Training

Dear Family,

 

So it sounds like Isaac will only cheer for the Sox make it to the WS? Can someone clarify that? That would disappoint Sox Nation if it lost one of its most avids. And I guess no one can make fun of him for being chubby or anything of the like anymore. Nice job bajando peso. Got then pictures from the Court of Honor and the family reunion. The backyard looks SOOOOOOOOOO Good. Wow. It looks like a lot of work was put into that and it looks like a lot of fun too. Major props to Mom, and Mr. Moneybags too. Glad to hear that football is starting; I loved football, and that Evan is working for the BYU team. That would be A LOT of fun for me to come back and watch while I am at school, if I don't join the Air Force (I changed my mind from the Navy)... Grandma is free from cancer!!!!! Yes!! That is like #3 to overcome cancer in the Parry family since I have been alive. Right? Good stuff. And G-Dawg- is she turning into ironman? She would be a good one. Hope that surgery goes well. I didn't forget your anniversary this week Mom and Dad. Did Dad forget it? Haha Just kidding. I didn't send you anything but I was thinking about you. 12 years and still going strong. Good to hear. By the way- I am glad you got the pictures of me in the Scaffolding outfit. One of our investigators does that for a living and insisted that I wear that stuff. I decided just to give the wife your number. I would suggest that you don't text her back for anything haha.

 

Man... This week... This week was eventful, and pretty tough. Training is no walk in the park. Elder Dodd is super awesome and not hard to be the trainer for, but I just feel like there is a lot of responsibilty right now...

 

Saturday I asked the Soriano family if we could have Sunday dinner over there and they were so willing that they put together a huge dinner of one of my favorite foods that I had over there last time. Hermano Soriano made Panvasos!!! They are so delicious. It is a huge plate-sized circle of bread filled with cheese, salsa, potatoes, sausage, lettuce, and chili and then it is folded over and covered in more chili rojo. They are gigantic. The last time I went over with E. Cardoso I had 4 (For the rest of the evening my feet hurt because the weight of the 4 Panvasos pushed me down so hard haha). I had 3 and a half yesterday and went up to Hermano Soriano and said that I was so sorry, I couldn't eat 4 this time. Everyone laughed. Three other families from the rama came over to so the company was A LOT of fun. It was the happiest I had been all week.

 

So The assistants were supposed to tell Elder Miller to pack instead of me so that was kind of inconvenient for us both. The APs are pretty new so oh well. So Elder Miller went back into his car (of which him and I used WAY too many miles with for the first ten days of the month, not my problem haha) and he is training as well. We are both in the branch. I am still in Youngtown/El Mirage. Still staying in home sweet home :) Transfers was actually super fun! I saw Elder Cardoso again. That made me so happy. He is doing well in La Joya. He has facebook and his new ZL companion is Elder Hughes so that was funny. Being my fourth transfer meeting I am starting to know a lot more missionaries so it is cool to see old friends and actually know some faces. This week has been a rocky transition overall though- I am planning the days out by myself for the first time, I popped a tire, I am training, we have half the investigators we had the week before, and we are on bike. On Saturday we were riding between 1:00 and 4:00 and it was 114. It was the hottest I have ever felt in my life. My face felt like it was melting. Ah man haha I don't even know how to describe it but it was good. Fun to be able to say we overcame it. Elder Dodd was so hot too. He barely survived. Kind of a tough third day if you ask me haha. That day we got into Lou's house. He is formerly from the Italian mafia. Did I already talk about this guy? He said he used to own $100,000 in weapons and that he used to carry hand grenades on his person around town. He seems pretty hard. But he was baptized six years ago and sold all his guns. He is currently a returning member and will be coming back to church soon. His family aren't members and we have a lesson tomorrow planned with them so that will be great. He calls missionaries "winged knights." That is rad. We got a Ward Mission Leader!!! He definitely outshines the previous 2. He has had the calling before and is a high priest who was been a strong member for a few decades. He is the perfect example of one who acts out of love. He knows how to help people and how to reflect Christ's love for them. I desire to learn a lot from him. In our meeting yesterday with the Presidency and him some people were kind of upset/confused until at the end Hermano Cervantes (WML) just calmly talks about how we need to be patient and loving with the members and with the Lord. Everyone calmed down and the Spirit rushed into the room. At church yesterday I was kind of showing Elder Dodd around to everyone and it really wasn't until yesterday that I realized how much I love these people. I said "they are my favorite members" for seven different members. I couldn't decide! I settled with three tied for first (Covarrubias, Sanchez, and Jenkins.) Church was awesome. The investigators just came without warning this time. Clemente came after about a dozen weeks of not. That blew our minds. It was good. Investigators are progressing pretty so-so right now. We need to find more people-- we just got our cascoes (helmets) back so that is good :)

 

