USA, USA, USA!!!

For some reason the email connection between Elder Parkinson and myself did not work very well today.  His emails took about 30 minutes to come through and I think mine were doing the same to him.    As a result, we weren't able to communicate back and forth a lot, but I do know that he is doing well and is happy.  He is getting excited to cheer on the United States when they play Mexico in the World Cup Soccer qualifier tomorrow.  Many of the people in his area are cheering for Mexico, so he said he is going to represent the good ol US of A.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  Well this week was a little slow because just about everyone got sick.  We did teach that family and it went very well.  We did not find anyone new to teach this week though.    My companion and I are doing great.  I'm glad that you liked that video that I sent for your birthday even though most of it was me recording my companion trying to learn our phone number and address in Spanish.  It was so funny because he could never say the number right, haha.  Oh well, he finally got it.  I am glad that you got to go to dinner for your birthday and I am really glad that you got your fountain Coke!  I bet dad misses coaching a little.  He is a great coach and an even better dad.  I love him so much!  That is good to hear that Austin and Cooper won their football game.  I'm sad that varsity lost but I'm sure coach Wall and Coach J will get them into shape.  I am happy to hear that the house is coming along.  I hope that it moves fast.  I love you so much and I am so happy to hear that you are still going to the temple once a week.  I love the temple and we are so blessed to have one in Bountiful.  It is my favorite temple that I have been to so far.  Well, I can't wait to hear back from you.

Mom:  I am happy to hear that you are still teaching that family, but sad that everyone is getting sick.  How are you feeling?  Did you get that picture I sent of Austin and Cooper?  How is your ward?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I am doing good.  I did get that pic that you sent and it is a good one.  Thank you for sending that.  Our ward is doing good and I really love them.  Tomorrow the USA will play Mexico so there has been a lot of smack talk going around.  I have got to represent America, haha.

Mom:  What does the US play Mexico in tomorrow?  Are your transfers next week?  Are you needing anything?

Elder Parkinson:  They play in soccer.  It is a World Cup qualifying game.  USA, USA, USA!!!!  Transfers are next Tuesday and I don't think I'm needing anything.

Mom:  I'm sure you'll be cheering loud.  Just know that we love you and are here for you.  Keep working hard and finish strong.

Elder Parkinson:  Well, I have to go.  I love you so much and I am so sorry that I haven't been able to email with you that much.  I love you and hope you have a great week.  I think we are about 15 weeks from me coming home!

Austin and Cooper after their win last Thursday against Logan

Tentative Release Date

Since today was Labor Day, I wasn't sure whether we would get an email from Elder Parkinson or not. It was such a great surprise when his email came through.  He is doing great, as usual, and continuing to work hard and find those people who are ready to hear the wonderful message he has to share.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, how are you?  I love you.  So what are your plans for this holiday?  I am doing good.  We found two new investigators so that is exciting.  I am just tired.  New missionaries take it out of you, haha.  I am so happy that Austin and Cooper got to play together and enjoy some football.  Did you get my letter?  I wanted to tell you Happy Birthday and I hope that you are enjoying it.  So how is dad doing?  I am so happy to email with you.

This isn't the best picture, but it shows Austin #5 and Cooper #31 warming up together before their game on Thursday.  I have never had two boys be able to play on the same team together, so this was such a treat.  What makes it even better is that Austin is the quarterback and Cooper is a receiver, so they get to make plays together.

Mom:  That is so great that you found two new investigators!!!  How did you find them?  Are transfers coming up soon?  We don't really have any big plans for the holiday because the boys have football practice this afternoon.  Dad is doing well and staying busy.  He is on call this weekend and had 3 emergency cases that he had to do this morning, which is really unusual.  We haven't gotten a letter yet, but I will definitely be looking for it.  You are giving me the best birthday present anyway by being able to email with you today :)

Elder Parkinson:  Our investigators came from a referral from one of our members.  The family is so cool and we are hoping to teach them this week sometime.  Oh yeah, good old football practice, haha.  That is good to hear that dad is staying busy.  I sent the letter on Thursday, so you will probably get it tomorrow because I forgot that today was a holiday.  Are you going to get something good to eat for your birthday?

Mom:  So is it a whole family that you are going to try and teach?  That is the best!  How was zone conference last week?  I'm not sure where we are going to eat for my birthday, but I'm sure it will be somewhere good.  All I really want is a fountain Coke with pebble ice, haha!

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, it is the whole family that we taught yesterday and will continue teaching.  Zone conference was good, just very long.  I am sure that you will eat somewhere great and I knew that a Coke is all you wanted, haha.  So today we are going to play bball and shop.  I don't really know what else, but transfers are in two weeks.

