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.

Keeping The Elders Safe

I was in California again this past week for the second week in a row.  It was even harder this time knowing that Elder Parkinson was so close and nobody I knew was going to see him and give me an update.  I just had to keep telling myself that I will get to see him very soon.  He will hopefully be released before Christmas this year.  Elder Parkinson is doing awesome and loves his companion and the work he is doing.  I have heard from so many people that he is such a positive example and a great leader.  I sure do love that boy!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  Well the week was a little slow because nobody was home.  That made things go slowly, but it was alright.  I did get the bread and the pictures.  Sushi was great like always, haha.  That is crazy that we were in the same state again.  Just 5 more months and then you get to see my face in person again.  I am not happy to hear that their are ball hogs on Austin's team.  I really don't like players like that who think they are better than everyone else.  It is not fun to play with those type of people.  I am so happy to hear about Cooper and football.  That is the dedication I like to see out of Cooper with conditioning.  I hope that he gets to play up at the high school.  I loved going to the creek after football and then going and getting a big breakfast.  It was great.  I am happy that the house is starting to come along nicely.  I hope they can get it done fast.  I love you and can't wait to talk to you.

Mom:  Hi cutie!  I'm sorry to hear that you had a slow week, but I know you will keep working hard and find the people who are ready for you.  What are your plans for today?

Elder Parkinson:  We are going to play basketball and then we are going to dinner and then we are going to teach a family home evening at the church for all of the members to come to.  

Mom:  That sounds like a great day!  What are you teaching for family home evening?  How many people do you expect?  Are you doing the lesson?

Elder Parkinson:  Well, we are just teaching the missionary lessons and we all just take turns teaching it.  I don't know how many people are going to come, but probably not that many.

Mom:  That is a great idea to have family home evening for the members.  I bet it will be great!  I drove by the lot this morning and there were five concrete trucks lined up ready to pour.  It is quite a sight!  Is next week transfer week?

Elder Parkinson:  That is way cool that there are five concrete trucks ready to pour.  You should send me a picture.  Transfers are on the 6th of next month.

Mom:  I will drive down there and get a picture.  I'm sure there aren't as many trucks there anymore since that was around 8:30.  Is is hot there?  How is being the district leader?

The line of concrete trucks waiting to pour the footings at our lot today.

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, that is a lot of trucks!  How long do they think the house will take?   It isn't too hot here anymore.  We got some rain yesterday and that was nice.  District leader is good.  It is mostly just me making sure all of the missionaries are safe.

Mom:  Yay for rain!!!  Have you had any unsafe situations occur?  Speaking of sending pictures, when is the last time we got a sim card from you?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, um no nothing unsafe.  People are too afraid of these guns.  Remember that I can't go into the stadium because I have weapons, haha.  (This is an inside joke between Jordan and I.  When he says guns he is referring to his muscles.)  I will get a sim card sent off soon.

Mom:  Haha, I remember that day at BYU!!!  Do you still have your guns?  They think that the house will take about a year to finish.  Do you still keep in touch with Thacker?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, yeah, I sill have my guns.  I have been keeping in touch with Thacker and he is doing good.  He got a new truck.  I will try to forward you a picture.

Mom:  Oh boy, a new truck!!  Is he going to start school in the fall?  Are you needing anything?  Socks, shirts....?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, he is going to start school.  I am doing great and I don't think it would be worth sending out new stuff with this much time left.  I am just going to throw everything away when I leave anyway.  

Mom:  Okay, I guess I won't send anything new out then.  Make sure you are exercising and staying fit because you want to make a good impression with the football coaches when you get home.

Elder Parkinson:  I am trying to stay fit.  Could you send me this thing called insanity so that I can work out more?

Mom:  Sure.  I will try to find it and send it out.  Remember that cardio is the best way to burn fat.  I hate running, but sometimes you just have to do it.  Just don't stress out too much and remember to focus on the things that are the most important.  You are amazing and I love you sooo much!!!

Elder Parkinson:  I am doing great and working hard, so don't worry too much about me.  I love you so much too.  Have a good week.

 The chain of command: Elder Calder (blue tie) who trained Elder Parkinson and then the two "sons" that Elder Parkinson has trained.

