Steve and Amanda are now "New Mexicans"...

Aaron and I did the roasting green chili's a few years ago...We only have a few bags left so we decided to get a box yesterday at Walmart. They roast them for you while you wait.

Steve and Amanda helped out yesterday with their first box. We had a lot of fun peeling the chili, getting all the seeds out and then bagging them. The final product went into the fridge over night to cool down and tomorrow we'll put them in the freezer...

We all now are offically "New Mexicans"

Our home still smells really good when you walk in...

Walt came to visit the first week of August...we had so much fun with him here...

Amanda and her friends wanted to hang out at the mall on Friday night...so we took them and they had a blast...We all met up at Johnny Rockets...

I taught both of these kids when they were in 4th grade. Good kids and a lot of fun being around them.

The polly wogs are now frogs...Amanda got some polly wogs from a member of our ward...now they are hopping every where...

Steve helped Amanda turn the old blue kiddie pool into the polly wog pool. They put half of it water and the other half sand/dirt. The polly wogs had a blast in it. They also put rocks in the water so they could hop when they got their legs... This is what they look like...Frogs hopping all over the backyard...Sassy and Taiko just sit and watch as Amanda plays with them...

Oh...she is my farm girl...

Oldie, but goodie...Rock Concert...Friday night...with Steve and Amanda, subway sandwiches, camping chairs in the park...Police even came by...

Steve called and asked if I wanted to go do something fun on Friday night. I was game...so he picked met me at home, got our lawn chairs, had subway sandwiches, diets, and we were ready to go. He told me we were going to a rock concert at the park. I started to laugh...

Then, I saw who was there...It was a total party...the band was made up with people from our stake. They called themselves the "Brothren"...The concert was called "Branch Stock"...

The drummer was the branch president from the single's branch, two high councilmen from both stakes in our area ...one played the bass and the other the key board and the another member from our stake was the lead singer and guitar player...the keyboard players wife was also singing with them...

They were so good and we had so much fun. They played for 2 hours straight...no breaks and just one song after another...they played a wide variety of songs and we loved all of them. Everyone was dancing, singing and just laughing and having a total party. The crowd was made up of a lot of members from the stake, so it was a fun evening..and no alcohol involved.

We did have to the police show up...a neighbor called because there was too much noise...We all laughed even harder...

It was just a fun night and totally enjoyed Steve taking us to it...Amanda even enjoyed it and sang along...She did think we were crazy a few times...Instead of bic lighters...we all waved our cell phones...oh the memories...

Aaron's letter from 8-10-09....I know I'm a little behind with moving, company, school starting and traveling with Steve to various places he works...

I can't believe that school is getting ready to start. That is so weird that Nettie starts school in a 2 days. Just think, when the school year ends I'll be almost finished with my mission. That is so wierd.

Amanda,
I miss you too and love you too.

The Weekly:
Hey everyone!!!
Well can you believe I have already been up here in Takayama for three weeks!!?? I can't!
And amanda so lovingly told me that I only have 9 months left!! But thankfully that is really 10 months and I still have some time left! It is just going going going! And it feels like the more companions and areas Iget, the faster it goes!
The work is still such a blast though. Right now we have about 4 good progressing investigators. Two chinese girls, one japanese girl, and a 17 year old japanese boy. They are great! We are really trying to get them to baptism right now.
One thing I have really come to realize over the past yearish is that baptism is where we are going and there is no point in skirting around that bush. So many blessings come from it that I want these people we have found to experience it themselves! Man, I just love this gospel so much.
Just sitting here and reading all your experiences as well is the best. I have been able to truly see miracles on the mission so far and I love it! On the other side, it hurts so bad when someone denies baptism or lets their natural man pride get to them.
This gospel really has NOTHING bad about it. If only that was in everyone's mind!!! haha. But really, as we align our lives with Christ's example and do those things we know are right, miracles and blessings come. It is so amazing.
Furthermore, as we do so, we can help others come to the joy as well!! HOW COOL! We are children of a Heavenly Father. We have an older brother named Jesus Christ who suffered for each one of us that we may feel of the joy of eternal life and forever families. Joseph Smith was the first prophet of this restoration of the fullness of truth. Ever since that time there has been a living prophet on the face of the earth that recieves diving guidance for the welfare of us. How amazing.
I love you all and wish you the best spiritually and physically as well!
Elder Parks

Aaron's letters on 8-24-09

Hey Dad!
Iya, senshuu minnasan ga inakatta kedo, tondemonai! zenzen ii yo!!Mada, aishiteiru kara, daijobu desu!Mata, omedetou! tanjoubi wa hontoni tanoshisou!! ikitakatta ga chotto dekin
akatta ne!
I can't believe Blake is already an elder! Wow! They are all just growing up! and is the girl Wes married the one from when I worked with him? That is way neat with all the stake new business. I am way excited to hear all about that! We have interviews tomorrow and so that will be exciting too! maybe some new news coming up!!
Well dad, honto ni aishiteiru yo!!!itsumo arigatou!!
Love,
Elder Parks

What a great message to make sure you are always ready for anything the Lord may call on you for! Way true for members and missionaries alike!

