(Excerpts from his email)
Today we had a zone activity and two sisters shared something really similar. They shared how bamboo takes 7 years and 6 weeks to fully grow. The first 7 years the roots are growing strong under the ground but nothing at all happens above ground. You don’t see any progress for 7 years but it really is growing. After the 7 years in 6 weeks the whole top part of the plant grows tall. They said at times we don’t see the progress but we really are making a difference in investigators, members, and ourselves even if we don’t see results immediately. After they shared Alma 31:31
31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfortmy soul ain Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.
32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me—yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, and also my two sons—yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.
They shared how Alma prayed for comfort and patience in his afflictions not that god would change his situation. It was really good.
Also i got some stuff for this week. So we have a new investigator and he might get baptized this week or the next. When we first met him he knew some about the church cuz his girlfriend is a member and her family was talking to him about it. He said what he noticed is that this is a church of work. Every one works. Right now the young men and women are having like bake sales to raise money so they can go to the temple. The Mexico City temple is closed so they have to go to Oaxaca. It’s pretty far and it’s not super cheap, but it’s important so they are selling pizzas and pastes and that kind of stuff so that more of them can go its pretty cool.
M: That's super cool about your investigator. I am excited for you and more so for him. It will be an amazing feeling for you to be the harvester, but for his girlfriend and her family too. But, like dad, my hope is that he has found his own testimony cause that is when you get members that are strong and committed. Exciting times.
I wish we could help with the bake sale or something; we take for granted that the temple is so near and that we can go whenever. These people need to work and save and work and save to be able to participate in saving ordinances. We need to take advantage of our closeness and go. We will keep them in our prayers.
EP: The ward they have almost 30 young men and women going i think so that’s super good. The last time the ward went to the temple like 5 went from the whole ward.
This week was interesting. Here Easter is called semana santa or holy week and they celebrate a lot Friday Saturday and Sunday. No one has school these two weeks and almost no one works. Friday is crazy, they do like a bunch of reenactments of the crucifixion of Christ. In the morning a bunch of dudes dressed up as romans on horses walked past our house with a bunch of other people in purple. In the afternoon they were all in a big field and they had three huge crosses set up and they were like acting out the whole story with microphones and everything. Here they don’t whip and hurt people i don’t think but in other parts of Mexico they do. They said sometimes they even nail people to the cross. It’s a little crazy. Saturday is sabado de gloria and everyone like has pool parties haha its weird. They like fill water balloons and just whatever they have and try to get everyone wet. The members were saying before they would stand in the streets and just throw water on everyone cars, people, anything that passed by but now they turn off the water all day so it’s a little mellower. It was an interesting week.
M: That is very interesting. I would not like to see them nailing a person to the cross; you have to wonder what they are getting out of it! So there is no Easter bunny huh!?!?!? Is there a lot of food? What kind of food? What is the symbolism of water, renewal?
EP: No not a lot of food well not for us. I don’t know about the catholic traditions and all that. We asked about the water and no one knows. It’s just something they do they don’t know why. It’s just called sabado de gloria and they all get wet its weird.
Also i was talking to a member and he shared the history of Mexico i don’t know why but it was super interesting. So apparently the ancient people (i don’t know who Mayans Aztecs whoever) who were here when the Spanish came believed in a great white god. And they believed he was going to come back and visit them again. With the book of Mormon we assume it’s Jesus Christ but they always had that belief and so when Hernan Cortez came they thought it was him because he was a white man in huge boats and all that stuff. So they gave him everything riches, food, everything they had and that’s why they were conquered so easily. I was just thinking about how similar it is to captain cook and what happened in Hawaii its interesting.
M: Wow, did you know all of that before or do you guys do history lessons there too? That's cool. Is there a place called the Book of Mormon, stone or something like that, someone asked me if you had heard about it. Well it's an interesting time to learn and observe, but i would guess that is part of why they are stuck in their traditions and have a hard time excepting the gospel, it's just what they do. It will be very interesting when they finally realized that all of their history is recorded in the Book of Mormon.
What else happened this week?
How is Chris, we ran into his sister at youth conference and she was saying that they were gonna go to Mexico soon.
EP: Haha no the guy was talking to us about all the history of what happened and stuff i don’t know why. We were talking about the movie the testaments and he started talking about all that stuff.
