Working Hard And Baptizing

This week was a little odd emailing with Elder Parkinson.  He started to email and then said he would be back after he played some basketball.  I finally figured out that he was in Lancaster emailing, whereas he is usually in Lake Los Angeles first and then heads down to Lancaster after emailing.  I wasn't sure when he would email again, but luckily it worked out that I was still available when he emailed later.  He is doing great and still loving everything about his mission and the work.  We are now 3/4 of the way through this mission and can't wait for December to come.

Elder Parkinson:  Well all went well this week and we are working hard.  My new companion's name is Elder Farnsworth and he is from Colorado.  He is cool and I like him a lot.  He is a hard worker, but is chill about things, haha.  The broadcast yesterday was good, but I was expecting a bigger announcement too.  I hope that all goes well with the house this week and that you can start digging a hole next week.  I am glad that Austin and Cooper are doing well.  That is great that Austin liked the Manti pageant..  I can't believe that he bit a hole in tongue.  That is crazy!!!  I am so excited for Jase to start his mission.  He will do great and please tell him that I say hi.  The only things that I know about my new mission president are  that his name is President Wilson and he is from Cedar City, Utah.  Well, I love you and can't wait to hear from you.

This is Austin's tongue after he bit it at basketball practice.  The hole goes all the way through.

Mom:  I am so glad to hear that you are doing well.  It is such a blessing that you like your companion. How long has he been out?  Has being a district leader been hard?

Elder Parkinson:  My comp is brand new and I am training him.  It is not that hard being the district leader and yes it is such a blessing that we get along so well.  So what's new?

Mom:  Yay, you have another "son!"  Nothing too much is new here except that the house is actually coming along and we are busy with sports and getting ready for Lake Powell.  I am going to meet gramps in Pocatello tomorrow to switch him vehicles.  Since nobody that we are going to Powell with has a truck, we need the extra bed space for coolers and drinks and such.  So you can rub it in about needing a truck even more now ;)

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I told you that trucks are the only way to go :)  That is great that you are going to take gramps' truck.  I will be back in a little bit.  I am going to play ball but I will be back to email more...............

2 hours later

Mom:  When will you be back?  Are you there now?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I have time now.  I am mad, so I am just cooling off.

Mom:  What are you mad about?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, just bball.  We were playing some guys that foul a lot and I don't like people like that.

Mom:  Yeah, that's not fun to play against people like that.  What are your plans for today?  How did the baptism go?

Elder Parkinson:  It went well and we are just going to chill until we catch the bus back to Lake LA.  My kid did the baptism and it was a great experience for him.

Mom:  That's awesome for him!  We really need pictures.  It's been almost a month since you have sent a SIM card ;)  Do you have any other potential investigators?  Are you doing well?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, okay, I will send a SIM card home for you.  We have a couple of people that we are working with right now.  I am doing great and I am ready to just get back into Spanish work.

Mom:  Is it hard to find the Spanish people?  Has it been hot there?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, it is a little hard to find them.  It is not to hot here, but how is the temp there?

Mom:  It has only been in the 80's lately, so that is nice.  Is your new companion tall?  Is he going to stay in the Bakersfield mission?  I just realized that I am not going to be able to email with you next week because I don't think we'll have service in Powell.  You'll have to send me a really long, good email next Monday.  I love you so much!!!

Elder Parkinson:  My companion is about 6 foot and yes, he is going to stay in this mission.  I will for sure write you a good email next week.  I love you so much and I hope that you have a great time at Powell.

The 4th of July package that will be on it's way to Lake LA this week.

District Leader in Lake Los Angeles

Today was a big transfer day in the San Fernando mission.  Since the mission will be split on July 1, this transfer determined where they will serve the remainder of their mission.  Elder Parkinson will now become a part of the Bakersfield mission on July 1 since he is staying in the desert.  There is also going to be a broadcast this Sunday that all of the missionaries are supposed to watch as well as every member of the church.  It is a broadcast meant for mission presidents and I have heard that there is going to be a major announcement.  We are excited to see what more exciting news may be coming our way.

