Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Aaron's letters 7-27-09
I am doing great! The weather here is amazing and so nice to live in! My companion and I have so much fun together and just love being TWO AMERICANS in the house!
Way to go with the move! Are you all out of the old one now?
Tell everyone I say hello too!!!! I love all those people down in ABQ!
Man you all look so good! And amanda is wearing heels right!? She is right there by dad! dang!!
And yeah we have had tons of rain storms too but japan doesn't get good lightning like back home...kind of lame. but for sure lots of rain lately
Yes, I got the food! And we two Americans are lovin every bit!
Any new things that you have eaten this week...
um.....peaches with sweet and condensed milk....YUM!!!
Do you travel to Toyama a lot or will your district take turns going back and forth...
back and forth, and cool thing is, I get to go to Toyama wards summer party because it just works out to be next Saturday so I am going as a surprise to them and it will rock! I will have been to the last consecutive two now!
Can get me some powder chili mix at the open market for our chili holder/shaker...they have the best chili mix ever in Takayama... I put some extra money in your account...
that sounds like a can do!
Any members that you met before ...not here
Any new investigators or old ones that you are working with...
not too many old ones...we have a baptism this week though! Shes the mother of the branch president's wife
Any names to put in the temple this week... Mizuguchi (the one getting baptized)
THE WEEKLY:
Hey Family!
Well I am now sitting in the library of beautiful TAKAYAMA!! It is so nice here and the temperature is amazing! Inuyama was getting way hot and here it feels like cool spring! No complaints here. We are, however, getting tons of rain still. The rainy season is technically almost over so should be slowing down. Every night it pours and the rivers are getting nice and full. Well time drew quick today so i can:t write tons now...But one thing I would like to say is that the Gospel is true!
Its kind of interesting that that McDonalds smile email came this week because I too have stories like that. Yesterday we visited some less active members and two of them told me they had been telling the church for a while they wanted their names off the records basically. So of course I was sad when they told me but I could tell they were fed up with people continuing to visit, so I smiled and and told them thank you for taking time to talk to us and I will let the church know. As Idid so they changed a bit and smiled too. They became nicer and whether or not something will happen essentially, I was able to see a difference in their countenance in those few moments. That really is the power of a smile and positive attitude. As we closen ourselves with Christ and become more like Him, we will naturally become happier. We will naturally become more full of laughter and smiles. Then, as a by product, life will get better. We will see the miracles more fully in our lives. I LOVE THIS!!!
I have been in tons of different situations this past year. I have truly learned the truth of this principle and want to convey it on to you all!Look at those points in your life that could use some positive improvement and do it. You will see the blessings.
I love you all so much and thanks immensely for all the prayers, support, and blessings!
The Church is true!!!!
Elder Parks
Way to go with the move! Are you all out of the old one now?
Tell everyone I say hello too!!!! I love all those people down in ABQ!
Man you all look so good! And amanda is wearing heels right!? She is right there by dad! dang!!
And yeah we have had tons of rain storms too but japan doesn't get good lightning like back home...kind of lame. but for sure lots of rain lately
Yes, I got the food! And we two Americans are lovin every bit!
Any new things that you have eaten this week...
um.....peaches with sweet and condensed milk....YUM!!!
Do you travel to Toyama a lot or will your district take turns going back and forth...
back and forth, and cool thing is, I get to go to Toyama wards summer party because it just works out to be next Saturday so I am going as a surprise to them and it will rock! I will have been to the last consecutive two now!
Can get me some powder chili mix at the open market for our chili holder/shaker...they have the best chili mix ever in Takayama... I put some extra money in your account...
that sounds like a can do!
Any members that you met before ...not here
Any new investigators or old ones that you are working with...
not too many old ones...we have a baptism this week though! Shes the mother of the branch president's wife
Any names to put in the temple this week... Mizuguchi (the one getting baptized)
THE WEEKLY:
Hey Family!
Well I am now sitting in the library of beautiful TAKAYAMA!! It is so nice here and the temperature is amazing! Inuyama was getting way hot and here it feels like cool spring! No complaints here. We are, however, getting tons of rain still. The rainy season is technically almost over so should be slowing down. Every night it pours and the rivers are getting nice and full. Well time drew quick today so i can:t write tons now...But one thing I would like to say is that the Gospel is true!
Its kind of interesting that that McDonalds smile email came this week because I too have stories like that. Yesterday we visited some less active members and two of them told me they had been telling the church for a while they wanted their names off the records basically. So of course I was sad when they told me but I could tell they were fed up with people continuing to visit, so I smiled and and told them thank you for taking time to talk to us and I will let the church know. As Idid so they changed a bit and smiled too. They became nicer and whether or not something will happen essentially, I was able to see a difference in their countenance in those few moments. That really is the power of a smile and positive attitude. As we closen ourselves with Christ and become more like Him, we will naturally become happier. We will naturally become more full of laughter and smiles. Then, as a by product, life will get better. We will see the miracles more fully in our lives. I LOVE THIS!!!
