God is so Good to Us!!!

I had a really good and busy week!! I went to the Washington DC temple for the first time last Wednesday. I get to go another time this transfer because I'm new. After this everyone gets to go once a transfer! That's every 6 weeks to go to the temple!!!! It was very nice. 

I have meet people from India, Nigeria, and even Jamaica! One lady that's from Jamaica is a convert that joined the church 3 or 4 years ago. We had a really nice visit with her. I think you would call her "active-less active". But, man she has soul! I could feel of her testimony. It was very refreshing!

So, I think this is true of all of DC, but my ward has a big turn over rate. There is about 13 families moving away!!! The ward isn't big to start with, so it will be very interesting to see if there will be LDS members coming to replace them!

One of our member meals was at the Nelson's. (Well it was only Sis. Nelson and her adorable baby because her husband was studying.) Why is this so amazing?!?! It turns out her cousin is Christian Broberg!!! 

Last Thursday we had our first service day as a zone. We went to "the farm" that was about 45 min away. It was so much fun! We got into groups of three to help Autistic children ride on horses/ ponies.  There would be one person in front  to lead the horse then 2 people on each side to keep the child on the horse!  There was one younger group in the morning (about 5 years old) then an older group after lunch (about 8years old). It was fun to see the differences in the the two groups. The latter was so much more brave and could control their bodies more easy on the horses. The boy I had kept commanding "FASTER!" It was loads of fun! This zone goes to "the farm" about every transfer. It is rumored that we will go there as a mission on the 4th of July. There is a senior couple that  lives near by and all of us sisters and elders will sleep sleep over there... 10 miles away from each other:b 

What are everyone's plans for the 4th? I would LOVE to hear from families and friends!

Funny story: The other day I answered the phone when our zone leaders were calling us. After hanging up on them like 3x, I answered, "Hello this is Elder Parker and Sister Whiteford." I tried to roll with it, but everyone was laughing so hard!! That night I got mail and a package…. Lo and behold, the zone leaders crossed out "sister" and wrote "elder". Haha. I have photo evidence!

Also, I have this amazing chair that only has 1 arm. Don't let this fool you! It leans so far back and very comfortable to sit in. I ONLY fell out of it once when I was leaning back in it! 

This weekend we have Stake Conference. The Stake Presidency is being reorganized, so we have 2 general authorities coming. One of which is Elder Teh. I have heard him speak at UVU devotional. It should be a nice meeting. 

Some thoughts about Repentance:

- You will be judged on what you become NOT what kinds of sins you have made on this earth life. Repentance really means changing to become a better person. 

Ok for the reason for the title!! We had somewhat of a miracle happen yesterday! I fasted for those who were ready to hear the gospel would be put in our path. I also fasted to know how to be the missionary the Lord wanted me to be. So after church, we were studying and our phone starts going off in text messages and phone calls for like 15 min. We have been trying to contact the same 5 people from referrals we have gotten from church headquarters and ward members all last week. All but one contacted us and told us to come over sometime this week!!!! I am so excited to meet new people and teach! We have been working with a lot of less actives, so it will be really nice to finally be working with investigators! I love less actives, but I  haven't gotten to share the missionary lessons really. Just a lot of spiritual thoughts. So, I am excited to see what this week brings!!

One of the ladies that called that Sunday was crying! She was so excited and we could hear the hunger in her voice to know about this church. We will meet with her this Friday. Keep these people in your prayers that they will still be interested in hearing about this gospel. 

I love you all!!! I hope you are doing well! Feel free to send me a letter and I'll get to you when I can! 

-Sister Parker