Elder Dodd is great. He is a super talented music guru (I am not positive what he does exactly but he mixes and records music and will be going to BYU on a scholarship and plans to be a music producer when he grows up.) and has met bands like Owl City, the Fray, Imagine Dragons, Christina Aguilera, and the Lumineers. I am pretty jealous. It is stinking cool. He is from Highlands Ranch, CO. This is interesting- He and Elder Miller's trainee were companions in the MEXICO MTC. They were part of the first White/American district to ever go to the Mexican MTC. We are both pioneers because I was in the first 6-week program for language-learning in the MTC. He said Mexico was wild; no traffic rules, people selling bananas and candy in the street, lots of theft, lots of cockroaches, lots of rain and stuff like that. I can't wait to go to Mexico someday!! Elder Dodd has an amazing desire to learn, push himself, help other people, and be the best he can be.

 

Training is tough- I feel pretty inadequate and humbled but I am trying to help Elder Dodd reach his full potencial and I want us to be good friends always too so we are working on having fun. I know the Lord trusts me and has confidence in me therefore- I have decided to have confidence in myself! Don't really have a whole lot of Spiritual stuff to say this week. I can barely keep my mind straight: Training, the heat, and planning have melted my mind into mush. Check out the revelation message in the Liahona for this month! Good stuff to learn and really good tips on understanding the "burning of the bosom." Keep me updated on the Infinite Atonement that you are reading!

Transfers: Destination Unknown

First of two emails today from Jake:  "You can really only take it six weeks at a time because you never know what's around the next corner."

I have told you how I have learned to just relax with each transfer and take them as they come as assignments from the Lord, but I have been humbled even more this particular transfer! For a number of reasons. The one that stands out to me the very most right now is that I am getting transferred... Last thing I expected!! Last thing Elder Miller and I expected!!!!! We are confused. The assistants and President (during interviews) have hinted at what would happen (the area would be re-split and we would both lead out our areas), but evidently, that will not be happening. We have no clue what will happen. On top of all this, I am training. So it looks like I will either be opening up a new area or coming into one without knowing anybody. Crazy. I will write more in a bit. Just know that I am super confused, but moreso, trusting in the Lord and confident in President Taylor's Spirit-guided decisions. I have no problems or concerns at all. I am going to miss this place.

Second email from today:   So again I am pretty confused and not really focusing right now and am short on time because we need to go fix our area books and pack and such. I love you all very much but this email may be a little short! Haha.

This week has been wild! It was a little sad too because Elder Miller and I had some bad luck/happenings with investigators. 2 of them fell off date. We went from 22 lessons taught last week to 11 this week. I know it is such a blessing to be teaching that much- but it was just a big drop-off. So we did a lot of driving and contacting people in our area books and planners. Little luck here and there. But still chugging along! We had stake conference on Sunday; 6 talks on Family History. It was cool. I love the focus the church is really putting on family history and missionary work now. Have you seen the new temple endowment presentation? How is it!? I heard that the two main actors are from the Pheonix Valley too. I wish I could go to the temple. We will this Christmas!

So I got the training call on Friday night. Actually, President Called Elder Miller's phone and told him to put it on speaker because we are both training! We are super excited. I am super excited. I am very super humbled as well (sorry for all the superlatives; I probably sound like a woman). There is a lot of responsibilty put into this assignment. I have heard a lot of stories about people knowing their trainers for 40 years after their missions and stuff like that (Elder Holland knows where his trainer lives and how many kids he has!). Cool stuff. We had a trainer meeting yesterday with President and the assistants. It was a meeting that wouldv'e scared the weak-at-heart haha. We focused on strict obedience, the importance of understanding the principles of obeying rules rather than just being obedience police, what we liked about our trainer(s) and what we want to exemplify and stuff like that. I was so blessed to have 2 trainers. Someone came up to me yesterday and asked who trained me and said "wow, you can trained by 2 bosses!" They are and I will remember them forever and hope to keep in contact with both of them. I hope I can foster the same, loving, relationship with my trainee. Evan, Dad; do you two both remember/admire your first companions in the field? Did you learn a lot from them?

It is really wild how the time is flying on the mission. I just realized that when I am finished training it will be November. And then that next transfer will be Christmas! Time is moving along.

I need some follow-ups and the things you have been telling me about! Did Sam get his Brave Quarters under :60? I remembered this week that my Sophomore times were 60 62 62 60 so let me know how he did! Has Arod been getting booed at Yankee Stadium? I kind of hope so and it sounds like I agree with you all the he deserves it. Are the Sox or Rays in first place? If the Pirates and Sox make it to the WS who will Isaac cheer for? Sounds like the Summer is still chugging along and finishing up. Sounds very very busy. And thank you for the package question. I will let you know this week what I can think of that I would need.

