A Few Pictures

MTC LIFE



Elder Danner (Idaho), Elder Smith, Elder Adams (California)

 CHIPLEY, FLORIDA

Back To You

Oh mom.... you are just too funny! :) I will admit Jackie is really awesome, but she isn't the one, not to mention I'm not even supposed to be thinking about this stuff yet! (A really cute girl in our ward that has written to him....she actually has a boyfriend so I don't know what he is worried about!) Down here it is very interesting. I have heard several times that the people here want their daughters to marry good priesthood holding men, and then STAY. Some of them do, but then they leave! Down here there are cute girls, but most of them are members of different churches, and that is why we do a lot of part member, and in-active work. So here, you find a good girl that's cute, and you marry her while you can! But that's coming from a greeny missionary so don't use my word as gospel.

 

I definitely will try to ammend my relationship with brother Peterson. He was just my main road block at the time. He isn't as bad as I thought he was. He is definitely admirable, he most likely knew that he bugged me, yet he still is concerned for me. He definitely shows Christlike characteristics, even if he is bossy, but even Christ was bossy. He told the disciples what to do right? So I really need to think about people's actions on a deeper level from now on.

 

Yes, most of the people down here are southerners. There are some exceptions, some people are from Utah, and Wyoming, but not much. Most the ward are related to each other. There are three main families in the ward: the Kraisers, the Sewells, and the Sapps. Almost everyone in the ward is related to one of them. Everyone has an accent, but some are a lot stronger than others. About the bikes, we ride as much as we can, we usually use the car to go far places, and at night. We have a mile limit for each month, so we can't use it all the time.

 

You are right about showing genuine love for the people down here. I have tried hard to do that. There are some people that are so hard to love, but that doesn't mean that I dislike them. A rule that I try to live by: You don't have to love everyone, but you can't dislike anyone. I don't know if the priesthood is learning from the same book we are learning from, but every Sunday we are learning about George Albert Smith. He is an amazing man. He has a creed he lives by, and it is one that I'm trying to follow as best as I can. It is all about loving and helping everyone. I hope that you guys have the same book too, it is really good.

 

That's great that the Jazz are doing great! How are they doing so well? Is it because of the new draft pick? And the U-fans who booed Jimmer are just jealous that they aren't making millions right now by being amazing..... I know I am and I root for him! :) That just bugs me how prideful people are, to dislike someone who is not like them. Competition isn't evil, and neither is support for your team, but when you boo a player that played for a rival team in the past, then you are just plain dumb!

 

I sent the pictures, hopefully you got them, or get them soon, I sent you the names of everybody in them, and also the picture of me in the trees, tell Ashton it's Scorpion's Fighting position, and he'll understand. I should've bent my legs more though.... When you see them, you've got to admit, there are some good screen savers on there! :)

And that's great that Keaton is going to India! That is going to be one life changing mission.... I hope he does well!

I have heard of the player, (Gale Sayers...I Am Third) but haven't seen anything about him. That is really cool, I hope he receives the gospel sometime!

Love you guys so much! and give everyone hugs for me!

Chipper in Chipley???

That's cool to hear that you got the door fixed, I thought it was more convenient to not have a door...:) (Referring to the closet door in the basement bedroom) I got Coree's hair and I plan on giving it back, don't ask how cause I won't tell, and especially why, because I don't know. :) I just barely got Jackie's letter a couple days ago, there was a lot of writing on the envelope, so I knew she sent it to the mtc. She said her mom made her send a picture of her in it......did you have anything to do with that? (Jackie is the girl he danced with at the VHS dance concert...and, no, I had nothing to do with the picture but his mother is a smart lady!!) and it's great to hear about the Jazz. The people around here watch sports, but it's all about the Heat, Magic, and Lakers, so I don't hear anything about the Jazz. There is also an investigator who likes to brag about the Patriots so we hear how football is doing from him.

 

I have just about met everyone in the Chipley ward, and more than one person has told me that I don't seem like a greeny. I think that is really good. I have been trying to be more outgoing, so I guess it's working! Even though everything is going good, there are some bad things. There are some people having big family problems, and my comp took some heat from it. It all started the day I got here! I think I'm just bad luck.... but the Lord has a plan for all of this!

 

Beside all of that, we have a new investigator! He is taking the lessons, and he is improving greatly. He also told us that he prayed for an answer from God, and then he said we came...very interesting....:) We also have a couple of people that are close to baptism. My comp said that since he's been out (4 months) that he's had only a couple of baptisms, so things are looking up! Also, thank dad for the little green book he gave me, he was definitely inspired to do it! I have used it three times to answer questions that I couldn't answer. We have a semi-investigator Baptist, hopefully he turns into a full-investigator Baptist! We are praying for it.

