I am a Missionary!

Hello Everyone!

What a week it has been here in Chicago Heights! My new companions

name is sister Markland-Haynes, she is from Arizona. She is super

awesome and we get along great! So about my new area.... It is so much

different than I expected. The people here are very humble and

receptive to learning more about Jesus Christ. I can already tell I am

going to love it here. I miss the busyness of the city... But the

beautiful scenery of the green trees makes up the difference. I am

still getting used to the slower pace of the burbs... I am looking

forward to getting to know the members better to help me love the area

even more.

We took a trip into Ford heights... Man, I felt like I was in a

different world. We knocked some doors.. And people actually answered

and were willing to listen! Everyone here is so humble and loves Jesus

and will talk to us and wants to learn about the Book of Mormon! IT IS

THE BEST. Contacting here is so much fun because it feels like

everyone is your friend! Sister Markland-Haynes and I have had so many

people placed in our paths. Literally, we were in Walmart the other

night... And a man looked over at us, saw the name tags and came right

over to us and asked us about the Book of Mormon and said he met

elders on the bus long ago and has always wanted to learn more! So we

have an appointment with him next week!

On Friday we had so many miracles... We were able to contact a woman

named Tawaii. She is incredible. She came across the Book of Mormon

while she was online searching for a bible. Anyways she has been

seeking answers about the bible and feels that she needs religion in

her life. So, she ordered up herself a Book of Mormon.. And two sister

missionaries came to her door! We had a great first lesson with her!

She then introduced us to her 18 year old daughter who has also been

seeking God in her life.  The people here in this area are so humble

and have more faith in their whole body than I have in my pinky. Many

of them come from heartbreaking circumstances... I am amazed by their

trust in God, and their ability to keep going even when things seem to

be at the worst.

I had one of the most humbling experiences of my mission the other

night. We were visiting a less active family. This mother is a single

mom of five young children, -mostly from all different fathers- she is

doing her best to make ends meet. She loves the missionaries and

wanted to have us over for dinner. They literally have no food or

anything in their home... But she wanted to feed us. She had some cans

of corn and instant mashed potatoes. She fixed sister Haynes and I

plates and gave us most food. She wouldn't feed herself or her

children until we ate. Mom, it broke my heart... These people

literally have NOTHING... and it's not even their fault.. It's this

environment that they grow up in. I feel so bad the children.. Such

hard lives. Many of them don't have homes particularly because they

don't know who their fathers or mothers even are. They are wardens of

the state.. Or foster children. I can't even imagine. I am so grateful

for you mom and dad! I will never take my family for granted. So very

blessed.

The ward here is super small, and is struggling right now. Many years

ago it used to be a big flourishing ward, but many people have moved

out of have gone less active. When I say super small. There are

probably only 50 active members. Our ward mission leader also just

went inactive last month. Gahhhh! There is a list of over 300 names of

just relief society women who are less active! We have our work cut

out for us. The also other great thing is.. The old relief society

president just moved so we just got we new one three weeks ago. She is

suuuuper sweet. Pretty much, my goal is trying to get to know the area

and the ward members we do have and then branch out and go find the

others!

I found a poem that I absolutely love about the life of a missionary.

A mission is a strange experience

It is a trial and a test

A mission throws you at the worst

Yet teaches you the best

I've never been so happy

I've never been so depressed

I've never felt so forsaken

I've never felt so blessed

I've never been so confused

Things have never been so clear

I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant

He's never been so near

I've never been so discouraged

I've never been so full of hope

I feel I could go forever

I think I've come to the end of my rope

I've never had it quite so easy

I've never had it quite so rough

Things have never been so smooth

Things have never been so rough

I've never traveled through more valleys

I've never ascended so many peaks

I've never met so many nice people

I've never met so many freaks

I've never had so many ups

I've never had so many downs

I've never worn so many smiles

I've never worn so many frowns

I've never been so lonely

I've never had so many friends

Boy, I hope this is over soon

Gosh, I hope it never ends

"I cannot promise you fun. I cannot promise you ease and comfort. I

cannot promise you freedom from discouragement, from fear, from

downright misery at times. But I can promise you that you will grow as

you have never grown in a similar period during your entire lives. I

can promise you a happiness that will be unique and wonderful and

lasting. I can promise you that you will reevaluate your lives, that

you will establish new priorities, that you will live closer to the

Lord, that prayer will become a real and wonderful experience, that

you will walk with faith in the outcome of the good things you do."

President Hinckley

I love being a missionary. I am learning so much about myself and my

relationship with the Lord. This point in my mission is a huuuuge

opportunity to learn and to grow and demonstrate my faith in Christ,

and rely on him for help. My satisfaction has come from the assurance

that I am acting in faith and I am doing what the Lord wants me to do

and that I am instrument in His hands in accomplishing his will!

Thank you for all of your love and support!! Talk to you next week!

Love,

Sister Parke