Thanks for all the emails! I am sorry this is so brief. I love you so much and have really felt your love for me so much since being on my mission. Yesterday I was reading a list of 9 things the President Hinckley said each missionary should take home from their mission. for 7 or 9 of them I was like "okay, I will work on that one," but for the one that said "gaining an increased love and appreciation for their parents," I just knew right then and there that I already had that. And it is true; thanks Mom and Dad. There is a lot I miss about home but you two are #1 and #2! (whoever puts more money in the next envelope can be #1).

Love you all.

 

Facebook in the APM

Dear Family,

Kennewick is my Elder Hobbins' mission and he actually got switched to I think Vancouver. I wrote him a couple weeks ago and he wrote me back and said that it was the first letter he has sent since he hit the field! It sounds like he really thought our companionship was as special as I thought it was too. I miss that man! He said he is already training his second missionary. I was kind of jealous haha. Not surprised- he is great. I wish I could tell you everything I have learned from this companionship this transfer however. It surely is the refiner's fire for me. I have never learned so much about leadership in my life than I have here as a Jr. Companion to the DL. It truly has amazed me. I definitely needed this lesson more than I would need one on leadership. It has been cool to see. The same kind of thing happened in the MTC. As for transfers- they are next Wednesday and the transfer has gone by fast for me too haha. Personally, I think two new Spanish missionaries are coming in and we are splitting-me to Estrella Sur with the bikes. That is what President esentially told us at interviews. But he can be a loose cannon haha. Or at least the Spirit is. Well that is what I am hoping happens. We taught 24 more lessons this week. It has been hectic. Very fulfilling and incredible to see the work and progress. We are finding the prepared right now. I don't know why Elder Miller (Hughes, Cardoso, and those in the future) get to be the ones to see and enjoy it but here we are and we are working. My testimony grows daily of the hastening of the work and the preparation our Heavenly Father is making for His children. I had a thought this week (after 3-4 weeks of being pretty confident that I would train someone new next transfer) that I will not be training. I don't think the Lord is ready to give me that trust. I still need more refining. Who knows though. Who cares. I have seen too many missionaries (pardon me, but morons haha) who set their sites on something for transfers and wish away the time until then only to be disappointed. Whatever happens will happen because the Lord wants it to happen; what more could anyone need or want? I will email you next Tuesday about it.

Let me tell you about a great lesson. Wednesday night. Elder Miller and I went on splits because there are a lot of people to teach (both of us were actually teaching in my area-Estrella Sur-haha yes!) and I went with Mario S. (remember the recent convert?) to Rene's. Dora was finally there so we could teach her. Rene is still moving along solid. We are really pushing for him to be baptized the 24th. But Dora had several questions, doubts, and curious inquiries. She asked about some guy named Jeff who is Mormon and got put in jail or something. She said that made us look bad. Then Mario comes in. He used an anology of Christ's 12 apostles: "chosen" and apostles to the Savior, but one betrayed Him and another denied Him thrice. Mario also quoted James 1:5 and looked up some D and C scriptures about Church organization when she asked what President Aguirre's job is. MARIO WAS ON FIRE! He is on fire. I was amazed. Rene and I barely talked the whole lesson. Mario sounds like a 10-year member. Dora and Rene both came to church!!! Dora asked more questions. Miranda and Covarubias answered them all. They are studs. Our Rama is full of studs. Jose had an interview with President Aguirre just about baptism and his desires to be a member. That went super well. Another family came to church. Life was good this week. Ignacio bore his testimony in sacrament meeting about prayer. He looked like a TWENTY year member. I am going to give him my suit on my way out of El Mirage haha. We didn't find any new investigators for two weeks and we found six this week! One of them is Mario's son. We are getting the whole family tree there! This week was good.

