WEEK 38!!!!

What is going on, my wonderful, amazing family and friends!? Hope everything's been going fine, but as for me, even though it's been slow lately, I'm just cruisin' along and trying to enjoy the time I got as a representative of Jesus Christ, as my companion tells me. So, recently, I've been thinking about my younger sister, Leilani, and how she's going to be a missionary after me. Based on my knowledge, I believe that she most likely will become an Enfermera AKA Mission Medic, once she's out in the field. The reason I say that is because my sister has more than enough knowledge of human well-being, and I also think that she will be an extremely huge asset not just to her mission, but to the missionaries that she will be serving alongside, as well.

Before I forget, I would like to wish a happy anniversary to my loving, fantastic parents for 21 years of being together and for being super supportive of my serving down here in Ecuador. I would also like to wish a happy 11th birthday to my youngest sister Nika, one of the most spoiled rotten ballerinas that I know, hahaha. On another note, I want to extend an apology to any and all that have been sending me letters, packages, and any other forms of mail, because not only does it take a good 2-3 months to get to me, but it sometimes has to pass through Customs, and it sometimes ends up sitting there without my knowing, and I'm really sorry for the fact that I haven't been able to receive mail from you guys as often as you are sending it to me. Despite that issue, I'm so very grateful for the love and support from each and everyone - friends, family, and friends of my family alike. Until next week, keep praying often, and God Be With You Till We Meet Again the following Monday!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke

PS: Here are some Scriptures that I want Leilani to look up and study. The order that it's in does matter, and I also want her to consider this a kind of a "blessing" from me to her (with a little help from my companion).

Part 1: Doctrine & Covenants 11: 15-17, 8-11, 5-7, 12-14, 21-30 (in verse 23, Replace "Hyrum" with "Leilani", and "Son" with "Daughter")

Part 2: D&C 84: 87-94; Mateo 16: 24-27; James 2:14,17-18; D&C 18: 11-16; D&C 31: 11-13

WEEK 37!!!!!

Hi, Mom. It's SO crazy to think that in a couple of weeks, not only will I probably be training, but I'll have 9 months total in my mission! It's insane how fast the time goes by, especially when we're losing ourselves in the Work. I can't lie, it's extremely hard not to get discouraged and depressed here, but I honestly love it here, more than anything. However, I can honestly do without everyone, including my companion, to stop treating me like I'm some kind of rare creature, just because I'm a non-white gringo. The attention I'm okay with, but the way they're giving it to me makes me feel a little... Uncomfortable. Obviously, I don't know how to speak Spanish 100%, but I know enough to teach, preach, and express my own thoughts, as opposed to the people here speaking to me through my companion (which, to me, makes zero sense, considering he's from Peru, and knows hardly any English. But, whatever, I guess. Beggars can't be choosers, as they always say. I haven't received any mail for a while, but it's not your guys' nor my fault. The mail system here is pretty unorganized. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if I end up receiving a truckload of mail that'll end up being sent back to our house after I finish my mission, hahaha! My companion is asking me if I can ask you guys to send me a quadruplet (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) as a gift. I told him that I could try, but I also told him that I highly doubt that it's going to arrive here without having to wait a minimum of 3 months. Just another trial to add to the collection that I already got. But, as the Scriptures dictate, there is Opposition in all things. The reason I say that is because we contacted this family last week in a neighborhood, called "The Forgotten Neighborhood", which consists of a really nice couple... And their 8 children. We gave them "The Family: Proclamation for the World", came back, and the guy proposed (before, they were only an unmarried couple, but now are engaged)!!! It just goes to show that when we give it all we've got, and just a little bit more, the Lord paves the way. He prepares those who, at this time, are ready to receive the Gospel in their lives, in order to bless those around them - especially their families. The best part is that the mom and half her kids attended Church last Sunday! They said they really liked it, and plan to attend next week, too! Hopefully next time, with her (soon-to-be) husband, who unfortunately had to work last time. I can't wait to help this family get baptized, and enjoy the blessings that I know God has in store for each and every one of them. I also can't wait to find out who else at this time is just waiting for us to come and knock on their door, and share the blessings that come from the Gospel with them. But, I shouldn't get too impatient, because after all, these two years of my mission aren't my time. They're the Lord's time. I love you guys so much, I miss you guys, but I can't wait to come home in 15 more months with tons of awesome stories and memories to share with you guys and everyone else. Till next week, take care, pray often, and may God be with you!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

WEEK 36!!!!

