These are some of the pictures that we took for our slide show during our performance...The kids did a fabulous job and we so excited to have their families there...Nice turn out...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
"KIDS ARE MUSIC" after school club chorus concert...Friday, May 1, 2009 at 6:00pm in the Ventana Ranch ES cafeteria. Everyone invited...fun times..
These are some of the pictures that we took for our slide show during our performance...The kids did a fabulous job and we so excited to have their families there...Nice turn out...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
THE BIG DAY.........BRACES ARE ON !!!!!!!!!
Amanda has looked forward to this day forever...She inherited my teeth...poor child...but now she is set and put purple and black bands on...I was shocked since everything she wears is pink...
Monday, April 27, 2009
New Ventana Church Building in Albuquerque, NM...
This church is across the park from the new high school that Amanda will go to seminary at in 1 1/2 years. The church is also across the road from the new middle school that Amanda will go to next year and just up the hill from the middle school is the new elementary school. This area is called "Education Corridor".
Aaron's letter 4-27-09
There are around 20 in the zone....
The volleyball was way fun!! Then that night we went to a baseball game at the Nagoya Dome and it rocked!
I'm doing great! Big transfer news today! It's going to shock you!
Ok...so...I am going senior and trainer!!! They won't tell me for sure who my new comp is but in interviews last time Pres. Traveller basically told me it would be Elder De Souza the only Brazillian missionary coming this time!
crazy huh!? I am excited!
Yeah I am staying in Inuyama. Thanks for the congrats! I am excited for the change and time to grow even more in every aspect!
I'll be speaking both Japanese and Portugues! I am going to have an interesting time as well as him with Japanese
The Weekly:
HEY FAMILY,
Well I will say it first...I am becoming senior comp and trainer this transfer!!! crazy! I go tomorrow to a little training and then meet the new elder! I don't know for 100% but am pretty sure its Elder De Souza, the only Brazillian coming this transfer. So that means I will be learning more Portuguese and helping him learn Japanese! It will be a good time and help me grow a ton more!
So lately I have come to really know and feel one thing for exactly sure...the Book of Mormon is a powerful book! For the past week or so I have started to notice the feeling I have once I begin talking and testifying of the Book of Mormon. Every time, without fail, no matter how the lesson is going up to this point, once I begin testifying and teaching of the Book of Mormon, a huge feeling of relief and *okayness* comes over me. As I have read everyday from the Book of Mormon and studied from its pages of wealth, this reservoir of spirit has built up. So now, once I open my mouth and begin talking about The Book. that previously obtained feeling, testimony, and knowledge come out!
The Book or Mormon is amazing! It really is the word of God and Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Maybe is sounds blasphemous, but if I could just have one thing to live off of and with, zettai (for a surety) that one thing would be the Book of Mormon. Furthermore, I want each of you to have the same feeling! As we study and ponder and search the pages of the Book of Mormon, this feeling is created and strengthened. Therefore, please do so! Everyday, I don't care how long as long as it is long enough to feel the spirit of the Book, I would love for each of you to read from the Book of Mormon. More than likely, many of you already are...because that is how cool this family is. But, nonetheless, I am getting missionary mode. Please do it! I would commit you but over email it doesn't have the same effect. Haha
The Church is true and we luckily have the amazing opportunity to be members of it! By doing all the things we learned in seminary, at church, from parents and family, and latter day prophets, blessings from Heaven rain down upon us! It is a principle of truth and one that is so fun to test! Please remeber always who is looking down upon us and at the same time, wanting to help us through the journey.
I love you all and can't wait to talk to many of you Mother's Day!
Elder Parks
The volleyball was way fun!! Then that night we went to a baseball game at the Nagoya Dome and it rocked!
I'm doing great! Big transfer news today! It's going to shock you!
Ok...so...I am going senior and trainer!!! They won't tell me for sure who my new comp is but in interviews last time Pres. Traveller basically told me it would be Elder De Souza the only Brazillian missionary coming this time!
crazy huh!? I am excited!
Yeah I am staying in Inuyama. Thanks for the congrats! I am excited for the change and time to grow even more in every aspect!
I'll be speaking both Japanese and Portugues! I am going to have an interesting time as well as him with Japanese
The Weekly:
HEY FAMILY,
Well I will say it first...I am becoming senior comp and trainer this transfer!!! crazy! I go tomorrow to a little training and then meet the new elder! I don't know for 100% but am pretty sure its Elder De Souza, the only Brazillian coming this transfer. So that means I will be learning more Portuguese and helping him learn Japanese! It will be a good time and help me grow a ton more!
