on Saturday, and plan on setting them for baptism. I know that they will accept.
Re: the many questions that you asked. 1) I've been using other missionaries white pants to baptize since mine were lost. 2) I’m not sure when I will be sending the bike home…probably “as I leave” so to speak. Right now I am waiting for a new rim to come in. In the mean time, Elder Ellis is lending me his bike. 3) Yes, the suit is holding up nicely too. 4) I'm planning on sending 3 to 4 boxes home using the flat rate boxes because there's no weight charge up to 75 pounds. If you can fit it, they'll ship it. It'll mostly be extra clothes and books. They make up a lot of the weight that I have. And 5) In the district, there are 3 companionships. My role as a district leader is to make sure that my missionaries are happy and are working hard. They report to me for the week, and I report to the zone leaders. I am also in charge of making sure that the ward is progressing. Not like I'm in charge of the ward (that's the bishop), but since all the district companionships are all in the ward, and I'm the leader, I head the work. I plan out district meetings and trainings, and I also do baptismal interviews for the missionaries in my district. It's a lot different than when I was in Ely. I guess in Ely I was more like a senior companion of two companionships. This is a lot different.
Well, I've got to get headed out now. Take care and be happy. I love you very much.
con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
Sunday, June 26, 2011
May and June 2011 (and the last week of April)
April 28th
I went to the temple today, and learned a little something about faith, or rather, my faith was strengthened. I normally don't go to the temple with a question because I'm afraid that I won't receive an answer while I'm there. Before I went to bed last night, I thought about it, and decided I should go with a question. My companion asked me a question and I thought about it. I couldn't answer it, so I took it to the temple. Lo and behold, I exercised faith and received my answer. It took me a little bit of studying, but I finally got it. Faith is such a deep yet simple subject. You can't have fear if your going to have faith. Don't worry about whether or not promised blessings and answers come soon. Just trust that they DO come.... always. There might be times that I don't receive my answers in the day that I go to the temple, but I know that as I continue going, and that as I read the scriptures, I WILL receive my answer.
Speaking of Jotty waiting for his mission call…I think our stake needs a mission prep class. I hear of a lot of wards and stakes in the USA have them.
Things are going well. We have a couple new solid investigators. One of them is a guy named Edgar, who used to meet with the missionaries, but was never sober. He finally sobered up, quit drinking, and wants to get baptized. Two others are Jose and Rosalva, a couple who are kinda going through some rough times. He's just been diagnosed with some mental disorders. He's really nice when we're around and I'm excited to be working with them.
Well, that's all for now.
P.S. I should be able to capture some live footage of zombies here in Las Vegas soon.
May 5th
So we set two people for baptism a couple days ago. Their names are Gaby and Brittany. Gaby is a mother that we contacted on the street. She said that she wasn't too interested, but that she wanted us to teach some stuff to her children, Brittany and Ashley (9 and 7 years old respectively). We taught them several lessons, and she
would "listen" as she did other things. Then she noticed that we used the Book of Mormon. She wanted to learn more, and she came to church as well. At our last appointment, she talked about how she really liked the things that she heard. She was quick to accept a date, and her older daughter is also wanting to be baptized. We are really excited,We had a Zone Conference on Monday, and let me tell you it was an amazing experience. President Christensen talked a lot about light,and about how we all have it, some more than others. We took a small hike up part of a mountain, and he invited us to take a couple of minutes, go to a secluded spot, and evaluate how much light we've gained since being on a mission, and how we can improve it. As I pondered, I felt the Spirit tell me (and I wrote this down too) "The attitude that I carry now is the same attitude that I had developed in the pre-existence. I promised my friends up there that I would find and teach them. Did I make a hasty promise, or was I a man of my word?" I have always considered myself a man of my word. I think you guys have too. I always knew that I made promises to friends, but when the Spirit had me ask myself whether or not I was a man of my word, I was struck to the heart. I want to work hard and fulfill my promise that I made. They were apparently very important to me back then, so why not be that important to me now? I love how the Spirit communicates with me. I love revelation.
So, to plan ahead. I'm planning on calling on Mother’s Day at 1:30 my time, which will be 3:30 your time. If it's a little later, it's because I'm still biking home from church. I'm looking forward to it.
We just got a missionary who came straight out of Russia. He is awesome! He knows English pretty well too, because he spent some time in Nebraska as a foreign exchange student.
I've been reading the New Testament again lately, and it's really depressing on how the Pharisees just didn't want to get it. Jesus one time talks about shooting beyond the mark. Think about it: If you want to hit the target with a firearm, do you shoot at it, or pick a target beyond the bull's eye? So many times the Pharisees went too far in explaining and interpreting scriptures, when in all reality, the answer was right there in front of them. Sometimes we do that too. We search and stretch our answers out in order to accommodate us, but the answer is right there. One example is caffeine. So many LDS say the caffeine is against the word of wisdom. Do they say it to it to make themselves seem more righteous? While it isn't a bad idea to avoid caffeine, it is nonetheless, a personal choice. The Lord only says, “hot drinks“, which specifically means tea and coffee. Shooting beyond the mark. It will destroy us if we don't watch out.
May 12th
The costumes look really good Mom. If you lived in Hollywood, you'd totally get hired. Then again, if we were in Hollywood, we'd also be surrounded by idiotic liberals. Wait sorry....... I'm supposed to refrain from political discussions right now.
We had a lesson with Gaby and Brittany. While we where teaching her about blessings, I asked her a very simple question that I usually ask all our investigators, "What are some of the blessings that God has given you." She then started to get teary and told us of her violent and tragic childhood, and how she's felt that God has been ignoring her, or that He doesn't love her. She said, "I want you both to tell me that I'm wrong, that I've misunderstood. I've been thirsty for a long time, and I want to know God." When we first met her, she didn't seem that interested. She just wanted us to teach her children. Like her, there are people out there that are, like Gaby said, thirsty for the truth. They look normal, and act normal, but deep down inside, they are dying. They long to know that God loves them, and that he has a plan for them. They search for answers that have long been unanswered. We never know how someone really feels until we introduce them to the Gospel. When they realize that we have the water that they've been looking for, that is when they open up. It was a big testimony
builder for me. These people ARE out there. We just have to find them.
Yes, I'm still with Elder Cunha. He's a great guy, even though our personalities clash at times. He's taught me a lot about accepting positive criticisms and being humble. I've really enjoyed serving with him so far.
We just dedicated the new mission office today. Just like the temple dedications, we had a mission culture celebration afterwards. All the in-valley zones came and did some skits and songs. It was really fun. Some of the missionaries in our mission have a lot of talent.
We got a referral from another missionary for a family that wants to learn. When the other missionaries met them, they asked questions like "How can I get the priesthood?" and "How can we be married for eternity?" We have our first lesson with them at 6:30. I'm excited to teach them.
P.S. Pres. Christensen says that I have to do something about my suit soon. My pants are so worn out. I’ve mended them as much as I can but they are about to fall apart.
May 19th
I DID get the suit and it DOES fit. I was so happy Mom. I think I was happier than when we got the Xbox 360 from Uncle Ross and Aunt Hannah. It fits very well and it feels very comfortable.
Everything else is fine. I'm very content right now, especially because I don't have to worry about a HUGE GAPING hole in my pants. Thanks a TON!
I have gained an even bigger testimony of the scriptures since I've been on my mission. I've received so much strength just from reading them, and they have answered several of my questions. Reading the scriptures is a commandment. The Lord expects us to "treasure up the word." Those who wrote the scriptures sacrificed time, talents, strength, and sometimes even their lives to give us what we have. How would they feel that we weren't using what they gave us. You know how it is Mom. You've seen several of your own children under-appreciate things that they have. Sorry to be preachy. I didn't mean to sound that way.
Something else happened in the past week that struck me. Do you remember Luisa? The cranky old lady? Well, she's been really sick and we've had a hard time getting the members to help her. We've done a lot for her, and when she needed to go to the hospital she wanted us to go with her. We called the Zone Leaders to get permission to leave the zone, and they asked the assistants, which ask President. Instead of going back down the chain of command, President called me directly. He told me that because we are missionaries, our sole purpose is to be master teachers of the Doctrine of Christ. We can't spend our time helping out people with their personal problems. While it hurt me to hear that, I realized that it's true. Our purpose is to teach the Doctrine of Salvation, and not to solve every little problem a person has. President said that Elder Cunha and I have a big heart (it's true, we both do), and that it'll be hard to leave it alone, but that we needed to have members or others solve the physical needs for us. Attitude really does depend on us. Ultimately, it IS Christ who makes the actual change, but WE have to ALLOW Him to change us.
Also, just a question for you. I've been thinking this for a while, and I want to know. Why is it that people feel safe around me? Luisa said that she wanted me to go to the hospital with her, because she sees me as the son she never had. She feels confident in me, and she feels safe around me. She's not the first one to say that either. _____ told me the same thing. She said she doesn't normally trust men, but that she trusted me a lot and felts safe and secure around me. What do you think?.... I don't really understand.
I don‘t know a lot that‘s going on right now but I hear enough to know politics are getting even more corrupt now. It's completely changed the mind of the people from being productive to being lazy. I was talking to someone and he said that the time when politics started to get corrupt is when the leaders started getting paid for their work. When this nation started, we had a semi-lay presidency. Like the church, the leaders back in the day didn't get paid. They had their own jobs. They did receive a little stipend in order to pay for travel expenses. I understand that there is more to do these days, but they honestly have too much money coming to them. That's the big motive: money, power, and the glory of man. Well, anyways, enough of my rant. Dad, I‘m sorry you have to put up with stuff like that.