No i haven’t heard of that but my comp was in Teotihuacan before he came here. That’s the area with the pyramids and he said the members there give tours based in the book of Mormon like they use the book of Mormon to explain some stuff, it sounds pretty interesting.
I talk to Chris every week now he sounds really good. He said this week in Guatemala was crazy and they had to stay in the chapel at times and be super careful cause people kill missionaries at this time. Ya they go to Mexico a lot Chris said.
Transfers are in a week. I kind of want to change but i really don’t haha. this month of may president promised elder oaks i think that every companionship in the mission is going to baptize two people so I want to be here to make sure this area i have been in for the past 4 months does that but we will see.
Love,
Elder Park
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week 22 - April 14, 2014
(Excerpts from email)
Q: How are things?
A: I had an interview with president that was good pretty much the same but he said some cool stuff. he said to never take anything for granted: my parents, growing up in the church, and also the special spirit and gifts that my heavenly father has given to me. me and my companion are doing really good. investigators are going ok. the girls we are pushing their baptism back one week because this sunday they didnt go to church. everyone just started spring break so they left like the whole weekend with their family. Darinel, we are still talking to him and i think his mom is going to get baptized so hopefully that will help him but im not sure.
Q: Did you pass home inspection, I saw some glimpses of your home on the missin blog.
A: Yeah we passed with flying colors, she said it was awesome. it should be, we cleaned like crazy before they came!
M: Wow, that is awesome. Do you wish you played soccer now?!?!?! I never realized that they did not do scouts in Mexico, you just assumed everyone does it! How old are these boys? Do you find that teaching the kids is easier and does that eventually lead to families?
EP: yes i do, its actually,itʻs super fun here cuz they play on the basketball court, like under all the hoops they just have a small goal so its small and fast and fun.
Haha i just assumed too but it is called boy scouts of america i think itʻs a USA thing.
They are young, 9 to like 13 i think. its easier and harder. they listen but their parents, not always. actually usually not at all and even if the kids want to learn and go to church and get baptized if their parents say no its no and we cant do anything.
M: Well then planting is what you will continue to do for now. If the hoops are there, do you ever play basketball?
I always wondered why missionaries end up teaching the children and not so much the adults, but children are so much more open to new things, where like Darinel, adults have a harder time giving up what's always been.
Q: So you good?
A: Yes I am good. Thank you.
Love,
Elder Park
Q: How are things?
A: I had an interview with president that was good pretty much the same but he said some cool stuff. he said to never take anything for granted: my parents, growing up in the church, and also the special spirit and gifts that my heavenly father has given to me. me and my companion are doing really good. investigators are going ok. the girls we are pushing their baptism back one week because this sunday they didnt go to church. everyone just started spring break so they left like the whole weekend with their family. Darinel, we are still talking to him and i think his mom is going to get baptized so hopefully that will help him but im not sure.
Q: Did you pass home inspection, I saw some glimpses of your home on the missin blog.
A: Yeah we passed with flying colors, she said it was awesome. it should be, we cleaned like crazy before they came!
Q: Story?
A: Well something cool did happened this week. so every friday theres mutual but obviously the young men donʻt do scouts so they just play soccer. itʻs an awesome oppurtunity to invite people to the chapel. so this week we had like 10 young men come to the chapel and play soccer with us. it was really cool and hopefully will lead to more. they all live on the same street and are always outside playing so whenever we walk by now they always say hi and ask when we are going to play again. the next step is teaching them and their families and getting them to come on sundays too which is insanely hard cuz no one wants to go to church its ridiculous. but its a great way for us to build a relationship and hopefully they will open up and all of them can come to church together with us and they can help each other out. M: Wow, that is awesome. Do you wish you played soccer now?!?!?! I never realized that they did not do scouts in Mexico, you just assumed everyone does it! How old are these boys? Do you find that teaching the kids is easier and does that eventually lead to families?
EP: yes i do, its actually,itʻs super fun here cuz they play on the basketball court, like under all the hoops they just have a small goal so its small and fast and fun.
Haha i just assumed too but it is called boy scouts of america i think itʻs a USA thing.
They are young, 9 to like 13 i think. its easier and harder. they listen but their parents, not always. actually usually not at all and even if the kids want to learn and go to church and get baptized if their parents say no its no and we cant do anything.
