That is way cool that you had a good time at the duets concert!! And way to go with the good performance!
So are there only sister missionaries in the ward right now? That is way neat you have some in your ward. I have come to realize the greatness of sister missionaries out here in the field as well. They have an amazing love for the people and for wanting to find those prepared. That is way neat too that dad and the bishops son are going hometeaching together. I will for sure keep their families in my prayers. Well hopefully this gets to you!
Love you!
Elder Parks
That is so cool that Cordell earned his Eagle...Way to go Cordell. How old is he now?
The computers are being really weird here. I hope that you get them this week. I added your other email address, so hopefully that will help out.
THE WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!
Well those goes another week! It was a real up and down and all around week. I have had some of the greatest and not so greatest times of the mission.
To start with the awesome!!!...We had stake conference this past sunday and Elder and Sister Oaks were the special guest speakers!!! It was amazing! And the previous day Sister Oaks along with Sister Traveller and some escorting sisters came to Takayama! So we actually got to hang out with them and an investigator, Genki!!! It was so cool! Sister Oaks is way funny and sweet! We all had lunch together at Rie and Sayuri's restaurant and prayed together and sang a primary hymn too! Way fun!
Then the Sunday session of conference just rocked!! I learned so much from President Oaks. Not even just what he said but recieving a witness that he is called and guided by God. I am amazed at how much the Spirit guided his words. I truly feel he spoke as directed. Good time and a lifetime experience.
The other end of the weeks feelings come from Rie and Sayuri, who sadly will not be getting baptized on the 4th. Rie is not able to follow the Law of Chastity yet and both of them are going to have to sacrifice their time to come to church.
We met with them yesterday to talk about all this and that is the conclusion. Thankfully they have great testimonies and realize the impact baptism will have on their lives. That is why they want to prepare a bit more before entering the covenant. They have it right on that one, that you don't want to enter the covenant knowing you will just break it.
So, the 4th won't be the baptism as said before. That really came as a hit to my pride and confidence as a missionary.
Up to now all of my investigators with a baptismal date have been baptized on that day. So yesterday and a part of this morning my companion and I have been talking much about this. About how I (and he too actually) feel that maybe if another elder was here, that he would've have been able to do it. Another feeling Ihave had, which is totally because of my pride, is that now other missionaries will feel like we messed up some how in the process.
BUT, after talking to my companion and district leader I have come to overcome those feelings. Actually, as I have been writing this email I have felt much peace of soul as well.
I can really feel all of your prayers and support at my back.
I know the Lord has called me to Takayama for a reason. I know He is right here with us guiding us always. I have also come to know that even though we are working hard to see these people baptized, they still have their agency. And maybe now really isn't the right time for them. I need to thank you all for your strong testimonies and prayers of support. I can feel them!I know that we are children of God.
I know that God is sitting, waiting there for us to call out in prayer, ready to answer. As I write this email I can feel my testimony strengthen. I really felt down about 30 min ago. However, because of your testimonies and strong words of support and the truth of this gospel, I have once again been strengthened, THANK YOU.I really do love you all and joy in your joys.
Please continue strong in the covenant and know God is there, as Ihave once again come to realize.
Elder Parks
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I know I have been a little behind...
Life has been so crazy lately...so I finally took a few and updated pictures and Aaron's last letter...Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
My birthday gift...Amanda was so excited when we came home with this...we have all had a lot of fun with it...
Steve and Amanda loved putting my present together for me...
The final product...
Pre-opera dinner for Steve and Walt...
It was so fun to use the nice china...
After washing and drying every piece by hand...no dishwasher or stacking plates or crystal...Amanda mentioned that she didn't want to use it very often...I let her know that we use to eat every Sunday when I was her age using the nice china and it was always washed by hand...It's a nice tradition to pass on to her...
Walt and Steve getting ready to eat before going to the opera...One of the reasons I love going home...This is Glen and Pat's front yard and their view from their porch, living room and bedroom...
Sugar beets are growing along the side east side of Mom and Dad's yard...
It was so fun to do corn with Pat this year... I miss canning and miss canning with my mom...