I'm good here. Nothing big happening to us, but there has been some stuff happening. Someone just got murdered here near where we live. Don't worry though, because we are safe. This area is pretty sketchy though. There are a lot of people that only want welfare help too. Have to sift through a lot.
May 26th
I'm now in the East stake in the Ensign ward. I'm still in Spanish and am serving with Elder Carrasco. He came into the mission with me, so I've known him for a while. He's a way cool Elder, and is very kind too. I'm happy to be with him so far. He speaks more Spanish than English, so this'll be great.
WOO! Go Brice! Glad he likes Cub Scouts. I hope he stays in Scouts. That'll be so good for him AND his parents. I learned a lot in scouts, but it still pales in comparison to the things that I've learned on my mission.
So get this. In my area, we actually cover a part of the Strip. Yeah,the STRIP. I thought it interesting to note that the closer you get to the casinos and to the strip, the poorer the housing is. The closer you get to the temple, the better the housing is, and the calmer it gets. Also, the streets on the strip are four lane highways. There are expressways, and the freeway also has several exits and entrances the Strip. But at the temple, the four lane turns into a turn lane. It reminded me about the scripture that says the way to salvation is NARROW, and few remain on the path, but the gate to sin is WIDE, and the road down to damnation is WIDE as well. Many that live near the Strip live in poverty and poor housing, and it's really noisy and sketchy and dirty over there. Over by the temple, the people live in peace and serenity. Housing is big, comfortable, and clean. I'm NOT saying that money is happiness, but it did get me to think about sin and obedience. Those that indulge in and live near sin, live in spiritual poverty, while those who live in the ways of God, have a mansion in His courts on high. They are Spiritually secure and are at peace. Interesting correlation eh?
I DID get the package. Thank you so much! Even though I'm over a thousand miles away, you still manage to do things for me. Man, I've already past my 18 month mark. I'm only 5-6 pounds heavier than when I started, but I'm working on coming back lighter than when I left. Something that I've been doing to help me eat less is sunflower seeds. Sometimes I eat, not because I'm hungry, but because I simply want to eat something. It helps curb my appetite.
Jotty must be dying like I was when I was waiting for my call. Wouldn't it be cool if he came here with me? I've heard of that happening before. I could only be so lucky.
I appreciate you sharing your testimony Dad. We taught this one person who is 69 (Luisa), and on the brink of death. She has several serious medical problems. She's scared to death of death (I know, very punny). Whenever we tried to talk about the Spirit World and what happens after death, she'd start to cry and to get frantic. Several people have asked me before whether or not I was afraid of death. I've responded, and I honestly believe with all my heart, that while I would be afraid of the pain, I do not fear death in the least bit. I like you, KNOW where I'm going after I "go the way of all the earth." It doesn't scare me. I look forward to the resurrection and receiving a perfect, muscular, handsome, all-powerful and all- knowing body. Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm not saying I want to go right now, because I'd still like to finish my mission, get married, have a family, do other things... but if the Lord called me right now, I'd have no fear.
Sorry I went and rambled. I think I get that from you dad. Haha. Speaking of "Mexican" grill out, if that's what you really want to do, I'll have to do some cooking. Latinos don't out-grill us Southerners, but they DO have some interesting flavoring techniques. I'll have to show you some day.
June 2nd
Wow.... Mom, a 16mm kidney stone? That‘s impressive! I'm so glad I drink lots of water. Some of the missionaries have had them too. One of them, said it was a living hell. The way he said it made me laugh, but I thought "YIKES!" It must be super painful.
I think it’s great that Jotty is going to Mexico for his mission! I WISH I had as much time to prepare as he does. Keep nudging him. I wished I had learned when I was younger that you know what you’re doing.
So, I'll tell you a quick story before I move onto answering Jotty’s email.
On our way here to email, we just experienced a small miracle. Yesterday, while waiting for the other missionaries to arrive so we could start a service project, we went around and talked to people. I was in front, and felt inspired to turn on an alleyway. It wasn't a strong impression, just a very small one. I talked with two men who, despite being rough-looking, were very kind and listened to what we had to say. We talked a little bit about the plan, and asked them if we could come back. They declined but accepted a card. When we gave them the Mormon.org card, one of them said he wanted to give it to his brother, who really liked studying about Jesus. The other one, Mark, continued to carry on the conversation. We talked about the supposed "end of
the world" and talked about how since we don't know when he's coming,we need to prepare ourselves. After a couple minutes, we invited them to check out the website themselves and then left. We just saw Mark today. He stopped us and thanked us for talking to him. He said that he's only seen missionaries on the streets, and was surprised that we went down an alleyway. He said it was God who sent us to talk to him.
Since yesterday, he's started reading the scriptures again, he's confessed to his employer that he was stealing drinks and promised that he would stop, and is looking for a rehab center to help him get off of meth. I was really happy. He's homeless, so we won't be able to teach him right now, but I know without a doubt that if he were to die today, he would accept the Gospel in the Spirit World. I love how the True Gospel causes a reaction within the people who are earnestly seeking it. This was definitely a testimony builder.
Yep, regarding the guidelines on feeding the missionaries…we've "raised the bar," on mission diligence. For me, the whole dinner thing is to make us utilize the best proselyting hours effectively. Spanish people seem to ALWAYS be late. Since they are
late, we start dinner late and end up proselyting late. Hence, all dinner appointments must be no more than an hour. No dinner appointments must continue past 6:00 pm
either. If the members are late, eat dinner quickly. If you don't get to eat, go out and work--you'll be blessed for your sacrifice. I'm actually happy though. It's a challenge to be more diligent and to sacrifice more. I'm excited to see what blessings come to the mission.
As for baptisms, we don't have any set right now, but that might change tonight. We're teaching to young adults named Hilario and Modesto. They both have good questions, and try to understand what we teach them. Elder Carrasco and I think they have a lot of potential.
Yes, I did see Elder David Jones at the temple. It was good to see him. He’s a bike Elder and has lost some weight and he has a great spirit about him even though he is still a little shy. We get to attend the temple every transfer, but only if we're in the valley.
I'm really enjoying the mission right now, and am trying to do my best. It's hard, but
it's always worth it.
June 9th
Mom, I like your comments about the "rescue" program. I think that that's what too many people think as well. A big problem that we have in Spanish work is that home teaching is always low. People just kinda expect things to happen, and aren't really proactive and anxiously engaged. Of course, not all Hispanics are like that. One thing that Jotty will learn is that the Mexican culture will make him work hard. He'll have a LOT of baptisms, but he'll have to work extra hard to keep them active. He's gonna have to be patient too, because they will rely on him and his companion to do things that aren't really in his stewardship.People will call him instead of their home teachers for blessings. They will rely on him for other things as well. He'll have to do a lot, so he'll need a LOT of patience.
In fact, Jotty will be in Dale Galinski’s mission. That makes things even better. I'm hoping that Dale will get to train Jotty. As for Mexico City, I hear that most of the
problems are at the border, in places like Tijuana, Juarez,Chihuahua, Mexicali, etc. Mexico City will be rough, but I don't think that Jotty will be in danger. You have to have faith that the Lord will protect him as long as he doesn't put himself in danger.
It's pretty sketchy out here too, but I don't worry. We've narrowly avoided several catastrophes simply because the Lord watches over his servants. Not that things can’t happen to missionaries, but remember that the Lord protects his servants.
Well, the work is going slowly but surely. We have two people set for baptism. One of them, Hilario, is really trying to find the truth. After we gave him a baptismal date, he tried to help his roommate to accept one too. We still need to work with Modesto (his roommate). He's a little more timid than Hilario. The next one is Grigorio. He just showed up to church one day. We talked to him and set him in the hallway. He'd talked with missionaries before, but couldn't get baptized because he had "too much work." Now he doesn't have any. A blessing in disguise. Hehehehehe
June 16th
Pictures will come, but I have to get an envelope first. I'm kinda at
a standstill for a moment. I'll try to email some pictures next week,
and then I'll send you the rest via snail mail.
Yeah, when I get home, a restaurant and a movie sounds great. I'd like to eat at an “In 'n' Out“, but since we don't have any down there how about Olive Garden?
Dad, that revelation experience you had was simple, yet sweet, wasn't it? I've had
the joy of experiencing revelation many times as a missionary. I
understand it a lot better. I'm really excited to apply the things
that I've learned out here when I get back home. We'll see what the Lord has for
me when I return.
I’m sorry that Sister Sitz is doing so badly. She sure has been through a lot. Tell her Hi for me. Would you also tell Francis and Sis Rankin Hi for me? I miss our home teaching families. We are actually assigned families to home teach out here. It's cool but it‘s hard to work it into our schedule sometimes.
June 23rd
Mom, thanks for the “extra words“. I knew narcissistic, but I didn't know copasetic nor dialectical. I think dialectical is the word for me. I do tend to look at things from a logical point of view. With God's logic of course. The devil has his own logic as well.
So, the area just experienced a miracle. We went from 0 set to 5 set in one week. Two of them are from Cuba. They know nothing about Christ, which makes me more convinced that communism is of the Devil. As we talked they paid a lot of attention,and at the end of the first lesson, we set them for baptism. They are awesome. They came to church and participated in discussions. I'm really excited for them. Cubans are very talkative and friendly people. They don't deserve the kind of lifestyle that is in Cuba. They are rationed food every week, and have no freedom of religion. Do people really want that to happen to this country? I don't want to get too political at the moment, but I fear that this country is headed in that direction.
I've been doing pretty good so far but there IS something that I could use though. If you happen to get the chance, would you be able to order two more ribbon cartridges for my typewriter? I'm on the last one now. Also, Mom, I wanted to thank you for teaching me how to clean. My companion and I have been doing the cleaning for us and the other two missionaries in our apartment. It's helped us maintain a more Spirit-filled atmosphere.
