September 9, 2013

Dear Family,

  This past week was pretty uneventful. A lot of lessons fell through
however, we had a number of non-members attend church this past week!
We counted 8 non-members and 3 less active families. This week we're
going to focus on teaching them and setting up consistent
appointments.
  I did receive the package with the treats and socks and other items!
Thanks very much for those. The new socks are so good!!!
  How was school for Hilary and Hannah? Classes going ok?
  One thing I hate, is walking past the Oquirrh Temple and seeing a
wedding. Then somebody at the wedding calling out, "you can't escape
it for too long elders!" People these days.
  Speaking of temples, josh, the teenager who got baptized a few weeks
ago, went to the temple and we got to do baptisms with him in the
temple! It was a great experience.
  Hey Matt, was there ever a time in your mission when you felt like
30 years older than you really were? When you get off the mission do
you get to feeling young again?
  One of the massive problems we have to deal with here is divorces,
especially where one of the couple goes apostate. It's a huge problem.
Mom and Dad, DON'T EVER LEAVE EACH OTHER! I'm so tired of seeing all
these great, great people and having them tell us that their
wife/husband just left them and its just depressing.
  We've been hearing lately that a lot has been happening to
missionaries throughout the world like bad accidents and stuff. Just
please be sure and trust me when I say that I'm following the spirit
and doing my best to stay safe. And if anything does happen, just know
that God is still the one in control and does everything for a
purpose.
  I'm grateful for this time that I've had to serve so far. It has
been a huge learning experience and time for growth both as a person
and in spirit. There are so many blessings with this gospel, its
simply true. The atonement is real and has power and was given to us
by Christ.
  Hope all is well! Take care!

Love,
Elder Parks