Hey, mom. Hope everyone's doing okay this week. I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting an e-mail from you guys, I miss you guys a TON. So, before I forget, it would seem that I am the missionary with the longest duration of time in my zone of Kennedy, according to my companion, our companionship won't be lasting for too much longer. I'm taking his word, but I also have my appropriate doubts, because (I don't mean to brag, but) we are SUPPOSEDLY the most successful companionship in our zone. But again, if we get transfers, we get transfers. It's part of the mission, I say, and I'm not one to question the Will of God, either, haha. Nothing too special has happened this past week, except we have another scheduled Baptismal Date. His name's Franklin Barrezueta, he's 75, and the challenge we have with him is he also has joint pains, which make it difficult for him to attend church consistently. But, he has a LOT of faith in the Lord and Savior, and is willing to do whatever he can to Come Unto Christ, and "be perfected in Him." We gave him a Blessing, but like we told him, "we're just vessels of the Lord's work. If he wishes to be healed, it's up to him and his faith." Honestly, I have no doubt whatsoever that he's going to be healed with the faith he has. He's a good guy, but he's suffered a good amount, especially because of the cancer he has. There's only so much we can do for our investigators, but I know that so long as I'm doing anything and everything I can, these people will come to know and understand that we are messengers of the truth, and representatives of Jesus Christ, here to help them come closer to Christ, and be able to bless their families, as well as any and all those around them. For now, that's all for me this week, I love you guys a TON, and every day, I'm thinking about you guys. Take care, pray often, and may God be with you "till we meet again" AKA next week. Love you guys!!!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke

WEEK 35!!!

Hey, Mom. Glad to see and hear that everyone's doing okay. I can't believe that Leilani's already graduated! Where has the time gone?!? Also, Nika looks EXACTLY like you in all her pictures, wow! She's not that little pest I used to know... Hahaha, just kidding. But seriously, I can't believe how rapidly the time is going by. Let all those guys know that I miss them all up there!

In a couple of weeks, our mission gets a bunch of new missionaries!!! I’m excited for this to happen!

It's in my opinion been some of the hardest days that it's been specifically this past week, because I miss you guys more than absolutely anything in the universe. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thinking about all you guys, and honestly wishing that I could've been more of an asset than a burden. I especially wish I could've been a better example for the kids than I was. I couldn't feel more sorry for them, and for not being there for them sooner. But also, I wouldn't trade the experiences that I've had so far in my mission for anything. Even though it's been ridiculously hard, I've gained more humility, more love, and more respect for any and all those around me, and especially for my Lord and Savior, and for all that He has been SO kind to give me. It's hard not to cry from how hard it is and has been, but it's also hard not to cry out of joy from simply having the opportunity to be here. I love you guys so much, I miss you all, and keep pressing on! As long as I can, I know you guys can, too! I love you!!!!

Con Sinceridad y Amor, 

Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke

WEEK 34!!

Hey, everyone! Elder Conner "Poderoso" Parke here, and I'm not going to lie, it is HOT down here, day and night, day after day. In fact, it's so hot, that I've lost a good amount of weight, just by walking and sweating it off each day, hahaha! Even my companion, Elder Alcantara, can't believe how skinny I've become in the past 3 months! However, there is a downside to this... Because I'm a lot, and I do mean a LOT skinnier, almost none of my pants fit me, haha! Also, when I try to utilize my belt to tighten my pants... It doesn't work, hahahahaha! In other words, I either have to get a little "bigger" again, buy new pants, or buy a new belt. Seeing as the pants here are a little on the expensive side, I've decided to build myself up a little bit, as well as buy a new, slightly smaller belt that I can actually utilize, haha! But yeah, things are going awesome, we're still continuing to have slow, but gradual success. Before I go, I just want to give a quick shout-out to my loving and amazing mother, as well as my far-away, yet fantastic grandmother Barbara in the Philippines, and wish them both once more a happy mother's day, and I can't thank either of them enough for their exceptional influences that they've both had in my life. I love them so much, and I love you guys, too, and I can't wait to write to you guys again next week. Till then, take care, everyone!!!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane "Poderoso" Parke

Mother's Day

Hi, Mom! How's everyone? My companion and I are in a cyber, so we can tell you guys that we are going to be Video Calling at a member's house (the house of a couple of my Recent Converts, actually), and let you guys see my beautiful 20-year-old face, hahaha. But yeah, we most likely will be calling at night, because we still have some appointments that we have to visit. But, I still can't wait to see and talk to you guys tomorrow! I love you guys!!!

Love, Elder Conner Duane Parke

WEEK 32!!!

So, recently, we've had a couple of changes in our zone of Kennedy, which include the fact that now, my companion and I are in the same district as the Enfermeras (Medics), and our new district leader is also the secretary of the Mission President! It's been a bit tricky so far, because he THRIVES off of order and organization, which is a little bit of a hassle. The reason I say that is because we asked him if he can help us out by giving one of our investigators an interview, so we can know for sure what it is that we can do, in order to help her (because he has the authority to do so, as our District Leader). But, what ended up happening is he set a Baptismal Date for her without us knowing until late that night. So, we had to have a discussion with him about how that was really NOT okay, and we already had a Baptismal Plan ready to present to her. To be honest, I don't know why it's so hard to ask someone for just a little help (especially one of our District or Zone Leaders) without them doing OUR job in OUR sector FOR us. But, whatever, I guess. I just have to remember that I'm a missionary, and as such, I'm not one to invite any feelings or thoughts of contention.