Huge things are happening. I don't really know where to begin because this week was HECTIC. I'll start by explaining how things went down in Zone meeting! The Zone leaders informed us that we will be getting Facebook by the end of the month and that one district [the district that has been testing Ipads and Iphones all summer (1 of 5 districts in the world)], all the ZLs, and the Sister Training leaders already have it. WOW. It gets better. One of the church leaders (forgot the name; seventy or something) told the ZLs that missionaries going online is the biggest thing to happen in church history since the Restoration. I really appreciated the LT Perry quote that Dad sent. Very true; 2013 is already very huge. And Evan and I were both missionaries this year! Que Suave!! Kind of crazy: We will be using the Facebook Accounts that we used pre-mission. Changes will have to be made to pages haha; but not a lot. The ZLs explained a little about how it will happen; 'hypothetically speaking' if I had any non-member family member I could have a lesson over video chat with a member from the MP5 in attendance. I will be able to chat with non-member friends from High School and try to teach them. I find it funny that the ratio of people serving missions to non-members at Bountiful High School is like 10 to 1. Haha. This will be HUGE for people outside of Utah and the States. I was thinking of Elder Cardoso a lot this week because of some of his very close friends and family members who are not members way over there in Brazil. And he already has facebook too. This really is so huge. The ZLs told us about what Lee Donaldson (some missionary authoritative figure who was the Mission President in the District 2 episodes) told them in a video chat about the importance of the Work of Salvation Broadcast that we had in June. He said that the #1 most important part of it was Matthew 24:14. He just straight-up whipped out that verse and told us all what is up!!! The Gospel will be preached in all the world then the end comes. Just like what Mom said in her email. The Spirit hit me like a brick wall when I read the verse and continued to punch me softly in the face for the next half hour as we talked about it. That is the best way I have to describe it haha. If no one else's words convince you--just take my word for it. What is happening is VERY REAL. I know the Lord is making His final preparations. We are in like verse 74 of Jacob 5. So that is what is happening. Don't be scared :D Be SUPER EXCITED!! We have literally been saved for this specific time for whatever purpose. Yes, it will take some tidying up in our lives and actions. But there is nothing to be worried about. The elect, all the covenant people of Israel--Every member of the church--have the duty to carry this great message to prepare the world for the Savior's coming. The Lord foreordained each and every one of us to be alive for this time. I feel so confident and excited for the things that are happening. We all should feel that way! Okay enough with the Apocalyptic... One point about the Zone Meeting and what President Taylor has been telling us is obedience and "tightening up." I have really appreciated this stuff. A LOT of trust has been put in this Mission. I have so much APM pride right now!!!!! But moreso, I can feel the weight of a very serious responsibility in a crucial time. President Taylor has brought to light again the importance of obedience to prepare for online proselyting. He has introduced "tightening up" rules--nothing new--that we have to keep in mind so that we are super-prepared for what is to come. It includes such things as making sure we run 20 minutes and do 10 minutes of stretching or strength exercise every morning, 60 minute meals, no service projects during studies, being on-time for bed, waking up, and studies, only getting together as a zone on P-Day once a month, and writing President first in our weekly emails, and plenty of other things. The mission is tightening up (Last October they did the same tightening up and November was the 3rd highest baptismal month on record for the mission). Elder Miller and I have been taking all that he tells us very seriously.

One of our ZLs told us that overall, Facebook is only an hour a day on our schedule, obedience is the key. I agree--but Facebook is going to be pretty dang cool!! haha.

That was kind of the highlight of the week. APM PRIDE!!! I'm pumped.

Mom- You don't fail. You always seem to pull it together, I am not worried!!! haha. That is fun that Caroline and mom are in St. George. I hope it is not too hot-- sissies hahaha. Thanks to Evan, Sam, and Isaac for all the emails! Good stuff. Football and school starting was always my favorite time of year.

I wish I could remember everything I wanted to say to you all! Crazy week. It is fun to be a part of everything. Remember- The Lord is in charge of this work-- from Facebook to Arizona to member-missionary work to China. Whatever we are all doing are just little things that the Lord uses to make huge miracles among His Children. I have come to know that in a very really sense here. We do what we can but the work is A LOT bigger than this one companionship in El Mirage. We do what we can and with everyone serving in wards and missions all across the entire world--online and off--we are all moving together as one gigantic force. I love this work. I love my mission. I love Elder Miller! I love my investigators. I love you all! Most of all, I love our Heavenly Father--and that's why I'm out here. I am serving because I love Him and want to repay Him the best way I can. I know the Book of Mormon is the Word of God and that it is a literal sign of the Gathering which is hastening today. I know Jesus Christ died and was resurrected. I know that temples are houses of Gods. Do a session for me this week! I super super miss that place. Love you all, Get excited, get involved, be leaders! (And like all my posts on facebook in the coming months).

Love, Elder JAKE Parry 

PS I don't know if Mom, Dad, or Caroline could help me out with this but I would like to save the 900 or so pictures from my facebook profile somewhere (a disk or a USB drive) if possible. I may need to delete a lot of them over here pretty soon haha.

PSS I remembered a couple things-- there have only been three ideas/proposals in the past 15 years to be immediately accepted by all three members of the First Presidency and Facebook to missionaries was one of them. In whatever meeting it was where Elder Nelson found out about the idea he jumped up out of his chair and yelled "YES!!" Kind of fun.

Ignacio Was Baptized

 

Dear Family,

Ignacio was baptized this Saturday. His wife, Luz, wants to set things straight with her parents first but says she will be baptized soon. We're not worried. Maria was in Mexico for a week. That was really frustrating. She missed her interview so we scheduled another one. Ignacio came out with us yesterday and bore his testimony with great power and authority. I don't know that there is a more prepared person out there. Rene is super solid too.