My mom was tired...she had been canning a ton before we made a surprise visit to play...we did 30 bags of corn for the freezer... Pat and Glen's garden...love going there and playing as well...
My favorite squash...
Pumpkin patch
Some of Pat's black berries... 
Joe Llama...enjoying his treat from Garth harvesting his garden and all the corn that was husked...
Joe was ignoring me...he didn't want to be bothered while he was eating...
Some more of Garth's wealth that he shared...
Here are a few more treasures that Garth shared with us...Garth's garden and treasures that he shared...
Garth gave us two different kids of potatoes...way tasty...
The cantelope from Garth's garden were so sweet and delicious...
Garth is going to need a fork lift to get some of his pumpkins out of his garden...
I love it when Garth lets me play in his garden...we came home with some fabulous treasures. It was just fun to stop and visit and see all that he has going on...Garth is really good to stop what he is doing and loves to share his wealth...Aaron's letter 9-14-09
Wow busy busy busy!!! You are all just going like crazy and sounds like having tons of fun too!
Wow everything looks was fun and you all look so good!!! I can't wait to get there to help you with all that cool stuff!!! Oh man! That looks so good!!!! Save me a portion in the freezer onegai!!!
(We sent pictures to Aaron of our Idaho trip and all the treasures from the Grandma and Uncle Garth's garden along with some canning items, freezer items, etc.)
The Weekly:
Hey My Best Coolest Family Ever!!!!!!
So this week has been quite the week!! First off, my companion is the bomb! He is way good at the piano and this past sunday i sang `Jesus the Very Thought of You` to his amazing accompaniment. You will have to hear this version when i get home, way awesome!
In terms of investigators, we have two getting baptized on Ocotber 4th! Rie and Sayuri...Rie owns the restaurant Da Vinci Rie and Sayuri is her sister. They are true miracles prepared of God. I wish I could just photo copy my journal into the computer for you all to see on email....
Long story short...Elder Brox and I were led to this restaurant one day, thats where it began. From that point Rie openly accepted everything and soon got Sayuri into it too! All the lessons were taught in practically one week. The baptism commitment was given and accepted.
Just yesterday the first doubts came up and now our prayers and faith are needed. Specifically for Rie the problem is about the Law of Chastity in understanding why and then having the courage to follow it.
Sayuri's problem is just smoking and coffee but she has good will power to stop. So those are the two miracle women here in Takayama! ( Rie is 33 and Sayuri 44) President and Sister Traveller are coming to the baptism as well as one of our other investigators.
So everything is progressing amazingly...they just need to now get to church their two times and overcome fear. But seriously, these past few weeks have been full of Elder Mulder and I just amazed at the Hand of the Lord each night after teaching Rie and Sayuri.
Each time we teach them the Spirit (which both of them have come to recognize and understand) comes in with all his power and testifying conviction. It is so awesome! And then watching the two of them personally get amazed at the power of the Spirit is another huge blessing!
The fact that we are members of the true church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been testified to me and strengthened in my heart countless times. When Rie starts asking all her questions about the Law of Chastity and why why why,Ii realize that my upbringing and experiences up to now in the mission has prepared me for her answer.
All though I cannot say exactly the little reasons to some things, I can say that I KNOW IT IS TRUE. I know that all the things we teach as missionaries are true and through living and abiding to their counsel we can have the pure guidance of God through the Holy Ghost and feel His true love. How awesome!
As Elder Mulder and I have talked about Rie and Sayuri we know that they can and need to be baptized on the 4th. There are many little things that can come up. But most important of all are the help, guidance, and blessings that will come from purely receiving baptism.
This is the true church of God, of Jesus Christ. Missionary work is the best thing in the world!
I love you!
Elder Parks
Wow everything looks was fun and you all look so good!!! I can't wait to get there to help you with all that cool stuff!!! Oh man! That looks so good!!!! Save me a portion in the freezer onegai!!!
(We sent pictures to Aaron of our Idaho trip and all the treasures from the Grandma and Uncle Garth's garden along with some canning items, freezer items, etc.)
