Elder Parkinson is doing great and continuing to work hard until his very last day. He had a great Thanksgiving and is now starting to prepare for his return home. Jordan sent a box home of items that are important to him and it was a little bit surreal looking through it. Some of the items included his Preach My Gospel book, his daily planners, his full size scriptures and a bunch of the letters that he had received. It was so cool to look through these things and see how marked up they were. It gave us a little glimpse into the amazing work that Elder Parkinson has been doing these past two years. This has definitely been a life changing experience for all of us and we can't wait to have Jordan home with us again.
Elder Parkinson: Hello mom. Well I am glad that the package got there safely. All is well out here. Last week was a little slow but it's all good, just working hard. I am still in denial that I am coming home so soon. That is good that you had a good Thanksgiving. My Thanksgiving started off with some basketball and then we had 4 meals with members that day. I was so full, but it was good. That is good and bad about the weather because I really want to see snow, but I want the house to move faster too. It is so crazy that basketball season has started. I am so glad that both Austin and Cooper are on the team and I can't wait to watch them play. That is exciting that Austin is going to his first high school dance. I remember how I was about dances, but they are fun. I loved going and having a good time. I am also glad to hear that things are falling into place with football. I love you so much and can't wait to hear back from you.
Mom: I am so glad to hear that you are doing well. Four Thanksgiving meals is quite a bit!!! Were any of them Mexican food? I think it's okay for you to wish for snow. The house will get done eventually :) I'm excited to see what happens with you and football but I know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to.
Elder Parkinson: No, none of them were Mexican food, haha. Okay, I am going to wish for snow then. I hope I can still play football when I get home. I love that sport. I saw some little kids putting on their pad the other day and I almost cried. I love football. Yeah, all is well. So what is it that you want me to bring home for sure?
Mom: With your hard work, attitude and determination I am sure you will be playing football again. I remember you first putting on your pads for Southeast Jr. High in Iowa City. It was so funny to me that you were on the big guy team because you were so skinny :) As for stuff to definitely bring home, all I know that I really care about is the shoes. I want to keep them as a reminder of how hard you worked. If you have anything that is still in good shape you can bring that too, like ties, clothes, etc.... Don't bring anything home that you are never going to wear again. You can leave most of your toiletries too. What other things do you have?
Elder Parkinson: How about bed stuff?
Mom: What do you have for bedding stuff? You probably should bring home the Duke blanket.
Elder Parkinson: Yeah, but like the sheets and stuff?
Mom: No, don't bring home any of the sheets or pillows or towels. Have you started packing? What are your plans for today?
Elder Parkinson: No, not yet. I will do that this Sunday. For today our plans are to just chill and relax.
Mom: Do you not play basketball anymore on Pdays? Any ideas on what you are going to do with Thacker next Monday?
Elder Parkinson: No, there are not many good players, so it isn't fun. I have no idea what Thacker and I are going to do except have a good time.
Mom: That is too funny! Do you sleep at the mission home the night before you fly out?
Elder Parkinson: Yes, I do.
Mom: Well, you'll have to take us back this spring or summer and let us meet everyone. I hope you have an amazing week and are successful in all you do. Always know I love you to the moon and back.
Elder Parkinson: Okay, same to you. I love you so much.