Investigators are doing great! No dates yet and we are just trying to plan for those now. We have found some new great potential last week and really want to work with them so things should get going good!

That is so true getting new members in the temple as soon as they are baptized!! I too think that if they just get in their for baptisms while waiting and preparing for endowments the next year, they will be so much the more strengthened! Way to go! I am so proud of all your work! Wow that's great with the temple time!! Way neat especially with all the returned missionaries there and getting the spirit of everyone boosted!! Way neat! I say hello back to all of them!!

That's way cool! Man you had quite the birthday slam! I am happy all worked out! So, is the tramp going to be moved around as things get set up or is it set?

Wow you had quite the time!!!!!and sweet birthday present!!! I can't wait! and so the bishop's family just rode up on their dirt bikes and fourwheelers to the back yard just like that!? That is so cool!!!! And wow that birthday meal and dessert sound great!! I am glad it all worked out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I know it was last week but I didn't talk to you then so...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Nettie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, you are all forgiven and yes, you did make up for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Family!!!!
Well last week I didn't have many emails and this week, BOOM! Got 29! thanks! I totally loved it!This week has been great! It seems like with certain companions you get more "good" experiences than others and lately I have been pondering on that.
I have had times of almost 100% "good times" and lately I wanted more of that. And....this past week became great!
To begin, last week we were housing a bit and nothing was effective there. So Elder Brox said "lets pray!" So of course we did. I felt to go to this one less actives house, not knowing why. Also, one thing you need to know is we had some extra cookies we made for less actives who weren't home.
So once I told Elder Brox who I felt we should visit he remembered it was her birthday in a few days!! Perfect! Well, she was at work but we made a successful delivery.
After we took an ice cream break and there was this one place I have been eyeing since I got here. There are always foreigners in this cool restaurant and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind for ever.
So, we took that is inspiration and went! Miracles! Right as we walked in the lady walked up to us, looked at our name tags (and I thought we were about to be kicked out!) and asked if we were Mormons? Long story short she home stayed about ten years ago in Idaho Falls!!!!! Crazy! So of course the family she stayed with were LDS and she loves Mormons!
Since that day, less than a week ago, she has readily accepted lessons 1, 2, and 3 pamphlets and the Book of Mormon! All from little promptings we now have her (who ends up being the owner of this restaurant!) and her sister as investigators with HUGE potential!
From that point I have noticed other times throughout the week where God has answered my prayer in other ways. It has been a great week and I truly know God listens to us and answers our concerns!
Also, yesterday I have found the new Elder Parks scripture...Alma 36:24-25. When I read that the other day in study I totally connected! That is how I feel, that is what I know!!
Ever since Dad told me I will see success back in November I have really been pondering that. And, I have seen it! I know the Lord uses us to find, teach, and baptize those He has prepared. The work is true. This church is the true church. We have everything we ever need to be happy!I love you all!
Elder Parks

Takayama treasures we bought while visiting for a week to celebrate my birthday a few years ago...

I loved collecting sake bottles while we lived in Japan. Amanda woke up at 3:00am due to jet lag and wanted to go out side...so Steve took her out for a walk.

They found the funnest morning market with lots of fun items to buy, places to shop at and one of our favorite little veggie, fruit markets.

...There was a sake place on the corner across the street. Steve and Amanda went shopping for my bithday. They bought the 2 smaller bottles and cup and then they emptied the sake out of the.

Aaron and I joined them at 5:00am to do some more exploring and shopping. I found the big bottle and thought I needed it as well. Steve convinced the clerk at the store to let him have the display, so we didn't have to dump out all the sake...We had a great time shopping and just being in Takayama and surrounding areas...

The wooden, square cup goes with the big bottle...

Another birthday treasure from Takayama from Aaron... Found these amazing items that the people cook with in Takayama...Many were out by their homes cooking breakfast while we were exploring each morning. They also use them for different meals. So, I bought a couple of sets...They are so fun to use, but I did learn you use charcoal and not the solid fuel candles.