Te quiero mucho!
Elder Miles Parker
I went to the temple today, and learned a little something about faith, or rather, my faith was strengthened. I normally don't go to the temple with a question because I'm afraid that I won't receive an answer while I'm there. Before I went to bed last night, I thought about it, and decided I should go with a question. My companion asked me a question and I thought about it. I couldn't answer it, so I took it to the temple. Lo and behold, I exercised faith and received my answer. It took me a little bit of studying, but I finally got it. Faith is such a deep yet simple subject. You can't have fear if your going to have faith. Don't worry about whether or not promised blessings and answers come soon. Just trust that they DO come.... always. There might be times that I don't receive my answers in the day that I go to the temple, but I know that as I continue going, and that as I read the scriptures, I WILL receive my answer.
Speaking of Jotty waiting for his mission call…I think our stake needs a mission prep class. I hear of a lot of wards and stakes in the USA have them.
Things are going well. We have a couple new solid investigators. One of them is a guy named Edgar, who used to meet with the missionaries, but was never sober. He finally sobered up, quit drinking, and wants to get baptized. Two others are Jose and Rosalva, a couple who are kinda going through some rough times. He's just been diagnosed with some mental disorders. He's really nice when we're around and I'm excited to be working with them.
Well, that's all for now.
P.S. I should be able to capture some live footage of zombies here in Las Vegas soon.
May 5th
So we set two people for baptism a couple days ago. Their names are Gaby and Brittany. Gaby is a mother that we contacted on the street. She said that she wasn't too interested, but that she wanted us to teach some stuff to her children, Brittany and Ashley (9 and 7 years old respectively). We taught them several lessons, and she
would "listen" as she did other things. Then she noticed that we used the Book of Mormon. She wanted to learn more, and she came to church as well. At our last appointment, she talked about how she really liked the things that she heard. She was quick to accept a date, and her older daughter is also wanting to be baptized. We are really excited,We had a Zone Conference on Monday, and let me tell you it was an amazing experience. President Christensen talked a lot about light,and about how we all have it, some more than others. We took a small hike up part of a mountain, and he invited us to take a couple of minutes, go to a secluded spot, and evaluate how much light we've gained since being on a mission, and how we can improve it. As I pondered, I felt the Spirit tell me (and I wrote this down too) "The attitude that I carry now is the same attitude that I had developed in the pre-existence. I promised my friends up there that I would find and teach them. Did I make a hasty promise, or was I a man of my word?" I have always considered myself a man of my word. I think you guys have too. I always knew that I made promises to friends, but when the Spirit had me ask myself whether or not I was a man of my word, I was struck to the heart. I want to work hard and fulfill my promise that I made. They were apparently very important to me back then, so why not be that important to me now? I love how the Spirit communicates with me. I love revelation.
So, to plan ahead. I'm planning on calling on Mother’s Day at 1:30 my time, which will be 3:30 your time. If it's a little later, it's because I'm still biking home from church. I'm looking forward to it.
We just got a missionary who came straight out of Russia. He is awesome! He knows English pretty well too, because he spent some time in Nebraska as a foreign exchange student.
I've been reading the New Testament again lately, and it's really depressing on how the Pharisees just didn't want to get it. Jesus one time talks about shooting beyond the mark. Think about it: If you want to hit the target with a firearm, do you shoot at it, or pick a target beyond the bull's eye? So many times the Pharisees went too far in explaining and interpreting scriptures, when in all reality, the answer was right there in front of them. Sometimes we do that too. We search and stretch our answers out in order to accommodate us, but the answer is right there. One example is caffeine. So many LDS say the caffeine is against the word of wisdom. Do they say it to it to make themselves seem more righteous? While it isn't a bad idea to avoid caffeine, it is nonetheless, a personal choice. The Lord only says, “hot drinks“, which specifically means tea and coffee. Shooting beyond the mark. It will destroy us if we don't watch out.
May 12th
The costumes look really good Mom. If you lived in Hollywood, you'd totally get hired. Then again, if we were in Hollywood, we'd also be surrounded by idiotic liberals. Wait sorry....... I'm supposed to refrain from political discussions right now.
We had a lesson with Gaby and Brittany. While we where teaching her about blessings, I asked her a very simple question that I usually ask all our investigators, "What are some of the blessings that God has given you." She then started to get teary and told us of her violent and tragic childhood, and how she's felt that God has been ignoring her, or that He doesn't love her. She said, "I want you both to tell me that I'm wrong, that I've misunderstood. I've been thirsty for a long time, and I want to know God." When we first met her, she didn't seem that interested. She just wanted us to teach her children. Like her, there are people out there that are, like Gaby said, thirsty for the truth. They look normal, and act normal, but deep down inside, they are dying. They long to know that God loves them, and that he has a plan for them. They search for answers that have long been unanswered. We never know how someone really feels until we introduce them to the Gospel. When they realize that we have the water that they've been looking for, that is when they open up. It was a big testimony
builder for me. These people ARE out there. We just have to find them.
Yes, I'm still with Elder Cunha. He's a great guy, even though our personalities clash at times. He's taught me a lot about accepting positive criticisms and being humble. I've really enjoyed serving with him so far.
We just dedicated the new mission office today. Just like the temple dedications, we had a mission culture celebration afterwards. All the in-valley zones came and did some skits and songs. It was really fun. Some of the missionaries in our mission have a lot of talent.
We got a referral from another missionary for a family that wants to learn. When the other missionaries met them, they asked questions like "How can I get the priesthood?" and "How can we be married for eternity?" We have our first lesson with them at 6:30. I'm excited to teach them.
P.S. Pres. Christensen says that I have to do something about my suit soon. My pants are so worn out. I’ve mended them as much as I can but they are about to fall apart.
May 19th
I DID get the suit and it DOES fit. I was so happy Mom. I think I was happier than when we got the Xbox 360 from Uncle Ross and Aunt Hannah. It fits very well and it feels very comfortable.
Everything else is fine. I'm very content right now, especially because I don't have to worry about a HUGE GAPING hole in my pants. Thanks a TON!
I have gained an even bigger testimony of the scriptures since I've been on my mission. I've received so much strength just from reading them, and they have answered several of my questions. Reading the scriptures is a commandment. The Lord expects us to "treasure up the word." Those who wrote the scriptures sacrificed time, talents, strength, and sometimes even their lives to give us what we have. How would they feel that we weren't using what they gave us. You know how it is Mom. You've seen several of your own children under-appreciate things that they have. Sorry to be preachy. I didn't mean to sound that way.
Something else happened in the past week that struck me. Do you remember Luisa? The cranky old lady? Well, she's been really sick and we've had a hard time getting the members to help her. We've done a lot for her, and when she needed to go to the hospital she wanted us to go with her. We called the Zone Leaders to get permission to leave the zone, and they asked the assistants, which ask President. Instead of going back down the chain of command, President called me directly. He told me that because we are missionaries, our sole purpose is to be master teachers of the Doctrine of Christ. We can't spend our time helping out people with their personal problems. While it hurt me to hear that, I realized that it's true. Our purpose is to teach the Doctrine of Salvation, and not to solve every little problem a person has. President said that Elder Cunha and I have a big heart (it's true, we both do), and that it'll be hard to leave it alone, but that we needed to have members or others solve the physical needs for us. Attitude really does depend on us. Ultimately, it IS Christ who makes the actual change, but WE have to ALLOW Him to change us.
Also, just a question for you. I've been thinking this for a while, and I want to know. Why is it that people feel safe around me? Luisa said that she wanted me to go to the hospital with her, because she sees me as the son she never had. She feels confident in me, and she feels safe around me. She's not the first one to say that either. _____ told me the same thing. She said she doesn't normally trust men, but that she trusted me a lot and felts safe and secure around me. What do you think?.... I don't really understand.
I don‘t know a lot that‘s going on right now but I hear enough to know politics are getting even more corrupt now. It's completely changed the mind of the people from being productive to being lazy. I was talking to someone and he said that the time when politics started to get corrupt is when the leaders started getting paid for their work. When this nation started, we had a semi-lay presidency. Like the church, the leaders back in the day didn't get paid. They had their own jobs. They did receive a little stipend in order to pay for travel expenses. I understand that there is more to do these days, but they honestly have too much money coming to them. That's the big motive: money, power, and the glory of man. Well, anyways, enough of my rant. Dad, I‘m sorry you have to put up with stuff like that.
I'm good here. Nothing big happening to us, but there has been some stuff happening. Someone just got murdered here near where we live. Don't worry though, because we are safe. This area is pretty sketchy though. There are a lot of people that only want welfare help too. Have to sift through a lot.
May 26th
I'm now in the East stake in the Ensign ward. I'm still in Spanish and am serving with Elder Carrasco. He came into the mission with me, so I've known him for a while. He's a way cool Elder, and is very kind too. I'm happy to be with him so far. He speaks more Spanish than English, so this'll be great.
WOO! Go Brice! Glad he likes Cub Scouts. I hope he stays in Scouts. That'll be so good for him AND his parents. I learned a lot in scouts, but it still pales in comparison to the things that I've learned on my mission.