So lately I have come to really know and feel one thing for exactly sure...the Book of Mormon is a powerful book! For the past week or so I have started to notice the feeling I have once I begin talking and testifying of the Book of Mormon. Every time, without fail, no matter how the lesson is going up to this point, once I begin testifying and teaching of the Book of Mormon, a huge feeling of relief and *okayness* comes over me. As I have read everyday from the Book of Mormon and studied from its pages of wealth, this reservoir of spirit has built up. So now, once I open my mouth and begin talking about The Book. that previously obtained feeling, testimony, and knowledge come out!
The Book or Mormon is amazing! It really is the word of God and Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Maybe is sounds blasphemous, but if I could just have one thing to live off of and with, zettai (for a surety) that one thing would be the Book of Mormon. Furthermore, I want each of you to have the same feeling! As we study and ponder and search the pages of the Book of Mormon, this feeling is created and strengthened. Therefore, please do so! Everyday, I don't care how long as long as it is long enough to feel the spirit of the Book, I would love for each of you to read from the Book of Mormon. More than likely, many of you already are...because that is how cool this family is. But, nonetheless, I am getting missionary mode. Please do it! I would commit you but over email it doesn't have the same effect. Haha
The Church is true and we luckily have the amazing opportunity to be members of it! By doing all the things we learned in seminary, at church, from parents and family, and latter day prophets, blessings from Heaven rain down upon us! It is a principle of truth and one that is so fun to test! Please remeber always who is looking down upon us and at the same time, wanting to help us through the journey.
I love you all and can't wait to talk to many of you Mother's Day!
Elder Parks
Monday, April 20, 2009
Aaron's letter 4-20-09
Hey family!
Well time is way short today since we are going to a zone activity...
But just wanted you all to know I love you tons!
This week has been amazing with finding new people and seeing the hand of the Lord once again!
I completely know that as we show the Lord our sacrifice and commit to Him to work, He blesses us with the fruits!
The church is true and I want you all to feel that everyday!
I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Well time is way short today since we are going to a zone activity...
But just wanted you all to know I love you tons!
This week has been amazing with finding new people and seeing the hand of the Lord once again!
I completely know that as we show the Lord our sacrifice and commit to Him to work, He blesses us with the fruits!
The church is true and I want you all to feel that everyday!
I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Aaron's letter 4-13-09
There are pretty areas everywhere! and the Sakura season just left so we have had lots of beautiful times! Just wait for your card and you can see!
We are doing great! Just raining now! I have no idea why but whatever, its just another day! We are going to the next area over to climb a mountain there, so it will be way fun!
Hey Amanda!
That's awesome you had fun in Vegas! Way cool!
And you look so old! be careful not to get too old before I get home alright! You look great.
And way to go with the piano, keep it up! You can play we something for Mother's Day phone call!
I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Hey Party Family!
Well it sounds like quite a party! I can tell you had lots of fun! And thanks for doing some things for me! and holy cow!
And by the way, you all look great! I love it when all is well and good back home!
Conference was amazing! We watched Saturday over in the next area in english because our building doesn't have conference sadly. Then SuNday we went to the new member family's house for the morning session in Portuguese that took like four hours due to comp problems! But all in all, it was great insights!
I completely loved it!
love you all too!
I understand some of the Portuguese, not all. I can usually get the meaning but sometimes get lost when I miss a part. And with conference I try harder to catch the english before it gets dubbed with portuguese so its a riot!
But the Spirit is felt either way and the choir rocked!
WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!
Well another week gone by. holy cow...time really goes! and I realize that even more now that melissa is engaged! Holy cow that's wierd.
Well conference was GREAT! Saturday we watched it all, in English, then Sudnay we went to the new members house for Portuguese and that was interesting...I got the gist, now just want to get it all! haha, but yeah, the language is coming and the people are still awesome! It doesn't matter I can't communicate perfectly, they can feel my love and it all goes well. The gospel must be true or this wouldn't work out!
Well, one thing from conference that I felt was that Christ really did feel all of our emotions and hard times and good times and everything. He was perfect, He had the power of God. Yet, for us, He suffered and died so that we too may become like Him. I have always known this but now, I can say for even more surety. He lives. He loves us. He is waiting to help us and WILL as soon as we do our part and reveal to Him our readiness and sacrifice.
I love you all too and hope you can feel of this joy and hope and love and strength all the time!
The church is true and as members, we are called to the work! Let's go forth *To infinity and BEYOND!* (thanks buzz)
Love Elder Parks
We are doing great! Just raining now! I have no idea why but whatever, its just another day! We are going to the next area over to climb a mountain there, so it will be way fun!
Hey Amanda!
That's awesome you had fun in Vegas! Way cool!
And you look so old! be careful not to get too old before I get home alright! You look great.
And way to go with the piano, keep it up! You can play we something for Mother's Day phone call!
I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Hey Party Family!
Well it sounds like quite a party! I can tell you had lots of fun! And thanks for doing some things for me! and holy cow!