M: Well then planting is what you will continue to do for now. If the hoops are there, do you ever play basketball?
I always wondered why missionaries end up teaching the children and not so much the adults, but children are so much more open to new things, where like Darinel, adults have a harder time giving up what's always been.
EP: Yeah we play sometimes but its not the same.
Yes families make everything or ruin everything. so many people just donʻt want to change because of their families and traditions and all that. its hard cuz they know its true but they just dont want toaccept it.
M: Well, like President said, we need to be grateful and not take for granted what we have.
Q: So you good?
A: Yes I am good. Thank you.
Love,
Elder Park
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week 21 - April 7, 2014
(Excerpts from his email)
Conference was great and its definitely different seeing all 10 hours but the time really flew by this time. life continues to change and i have been thinking about that a lot the past couple days. i have interviews with president again tomorrow and last time he asked how has my personal conversion been going so i have been thinking about that so if he asks the same thing i have an answer for him. I have been thinking a lot about the priorities thing and how much i have been learning from investigators, members, and every one that i teach. in the beginning i feel i grew a lot from my companions and studying every day and just learning more about the gospel and building my testimony that way. based in the scriptures and all that. but now i feel i am learning more from the people. what really matters. things i have seen that i want in life and things i have seen that i don’t. Other than that I’m doing good. the same old same old.
Q: How have your lessons been going? Did you get to talk to the boys parents, Mesi?
A: No we didn’t talk to them yet but we have a family home evening with the dad of the two girls we are teaching tonight so hopefully that goes good, he seems pretty cool. we are just gonna do everything we can for them cuz they are the ones most likely to get baptized this month. at times its difficult especially when things just aren’t going how you want them too but that’s life. just gotta keep going keep working and keep getting better every day
Q: Anything new this week?
A: It’s so hard i don’t remember anything. but today we went to a Chinese food buffet it was alright not the best but they did have ice cream so that was good. it was funny next to the ice cream they have Little tiny bowls but like at home for dessert you cant just have a small bowl so we grabbed the soup bowls and put like 6 scoops of ice cream. i thought they were gonna get mad at us but they didn’t say anything so that was good.
M: Well, take notes in your agenda during the week, something to write to mom!!! That way you remember. But with you it's always food or animals, too funny. Is the ice cream the same as here. We just had manager's specials for Gma Kitashima's bday, thought of you!
EP: that sucks, thanks mom. the ice cream usually isn’t the same its like frozen juice pretty much but its ok. thank you, love you guys, talk to you guys next week.
Love,
Elder Park
Conference was great and its definitely different seeing all 10 hours but the time really flew by this time. life continues to change and i have been thinking about that a lot the past couple days. i have interviews with president again tomorrow and last time he asked how has my personal conversion been going so i have been thinking about that so if he asks the same thing i have an answer for him. I have been thinking a lot about the priorities thing and how much i have been learning from investigators, members, and every one that i teach. in the beginning i feel i grew a lot from my companions and studying every day and just learning more about the gospel and building my testimony that way. based in the scriptures and all that. but now i feel i am learning more from the people. what really matters. things i have seen that i want in life and things i have seen that i don’t. Other than that I’m doing good. the same old same old.
Q: How have your lessons been going? Did you get to talk to the boys parents, Mesi?
A: No we didn’t talk to them yet but we have a family home evening with the dad of the two girls we are teaching tonight so hopefully that goes good, he seems pretty cool. we are just gonna do everything we can for them cuz they are the ones most likely to get baptized this month. at times its difficult especially when things just aren’t going how you want them too but that’s life. just gotta keep going keep working and keep getting better every day
Q: Anything new this week?
A: It’s so hard i don’t remember anything. but today we went to a Chinese food buffet it was alright not the best but they did have ice cream so that was good. it was funny next to the ice cream they have Little tiny bowls but like at home for dessert you cant just have a small bowl so we grabbed the soup bowls and put like 6 scoops of ice cream. i thought they were gonna get mad at us but they didn’t say anything so that was good.
M: Well, take notes in your agenda during the week, something to write to mom!!! That way you remember. But with you it's always food or animals, too funny. Is the ice cream the same as here. We just had manager's specials for Gma Kitashima's bday, thought of you!