So get this. In my area, we actually cover a part of the Strip. Yeah,the STRIP. I thought it interesting to note that the closer you get to the casinos and to the strip, the poorer the housing is. The closer you get to the temple, the better the housing is, and the calmer it gets. Also, the streets on the strip are four lane highways. There are expressways, and the freeway also has several exits and entrances the Strip. But at the temple, the four lane turns into a turn lane. It reminded me about the scripture that says the way to salvation is NARROW, and few remain on the path, but the gate to sin is WIDE, and the road down to damnation is WIDE as well. Many that live near the Strip live in poverty and poor housing, and it's really noisy and sketchy and dirty over there. Over by the temple, the people live in peace and serenity. Housing is big, comfortable, and clean. I'm NOT saying that money is happiness, but it did get me to think about sin and obedience. Those that indulge in and live near sin, live in spiritual poverty, while those who live in the ways of God, have a mansion in His courts on high. They are Spiritually secure and are at peace. Interesting correlation eh?
I DID get the package. Thank you so much! Even though I'm over a thousand miles away, you still manage to do things for me. Man, I've already past my 18 month mark. I'm only 5-6 pounds heavier than when I started, but I'm working on coming back lighter than when I left. Something that I've been doing to help me eat less is sunflower seeds. Sometimes I eat, not because I'm hungry, but because I simply want to eat something. It helps curb my appetite.
Jotty must be dying like I was when I was waiting for my call. Wouldn't it be cool if he came here with me? I've heard of that happening before. I could only be so lucky.
I appreciate you sharing your testimony Dad. We taught this one person who is 69 (Luisa), and on the brink of death. She has several serious medical problems. She's scared to death of death (I know, very punny). Whenever we tried to talk about the Spirit World and what happens after death, she'd start to cry and to get frantic. Several people have asked me before whether or not I was afraid of death. I've responded, and I honestly believe with all my heart, that while I would be afraid of the pain, I do not fear death in the least bit. I like you, KNOW where I'm going after I "go the way of all the earth." It doesn't scare me. I look forward to the resurrection and receiving a perfect, muscular, handsome, all-powerful and all- knowing body. Doesn't that sound like fun? I'm not saying I want to go right now, because I'd still like to finish my mission, get married, have a family, do other things... but if the Lord called me right now, I'd have no fear.
Sorry I went and rambled. I think I get that from you dad. Haha. Speaking of "Mexican" grill out, if that's what you really want to do, I'll have to do some cooking. Latinos don't out-grill us Southerners, but they DO have some interesting flavoring techniques. I'll have to show you some day.
June 2nd
Wow.... Mom, a 16mm kidney stone? That‘s impressive! I'm so glad I drink lots of water. Some of the missionaries have had them too. One of them, said it was a living hell. The way he said it made me laugh, but I thought "YIKES!" It must be super painful.
I think it’s great that Jotty is going to Mexico for his mission! I WISH I had as much time to prepare as he does. Keep nudging him. I wished I had learned when I was younger that you know what you’re doing.
So, I'll tell you a quick story before I move onto answering Jotty’s email.
On our way here to email, we just experienced a small miracle. Yesterday, while waiting for the other missionaries to arrive so we could start a service project, we went around and talked to people. I was in front, and felt inspired to turn on an alleyway. It wasn't a strong impression, just a very small one. I talked with two men who, despite being rough-looking, were very kind and listened to what we had to say. We talked a little bit about the plan, and asked them if we could come back. They declined but accepted a card. When we gave them the Mormon.org card, one of them said he wanted to give it to his brother, who really liked studying about Jesus. The other one, Mark, continued to carry on the conversation. We talked about the supposed "end of
the world" and talked about how since we don't know when he's coming,we need to prepare ourselves. After a couple minutes, we invited them to check out the website themselves and then left. We just saw Mark today. He stopped us and thanked us for talking to him. He said that he's only seen missionaries on the streets, and was surprised that we went down an alleyway. He said it was God who sent us to talk to him.
Since yesterday, he's started reading the scriptures again, he's confessed to his employer that he was stealing drinks and promised that he would stop, and is looking for a rehab center to help him get off of meth. I was really happy. He's homeless, so we won't be able to teach him right now, but I know without a doubt that if he were to die today, he would accept the Gospel in the Spirit World. I love how the True Gospel causes a reaction within the people who are earnestly seeking it. This was definitely a testimony builder.
Yep, regarding the guidelines on feeding the missionaries…we've "raised the bar," on mission diligence. For me, the whole dinner thing is to make us utilize the best proselyting hours effectively. Spanish people seem to ALWAYS be late. Since they are
late, we start dinner late and end up proselyting late. Hence, all dinner appointments must be no more than an hour. No dinner appointments must continue past 6:00 pm
either. If the members are late, eat dinner quickly. If you don't get to eat, go out and work--you'll be blessed for your sacrifice. I'm actually happy though. It's a challenge to be more diligent and to sacrifice more. I'm excited to see what blessings come to the mission.
As for baptisms, we don't have any set right now, but that might change tonight. We're teaching to young adults named Hilario and Modesto. They both have good questions, and try to understand what we teach them. Elder Carrasco and I think they have a lot of potential.
Yes, I did see Elder David Jones at the temple. It was good to see him. He’s a bike Elder and has lost some weight and he has a great spirit about him even though he is still a little shy. We get to attend the temple every transfer, but only if we're in the valley.
I'm really enjoying the mission right now, and am trying to do my best. It's hard, but
it's always worth it.
June 9th
Mom, I like your comments about the "rescue" program. I think that that's what too many people think as well. A big problem that we have in Spanish work is that home teaching is always low. People just kinda expect things to happen, and aren't really proactive and anxiously engaged. Of course, not all Hispanics are like that. One thing that Jotty will learn is that the Mexican culture will make him work hard. He'll have a LOT of baptisms, but he'll have to work extra hard to keep them active. He's gonna have to be patient too, because they will rely on him and his companion to do things that aren't really in his stewardship.People will call him instead of their home teachers for blessings. They will rely on him for other things as well. He'll have to do a lot, so he'll need a LOT of patience.
In fact, Jotty will be in Dale Galinski’s mission. That makes things even better. I'm hoping that Dale will get to train Jotty. As for Mexico City, I hear that most of the
problems are at the border, in places like Tijuana, Juarez,Chihuahua, Mexicali, etc. Mexico City will be rough, but I don't think that Jotty will be in danger. You have to have faith that the Lord will protect him as long as he doesn't put himself in danger.
It's pretty sketchy out here too, but I don't worry. We've narrowly avoided several catastrophes simply because the Lord watches over his servants. Not that things can’t happen to missionaries, but remember that the Lord protects his servants.
Well, the work is going slowly but surely. We have two people set for baptism. One of them, Hilario, is really trying to find the truth. After we gave him a baptismal date, he tried to help his roommate to accept one too. We still need to work with Modesto (his roommate). He's a little more timid than Hilario. The next one is Grigorio. He just showed up to church one day. We talked to him and set him in the hallway. He'd talked with missionaries before, but couldn't get baptized because he had "too much work." Now he doesn't have any. A blessing in disguise. Hehehehehe
June 16th
Pictures will come, but I have to get an envelope first. I'm kinda at
a standstill for a moment. I'll try to email some pictures next week,
and then I'll send you the rest via snail mail.
Yeah, when I get home, a restaurant and a movie sounds great. I'd like to eat at an “In 'n' Out“, but since we don't have any down there how about Olive Garden?
Dad, that revelation experience you had was simple, yet sweet, wasn't it? I've had
the joy of experiencing revelation many times as a missionary. I
understand it a lot better. I'm really excited to apply the things
that I've learned out here when I get back home. We'll see what the Lord has for
me when I return.
I’m sorry that Sister Sitz is doing so badly. She sure has been through a lot. Tell her Hi for me. Would you also tell Francis and Sis Rankin Hi for me? I miss our home teaching families. We are actually assigned families to home teach out here. It's cool but it‘s hard to work it into our schedule sometimes.
June 23rd
Mom, thanks for the “extra words“. I knew narcissistic, but I didn't know copasetic nor dialectical. I think dialectical is the word for me. I do tend to look at things from a logical point of view. With God's logic of course. The devil has his own logic as well.
So, the area just experienced a miracle. We went from 0 set to 5 set in one week. Two of them are from Cuba. They know nothing about Christ, which makes me more convinced that communism is of the Devil. As we talked they paid a lot of attention,and at the end of the first lesson, we set them for baptism. They are awesome. They came to church and participated in discussions. I'm really excited for them. Cubans are very talkative and friendly people. They don't deserve the kind of lifestyle that is in Cuba. They are rationed food every week, and have no freedom of religion. Do people really want that to happen to this country? I don't want to get too political at the moment, but I fear that this country is headed in that direction.
I've been doing pretty good so far but there IS something that I could use though. If you happen to get the chance, would you be able to order two more ribbon cartridges for my typewriter? I'm on the last one now. Also, Mom, I wanted to thank you for teaching me how to clean. My companion and I have been doing the cleaning for us and the other two missionaries in our apartment. It's helped us maintain a more Spirit-filled atmosphere.
Te quiero mucho!
Elder Miles Parker
Monday, April 18, 2011
March and April 2011
March 3, 2011
So, we had a miracle on Monday before transfers (that means that Elder
Vega is no longer with me- cryin’ shame…he was a really awesome missionary. My new companion, Elder Cunha, is awesome too).
Anyway, Elder Vega missed a turn while we were looking for a woman we hadn't seen in a while. I didn't say anything, so we continued on. We ran into a man who couldn't be happier to see us. He told us that he was homeless right now, but that he was working on getting a job so that he could settle down and take the lessons again. He bore his testimony on how he knew that the church and the Book of Mormon are true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We helped him out,gave him some information and went on our way. Then a woman pulled us over and asked us to come over later. We had our appointment with her last night, and let me tell you, I have never seen anyone so prepared to do whatever they need to, in order to get in the temple to be sealed to her deceased husband. She misses him a lot, and is happy to know that there is a way for them to be together forever. Right after we finished talking to her, another woman asked us to help her out with something that is out of our jurisdiction so we set up an appointment with the Bishop to help her out. How cool is that? We ran into three people who really needed our help, and only because we missed a turn. I know that God had his hand in that.