Mom:  Hopefully you will be able to make this family an eternal one.  What are you shopping for today?  How long are you playing basketball?

Elder Parkinson:  I hope that we will be able to make them an eternal family.  That would be awesome. We are just shopping for a little bit of food, so not too much.  I think we are going to play ball for about 4 hours.

Mom:  4 hours is a lot of basketball!  I'm glad that you get to do something that you enjoy though.  What if you had to play soccer every Pday, haha!  How is your exercise routine going?  Are you going to come home in football shape?  Do you know your release date yet?

Elder Parkinson:  I don't know if I am going to be in football shape, but I hope so.  That would be horrible if I had to play soccer every Pday, haha!  I think my release date in the 19th of December, but I am not completely sure.  All is well here and we are doing great.

Mom:  I am SO happy that you are doing well!  You bring a smile to my face every time I think about you.  I am not too worried about what happens when you get home because I know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to.  Do you have any ideas what will happen with transfers?  Do you want to stay in Lake LA?

Elder Parkinson:  I have no idea what is going to happen, but I think I would like to experience another area.

Mom:  That's understandable since you have been there since March.  I hope you know how much we love you and are praying for you every single day.

Elder Parkinson:  Thank you.  I'm sorry that I don't have much time to email today, but I love you so much and I hope you have a great birthday.

Missing Football This Time of Year

Today's email session was short and sweet.  I can tell that Elder Parkinson is really focused on the work, which is exactly how we want it to be.  Our emails have gotten shorter and we haven't received a hand written letter or sim card with pictures for about 2 months now.  He is really trying to finish off these last few months of his mission strong and we couldn't be happier.

Elder Parkinson: Hey mom.  All is well here.  We haven't had much luck with our new investigators because they weren't home for the appointments that we set, but oh well, I guess we will try to see them this week.  I did get the ties and the snacks that you sent out.  Thank you so much!  I can't believe the boys are starting school today.  It is always sad to start school, but football does help to make it more enjoyable.  I am not very happy to hear that Bountiful's defense didn't do too well on Friday because that is what Bountiful is known for.  How many points did they give up?  I hope Austin and Cooper have a good game this week and they get a Parky to Parky touchdown pass, haha.  I miss football so much.  I love that sport and that is one of the hardest things about being on a mission during this time of year.  I am glad that you got out on the boat again and that Cooper likes wakeboarding as much as I do.  My district is good, just working hard and trying to find people to teach.  Yes, Thacker and I still email every week and he is doing great.  I love you so much and I can't wait to hear back from you.

Mom:  I'm sad to hear that your investigators weren't home for their appointments.  I'm sure you are probably used to that though.  Do you have any other people you are teaching?  Bountiful gave up 34 points, I think.

Elder Parkinson:  I am not happy about them giving up 34 points!  Who is playing D-end?  No, we don't really have any other investigators.  We went by a less active member's home the other day and he told us that he works on Sunday's because in the Bible it says that God is first, 2nd is your wife, 3rd is your kids, 4th is work and 5th is church.  He is kinda crazy.

Mom:  I'm not really sure who their defensive ends are, but I'm sure Coach J will whip them into shape.  That is crazy about how some people process the gospel.  They must not have felt or recognized how much its presence blesses their lives.  I cannot imagine living without the knowledge that the gospel brings to us.  All you can do is keep trying though and planting those seeds.  I'm sure people are uplifted just by talking to you and seeing your cute smile :)

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I don't know if I was smiling when I heard that.  I was more like "are you serious?"  Yeah, Coach J will help them out I'm sure because he's great.  So did Austin and Cooper have to go watch film on Saturday or no?

Mom:  You are always smiling :)  Austin gets to dress with varsity and he is the one who carries the clipboard around and has to keep all of the offensive stats for the game.  Neither he nor Cooper had to watch film on Saturday though because they told the sophomores that if they didn't play they didn't have to go.  That may change from week to week though.  I'm excited to see what happens this week against Viewmont.

Elder Parkinson:  I hope that Austin and Cooper get to play together.  I hated keeping stats and that is why I never did it, haha.  I am headed to Lancaster to play some ball, so will you please tell Austin and Cooper that I love them and that they are good brothers and that they are good kids.  I love you so much and I want you to know I am doing great and loving the mission.  I am very happy.

In Need of Snacks

I just love Monday's and being able to email back and forth with my missionary son.  He is always so happy and positive and it makes my day so much better.  He is doing great and giving his all before he returns to us in December.  I am so thankful for Jordan and his amazing example to us all.