The Weekly:
Hey My Best Coolest Family Ever!!!!!!
So this week has been quite the week!! First off, my companion is the bomb! He is way good at the piano and this past sunday i sang `Jesus the Very Thought of You` to his amazing accompaniment. You will have to hear this version when i get home, way awesome!
In terms of investigators, we have two getting baptized on Ocotber 4th! Rie and Sayuri...Rie owns the restaurant Da Vinci Rie and Sayuri is her sister. They are true miracles prepared of God. I wish I could just photo copy my journal into the computer for you all to see on email....
Long story short...Elder Brox and I were led to this restaurant one day, thats where it began. From that point Rie openly accepted everything and soon got Sayuri into it too! All the lessons were taught in practically one week. The baptism commitment was given and accepted.
Just yesterday the first doubts came up and now our prayers and faith are needed. Specifically for Rie the problem is about the Law of Chastity in understanding why and then having the courage to follow it.
Sayuri's problem is just smoking and coffee but she has good will power to stop. So those are the two miracle women here in Takayama! ( Rie is 33 and Sayuri 44) President and Sister Traveller are coming to the baptism as well as one of our other investigators.
So everything is progressing amazingly...they just need to now get to church their two times and overcome fear. But seriously, these past few weeks have been full of Elder Mulder and I just amazed at the Hand of the Lord each night after teaching Rie and Sayuri.
Each time we teach them the Spirit (which both of them have come to recognize and understand) comes in with all his power and testifying conviction. It is so awesome! And then watching the two of them personally get amazed at the power of the Spirit is another huge blessing!
The fact that we are members of the true church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has been testified to me and strengthened in my heart countless times. When Rie starts asking all her questions about the Law of Chastity and why why why,Ii realize that my upbringing and experiences up to now in the mission has prepared me for her answer.
All though I cannot say exactly the little reasons to some things, I can say that I KNOW IT IS TRUE. I know that all the things we teach as missionaries are true and through living and abiding to their counsel we can have the pure guidance of God through the Holy Ghost and feel His true love. How awesome!
As Elder Mulder and I have talked about Rie and Sayuri we know that they can and need to be baptized on the 4th. There are many little things that can come up. But most important of all are the help, guidance, and blessings that will come from purely receiving baptism.
This is the true church of God, of Jesus Christ. Missionary work is the best thing in the world!
I love you!
Elder Parks
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sassy was telling Steve all about Amanda bothering her...She came to the front of the pick-up because Amanda wouldn't leave her alone...
Sassy loves to ride with us when we go on trips, especally when we are going to see Grandma and Grandpa Searle. She had traveled with Amanda in the back seat for 14 hours to Burley and then 14 hours home. On the way back to Albuquerque, Sassy came out of the back seat and sat on the arm rest between Steve and myself. She started talking to Steve and was just telling him about everything. When Steve asked her if Amanda was bothering her...she started to wag her tail and just barked and barked...Steve told Amanda to leave Taiko and Sassy a lone. Sassy turned around and barked at Amanda. We were laughing really hard...Then Sassy put her head on Steve's arm and went to sleep. Who ever said dogs can't tell you what is going on...Aaron's letter 9-8-09
We have been eating lots of veggie stir fry type things with tomatoes and cucumber salad and rice...no meat in the apartment lately. So lots of fun creations!
My companion is awesome!!! It is so fun having him because he is senior too and so it feels like we can just work and have fun! We have been to the station a couple of times already to sing in front of it and have had lots of fun singing all around! He has a great voice too and plays the piano really well! So fun! As for new cool new adventures, those shall come in the weekly!Investigators are doing great. Still not into the font yet but we are planning and working towards before the end of this transfer!!
haha Wow fun trip! and go amanda and grandma for the few hours of success with the stow away cat. hahaha
That's too bad about Travis...I will keep him in the prayers and want to know that they find out as well!
THE WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!!!
Well sorry for being a little late today but we were just having too much fun that it took a little time!!! We went with our branch president, his wife, their son, the relief society pres., and the stake presidents wife to the branch president`s daughter`s senior year type show. Way fun!
