January 7, 2013

Dear Family,

  Well Mom, I've come to the conclusion that I just need to practice grocery shopping with you when I get home. Plus, I got the watch y'all sent me. Got it sized up today and I'm wearing it right now! Thanks for the gift.
  Elder Christofferson was awesome. He was funny too. He encouraged us to not stop being missionaries even when we are released. He went on to say that his release date is set for him and that there is no way out hahaha! He told us to be patient with ourselves. He talked about prayer and our relationship with God. He let us know that God knows what we are asking for in our prayers and that He knows us better than we know ourselves. He also told us something really cool, the fact that he said that Jesus Christ is a very active leader in this Church. He said that He is not off visiting others all the time but that He is always mindful of the Church and its progress. He told us not to be consumed by our imperfections.
  Dad, the reason why we have differences in missions is because of the mission presidents. They determine the rules of the mission and can adapt other rules as they wish because they're the key holders of the mission area.  Also, dad I learned a good lesson my 3rd transfer of how numbers aren't everything so I don't feel pressured to bring in high numbers.
  I don't have my original missionary picture on me but you can select one of me that y'all have already if you want.
I don't have my new years resolutions on me but one that stands out is being 90% efficient in spanish by the end of the year and having finished the Book of Mormon in spanish twice this year.
  I'm so happy that y'all are reading the New Testament too!!! We were told that we were going to start reading the New Testament together as a mission at a training for District Leaders, and we all loved the idea.
  Taylor, I haven't slipped yet! I've gone slidding many times but I haven't fallen yet. I'm staying warm too and I shovel snow mainly for our landlords and for anyone else we can as well.
  Well I gotta go but I'll get some pictures in this one!  I'll add more next time when I get on a faster computer.
Love,
Elder Parks