 

I learned something yesterday from church about our talents and how to use them. This man told us how he is really good at playing the drums, and that he has been playing his whole life, he is 50-57, somewhere in there. He said we should develop our talents but not spend all of our time on them. He said that he wishes that he grew up loving something else that didn't take so much time, but that he knows that if he puts the Lord first that the Lord blesses him for what he does. He said that he could be a better drum player if he practices for 5 hours a day, but since he puts the Lord first, that practicing only for 30 minutes a day, he is able to be just as good. I wish I wrote this all down, because he didn't say it exactly like that. But basically what I got is, find hobbies you like and will help you acquire a good income in the future, and make sure you put the Lord first so that you have his blessing with you. Also I wrote this, JOY--First Jesus Christ, second Others, then Yourself. And keep involving yourselves in the church as much as you can. If you start getting lazy and not becoming as active, that it's harder to get going again, and you will be much happier with blessings!

Dear Parents

We are loving all of our new missionaries! They are so ready to preach the gospel to those in the Florida Tallahassee Mission. You can be very proud.

When they first arrived we assigned them a "TRAINER" to help them in their new calling. The missionary department has a new "TRAINING" program that is excellent. This program is for their first 12 weeks in the mission field. We are excited to start this inspired program. We feel we have excellent "TRAINERS" and excellent "TRAINEES"....thanks for sharing them with us. During the "TRAINING", we took some pictures.....we'd like to share with you.

Thanks again for raising such wonderful missionaries...We love them and are excited to work with them for the next 2 years.

Much love,
President & Sister Jensen

The Mission President

Totally forgot to put Parker and his mission president and wife's picture up!! They are the Jensens and are from Delta, Utah.

Chipley is Awesome!

Yes, Chipley is awesome! Me and Elder Blanchard are the only elders for Chipley, Wausau, & Vernon. They are the main places we are over. There are other elders in charge of Bonifay...they are interesting, I'm glad I'm with Blanchard! Everybody here is way nice, and even the people I thought were mean are really nice, and funny! I've gotten to know most of the people here in Chipley, and even in Wausau. They all are fun to talk to. We visited the Parsons last night, they are less-active and the husband used to be a trucker, and the wife went with him. He has been everywhere, He told us of places that he said are just gorgeous! He also told us about the mafia in the big cities, and how they are the reason for the super good Italian and Greek restaurants! We give lessons to mainly less-actives, and members. Investigators are rare, because there are mainly Baptists who are pretty set in there religion, so tell Jameson that if he were out here, with his Brazilian baptizing point of view, he would have a lot of enemies! So out here, it's say hi to everybody and baptize those that will actually talk.... but I love it anyway. We do have two investigators, and hoping that two more people we gave BOMs to agree to take the lessons. Last week we got my first bcd! And she wants me to give her the Holy Ghost and blessing... I'm pretty sure she was kidding, but Elder Blanchard says he's making me do it anyway. Elder Blanchard just got done with his training and now he is training me. He's been out here for about four months, he is a really good trainer though.

 

It's going to be weird coming back to a room that's not mine... I understand why Cade is working full time, but why Ashton? Is he saving up for something...?? :) Don't ask him, I'm just kidding. I'm glad to hear the Jazz are doing good, finally... how is the new draft player?

 

I'm going to send the memory card soon so you are up-to-date on what happened, including the alligator pen! I found out the first day of the mtc, that his head explodes :) Thank you for it!

 

So far, I've gained six pounds, since I left. We ride our bikes around a lot, and I'm trying to do my situps and pushups each morning. So I'm hoping I can keep it under control.

 

Tell Casey that everyone here has a dog, and most people treat them like their children! It's very rare that they don't have some kind of animal. So Casey and his hamster will do well down here! There are buzzards flying everywhere though, so maybe not... and I also got Coree's hair.....eewwwww... I'm going to keep it till I get home, so I can give it back! Also thanks for the Blogs, I love getting them.

And can you give me Daniel's address?

 

Love, Elder Smith!

First E-mail From Chipley!!

I like what you said about Skins and Bubbas (BBQ), I might have to convince Elder Blanchard to go there! Well, I'm glad that Jameson found his stuff and that he likes my shirt, I do still want it back so keep an eye on him. Also, tell him not to be bugged about the letters, it is hard to write letters down here, the only days we can is on Monday, and even then you don't want to spend all your day writing letters. And Lauren is a cute girl (he's referring to a girl that Jameson liked who never wrote to him), she probably had many people to write back to. But he should still send them every once in a while, because we do appreciate them!