It was a play they adapted from Echanted the movie with short clips from the movie. It was so fun!
Then we went out to sushi roller with an all you can eat ice cream bar! Yeah, big mistake with two foreigner missionaries! Good time!
This week has been so awesome!!! My companion and I get along great and he sings and plays piano too!!!! So we have had lots of fun with music and just having a great time being cosenior! We can just work and have fun and both understand the people together!! It is a real good time!We have also had the chance to have many good experiences as well!
Specifically, Sunday: one of the most clear and memorable experiences took place I will ever have in my life. We had visited a member who couldn't make it to church and took her the sacrament as well. Well, upon leaving her place we decided to take another road that seemed reasonable in getting to the next members home....it wasn:t. We rode, and rode, and rode, and rode. All the while, uphill. Well we took a right and came to an intersection with road signs that seemed a good landmark to tell the member in seeking for some kind of directions.
She too didn't know where we were and we concluded the call on the decision that we would all pray. Well we then asked a lady where Yamaguchi city was, the city this family lived in, and she gave us rough directions which we followed, and continued UPHILL.
By this point both my and my companion`s strength had about gone and we were just hoping to find something. We finally got to some kind of summit. We asked a lady at the only really lit home and she had no idea...so we prayed.
Here's where it gets good. As Elder Mulder was praying I had the most clear direction given to me that we needed to go left. Now, let me tell you the kinds of roads that surrounded us, they were all downhill since we were on the top of this summit....except LEFT. This left road was the smallest, darkest, steepest, and looked gravel-covered. So as Elder Mulder continued praying I pondered this impression and really felt that if I did anything else but follow it I would end up knowing I made a mistake and that LEFT really was the right way.
Then he finished the prayer and I asked him what he felt...nothing except that he didn't want to go left....Well as I told him what I felt we did it.
Upon entering this road it got more dark and windy and was way twisty through lots of rice fields (all of this while it is dark outside nonetheless.) We finally arrived at the one lit house and asked the man if he knew anything.
He didn't know the same Sakashita as we were looking for but for some random reason (or revelation from God ;) ) he told us of a hospital not too far and how to get there! Well I too remembered there was a hospital by here house. So we follwed his direction and arrived 3 minutes later. Miracle? I`d say YES!!!!!
We seriously were lost beyond any belief. All I knew was that we could essentially get home somehow. However, God so fully answered our humble prayer through Elder Mulder and led us to our destination.
I have never felt so happy in my life. Seriously, I was yelling with joy as we pulled up to Sakashita's house and the feeling didn't die until late that night. That is the power of prayer. That is the power of worthiness. That is the potential of being members of the true church.
You can all do the same. Try it. When you come to that time in your life where you need some extra guidance, turn to the Lord in humble prayer with an open heart. If you do so, I can promise and testify to you will recieve what you need. The Church is true. By being members of it we open up the windows of Heaven into our lives.
Let's all do this and begin the flow of blessings into our lives. I know you can.
I love you!
Elder Parks
My companion is awesome!!! It is so fun having him because he is senior too and so it feels like we can just work and have fun! We have been to the station a couple of times already to sing in front of it and have had lots of fun singing all around! He has a great voice too and plays the piano really well! So fun! As for new cool new adventures, those shall come in the weekly!Investigators are doing great. Still not into the font yet but we are planning and working towards before the end of this transfer!!
haha Wow fun trip! and go amanda and grandma for the few hours of success with the stow away cat. hahaha
That's too bad about Travis...I will keep him in the prayers and want to know that they find out as well!
THE WEEKLY:
Hey Everyone!!!
Well sorry for being a little late today but we were just having too much fun that it took a little time!!! We went with our branch president, his wife, their son, the relief society pres., and the stake presidents wife to the branch president`s daughter`s senior year type show. Way fun!
It was a play they adapted from Echanted the movie with short clips from the movie. It was so fun!
Then we went out to sushi roller with an all you can eat ice cream bar! Yeah, big mistake with two foreigner missionaries! Good time!
