1 Nephi 3:7 "...I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Goodbye MTC/Hello Van Nuys

We got our first sim card in the mail today from California.  It showed Jordan's last day at the MTC, his trip to the airport and his new apartment and area.  He looks so happy and we are so thankful for these pictures.  They really help us to feel like we have a little piece of him with us.

 Elder Parkinson and Elder Kovacs
Defensive End Buddies from BHS


 Goodbye Provo MTC


 Inside the new apartment. 
(Looks like it could use a little decorating) 


 Eating Some Cake On His Birthday with Elder Flake
(So thankful for good people watching over him)


 Another Missionary Friend


Ready for a Day on the Bike

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Welcome to the San Fernando, California Mission

We finally got the letter from Jordan's mission president saying that he had arrived safely.  It included a photo of Elder Parkinson with President Martin and Sister Martin.  Jordan looks so happy and also tall :)  The letter also included a paper entitled "My First Letter Home from the Mission Field."  I think Jordan filled this out the day he got to California.

 Such a good looking Elder :)


 Hey, just sitting in Cali.  It is great.  I love it out here and I have one problem, they don't have my dmv driving record on hand.  Um, I love it so much and am so happy that I got called to serve here.  The mission president is so cool.  I don't know who my companion is yet.  I tried to call Austin (from the airport) but his voice mailbox was not set up.  The weather is so nice.  I am safe and sound.  I know that time is going to fly by here.  I love you all so much.
-Elder Parkinson
Never mind on the dmv.  They made a mistake.


Justin made sure to point out the second to last paragraph to me. 
 NO visiting him, even if we happen to be in California :(

Monday, March 26, 2012

New Digs


Elder Jordan Parkinson
15616 Vanowen St.  Apt. 109
Van Nuys, CA 91406


First Email From Van Nuys

We received our first email from California today.  Jordan seems to be doing great and we are still waiting on the letter from his mission president saying that he has arrived safely (obviously we now know he has).  He is serving in Van Nuys, California.  It is an area just to the north and west of LA.  He bought a bike the second day he was out there and loves everything about his new area already. 


Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, I'm on for a little.  I'm doing great.

Mom:  Hi honey!  Tell me about your new area!

Elder Parkinson:  It is so nice.  The weather is great, my companion is great, the zone is great and I love it!

Mom:  Where is your companion from?  Do you get along?

Elder Parkinson:  He is from Mapleton, Utah and yes he is so cool.

Mom:  How is the language?  How is the new bike?

Elder Parkinson:  The language is hard, but people are so nice and help me.  Um, the bike is way nice.  So what is the plan with the bike?  Am I going to leave it here when I'm done or what?

Mom:  We'll just have to wait and see.  I am so excited to hear everything!  Have you had any cool experiences?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, we are doing great.  We have 4 baptismal dates and the food is so good.  I love the hispanic food.  My spanish has improved so much, it is amazing.  I am great.  My companion and I work well together.  Um, no cool experiences that I want to tell you, you will just have to wait until I get home haha!  Um, will you ask Colton why he hasn't written me back yet?

Mom:  Yes, I will.  What do you mean wait until you get home!  Do you have your address in Van Nuys?  How was your birthday?  Tell me more about your area.  I love you sooo much!!!  

Elder Parkinson:  Well, you are probably busy with subbing today, but we have some baptism dates set up.  I love my area and I love my companion.  The language isn't too bad and for food I am doing great.  I was blessed to be put in a biking mission so I won't get fat.  Um, my birthday was great except I had to sit in a meeting for 7 hours of the day haha.  I can't wait to get back to my bed, a big bed, so I can be comfortable once again.  Um, what else........the members are so great.  I love my mission.  My zone is so cool.  Our area is putting up big numbers.  The outside world is a lot different than the MTC and I actually get to have real food.  A lot of the people know english and we help them while they help us.  I love you guys so much!  It is so fun.  Tell everyone hi and that I love them.

Oh, the address is 15616 Vanowen Apt. 109.  I don't know what the area code is though :)



This is the bike shop where Elder Parkinson purchased his bike.
I found it on Google Earth :)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Happy 19th Elder P

We had to celebrate even though our JP is in California.
We picked cupcakes because that was the last treat we all ate together before Jordan left for the MTC.




Farewell to the MTC

We got a package in the mail today from Jordan.  He was sending home some things that he didn't want to take with him to California.  We were so happy to find a sim card hiding amongst the goods.  What a pleasant surprise to see what his last few days in the MTC were like.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the MTC and District 16D

Yet another friend :)

Such amazing teachers!

"The District" joining together in singing a spanish hymn

Matching Ties For District 16 D

Elder Hudson and Elder Parkinson
MTC Companions and Friends For Life


"The Net" that was cut down from their mini hoop before leaving.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The Eagle Has Landed





Delta Airlines
Flight 4677
Departure: 11:18 am (Salt Lake City Intl. Airport)
Arrival:  12:05 pm (Bob Hope Airport-Burbank, California)