Transfer Day and I'm Staying Put

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, I'm on.  Yes, I got the cd's and the cd player, thank you so much.  I found out that we cannot Skype on Mother's Day, but oh well.  Transfers are today and I am staying right where I am.  No other big news, haha.  So how are things?

Mom:  Things are good.  Did you get a new companion?

Elder Parkinson:  No, still with the same companion, Elder Calder, and I am happy about that because he is so cool.  Um, yeah, I hope that u could send another video and hopefully this one will work.

Mom:  Oh good :)  Yes, we will definitely try another video.  How was the baptism yesterday?

Elder Parkinson:  It was the coolest experience of my life.  The spirit was so strong.  The kid is such a stud.  I love him so much and hope the best for him.  I am doing the confirmation next week.

Mom:  That is amazing.  What a wonderful experience.  How old is the boy?  When is your next baptism set for?

Elder Parkinson:  He is 9 years old, but acts like he is 15.  Out next baptisms are next week.  I love it out here.  Life is great!  Also, we didn't play soccer this morning, haha.

Mom:  What sport did you play this morning then?  I loved all the soda you got at Walmart :)

Elder Parkinson:  Um, hahaha, we didn't play anything this morning because one of the kids in our district is leaving this morning, so we helped him pack.  I think we will play soccer in a little bit.  Um, yeah I love my good old Coke Zero, haha.  The Mountain Dew is my companion's.  I forgot to tell you that I can't believe that Rich is on a bike!  Well, I am so good and I love it here in Cali.  I love every second.  Um, I have one question, can u ask Hannah if she got my letter because I haven't heard from her in a while.  I hope that that letter I wrote helped Austin.  He wrote me something that really hit me in one of his letters to me.  He said that I hope that the people can see that this church is made out of people like you.  That hit me deep.  Tell those two (Austin and Cooper) that I love them so much and can't wait to talk to them in 2 weeks.  Um, I am so happy that I am out here and know that you guys are being blessed from this so much.  I am also getting blessed as well.  The language is coming along.  I know that the gift of tongues is real and that the Lord loves me so much.  I hope u get his and can reply.

Mom:  I think your mission is definitely helping your brothers and blessing our entire family.  It is such a great example for them to see that you are willing to give 2 years of your life to the Lord.  I will touch base with Hannah about the letter.  So where did you get that hat that you showed us on the video?  Also, what is your favorite thing that you have eaten?  Is there anything else that you can think you need?  Do you know yet what time you will get to call on Mother's Day?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, when we were moving the other elders, the hat was in their apartment so I claimed it, haha.  The food question is really hard.  Everything is so good.  I don't know what my favorite is.  Um, with calling on Mother's Day, I don't know the time but my comp is calling first and then I will call.  He said I can talk for as long as I want.  The only thing I can think that I would like are just some more cds if you find any.  I miss country!  Oh, and you never answered my question about the motorcycle.

Mom:  Ah, the dreaded motorcycle question :)  You know that those things make me nervous!  We will have to have that discussion when you get home :)  How did your interview with President Martin go?

Elder Parkinson:  Okay, sounds good, haha.  My interview was great.  We just talk.

Mom:  So you said your next baptisms are next Sunday?  Are you doing them?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, they are next Sunday and I have no idea who will be doing them.  I will know tomorrow.  So I guess I loved country a lot more than I thought I did, haha.  I am about to leave so I love you and love all that you have done for me and all the many hard things that u had to go through.  Um, I am doing great and if you see a transaction on my debit card it's because I'm going to buy Alex, the boy who we just baptized, a little something.  That is why I love the people out here.  Keep strong and I would like more pics and that video of you guys.  Love you.

Walmart Gift Cards Well Spent

Elder Parkinson went on a little shopping spree at Walmart last P-day.  He has informed us that his Walmart Gift Cards are now all spent.

Trying Hard To Be Who God Wants Me To Be

We decided to try something a little different this week.  Since the internet connection at the library in Van Nuys is so slow, JP sent a longer email first telling about his week and then we emailed back and forth.  This way we made sure he was able to tell us all he wanted to.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, all is well out here.  We moved some elders into a new apartment on Friday and it was about 98 degrees.  It was really hot.  The cd player and disk haven't gotten to me yet.  I love it out here, it is great.  Um nothing too exciting this week, but we are working hard and I love it.  Transfers are next Monday, but I will probably stay right where I'm at.  Um, what else..... we have been knocking a lot.  I love it because it helps my Spanish so much.  We have 2 baptisms coming up on Sunday.  I am so excited.  I'm not baptizing, but it is still way cool.  Idk of anything else that I need.  I am doing great, haha.  I hate soccer, but oh well, what am I going to do.  I am just so bad at it.  Tell Austin that I will be writing him a letter today and to not be afraid, because that is when you make mistakes.