I have been in tons of different situations this past year. I have truly learned the truth of this principle and want to convey it on to you all!Look at those points in your life that could use some positive improvement and do it. You will see the blessings.
I love you all so much and thanks immensely for all the prayers, support, and blessings!
The Church is true!!!!
Elder Parks
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Visit to the Laguna Branch and Bro. Browning's home ...July 19, 2009
Jordan, Bro. Browning and Me
Bro. Browning's carved out rock of a cliff dwelling...
Jordan, Amanda, Steve and Bro. Browning in front of his adobe home...
Steve's HC speaking assignment was at the Laguna, NM branch. He invited Jordan to be his companion speaker. Steve and Amanda sang a duet and I played the piano for them. After the two hour block the branch put on a "Linger, Longer, Luncheon"...what a choice experience we had with this branch. We had a fabulous time visiting...and the food they shared was incredible...We met so many wonderful people that day...
Bro. Browning was a missionary in this area several years ago. He returned to live after his mission. He married a Native American from Laguna...She passed a way a few years ago and he is all alone now. He has the branch that he calls his family.
He invited us to his home. We totally enjoyed every minute of seeing what he does and letting him share his life with us.
He finds rocks, uses a drill to carve these beautiful designs of cliff dwellings in them. He adds fabulous detail with the little pot, woven cloth and the baking oven...We were blessed by attending this branch and being in Bro. Browning's home this day...
Gayla and Brad with their boys at the Oquirrh Mtn. Temple open-house....
Gayla and Brad
Eric, Gayla, Brad and Travis
Eric, Brad and TravisCamping trip to Thompson's Flat... ..... July 2009
Brothers...Kendall and Travis
Travis with Kendall's family...
Travis with Kendall's family... Jennifer, Avery, Aliza and Ashlyn
Grandpa, Travis and Grandma
Uncle Travis and Aliza
Kendall and Avery
Grandpa, Travis and Grandma
Uncle Travis and Aliza
Kendall and AveryWednesday, July 22, 2009
Steve finished one of his Wood Badge tickets...the 50 mile bike ride went well...
Steve, Brendon, Scott, Brad, Ryan
Ryan getting his bike ready and Scott visiting with him
Getting ready for the big adventure they all have been working so hard for...
Monday, July 20, 2009
Aaron is being transferred to one of my favorite places in Japan...Takayama...It's in the mountains and a great place to be during the summer and fall
Takayama has such a charm about it...Steve took me there for my birthday while we lived in Japan... Aaron is so excited to shop at the local morning market and just enjoy the beauty that Takayama holds...
Here are some comment from Aaron and somE questions I asked him and also his weekly...
So...i Was on an exchange with another elder and another elder was using my bike and he had an accident on it and something happened. Then as I was riding it the next day and shifted gears the derailer got bent up and twisted into my wheel, causing the frame to bend, an unfixable problem....way annoyed, but thankfully everything has worked out, just $150 later....
Who are the Zone Leaders and District Leader?
Zone leaders are actually one Brazillian and one elder that came to the mission with me, Elder Cooley.and the district leader is me!!
Who is your new companion, where is he from and have you met him before?
My new companion is Elder Brox...a second transfer elder who I have heard is way neat. All I know so far about him is he is from Las Vegas. We will all meet at the Nagoya Station tomorrow at 1 and then head to new areas from there...I am way excited to head back up there!
Do you remember being in Takayama for Obon?
Oh ya!!! I'm really excited. That will be so fun. I loved being there when our family was on vacation.
The Weekly:
Hey Family!
Well there goes the faster transfer thus far!! I feel like I was just going to Nagoya station to pick Elder Da Silva up and its already over!
And the news is......I am going back up to my first areas district!!! TAKAYAMA! Woot! I was so shocked when they told me that but am way excited to get to work in my MTC comps bean area! Also, while the rest of the mission is getting nice and hot, I wont complain one bit about going to a mountainy area!
And a report of the baptisms Sunday, AMAZING!! Holy cow it went so well. Oh, man...I can't even describe my joy for this family. They worked so hard and the Dad especially has changed his life in order to be able to perform the ordinance himself. Wow, that is what missionary work is all about. These girls have such a good glow about them and you just get happy when you are in their presence.