I have learned a lot about myself this week through some of my challenges and mistakes. I certainly am full of weaknesses but I am trying so hard to overcome them. I don't want this to sound all negative or anything. Just know that I am trying so hard! And It is just in my nature to never feel like I am doing enough or doing as well as I could. So i don't think I will stop trying haha. It is just an ongoing fight for me--a blessing and a curse. I am learning more and more every day about our Savior and our Heavenly Father's Plan for us.

Wow! Home is bouncing! I cannot believe Sam is almost able to drive. That is just so weird to me. And football was a good choice. Keep tearing it up! Keep the brave quarters alive. And don't forget to visit the creek! That is where you rest your muscles in the ice cold nature canyon stream, almost naked too! No matter what happens in football, just take it for what it is. Don't settle for not doing your best or not having fun because of the decisions or actions of others. Something that is good to know on the mission too haha. Sounds like Caroline had a blast in SA! That is pretty rad-not going to lie. Next time you go take me so I can eat the food and translate the language. I am pretty happy to say that I am completely comfortable with the language. That is such a blessing for me to have this early. I still hope to sharpen the skills. Are you still rolling around in the Jeep? How are things going getting ready for the Sr. year? Man, that year was blast, and I am sure it will be for you. You're one to never have let dumb things make you unhappy. Keep tearing it up. Isaac you can take joy in the fact that I will be dieting with you! Haha. I need to eat a little better so I have made that an emphasis for me the next few weeks. I think my face looks a bit chubbier (like Isaac's). Haha Just kidding. The Sports news is wild. The Ravens had their historic year--good for them. I am a Cardinals fan now. And I always knew Arod was a cheater. Sounds like Evan is having a blast working for the Polys. You should come down here with Payne. Every other Mexican I have met does landscaping for someone who lives in Glendale. All the yards up there must be comparable to the yards of Heaven. All there are in El Mirage are front yards full of dead cacti and rocks. Lots of landscaping to be done and being done, down here. Are you getting ready for school? Marriage? Kids!? I wish I could be around for all the cool house projects! Save some work for me mom! How does the house look? The bills for the projects? :D Keep up the good work dad! Being on my mission has really helped me appreciate all the work that is done behind the scenes by those holding callings. It has been especially cool to think of you in your calling while I am working with such amazing members. One of my favorites, Hermano Jenkins, served in Oregon Spanish speaking and married a Venezuelen who speaks perfect English but they decided to do Spanish because white people are weird (Hermano is white). His life is devoted to the church. It is cool to see. He has been in the Branch presidency for eight straight years and told us he doesn't forsee being released ever. The faith and dedication of the Arizona saints is astounding to me.

This week was great. Busy and tiring too. But I loved it. I learned so much. I wish I could think of what it is specifically but I cant really think of anything, otherwise I would tell you. I am going through and experiencing a lot and just wish I could cap it all in and use it. I am not yet the missionary or member I want to be so it is a good thing I have all this time left to do it :) I love you all and miss you. Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts (and yes I got the package thank you so much-check out the tie in the picture I send you) and love for me. I know that I am on the Lord's errand. I know I am entitled to His help. I know that our Savior died for each and every one of us and was so lovingly sent by His Father to do so. I know that He understands each of us and wants the best for us. Thank Him for the trials. Thank Him for each day :) Love you

Love, Elder Parry

My Own Phone

Dear Family-

 

Yes it has been odd wheather for two weeks. A lot of clouds, humidity, and a little rain at night sometimes. It comes in bunches. And the lightning storms are pretty dang cool. We have seen a lot of lightning but haven't heard any thunder--kinda weird. But yeah- it is monsoon season right now. It will end in a week or two I think then August comes super super strong. I have heard it is the hottest month and a white member told me when I was on exchanges this week that he has lived here 35 years and he doesn't remember a June hotter than this one. I didn't think it was that hot but we will see how August goes. I will be back on a bike August 12th so bring it on! Yes, in interviews President told Elder Miller and me that we will be going back to our areas with new companions. It will be cool. Hopefully I will train!

 

Interviews were fantastic. I love President and Sister Taylor. Their love for us is so strong and mine for them grows every day. President asked some very special questions to us and The Spirit just flooded the room for me. It was one of the most special experiences for me in my mission up to this point actually. I learned a lot about myself, how I can improve, and most importantly, about my love for the Savior and His love for me. It was a neat experience. We also watched the movie "2 brothers" about the two Washington Mormon brothers who grew up together and served missions in Chile and Cambodia. It reminded me a lot of our family. A LOT. It is really neat. I would definitely recommend it to all of you because their is a lot for every person in our family to relate to. I thought a lot about Shortboob. I mean Evan.