Elder Parkinson:  Okay, well I am staying here in the same house and I will be getting another new missionary.  Elder Zobrist will be leaving to the valley.  I am also going to be the district leader for Lake LA.  The baptism got moved to this Sunday because yesterday was Father's day.  Tell dad that his card is on the way.  I was a little late getting it off.  That is crazy that the MTC has to hold their devotionals in the Marriott Center.  I think it's so cool.  Yeah, all the missionaries have to watch the broadcast on Sunday too, so we will see what it is about.  That is great that they boys are doing good in basketball.  When do they come to Cali to play?  I am very scared that Austin is getting his license in September.  I think you are going to have more problems with him than you did with me, haha.  That is good to hear that the house will be coming along soon.  Well, I can't wait to hear from you.

Mom:  That is great that you are staying in the same area.  Are you happy about that?  Does that mean that you will be in the Bakersfield mission?  What do you think about being the district leader for Lake LA?  Are you still going to have to do both Spanish and English?  Do you know who your new companion will be?  I think Austin will be okay driving as long as he doesn't try to impress his friends.  We are going to be in Cali from July 10-14 with the basketball team.

Elder Parkinson:  Well I am happy about staying here, haha.  It is going to be cool.  I am also happy to be the district leader.  Yes, I am still over both languages.  It is hard because you have to keep trust with both sides.  I hope that Austin will be okay and drive carefully.  What kind of car is he getting?  Coach will have to take me out again when he's here.

Mom:  So are you going to be in the Bakersfield mission?  Do you know who your new companion will be?  We are looking at 4Runners for Austin because I thought that yours did well.  I will have to see what the basketball schedule is like and see if coach can make it up to Lake LA.

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, I am going to be part of the Bakersfield mission and I won't know who my new companion is until tomorrow.  That is a great car for him and that would be cool if coach could come up.  What are you thinking about my car for when I get back?  Also, the temple was great and Weber is where I am going to go.

Mom:  What great news!  I am glad that you feel good about Weber because I think you will be happy there for lots of reasons.  As far as your car goes, we are still not quite sure yet.  We think that a truck would cost a lot in gas and it would be hard to park on a college campus.  What are your thoughts?  Tell me about your temple trip.  Did you get to see some of your friends?  I hope you took pictures ;)  Did you get your package last week?

Los Angeles Temple

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, Weber is where I want to go.  I am good with whatever for a car.  As long as it gets me from point A to point B.  The temple was great.  I received a lot of answers to prayers and it was so nice.  I did get to see a lot of people.  Can you believe that Elder Calder (his first trainer) goes home on Wednesday?  That is crazy for me.  I did the package and it was perfect, so thank you.

Mom:  I am glad that you received answers at the temple.  What is my favorite place to go when I am feeling troubled and need answers.  There is so much peace there.  This is crazy that Elder Calder is going home on Wednesday!  It is even crazier that you are coming home in December :)  What are your plans for today?  How are you doing and feeling?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, answers really do come at the temple.  I can't believe that I am coming home in December.  I am doing great and feeling great.  For today we are just going and saying goodbye to members and also just packing and stuff like that.

Mom:  That sounds fun!  So will you be doing the baptism this Sunday now that Elder Zobrist is leaving?

Elder Parkinson:  I am not sure who is going to baptize him, but we will figure it out.  So, yeah, whatever car is good but I am going to have to put a system in it, haha.

Mom:  Of course you will need a system in it, haha.  Are all of your clothes holding up?

Elder Parkinson:  They are doing great.  They will get me to the end and then I am throwing almost everything out.

Mom:  Sounds great!  Well, I want you to know how much I love you.  You are such an amazing young man and son.

Elder Parkinson:  Thanks mom.  I love you too and I hope that you have a great week and that all goes how you want it.  I love you so much.