Mom:  Hi sweetheart!  It sounds like you are doing awesome and that makes me SO happy!  Have you given your testimony in church yet?

Elder Parkinson:  Not yet, haha, but I plan on it.  Um, how is life back home?  I am so happy that we have the technology to email.

Mom:  I know!!! I love emailing with you :)  So how often do you see President Martin?  I think you should just teach all the people how to play basketball and then you wouldn't have to play soccer :)  Everything is good here.  It has been pretty warm and the driveway is finally in, yay!  Have you had to give any blessings?  Are you eating and sleeping well?

Elder Parkinson:  I have given one blessing and yes all is good.  I sleep well and the members feed us a lot.  Um, I don't see President that much and haha that would be hard for me to teach them all to play basketball.  Oh well, haha.  So my companion and I were talking about cars and then started talking about bikes (like the one Mike Flo has) and I was just wondering what your stand on that is?

Mom:  My stand on bikes (motorcycles) versus cars?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, no, just on bikes in general, haha, cause I kinda want one now.

Mom:  I would have to say "no comment,"  haha :)

Elder Parkinson:  Well, um, I guess that this email thing is so slow but I am doing so good and I love you so much.  I am so happy to be out here on a mission and can't wait to get my Enya cd's and cd player, haha.  I am working hard and can't wait for Mother's Day.  I hope that all stays good back home and I am so happy that Austin is starting to work harder.  Tell him it is so worth it to put the work in because God will bless you.  I am happy that Cooper is jumping well.  I love all of you guys so much and can't wait to see your faces again, haha.  Everyone out here says that it goes by so fast.  I am trying so hard to be who God wants me to be and I love every second of my mission.  So for this week, we have interviews with President and also tell Austin that I love him.  Tell him that he will be fine and he is a good player.  Tell dad that I am so thankful for the example of hard work that he has set for me.  Mom, thank you so much for always being there for me and doing all you do for me.  Everyday there is something that reminds me of an old memory.

Mom:  I love you soooo much!!! Thanks for emailing and I hope that you have a fabulous week :)  Hugs and Kisses!

Cooking Steaks

Elder Parkinson hasn't let us down yet with his weekly sim card and interesting photos.  Here are the latest.

 Elder Parkinson Showing Off The Dinner He Cooked By Himself

 A Little Wrestling With Elder Christensen

 The Wall Of Home

 His Basketball Hoop Looks Like It Is Securely Installed

The Chain Used For His Bike

It Better Not Get Stolen With That Thing!

So Cool To See The Lord Help Me With My Spanish

The emailing today was a little rough.  I think the internet connection at the Van Nuys library was struggling a little.  It would take about 10 minutes in between each email to get a reply.  Elder Parkinson still sounds "great" and is loving everything about his mission.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  Everything is great here in Cali.  Um, the car show thing is just a car company that has done that to all their cars.  Also, it is called "pimp my ride."  That is crazy what happened at Bountiful High (the school was put on lockdown for a chemical bomb).  I am so happy for Abbey for signing with Central Wyoming.  She will have a great time there.  Um, next time u see her tell her congrats.

Mom:  Hi cutie!!!  Yes, I will tell Abbey congrats for you.  Who took you to the car show?

Elder Parkinson:  It was just me, my companion and 2 other missionaries.  Also, thank you for the bread.  I love it, it is so good!  Elder Christensen also loved the ties.

Mom:  I'm glad you liked the bread and that the ties worked out.  Let me know if there is anything else that you need.  So how was your week?  Anything exciting happen?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, yeah.  We went on exchanges twice with other missionaries and the second time I had to lead our area and talk the whole time in Spanish.  It was really cool to see the Lord help me with my Spanish.  Um, what else.....oh, hahaha, we ran into this guy who just loves to argue with us.  So we just talk with him, haha.  He thinks the way we get the Holy Ghost is by reading the Bible and just praying, no laying on of hands needed.  Oh, there is one thing that you could send.  Could you send me all of the Enya cd's?  It is good music and it is approved.