And by the way, you all look great! I love it when all is well and good back home!
Conference was amazing! We watched Saturday over in the next area in english because our building doesn't have conference sadly. Then SuNday we went to the new member family's house for the morning session in Portuguese that took like four hours due to comp problems! But all in all, it was great insights!
I completely loved it!
love you all too!
I understand some of the Portuguese, not all. I can usually get the meaning but sometimes get lost when I miss a part. And with conference I try harder to catch the english before it gets dubbed with portuguese so its a riot!
But the Spirit is felt either way and the choir rocked!
WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!
Well another week gone by. holy cow...time really goes! and I realize that even more now that melissa is engaged! Holy cow that's wierd.
Well conference was GREAT! Saturday we watched it all, in English, then Sudnay we went to the new members house for Portuguese and that was interesting...I got the gist, now just want to get it all! haha, but yeah, the language is coming and the people are still awesome! It doesn't matter I can't communicate perfectly, they can feel my love and it all goes well. The gospel must be true or this wouldn't work out!
Well, one thing from conference that I felt was that Christ really did feel all of our emotions and hard times and good times and everything. He was perfect, He had the power of God. Yet, for us, He suffered and died so that we too may become like Him. I have always known this but now, I can say for even more surety. He lives. He loves us. He is waiting to help us and WILL as soon as we do our part and reveal to Him our readiness and sacrifice.
I love you all too and hope you can feel of this joy and hope and love and strength all the time!
The church is true and as members, we are called to the work! Let's go forth *To infinity and BEYOND!* (thanks buzz)
Love Elder Parks
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A train carrying all the armies equipment...
On our way home we saw a long train with army vehicles on it...It was a long train with 6 engines and all it was carrying belonged to the army...every vehicle they would need and use...fun to see...
Monday, April 13, 2009
Brooke had to go to work, we went shopping...
After brunch, Brooke had to go to work at Kiddy Kandids...Busy day since it was the day before Easter...Their store did 32 different settings...Lots of cute kids all dressed up...We took her a chocolate brownie treat, mega chocolate ice cream with M & M sprinkled on the top...She finished her last set around 9:00 that night...
Amanda wanted to get a zip up hoody, so we went shopping at the outlet mall by their home after we went to the M & M store. By then, we realized we hadn't eaten since brunch so we stopped at an "In and Out Burger" place...Fun place, great food and we went home...
Amanda wanted to get a zip up hoody, so we went shopping at the outlet mall by their home after we went to the M & M store. By then, we realized we hadn't eaten since brunch so we stopped at an "In and Out Burger" place...Fun place, great food and we went home...
Steve and Mitch play a game of tennis...Steve beat 2 out of 3...
Steve and Mitch went to play some tennis...Steve had to humble Mitch because he thought he was all that...Steve served a few in Aaron's honor since he couldn't be with us...Steve beat 2 out of 3 and then it started to rain...They came home and we went shopping...Just a fun day...
Movie time ...
We went to Monsters vs. Aliens later that afternoon. Fun show and we just enjoyed being together...
Easter Weekend trip to Las Vegas, Nevada...
Steve surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada to see Mitch and Brookefor Easter weekend. He made arrangements for Dana to cover my lesson in Relief Society that Sunday and for Doris to watch Taiko and Sassy...We sure appreciate them helping out...It was so nice to go to see the kids and just have fun with them...
Mitch and Brooke's microwave died before we got there, so the Easter Bunny surprised them with a new one...They were really happy and very thankful...Makes life a lot easier to live with both of them working...
Amanda had the Easter Bunny also visit her with a new pink zip up hoody and a pink hearted purse/bag...
It is fun to see that our kids are living the gospel and actively involved in their wards...
Mitch and Brooke's microwave died before we got there, so the Easter Bunny surprised them with a new one...They were really happy and very thankful...Makes life a lot easier to live with both of them working...
Amanda had the Easter Bunny also visit her with a new pink zip up hoody and a pink hearted purse/bag...
It is fun to see that our kids are living the gospel and actively involved in their wards...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Aaron's letter 4-6-09
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Aaron's letter 4-6-09
I am way excited to watch conference this weekend!
Yeah, I remembered when I was up there in Kanazawa! It's way cool our family visited that place and then I got to go there! We are doing good.
Elder Todd is home now! He went home last transfer and is actually wanting to come back very soon to teach English and save money.
Wow thats way wierd that Kira is home already! I can't believe how time goes out here!
The school year for you all is almost over and everything!
Thanks so much for the email! That is the best birthday present ever! Do everything just for me and doing all the service, missionary work, church callings, etc. You guys are doing great things over there in the work and the Lord is very pleased! I couldn't have gotten a better present that my family have a great conference weekend and serving the Lord! That is just what I wanted!
Thanks also for doing all those things *just for Aaron* that is way special.