Did you know that even the way we vote affects our exaltation? Bruce R McConkie said that being valiant in our testimony includes many of the small things that we SHOULD do, including the way we vote.
The mission is going well. Love you all very much!
March 10, 2011
So, here's a funny story. The woman who stopped us last week and wanted to take the lessons explained to us how her deceased husband was a member of our church, and she wants to learn about the church now. She was really touched by the concept of sealing and eternal marriage and said that she was willing to do whatever it takes to get sealed to him.She accepted baptism, but didn't accept a date just yet. So, last week she came to church. We thought it was gonna be awesome, but we were mistaken. It all started after the closing prayer of sacrament
meeting. One of the young ladies who bore her testimony was wearing a
pink skirt. She went up to her, grabbed her skirt, and said "that was
a nice little testimony, but if you want God to hear you, you'd better
dress yourself more modestly." I thought that was bad, but then in the hallway,she started to yell at me, because she didn't understand why the Hispanics and Americans were separated. I told her that it was because they don't understand each other’s language. She said that it didn't matter, they need to learn English. She's right, but that's not the way to talk about it. I seriously thought it was over, but then, she started to argue with the Gospel Principles teacher. She left after that, and told us to see her at three. When we came, she asked for a blessing. She did accept a baptismal date. She's really a good woman. She just has problems with judging others.
March 17, 2011
Yes,I did hear a lot about the tsunami, but I have not seen any pictures.
It is interesting that even though the destruction was overwhelming, there were still small miracles. I also heard that not one missionary was lost over there- that‘s remarkable. I think that the people will be humbled, and that missionary work will increase over there. Only time can tell.
I thought leaving the comfort zone was hard on stage, but I realized
that it is MUCH harder in missionary work. Explaining the law of
Chastity is the most uncomfortable. But if you do it with a positive
mind, focused on helping them understand, it's really not that bad.
Re: school. I haven't thought that much about it. Once you hit about
21 months out, president will start to have you sign up for classes.
Many missionaries here have gone to or are going to one of the BYU campuses. I think it’s a great school, but the South still needs help. I'm going to blossom where I was planted. Besides, if I go out West, I won't be able to take care of you and Dad as well as I could if I were in Auburn. I'm planning on going to EOCC first and get some basics out of the way.I'm still thinking about Vet medicine, but I might want to go over to something that uses the Spanish language too.
Story time: Someone punched me last week. We met at a member’s house
to get picked up by missionaries to go to dinner, and all of a sudden,
these two teenagers, drunk beyond recognition, came up to us and
started cussing at us. One of them pushed my companion and told us we were on "their turf". So we left. As we were walking, the member's daughter, Gaby,shouted for us to be careful. We all turned around, and saw the two kids running at us. They stopped at Elder Aguilar, and punched him in the nose. I went up to them both. One of them backed up cuz he was scared. I told the other one to never touch Elder Aguilar again. He got angry and swung and I moved a little so that he only got my neck. Before I could do anything, Gaby ran up and threw one of them to the ground and started kicking him. When the other one came up to her,she punched him in the face and kept on kicking. She told us to go on and get out, but we didn't want to leave her. But sure enough, she really did have the situation under control. She's a big girl, and she's gotten in several fights in the past. She flung them around like rag dolls…quite a funny sight. We're not sure if we'll run into them again, but I'm not worried. I've never gotten so close to hitting someone Mom. I've always been afraid of getting into a fight, but when he struck one of my fellow missionaries, I felt empowered. I had no fear to fight. I know that, if it was required, God would have given me the strength to take them on. But thankfully, Gaby came and saved the day. She did get hit in the lip, but everything was ok. A little blood, and no swelling. We gave her a big thanks afterwards.
Things are going good, and we are working hard. Elder Cunha is not a native Spanish speaker. He's from Brazil, so he speaks Portuguese. He sometimes has a hard time, because he sometimes mixes up words and rules. He still does very well. He does a lot better than he thinks he does actually. My companion and I decided to rededicate ourselves and work harder. We talked with a TON of other people. We just got new phones and texting now, so we should have a little more success in contacting people.
March 24, 2011
All is well with me. No crazy stories for you, no more attacks-Haha. But we did have a special occasion with the mission President. After he heard about the attack, he asked that our district meet him at 8:30 pm last Sunday. We had a small companionship study about persecution. One thing that I learned is that there is a difference between getting persecuted for RIGHTEOUSNESS sake (as it says in the Bible) and getting persecuted for CHRIST'S NAME'S SAKE(as it says in the Book of Mormon). Many people were persecuted for righteousness sake: Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln...... but only certain circumstances allow us to be persecuted for Christ's name sake. Men like Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Apostles, any missionary.... I can see why Paul rejoiced in his persecution. NO ONE has the privilege of being persecuted in His name's sake unless he is called by God to represent Him. It was a good study. We had ice cream afterwards to "celebrate" the occasion. Oh, President…what a funny guy.
We had another person set for baptism. His name is Lino. When we came by the first time, he was EXTREMELY drunk, but the next time he was sober. The Spirit was strong, and we invited him to be baptized and he accepted.We just found out that he will be moving to California soon so not sure where he will be baptized.
Oh Mother... always willing to help out with theater productions. I'm so impressed at how long you've been doing things like that. Even more impressive is how you keep doing it even with your carpal tunnel. Thanks for the extra money too. I've learned while I'm out here (and I should have learned it earlier) that I'm an impulse buyer. I had to work SO HARD not to spend all the money you gave me today. I think the problem is that when I shop and I'm hungry, I buy junk food that I can eat right then and there. I've lost some weight. I went from 280 in Ely, to 263 here.
I love you all so much, and miss you even more than you miss me. Be happy and take care!
March 31, 2011
Thanks for the pictures. I showed the picture of Amry at the beach to my companion and asked him to guess how old she was. He said 16. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. uh no.... she's 12. WHAT!!!! He didn't believe me.
I wouldn't worry too much. I know it's in the “Mother” job description, but I think it's also the right thing to do. I thank you for worrying about me, even when I told you not too. Thank you very much for never stopping to be a Mom either. You and Dad are the perfect example that a Parent is never released from that Sacred Calling.
It's hard to believe how much everyone at home has grown so far, ESPECIALLY Brice and Cian. I can't get over how muscular Brice is either. I am so proud of him being baptized and wish I could’ve been there.
I'm starting to snack more on fruit. I'm pretty sure that I've told you this already, but Mexicans like the chile with lime flavor. They have a powder to put on fruits and veggies that tastes like chile and lime. It's awesome. I really like it on oranges and watermelon (two things I didn't eat back home. Also,lime juice is a REALLY good salad dressing, fyi. I'm also trying hard to eat a meal, and then not snack afterwards. It's hard, but I'm doing it. Sometimes, I’d snack when I stay up doing other things, like cleaning a bike (which I actually enjoy doing. Hey, if you think it's weird, remember that I'm YOUR son).
We recently had a Spanish conference and I learned a lot. One of the things I've decided to do as a result from one of the trainings is tell people specifically in the street that we are going to ask them to MAKE CHANGES and to DO THINGS. We are not just going to "talk about the Gospel." We were promised that as we do this, we will find those who are interested faster. Anyway, it was an awesome experience, and I'm excited to see what else I can do to improve the work here.
As for new news, we set two more people for the 30th of April. Their names are Reina and Alicia. We found Reina talking to one of her friends on the street. We politely interrupted them, taught a small lesson, and set up a return appointment. When we had the first appointment, we found out that she lives with her aunt Alicia. Both are very sweet,little ol' ladies who love to listen to what we have to say. We've been able to be bold with them,and they feel and hear the truthfulness about it. They are both coming to conference this Saturday (which, by the way, I can't wait for). I'm excited to see how they react to the talks.
Not much else to report on. The heat is already beginning, so it won't be too long before it gets worse. In all honesty though, this heat is nothing to the Southeast heat. At least it's dry here. I don't think people here would be able to stand the humid heat in Alabama.
April 7, 2011
Things are going well. I really enjoyed the talk by Pres.Uchtdorf too. I wrote in my notes, “Am I living up to my privileges as a missionary?” I know that once I get back home, the mantle will be taken from me, and that I will no longer enjoy the ability to serve in the capacity of a missionary any longer. I need to enjoy it while I can, and work even harder.
Tell Grandpa that I'm excited that we are going to go see him after my mission. I'd love to go to Texas and use my Spanish. I'm glad that I have several brothers and ward members that speak it so that I can use it throughout my life. I definitely don't want to lose it.
I've saved some money to send the pants, but I don't have time to do it. I'm going to try to do it today or tomorrow, but no guarantees. I've been able to patch up my other pants. You'd be so proud of your son, doing such a great job on sewing his clothes up until they can't be used anymore. hahaha. It doesn't look terrible, but it's also not professional.
Well, I can't write too much more. We didn't get much time this week, but know that I love you all very much. Take care and be happy!
April 14, 2011
I had an experience this week about optimism. I've been working really hard my whole mission to be optimistic, and I've actually been doing really good. Being optimistic has helped me work on my patience and understanding as well. Anyway, every Sunday we have a sacrament meeting at night for those that couldn't make it in the morning for
whatever reason. It has it's pluses and minuses. So, we were with Hermano Jurado, (our ward mission leader) and we went by to see this man who said he wanted to go to church at night. We came by, and he wasn't there. We went by several other people too, and they either weren't there, or were "too busy." Instead of being negative and
giving up, I decided to be optimistic and continue to think of several people. I immediately thought of Jonathan Martinez, an investigator that we haven't seen in a while and who is a little timid. Instead of being negative and thinking "Oh, he won't come, even if he IS there", I asked Herman Jurado to go by his house. We knocked on the door, and he was watching the America vs Chivas soccer game. Mom, he stopped watching the game and came with us to church. I don't know if you know, but Soccer to Hispanics is as football is to Southerners. He came, and enjoyed it at church. As we took him, we talked with him, and got to know him a little better. I'm so glad you taught me to have a PMA.(positive mental attitude) Thanks for the advice Mom. It just helped us bring someone a little closer to Christ.
