Hey All!!
Well another week in the field gone by!! Wow...
Oh yeah, first of all, an elder came into our zone last transfer named Elder Wardle...his name is Josh and his father is Michael and the now live in West Jordan UT...so I just thought I would send on that info to see if any of you know of them...
Tuesday we and our landlord cleaned out this community closet under the stairs and wow, looks like new!!
Then that day while we were dendoing we went up to a door to knock and there was a parrot looking bird so i figured hey, what the heck lets see if it talks...well it didn:t respond at first but a few moments later it croaked *konnichiwa*! haha how funny! Then I coughed like a smoker, so I think its owner like the tobacco a little too much...haha
Wednesday we had interviews and they were great!! I love doing them, it makes me love President and Sister Traveller even more!! They really are the best!
We also found out that Todd Choro and I will not be together for another transfer, We just don't know who is leaving...
Thursday we had another lesson with Kenta before eikaiwa. It went really well. He is just having a hard time internalizing the information and taking hold of the good feelings he feels. He also felt like we were pressuring him so we cleared that up and told him we just want him to be happy and to find the truth. So, keep him in your prayers that he will find and feel the answers through the book of mormon. I really feel like he will progress well once we get him that solid confirmation and base of faith!
Then after the lesson I practiced my song for conference with Sister Watanabe and Kenta decided to sit in. That actually went really well. I think it was good for him to hear the song *I Heard Him Come* and feel good. So good times!
Friday we once again went to Takayama for training and exchanges. While I was with Elder Zimmerman housing we found this older lady who wasnt all there...she ended up taking us on a walk up the mountain by her house. On the way she tried to check us into a hotel and kept talking about two hospitals or something...kind of wierd. In the end she took us to this place that seemed like an old peoples home and we explained to the lady there that we don't know whats going on and she told us they would take care of her and we could leave...whew...so yeah, we kind of got abducted by this lady...haha. funny times
While in Takayama I also got a new free suit! Some elder a while ago left it in the apt and it fit, so I took it! I just had to sew up the hole in the butt seam and am taking it to the dry cleaners today!! Way awesome!!
The rest of the week was pretty good and regular.
Now for the weekly thought...it comes from 2 Nephi 9, and 10:23
Chapter nine just rocks because it is like the whole gospel in one chapter. It covers most of the bases and i just felt so edified by reading it. It is so jam packed with goodness that I had to include it this week. 10:23 is the key for today...please look up!
It counsels to be cheerful! To remember that we are free to choose whatever we want, happiness or misery. So, in this gospel we have all the information and ordinances we need for salvation. We just need to be constantly choosing the right and finding the happiness it brings. Like chapter 9 teaches, we are saved through christ and his atoning sacrifice. There is so much goodness to this gospel, as also found in ch.9, that I just love it! If only there were more willing people to open up to it and let it bless their lives!! But, that is what I am out here for and what missionary work is all about!
God speed to all your personal missionary efforts and I love you!!!
Elder Parks
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Eikaiwa Service Guy... Kosurido
Elder Parks, Kosurido San, and Elder Parks. Aaron really likes this guy. He is from their English class.
Aaron's Bike
Aaron with his bike. We sent it over to Japan for him. They don't have bikes tall enough for Aaron in Japan.
BBQ Grill
The elders stopped and visited with a man that was grilling corn. He gave Elder Todd and Elder Parks each a piece of corn. This is what the grill looks like. Each area of Japan has its own style of grill.
Nashi orchard
Elder Todd and Elder Parks find huge nashi to eat along with a nice nashi orchard to enjoy.
The Caterpillar and the Spider
This caterpillar was close to Aaron's apartment. They watched it for a long time, then gave it to the spider for lunch. Simple entertainment for the elders.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Pat's Here.... Check Out How Full the Fridge is...
I opened the fridge tonight and started laughing. Mom came into the kitchen to see what was going on. I opened the fridge back up and said, "Look how full the fridge is?" We all laughed really hard. For those that have been in Pat's home will totally understand this...Pat always has plenty of food for everyone and anyone that comes to her home. What a treasure to share in Albuquerque, NM.
