Training Again and Staying Put

It is transfer week again for the Bakersfield mission and Elder Parkinson is going to be staying in Rancho Vista.  He will be training another missionary once again, which is pretty cool in the sense that he will get to leave one last legacy for the mission before he heads home.  This will most likely be Jordan's last transfer and we couldn't be more excited.  He is an amazing missionary and has grown so much (in more ways than one)!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  Well, I am doing great and just working hard.  For transfers I will be staying here and training again, haha.  I am great though.  The work is great and we are working away.  That is cool that you got to listen to some songwriters on your trip to Nashville.  I wish I would have been there.  I love country music.  I am glad to hear that Austin took charge in his sophomore football game and led the team to victory.  That is too bad that varsity lost, but maybe they will do good in the playoffs.  I am also glad to hear that the boat got to Idaho safely.  The meeting we had with the member of the seventy was a little different and it wasn't my favorite.  He was kind of talking bad about the missionaries that had been out for a long time and basically told all the young ones not to listen to us.  That is probably an exaggeration, but it just wasn't my favorite meeting.  So any news on the release date?  Can't wait to hear back from you.

Mom:  I am so happy you are doing well.  Are you excited to be staying in Rancho Vista?  Will you be training the same missionary as before?  I am sure that the meeting wasn't intended to be negative, maybe it just came across to you in a different way.  I am so glad that you are such a hard working missionary.  It is an honor to be able to train these new missionaries and prepare them because they are the future of the mission.  Did you talk with your mission president about the release date?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, I am excited and no, it will be another missionary.  Also, I did not get a chance to talk to my mission president about it.  Have you heard any news on it?

Mom:  The latest I have heard is that they are still working on it.  Our Stake President is going between your mission president and the mission department to see what works best.  You need to make sure to take a picture of you and your current companion so I have a record of all your comps.  Are you staying at the same address?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, okay, sound good.  I will see what my mission president has to say about it.  I will make sure to get a picture with him :)

Mom:  Sounds like a deal!  Have you worked on that SIM card yet?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, um, I am working on it.  Sorry, I have just been so busy.

Mom:  No worries.  I know you are a busy guy.  I would just love a pic with your current companion and then one with your new companion that you get tomorrow.  Are you doing well?  Needing anything?

Elder Parkinson:  I am doing great and I will be at the same house.  I am not really needing anything, but I don't know if you have sent that new shirt out yet or not.

Mom:  I haven't sent the shirt out yet.  Are you ready for it?  What are your plans for today?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, I guess not yet.  I would send it in like 2 weeks.  Well, for today we are just getting everything packed up for transfers and getting everything ready for transfers.  So what day do we leave for the basketball tournament in Vegas in December?

Mom:  Okay,  I will send it in 2 weeks.  It sounds like you are going to have a busy day getting ready for transfers.  Will you get to see Elder Flake tomorrow?  Do you still keep in touch with Thacker?  We would be leaving to Vegas on the 19th of December and I think you are supposed to have a meeting with Utah State on the 18th.

Elder Parkinson:  Okay, sounds good.  Thank you for everything that you do for me.  I do still keep in touch with both of them and they are doing great.  Well, if I have that meeting, that means that I have to get back before then.  My comp is getting restless trying to get on the computer, so I will talk to you next week.  I love you so much!

All Is Great In California

Another Missionary Monday and another great report from Elder Parkinson.  He is continuing to work hard and have success in Rancho Vista.  It is so amazing to see the growth in Jordan and the man he has become.  

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  The week was great.  We worked hard and had a great time.  The trio is a little tough, but I don't care because I just work through it.  Thank you for the Halloween package and the pumpkins and thank you for all the support that you give me.  That is cool that you are going to Nashville for a meeting.  You should get me some country stuff while you are there, haha.  I am sad to hear that the Bountiful varsity lost to East, but I am glad that Austin and Cooper won.  I really do miss football a lot.  That is great news that Idaho State is interested in me too.  How did you found out about that?  It sounds like that movie, The Saratov Approach, is a great movie.  I would love to watch it when I get home.  I also wanted to let you know that transfers in December are on the 10th, so I don't know if that would help at all with my release date.  Our next transfer is next Tuesday and I don't know what is going to happen.  Yeah, all is great.  I am just working hard and I am glad to hear that Austin's ankle is doing better.

Mom:  It sounds like you are doing well.  How are all of your investigators?  Any baptisms in the future?  I will look around Nashville for some country stuff for you ;)  I heard about Idaho State through Alema.  He sent them your highlight film from high school and they are interested in meeting with you.  You're going to have a fun decision when you get home.  It will be an exciting time for you.

Elder Parkinson:  Our investigators are doing great.  Since we are in a trio we don't see our investigators as much.  That is cool about football.  It will definitely be a fun time.