 Baptism Day in Lake Los Angeles

Elder Parkinson with his two "sons" 

Elder Farnsworth (left) and Elder Zobrist (right)

So Close, Yet So Far Away

This past week Austin, Cooper and I were in California for a basketball tournament with Bountiful High School.  It is so hard to be only about 1 1/2 hours away from your missionary.  Luckily, some of our friends went to visit Elder Parkinson and took him some donuts and were able to visit with him for a little bit.  The picture they took was priceless to me.  He looks so grown up and has definitely turned into an adult.  Our friends said he seemed so confident and looked very, very happy.  

 The town where Elder Parkinson is currently serving as district leader.  It is pretty much a desert in the middle of nowhere.

 Cute bakery where they purchased donuts for Jordan.  The owner said he knew who Elder Parkinson was.

Carleen and AC Seljaas with our cute missionary.  He is definitely turning into a "big boy."

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom, all is great.  The week was alright.  Nothing too exciting happened.  There is nothing new, just working hard and loving the mission.  That was great to see the Seljaas', especially AC.  He is a man now, haha.  I can't believe that I will see them again in like 5 months!  That is crazy that BHS did so well in the tourney (they made it to the semifinals) and that you will be in Cali again this week.  I hope Austin and Cooper are loving football.  It is the best time, even the summer conditioning, haha.  I am so glad that the house is making progress.  You will have to send me a pic so that I can see how it is coming along.  I love you so much and I hope to hear from you soon.

This is the progress on the house.  It has all been excavated and they will be doing forms and foundation this week.  The man in the red shirt is Justin, which shows you how big the hole is.

Mom:  You are always working hard :)  When are your next transfers?  How is your companion?  I am supposed to tell you that -------- has been trying to respond to your emails, but she doesn't think you are getting them.

Elder Parkinson:  I hope that I am always working hard, haha.  Transfers are in 2 weeks and my comp is great.  He is so cool and we get along really well.  I am emailing with her right now, so I think all is well.  Guess where I am going today?

Mom:  You are so awesome :)  I am going to guess that you are going to sushi.  Am I right?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, yes, you are right!  I am doing so well.  So what part of Cali are you going to be in this week.

Mom:  I know you SO well, haha!!!  Where are you having sushi at?  We are going to be in Anaheim again.  Did you get the postcards that we sent yet?

Elder Parkinson:  We are going to a place called miso.  It is all you can eat, haha.  That is cool that you will be in Anaheim again.  I have not gotten the postcards yet, but I am so ready for them.  You do know me so well :)  What are your plans for today?

Mom:  How far is Miso?  Today I am going to be doing laundry, going down to the lot to look at the progress, getting the boys' haircut and lots of other small errands.  Are you doing anything else after sushi?  How many people are going to sushi with you?

Elder Parkinson:  It is about 20 minutes away and that sounds like a great day you have planned.  No, we are not doing much except for sushi and I'm not sure how many people are going.  Why?

Mom:  I was just wondering if it was going to be a big party or not ;)  Are you having any more luck with your investigators?

Elder Parkinson:  Um, not really.  It is a hard area.  I don't think that it's going to be too big of a party, haha.

Mom:  How is the ward?  How are the members?  Are you needing anything?

Elder Parkinson:  The ward is doing good and the members are way cool.  I do need some more bread. Will you send out a couple more loafs for an elder here?

Mom:  I sure will.  What kind of bread do you want?

Elder Parkinson:  I would like about 4 loafs of the Grandma Sycamore's bread if you could.  Also, I have a favor to ask - could you send a Red Lobster gift card to Elder ------- ----------?

Mom:  For sure!  Do I just send the gift card to your address?

Elder Parkinson:  No, haha, send the bread to my address and would you send the gift card to the California, San Fernando mission office address?

Mom:  I can do that!  Do you know how much I love you?  You are amazing!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, I do know that and I love you even more.  I hope you have a great week mom.

Welcome To The Bakersfield Mission

Our family was in Lake Powell all of last week, so I didn't get a chance to email with Elder Parkinson.  It was really hard to not be able to have the slightest bit of communication with him, but his happiness makes me happy.  He is doing really well and enjoying the last 1/4 of his mission.  He is now officially in the California, Bakersfield mission.  This area covers a lot of the desert to the north and east of LA.  Elder Parkinson has now had 3 different mission presidents in addition to the two different missions.  He loves his new mission president and the companion that he is training.