Well, gotta get going. As one of the elders that I know said, "Let's make like a guillotine and head off" Take care and be happy. I love you!
So, we had a miracle on Monday before transfers (that means that Elder
Vega is no longer with me- cryin’ shame…he was a really awesome missionary. My new companion, Elder Cunha, is awesome too).
Anyway, Elder Vega missed a turn while we were looking for a woman we hadn't seen in a while. I didn't say anything, so we continued on. We ran into a man who couldn't be happier to see us. He told us that he was homeless right now, but that he was working on getting a job so that he could settle down and take the lessons again. He bore his testimony on how he knew that the church and the Book of Mormon are true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. We helped him out,gave him some information and went on our way. Then a woman pulled us over and asked us to come over later. We had our appointment with her last night, and let me tell you, I have never seen anyone so prepared to do whatever they need to, in order to get in the temple to be sealed to her deceased husband. She misses him a lot, and is happy to know that there is a way for them to be together forever. Right after we finished talking to her, another woman asked us to help her out with something that is out of our jurisdiction so we set up an appointment with the Bishop to help her out. How cool is that? We ran into three people who really needed our help, and only because we missed a turn. I know that God had his hand in that.
Did you know that even the way we vote affects our exaltation? Bruce R McConkie said that being valiant in our testimony includes many of the small things that we SHOULD do, including the way we vote.
The mission is going well. Love you all very much!
March 10, 2011
So, here's a funny story. The woman who stopped us last week and wanted to take the lessons explained to us how her deceased husband was a member of our church, and she wants to learn about the church now. She was really touched by the concept of sealing and eternal marriage and said that she was willing to do whatever it takes to get sealed to him.She accepted baptism, but didn't accept a date just yet. So, last week she came to church. We thought it was gonna be awesome, but we were mistaken. It all started after the closing prayer of sacrament
meeting. One of the young ladies who bore her testimony was wearing a
pink skirt. She went up to her, grabbed her skirt, and said "that was
a nice little testimony, but if you want God to hear you, you'd better
dress yourself more modestly." I thought that was bad, but then in the hallway,she started to yell at me, because she didn't understand why the Hispanics and Americans were separated. I told her that it was because they don't understand each other’s language. She said that it didn't matter, they need to learn English. She's right, but that's not the way to talk about it. I seriously thought it was over, but then, she started to argue with the Gospel Principles teacher. She left after that, and told us to see her at three. When we came, she asked for a blessing. She did accept a baptismal date. She's really a good woman. She just has problems with judging others.
March 17, 2011
Yes,I did hear a lot about the tsunami, but I have not seen any pictures.
It is interesting that even though the destruction was overwhelming, there were still small miracles. I also heard that not one missionary was lost over there- that‘s remarkable. I think that the people will be humbled, and that missionary work will increase over there. Only time can tell.
I thought leaving the comfort zone was hard on stage, but I realized
that it is MUCH harder in missionary work. Explaining the law of
Chastity is the most uncomfortable. But if you do it with a positive
mind, focused on helping them understand, it's really not that bad.
Re: school. I haven't thought that much about it. Once you hit about
21 months out, president will start to have you sign up for classes.
Many missionaries here have gone to or are going to one of the BYU campuses. I think it’s a great school, but the South still needs help. I'm going to blossom where I was planted. Besides, if I go out West, I won't be able to take care of you and Dad as well as I could if I were in Auburn. I'm planning on going to EOCC first and get some basics out of the way.I'm still thinking about Vet medicine, but I might want to go over to something that uses the Spanish language too.
Story time: Someone punched me last week. We met at a member’s house
to get picked up by missionaries to go to dinner, and all of a sudden,
these two teenagers, drunk beyond recognition, came up to us and
started cussing at us. One of them pushed my companion and told us we were on "their turf". So we left. As we were walking, the member's daughter, Gaby,shouted for us to be careful. We all turned around, and saw the two kids running at us. They stopped at Elder Aguilar, and punched him in the nose. I went up to them both. One of them backed up cuz he was scared. I told the other one to never touch Elder Aguilar again. He got angry and swung and I moved a little so that he only got my neck. Before I could do anything, Gaby ran up and threw one of them to the ground and started kicking him. When the other one came up to her,she punched him in the face and kept on kicking. She told us to go on and get out, but we didn't want to leave her. But sure enough, she really did have the situation under control. She's a big girl, and she's gotten in several fights in the past. She flung them around like rag dolls…quite a funny sight. We're not sure if we'll run into them again, but I'm not worried. I've never gotten so close to hitting someone Mom. I've always been afraid of getting into a fight, but when he struck one of my fellow missionaries, I felt empowered. I had no fear to fight. I know that, if it was required, God would have given me the strength to take them on. But thankfully, Gaby came and saved the day. She did get hit in the lip, but everything was ok. A little blood, and no swelling. We gave her a big thanks afterwards.
Things are going good, and we are working hard. Elder Cunha is not a native Spanish speaker. He's from Brazil, so he speaks Portuguese. He sometimes has a hard time, because he sometimes mixes up words and rules. He still does very well. He does a lot better than he thinks he does actually. My companion and I decided to rededicate ourselves and work harder. We talked with a TON of other people. We just got new phones and texting now, so we should have a little more success in contacting people.
March 24, 2011
All is well with me. No crazy stories for you, no more attacks-Haha. But we did have a special occasion with the mission President. After he heard about the attack, he asked that our district meet him at 8:30 pm last Sunday. We had a small companionship study about persecution. One thing that I learned is that there is a difference between getting persecuted for RIGHTEOUSNESS sake (as it says in the Bible) and getting persecuted for CHRIST'S NAME'S SAKE(as it says in the Book of Mormon). Many people were persecuted for righteousness sake: Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther, Abraham Lincoln...... but only certain circumstances allow us to be persecuted for Christ's name sake. Men like Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the Apostles, any missionary.... I can see why Paul rejoiced in his persecution. NO ONE has the privilege of being persecuted in His name's sake unless he is called by God to represent Him. It was a good study. We had ice cream afterwards to "celebrate" the occasion. Oh, President…what a funny guy.
We had another person set for baptism. His name is Lino. When we came by the first time, he was EXTREMELY drunk, but the next time he was sober. The Spirit was strong, and we invited him to be baptized and he accepted.We just found out that he will be moving to California soon so not sure where he will be baptized.
Oh Mother... always willing to help out with theater productions. I'm so impressed at how long you've been doing things like that. Even more impressive is how you keep doing it even with your carpal tunnel. Thanks for the extra money too. I've learned while I'm out here (and I should have learned it earlier) that I'm an impulse buyer. I had to work SO HARD not to spend all the money you gave me today. I think the problem is that when I shop and I'm hungry, I buy junk food that I can eat right then and there. I've lost some weight. I went from 280 in Ely, to 263 here.
I love you all so much, and miss you even more than you miss me. Be happy and take care!
March 31, 2011
Thanks for the pictures. I showed the picture of Amry at the beach to my companion and asked him to guess how old she was. He said 16. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. uh no.... she's 12. WHAT!!!! He didn't believe me.
I wouldn't worry too much. I know it's in the “Mother” job description, but I think it's also the right thing to do. I thank you for worrying about me, even when I told you not too. Thank you very much for never stopping to be a Mom either. You and Dad are the perfect example that a Parent is never released from that Sacred Calling.
It's hard to believe how much everyone at home has grown so far, ESPECIALLY Brice and Cian. I can't get over how muscular Brice is either. I am so proud of him being baptized and wish I could’ve been there.
I'm starting to snack more on fruit. I'm pretty sure that I've told you this already, but Mexicans like the chile with lime flavor. They have a powder to put on fruits and veggies that tastes like chile and lime. It's awesome. I really like it on oranges and watermelon (two things I didn't eat back home. Also,lime juice is a REALLY good salad dressing, fyi. I'm also trying hard to eat a meal, and then not snack afterwards. It's hard, but I'm doing it. Sometimes, I’d snack when I stay up doing other things, like cleaning a bike (which I actually enjoy doing. Hey, if you think it's weird, remember that I'm YOUR son).
We recently had a Spanish conference and I learned a lot. One of the things I've decided to do as a result from one of the trainings is tell people specifically in the street that we are going to ask them to MAKE CHANGES and to DO THINGS. We are not just going to "talk about the Gospel." We were promised that as we do this, we will find those who are interested faster. Anyway, it was an awesome experience, and I'm excited to see what else I can do to improve the work here.
As for new news, we set two more people for the 30th of April. Their names are Reina and Alicia. We found Reina talking to one of her friends on the street. We politely interrupted them, taught a small lesson, and set up a return appointment. When we had the first appointment, we found out that she lives with her aunt Alicia. Both are very sweet,little ol' ladies who love to listen to what we have to say. We've been able to be bold with them,and they feel and hear the truthfulness about it. They are both coming to conference this Saturday (which, by the way, I can't wait for). I'm excited to see how they react to the talks.
Not much else to report on. The heat is already beginning, so it won't be too long before it gets worse. In all honesty though, this heat is nothing to the Southeast heat. At least it's dry here. I don't think people here would be able to stand the humid heat in Alabama.