That is another thing I have been able to see in the 6 months here, a family come closer unto Christ. I have been able to see officially 10 people baptized here in Inuyama and have learned so much from each of them. The first, Yagura family, is now in a rough spot and has taught me that the work definitely doesn't end at baptism.
Next, Milette and the Peruvian family have taught me that God truly is preparing people around the world for entrance into His church.
Lastly, the baptism of Mariana and Luana and the improvement of the family, that miracles happen.
I know without a doubt that we are members of the true church. God loves us. He helps us in our trials as we first show our faith in Him and then act upon the answer recieved. It is true, nothing failing.I hope that in the midst of you lives you are able to feel of this. If not, do something to change. It is that important. We must change in order to see this, in order to live as family forever. I know we can. I know God wont fail us in the process.
I love you all so much and thank you for helping me in so many ways!!!
Elder Parks
Here are some comment from Aaron and somE questions I asked him and also his weekly...
So...i Was on an exchange with another elder and another elder was using my bike and he had an accident on it and something happened. Then as I was riding it the next day and shifted gears the derailer got bent up and twisted into my wheel, causing the frame to bend, an unfixable problem....way annoyed, but thankfully everything has worked out, just $150 later....
Who are the Zone Leaders and District Leader?
Zone leaders are actually one Brazillian and one elder that came to the mission with me, Elder Cooley.and the district leader is me!!
Who is your new companion, where is he from and have you met him before?
My new companion is Elder Brox...a second transfer elder who I have heard is way neat. All I know so far about him is he is from Las Vegas. We will all meet at the Nagoya Station tomorrow at 1 and then head to new areas from there...I am way excited to head back up there!
Do you remember being in Takayama for Obon?
Oh ya!!! I'm really excited. That will be so fun. I loved being there when our family was on vacation.
The Weekly:
Hey Family!
Well there goes the faster transfer thus far!! I feel like I was just going to Nagoya station to pick Elder Da Silva up and its already over!
And the news is......I am going back up to my first areas district!!! TAKAYAMA! Woot! I was so shocked when they told me that but am way excited to get to work in my MTC comps bean area! Also, while the rest of the mission is getting nice and hot, I wont complain one bit about going to a mountainy area!
And a report of the baptisms Sunday, AMAZING!! Holy cow it went so well. Oh, man...I can't even describe my joy for this family. They worked so hard and the Dad especially has changed his life in order to be able to perform the ordinance himself. Wow, that is what missionary work is all about. These girls have such a good glow about them and you just get happy when you are in their presence.
That is another thing I have been able to see in the 6 months here, a family come closer unto Christ. I have been able to see officially 10 people baptized here in Inuyama and have learned so much from each of them. The first, Yagura family, is now in a rough spot and has taught me that the work definitely doesn't end at baptism.
Next, Milette and the Peruvian family have taught me that God truly is preparing people around the world for entrance into His church.
Lastly, the baptism of Mariana and Luana and the improvement of the family, that miracles happen.
I know without a doubt that we are members of the true church. God loves us. He helps us in our trials as we first show our faith in Him and then act upon the answer recieved. It is true, nothing failing.I hope that in the midst of you lives you are able to feel of this. If not, do something to change. It is that important. We must change in order to see this, in order to live as family forever. I know we can. I know God wont fail us in the process.
I love you all so much and thank you for helping me in so many ways!!!
Elder Parks
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Our new back yard and play ground...4 wheeling country...come and play...
Fun yard , lots to do to get it done, but we are thrilled to be here... 
Creatures found on Steve's building inspections...
Trantula found in the men's restroom
Scorpian found in the baptism fontBat pictures coming...so glad the snake was hiding...
Travis' mission report day...
Travis, Brad, Gayla and Eric
Travis and Grandpa Searle
Bri and Cortney
Pat and Glen
Aunt Leanna
Aunt Jenny, Kassidy, Katelyn and KaliSaturday, July 18, 2009
Aaron's letter 7-13-09
HEY FAMILY!!!
well first off here are a few questions i was asked by Nettie and will just foreward them on to you all for your knowledge as well!
any new experiences this week......new experiences this week....just that i know that the Lord is guiding His missionaries. I was on an exchange with the Zone leader and we were passing out pamphlets for english class. well we saw two gangster looking guys and thought it would be fun to talk to them. well, one ended up being brazillian who was baptized three years ago in another area and his friend is japanese who wants to learn more about the gospel! we had no idea these two would be anything potential, but hey! now they are on their way to salvation closer that before!and man, Heavenly Father has helped me so much with this language thing! and then the Brazillians hear that i am american but speak some portuguese, they love it and open up!!party!
new foods...Brazilian lasagna!!! hello delicious!! but that is not to be expected, all brazillian food is amazing!
when are transfers and do you think or do you know that you'll be going......transfers are next week and i am going to transfer. president told me last week at interviews that i will not be here next transfer...
any investigators that we need to be praying for this week and any how is everything going with the companion......the companion is great and amazonian!! haha, he hates it when people have the stereotype about everyone in the amazon being indian, but he is! haha, he is definitely a person that has caused me to continue growing! haha, if you know what i mean!! we have a great time and learn tons from each other, language wise and other wise!