Nothing special has happened this past week, other than we're starting to find more people that the Lord has prepared to receive the Restored Gospel at this time. Right now, we have 11 Partial-Member Families that we're teaching, and they're all excited to know and learn more through our lessons, as well as our personal testimonies that we have in this true Church and its teachings. "Ask, and ye shall receive", as it dictates in the Scriptures. I testify this week that not only does God hear and answer our prayers, but through dilligent obedience to His laws and commandments (such as reading and studying the Scriptures, and praying always), it becomes almost miraculous just how soon and how often we are able to receive answers from our kind and gracious Heavenly Father. Take care, I love you all, and may God and His Holy Spirit be with each and every one of you!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane Parke

WEEK 31!!!!

Hey, guys. First of all, I am SO tired. But, on the bright side, everyone in my zone is starting to notice how obvious it is that I've lost weight. I really wish I knew how much I weighed, because I'm actually a bit scared to know for myself just how much weight exactly I have lost so far in my mission. Anyway, things are going pretty smooth. I'm beyond excited for this up-and-coming Sunday - Mother's Day! :D - because I'll finally be able to Skype call home again. It's been crazy hard, but to be given a blessing like that after a while is definitely without a doubt worth it.

                                               

What's going down, everybody? It feels like it's been literally FOREVER since last week. SO much has happened this past week, including yet another BAPTISM! :D Her name is Maria Ponce, she's 85 years old (wow, I know), and she was EXTREMELY Catholic. But, after she took the time to listen to and ponder our message of the Restoration, she prayed and asked God if our Church is true. And, not only did she receive an answer, but the answer was a definite YES! It just goes to show that when you "lose your life" like it says in the Scriptures, you never know what kind of life that you're going to find. I couldn't be happier with the life that I found, full of serving others, and being able to help others feel the joy, peace, and overall happiness that can be found through heeding to the presence and the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

As it also says in the Scriptures, "there is Opposition in all things." It was nowhere near easy to get to where I am in my mission. To get to where I am now, to finally be able to take a deep breath and relax a little, I had to scratch and claw my way up. I can't tell you how many times I've already said this, and how many times I'm probably going to say this, but I know with an absolute certainty that things are only going to get all the harder from this point on, and if I'm willing to submit to the will of God, and give it my all - and just a little bit more - things will work out, and everything's going to turn out okay.

It's been hard, but to see the Light of Christ and the influence that it has in each and every one of these people's lives is beyond a blessing. To bring others closer to my Lord and my God through His teachings, as well as through teaching alongside the presence of His Holy Spirit is a grand privilege. Two years may seem long, but to me, I can only wish that I could give more to my Savior, in exchange for all that He's given me. I've both heard and seen messages that have opened my eyes as to any and all that my Savior has given me, and has given everyone. I bear witness as a representive of Jesus Christ that, not only does He live, but He suffered and gave His life for each and every one of us, that we may have a way to return to live with our Heavenly Father, and with His Only Begotten Son, our Savior, our Redeemer, the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Prince of Peace, and our Divine Older Brother, even Jesus Christ. I love you all, and may each of you come to know and remember the influence that Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel has for each of you. Until next week, take care, pray always, and may God be with you!!!

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane Parke

WEEK 30!!!

Salutations, friends and family! Finally, I've been able to take a little breather after working 110%, hahahahaha! It's been beyond tiring recently, but to be able to help people come unto Christ, Investigators and Less Active Members alike. Even though it means taking a bus to the other part of my sector, taking a bus back to the region near our apartment, taking a bus back to that far part of our sector, and taking a bus to return to our apartment on time at night, it's finally been paying off. To be able to hear that my family's doing good, and to be able to be having the gradual success that my companion and I have been working hard for is beyond a blessing.

So, like I said, I'm tired... I'm happy, but tired... The reason I say that is because one night this past week, my companion and I stayed up ALL NIGHT studying Scriptures in order to help one of our investigators understand that every other Church (every Church but ours) contains part of "the truth", but not all of it. The reason we did that is because this investigators been on our radar for a long time now. However, at the same time that she's been receiving the Gospel from us, she's also been hearing from the Jehovah's Witnesses, as well. In other words, she's been EXTREMELY confused, she has a LOT of doubts, and we've tried for heck knows how long now to help her understand that as much as she wants the Witnesses to have all the truth, they don't. (And I'm not just saying that, because they have Erased Scriptures in "their bible".

Other than that, nothing special's happened this past week. I still can't download or send any pictures, because these computers don't want to accept my SD Card. But, beggars can't be choosers. With that, I'm not complaining, especially because of the blessings that have been popping out of the ground like gophers in a green garden. I love you guys, and I couldn't be happier to be able to talk with you guys again. It's been tough, it'll only get tougher, but when it does, I'm going to be here. When it does, I'm going to be ready... When it gets harder, I'm not going to be able to quote Harry Potter like I did right there, hahahaha! Take care, you guys, and may God be with you, in the easy times, as well as the hard.

Con Sinceridad y Amor,

Elder Conner Duane Parke