April 7, 2011
Things are going well. I really enjoyed the talk by Pres.Uchtdorf too. I wrote in my notes, “Am I living up to my privileges as a missionary?” I know that once I get back home, the mantle will be taken from me, and that I will no longer enjoy the ability to serve in the capacity of a missionary any longer. I need to enjoy it while I can, and work even harder.
Tell Grandpa that I'm excited that we are going to go see him after my mission. I'd love to go to Texas and use my Spanish. I'm glad that I have several brothers and ward members that speak it so that I can use it throughout my life. I definitely don't want to lose it.
I've saved some money to send the pants, but I don't have time to do it. I'm going to try to do it today or tomorrow, but no guarantees. I've been able to patch up my other pants. You'd be so proud of your son, doing such a great job on sewing his clothes up until they can't be used anymore. hahaha. It doesn't look terrible, but it's also not professional.
Well, I can't write too much more. We didn't get much time this week, but know that I love you all very much. Take care and be happy!
April 14, 2011
I had an experience this week about optimism. I've been working really hard my whole mission to be optimistic, and I've actually been doing really good. Being optimistic has helped me work on my patience and understanding as well. Anyway, every Sunday we have a sacrament meeting at night for those that couldn't make it in the morning for
whatever reason. It has it's pluses and minuses. So, we were with Hermano Jurado, (our ward mission leader) and we went by to see this man who said he wanted to go to church at night. We came by, and he wasn't there. We went by several other people too, and they either weren't there, or were "too busy." Instead of being negative and
giving up, I decided to be optimistic and continue to think of several people. I immediately thought of Jonathan Martinez, an investigator that we haven't seen in a while and who is a little timid. Instead of being negative and thinking "Oh, he won't come, even if he IS there", I asked Herman Jurado to go by his house. We knocked on the door, and he was watching the America vs Chivas soccer game. Mom, he stopped watching the game and came with us to church. I don't know if you know, but Soccer to Hispanics is as football is to Southerners. He came, and enjoyed it at church. As we took him, we talked with him, and got to know him a little better. I'm so glad you taught me to have a PMA.(positive mental attitude) Thanks for the advice Mom. It just helped us bring someone a little closer to Christ.
Well, gotta get going. As one of the elders that I know said, "Let's make like a guillotine and head off" Take care and be happy. I love you!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Finally...blog update: December 2010 through February 2011
DECEMBER 2010 ELY, NEVADA
I found EGG NOG! I was able to buy a couple of jugs so I'm a happy camper.
Things were a little slow earlier. The Christmas rush was keeping people busy shopping on the weekends, cold weather keeping them inside, and basketball season is taking up almost all the time of our younger investigators. But, life goes on. If we work diligently, we'll be fine.
Spanish work out here in the Ely area is very scarce. I do get to use my Spanish still though, because my companion, Elder Reyes, speaks Spanish as well Elder Aguilar went back to Vegas. Elder Reyes and I were in the same district working in my first area in the Paraiso ward. It's awesome that we're now companions. We enjoy reminiscing about memories in the Paradise stake and have had quite a few laughs.
It's getting a little colder too. We wanted to build a snowman and take a picture with it so that we could make a Christmas card out of it, but there's no snow right now. We COULD bike here, except for the fact that it's so cold. Well, in all reality, I'm more worried about the ice instead. I'm pretty sure bike riding on ice is a little frictionless.
I am so sorry to hear about Mia William’s death. Please give her family my condolences, and tell them that I will pray for them. I'm so happy that we have a perfect plan from our Heavenly Father. While losing a loved one causes us to grieve so, aren't you glad that we know what really happens? Aren't you glad to know that our family is eternal? I love sharing that message with others. That's why I'm out here. I wish I had understood things as well before the mission as I do now. I know I will not fear death as I get older because of the understanding that I have now of Heavenly father‘s plan for us. I'm not saying that the thought of death wouldn't bother me; there are things that I'd like to do (having a family is on the top o' the list), but I do not fear life after death. I don't say that to boast. I say that to assure you and others as well that I KNOW death isn't the end, that Jesus Christ has made a way for us to live after death, and that through His power, our families can be sealed for time and all eternity. Death is not the end, it is the beginning. Please tell her family that I KNOW with every fiber of my being that they can see her again.
Anyways, things have been picking up the pace now that the Holidays are over. I think that if I had planned better, it would have been more effective. Just FYI, I got in an accident. We are fine and the other car received no damage. We were driving UNDER the speed limit when we hit a patch of black ice. I started breaking at 100 feet going 20 to 25 mph and we still rear-ended an SUV. They had a solid steel bumper and trailer hitch that caused $4,094.35 worth of damage to us. When I called the mission office no one was mad. The accident was pretty much unpreventable even though I was driving cautiously. I was driving slow and started breaking at the right distance. I still feel badly about it.
Christmas on your end sounds like it was great. After my phone call home, Elder Reyes and I went to the convention center to help out with a community Christmas Dinner. We served and helped clean up. Then we went to make a couple of calls, and went to our dinner appointment and afterwards went to deliver some DVDs to a member. That was Christmas for us. I enjoyed the gifts you sent me. I've already used some of the “ Hot Hands”, it's pretty cold right now.
Tell everyone that I said Merry Christmas and that I love them lots.
con mucho amor
Elder Parker
JANUARY 2011 1st through 20th
It's hard to believe that I've been out 14 months already, but it's even harder to believe Dad, that you've been in the stake presidency for 8 years already. I'm glad to know that you enjoy your calling. It disappoints me to hear someone say "Oh I can't wait ‘til I get released". Are they really miserable in their calling? Even though missionary work is hard, and I'll be excited when it is time to come home, I will TERRIBLY miss the service and opportunities that I have as a missionary. This is the only time in my life that I get to enjoy the power of this calling and it will be a very bittersweet moment when I'm released. So, I’m happy to know that you enjoy your calling, despite how hard it is. Thanks for being a great example.
Shelby's getting married in February, Kim in May and Amber and Russell are expecting. Tell them congrats. It's so weird how people I grew up with in youth are starting to get married. I’m starting to feel a little old. Growing up is scary.
Regarding my driver’s license renewal: Apparently, I'm not considered a resident of Nevada, so I can't get a NV license. We're doing some more research because other missionaries have gotten a NV license. We'll get this sorted out but I wish Alabama would‘ve considered a mission like they do the military and college and let me renew. I don't know why it's such a big deal.
Dad, I’m sorry that your brother David passed away. I'm glad that you were able to go to Texas for the funeral and see Grandpa, Aunt Donna and the rest of the family. I sure appreciate Grandpa giving me one of David’s knives. Keep it safe will ya? I really miss having a knife on me. It's against mission rules to have one, but I can see why because some missionaries do NOT get along. Why tempt them by letting them have a knife?
I loved the pictures of family you took out there. You’re right, Dad and Mary do not look 80. A return trip to Texas when I am back sounds awesome. I'd love to see Grandpa Parker and Mary again. I can't believe that it's been that long since we made that trip for Paulette’s wedding. That means that I had just been made a deacon and had just ended my first year of baseball.
Yep, we still have plenty of snow. It barely gets above freezing even in broad daylight. Yesterday was pretty warm though..... 40 degrees. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this when I learned I was going to the Las Vegas mission.
It seems to me that your stake conference was awesome. I've really come to enjoy meetings and conferences more.... especially General Conference. Remember how I would always fall asleep? Not anymore. Not to say I don't get tired, but I try my hardest to stay awake so that I can get more out of it.
Love you all!
con mucho amor
Elder Parker
JANUARY 2011 (3rd & 4th week )LAS VEGAS
I'm back in Vegas now, so there's no more walking. I'm on bike, which is great. As comfortable as a car is, I enjoy biking and the exercise that comes with it. My new companion is Elder Vega. He's only been out two months, but he's seems to have gotten the hang of things already. He's very easy to get along with, and we have quite a few things in common. He's very diligent and obedient too. I'm very blessed to have had nothing but awesome and kind companions throughout my mission. I'm hoping it's stays that way. Things are picking up. We have a baptism planned this Saturday, and another one for the 13th of February. We are also teaching several other investigators that are on their way.
I want to say thank you for being diligent in emailing me. You have no idea how much it means to me to have the unconditional support you guys give me. Thanks of keeping me updated with the things back home too. I'm proud of your work ethic too. You still give it your all when you work. That's always stuck with me. I hope I can be HALF the worker that you are.
Take care and be happy! I love you very much and hope all goes well with you.
con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
FEBRUARY 2011
Regarding our investigator I told you about: Elder Vega and I were discussing it, and we think she HAS felt the Spirit but hasn't recognized it, or won't admit it. We have an appointment with her today. We left her with the assignment to read from the beginning of the Book of Mormon. She lives with a member family, so she has some help with that. We'll keep trying.
So, I finally had menudo. You know, the soup with cow stomach? yeah........... the flavor was actually good..... I just couldn't handle the texture or the heinous smell.
We ran into a man yesterday who turned out to be a pastor. To put make a long story short, he went on quite a rant about how we were preaching a false doctrine, and how the water in John 3:5 refers to actual birth and not water baptism. He then claimed that baptism isn't a requisite for salvation. I asked him why Jesus was baptized then. He said to fulfill all righteousness. Then I asked, "Doesn't that mean that it's a commandment?" He then said yes. I don't think he caught that he just contradicted himself because he kept on ranting and showing me different scriptures. I just stayed quiet. He looked at me and said "I just blew your mind didn't I?"
I replied, "eh..... Not so much, no."
Then he kept going on and said that he could prove it to me and yadda, yadda, yadda.