Mom:  How fun!!! It sounds like your Spanish is going very well.  Yes, I will send the Enya cd's.  Do you have something to play the cd's with, or do you need a cd player also?  If I remember, all you took was an iPod shuffle.

Elder Parkinson:  Um, a cd player would be nice.  So how are things back home?

Mom:  Should I send the cd player and the cd's to the mission home, or to your address?  Things are good. Austin and Cooper are busy with their sports.  Austin is a little down lately, because he thinks he doesn't have much of a chance to play basketball in college.  We don't really know where this is coming from.  Cooper has his first track meet and baseball games this week.  Dad is staying busy with work and golf, haha.  I am just doing the usual :)  So did you go bowling last Pday?  I saw a charge on your debit card that looked like it was for bowling, haha.

Elder Parkinson:  Um, yes we went bowling, haha.  Tell Austin that he has the skill to do anything he wants.  If I can play in college, he definitely can.  Oh, and send the cd stuff to the mission home for safety.

Mom:  Okay, I will send them to the mission home.  How long does it take you to get things from there?  How are your contacts holding up?  So everything is good?  I love you lots!

Elder Parkinson:  Contacts are great and idk um like 3 days from the mission home.  Not too bad.  I am great and I love you too.

I can tell this connection is really slow and I have to go, but I am doing great.  I love the mission.  I am so happy that I am out here and I know that the Lord is with me.  I am so happy that the Lord is on our side.  I love you guys so much and I can't wait to see you guys again and to talk to u in a month.  Well, til next week.  I love you so much.

"Cowboy Up"

We received a letter in the mail from Elder Parkinson today along with another sim card.  He is doing such a great job at taking photos.  We appreciate them so much!!!!  A few of the highlights from his letter:

-"Cowboy Up" is their motto 

-He said they never stop working and he likes that because it makes the days go super fast!

-Taught 24 lessons last week

-Having such a good time

-The food out there is so, so good

 Elder Parkinson is loved :)

 Elder Calder Roasting Hot Tamales Over Some Butane

 Elder Parkinson's desk.  It is actually pretty organized.

 Elder's Parkinson and Calder Heading Out On Their P Day.

Elder Parkinson Got Taken To A Car Show For P Day

I Love This Time Of Year

Just love emailing back and forth with this boy.  Once again, he is doing amazing!

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  My Easter was great.  We went to church and then just went and helped people with english.  They also helped me with my spanish and fed us.  I love this time of year.  It is starting to get hot here in Cali.

Mom:  Hi cutie.  Your Easter sounds great!  Did you get your Easter package?  I saw that last weekend was pretty warm there, but it looks like it is going to cool off a little this week.  How is your spanish?  Are you able to communicate and understand most everything?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, yes I got the package and I am very happy.  I can understand a lot of the spanish, but speaking it is still coming.  The weather is great here.  We played tennis this morning.

Mom:  Tennis?  Have you ever played tennis before?  Do you ever get to go to the temple?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, yeah I used to play with Rich.  We only get to go to the temple 2 times a year.  Also, um, how is Mike Flo doing?  Do you know?

Mom:  Only 2 times per year huh.  Well, that's better than nothing.  I only see Mike's posts on Facebook and it looks like he is doing okay.  So, do you have your first baptismal date set yet?

Elder Parkinson:  We have 4 set.  2 are in 2 weeks and the other 2 are the next week.

Mom:  Do you know the exact date?  Who is it for, just a single person?  Do you get to teach any kids?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, it's the 29th and it is for a mom and a kid.  Yeah, we teach two kids.  They are so cool.  I love the members also.

Mom:  That is awesome!  How old are the kids?

Elder Parkinson:  One is 9 and the other is 10.

Mom:  How cute!  Are they both Hispanic?  So did that new sd card that I sent work?  How are all of your clothes and shoes holding up?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, they are both Hispanic.  The sd card works very well, thanks.  The clothes and shoes are great.  So I broke a bed of the kid I was teaching, haha.  My comp and I were teaching him and he asked me to sit down on his bed and when I did, the corner of the bed broke.  I fixed it though, haha!  I am so fat.

Mom:  You are not fat!!!  That is hilarious though :)  What do you do when it rains?

Elder Parkinson:  We walk and I wear my rain coat.  The rain coat is really nice.

