Sorry this is very scatterbrained. I have only 30
minutes, and if you don't know this about me yet, I am an exactly obedient
missionary and I would never do anything to break the rules. EVER!! I love the
mission.
I have been writing stuff down all week to let you know about and ask for. Impressed?
Thank you so much for all the packages, letters, pictures
(Dad), DearElders, and whatnot! I really do love them and my nights are better
when I have a little something to wind down with. They don’t distract me either
which is great. I am going to be honest, I have barely had a minute for my own
time here so I haven't even touched the toys but I eat the food because it is
from home! And it is not cafeteria food. I also share leftovers with the floor
so they love that too. I love my zone. I love my district. I LLOOOOOOVE my
teachers. Hermano Urquhart and Hermana Jeanfreau, and Hermanos Noltemayor,
Painter, Day, Staples, and Stevenson are all so awesome. They truly are
inspired people who love the Lord, love what they do, and love us. My zone is
so fun. There are 10 Elders and 8 Hermanas. They are all fun. One of our Zone
leaders plays runningback for MAryland university! Crazy huh!? He is black and
big and funny. Best part is-- the Maryland native is a Ravens fan! We have
enjoyed talking about them a bunch. Not too much that we get distracted from
the WORK! I gotta say- I'm missing the greatest Superbowl ever played and I don’t
even care!!! Too busy.
I have seen all my friends here at the CCM. Elder Haddock
I see every day. It would seem that 5 weeks+ in the CCM hasn't changed him from
the Richard I know and love. He has gained 6 pounds which is funny haha. I am looking
forward to a lot more people coming in including Mackynzie in the next few
weeks. There were 666 missionaries that came in with me. 680 the next week. and
there will be 800+ the first week of February. There are 2300 missionaries in
her right now, 4000 by the first week of the summer, and by the end of the
summer there should be more than 8000. WOW the work is moving forward. Everyone
older than us is talking about how this is the best time in the history of the
church to be in the CCM and to be a missionary. The work is so cool. All these
numbers were confirmed by the Missionary Executive Elder Evans (former Nagoya
mission prez).
Your scripture journals (mom) are SOOOO AWESOME!! I love
them. I have filled out a lot in each of them. If it is not too much to ask for
could I get two more of each because I want to give some to Elder Hobbins for
his birthday and to my wonderful teacher whom I love! You can send as many as
you want too if you find a deal or something. Everyone here loves them.
I want Isaac to know how proud I am of Him. He really is
growing up and maturing so fast. In basketball, but most importantly in life.
He has 3 great older examples and me I guess too. I love him. I love you all.
But Isaac- keep doing that triple comb goal- it will change your life and you
will be so ready for a mission. the scripture you're looking for is 2 nephi 12;3.
I think it is verse three. But it is in the first column and it spells UTAH
going down a line. Easy to find.
The mission is everything I wanted it to be and more! I
love everything about the MTC. Like I said, at first I wanted to hurry out and
get to see the loving people of Arizona, but I am not ready and the Lord needs
to chasten me and teach me and prepare me. Elder Hobbins and I listened to a
talk by Elder Holland (on TV Sunday night) in a big group (ps he was the
Tuesday Devotional the night before we got on! Que lastima!) and I have never
heard anything more inspiring. I want to put 150 per cent into this work and
not even look back. When you see me in 2 years I will faint of exhaustion and
fatigue in front of you. I am not holding myself back on anything. I have
already seen the Lord's hand in so much since I have been here. I feel my
prayers are getting answers and the Lord is looking out for me. I know the
language will come. I am learning it so I can teach the Gospel. I know the Lord
will help me. I am gaining faith, working on patience, humility, and obedience.
I am so tired every day, but nothing will keep me from giving it all. The
Spirit has already taught me so much and i look forward to so much more. READ
ALMA 26. In family scripture study or something. That is how our joy should be
with missionary work and that is how I want mine to be when I regresar in 2
years. I love you all so much.
Pretty good for 30 minutes huh? I love you all so much.
and even though this is through a computer screen I love being able to contact
you back and look forward to more.
Love you.
Elder Parry