I finally told him "Sir, you are just a man. You can NOT convince me what you say is true. Only the Holy Ghost can."
He kept going and I just stayed quiet. I did what I was supposed to do..... I testified and avoided contention. As we rode away, I thought to myself "Well, that's someone I am not
responsible for."
To respond to your question on what your friend ought to read, I would suggest Alma 36. In this chapter, Alma is telling his son Helaman about his conversion experience. He describes his anguish for his sins, and then describes his joy at his forgiveness. Even though they have sinned, they can't have been as bad as Alma the Younger. He lead people astray, and deliberately tried to destroy the church. I think that's the best thing for them to read. Don't give up on them, just keep up the support. I've seen those with addictions out here, and the best thing to do is to just support them and tell them that they CAN BE FORGIVEN!!!! It's true. I KNOW that it does heal the broken and wounded soul. Don’t let anyone feel that they are beyond the reach of the Atoning power of Christ.
Also, I’ve heard that if they can attend the addiction classes they will get extra help since the classes focus on the Atonement of Christ and teaches them how they can apply it.
Sister Mozzo’s death was a shock…give them my condolences will you?
Love you lots and am inspired by your hard work and example. I mean it. I really do.
Take care and be happy!
I found EGG NOG! I was able to buy a couple of jugs so I'm a happy camper.
Things were a little slow earlier. The Christmas rush was keeping people busy shopping on the weekends, cold weather keeping them inside, and basketball season is taking up almost all the time of our younger investigators. But, life goes on. If we work diligently, we'll be fine.
Spanish work out here in the Ely area is very scarce. I do get to use my Spanish still though, because my companion, Elder Reyes, speaks Spanish as well Elder Aguilar went back to Vegas. Elder Reyes and I were in the same district working in my first area in the Paraiso ward. It's awesome that we're now companions. We enjoy reminiscing about memories in the Paradise stake and have had quite a few laughs.
It's getting a little colder too. We wanted to build a snowman and take a picture with it so that we could make a Christmas card out of it, but there's no snow right now. We COULD bike here, except for the fact that it's so cold. Well, in all reality, I'm more worried about the ice instead. I'm pretty sure bike riding on ice is a little frictionless.
I am so sorry to hear about Mia William’s death. Please give her family my condolences, and tell them that I will pray for them. I'm so happy that we have a perfect plan from our Heavenly Father. While losing a loved one causes us to grieve so, aren't you glad that we know what really happens? Aren't you glad to know that our family is eternal? I love sharing that message with others. That's why I'm out here. I wish I had understood things as well before the mission as I do now. I know I will not fear death as I get older because of the understanding that I have now of Heavenly father‘s plan for us. I'm not saying that the thought of death wouldn't bother me; there are things that I'd like to do (having a family is on the top o' the list), but I do not fear life after death. I don't say that to boast. I say that to assure you and others as well that I KNOW death isn't the end, that Jesus Christ has made a way for us to live after death, and that through His power, our families can be sealed for time and all eternity. Death is not the end, it is the beginning. Please tell her family that I KNOW with every fiber of my being that they can see her again.
Anyways, things have been picking up the pace now that the Holidays are over. I think that if I had planned better, it would have been more effective. Just FYI, I got in an accident. We are fine and the other car received no damage. We were driving UNDER the speed limit when we hit a patch of black ice. I started breaking at 100 feet going 20 to 25 mph and we still rear-ended an SUV. They had a solid steel bumper and trailer hitch that caused $4,094.35 worth of damage to us. When I called the mission office no one was mad. The accident was pretty much unpreventable even though I was driving cautiously. I was driving slow and started breaking at the right distance. I still feel badly about it.
Christmas on your end sounds like it was great. After my phone call home, Elder Reyes and I went to the convention center to help out with a community Christmas Dinner. We served and helped clean up. Then we went to make a couple of calls, and went to our dinner appointment and afterwards went to deliver some DVDs to a member. That was Christmas for us. I enjoyed the gifts you sent me. I've already used some of the “ Hot Hands”, it's pretty cold right now.
Tell everyone that I said Merry Christmas and that I love them lots.
con mucho amor
Elder Parker
JANUARY 2011 1st through 20th
It's hard to believe that I've been out 14 months already, but it's even harder to believe Dad, that you've been in the stake presidency for 8 years already. I'm glad to know that you enjoy your calling. It disappoints me to hear someone say "Oh I can't wait ‘til I get released". Are they really miserable in their calling? Even though missionary work is hard, and I'll be excited when it is time to come home, I will TERRIBLY miss the service and opportunities that I have as a missionary. This is the only time in my life that I get to enjoy the power of this calling and it will be a very bittersweet moment when I'm released. So, I’m happy to know that you enjoy your calling, despite how hard it is. Thanks for being a great example.
Shelby's getting married in February, Kim in May and Amber and Russell are expecting. Tell them congrats. It's so weird how people I grew up with in youth are starting to get married. I’m starting to feel a little old. Growing up is scary.
Regarding my driver’s license renewal: Apparently, I'm not considered a resident of Nevada, so I can't get a NV license. We're doing some more research because other missionaries have gotten a NV license. We'll get this sorted out but I wish Alabama would‘ve considered a mission like they do the military and college and let me renew. I don't know why it's such a big deal.
Dad, I’m sorry that your brother David passed away. I'm glad that you were able to go to Texas for the funeral and see Grandpa, Aunt Donna and the rest of the family. I sure appreciate Grandpa giving me one of David’s knives. Keep it safe will ya? I really miss having a knife on me. It's against mission rules to have one, but I can see why because some missionaries do NOT get along. Why tempt them by letting them have a knife?
I loved the pictures of family you took out there. You’re right, Dad and Mary do not look 80. A return trip to Texas when I am back sounds awesome. I'd love to see Grandpa Parker and Mary again. I can't believe that it's been that long since we made that trip for Paulette’s wedding. That means that I had just been made a deacon and had just ended my first year of baseball.
Yep, we still have plenty of snow. It barely gets above freezing even in broad daylight. Yesterday was pretty warm though..... 40 degrees. Honestly, I wasn't expecting this when I learned I was going to the Las Vegas mission.
It seems to me that your stake conference was awesome. I've really come to enjoy meetings and conferences more.... especially General Conference. Remember how I would always fall asleep? Not anymore. Not to say I don't get tired, but I try my hardest to stay awake so that I can get more out of it.
Love you all!
con mucho amor
Elder Parker
JANUARY 2011 (3rd & 4th week )LAS VEGAS
I'm back in Vegas now, so there's no more walking. I'm on bike, which is great. As comfortable as a car is, I enjoy biking and the exercise that comes with it. My new companion is Elder Vega. He's only been out two months, but he's seems to have gotten the hang of things already. He's very easy to get along with, and we have quite a few things in common. He's very diligent and obedient too. I'm very blessed to have had nothing but awesome and kind companions throughout my mission. I'm hoping it's stays that way. Things are picking up. We have a baptism planned this Saturday, and another one for the 13th of February. We are also teaching several other investigators that are on their way.
I want to say thank you for being diligent in emailing me. You have no idea how much it means to me to have the unconditional support you guys give me. Thanks of keeping me updated with the things back home too. I'm proud of your work ethic too. You still give it your all when you work. That's always stuck with me. I hope I can be HALF the worker that you are.
Take care and be happy! I love you very much and hope all goes well with you.
con mucho amor,
Elder Parker
FEBRUARY 2011
Regarding our investigator I told you about: Elder Vega and I were discussing it, and we think she HAS felt the Spirit but hasn't recognized it, or won't admit it. We have an appointment with her today. We left her with the assignment to read from the beginning of the Book of Mormon. She lives with a member family, so she has some help with that. We'll keep trying.
So, I finally had menudo. You know, the soup with cow stomach? yeah........... the flavor was actually good..... I just couldn't handle the texture or the heinous smell.
We ran into a man yesterday who turned out to be a pastor. To put make a long story short, he went on quite a rant about how we were preaching a false doctrine, and how the water in John 3:5 refers to actual birth and not water baptism. He then claimed that baptism isn't a requisite for salvation. I asked him why Jesus was baptized then. He said to fulfill all righteousness. Then I asked, "Doesn't that mean that it's a commandment?" He then said yes. I don't think he caught that he just contradicted himself because he kept on ranting and showing me different scriptures. I just stayed quiet. He looked at me and said "I just blew your mind didn't I?"
I replied, "eh..... Not so much, no."
Then he kept going on and said that he could prove it to me and yadda, yadda, yadda.
I finally told him "Sir, you are just a man. You can NOT convince me what you say is true. Only the Holy Ghost can."
He kept going and I just stayed quiet. I did what I was supposed to do..... I testified and avoided contention. As we rode away, I thought to myself "Well, that's someone I am not
responsible for."
To respond to your question on what your friend ought to read, I would suggest Alma 36. In this chapter, Alma is telling his son Helaman about his conversion experience. He describes his anguish for his sins, and then describes his joy at his forgiveness. Even though they have sinned, they can't have been as bad as Alma the Younger. He lead people astray, and deliberately tried to destroy the church. I think that's the best thing for them to read. Don't give up on them, just keep up the support. I've seen those with addictions out here, and the best thing to do is to just support them and tell them that they CAN BE FORGIVEN!!!! It's true. I KNOW that it does heal the broken and wounded soul. Don’t let anyone feel that they are beyond the reach of the Atoning power of Christ.
Also, I’ve heard that if they can attend the addiction classes they will get extra help since the classes focus on the Atonement of Christ and teaches them how they can apply it.
Sister Mozzo’s death was a shock…give them my condolences will you?
Love you lots and am inspired by your hard work and example. I mean it. I really do.
Take care and be happy!
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