I Pledge Alligence to the Divinity
We finally learned how to make divinity with Dad and Mom. Steve loved the batch with the walnuts in it. We made three different colors. What a party. We also made popcorn balls. What treats.........
Los Alamos Trip with the Parents...
Our tour of the Los Alamos area and the Rio Grande River area. We went with our tour guide that has lived in Los Alamos since she was 6 years old. Her husband is a retired Scientist. We also went around the city area and saw the first homes built in the town of Los Alamos. Very enjoyable time...
Oh My Stars...
We came home from school and work to our home that had such a fabulous smell. Pat made dinner and had it waiting for us. Oh, it was so wonderful... We had fresh items from the garden, like potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, along with steaks and Glen made us rice pudding. Oh, and don't forget the home made whole wheat bread. YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Aaron's letter 10-6-08
Hey Everyone!
Well another week gone and more goods to share! And can you believe I have already been away for 4 months!! Wow, time is goin by!
Wednesday we went to the Joshin store to get a new filter for the washer and then dendoed down there that day. That is when i saw the sweet Nissan GT-R!! Such a hot car of which i took pics!!
So they are on the memory card being sent home today!
Then Thursday we planned for our eikaiwa halloween party! It is going to be a blast!! Then that night we had 3 new people attend and two of them have interest in our message! So this week we will be following up on that and seeing how deep this interest is! We have one other with interest and one more, Kenta, who we began teaching this past friday! He is our way cool 20 yr old college student who came to eikaiwa two weeks ago. He is an amazing kid and i hope he really feels more of the joy of the gospel!
Friday was quoted in my journal as *The Best Day Ever!* Here is why...
We had good district training in the morning at our place, then on departure from the apartment to dendo i recieved a letter from a friend from college!!
Then, on a lower note, on the way to our dendo area, my back tire:s valve broke. So yeah that dampened my spirits but not for long. After we dendoed for a bit we headed back to our bike store, except i had to run with my bike. So i ended up running like 3 kilos back to our bike store next to my comp on his bike! I am actually grateful i got to do that. It really set my mind on the work and was just good for me. All i have to say is, it would not have been possible without the Lord on my side!! He truly is all powerful.
Then that night we had our lesson with Kenta san and that totally rocked. He is looking for how to help people and thus was interested in our message. After our lesson he told us he felt *sunshine* in his heart during the lesson, can it get any better than that!!? So, needless to say, i love this guy! I can:t wait for our next lesson before eikaiwa this thursday!
Then Saturday we had a great long dendo day.
Next week we get to watch conference in our building from the dvds and I can:t wait!!
Now for the quote and scripture. So as we were around one day Todd choro found this quote...*Knowledge is proud that he has learn:d so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.* So, ponder on that one... and now for my scripture...1Nephi 7 17...please look up
I just love how Nephi is consistently in connection with the Lord, and therefore benefits from the consequent blessings! He is such a good example to us all of what we need to do to be strong in the gospel. Have faith, perservere, and live the right. I hope you are all finding the joy of his teachings and finding, once again, the light of Christ within each of you!
I love you all and wish you the best!
Elder Parks
ps for our zone conference on the 30th elder Evans, the seventy over japan, is visiting and giving us a special one! woot!
oh, yeah and on our way to lunch today after tennis with yamamoto kyodai, we saw a stork in the road! random cool thing
Well another week gone and more goods to share! And can you believe I have already been away for 4 months!! Wow, time is goin by!
Wednesday we went to the Joshin store to get a new filter for the washer and then dendoed down there that day. That is when i saw the sweet Nissan GT-R!! Such a hot car of which i took pics!!
So they are on the memory card being sent home today!
Then Thursday we planned for our eikaiwa halloween party! It is going to be a blast!! Then that night we had 3 new people attend and two of them have interest in our message! So this week we will be following up on that and seeing how deep this interest is! We have one other with interest and one more, Kenta, who we began teaching this past friday! He is our way cool 20 yr old college student who came to eikaiwa two weeks ago. He is an amazing kid and i hope he really feels more of the joy of the gospel!
