Mormon Missionary

Hello Family and Friends!

This week was absolutely incredible. SO many miracles. On Monday

evening, We had a very nice dinner with President and Sister Woodbury

in the mission home with our investigator Tim. We were able to have a

really great discussion about following the Savior and how we desire

to follow him and strive to become like him. Tim has made SO much

progress, and he has such a desire to do good and to be good! The only

thing holding him back is the commandments.. So we are working with

him on that!

After our appointment with Tim, we rushed off to our lesson with Jess.

Hands down, one of my most favorite lessons of my mission and I don't

even have words to describe it! We taught Jess about the word of

wisdom, but really it morphed into a lesson all about obedience and

the blessings we receive from our willingness to obey. Jess has

completely given up alcohol and coffee cold turkey... Even before we

taught her the lesson! She is incredible. We then talked about fasting

and the power of fasting. I received such a strong witness that God

truly does bless those who obey and honor his commandments.

On Wednesday, We met with a man who is an ultra marathon runner.. And

when I say ultra marathon runner I'm saying he runs a marathon at

least twice a week. It's craaaazy. Anyways when he was in SLC running

a marathon he took a tour around temple square and referred himself to

the missionaries. We were able to teach him more and answer many of

his questions as we gave him a tour around the church building!

We have been meeting with a girl who just moved here from Nigeria two

weeks ago. She is incredible! We have been helping her to find a job

and also housing. She is such a sweet girl and I already love her so

much!

On Friday evening we had the opportunity to attend the temple with

Carleen for her first time to do baptisms. Wow, I feel so blessed to

have been part of such a sacred experience. There is just something so

different going to the temple as a missionary... Especially with those

you have taught and love so much. Being in the temple with Carleen

tonight was such a sweet experience.... The happiness and spirit that

is felt is so strong. Carleen said she felt so much peace... And how

different she felt in the temple compared to the outside world. She is

so incredible and I know the lord has SO many things in store for her.

When we were talking afterwards Carleen said, "I can't wait til I can

go through the temple." Wow. It was in that moment that I realized....

This is the GOAL the whole purpose of Gods plan.. For ALL of his

children to make these important and sacred covenants with him. We are

all on the same path.. The path leading to eternal life! I am SO HAPPY

for Carleen... She is making the right decisions to draw her closer to

Christ. Ahhh I love her so much!!

The best feeling as a missionary is complete exhaustion! Saturday was

definitely one of the busiest days of my mission!  We had 5 lessons

and back to back. We met with two of our investigators... Two less

actives and one of our recent converts! Talk about busy day! We were

downtown allll day which meant ALOT of walking. I tracked it on my

Fitbit and sister Webber and I walked 10 miles! It was an absolutely

beautiful day everyone just seemed happier.. I know I was! We got to

have a lesson on the beach! Who doesn't love that? I love being a

missionary even MORE when it's warm outside. So we were on the bus

home and started talking to two ladies.. We started explaining that we

were missionaries for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,

and one of them said "MORMONS?? The Mormon missionaries!?" Sister

Webber and I were a little shocked.. Ha we nodded our heads a little

nervous. She threw her hands up in the air and said, "I LOVE THE

MORMONS! My son is a mormon!" She then whipped out her phone and took

a picture of us and said "I can't believe I came across THE Mormon

missionaries." We exchanged information and she wants to meet up

sometime! The Lord is so good. If I could only record all of the

blessings and miracles we witness!

Very busy week, and looking forward to the next! There is always

something to find joy in! I love and pray for each one of you! Hope

you have a wonderful week!!

Love,

Sister Parke