Homemade Sugar Cookies

One thing that Elder Parkinson and Elder Gautavai asked for before they left was for me to send some homemade sugar cookies to them in the MTC.  Since Richard is leaving soon, I thought today would be a good day to send them.  I also like the heart shape.  Hopefully they will feel some love from home as they enjoy their cookies.

The MTC Life

We got another letter and sim card from Elder Parkinson today.  The highlights of the letter were:  the language is going well, he loves the Gospel, he has a better testimony of Christ than ever before, the MTC isn't as bad as everyone says it is and he is up to 240 lbs.  We laughed that he said he is trying to keep his weight in mostly muscle :)  We loved the pictures, especially of him and his companion.  

 The San Fernando, Spanish Speaking Boys.  Watch out Cali! 

 MTC Companions - Hudson and Parkinson

 We Think This is the Elder Parkinson Duo

Bountiful High Elders - Parkinson, Rushton and Salazar

Hey I'm On, What's Up?

I got to email back and forth again today with Jordan.  He sounds great and just like the same Jordan that we all know, only even better (if that's possible).  I was not sure that I liked emailing back and forth, but as you will see from his last email, it is what he likes.  I'm not sure if it's because he doesn't have to write as much :) or it's just easier, but I guess I will be checking my email every Thursday so I am available when he is.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey I'm on, what's up?

Mom:  You're early today.  Did you not go to the temple?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah we went to the 7:40 session and then ate.  The temple was great.  Guess who I have as one of my teachers.

Mom:  Who?

Elder Parkinson:  Do you remember Bishop Stewart from Iowa?

Mom:  Yes!!!  Love him!  Do they not live in Iowa anymore?

Elder Parkinson:  It is his son that just got back from his mission.  He is going to BYU.

Mom:  Oh yeah, Brandon Stewart.  He is a great kid.  Does he remember you?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, haha.  There is another Elder Parkinson in my zone.

Mom:  That's crazy!  Where is the other Elder Parkinson going? Is your whole district going to San Fernando?

Elder Parkinson:  The other Elder Parkinson is going to Anaheim.  6 people in my district are going to San Fernando, 2 are going to New York, 1 is going to Salt Lake and 1 is going to Detroit.

Mom:  How fun.  How is everything going?  Are you happy?  How is the language?

Elder Parkinson:  It is great and the language is going just fine.  I am so happy!!!  I can't believe that I am on week 3.

Mom:  I know!  Have you had any cool experiences?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, when I get into lessons I can feel that gift of tongues that was promised to me.

Mom:  That's awesome!  Cooper is really wondering about your gym time :)

Elder Parkinson:  Well, me and Elder Parkinson have the same gym time.  We usually just play 21 teams and me and him go on a team and dominate.  People always get mad at us because we are so good.  I don't know what it is about here, but I can't miss!  I have been hitting 3's left and right.

Mom:  Haha, that makes me smile.  I'll have to let Gary know :)

I just want you to know that I love you sooo very much.  I think about you everyday and know you are doing the right thing.  We have seen so many blessings come already because of your service.  

I'm not sure I really like the e-mail to e-mail thing because I  don't really get a feeling for how you are doing and what has been going on in your week.  As hard as it may be for me, I may just have to have you write an e-mail so I have a better feeling of how things are going.

How are your suits holding up?  Do you need anything else at all?  Did you get the Krispy Kreme's?

Jordan, I am so amazed by you.  You give me strength.  Thank you so much for being the great man that you are.

Elder Parkinson:  Well, I like this back and forth.  My suits are great, I love them.  The donuts are almost gone.  I would like a calendar and 1 more pair of sweats would be nice.  It is a little cold here.  I love it here.  I love the atmosphere and how everyone here is just in a good mood.  I love seeing all the new missionaries faces because they look so lost.  I can't believe I was one of them.  I also can't believe that Dillon leaves on Monday and Dave leaves on the 13th.  I am here for the long haul.  Do you know if anyone else is coming in that I would know?  How is life back home?  Any news from anyone?  I love how all of the teachers are so good at teaching Spanish and deal with us everyday.  I also love how 19 year old boys can go out and do this.  I love the spirit here.  I have never been this close to God in my life.  Me and my district have been talking about Lake Powell a lot.  I am going to miss it, but at least I will be in Cali.  Well, until next week.  I love you.

Super Bowl Package

I am getting ready to send a "Super Bowl" package to the boys.  I have one for Elder Parkinson, one for Elder Coffman and one for Elder Gautavai.  Even though they will not be able to watch the game, hopefully they can have a little fun with their companions :)

First MTC Pictures :)

Jordan sent us his sim card in the mail today.  After looking through all of the photos, we can see that he is very happy and also needs a little work with the camera.  His district looks like they work hard but also enjoy themselves and one another. 

This one makes us smile.  It is so JP

Other Elders in His District

So Happy He Found His Roomie From Dixie

Elder Hudson, His Companion

I'm Online If You Are

Jordan had asked in his letter if I would try to be online when he was during his p-day.  I wasn't sure if I would like that, or if it would make it harder.  He said he just really wanted to know that I was there talking to him.  I thought it went pretty well.  Here is the conversation:

Elder Parkinson: Hey I am online if you are there


Mom:  How are you my sweetheart?