Hot in Cali

Next week is a big transfer week in the San Fernando mission because it will determine if Elder Parkinson will finish his mission in the San Fernando or the Bakersfield mission.  The San Fernando mission is being split on July 1 and all of the elders who are currently serving in the desert areas will become a part of the new Bakersfield mission.  If Jordan stays in the same area where he is at now, he will be a part of the Bakersfield mission.  This would mean 3 different mission presidents in 2 years.  Elder Parkinson is excited to serve no matter where and I know he will continue to be a blessing to all those whom he comes in contact with.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  This week was a hot one.  It was 110 all week long, but it was fun.  The baptism is still good for next Sunday, so I am very happy about that.  We go to the temple tomorrow, so that will be good.  That is fun that Bountiful High won the Utah State team camp and that Austin got to play a lot.  I also think it's funny that he is now old enough to hang out on the boulevard.  I never did really like the vard that much.  I would have rather been playing ps3 or hanging out at home with my friends.  I am glad that Cooper liked the birthday card that I sent, I thought he would.  It took me forever to find a good one for him.  I am happy that Austin and Cooper are staying busy because that means they won't have time to get in trouble.  I am glad to hear that the house is getting closer to getting started and that all is well.  I hope to hear from you soon.  I love you.

Mom:  I am so excited to hear that the baptism is still on for this Sunday.  Are you the one who is going to baptize?  How far is the temple from where you are at?  Do you spend most of the day there?  Make sure to take some pictures.  Speaking of pics, we still haven't gotten any of the ones from when you went sand railing.  

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, um my comp will baptize because he kind of really wanted to have that experience.  The temple is about 2 hours away.  We will get back around 4 and then have dinner and stuff like that.  I will make sure to take some pictures for you.  I was not able to take pics sand railing because I was scared that I would lose my camera.  

Mom:  Well that's nice of you to let your companion do the baptizing.  How are you dealing with the heat?

Elder Parkinson:  It isn't too bad.  I just go and work and get over the heat.  Yeah, my comp really wanted the experience so I will let him do it.

Mom:  So what are your plans for today?  Are you staying hydrated?

Elder Parkinson:  Today I am going to get a hair cut and then I don't know what we are going to do.  I am staying plenty hydrated, haha.  What are Austin and Cooper doing right now?

Mom:  Where do you go to get a haircut?  Austin and Cooper are at the BHS basketball camp right now.  Do you miss that at all?

Elder Parkinson:  A member will give me my hair cut, so that will be good.  That is good to hear that they are at that camp.  Yes, I do miss it.  My favorite country song is "Your Going To Miss This" by Trace Adkins.  It's a great song.  Is dad working?

Listen to the song

Mom:  Yes, dad is working hard as usual.  I LOVE that song because it is so true that we need to take advantage of every single day.  I try to tell Austin and Cooper to enjoy their time now because it will all be over way too soon and then they will be faced with the real world.  Are you needing anything?  Did you find out if that Elder got his shoes and ties? 

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I love that man.  He works so hard.  Tell the boys to enjoy it because before they know it, it will be over.  Yes, he did get the shoes and ties and he loves them.  I could probably use some new contacts and maybe you could send a snack package?  I hope that all is well.  What do you have planned for today?

Mom:  What kind of snacks are you thinking of?  Yes, your dad is a great man and a good example for you boys.  I am just bringing lunch to the boys at camp right now and then I have to do some grocery shopping and laundry.  It is dad and my anniversary today, so I think we are going to dinner tonight.

Elder Parkinson:  Whatever you would like to send me would be great.  That sounds like a great day that you have planned.  I hope that you enjoy your dinner with dad.

Mom:  Okay, I will try to pick out some good treats.  

Elder Parkinson:  Where do you think you will go to dinner at?

Mom:  I'm not sure where we will go.  You know me, I am an easy person.  I would be happy with a cheeseburger and a Coke ;)  Do you have transfers next week?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, that is true.  You better be ready for McDonald's, haha.  Yes, next Tuesday are transfers but we find out this Saturday if we are leaving or not.

Mom:  Haha, maybe we could go a step up and do Five Guys ;)  What are you hoping happens with transfers?

Elder Parkinson:  I think that would be pushing it, haha, that is way too classy!  I am kind of hoping that I get to go back to just Spanish work with these next transfers.

