The time we got to do honey tasting!

WOW! 

My District! 

This week has been a crazy, fun, wild, and emotional ride! A lot of this week was going around saying good bye to people for Sister Ellsworth. It was really touching to see all these people expressing gratitude and sadness to see Sister Ellsworth leave. I'm not looking forward to this part of my mission when I leave for home! But I know with technology... I can stay connected with all the people I built strong friendships with! It's not real to anyone that Sister Ellsworth is actually leaving! This girl has been in the ASL branch her WHOLE mission! I admire her for being able to endure to the end. I know it wasn't easy, but she sure did make an impact on those she has served!


Wednesday was a really emotional day! We first went to see Jackie and had a great lesson with her! She's doing so awesome! She can look at the pictures and tell us what she thinks is happening in the picture, then we will sign to explain what it says underneath. It was neat to see her doing this and being more involved in the discussion! When we told her that Sister Ellsworth was leaving... Jackie started to cry! It was the most tender thing ever! Sister Ellsworth was the one who started teaching her and has always been able to explain in a way that Jackie can understand. At that moment I realize that even if a person isn't able to completely understand the gospel... You can still make a HUGE difference in their lives and allow them to feel the spirit! I can't wait until after this life and meet Jackie again when she can fully understand what we've been trying to teach her along!

Then we got to see Sister Gibbs! I've never met her before this week, but man... I love her sooooo much! She reminded me a lot of Sister Nutter from the Gaithersburg Ward. Sister Gibbs was sooo funny and very sincere. Her breath was taken away when we told her that Sister Ellsworth was leaving for home. We had a really good time with with Sister Gibbs! She can tell you one story after another without a pause! Very fun lady!

Brother Schmoltz's Honey Collection!

Friday was a really fun day! We went to see Ann and had a blast! After eating lunch together, we took her out on a walk! It was a beautiful day outside! She made a mention about the deaf and blind pedestrian sign that was nearby. We wanted to take a picture with her with the sign. She happily agreed! She's the sweetest lady ever!

After language meeting we took Sister Ellsworth's death photo. It was very sweet and sad! That night we went to go see Gwen! We forgot the phone that we normally text her on at home, but luckily we had another phone! Well... We got to her door and she wasn't replying back or answering her door! So... We did the same thing with Charo and did everything we could do to get her attention! After 10 min she finally answered the door! Yay!

We had an amazing lesson with Jan on Saturday! It was really cool. Beforehand she got carried away telling us story after story. It was a little hard to start the lesson and feel focused. But... Once we shared a scripture about prayer... the atmosphere felt different! We all were able to focus and have a great discussion about prayer! And... Jan said a beautiful closing prayer! The next day... Jan had to drive herself to church by herself for the first time! We were all nervous... Especially Jan because she gets lost easily. We all said prayers that she would be able to make it ok. Well.. Jan beat us to church and didn't even get lost once! 

That Saturday night we went to the Schmoltz for dinner. Brother Schmoltz is the really good cook that likes to have us over every month. He also has a HUGE honey collection and we got to try some of them. It was fun, but we all were so stuffed by the end of the night!

We all got our call outs on Sunday night.... And I'm officially leaving the Deaf Branch! It looks like I'm finishing up my mission in English! I'm really excited to have a new area and give it my all! Wish me luck! Tonight (Monday night) I'll find out where I'm going and who I'll be with!

Love you all and enjoy your week!

Sister Parker

Enjoy this time lapse video of what it takes for Sister Missionaries to get ready in the mornings!