Grandpa House (in blue) celebrating his 90th birthday with family

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, all is great out here in Cali.  It is starting to cool down a little bit and we found 2 new investigators.  We will see how it goes with them, but they are great people.  Thank you for letting Lexi know that I am thinking about her.  That is great that you were able to make a trip to Idaho this past weekend and see Grandpa House for his 90th birthday.  I am that glad him and grandma are doing well.  That is scary that they got evacuated from their house, but I'm glad everyone is safe now.  That is so funny that Austin and Cooper found a scooter in Gramps' barn.  I bet they are in heaven on that!  Now you won't have to give them a ride to their friends' houses because you can just tell them to take the scooter.  It is so cool that Austin and Cooper are doing good in football.  I heard that llama got moved up, but I knew he would.  I hope that Coop can work on his speed because that is what the Parkinson's are known for is height and speed, haha.  I am glad that Cooper likes wake boarding as much as I do.  I will take him all the time when I get home.  So I have a story for you this week.  There is a 19 year old kid who wanted to find a job so he walked all the way to Lancaster which is like 25 miles away and he didn't tell anybody.  My companion and I were asked to go look for him and we couldn't find him.  He finally showed up at the house after 12 hours of being gone.  He begged the bus driver to let him on the bus because he didn't have any money and the driver did.  Nobody could believe what happened!

Mom:  I am glad to hear that you are doing well.  That makes my heart happy!  I am so excited that you found two new investigators!!!  No matter what happens, you will have planted a seed with them.  How old are they?  Are they Hispanic?  What a crazy story about that 19 year old boy!!  Did he find a job at least?  Do you know him very well?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, they are Latinos and they are a little older.  The boy walked all the way there just to apply, something he could have done online!  He is a part of a family that I am very close with.  I love that family.  That is another thing, I am going to ask you - the hermano doesn't have any ties so I was wondering if you could send me like 5 to give to him.

Mom:  Of course I will send some ties out for him.  You are so amazing for always thinking of others.  I really hope that boy gets a job after that whole ordeal :)  So how are the insanity workouts coming along?  Are you seeing any results?

Elder Parkinson:  Thank you so much.  Yes, I have lost 15 pounds and I'm in shape again.  it really does work.  How is the house coming along?

Mom:  Holy cow, fifteen pounds!!!  That is crazy!!!  Does it build muscle too?  The house is coming along well.  They are pouring the basement floor this week.  I am excited that you will be home to see a lot of the progress.  How is your ward?  How is your companion doing?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, yeah it does build a little bit of muscle too.  That is great to hear that the house is coming along so well.  They ward is doing good and just being their normal selves.  My companion is good.  I can't really tell if he likes me or hates me.

Mom:  There is a big difference between liking and hating someone!  I'm sure he likes you because who doesn't, haha.  Do you tease him a lot or something?  Are you going to Lancaster to play ball today?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah I tease him a lot, but that is just how I am.  You know that.  We are going to play ball at 10:30.

Mom:  Maybe it is a love/hate relationship that he has with you ;)  Do you have any other plans after basketball?  How long do you usually play?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, that is probably exactly how he feels about me.  We don't really have any other plans except for playing ball, but we usually play from 11-5.  It is so fun!

Mom:  Wow!  6 hours of basketball is a lot!  You should be able to school your brothers when you get home, haha!  Have you heard anything about your release date yet?  Do you ever ride your bike anymore?  Are you needing anything?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, that is a lot of ball.  We will see if I can keep up with them or not when I come home.  I have not heard anything yet about my release date, but I am thinking next month I will know for sure.  No, I do not ride my bike anymore, haha.  Could you send me out a lot of snacks?

Mom:  Snacks I can do!  Do you have any requests?  How are your contacts?

Elder Parkinson:  Oh yeah, I will need some new contacts too.  Just any type of snacks would be fine and thank you so much for doing that for me.  Also, will you tell Austin and Cooper thank you for sending me letters every week.  It is very nice and I can't wait to see them again.

Mom:  Your brothers think that you are the greatest and I will for sure tell them that you said thank you.  I am so lucky to have 3 amazing sons!  Always remember how much we love you and are here for you no matter what.

Elder Parkinson:  Thank you so much.  I am going to get going, but know that I love you!

Oh Elder Thacker!

Our family had an awesome treat on Sunday when one of Jordan's favorite missionaries came to visit us.  Elder Thacker served in the same mission with JP and they hit it off from the get go.  They are both anxiously awaiting the day when they can hang out together again.  We are so grateful for missions and  the doors it opens and the new people it allows us to welcome into our lives.