Friday was quoted in my journal as *The Best Day Ever!* Here is why...
We had good district training in the morning at our place, then on departure from the apartment to dendo i recieved a letter from a friend from college!!
Then, on a lower note, on the way to our dendo area, my back tire:s valve broke. So yeah that dampened my spirits but not for long. After we dendoed for a bit we headed back to our bike store, except i had to run with my bike. So i ended up running like 3 kilos back to our bike store next to my comp on his bike! I am actually grateful i got to do that. It really set my mind on the work and was just good for me. All i have to say is, it would not have been possible without the Lord on my side!! He truly is all powerful.
Then that night we had our lesson with Kenta san and that totally rocked. He is looking for how to help people and thus was interested in our message. After our lesson he told us he felt *sunshine* in his heart during the lesson, can it get any better than that!!? So, needless to say, i love this guy! I can:t wait for our next lesson before eikaiwa this thursday!
Then Saturday we had a great long dendo day.
Next week we get to watch conference in our building from the dvds and I can:t wait!!
Now for the quote and scripture. So as we were around one day Todd choro found this quote...*Knowledge is proud that he has learn:d so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.* So, ponder on that one... and now for my scripture...1Nephi 7 17...please look up
I just love how Nephi is consistently in connection with the Lord, and therefore benefits from the consequent blessings! He is such a good example to us all of what we need to do to be strong in the gospel. Have faith, perservere, and live the right. I hope you are all finding the joy of his teachings and finding, once again, the light of Christ within each of you!
I love you all and wish you the best!
Elder Parks
ps for our zone conference on the 30th elder Evans, the seventy over japan, is visiting and giving us a special one! woot!
oh, yeah and on our way to lunch today after tennis with yamamoto kyodai, we saw a stork in the road! random cool thing
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Amanda and Grandma's Tea Party
Amanda has waited for so long to have her tea party with Grandma Searle. They had such a fun time....
Grandpa Searle is enjoying his diet with lime while the girls are in the other room having their party...
Sure having fun with Mom and Dad here.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Oh, What Treasures......
Oh my stars what treasures Glen and Pat brought to Albuquerque, NM. Mom has been canning like crazy this fall. They brought us peaches, pears, tomatoes, corn, beans, chili sauce, pickles beets, jams (pear, peach and plum), banana squash, indian corn, pumpkin, red potatoes, onions and carrots (from Garth's garden), fresh tomatoes, peppers, whole wheat bread and banana bread...
Mom also brought some green tomatoes so I can do some canning this year. I have so missed canning since moving to ABQ, NM.
Our family is going to enjoy every bit of these treasures made with love and brought to us with love. It is so fun having Dad and Mom here.
What a fun day 10-4-08
Oh my stars,
What a fun day we have had. We got at 3:30am, left our home at 4:00 and headed to the Balloon Fiesta. We didn't have to wait in the 1 1/2 line driving in this year since we left earlier. We also bought our tickets in advance so we didn't have to wait in that line either. Upon our arrival we found a picnic table to sit at right by the balloon field. The balloon carrying the American Flag was put up right in front of us.
The first 11 balloons went up as the "Dawn Patrol" It was fun to watch the balloons fill with air and lift off with the "glow" filling the balloon. The next balloon that went up was flying the American Flag. It was a wonderful experience to watch the flag waving through air as the National Anthem was being sung.
We were able to watch all the waves take off from the area we were sitting. Steve and I went around and found the balloon cards that everyone loves collecting. Glen and Pat had perfect seats. Amanda loved taking pictures with her phone and sending them to everyone this morning.
We arrived home at 9:45am just in time to watch General Conference. Steve made whole wheat pancakes, bacon and eggs for breakfast. We enjoyed watching the morning session of conference. So many good talks full of great messages.
It is so fun having Dad and Mom with us. Sassy and Taiko are even loving the attention they are getting.
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