Mom:  This transfer determines which mission you finish in, right?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes.  I would like to be in the Bakersfield mission because that is where all of my friends are at.  I hope that you have a great dinner with dad.

Mom:  Well, I hope that you get your wish and end up in the Bakersfield mission.  You will be amazing wherever you are at though.  I am excited to hear what happens next week!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Me too.  Well, I have to get going, so I hope that everything goes well.  Talk to you next week.  I love you so much!

Happy June

Today was an interesting day emailing with Elder Parkinson since I was doing it from an exam chair in the dentist's office.  I always love emailing back and forth with Jordan, so I had to make sure I didn't miss the opportunity.  As usual, he sounds sounds so happy and is loving this journey.  What more could we ask for?

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, I am doing great and just loving the mission.  We are going to have one baptism this month because the other one had to get moved back.  She didn't feel well yesterday so she couldn't come to church.  Gabriel came though and he is so ready for this.  He just graduated from high school and he is in love with the church.  It is the best thing for him and I am so happy for him.  Just keep praying about the house and I'm sure it will all work out.  I'm sure it is very stressful, but just keep turning to the Lord in prayer and scripture study and he will help you.  I hope that Cooper will be able to do all the sports that he wants to do.  He will have a great time and I know he will enjoy it.  I am so excited that he made the high school summer baseball team.  Tell him congrats for me.  I hope that Austin does well with his basketball this week.  Is he all the way back from his injury?  I hope that he and Cooper take care of Blue Devil (our boat) for me.  I love that boat.  With summer coming I really want to get out on the lake, but I will just have to wait until next year.  That is crazy that there are missionaries getting ready to come home that are my age.  It seems like they just left.  I can't believe how much everyone is growing up and how fast the time is going.

Mom:  I am so excited for Gabriel!!!  What a huge blessing in his life.  I will make sure and tell Coop congrats for you.  I think Austin's ankle is feeling much better, but his finger is still broken. I know that everything will work out with the house one way or another.  I have been praying quite a bit lately ;)  How did your fast go last week?

Elder Parkinson:  The fast went good.  We got a new spanish investigator.  She is good, but is going to need a lot of help because she studied with a lot of church's before.  She is cool though. 

Mom:  I am so happy that you found someone and that you had the faith necessary to fast for that blessing.  How is your companion doing?  How were the sand rails?

Elder Parkinson:  It is a little hard to be companions with him because he is super self righteous and thinks he knows it all, but it's okay.  The sand rail was so fun.  It reminded me of Gramps' house.

Mom:  Just keep pushing through with your comp and it will all work out.   I think he was put with you for a reason and there is something to be learned.  I am so glad you had fun sand railing!  How was the sushi?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha.  We didn't go to sushi on Monday because it was closed, but we went on Tuesday and it was great!  I loved it!  I am just turning to my Father in Heaven to know what I need to do with my comp.  I have a favor to ask you....could you get _________'s email for me?

Mom:  I would be happy to do that for you.  Was it better than the sushi we have here?  How much did you eat?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, well it was ok sushi.  It was all you can eat, so I had 9 rolls and 8 things of sushi, but they are bigger than the ones we eat.

Mom:  Holy Cow!!! Did you get sick?  What are you doing today?  Is there anything that you need?  I think that Elder from Columbia should get his shoes and ties today hopefully.

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, no, I felt good.  We are going in to play basketball with the zone today so that will be fun.  Thank you so much for sending that to him.  As far as school goes, have you heard anything about Weber?

Mom:  You are so welcome.  I am going to talk to Coach J today.  What are your thoughts?

Elder Parkinson:  I am not really sure what I am thinking, so maybe you could just check with Coach J again and see his thoughts?

Mom:  Yes,  I will check with him and see what his thoughts are.  I am sure you will make the right choice if you just follow the spirit.  No matter what happens, you can always change schools in the fall if needed.  I don't want you to worry or stress about this right now.  Keep doing what you are supposed to and it will all work out.

Elder Parkinson:  Okay, I will.  Thank you for all the support and for everything that you do.  We are going to get going, but I love you so much and hope you have a great week.