Mom:  So everything is good?  Anything at all that you need?  I love you SOOOOO much and thank you again for the video.  It made my entire year :)

Elder Parkinson:  Um, maybe if you could send me some Grandma Sycamore's bread because all of the break out here is lame.  I think that is all, oh, um a really skinny tie for one of the kids in my district.  His name is Elder Christensen and he is from Arizona.  He is my favorite.  Other than that I am doing great.  I love every second out here.  I can feel the Lord's love every day.  Oh, and tell Gary that when I hit my 18 month mark, I would like him to send me a small workout plan to get back into shape.

Mom:  Sounds good.  I am so happy for you.  We pray for you and think of you everyday.  Keep working hard and sharing this amazing Gospel with others.

Elder Parkinson:  Just remember that I love all of you guys so much and I love the mission.  Um, I also love the Lord for watching over me and you guys.  I know that he protects missionaries.  We are about to go, but when you or anyone sends packages, send them to the mission home.  That way they are safer.  I love you guys so much.  Until next week.

In For A Treat

We were so excited to get Jordan's letter in the mail this week, since Jordan had told us we would be in for a treat.  On the sim card he sent, he decided to make a short video.  We loved it and loved to see his cute face.

Teaching 20 Lessons A Week

Jordan emailed yesterday on his P-day.  Our family was up in Sun Valley, visiting family, so it was a little interesting to see if we would be able to email back and forth.  It all worked out and we are happy to hear that Elder Parkinson is loving everything about his mission so far.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey I'm on now if you get this.

Mom:  Yes, I am.  I am heading into grandma's office and will be able to email with you in about 5 minutes.............Okay, I'm here.  How are you today?  How was your week?

Elder Parkinson:  I am great, haha.  My week flew by and General Conference was so good.

Mom:  Where do you email from?  I also loved General Conference.  It was so inspiring and so many great talks.

Elder Parkinson:  I email from the library.  This week in my letter home you guys are in for a real treat.

Mom:  Wow, now I am even more excited to get your letter home :)  Is there anything that you are needing?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, that sd card that you sent to me doesn't work.

Mom:  Okay, I can either send you a new one or you can go and buy one yourself.  Did you get my email with all of my questions?

Elder  Parkinson:  Will you send me a new one please?  My area is great and so is the food.  Yes, I cook breakfast every morning.  We teach a lot in spanish and that is all I can remember from your questions.

Mom:  What do you cook for breakfast?  Do you get fed a lot?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, I do get fed all the time and I cook eggs and what else....um potatoes, bacon and sausage.

Mom:  Sounds good.  What do you do on your P days?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, in the morning we play sports, then we email, then shop, then do laundry, then whatever else there is to do.

Mom:  So what about your companion?  What are his interests?  How long has he been out?

Elder Parkinson:  He loves four wheeling and jeeps.  We get along pretty well and he has been out for 9 months.  He is a great guy.

Mom:  Oh good!  Did you get your dad's letter and the other package?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, I did.  I loved both of them.  My comp is like dang people love you haha.  I also got another bday package from Hannah.  We already have 4 baptismal dates set and we teach like 20 lessons a week.

Mom:  I am so excited that you are teaching 20 lessons a week.  That is so amazing!!!!  How is the bike?  Do you ride a lot?  Is the traffic scary?  We love you sosososososo much and are so proud of what you are accomplishing and the blessings you are bringing to others.  Let me know is there is anything that you need besides the sim card.  Also, are there any questions you had for me?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, the bike is great and the traffic is not too bad.  Um yeah, we ride a lot.  I love you too.  I don't really have much else besides how is life back home?  Is there any big news with Bountiful or anything?

Mom:  Not really any big news.  We are getting the driveway redone.  The spring conditioning for basketball starts next week.  We are heading to Vegas this weekend for a basketball tournament that Austin is going to play in.  He is excited to be back.  Cooper is staying busy with track and baseball.  Also, DJ got called to serve in Las Vegas, Nevada and leaves August 8.

Elder Parkinson:  Oh good.  Well my time is about up, but tell everyone back home that I love them and I love you so much.  Um, I love Monday's.  I can't wait for u to see what is in my letter.  Well, I have to go.  Love you so much.

This email came through about 2 hours later......

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I have a story for u also.  So we were at Del Taco one day and this guy started talking to us and he asked us the question "Do u Mormons wear special underwear" haha.  It was just so funny.  Then there were these homeless guys that just loved talking to us and just kept telling us that we were wrong.  Then we have only had one person who has been rude to us when we were tracting.  It has been great.