Elder Parkinson:  Well, the week was great and everything is going well.  Yes, we did meet the new mission president and he is way cool.  I like him a lot.  He is from Cedar City.  I am so relieved that you got to Powell and back with no problems.  It had to have been very hot without the AC working on the houseboat.  The Blue Devil (our ski boat) is a great sleeping spot though and it isn't that hot.  I love sleeping there.  Just so you know, that is still my spot when I get home, haha.  I am glad that Cooper still keeps the early morning wakeboarding runs going.  It is definitely the best time to go because the water is like glass.  I remember football conditioning really well.  It does help a lot and it is hard, but worth it.  Now Austin and Cooper will know why I was so sore all the time because I would do that then go work out with Gary.  That would be nice to talk to Coach J about Weber, but I know that I am going there for sure.  I received that answer in the temple.  I cannot believe that you are coming back out to California for the high school basketball tournament again.  It is crazy that it has been a year ago that I had breakfast with Coach because it seems like just yesterday.  If he has time, I would love to see him again.  Yes, we are finding a lot more spanish investigators.  It is going great.  I am going to talk to President when I see him next about my release date.  Not too much is different at the moment, but I will keep you updated.  I did wear my 4th of July tie and baked the cake that you send.  We had a BBQ that day too and it was great.

Mom:  I am so glad to hear that you are doing well and you still have that positive attitude and sense of humor.  How is your companion doing?  Are you still at the same address?

Elder Parkinson:  My comp is doing great.  He is a great guy and we work very hard.  Yes, we are still at the same address.  So do you have any pics that you could send me from Powell?

Mom:  Of course I have pics.  I will try to send them right now.  What are your plans for today?

 Our Captain- The Best Dad In the World

 Cooper Doing The Surf Thing

 Austin Catching A Wave On The Surfboard

 Cooper Getting Air On The Wakeboard

 Pizza Dinner Before Heading Home

Sunny Is One Lucky Girl With This Group Of Boys

Elder Parkinson:  I got the pics.  Thank you.  What restaurant is that?  For today we are going to play some ball around 10:30 and after that I have now idea, haha.  What are your plans for today?

Mom:  That is pizza place in Page called Stromboli's.  For today, I am trying to catch up on my 11 loads of laundry, take Gramps' truck in to get fixed, take Austin to a basketball scrimmage at 1:00 and then go to the football conditioning meeting with Austin and Cooper at 5:00.

Elder Parkinson:  That is a lot of laundry!  Didn't you guys go to the Mexican restaurant this time?  I love that place.  Did you stop and get a Chubby Burger?  You have a busy day ahead of you.

Mom:  We went to the Mexican place on the first night that we were there and then ate at the pizza place on the last night.  We weren't able to have a chubby burger this time because we traveled on Sunday both days and they are closed on Sunday's :(

Elder Parkinson:  That is what you get for breaking the sabbath, haha.  So how is the house coming along?

Mom:  I will have you know that I did go to sacrament meeting before we left last Sunday ;)  The house is finally becoming a reality!  They are breaking ground on Wednesday.  I am going over tomorrow to mark trees and get ready for the big equipment to come in.  Are you feeling good?  Are you happy?  Any baptismal dates set?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, well you were at "another ward" all week so I think you are good.  That is great that the house is going to get started.  I am doing great.  I am very happy.  For right now, no baptismal dates because we kind-of started from scratch.  I am so happy to be serving a mission.  Can you believe that I only have like 5 months left?

Mom:  I cannot believe that you are coming home at the end of this year!  I am SO excited for that day!!!  You are such an amazing missionary and this experience will change your life forever.  What a huge blessing.  Remember to finish strong and be a good companion until the end.  I love you SO much!!!!

Elder Parkinson:  I love you too.  I hope that all goes well this week and that all is great.  I hope that the house will be going well.  I love you so much mom.