Elder Thacker (far right), Dad Parkinson and Thacker's younger brother.  They stood in front of this truck to make Jordan jealous because this would be his dream truck.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, I am doing great.  I am so happy that Doctor P (Justin) got to know Thacker.  What did you make him to eat?  He is not picky at all.  His brother's truck is very nice.  That would be a dream truck, haha.  I can't wait to see Thacker again!  That is such sad news about Lexi.  Will you try to get me her email address so I can email her?  I cannot believe that such a tragic accident happened and I will for sure be praying for everyone involved.  That is so cool that the boys are starting 2-a-days this week.  I miss those days so much and they are so lucky to be doing that.  The work is a little slow right now but we are working on picking it up and working more with the members.  There weren't too many new changes with transfers.  I love you so much and can't wait to talk to you.

Mom:  Yes, Thacker is a great guy!  I made him meatballs, homemade mashed potatoes and homemade rolls, watermelon and a zucchini thing.  He told us that you always talked about eating at the club, so I will have to take him there next time.  I'm sorry to hear that the work is a little slow, but I'm sure there is still plenty to keep you busy.  Did you get the new debit card and shirt?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, sounds like a good meal to me.  I love the club!  I did get the new debit card and shirt.  Thank you so much.  Yeah, we sure do stay pretty busy.

Mom:  How did your family home evening go?  How is being a district leader going?  Just remember to keep working hard and trusting in the Lord no matter what.

Elder Parkinson:  Well, nobody came to the family home evening once again.  It is hard to get people to come to those kind of things.

Mom:  What a bummer that nobody came!  Keep pushing through and stay positive.  How is your district doing?  How are the new Elder's that came to your area?

Elder Parkinson:  It is going good.  The new elders are way cool and laid back just like me, haha.  All is well here.  What are the plans for the day?

Mom:  I'm glad that you have some good elders to work with.  For today I am doing laundry, like usual, running the boys back and forth between 2-a-days, checking on the workers at the lot and bringing them treats and then just some other errands.  What do you have in store for today?  How are the insanity workouts going?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, for today we are going down to play ball and that is about it.  That is nice of you to take treats to the workers.  The insanity is going good, but it is hard.  I have been doing good with it though.  How is the house coming?

Mom:  Thacker says that he doubts you will stick with the insanity, so you have to prove him wrong!  Are you still able to dunk?  The house is making progress.  There is so much dirt to haul away, so that has taken a lot of time.  They are putting in the rough plumbing this week.  I'm just happy that it keeps making forward progress :)

Elder Parkinson:  Oh, I will prove him wrong!  That is good to hear that the house is coming along so well.  Yes, I am still able to dunk.

Mom:  Good boy!!!  I love you SO much and I am so happy for everything you are doing.  Have you talked to David or Richard lately?

Elder Parkinson:  I have talked to Dave, but not Richard.  I guess he is too good for me now, haha. Well, I have to get going soon, but just know that I love you and hope you have a great week.

Staying in Lake LA a Little Longer

This week is transfer week in the Bakersfield mission and we were very excited to see what was going to happen with Elder Parkinson.  He has been serving in Lake LA for the past 5 months and is going to stay a little longer.  He loves his area, the people, and his companion very much.  

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  All is well here in Lake LA.  I will be staying here with my kid (his current companion).  The only real change is that Elder C will be leaving and we will be getting 2 new English speaking missionaries, so my companion and I will be going back into solely spanish work which will be fun.  The work is about the same still.  I am so happy that Cooper made the high school football team.  He will do a great job and have a blast!  I miss high school football so much!  It is the best football ever!  I am also glad that you got the boat back on the lake again and I can't wait to get back out on the lake myself next summer.  Thank you for sending that insanity workout program.  It is tough and I think it will definitely get me into shape.  I am so happy to hear that the house is still coming along and I can't wait to see it.  Well, I love you and I'm looking forward to emailing with you.

Mom:  I am so happy for you that you are going back to just Spanish.  Are you glad to be staying in Lake LA?  You have been there for awhile now.  Are you still going to be the district leader?  How many times have you done the insanity workout?  Does your companion do it with you?  Can you finish an entire workout?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I am ready to just get back into spanish work and hit it hard.  I love Lake LA and yes, I am still the district leader.  We did the fit test for the insanity and we finished it.  Now it is starting the 60 day thing.  There is a different workout every day for 60 days.  It is a good workout and everyone does it with me.