EP: that sucks, thanks mom. the ice cream usually isn’t the same its like frozen juice pretty much but its ok. thank you, love you guys, talk to you guys next week.
Love,
Elder Park
Monday, March 31, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week #20 - March 31, 2014
(Excerpts from his email)
Q: Well son, tell me how things are going in the mission. Can you believe its been six months already? One quarter of your mission done. What have you learned, what has been most eye opening for you thus far? How would you describe these first six months? What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?
A: Yes the time really has been flying by i can’t believe that 6 months is gone already. What have i learned? I think i told you last time the things that i have learned more than anything is what really matters and what i should focus on in life. These first 6 months were hard, life changing, but amazing. I feel like i have learned and grown in so many different ways. In the next 6 months i am looking forward to working harder and taking on more responsibility and seeing more immediate results (baptisms). Lessons are going good we are finding more and more people to teach and it’s been good. I have learned i think that more than anything attitude makes the area and the mission. Yes this area is not easy but I had a better week this week than in my whole mission lesson wise (we had 40) and i think its all because of our attitude. So far Elder Martinez is my only companion who is new to the area my other two had some time in the areas when i got there and i think they kinda gave up.
I also was thinking about what you said about my patriarchal blessing saying i wasn’t actually gonna baptize people and how Miguel and Belen were baptized right after i left. I also just found out two kids we were teaching got baptized. We taught them pretty much everything at their grandma’s house in our area but they live somewhere else. They got baptized though and we taught them pretty much everything.
M: Well son, like I told you, there are planters, waters and harvesters and maybe your main role right now is a planter and waterer. Just know that you played a part in many of these people coming to Christ, that's worth so much. One day you will harvest and it will be so sweet! I also agree that attitude is everything, in everything that we do, not just missionary work. So the two kids you taught in your current area? and Belen and Miguel were from the first area?
EP: Yes their grandma is in our ward and Miguel and Belen was in my first area.
M: That's very cool son, they look happy and isn't that the point of it all, happiness! That was very nice of your first companion to send you the pictures, know that you had a part in that and there will be others.
Q: You did share about your focus, that we need to focus on the gospel and family, those are most important. But tell me a little about your growth. You said that you have grown in so many ways, in what ways?
A: Just a lot of different changes I think. Being a missionary has been a huge change in everything. from simple things like washing clothes by hand, bathing in cold water everyday, cleaning the whole house with only a broom, a rag and soap, small things. and then other things like studying the scriptures everyday, teaching people, answering questions. Seeing the changes in peoples’ lives. how the gospel really can change lives and help people in so many different ways. i don’t know i just feel like these past 6 months has changed a lot. not everything, I feel the same but with more of an eternal perspective i guess you could say.
Q: So who are you teaching, what are your best prospects? How's the soccer player(s)?
A: we have three girls with a date for April. they are doing really good and i hope nothing comes up. the soccer player Messi (Eric) came to church with us this Sunday and loved primary. the problem is he said his mom isn’t gonna let him get baptized so we gotta talk to her and see. hopefully he can be a good influence for his family.
Love,
Elder Park
Q: Well son, tell me how things are going in the mission. Can you believe its been six months already? One quarter of your mission done. What have you learned, what has been most eye opening for you thus far? How would you describe these first six months? What are you most looking forward to in the next six months?
A: Yes the time really has been flying by i can’t believe that 6 months is gone already. What have i learned? I think i told you last time the things that i have learned more than anything is what really matters and what i should focus on in life. These first 6 months were hard, life changing, but amazing. I feel like i have learned and grown in so many different ways. In the next 6 months i am looking forward to working harder and taking on more responsibility and seeing more immediate results (baptisms). Lessons are going good we are finding more and more people to teach and it’s been good. I have learned i think that more than anything attitude makes the area and the mission. Yes this area is not easy but I had a better week this week than in my whole mission lesson wise (we had 40) and i think its all because of our attitude. So far Elder Martinez is my only companion who is new to the area my other two had some time in the areas when i got there and i think they kinda gave up.
I also was thinking about what you said about my patriarchal blessing saying i wasn’t actually gonna baptize people and how Miguel and Belen were baptized right after i left. I also just found out two kids we were teaching got baptized. We taught them pretty much everything at their grandma’s house in our area but they live somewhere else. They got baptized though and we taught them pretty much everything.