Thanks for telling me about Megan (a girl he has written to but has not written back), that's what I thought was happening (because) she was always busy and tired when I was home, so why not now? I'm not stressing too much over the letters, I'm involved with the work! I absolutely love Chipley! I've already met all the members, and been to most of their houses. They are the nicest people I have ever met! I have many names down, and I already feel I am a part of the ward family! (which I really am:) ) And I have already Bible bashed, but in a nice way.

Mr. Wilson goes to a Baptist church, and he invited us over for lunch. There he explained what he believed and why, and showed us many scriptures that "prove" he is right. He told us to go home and search the Bible for the answers, which I did. Now I can't wait to go back and show him all the scriptures I found that will help him understand. Elder B already told me that if he doesn't agree, or doesn't try to listen, that I shouldn't worry about him anymore. The man was super polite and nice about it, and he genuinely cared for us, so that is why I want to help him.

The hardest part about the mission is wanting to make the work go faster. Elder B says I shouldn't and that I will offend people. This place is definitely slower than MTC life. I really have to be patient, and it's hard I'll admit. I need to take my time, especially with the people who don't understand, mainly all the investigators, but it's all in the Lord's time. The biggest problem is Word of Wisdom: coffee, tea, alcohol, and smoking. We also mainly deal with part member families and less-actives, but all are really kind and everyone LOVES the missionaries! It's so strange because in Utah, we say hi but never invite them over for dinner... Here we visit, and they invite us to dinner almost always, and we have even had dinner, and then right after they invite us again for the next week! And everything is delicious, you can't even believe. I haven't had that much fried stuff yet.

You were right about the cleaning thing. When I got here, the apartment was a mess. My comp and I cleaned the day after I arrived because I started and he felt guilty, but we got a lot cleaned. He wasn't the one that made the mess, the missionaries before him and Elder North (also from Centerville, Utah) whitewashed the area, left the place a mess, and they never really had the urge to clean. The place looks tons better now.

I'm happy to hear from you guys! And I hope that everyone is doing alright, and tell the bros that all the info they gave me I barely use. It's a different world out here and we really have to hunt for our investigators! Also the bike is mostly white with red and black strips, and looks totally awesome. I will have to send you the pictures. I love you Mom, and the rest of the family too! I will send you pictures either next week or the week after, it isn't right to take pictures of everyone when I barely know them!

LOVE, Elder Smith

A Note From President George

Brother and Sister Smith:

Just a quick note to let you know that your son was in our home this past Friday night. He has only been in the mission field for a few days, but is excited about the opportunity to teach people here. His trainer is Elder Blanchard who has only been out for 4 months. He is a great missionary or he wouldn't be trusted to train Elder Smith. They had already eaten when they came by so we just had milk and cookies that Janet had just baked. Janet sent a supply of cookies for them to eat later. We look forward to working with Elder Smith and getting to know him. Thanks for preparing and sending such a wonderful young man to assist us in our Missionary work. I hope that you get the attached picture.

Pres. Kim George

By the way, we are in Chipley, FL. 90 miles west of Tallahassee . Pres George

The Phone Call(s)

In one of Parker's e-mails he mentioned that he might be able to call us from the airport on Tuesday, January 3, but wouldn't be able to talk very long, if at all AND that they would be getting to the SLC airport at 4:00 a.m.!! So, being the mother that I am, I was excited to hear his voice and thought surely he would make every effort to call us so I kept waking up checking the time on the clock to make sure we didn't miss his call. I may be exaggerating but I think I woke up at least every half hour!! But yet, no call! Both Tony and I had to work that day so by 6:00 a.m. we got ready to head out and still no call. So I gave up thinking that he would even call and headed off to work. I explained to Parker in one of my e-mails that if he could not reach us at home before 7:00 a.m. then he was to call MY cell phone (no one else's!!) so I could at least talk with him for a few minutes.

About 10:00 a.m. while I was sitting at my desk working away, my cell phone rang and when I noticed it was an unfamiliar number I knew it must be him! I answered and he said that he was in the Dallas airport, at a pay phone and had a few minutes to talk.....$10 worth of minutes to be exact! He was waiting for his flight that was at 1:00 p.m. so we had a good 10-15 minute conversation about all sorts of stuff (mainly what we did for Christmas and how everyone was at home.) He sounded great and happy but he did say that he and the other 8 elders on his flight were a little nervous and were trying to use the 'skills' they learned from the MTC about pass-along cards but were just saying, "Would you like one of these?" and leaving it at that.