Working Hard And Baptizing

This week was a little odd emailing with Elder Parkinson.  He started to email and then said he would be back after he played some basketball.  I finally figured out that he was in Lancaster emailing, whereas he is usually in Lake Los Angeles first and then heads down to Lancaster after emailing.  I wasn't sure when he would email again, but luckily it worked out that I was still available when he emailed later.  He is doing great and still loving everything about his mission and the work.  We are now 3/4 of the way through this mission and can't wait for December to come.

Elder Parkinson:  Well all went well this week and we are working hard.  My new companion's name is Elder Farnsworth and he is from Colorado.  He is cool and I like him a lot.  He is a hard worker, but is chill about things, haha.  The broadcast yesterday was good, but I was expecting a bigger announcement too.  I hope that all goes well with the house this week and that you can start digging a hole next week.  I am glad that Austin and Cooper are doing well.  That is great that Austin liked the Manti pageant..  I can't believe that he bit a hole in tongue.  That is crazy!!!  I am so excited for Jase to start his mission.  He will do great and please tell him that I say hi.  The only things that I know about my new mission president are  that his name is President Wilson and he is from Cedar City, Utah.  Well, I love you and can't wait to hear from you.

This is Austin's tongue after he bit it at basketball practice.  The hole goes all the way through.

Mom:  I am so glad to hear that you are doing well.  It is such a blessing that you like your companion. How long has he been out?  Has being a district leader been hard?

Elder Parkinson:  My comp is brand new and I am training him.  It is not that hard being the district leader and yes it is such a blessing that we get along so well.  So what's new?

Mom:  Yay, you have another "son!"  Nothing too much is new here except that the house is actually coming along and we are busy with sports and getting ready for Lake Powell.  I am going to meet gramps in Pocatello tomorrow to switch him vehicles.  Since nobody that we are going to Powell with has a truck, we need the extra bed space for coolers and drinks and such.  So you can rub it in about needing a truck even more now ;)

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I told you that trucks are the only way to go :)  That is great that you are going to take gramps' truck.  I will be back in a little bit.  I am going to play ball but I will be back to email more...............

2 hours later

Mom:  When will you be back?  Are you there now?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, I have time now.  I am mad, so I am just cooling off.

Mom:  What are you mad about?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, just bball.  We were playing some guys that foul a lot and I don't like people like that.

Mom:  Yeah, that's not fun to play against people like that.  What are your plans for today?  How did the baptism go?

Elder Parkinson:  It went well and we are just going to chill until we catch the bus back to Lake LA.  My kid did the baptism and it was a great experience for him.

Mom:  That's awesome for him!  We really need pictures.  It's been almost a month since you have sent a SIM card ;)  Do you have any other potential investigators?  Are you doing well?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, okay, I will send a SIM card home for you.  We have a couple of people that we are working with right now.  I am doing great and I am ready to just get back into Spanish work.

Mom:  Is it hard to find the Spanish people?  Has it been hot there?

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, it is a little hard to find them.  It is not to hot here, but how is the temp there?

Mom:  It has only been in the 80's lately, so that is nice.  Is your new companion tall?  Is he going to stay in the Bakersfield mission?  I just realized that I am not going to be able to email with you next week because I don't think we'll have service in Powell.  You'll have to send me a really long, good email next Monday.  I love you so much!!!

Elder Parkinson:  My companion is about 6 foot and yes, he is going to stay in this mission.  I will for sure write you a good email next week.  I love you so much and I hope that you have a great time at Powell.

The 4th of July package that will be on it's way to Lake LA this week.

District Leader in Lake Los Angeles

Today was a big transfer day in the San Fernando mission.  Since the mission will be split on July 1, this transfer determined where they will serve the remainder of their mission.  Elder Parkinson will now become a part of the Bakersfield mission on July 1 since he is staying in the desert.  There is also going to be a broadcast this Sunday that all of the missionaries are supposed to watch as well as every member of the church.  It is a broadcast meant for mission presidents and I have heard that there is going to be a major announcement.  We are excited to see what more exciting news may be coming our way.