M: Well son, like I told you, there are planters, waters and harvesters and maybe your main role right now is a planter and waterer. Just know that you played a part in many of these people coming to Christ, that's worth so much. One day you will harvest and it will be so sweet! I also agree that attitude is everything, in everything that we do, not just missionary work. So the two kids you taught in your current area? and Belen and Miguel were from the first area?
EP: Yes their grandma is in our ward and Miguel and Belen was in my first area.
Miguel and Belen with Elder Rincon (Elder Parkʻs first companion)
M: That's very cool son, they look happy and isn't that the point of it all, happiness! That was very nice of your first companion to send you the pictures, know that you had a part in that and there will be others.
Q: You did share about your focus, that we need to focus on the gospel and family, those are most important. But tell me a little about your growth. You said that you have grown in so many ways, in what ways?
A: Just a lot of different changes I think. Being a missionary has been a huge change in everything. from simple things like washing clothes by hand, bathing in cold water everyday, cleaning the whole house with only a broom, a rag and soap, small things. and then other things like studying the scriptures everyday, teaching people, answering questions. Seeing the changes in peoples’ lives. how the gospel really can change lives and help people in so many different ways. i don’t know i just feel like these past 6 months has changed a lot. not everything, I feel the same but with more of an eternal perspective i guess you could say.
Q: So who are you teaching, what are your best prospects? How's the soccer player(s)?
A: we have three girls with a date for April. they are doing really good and i hope nothing comes up. the soccer player Messi (Eric) came to church with us this Sunday and loved primary. the problem is he said his mom isn’t gonna let him get baptized so we gotta talk to her and see. hopefully he can be a good influence for his family.
Love,
Elder Park
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week 19 - March 24, 2014
Excerpts from his email)
Q: So, how is the new companion, where is he from, how are things going?
A: my new companion is cool i like him a lot and we get along really well. it’s a little difficult to change and transition from one to another but its going good. i have a little harder time talking with him cuz he talks a little different. just like in the states and English each place has their little tweaks and what not but were good. he’s from Guanajuato Mexico. the same place as our bishop so that’s pretty cool.
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M: So how long has your companion been out? What is his name? Are you the senior or junior companion? I get what you mean about the languages, I would guess it's like speaking pidgin English and then southern etc. By the time you leave you will have probably spoken many different dialects of Spanish, that's kind of cool. It seems that the local missionaries are good for you; they probably think you are more local than haole! So you have three companionships in your district again?
EP: he has 14 months in the mission and his name is elder Martinez. he’s senior companion and district leader but i have been doing a lot of the planning and talking to members and stuff cuz he’s new here and doesn’t know the area yet. Yes so like a lot of the words are different and sometimes i have like a hard time understanding him but i think were good, i feel good with him. haha ya when we first got paired up he said he thought i was Mexican cuz i talk pretty good Spanish but weird. he said he thought i was from like Yucatán because apparently they talk weird, but that’s where elder Hernandez is from so i probably picked up some stuff from him. yes the three of us again i have a picture of all of us i will try to send.
Hermana Schaumkel, Hermana Brioso, Hermana Gomez and Hermana Defranco.
Elder Park and Elder Martinez
Q: How are the lessons and things going?
A: well this week we didn’t have as many lessons as normal only like 30 or so but i feel really good. every Friday there’s mutual in the chapel and the young men play soccer and stuff so we invite people to that. we invited three kids to come and they had a really good time. ones name is Eric but he had a soccer jersey on so we called him Messi. he’s super cool and after we played we showed all three of them the baptismal font and stuff and he said he wants to get baptized this week. we gotta talk to his parents and see what we can do but he was super excited and stuff. the sucky part is he didn’t wake up to come to church with us, but we are hopeful that maybe in April we can baptize him. also two girls came to church with the bishop’s daughter and their dad is an inactive member. they loved the church and we will be teaching them to also hopefully baptize them soon. so i am definitely hopeful for the upcoming weeks here.
M: Why do you call him Messi?
EP: Messi is like one of the best soccer players in the world he just broke the goal record or something in Europe.