 

So funny fact- Elder Miller and I both have phones haha. It is acutally pretty funny because only the assistants and us have phones each. We are basically running our own areas while we are together so we are able to get a lot done with two phones. It has contributed to some disunity though which we are really working on. But, I have my own phone! Haha. I feel back at home.

 

The Investigators are moving on well. I would say one of the best things that has happened with an investigator up to this point on my mission is that Jose H. and his formerly-hard-hearted wife both came to church yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Jose texted me and said she enjoyed it. It was a miracle to see her. Jose was so so so happy. We were so happy. I will be here at least nine weeks longer so I REALLY hope to be here to see them both baptized. We are going to the Mesa Temple with them in three weeks so that will be special too. Everyone else is moving along fine. Clemente's heart is actually changing a bit. We started the lessons over with him. He asks more questions, is much more awake for the lessons, much friendlier to us, and is better at reading the BOM. We still need to get him to church though. We're working. Rene said he would like to get baptized--just not to get baptized only to leave the church. He is on the right track. Ignacio and Luz had their Mexican wedding at the church and that went great. They and Maria L. are still on track for Saturday. It has been a lot of (fun) work getting the baptismal program ready. We are excited. Ignacio is still studying hours a day and inviting his friends to the lessons. Omar... He is still insanely attached to the Bible and that awful 3rd to last verse in REvelations but he is still asking questions, reading the BOM a little, and we left him with the "17 points of the true church." A non-church-made pamphlet that basically says that according to the Bible, our church is the only true church. We are hoping that breaks down the barrier for Omar. The others are moving along fine too. Last week was my first in Surprise that we didn't find a new investigator. It was kind of sad. Too much driving and not enough asking for refferels. We need new people.

 

Well I hope I didn't bore you again this week. It has definitely been a good one and another fast one. Thanks for the emails and happenings of home. It is good to hear from Bountiful with the weekly letter from Dad and email from Mom! So Evan is dating? That is funny. I don't know what else to say though. You have my blessing. Haha. Is Evan on the marriage hunt yet? Is it a different world in your social interactions as an RM-Bachelor? The baseball news has been music to my ears. All of it. Sounds like Boston is on fire! And those two things about the All Star game gave me goosebumps oooooh yaaaa. I don't need a messenger bag. At least wait until Christmas is fine. My backpack and camelback are both great. Sounds like the summer is super busy too. Can you believe school is a month away? 7th, 10th, and 12th grade were like three of the best so you'll all have fun. Also Mom will be kept really really busy haha. I wish I could think of something funny or normal or everyday that happened this week that I could share. My mind is kind of a mush right now and I don't think I'm as sensitive to trivial happenings as I could be so I will keep my eye out for Jake moments this week. I almost forgot my name was Jake :(

 

I forgot to mention this last week.. the PIZZA WAS SOO GOOD!! It was perfectly timed. We ate quite a bit before going to bed two Monday nights ago. Man that was good. Thank you very much. It sounded like it took a lot of coordinating haha. The delivery man was handicapped I think. Very nice sweet guy. I felt bad for turning him around the first time but the second time he asked us if we knew Becky Parry. And I was like OOOH YES I DO (because I love you yes, and because that meant the pizza was ours!).

 

Las thing is that I was on bike for one day on exchanges this week. It was good to be back for a day. I sweat a lot and was sore the next day haha. Good stuff.

 

Love you all. This church is true. The Book of Mormon is pretty much the coolest book ever written. Our Saviour Jesus Christ was resurrected too!!

 

Love, Elder Parry

Standards of Excellence

Hello Family-
 

The work continues here in The Estrella Branch. I love it here. Elder Miller and I have been kept busy: 21 lessons this week. And we are blessed by a lot of very willing and strong members to assist us in them. We still have four set to be baptized the 27th. When Luz returns from Mexico, hshe and Ignacio will get married and baptized. Ignacio will receive the Priesthood right after the Holy Ghost and they should both be doing baptisms for the dead for their families within two weeks after that. The Lord really has put me right in the middle of a very miraculous time in the lives of these two people. I feel unworthy, inadequate, and like several other different missionaries should be the ones to enjoy these changes in the lives of others. But that isn't the point. The point is that they were found by Elders Cardoso, Hughes, Miller, and me through divine guidance and that we came at the right time in their eternal progression. It will be hard to ever beat the preparedness of these two wonderful people. As far as the other people go: Maria L. will be baptized, we have to take a break from Maria. That was kind of sad because that was two months of work for Elder Cardoso and me. She does not listen though. Pride is destructive! Clemente.. I love him and the C. family so much. But they do not go to church or read or... They do nothing more than let us come over and continue to lovingly listen to us. I will study hard for him and really rely on the Spirit because I want him to be baptized so bad. And for the benefit of him and his family too! Mario and Glenda are still tearing it up too. We have a FHE with them and five investigators tonight at their home. Melina is on date but stuff keeps coming up before church on sundays. As for Rene and Jose.... These two are so so strong. The great news from them this week is that BOTH of their parejas are showing good, strong, interested signs of investigating the church more. We talked to Maria H. with Jose on Thursday. I felt like we should go there even though they were our second back up plan. we went, they were both there, let us eat lunch, then we shared a spiritual thought. We invited Maria to church. She wasn't really up for the idea, but... Jose just starting bearing his testimony!!!! Jose just started barraging her with the Spirit and all the changes he has experienced and all he knows she can experience too. It was incredible. Jose is a different kind of prepared. Things have been happening to him the past 50 years that connect him us being in his life right now. He just wants to wait for his wife. It will happen. All in the Lord's time. What an unimaginable blessing it would be for me to be able to be here when that happens.