Elder Parkinson:  Okay, well I am staying here in the same house and I will be getting another new missionary.  Elder Zobrist will be leaving to the valley.  I am also going to be the district leader for Lake LA.  The baptism got moved to this Sunday because yesterday was Father's day.  Tell dad that his card is on the way.  I was a little late getting it off.  That is crazy that the MTC has to hold their devotionals in the Marriott Center.  I think it's so cool.  Yeah, all the missionaries have to watch the broadcast on Sunday too, so we will see what it is about.  That is great that they boys are doing good in basketball.  When do they come to Cali to play?  I am very scared that Austin is getting his license in September.  I think you are going to have more problems with him than you did with me, haha.  That is good to hear that the house will be coming along soon.  Well, I can't wait to hear from you.

Mom:  That is great that you are staying in the same area.  Are you happy about that?  Does that mean that you will be in the Bakersfield mission?  What do you think about being the district leader for Lake LA?  Are you still going to have to do both Spanish and English?  Do you know who your new companion will be?  I think Austin will be okay driving as long as he doesn't try to impress his friends.  We are going to be in Cali from July 10-14 with the basketball team.

Elder Parkinson:  Well I am happy about staying here, haha.  It is going to be cool.  I am also happy to be the district leader.  Yes, I am still over both languages.  It is hard because you have to keep trust with both sides.  I hope that Austin will be okay and drive carefully.  What kind of car is he getting?  Coach will have to take me out again when he's here.

Mom:  So are you going to be in the Bakersfield mission?  Do you know who your new companion will be?  We are looking at 4Runners for Austin because I thought that yours did well.  I will have to see what the basketball schedule is like and see if coach can make it up to Lake LA.

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, I am going to be part of the Bakersfield mission and I won't know who my new companion is until tomorrow.  That is a great car for him and that would be cool if coach could come up.  What are you thinking about my car for when I get back?  Also, the temple was great and Weber is where I am going to go.

Mom:  What great news!  I am glad that you feel good about Weber because I think you will be happy there for lots of reasons.  As far as your car goes, we are still not quite sure yet.  We think that a truck would cost a lot in gas and it would be hard to park on a college campus.  What are your thoughts?  Tell me about your temple trip.  Did you get to see some of your friends?  I hope you took pictures ;)  Did you get your package last week?

Los Angeles Temple

Elder Parkinson:  Yeah, Weber is where I want to go.  I am good with whatever for a car.  As long as it gets me from point A to point B.  The temple was great.  I received a lot of answers to prayers and it was so nice.  I did get to see a lot of people.  Can you believe that Elder Calder (his first trainer) goes home on Wednesday?  That is crazy for me.  I did the package and it was perfect, so thank you.

Mom:  I am glad that you received answers at the temple.  What is my favorite place to go when I am feeling troubled and need answers.  There is so much peace there.  This is crazy that Elder Calder is going home on Wednesday!  It is even crazier that you are coming home in December :)  What are your plans for today?  How are you doing and feeling?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes, answers really do come at the temple.  I can't believe that I am coming home in December.  I am doing great and feeling great.  For today we are just going and saying goodbye to members and also just packing and stuff like that.

Mom:  That sounds fun!  So will you be doing the baptism this Sunday now that Elder Zobrist is leaving?

Elder Parkinson:  I am not sure who is going to baptize him, but we will figure it out.  So, yeah, whatever car is good but I am going to have to put a system in it, haha.

Mom:  Of course you will need a system in it, haha.  Are all of your clothes holding up?

Elder Parkinson:  They are doing great.  They will get me to the end and then I am throwing almost everything out.

Mom:  Sounds great!  Well, I want you to know how much I love you.  You are such an amazing young man and son.

Elder Parkinson:  Thanks mom.  I love you too and I hope that you have a great week and that all goes how you want it.  I love you so much.

Hot in Cali

Next week is a big transfer week in the San Fernando mission because it will determine if Elder Parkinson will finish his mission in the San Fernando or the Bakersfield mission.  The San Fernando mission is being split on July 1 and all of the elders who are currently serving in the desert areas will become a part of the new Bakersfield mission.  If Jordan stays in the same area where he is at now, he will be a part of the Bakersfield mission.  This would mean 3 different mission presidents in 2 years.  Elder Parkinson is excited to serve no matter where and I know he will continue to be a blessing to all those whom he comes in contact with.