EP: So we went with the bishop Monday night so my companion could say bye. they took us out for tacos i ate pastor (dog), Cabeza (head or brain i think i don’t know), and Lengua (tongue).
M: Those are really nice pictures. I love the one with the Bishops family, they are really good people. You will have some eternal friends when you leave that area! It must have been a little difficult for Elder Hernandez after being there for so long. But such is missionary life. I would love to one day go and meet them, maybe one day.
I guess you are getting use to eating the food there, I don't know that I could eat it if I knew what I was putting in my mouth. Pretty interesting!
EP: haha i was with their kids in the back of the truck going to the chapel and Reyna the younger daughter and Kenya her cousin said i should talk to president to ask him to keep me here for my whole mission haha. ya he (elder Hernandez) said it was hard cuz they really were awesome to us and they still are. i told them to come to Hawaii after but they said i have to come back and visit them cause they cant afford to all go to Hawaii. but yes i would love to come back one day.
Yeah the food is good haha the tongue was pretty weird but just because he literally had the whole tongue there. he peeled off all the crap and then started cutting it up thin for the tacos. it was a little gross watching that but the taco was good.
M: I am pretty sure President won't let that happen, but Keapo is still in Labasa, so who knows! They are good people, please thank them again for me. We will plan to go one day! For now, we will send mac nuts in every box!
That's gross son! I cannot believe you could eat it after watching them prepare it! But, like uncle Shon said, try everything. I hope they cooked it somehow. My stomach is still crawling, yuck.
Well son, I am glad that you are experiencing all that there is to experience. I am very grateful that you have been surrounded by good people. But I am more excited that you have found a joy and happiness in what you are doing. I know that you have had some rough spots and they will come and go, but it is good that there is excitement to teach the gospel, keep that with you no matter what and you will be good. We love you and we are so proud of you. Know that always.
EP: Love you guys!
Love,
Elder Park
Monday, March 17, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week 18 - March 17, 2014
(Excerpts from his email)
Q: How did Darinel go, or did he go?
A: Darinel we had a really good and bad lesson with him. We found out a lot about him but not good things haha. It was a really cool lesson because we have been practicing asking questions to find out the needs of our investigators. We started talking to him and asking a bunch of questions and we found out that he doesn’t have a strong testimony because he hasn’t been reading anything in the book of Mormon. He doesn’t know as much as we thought about the church in general and so we have to teach him basically everything. It was really good because we found out he hasn’t been reading but its bad cuz he hasn’t been reading. it was really interesting and I can honestly say we followed the spirit in this lesson to ask exactly what questions we needed to. the gift of discernment and the spirit working with us. so hopefully at the end of the month haha hopefully.
M: Well, as far as Darinel, it's good that you found out now. It must have been an incredible experience to have to rely completely on the spirit to ask the right questions. And it seems that you did cause he revealed so much, but keep at it, you have been left in that area for a reason and maybe it is to get to the bottom of Darinel and truly help him to believe. Did his mom get baptized?
EP: ya it was really cool but its really weird questions just kinda come into your head. like you hear something and a question just pops into your head. no her date is for march 29 so hopefully they can get baptized together.
Q: So son, transfer time, how goes things?
A: transfers are tomorrow and my companion has changes. its good and bad at the same time. He’s super cool and we got along really well and then he’s leaving but its better than me because at least i don’t have to pack all my stuff.
M: Well, i think I remember you saying that he has been in that area for along time and it is probably time for him to move. I am hopeful that your streak of good companions will continue. So do you get a newbie or are you still the junior companion?
EP: idk i will find out tomorrow.
Q: So what do you do for today, clean house and pack up your companion? Do you guys go and see people like Darinel before he leaves? What is transfer days like?
A: we cleaned really good we went to go play soccer with some young men. he packed and we might go see like the bishop them tonight. transfer days suck. we are supposed to clean super good and wait in the house until the zone leaders call with changes but that’s not until like 1 or 2 in the afternoon and so its a super boring day.
Q: In sacrament the missionaries talked and I told you that one is from the Philippines and he is struggling with the language a little and I see how it might have been for you. And yet, his spirit is so strong and his love of the gospel is so strong that the spirit lets you know exactly what he is trying to say. It was really cool. I haven't asked in a while, but how is the language?