 

But... Jose had a painting job come up so he had to go work and Maria didnt want to go alone. So they will be at church next week! :)

 

Rene is doing well. He is still very interested and we gave a priesthood blessing for his wife last night with Nefi M. and she said she would love to listen to us and come to church when she gets over her surgery. It'll happen. Good stuff there.

 

I would say my only worry about this transfer is that we don't really have time to find. But I wont worry; we should be finding in everything that we do. Hopefully we can find some new investigators this week. The last couple of families were kind of duds. The lesson we had with the family of four solid awesome people on monday was loco. The Dad believes everything about the Mormon church and the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith etc., but he wont get baptized. We don't know why yet. Maybe because he's lazy. Haha. Crazy stuff. Who knows.

 

Elder Miller and I got Standards of Excellence this week. Minus the Baptisms. If the baptisms on the 27th hold then we will have them for this week and every other week this month that we get similar numbers. We are here in this area at a very spectacular time. I don't know what either of us did to deserve any of it but all it means is that we need to work our butts off. And that's what we're doing :) The Zone Leaders said that the Estrella numbers this week were higher than the other districts' numbers.

 

I want to talk about some cool things I learned about in studying this week! In Matthew 13 I read some really good aplicable parabolas. The Savior really is the perfect teacher. Part way through one his disciples interrupt him cause they want to know why he keeps teaching in parables. He basically says that people don't listen if I don't. Its true! The people we teach don't have long sttention spans and there are usually a lot of kids running around. I want to teach with analogies more and be ABLE TO RELATE the doctrine to the investigator. I am really striving to eliminate the teaching record out of my mind and teach to what they need. Not teach them something I can mark off and say that they know. Analogies.

 

This one is for Omar: John 17 is Christ's intercessory prayer. When he is praying on behalf of his apostles He talks about them being one with Him and His apostles. Basically; if the Catholics were right then our Savior would have a huge alter-ego of about 14 different personalities and would be talking to himself regularly referring to himself as Father, Simon-Barjona, John etc. many different times in the New Testament. Haha. I found it funny. I laughed out loud when I read it. They are one in purpose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sheesh.

 

Something that I studied yesterday really shook me. I was reading Moroni's stuff in Ether 12. It was so powerful. All the Faith stuff was good but it really picked up at the end for me. The Savior tells him/us that we must first come unto Him and then will He show us our weaknesses. We have to seek after them. We have to want to know what our weaknesses are and we have to admit them. This is the key to humility. He then tells us that THEN is His grace sufficient. Then can our weaknesses be made strengths. That is last though. We have to go to our Heavenly Father in humble prayer and tell Him about how we are feeling and ask Him to strengthen us through our weaknesses. Then Moroni talks about hope and charity. He says we are nothing withough charity and then he prays, out of complete humilty, that the Gentiles may have charity because he loves them. Then it gets good. 37 and 38 are what Hyrum read to Joseph in Carthage. I cannot imagine how powerful that moment was that night in Carthage. Because the verses basically say that you have done your best. Do not worry. You have charity and you have done all you can and you have put it all on the line for me and it was only to try and bless my children. You will be blessed eternally for what you have done. Do not worry-salvation is yours. And you are not responsible for their actions or hard-heartedness. At least that's what I got out of the verses. That verse perfectly apply to Joseph and to Moroni. It was really incredible to read them. I want them to apply to me. I want to lay it all out on the line. And not just here but for the rest of my life. Our lives mount up to nothing in the eternities that follow if we didn't take up our cross and follow our savior for our lives here on earth. And what a bettter time to serve His children then when we are physically separated from Him living here on the Earth now? And what a better time when the only thing I have to think about for two years is helping his children!! Also- verse 4 is really cool too. I tried to think of how Faith can be compared to an anchor. Isn't that cool? Man I wish I had all P-day to account for my week but we have to go to Zone Activity. We have to be on time there so the ZLs can still go to their daily member dinner at 5:00 tonight. Ay-Ciray. Love You family!