Mom:  You are so awesome!  I'm sure everyone in Lake LA loves you too!!!  It sounds like that workout will definitely get you back in shape.  How many elders do it with you?  Do you have any investigators that you are teaching now?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I will get back in shape, haha.  3 other elders do the workout with me.  We don't really have any new investigators right now, we are still just trying to find people to teach.

Mom:  I'm sure you'll be lead to those who are ready.  So what are your plans for today?  Did you ever teach your family home evening?

Elder Parkinson:  For today we are going down to play bball and then we are coming back home and eating and then teaching family home evening.  We did not teach it this last week.  What are your plans for today?

Mom:  Good luck on the family home evening.  I hope you get to teach it this time.  Today I am doing laundry, going to lunch with some friends, registering the boys for school and getting groceries.  I hope you have fun playing ball.  Make sure you show them who's boss ;)

Elder Parkinson:  That sounds like a fun and busy day.  Oh, by the way, we are living at the address that I first had when I was here:

Elder Jordan Parkinson

41056 168th Street East

Lancaster, CA 93535

Mom:  So you moved houses?  I will let everyone know the new address.  If something is sent to the old one will you still get it?

Elder Parkinson:  Thanks so much and yes I will still get the mail if it was sent to the other address.  How is work going for Dr. P?

Mom:  Work is good.  He's staying pretty busy which is a good sign.  Your dad is such a hard worker and does so much for our family.  He has been a great example to you boys.  How is your companion doing?

Elder Parkinson:  My comp is doing great and working hard.  He is always happy which is what I love about him.  I love dad so much and am so grateful for his example.  Well, I am getting off right now to head to Lancaster, so I will try to email later but if not have a great week and know I love you so much.

Last July in the Field

Elder Parkinson is doing so well and absolutely loving his mission.  It is crazy for us all to see missionaries coming home that graduated with Jordan.  It makes us more excited for his return in December!  He has transfers next week and we are looking forward to seeing if any changes will occur.  He said he will go wherever the Lord wants him to go or stay wherever the Lord wants him to stay.  Jordan is such a great example to all of us and we are so proud of the work he is doing.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, this week was good.  It went by so fast.  Nothing new with transfers, just that they are going to be on the 6th of August.  I know I will be coming home the week before Christmas, but I'm not sure on the day yet.  They are trying to book my flight, so all is well.  It rained way hard last Monday so we didn't have family home evening.  It is so crazy that it is almost August and it is even crazier that Dan is already home.  I hope that he is doing good and that he is enjoying life.  I can't believe that it was 2 years ago that I went to his farewell.  It is good to hear that dad could whoop Austin's basketball team into shape and get them to play as a team.  I'm glad that they beat some really good teams.  Dad is just a great coach like that.  I hope Cooper makes the high school team, but he will do well either way.  Thank you for ordering insanity for me.  There is also one thing that I am needing and that is a new debit card.  Mine won't swipe anymore.  The house is looking super cool and I'm excited to watch the progress through pictures.  Well, I can't wait to email with you.

Mom:  It does sound like you had a great week!  I am so happy that you will be home for Christmas this year.  That makes me smile :)  I will go down to the bank and try to get a new debit card today.  Are you still able to use it?  What are your plans for this wonderful P day?

Elder Parkinson:  Every week is a great week on a mission!  I am very happy too.  Thanks for checking on the debit card because I don't think I can even use it.  Today we are going to be playing bball all day long and then go to the family home evening.

Mom:  I love your attitude!  You are such an awesome missionary.  Bball all day long sound like your kind of thing so I hope you have fun.  Keep working hard and things will work out the way they are supposed to for you.

Elder Parkinson:  I am working hard and trying to stay focused.  I am heading to Lancaster right now to play ball, so I will email you from there.

Mom:  How is basketball going?  Cooper is afraid he's not going to make the high school team for football because he thinks they are only going to keep the big guys.  I told him that you didn't play at the HS in 9th grade and look how well things turned out for you :)  I think he's still feeling pretty bummed though.

Jordan as a 9th grade football player.  He and Cooper look so much alike!

Elder Parkinson:  It is going good, just ballin it up haha.  Tell Cooper not to worry because it isn't that bad if he doesn't make the HS team.  He will do just fine.  Tell him to work hard and enjoy the moment.  It is so fun and it goes by way too fast.

Mom:  Okay, I will tell him.  Thanks for always being so supportive of your brothers.  They are lucky to have you.

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, no problem.  I love them so much!!!

Mom:  They love you too!  They are always speaking very highly about you.  I want you to know how much all of us love you and pray for you every single day.  We are here for you no matter what.

Elder Parkinson:  I love you so much!  I hope that you have a great week.  Tell the fam that I love them and can't wait to see them again.