A: haha, i had to give a talk a couple weeks ago i started with aloha and i said i don’t like giving talks in English and now i have to give one in Spanish and everyone laughed but all in all i think it was pretty good. the language is normal already, haha i still have a hard time every now and then but usually no. lessons are easy, its normal talk that’s way harder.
Love,
Elder Park
Q: How did Darinel go, or did he go?
A: Darinel we had a really good and bad lesson with him. We found out a lot about him but not good things haha. It was a really cool lesson because we have been practicing asking questions to find out the needs of our investigators. We started talking to him and asking a bunch of questions and we found out that he doesn’t have a strong testimony because he hasn’t been reading anything in the book of Mormon. He doesn’t know as much as we thought about the church in general and so we have to teach him basically everything. It was really good because we found out he hasn’t been reading but its bad cuz he hasn’t been reading. it was really interesting and I can honestly say we followed the spirit in this lesson to ask exactly what questions we needed to. the gift of discernment and the spirit working with us. so hopefully at the end of the month haha hopefully.
M: Well, as far as Darinel, it's good that you found out now. It must have been an incredible experience to have to rely completely on the spirit to ask the right questions. And it seems that you did cause he revealed so much, but keep at it, you have been left in that area for a reason and maybe it is to get to the bottom of Darinel and truly help him to believe. Did his mom get baptized?
EP: ya it was really cool but its really weird questions just kinda come into your head. like you hear something and a question just pops into your head. no her date is for march 29 so hopefully they can get baptized together.
Q: So son, transfer time, how goes things?
A: transfers are tomorrow and my companion has changes. its good and bad at the same time. He’s super cool and we got along really well and then he’s leaving but its better than me because at least i don’t have to pack all my stuff.
M: Well, i think I remember you saying that he has been in that area for along time and it is probably time for him to move. I am hopeful that your streak of good companions will continue. So do you get a newbie or are you still the junior companion?
EP: idk i will find out tomorrow.
Q: So what do you do for today, clean house and pack up your companion? Do you guys go and see people like Darinel before he leaves? What is transfer days like?
A: we cleaned really good we went to go play soccer with some young men. he packed and we might go see like the bishop them tonight. transfer days suck. we are supposed to clean super good and wait in the house until the zone leaders call with changes but that’s not until like 1 or 2 in the afternoon and so its a super boring day.
Q: In sacrament the missionaries talked and I told you that one is from the Philippines and he is struggling with the language a little and I see how it might have been for you. And yet, his spirit is so strong and his love of the gospel is so strong that the spirit lets you know exactly what he is trying to say. It was really cool. I haven't asked in a while, but how is the language?
A: haha, i had to give a talk a couple weeks ago i started with aloha and i said i don’t like giving talks in English and now i have to give one in Spanish and everyone laughed but all in all i think it was pretty good. the language is normal already, haha i still have a hard time every now and then but usually no. lessons are easy, its normal talk that’s way harder.
Pictures from the mission
Isaac with the puppy someone left at the church
No hot water, no problem, heat the pot with the iron for saimin!
This is what you do when you are bored at night as a missionary.
Who needs a gym when you have a pole and cement blocks!
Love,
Elder Park
Monday, March 10, 2014
Mexico Pachuca - Week 17 - March 10, 2014
(Excerpts from his email)
Q: How’s Darinel?
A: Darinel has a baptismal date for this week but I’m really scared its gonna fall through again. He finally told us his problem though, but unfortunately it doesn’t help us much haha. He said he just has a hard time changing. It’s his beliefs since he was a child and he just has a hard time thinking about letting all that go. So it’s a little difficult but we will work with him a lot this week. We had a really cool lesson with him though. I was reading a Liahona and i found a story that says an apostle was trying to solve a problem in his life and he got advice from President McKay. After that he wanted to follow the advice but he didn’t see how he could. A different apostle told him the problem with you is you want to see the beginning from the end. In response he said i would at least like to see a few steps in front. The apostle replied sometimes you need to learn to walk to the edge of the light and then take a few steps in darkness to find the light again. We read that with Darinel and Ether where it says we receive no answer until after the trial of our faith. He understood that really well so hopefully it will help. He said something super cool "no puedo ver para creer, tengo que creer para ver." Translated "I can’t see to believe; rather i have to believe to see."