Mom:  Why don't you see your investigators much when you are in a trio?  Are you needing anything? 

Elder Parkinson:  We don't see our investigators much because the area that the other elder is in is a lot busier so we work his area a lot more.  We are in a trio all the time until transfers.  I think I am good as far as needing anything.  Oh wait, you know that new long sleeve shirt that you sent me?  Well, it ripped, so yeah.

Mom:  Well it sounds like you are definitely keeping busy!  I can't believe that new shirt ripped.  How did that happen?  I will have to send you out another one so that you have a nice shirt to come home in.  Do you think you will stay in a trio after transfers?  So do you know a lot of people coming home on the Dec. 10 transfer?

Elder Parkinson:  I don't know how it ripped, haha, but thank you for being willing to send me a new one.  I think that I will just have one companion after transfers.  Yes, I know a lot of people who are coming home on Dec. 10.  I just think it might be a lot easier if I go home on the 10th with everyone else instead of a week later because then they won't have to figure out where to put me for a week.  I will just go home and not mess anything up.

Mom:  Well, maybe you can talk to your mission president about it and see what's best.  Maybe he will have you work in the office for those few days or something.  What are your plans for today?  Do you have a busy week?  I didn't get a SIM card in the mail yet ;)

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I will do that and see what he says.  For today we are going to play soccer so it will be so much fun, hahahaha, NOT.  I am sorry that I haven't sent the SIM card yet, I am just busy and haven't had time to send it off yet.  This week one of the members of the 70 is coming to the mission.  Also, yesterday in Stake Conference, Elder Cook was there.  It was super cool!

Mom:  What a great experience!!!  It is so amazing to feel the spirit from our leaders.  Where was Stake Conference at?  I'm sure you are going to tear it up in soccer today!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Stake Conference was in Palmdale and it really was great.  Well, I have to get going so I hope that you have a great week and that we can get my release date figured out.  I love you!

Serving In A Trio

Today was such a good email day with Elder Parkinson.  I have been a little worried about his stress level these past few weeks, but in emailing with him today, he is doing great!  I always love to feel and hear of his positive attitude and work ethic.  He is such a gem and I am so proud of my amazing son.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  I hope that the emailing works well again this week.  My area is doing good.  One of the elders in my district got sick and had to go home, so we are in a trio with an elder named Elder Monzon.  He is way cool and he is helping a lot with my comp.  I did get the cologne that you sent and I love it.  Thank you.  That is good to hear that Austin got to play varsity and also I am so proud of him and Cooper and the work that they are putting in.  I love them so much.  I would love to go down and watch his basketball tourney in Vegas if I get home in time.  So what have they said about my release date?  Don't worry, it won't distract me, because I work hard no matter what.  That is all I know how to do, haha.

Mom:  I am so glad to hear that things are going well.  Where is the other elder from that is in your trio?  Do you still ride bikes?  I think they are trying to get you home on the 17th, but we won't know for sure until next week.  Did you hear about the missionary that was killed last week while riding his bike?  He was in the California, Arcadia mission.  Please be careful when you are riding.

Elder Parkinson:  The other elder is from Salt Lake and they gave us a car to drive since there are three of us.  That is nice because I can get super fat.  So will you let me know next week if I am coming home on the 17th or the 19th?

Mom:  That is nice that you have a car, especially with the weather getting a little colder.  Now you will just have to run or something to exercise, haha.  Yes, I will let you know on Monday if I hear anything about your release date, but don't stress about it.  How is the work going?  Do the members feed you very often?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, it is great to have a car.  I will try to do some type of exercise, haha.  Yes, the members do feed us very well.  So what are your plans for the day?

Mom:  Well today I am doing the normal Monday stuff of laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning.  I am also meeting with our designer to pick out exterior colors for the house.  What are your plans?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, we are going to play soccer, haha.  Yeah, so kill me now :)  What colors are you doing for the house?

Mom:  Soccer?????  You are going to LOVE it ;)  For the colors, we are trying to decide between a bluish/grey or a greenish/brown.  Decisions, decisions.  Do you have any investigators you are teaching right now?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, we have a lot of investigators.  We are covering both areas, so we have like 40 investigators so there is a ton of work to do.  So yeah, I am doing great!

Mom:  That is amazing!!!  I am soo happy for you and so excited for all of the lives you are touching.  You are providing the best gift possible.  What an example and inspiration you are to all of us back home.  We love you so much.  So, do I have a sim card coming this week?

Elder Parkinson:  Thanks, I love you guys too.  I will send you a sim card soon.  This week is going to go by really fast.

Mom:  Is it going fast because of all your investigators?  I hope you enjoy soccer today and have a great week.

