Letter from March 16, 2012

The MTC is actually really cool. I've never been this excited before about learning about the Gospel. All the promises it holds, the blessings, the everything! I used to think we have too much study time, now there isn't enough! I'm learning a lot about Christ and how I can be like Him.

I had a cool experience in a lesson a few days ago. We were being filmed and I'll get to that later. We were teaching the law of chastity and it was awkward for half the lesson. The investigator was committed to baptism already and he made it known that he has broken the law multiple times with his girlfriend (it's a situation, not real). After that, he went on to say that he didn't think he could be baptized. Then, I changed. Images flooded to my mind, words came out of my mouth easily in Spanish. I taught about Christ, His atonement, and repentance. Everything flowed so smoothly as I received revelation and allowed the Spirit to work through me. After I was done, the investigator, Julio, asked if I really believed what I said. I responded: "Si, yo creo...no, yo no creo. Yo se." (Yes, I believe. No, I don't believe. I know). That sealed it. It was one of the coolest experiences ever.

In other news, my spanish is improving greatly. Each Sunday the Branch Presidency picks 2 missionaries to give talks. The talks are short but should be planned before hand. Well, I was selected to give a talk on repentance, in Spanish, and I forgot to plan. However, with a quick prayer, I was able to give a full 5-minute talk in Spanish! I know, I will prepare better next time, but it was still cool. Also, I had my first dream in Spanish! It's cool to see how far I've come. Oh! I met 3 native Spanish speakers who are going to Salt Lake City South! We all leave the same day! Finally met people going with me.

So, my schedule is very packed. Each day is different and once I'm done with the MTC I'll send back the entire schedule.

Sorry I don't have much to say. MTC gets repetitive, but it'll get more interesting in the field. Hope to hear back soon! Love y'all and see y'all soon.

Love,

Elder Parks

Letter from March 9, 2012

The temple walks on Sunday are only cancelled if there's a blizzard outside. As of yet we've only had one Sunday where the Temple walk was cancelled. All my clothes are holding up.

Sorry, I keep meaning to give you an example of a typical day. Here is the schedule for Wednesday.

Arise and prepare - 6:30

District study - 7-7:40

Breakfast - 7:40

Personal study time - 8:10

Classroom Instruction - 9:15-12:15

Lunch - 12:15

TALL (Computer language trainer thing) - 1-2

Gym - 2:15-3:05

Language Study - 4-5

Dinner - 5:15

Classroom instruction - 6-9

Daily planning session - 9-9:30

Personal time/companionship prayer - 9:30-10:15

Quiet time - 10:15

Lights out - 10:30

It's rough and it's only by aid from the Lord that I'm getting through this. I think that can be said for all missionaries.