This week has been so awesome!!! My companion and I get along great and he sings and plays piano too!!!! So we have had lots of fun with music and just having a great time being cosenior! We can just work and have fun and both understand the people together!! It is a real good time!We have also had the chance to have many good experiences as well!
Specifically, Sunday: one of the most clear and memorable experiences took place I will ever have in my life. We had visited a member who couldn't make it to church and took her the sacrament as well. Well, upon leaving her place we decided to take another road that seemed reasonable in getting to the next members home....it wasn:t. We rode, and rode, and rode, and rode. All the while, uphill. Well we took a right and came to an intersection with road signs that seemed a good landmark to tell the member in seeking for some kind of directions.
She too didn't know where we were and we concluded the call on the decision that we would all pray. Well we then asked a lady where Yamaguchi city was, the city this family lived in, and she gave us rough directions which we followed, and continued UPHILL.
By this point both my and my companion`s strength had about gone and we were just hoping to find something. We finally got to some kind of summit. We asked a lady at the only really lit home and she had no idea...so we prayed.
Here's where it gets good. As Elder Mulder was praying I had the most clear direction given to me that we needed to go left. Now, let me tell you the kinds of roads that surrounded us, they were all downhill since we were on the top of this summit....except LEFT. This left road was the smallest, darkest, steepest, and looked gravel-covered. So as Elder Mulder continued praying I pondered this impression and really felt that if I did anything else but follow it I would end up knowing I made a mistake and that LEFT really was the right way.
Then he finished the prayer and I asked him what he felt...nothing except that he didn't want to go left....Well as I told him what I felt we did it.
Upon entering this road it got more dark and windy and was way twisty through lots of rice fields (all of this while it is dark outside nonetheless.) We finally arrived at the one lit house and asked the man if he knew anything.
He didn't know the same Sakashita as we were looking for but for some random reason (or revelation from God ;) ) he told us of a hospital not too far and how to get there! Well I too remembered there was a hospital by here house. So we follwed his direction and arrived 3 minutes later. Miracle? I`d say YES!!!!!
We seriously were lost beyond any belief. All I knew was that we could essentially get home somehow. However, God so fully answered our humble prayer through Elder Mulder and led us to our destination.
I have never felt so happy in my life. Seriously, I was yelling with joy as we pulled up to Sakashita's house and the feeling didn't die until late that night. That is the power of prayer. That is the power of worthiness. That is the potential of being members of the true church.
You can all do the same. Try it. When you come to that time in your life where you need some extra guidance, turn to the Lord in humble prayer with an open heart. If you do so, I can promise and testify to you will recieve what you need. The Church is true. By being members of it we open up the windows of Heaven into our lives.
Let's all do this and begin the flow of blessings into our lives. I know you can.
I love you!
Elder Parks
More letters from Aaron 8-31-09
Thanks!!!!I am way excited!! Transfer news........Elder Brox goes down closer to Nagoya and I stay with another American Elder Mulder!!!!!I love Elder Mulder! He is so cool and loves to sing too! So we will definitely be doing some singing dendo! He is becoming senior with me so we will be coseniors and I am so excited!!! Also, Toyama is closing as an area so we are making some district changes and so for 1 transfer I won't be district leader. Elder De Souza is coming to my district!!! WOO HOO! I get to see my son again!!
Yeah, we take turns every other week traveling for district meetings. It's Takaoka and I have only been there once and am so excited to go more. It's also a Brazillian area so we will get to eat some more great food! The district area is now just three stops past Toyama making it a three hour train ride! whew!! I'm excited for the new adventure.
Yeah Toyama wasn't doing great with investigators so it just became part of the next area over. English class will do splits to handle it...kind of bothersome but doable
It's way nice talking to you today! I was worried we wouldn't make it today. That is so neat that you are helping Mary Anne with getting her family names ready to have their temple work done! Has she said whether or not she recieved my letter???
Wow, the Masons are moving to London!! I have a great idea...why don't we just go over there and take a quick trip to say hi after here! I have always wanted to go there anyway!!
Yhat is so wierd that Jason is already home!! Man time goes!
