Three Amigos

Hello Family and Friends!

This week has been an adventure and a little on the crazy side. We

started it out spending the night in the mission home. The way things

worked out we ended up staying up really late talking with president

and sister Woodbury. It was a late night but fun with lots of ice

cream! We then received a new companion and we also gained the

responsibility of taking over another area... Which means another

ward! So covering three wards this week was quite humorous. Pretty

much we were running around like a chicken without a head. We attended

9 hours of church on Sunday. Yes, nine hours. Needless to say, we

survived it. Ha! It was also the most memorable week I have had on my

mission so far! I will most definitely never will forget it! Sister

stringham is absolutely hilarious. We definitely reflected upon the

scripture 2 nephi 11:3 many times this week. "Wherefore, by the words

of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God

sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words." The three

amigos sharing the gospel and going about the work!  It has been utter

mayhem all week. But so fun!

The work is sometimes overwhelming because we cover a whole stake and

trying to find the young single adults and also the older single

adults and get them to come to church is sometimes difficult because

the building (school building)  where we go to church is so far away.

Buuut we can do all things with the help of the Lord! After all, this

is his work! However, missionaries CANNOT do this alone! we are

focusing on unity within the ward and using the members help of

seeking out and fellowshipping those within the stake. I have really

gained a personal testimony of member missionary work. Missionary work

would not be possible without the support of the members and the ward.

The gospel was never meant to be lived alone. The life and ministry of

the savior is a testimony of that. Love for those around us truly

helps us serve those around us. We are encouraged to Seek out the one.

We are all gods children and we need to support one another through

this life.

I Have a firm belief Of the importance of establishing a sense of

oneness with the Lord. Aligning his will with mine. I know that

Heavenly Father understands the individual. However, that being said

something that has hit me like a ton of bricks on my mission is

that...The gospel of Jesus Christ is not meant to be lived

individually! The gospel, the church, are here and preparing ways to

reach out to those who may be lost. Lightbulb. Everything we do in the

church is focused upon bringing others closer to Christ. The purpose

of the gospel is to help draw the individual draw closer to God and it

is all made possible through his son Jesus Christ. YOU DONT HAVE TO BE

A MISSIONARY TO BE A MISSIONARY. (;

I must say though, being a missionary is one of the greatest

experiences! There is no better way to grow closer to the Savior than

to teach and testify to others about Him. This week we had a lesson

with Romeo on Saturday and taught the law of chastity as well as

reviewed the baptismal questions. He is so ready for baptism and

practically a member of the church already! He has become so involved

with the ward and is busy helping the members of the YSA ward have the

desire to share the gospel with their friends! It's great! Romeo is

waaaay awesome! We also had a lesson with Katie this week. Bless her

heart. She is really struggling right now with some health issues. She

is also trying to quit smoking. However, her faith in Jesus Christ is

so strong and she is pressing forward each day relying on the Lord for

strength and preparing for baptism on February 14th.

It is incredible to watch people change as their testimony grows and

they become closer to their Savior. Last night I caught a glimpse of

what a piece of heaven will like. Last night, president gave us

special permission to travel up north to buffalo grove and attend Book

of Mormon fireside put on by the stake. Maddy was asked to speak at a

fireside and to bear her testimony  of the gospel and how it has

changed her life. I didn't tell her I was coming because it was so

last minute that I received permission to go so I surprised her! When

she got up to speak the spirit instantly filled the room, and tears

instantly filled my eyes. It was by far one of the sweetest

experiences on my mission. We sat next to president and even he was

crying!! It was incredibly powerful and I know that many hearts were

touched and inspired to testify of the Book of Mormon to see how it is

able to change lives.

In the worldwide missionary broadcast Elder Dallin H. Oaks said "Being

a servant of the lord Jesus Christ, called to establish his gospel is

the MOST IMPORTANT WORK ANYONE CAN DO IN ALL OF ETERNITY."  I  testify

that this is true.  I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful

for his example of service and love for others. The Gospel of Jesus

Christ is here on the Earth to help men and women grow closer to God,

and it is all made possible through the Redeemer. I encourage all of

you to take part in this wonderful work! I promise you that the joy

you feel from sharing the gospel with others is one of the happiest

experiences!

Thank you for your love and support! I love and miss each one of you!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Can't believe I turn the big 2-0!

No longer a teenager! Scary thought! Have a wonderful week!!

Love,

Sister Parke