This week has just been a good regular week i would say...except for the fact that it is truly getting hot!!! today is *mecha atsui* way hot! we just love walking around with the swear pouring down! haha, good times for later to look back on and laught at right!??
then this sunday, my last here in inuyama, we are having mariana and luana get baptized! woot!! they are such cute little girls. i have had a lot of fun teaching them and build good relations with the parents as well.
one thing about being in an area 6 months is that you can really see progess and success. this family of mariana and luana were completely less active when i came. missionaries have always visited them and they love us. however, they never did the church thing. then they finally slowly returned, got strong, and now the daughters are getting baptized!!! and whats even cooler is the dad is baptizing them!!!
i feel so pleased leaving inuyama at a state where the work is going UP and i can say, *i faught the good fight and kept the faith!*miracles truly do happen as we align our lives with the Lords will and cleanse out those dusty corners of our lives.
one thing i love about this point in my mission, and life for that matter, is that i can truly say i have nothing holding back the spirit. i have finally got to a point in my life where i am giving all to the Lord and dedicating my all to Him. Furthermore, He has helped me then become worthy of the Spirit and improve my standings as a missionary to be guided by His holy promptings.I love the work. I know the Church is true. I know that as we do the things we are being told to do and as we truly fix those places of error in our life, the Lord will then flow the blessings in and reveal His hand of glory in our life.
I love you all!!
Elder Parks
(ps. if there is anything good you feel prompted to do while reading this note, follow it!! its the Spirit)
well first off here are a few questions i was asked by Nettie and will just foreward them on to you all for your knowledge as well!
any new experiences this week......new experiences this week....just that i know that the Lord is guiding His missionaries. I was on an exchange with the Zone leader and we were passing out pamphlets for english class. well we saw two gangster looking guys and thought it would be fun to talk to them. well, one ended up being brazillian who was baptized three years ago in another area and his friend is japanese who wants to learn more about the gospel! we had no idea these two would be anything potential, but hey! now they are on their way to salvation closer that before!and man, Heavenly Father has helped me so much with this language thing! and then the Brazillians hear that i am american but speak some portuguese, they love it and open up!!party!
new foods...Brazilian lasagna!!! hello delicious!! but that is not to be expected, all brazillian food is amazing!
when are transfers and do you think or do you know that you'll be going......transfers are next week and i am going to transfer. president told me last week at interviews that i will not be here next transfer...
any investigators that we need to be praying for this week and any how is everything going with the companion......the companion is great and amazonian!! haha, he hates it when people have the stereotype about everyone in the amazon being indian, but he is! haha, he is definitely a person that has caused me to continue growing! haha, if you know what i mean!! we have a great time and learn tons from each other, language wise and other wise!
This week has just been a good regular week i would say...except for the fact that it is truly getting hot!!! today is *mecha atsui* way hot! we just love walking around with the swear pouring down! haha, good times for later to look back on and laught at right!??
then this sunday, my last here in inuyama, we are having mariana and luana get baptized! woot!! they are such cute little girls. i have had a lot of fun teaching them and build good relations with the parents as well.
one thing about being in an area 6 months is that you can really see progess and success. this family of mariana and luana were completely less active when i came. missionaries have always visited them and they love us. however, they never did the church thing. then they finally slowly returned, got strong, and now the daughters are getting baptized!!! and whats even cooler is the dad is baptizing them!!!
i feel so pleased leaving inuyama at a state where the work is going UP and i can say, *i faught the good fight and kept the faith!*miracles truly do happen as we align our lives with the Lords will and cleanse out those dusty corners of our lives.
one thing i love about this point in my mission, and life for that matter, is that i can truly say i have nothing holding back the spirit. i have finally got to a point in my life where i am giving all to the Lord and dedicating my all to Him. Furthermore, He has helped me then become worthy of the Spirit and improve my standings as a missionary to be guided by His holy promptings.I love the work. I know the Church is true. I know that as we do the things we are being told to do and as we truly fix those places of error in our life, the Lord will then flow the blessings in and reveal His hand of glory in our life.
I love you all!!
Elder Parks
(ps. if there is anything good you feel prompted to do while reading this note, follow it!! its the Spirit)
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