I am SO excited to see conference this weekend too!
The birthday was way fun! At night I got to take the traditional seijinshiki photos in a kimono at Sister Endo's house! Way cool! You are going to love them!
and we also had lots of cake and food both Saturday and Sunday!
Way fun times. I have come to love Brazillian food and will miss it someday!
haha, its going to be great! I am getting to taste many cultures over here.
(part of one of my mails to aaron and his response)
(One thing dad and I both learned in the mission field...if you can eat the people's food, you'll baptize...they know that you are one with them...and you love them...they will also start feeling of your spirit...)
True! Especially Brazillians love to feed! and I have learned to love to eat it!
Hey Family #1!!
Well it is now officially warm here! Finally we can work in just shirts!! WOO HOO! The only downer is now the sweat and all that fun stuff come back too, but I don't care!
The area continues to be great and our members and even investigators are giving referrals for us to teach! It has really turned out well after all our effort in March for March Madness. The Lord has placed the people, prepared them, and is now sending them our way and us theirs!
Personal study lately, too, has been great! As I have drawn to the end of the Book of Mormon again I continue to find so many applicable parts. It is amazing how the Lord works throughout time. He is always the same and has the neat capability of teaching through examples of others! We can learn so much from the lessons in the Book of Mormon and as a missionary, especially, I have come to obtain a great love for it!
Really, when we work with the Lord to clean house in our lives, He helps us get all the cobwebbed corners and hard to reach spots. It is through our obedient study, prayer, and sacrifice of things like fasting, that He is able to do that.
That is one principle made manifest so clearly to me over especially the last two transfers. I know you all too can feel the same.
Also, where you were all able to see conference already I challenge you to study it out. Really think about what was taught and then do something about it! It is only through that action that God's help really come and we see miracles!!!
I can't wait to receive my own witness of the greatness of conference this weekend and grow once again!
I love you all tons and know this is the TRUE and LIVING church of Jesus Christ.
Elder Parks
Conference will rock!
Well, hey I have to bounce now but I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Aaron's letter 4-6-09
I am way excited to watch conference this weekend!
Yeah, I remembered when I was up there in Kanazawa! It's way cool our family visited that place and then I got to go there! We are doing good.
Elder Todd is home now! He went home last transfer and is actually wanting to come back very soon to teach English and save money.
Wow thats way wierd that Kira is home already! I can't believe how time goes out here!
The school year for you all is almost over and everything!
Thanks so much for the email! That is the best birthday present ever! Do everything just for me and doing all the service, missionary work, church callings, etc. You guys are doing great things over there in the work and the Lord is very pleased! I couldn't have gotten a better present that my family have a great conference weekend and serving the Lord! That is just what I wanted!
Thanks also for doing all those things *just for Aaron* that is way special.
I am SO excited to see conference this weekend too!
The birthday was way fun! At night I got to take the traditional seijinshiki photos in a kimono at Sister Endo's house! Way cool! You are going to love them!
and we also had lots of cake and food both Saturday and Sunday!
Way fun times. I have come to love Brazillian food and will miss it someday!
haha, its going to be great! I am getting to taste many cultures over here.
(part of one of my mails to aaron and his response)
(One thing dad and I both learned in the mission field...if you can eat the people's food, you'll baptize...they know that you are one with them...and you love them...they will also start feeling of your spirit...)
True! Especially Brazillians love to feed! and I have learned to love to eat it!
Hey Family #1!!
Well it is now officially warm here! Finally we can work in just shirts!! WOO HOO! The only downer is now the sweat and all that fun stuff come back too, but I don't care!
The area continues to be great and our members and even investigators are giving referrals for us to teach! It has really turned out well after all our effort in March for March Madness. The Lord has placed the people, prepared them, and is now sending them our way and us theirs!
Personal study lately, too, has been great! As I have drawn to the end of the Book of Mormon again I continue to find so many applicable parts. It is amazing how the Lord works throughout time. He is always the same and has the neat capability of teaching through examples of others! We can learn so much from the lessons in the Book of Mormon and as a missionary, especially, I have come to obtain a great love for it!
Really, when we work with the Lord to clean house in our lives, He helps us get all the cobwebbed corners and hard to reach spots. It is through our obedient study, prayer, and sacrifice of things like fasting, that He is able to do that.
That is one principle made manifest so clearly to me over especially the last two transfers. I know you all too can feel the same.
Also, where you were all able to see conference already I challenge you to study it out. Really think about what was taught and then do something about it! It is only through that action that God's help really come and we see miracles!!!
I can't wait to receive my own witness of the greatness of conference this weekend and grow once again!
I love you all tons and know this is the TRUE and LIVING church of Jesus Christ.
Elder Parks
Conference will rock!
Well, hey I have to bounce now but I love you tons!
Elder Parks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)