This has definitely been quite an eventful week! There are always so many things to talk about so its hard to narrow it down to exactly what I want to say. For the past week the all the hermanas in our casa have been unable to use the bathrooms/sinks/showers because there was some kind of problem, so we had to walk to a different casa and use their showers. It has been a hassle, but the water is finally fixed, so life is good!
This week we finished up teaching our investigator and the next day he showed up to class and introduced himself and our new teacher! I was a little surprised to see his true personality. I absolutely LOVE him. I have never seen a happier, more positive person. He is constantly assuring us that we can achieve our goals, we can be excited, we can be better and live up to our full potential.
On Sunday, we had a lesson in Relief Society about learning the Universal Language of Love. We studied President Uchtdorf's talk from the Young Womens General Meeting in March 2013. You should all read it! I loved this lesson because I learned that although I am trying to become fluent in Spanish, I must also learn to become fluent in the Universal Language of Love. Everyone can feel the love given to them, and that is what is going to help open the hearts of the people I teach. I have set a goal to be more loving and kind, smile more, and find ways to serve as the Savior did. One Hermana made a comment that if we want to have joy, we need to put Jesus first then Others, then Yourself. I truly believe that. Serving others helps me to forget myself and discover the joy that comes from seeing others smile.
I told you about how no one knows who will give the talk on Sunday, but as the Branch President stood up to announce the speakers for the day, mine was the second name he called. I honestly felt like my talk this week was really well written, but after I heard my name my heart couldn't stop pounding! It was a good experience for me though. I love being able to know so many gospel related words. I feel like I can bear my testimony and pray with ease now. After sacrament meeting, our Branch President began telling us about how he sent his daughter to EFY this past week and how he may have experienced a tiny bit of what our parents experience when we leave for the mission field. He got so emotional as he talked about the love he has for his daughter and how much he missed her, but how grateful he was when she returned for all of the things she had learned. I also got emotional because I couldnt help but think of my dad and all of the love he has for me. I also thought about my Heavenly Father and how much he misses all of us when we neglect to pray to him. I know that this time in my life definitely isn't the easiest, but I know that I will be so grateful for all of the things I have learned and the person I have become. That gives me so much strength. A perfect scripture that goes along with this so well is DyC 31 I absolutely love this chapter; it would give any missionary comfort.
The devotional Sunday night was Elder Holland speaking to the Provo MTC about a year ago. I really like how Elder Holland is so blunt and straightforward. He basically told us to grow up fast, and be more mature, bold, powerful, and spiritual. He said the key to succeeding in the mission field it to first convert yourself, be obedient, and have the spirit in your life.
At one point during his talk he said that everything he loves come from the gospel, and he would do anything to fight for what he knows is true. Something I've learned is that this is no longer about me. I am on the Lords time and I will give all my talents and efforts towards building up his kingdom.
I am so grateful for all of your love and support and all the emails! You have no idea how much I was looking forward to hearing from all of you!!! Have a wonderful week and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Con Amor,
Hermana Parkin
p.s. I had such a tiny mango one day at lunch..it was adorable! I had to take a picture
Hermana Prettyman and I got these delicious coconut/pineapple drinks! so yummy