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, it will go fast because of the investigators and also I have to do a lot of district leader stuff.  I have to get going now.  I love you so much and I will talk to you next week.

Finish Stronger Than You Start

I love Missionary Monday's.  It makes my entire week when I see an email come through from Elder Parkinson.  This week we were actually able to email back and forth a little bit which was so nice.  Jordan is still doing great and is such an example to us with his amazing attitude and perspective.  The best news about today was that he got his official release date of December 19!!!  That means we are down to 10 weeks!!!  

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  I'm sorry to hear that the email is not working too well, but hopefully we will get lucky today.  I loved conference so much and how much they talked about families and how important they are.  I liked the idea that you guys went up in the mountains for the Sunday afternoon session.  We will have to do that next conference when I am home.  The week was great.  My comp and I are about the same, but it is all good.  I haven't gotten the cologne that you sent yet, but when did you send it?  I am doing really well and I am thinking about just waiting to get a new suit when I get home because I know I will probably lose some weight.  I will be fine with the ones that I have until then.  So it is official that I will be home on December 19 and Elder Flake will be home a week later.  That is great that Austin and Cooper won their game last week and it is crazy that you had snow on the ground.  I can't wait for snow and to see the lot.  I will try and get some pics to you this week.  So yeah, the work is about the same.  Just working hard and hoping to finish strong.  I want people to remember me as someone who finished stronger than they started.

Mom:  I LOVE your attitude.  You have always been such a hard worker and it shows.  I sent the cologne on Tuesday, but since it is considered flammable, it had to be sent a slower way through the post office.  Hopefully you get it this week.  So do you have your flight plans yet and if so, when does your flight arrive on the 19th?  Are you needing anything?

Elder Parkinson:  I am trying to be hard worker.  It is kind of hard because the last 6 transfers I have been with a new missionary, so I have had to do everything.  I have not received my flight plans yet.  They will come about a month before the 19th of December.  I hope that I get the cologne this week and thank you for sending it.  There is nothing else that I really need except prayers that I can get along with my companion.

Mom:  The reason they put you with the new missionaries is because you do such a good job training them for the rest of their missions.  Just be patient and know that you are with them for a reason.  I will continue to pray for you.  Are you still playing basketball on Monday's?

Elder Parkinson:  It switches up every Monday.  It is either basketball or volleyball or soccer.  I am so glad that the email is finally working out this week.  I really liked the quote that said if you are tempted to give up, stay a little longer.

Mom:  You are definitely not one to give up!  Do you stay in Rancho Vista for Pday?  How is the bike riding going?  Is the weather still pretty warm?  

Elder Parkinson:  We come into Palmdale on Pdays and the bike riding is great!  It is starting to get a little colder now.

Mom:  How far away is Palmdale?  Do you have to take a bus to get there?

Elder Parkinson:  Palmdale is pretty close and we get a ride from some of the other missionaries.  I have to get going now because there are other missionaries waiting to use the computer.  Please know that I love you and I hope that you have a great week.

Starting The Last October In The Field

The emailing back and forth with Elder Parkinson has definitely taken a turn for the worse these last few weeks.  I couldn't really figure out why Elder Parkinson and I were not getting each other's emails and I was even ready to go out and buy a new computer to make it better.  I finally found out that the server that the missionaries use is having problems and I am pretty sure it has to due with the thousands of missionaries emailing every Monday.  I am so grateful that I get at least one email from Jordan every Monday.  I've realized that all I really need to know is that he is doing well and is safe and then my heart can be at peace for another week.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, sorry about last week.  It was crazy because it was the first week of the transfer, but now everything has slowed down a little.  So to start answering all the questions that you asked in your email, my new area is good.  There are not a lot of Latinos so that is hard, but I like it a little better than my last area.  I am in a house and that address that Thacker gave you was the right one.  Thank you so much for sending the bread, it is great.  The only thing that I need is some more cologne and I am also thinking about getting a new suit.  I was wondering what your opinion on that would be. We don't share the house with any other missionaries and my companion's name is Elder Sawyer.  He is from Vermont and he is on his second transfer in the mission.  I think I have been around new missionaries too long, haha.  We are trying to work things out, we are just total opposite people so it is kind-of hard.  Being district leader is good and I am riding a bike now so I am getting into shape.  I had to stop doing the insanity workouts because they banned them from the mission.  I don't know why they did, but I just listen to what they say.  That is not good news at all that Woods Cross beat Bountiful again.  We cannot let them start their own streak!  At least Austin and Cooper won so that is good.  I am so happy to hear that Thacker sold that Dodge, haha.  I am so excited for General Conference.  It is great because you get to learn so much.  I hope that I will enjoy it just as much when I get home.  I hope that you are able to email me back, but I am doing good and working hard.  I can't believe that I come home in 11 weeks!!!!