This week has been pretty good. It's one of those weeks where you keep chugging along. I want to share some funny and spiritual stories from this week and one from weeks past.
If you know me... I'm kinda of a clutz. When I went to DC for the first time we went to the Library of Congress. When we pass through security I was standing too close to a sister missionary. As she was putting on her tag, she punched me in the face! She hit me so hard, my glasses flew off. It didn't hurt that bad. Haha. Afterwards we went down the steps,I felt prompted to check if I had my hearing aids. It's weird because I'm so use to wearing hearing aids that I never feel them. So I check and my right one was missing! So, we quickly went back to security and it was there! I'm so glad that I followed that prompting to check!
On Saturday we finally got to watch the Joseph Smith movie with C. We went to the visitor center to watch it. Before the movie started, I got to bear testimony on why I know this church is true. I mentioned also the fact that with much opposition the early saints faced it proves this church HAS to be true. I also expressed my appreciation towards the saints for enduring through the tough trails to remain faithful to the church.
While watching the movie, there were several things that stood out to me. One of Joseph 1st question he asked was "how can I be saved?" There are so many people who ask this question! It's important to know so you know how to live this life so you can be saved! I loved how Joseph's brother, Alvin, answered to this question. He said he couldn't imagine God only wanting to save a few of His children. I can testify that this is so true! He wants ALL of His children back! He can only allow us back in His presence if we live worthily to do so. We must make and keep our covenants with Him.
I loved how the movie showed Joseph Smith only receiving revelation how to set up the church by asking God what was to be done. The most powerful question was answered of what happened to his brother, Alvin, who had passed away before this church was fully restored. The answer is a happy one! For all those who have passed away without the knowledge of this gospel, but would have received it in this earth life, will be able to live in God's presence again! So, Alvin was able to accept the gospel on the other side:).
Yesterday I got to attend a baptism for S. The elders taught him. It's cool because his first Sunday going to church was my 1st Sunday in the ward. He was so excited to get baptized. He was soooo happy!!! It was a really nice baptism.
So...Whiteford doesn't like hugs. Before leaving for lunch today we were kneeling to pray. We were giving each other high fives and Whiteford wouldn't high five us. So Luna Chico yelled "Lets hug her!" Whiteford did her high pitch scream as we gave her a group hug! Then Luna Chico yells " Let's kiss her!!" Whiteford yells, "Heck no!" Then she looks at me as I'm laughing and says, " Don't you dare Parker!"
I hope you all are doing well! Have an amazing week for me!
-Sister Parker
Here is some pictures of our Cafe Rio Trip that we took on our p-day with my companion and our roommates
Michelle asked Marissa some questions about her mission and this is what she said:
1) What do you like most about your companion?
When tells me funny stories from her mission or from back home. One of my favorites is the time with her last companion (Everton) was driving down the road and all these animals went crazy. They saw a bird knock a dead animal out of another bird's mouth! They saw other animals too, but I can't remember! Haha
2) In what ways do you feel like you have been changed?
I feel like I haven't really change yet. I am still thinking " I'm I really doing this right now? I'm I really a missionary??? I feel like my normal self, but I get to concentrate in bearing my testimony all the time! It's so great! I know that I need to work on being more patient. I want to go go go, but Whiteford has more relax approach. But, I love how she makes every single contact a meaningful one. She makes it a point to make it meaningful because what's the point of just handing a card out if you aren't going to talk to them first?
3) What's the hardest thing on your mission?
Having appointments fall through and you don't know who to go see instead.
4) What life lessons/ spiritual lessons are YOU learning?
Reading the last general conference has been so great for me! There are lots of talks about the Atonement. It has been amazing for me to read the talks and get different kinds of insights on the Atonement. You should read both Uchdorf's talks and Elder Holland's!
5) Would you like handwritten letters plus emails?
I love written mail! Though I get it at random times of the week, so I don't know when you will get a letter back because I'm only allow to write and email on Mondays. So, friends are the best option for me to get handwritten mail. I want to make sure you hear from me constantly! :):):)
6) What has been your favorite act of service you have performed?
Helping the autistic kids ride on the horses. Also I loved pushing the ponies down to the field and helping paint a fence white. All done on the farm! We go every Wednesday!
7) What has been your favorite meal you have eaten/ made?
A few members have made super super good pizza! A senior couple made a great meal with lasagna and bread. Then dessert was apple pie.
8) Where is the most exotic country someone was from who you have met?
I have met people from all over Africa. Some countries are Congo, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast. I have not written them down :( I will need to work on that for you! Do missionaries count??? I feel like I know where missionaries are from more than anything!
9) This is a serious question: Have you been gaining any muscles? (Missionaries are required to exercise in the morning before leaving to do their visits)
You can't tell, but there is a great storm brewing inside of my legs and arms! I work out 4-5 days a week! We have this great workout book that I use for exercising!
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