Yeah, we take turns every other week traveling for district meetings. It's Takaoka and I have only been there once and am so excited to go more. It's also a Brazillian area so we will get to eat some more great food! The district area is now just three stops past Toyama making it a three hour train ride! whew!! I'm excited for the new adventure.
Yeah Toyama wasn't doing great with investigators so it just became part of the next area over. English class will do splits to handle it...kind of bothersome but doable
It's way nice talking to you today! I was worried we wouldn't make it today. That is so neat that you are helping Mary Anne with getting her family names ready to have their temple work done! Has she said whether or not she recieved my letter???
Wow, the Masons are moving to London!! I have a great idea...why don't we just go over there and take a quick trip to say hi after here! I have always wanted to go there anyway!!
Yhat is so wierd that Jason is already home!! Man time goes!
Aaron's letter 8-31-09
Hey Everyone!!!
Well this week was quite the week for email!!!! Thanks for all who contributed!!!
Today was transfer calls and the news is......Elder Brox is going to Ise, a city closer to Nagoya with lots of ocean side, and I am getting awesome Elder Mulder!!! He is American can you believe it!!!??? haha, I totally love him and can't wait to get him tomorrow.
This past week has been so awesome! Elder Brox and I have had a great time thinking about our investigators and planning for each of them getting baptized.
And good news....Tai, one of our chinese girl investigators who came Mizuguchi`s baptism, is getting baptized in September!! She totally loved the baptism she saw and said she too would like to do it! So we would love all your prayers that she will now accept all the commandments and progress foreward with power!!
I have felt the love of God so much in my life lately. As I have discussed with Him my life and what's going on and what I feel, He has then answered through many amazing means! I have also learned some amazing things from the Book of Mormon this past week! I just love it so much and am amazed at how much can be learned from it!
Specifically we were challenged to read Joseph Smith history from Sister Traveller and pray about it after interviews last week. Well, as I did this the next day, I was able to feel like I never have before about the Joseph Smith experience, that it is true. Joseph Smith truly met God and Jesus Christ. Furthermore, as we too pray for understanding, God will do likewise as he did with Joseph of old and answer our humble prayer.
I can testify of this and would like to challenge each of you reading this email to do the same. Open Joseph Smith history, read, and pray. I can promise that by so doing, if your heart is contrite and desire humble, you will feel something special. Your testimony will be reburned within you. It is something you don't want to let pass by. Do it.
I love you all and appreciate your many prayers and letters my way!
Elder Parks
Well this week was quite the week for email!!!! Thanks for all who contributed!!!
Today was transfer calls and the news is......Elder Brox is going to Ise, a city closer to Nagoya with lots of ocean side, and I am getting awesome Elder Mulder!!! He is American can you believe it!!!??? haha, I totally love him and can't wait to get him tomorrow.
This past week has been so awesome! Elder Brox and I have had a great time thinking about our investigators and planning for each of them getting baptized.
And good news....Tai, one of our chinese girl investigators who came Mizuguchi`s baptism, is getting baptized in September!! She totally loved the baptism she saw and said she too would like to do it! So we would love all your prayers that she will now accept all the commandments and progress foreward with power!!
I have felt the love of God so much in my life lately. As I have discussed with Him my life and what's going on and what I feel, He has then answered through many amazing means! I have also learned some amazing things from the Book of Mormon this past week! I just love it so much and am amazed at how much can be learned from it!
Specifically we were challenged to read Joseph Smith history from Sister Traveller and pray about it after interviews last week. Well, as I did this the next day, I was able to feel like I never have before about the Joseph Smith experience, that it is true. Joseph Smith truly met God and Jesus Christ. Furthermore, as we too pray for understanding, God will do likewise as he did with Joseph of old and answer our humble prayer.
I can testify of this and would like to challenge each of you reading this email to do the same. Open Joseph Smith history, read, and pray. I can promise that by so doing, if your heart is contrite and desire humble, you will feel something special. Your testimony will be reburned within you. It is something you don't want to let pass by. Do it.
I love you all and appreciate your many prayers and letters my way!
Elder Parks
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