Elder Parkinson:  I'm good, just got back from the Temple


Mom:  I have so many questions for you.  How are you sleeping?  Are you eating?  What is your schedule like?


Elder Parkinson:  Yeah I am sleeping great.  I would like some more food and the next letter will have my sim card in it.  My schedule is packed.  I wake up go to breakfast then go to study then teach a lesson then study then language study.


Mom:  That's great.  What kind of food would you like?


Elder Parkinson:  Um just more snacks and also will u send me a spanish hymn book and more pics.


Mom:  What kind of pictures?  Do you need more ties?


Elder Parkinson:  Just some pics of the fam and friends and some more ties would be great.


Mom:  Do you use the blanket we sent?


Elder Parkinson:  Yeah I had to wash it because it was getting red stuff all over my shirts and will u send more shampoo?


Mom:  Yes, I will send shampoo.  How are the showers?


Elder Parkinson:  It depends what ones u get i always get the good ones


Mom:  Of course you do :)  Are you happy?


Elder Parkinson:  Yeah.  I miss u guys but I know that u are in good hands.  I read a scripture that helped me and all of those things that are happening since I left are crazy.  The Lord does bless us.


Mom:  I just want you to know how much we love you and think about you every day.  You are such an amazing person and we couldn't have asked for a better son.  I smile every time I think about you and the amazing things that you are doing.  I will send more snacks, shampoo, ties, pictures and some other things. I love you soooooo much.  Can't wait until next Thursday.  I want to leave you a little time to just write your feelings.


Elder Parkinson:  Do you have to go?


Mom:  No, but I want you to write your feelings so I can have something to hold on to until next Thursday.


Elder Parkinson:  I feel so close to God and that the spirit is just so strong here.  I just love it.  The temple today gave me that peaceful feeling that just keeps me going.  I also know that the Spanish will come.  I am starting to get it.  I love my district u will see a pic of everyone of them and their name tags.  Are you still there?


Mom:  Make sure you get a picture with Dave in front of the map, pointing to where you guys are going.  How is the laundry?


Elder Parkinson:  It's hard to find Dave, but the laundry was fine.  I am going to iron my shirts today and I can't wear anything but suit pants so those others are just sitting in my closet.  My weight is 230 still and I am eating a ton.


Mom:  Did you get the donuts?  Have you seen Richard yet?


Elder Parkinson:  Yeah they are way good and yeah I've seen Rich like 10 times.


Mom:  How does Rich seem?


Elder Parkinson:  Um he is good since he is english speaking.


Mom:  Tell me about your companion.


Elder Parkinson:  He is from Draper.  He is going to San Fernando.  He is funny and a very good person.  We are good friends now.  I love my district.


Mom:  Do you have any questions for me?


Elder Parkinson:  Yeah.  So is the car sold and how is coop doing with bball.  How is Austin's therapy?  Tell Austin and Coop I am writing them a letter today.


Mom:  The car sold yesterday.  I will write you the details.  Banana man is safe in my care until the next time I see Kilpack.  Coop is doing well.  He has a pretty shot and I think his confidence is growing.  Austin's therapy is coming along, but it is slow.  He is ready to start playing basketball again.


Elder Parkinson:  Sounds good.  Also tell llama that he will be getting a letter too hahaha.  If u see Abby, tell her I'm still waiting for those popcorn balls :)


Mom:  Well, I love you lots.  I know your time is almost up.  It was nice being able to chat with you and get a feel for how you are doing.


Elder Parkinson:  I love you so much!  I am going to get off so I can write letters.  Tell everyone that letters are like the best thing in here so send them.  I will talk to you next Thursday.  Love you.

Surprise Saturday E-Mail

January 21, 2012

Thanks for the donuts they are very good and the cold one hit the spot!!! (Coke Zero) I am doing well. I hope that you are getting my letters. My normal p days are on Thursday. I don’t know when I will be on, but it will be after 11:30 I think because we go to the temple on that day.  Um it is great here. I still get a little home sick but all my district is very nice. Whenever we start getting home sick we just start to tell stories.

I haven’t seen Landon yet. Maybe you could ask his mom what time he has his meals at because I want to see him before he leaves. Thanks for all the letters, they really pick me up when I am down. Had my first gym session yesterday. There aren’t that many athletes in my gym haha so they think that I am the king of bball even though I wasn’t even trying. Dave, Andy and one of the football players from dixe have gym right after me so I see them then. They all look good. I am going to weigh my self today to see if I lost any weight. The food is ok, it isn’t the best but until u sent me some food I was starving at night but now I am fine.... but how is the b-town? How is Lares doing?  Tell him I love him and to write me.

Well my time is about up. Just remember to check your email on Thursdays so we can chat. I don’t have much more to say but I can feel the Lord starting to take over and help me in my everyday activities. The language is not that bad. I can’t believe how much I have learned in two days. It does feel like I have been in here for a long time though haha. I have lost count of how many times I have almost reached in my pocket to text u or call u I just miss you guys. I now know how close we were as a family. I know some elders that hate their family but that is not the case with me. Love you.

Elder Parkinson