 

Love, Elder Parry

Lots of Baptisms Planned for July 27

Dear Family,

Things are going very well here in Surprise!

 

Basically, we have a lot of work to do with the area combining that happened last week. It is a lot of fun. We have ninww lessons scheduled for tomorrow. A lot of stuff falls through on the mission, but who knows, we could have all nine of them tomorrow! Combining investigators has been cool. I am really looking forward to the future of the Estrella Branch. I made it a goal this week to attend this branch one day when it is a ward. I know it will happen. It could even happen while I am serving here! We are teaching some strong Priesthood holders. Ignacio and Luz are set for the 27th. They are getting married this Friday too! Matrimony! and Mexican Pot Luck! It will be good, especially since they are SOLID. The only rivals to ever come close to Mario and Glenda. Anyway, they are reading everything we give them and bearing their testimonies in Sacrament meeting and highlighting stuff in the Gospel Principles class. They are doing work. It is really easy to teach prepared people! Funny story how they were found--four missionary teamwork! They live in the "El Mirage Triangle," a highly debated few blocks of El Mirage that went to the Estrella North Elders when we split the area. The majority of their work is in that small traingle so it is good that it went to them. But anyway, We had ran into a man named Martin a few months ago three different times in the library and on the street. He wasn't super interested but Elder Cardoso and kept trying to get his info, schedule a time to go over, and pass it on to the other Elders. We finally did and they went over. Ignacio listened in on the lesson and they left him a pamphlet or BOM or something. At their follow-up with Martin, Ignacio asked when he could get baptized. Kind of a cool question haha. The Lord is preparing more and more people as his work his hastening, and a lot of the time, we find the prepared in long processes like that. It was neat. Ignacio and Luz are so prepared. They are set for the 27th with Maria. In Gospel Principles, Maria was like "hey I thought I was getting baptized that day? Move my baptism forward!" There is a lot of work here!

 

Yes, I am back in car. It is very very boring. I miss biking so bad! El Mirage was meant to be conquered by bikers haha. The good news is that either in 6 or 12 weeks the areas should be split and I will be in Estrella Sur for even longer. Hopefully, I get to train!! Elder Miller is the bomb. He is from Seattle, speaks excellent Spanish, and we have a LOT in common: Tall, awkward, white people, we both sweat A LOT, and just everything going back to our experiences in High School and with friends and growing up are similar. He plays volleyball and soccer which is different. He is our District Leader too. And he puts up with my snoring.

 

My fragile pool of investigators is kind of rummaging along right now. We have to be patient with the time of the Lord! Maria and Clemente are still kind of plodding along. Rene is still loving everything. Jose WILL be baptized. He knows it and we all know it. We just need to work with his wife more and see that he continues to keep the Word of Wisdom. Melina has been hard to reach but she is still solidly keeping committments and is still set for the 27th as well.

 

Well, I have thought about goals a lot as of late. I made a bunch this week. Tanto for my whole mission como for right now with Elder Miller. He and and I set a goal to get mission standards of excellence at least twice while we're together. They are the numbers set by President Taylor for each companionship. It has happened once since I got to Arizona. But I know the Lord can grant our righteous desires to help others come unto Him according to the work and sacrifice we put forth. And if not, we will have acheived success in everything we do in the process of trying to achieve these goals. Hold me accountable to this goal!! We need to find new investigators, and keep all four people we have on date for the 27th!! Suena bien?

 

My mind is really scatter-brained right now. Sorry if this email is crazy. I know I am forgetting a lot. The week has been wild because of transfers and combining areas. A couple more things: While making calls to invite people to church yesterday Elder Miller and I watched a bird die of dehydration in the shade by the door to the church. We tried to feed it water but it was beyond saving. HAHA.

 

Next time (just whenever) you send a package could you send me a black shoe-marker or something that can put black on the scraped parts of my shoes, a bleach wash bar so I can rub stains out of white clothes, you've sent me one before. And a few more drink mixes. Those are awesome! I am doing perfectly fine with the heat. Really. I got more thirsty going to High school than I do here because I am drinking so much.

 

Thanks for all the prayers that uphold me out here. Keep Clemente in your prayers that he can receive an answer from the Book of Mormon and Melina that her progress continues. They are who I am thinking about a lot now. I know I'm experiencing miracles left and right. I just pray that I recognize them and am able to act on the promptings that come as well. Tonight and tomorrow we have three lessons planned with NEW FAMILIES! We are really looking forward to them. Pray that they go well, they feel the Spirit, and hold me accountable to them this week if you can remember :)

 

Sounds like Anaheim, Vegas, the family, Japan, and everything else going on is a lot of fun. Good job Dad for being the one who works! Haha. I guess Evan has a job too what is it? And Mom your job is the hardest so you win.

 

Livin' the young life in Youngtown!