I use these for decoration above my kitchen cabinets... and we also pull them down on occassion and cook on them...
Aaron remembers the fun shops and is thrilled to be back in Takayama to go exploring some more and to be apart of the charm that can only be found in Takayama...The people are so friendly and love to visit and share their info about their families and their fabulous mountain town.
One of our family's favorite places to stay and visit in Japan...

Aaron's letter's 8-3-09

Thanks for that email! I am glad to hear of your testimonies! I am happy to hear Amanda too is coming to a knowledge of truth herself! It is so important to know for ourselves that these things are true. We will come to times in life that challenge our belief but as we hold to our testimony we will have the success we need!i love you all too!

Hey! so Annette asked me these questions (thanks Annette!) and I figured I would group send them out for fun!
1. So what fun things are you doing this fine p-day? no plans for sure...but I wouldn't mind walking around some of the cool streets of Takayama. There is just so much to look at and it would be way fun...so we will see...
2. How did your baptism go ? amazing!! It was one of the best I have experienced thus far. At first she was getting nervous and so naturally I did too a bit. But, then with the prayers of us all and the whole zone too, she did it!! Then as she came out in her dry clothes she had the cutest smile on her face and when asked quietly in her ear how she was, said, *ureshii* which means happy! That totally made my day, and week for that matter! She is the cutest old lady ever and the gospel is so good for her!
3. Any new investigators? We now have a young chinese girl working for two years here in Japan. She lives in the building next to us and we meet her a lot at the foot spa at the hotel she works at, which is right next to our apartment! She has already been to church twice and asked about baptism! And when I asked, she said she would like to do the baptism thing too!! So now we just have to teach her all the lessons and get her there! (her Chinese name is Tai, and her english name, which she gave herself, is Candy)
4. Any old ones that you are working with? Kumi is not too old, but now we are really working with her towards baptism. She is amazing and loves us too. She because of our tight relationship she wants to get baptized but us now working on more desiring it for herself! Almost there!!!
5. How was the Toyama party? Way fun! I exchanged over there and met with the relief society pres and her family. Way good time and they all said I look different. Like I had been to the army or something!! haha, way cool family! Then the summer bash party is this Saturday, which we are going to as well!
6. Were they happy and surprised to see you? Way happy! We pulled up at the same time as them and they had huge smiles on their faces, just like me! Way fun time and they were all smiling the whole time! I love that family!

Weekly:

Hey Family!!
Well there goes my first week up here in the beautiful Takayama!! And it sure is just that, beautiful! The weather has only just begun the hot slide so we are way lucky! The rest of the mission has been suffering down there for a while now. We aren:t complaining one bit up here! It has rained buckets practically the whole time i have been up here and that rainy season has finally stopped. The rivers got way full and looked sweet!
The baptism on sunday was the bomb! Man, it was honestly one of the best i have experienced so far! Since church here is only two hours, from 10 to 12, we just took the first hour and switched it from sunday school to baptism! Worked perfectly!
Mizuguchi was a bit nervous leading up to getting into the tub so we all prayed and prayed that she would be ok. Then, once she came out of the water and got her dry clothes on, she had the nicest smile glued on her face! It was way cute!
And she loves talking some english with us too so she always says *thank you very much* in her heavily accented english and *wonderful*. i have made it a habit to tell her she is *wonderful* everytime i see her and she loves it!
The whole experience was truly a miracle and i feel once again blessed to have been a part of it! The Lord really is working through various means to bring his children unto Him.
A big portion of that work is the members. Missionaries, when things are done right, just do the teaching. However, when members are working right along with us, it flies!! Not only that, then the new members have friends already inside!
I just love being here and watching everything go foreward.
I have officially begun to start feeling *old* in the mission are realize my time is short!
I am relishing in the beauty of baptisms and striving to see many more souls unto Christ! I have been blessed with miracles but still feel there is so much more still to do!!!
I know the church is true. God is our Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ is our older brother and Savior too. We have all the help we need to lead successfull lives. The Spirit can be our constant guide as we live in accordance with the commandments of God.
I love you all and truly do appreciate all the love, support and prayers!
God Speed!
Elder Parks

Garth's garden, Grandma with Tucker, and Garrity's pumpkin...2 1/2 months still to grow...

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

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 Travis

Camping trip to Thompson's Flat... ..... July 2009

Brothers...

Kendall and Travis

Travis with Kendall's family...

Jennifer, Avery, Aliza and Ashlyn

Grandpa, Travis and Grandma

Uncle Travis and Aliza

Kendall and Avery

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...

Happy Birthday to Aunt Leanna...Joan made her the funnest cupcake, birthday cake today...

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

Rice is planted and ready to grow...

Aaron and his district and zone along with his companion...