Elder Parkinson:  Hey mom.  This week was a hot one.  It was 110 all week long, but it was fun.  The baptism is still good for next Sunday, so I am very happy about that.  We go to the temple tomorrow, so that will be good.  That is fun that Bountiful High won the Utah State team camp and that Austin got to play a lot.  I also think it's funny that he is now old enough to hang out on the boulevard.  I never did really like the vard that much.  I would have rather been playing ps3 or hanging out at home with my friends.  I am glad that Cooper liked the birthday card that I sent, I thought he would.  It took me forever to find a good one for him.  I am happy that Austin and Cooper are staying busy because that means they won't have time to get in trouble.  I am glad to hear that the house is getting closer to getting started and that all is well.  I hope to hear from you soon.  I love you.

Mom:  I am so excited to hear that the baptism is still on for this Sunday.  Are you the one who is going to baptize?  How far is the temple from where you are at?  Do you spend most of the day there?  Make sure to take some pictures.  Speaking of pics, we still haven't gotten any of the ones from when you went sand railing.  

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, um my comp will baptize because he kind of really wanted to have that experience.  The temple is about 2 hours away.  We will get back around 4 and then have dinner and stuff like that.  I will make sure to take some pictures for you.  I was not able to take pics sand railing because I was scared that I would lose my camera.  

Mom:  Well that's nice of you to let your companion do the baptizing.  How are you dealing with the heat?

Elder Parkinson:  It isn't too bad.  I just go and work and get over the heat.  Yeah, my comp really wanted the experience so I will let him do it.

Mom:  So what are your plans for today?  Are you staying hydrated?

Elder Parkinson:  Today I am going to get a hair cut and then I don't know what we are going to do.  I am staying plenty hydrated, haha.  What are Austin and Cooper doing right now?

Mom:  Where do you go to get a haircut?  Austin and Cooper are at the BHS basketball camp right now.  Do you miss that at all?

Elder Parkinson:  A member will give me my hair cut, so that will be good.  That is good to hear that they are at that camp.  Yes, I do miss it.  My favorite country song is "Your Going To Miss This" by Trace Adkins.  It's a great song.  Is dad working?

Listen to the song

Mom:  Yes, dad is working hard as usual.  I LOVE that song because it is so true that we need to take advantage of every single day.  I try to tell Austin and Cooper to enjoy their time now because it will all be over way too soon and then they will be faced with the real world.  Are you needing anything?  Did you find out if that Elder got his shoes and ties? 

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, I love that man.  He works so hard.  Tell the boys to enjoy it because before they know it, it will be over.  Yes, he did get the shoes and ties and he loves them.  I could probably use some new contacts and maybe you could send a snack package?  I hope that all is well.  What do you have planned for today?

Mom:  What kind of snacks are you thinking of?  Yes, your dad is a great man and a good example for you boys.  I am just bringing lunch to the boys at camp right now and then I have to do some grocery shopping and laundry.  It is dad and my anniversary today, so I think we are going to dinner tonight.

Elder Parkinson:  Whatever you would like to send me would be great.  That sounds like a great day that you have planned.  I hope that you enjoy your dinner with dad.

Mom:  Okay, I will try to pick out some good treats.  

Elder Parkinson:  Where do you think you will go to dinner at?

Mom:  I'm not sure where we will go.  You know me, I am an easy person.  I would be happy with a cheeseburger and a Coke ;)  Do you have transfers next week?

Elder Parkinson:  Haha, that is true.  You better be ready for McDonald's, haha.  Yes, next Tuesday are transfers but we find out this Saturday if we are leaving or not.

Mom:  Haha, maybe we could go a step up and do Five Guys ;)  What are you hoping happens with transfers?

Elder Parkinson:  I think that would be pushing it, haha, that is way too classy!  I am kind of hoping that I get to go back to just Spanish work with these next transfers.

Mom:  This transfer determines which mission you finish in, right?

Elder Parkinson:  Yes.  I would like to be in the Bakersfield mission because that is where all of my friends are at.  I hope that you have a great dinner with dad.

Mom:  Well, I hope that you get your wish and end up in the Bakersfield mission.  You will be amazing wherever you are at though.  I am excited to hear what happens next week!!!

Elder Parkinson:  Me too.  Well, I have to get going, so I hope that everything goes well.  Talk to you next week.  I love you so much!