M: I think you have given Darinel all that you can as far as help and guidance. Bear your testimony with all your heart and leave it to the Lord, you have done your part. The story you shared and the scriptures you shared are perfect and now, it's his faith he needs to lean on and the Lord to take the next step. What he expressed in the end is so true, he must believe to see! He knows son, we will pray extra hard this week for him!
EP: So will we, haha hopefully this weekend works out.
Q: Story?
A: ok so this week we talked to our land lord lady about our boiler that’s been broken since December and she said to talk to one of the members about it to fix it. we talked to him and he came over and we showed him what was wrong and he was like o wow that’s really weird i don’t know why it does that. i was like awesome. but he worked on it like all day and i was really hopeful he would fix it but now its worse than before so it sucks large. i have resorted to putting water in the microwave to heat it up but when i did that this morning the electricity went out so ya cold water showers.
M: So it's been cold water showers this whole time!?!?! That is dedication, you will get so use to it you won't need hot water. Just imagine being in the cold ocean! Makes you truly appreciate what you have at home doesn't it? That's funny, probably not for you, but funny, you will laugh about it one day.
EP: Pretty much some days are better than others cuz our boiler is weird its starts but then dies so the water doesn’t get super hot. Definitely appreciate the little things of home more
Q: So son, you are good, all is well?
A: yes I’m good and all is well with me.
M: That's good, that you are good. When I do see pictures of you, you look genuinely happy and I don't question that any more. Can you believe that it has been just about 6 months already? What a wonderful experience this is for you and us as we journey with you.
EP: I know almost a quarter done and time really feels likes its flying by. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Elder Park
Q: How’s Darinel?
A: Darinel has a baptismal date for this week but I’m really scared its gonna fall through again. He finally told us his problem though, but unfortunately it doesn’t help us much haha. He said he just has a hard time changing. It’s his beliefs since he was a child and he just has a hard time thinking about letting all that go. So it’s a little difficult but we will work with him a lot this week. We had a really cool lesson with him though. I was reading a Liahona and i found a story that says an apostle was trying to solve a problem in his life and he got advice from President McKay. After that he wanted to follow the advice but he didn’t see how he could. A different apostle told him the problem with you is you want to see the beginning from the end. In response he said i would at least like to see a few steps in front. The apostle replied sometimes you need to learn to walk to the edge of the light and then take a few steps in darkness to find the light again. We read that with Darinel and Ether where it says we receive no answer until after the trial of our faith. He understood that really well so hopefully it will help. He said something super cool "no puedo ver para creer, tengo que creer para ver." Translated "I can’t see to believe; rather i have to believe to see."
M: I think you have given Darinel all that you can as far as help and guidance. Bear your testimony with all your heart and leave it to the Lord, you have done your part. The story you shared and the scriptures you shared are perfect and now, it's his faith he needs to lean on and the Lord to take the next step. What he expressed in the end is so true, he must believe to see! He knows son, we will pray extra hard this week for him!
EP: So will we, haha hopefully this weekend works out.
Q: Story?
A: ok so this week we talked to our land lord lady about our boiler that’s been broken since December and she said to talk to one of the members about it to fix it. we talked to him and he came over and we showed him what was wrong and he was like o wow that’s really weird i don’t know why it does that. i was like awesome. but he worked on it like all day and i was really hopeful he would fix it but now its worse than before so it sucks large. i have resorted to putting water in the microwave to heat it up but when i did that this morning the electricity went out so ya cold water showers.
M: So it's been cold water showers this whole time!?!?! That is dedication, you will get so use to it you won't need hot water. Just imagine being in the cold ocean! Makes you truly appreciate what you have at home doesn't it? That's funny, probably not for you, but funny, you will laugh about it one day.
EP: Pretty much some days are better than others cuz our boiler is weird its starts but then dies so the water doesn’t get super hot. Definitely appreciate the little things of home more
Q: So son, you are good, all is well?
A: yes I’m good and all is well with me.
M: That's good, that you are good. When I do see pictures of you, you look genuinely happy and I don't question that any more. Can you believe that it has been just about 6 months already? What a wonderful experience this is for you and us as we journey with you.
EP: I know almost a quarter done and time really feels likes its flying by. Thank you for everything.
Love,
Elder Park
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