THEN, after I returned home from work the phone rang and rang and it was a long distance ring so since I was in the middle of a conversation with Jameson I didn't bother to answer it until Casey came downstairs and said, "It's Parker.....it says LDS MISSION......" I jumped up and grabbed the phone before the answering machine clicked in and Casey was right!! Parker called from the mission home to let us know he arrived safely and that he was staying there overnight  and would be heading west in the morning to his new destination..........CHIPLEY, FLORIDA!!! He was excited and was loving it so far but was very tired because they had to get up at 2:30 a.m. that morning to get to the airport in time. He wanted to tell us his new address for us to send mail to and also gave us a cell phone number to call in case of emergencies!! First time for that!! I have it right in front of me but, NO, I will not use it!! TEMPTING though!!!

I looked Chipley up on Google maps and it looks like a pretty small town but it does have a WalMart, Wendy's, Sonic, Burger King AND a Skins & Bubbas BBQ!! I read some reviews for the bbq place and warned him NOT to go there already! I know he will love that little town and will be there for his first 12 weeks while learning the ropes:) Can't wait to hear all about it!

Another Handwritten Letter!!

Hey,
Thanks for sending me the blog, and I just barely got my DearElder letter from Payton Smith. He gets my mail sometimes and I get his sometimes. It's really confusing. I did get the message to write Galen, and I will, and I also got the family picture from Jackie. I'll send her a letter also. Your Sunday sounded about as hectic as mine! I was going places too, but mostly to my classroom, to cafeteria, to residence and devotional, just back and forth!

Well, things are still going good! Me and my companionship did an amazing lesson, and then we had to go to the front office. Sadly, Elder Danner didn't take care of everything before he came and he got sent home. . . It was really sad. We all fasted for him and had many prayers, so I know he'll be fine. We spent on hour packing for him, and he said goodbye to everybody. The most emotional for me was when he said bye to our teacher. We couldn't find the other teachers. Now it's super weird having only one companion. I hope we can keep the great lessons going! It felt like he died, but he just went home. We are all sending him letters to make sure he still goes on a mission in six months.

Tell the Griffiths thanks for the letter/card. I was supposed to host yesterday, but we waited for the Elder to get done with interviews, but I saw Zack Kitchen several times. It was fun seeing him. Thanks so much for the gifts, Coree! and you are disgusting. Why did you send me hair?! I'm going to keep it in my backpack and give it to you when I get home! The pillow is awesome! And tell Casey thanks too! I miss all y'all and I can't wait to get in the field. Tomorrow is my in-field orientation and it's all day. Should be exciting! Well, I talked to Taylor Foysten (guy we knew in Colorado) a couple days ago and he doesn't remember me, but I know he does. He is probably still mad that I didn't want to have a sleep over........ Oh well, I love you guys so much, and I'll have better stories when I'm in the field.

Love,
Elder Parker Smith

P.S. I did get the package and thanks! No, I didn't take his (Jameson's shorts) black pants, they were on his floor when I left. And I swear I think I washed those (he left all of his laundry to be washed!!) and put them away, but you are home and I'm not. So I have to trust you, so I'm sorry, and I'm the clean one (I told him he would either have a companion that is a slob and it will drive him crazy OR he would be the slob and would drive his companions crazy!!)......

Hey!

Hey! Since today is my last day, I can email. Tomorrow I'll be able to call you from the airport, I'll be leaving at four in the morning, but I won't be able to talk long, if at all. And the mail office is closed today, for New Year's. That means the boxes will have to be rerouted to Tallahassee, and I am SO thankful for the pillow, it will bring great comfort! If you haven't got my letter yet, Elder Adams and Elder Harrer and Brimhall, are all going to Tallahassee. Elder Danner didn't finish everything at home, so he got sent home. We thought he was going to stay, because it took so long to decide. It finally went to an apostle who made the decision to make him go home, it was sad, but we are over it, and are now sending him letters. Sadly all this took place of hosting, so I wasn't able to do it. I did find out later that Max came that day, and another one of my friends, I saw them after a fireside. I have not received Megan's letter, it seems so much longer here than it does there, but it's going fast, if that makes any sense, so it seems like it's been months since I heard from her! I did get Jackie's letter, and I sent one back too, and I sent one to Galen, but I think I spelled their last name wrong in the letter, so tell him I'm sorry! I'm worried that my mail is being stolen because it seems like nobody is sending back.... I'm getting many pictures so you don't have to worry, and I love all you guys so much! I will be excited to call you, and I hope I'll be able to sleep on the plane! I hope I'm prepared, but I think I am. We changed comps yesterday to get experience, and he knew a lot of doctrine, but he wasn't following the spirit, and he was crying repentance before we got to Joseph Smith..... I was embarrassed, and I tried super hard to keep the lesson going straight. It was a good experience, and a great story for when I come home. I love you all, and thanks for the support and thanks for not having any major accidents or medical problems!