Week 55: Merry Christmas from Kansas!!

Feliz Navidad!

Who's pumped?! I am. I have been looking forward to this coming week since October and it is finally here!!

If I had to choose just one word to describe my entire week it would probably be "joy"....or "insanity". 

The huge news of the week is that Gonzalo Lira is now a priest with the Aaronic priesthood...Who knew 3 months ago that they would come so far?? The Lord knew. They are full force members. They have been promised very powerfully several times that The Lord wants them to be a very active part of his kingdom building and they are taking that seriously! They feed all 8 missionaries once a week, the parents are on team-ups with the missionaries several times a week, yesterday, they drove a few people to a devotional at the stake center an hour away and bore their testimonies at the devotional! If this is how far they have come in just 3 months, I cannot wait to see where the Lord will take them in a few years! 

I gained a testimony about the Lord's timing this week! We went over to a lady's house for the 2nd time and just a few hours earlier, her husband and her decided to get a divorce! She burst out crying and apologizing. The Spirit came into the room so strongly as we testified to her about the Savior and the Atonement. It was powerful. I love moments like that when you can practically see the Spirit right in front of you. 

A few nights ago, I woke up to my companion talking! I was so confused so I looked over to watch her as she sat up in bed and said: "I think that I know what I am doing haha, hold still!"  It was hilarious, now the question is what was she dreaming about?!

Another great moment was during studies, there was a knock at our door. When I answered it, 2 men were at the door and said, 

Them: "Hello, we are ministers for the Bible Baptist Church."

Me: "Hey, we're missionaries too! Have you heard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints?"

Them: "Yes we have."

Me: "Really? Have you ever talked to or seen other missionaries around?

They proceeded to give us their card and invite us to their Christmas services-Don't worry, I invited them to ours too! It was soooooooo funny. Now I know what people think when we come to their door! 

Also, guess who I saw this week! Kevin and Kylee AKA Elder Page and Sister Runia! It was so fun to catch up with them but pretty weird to see them again not as full-time missionaries. 

Quote of the week:

"We live next to a LDS church in Lawrence and now we are on vacation from the Mormons"

I hope that you are all enjoying this Christmas week! I challenge you to take a few minutes every day to forget about presents that you have to buy, the cards that you still have to send, the house that needs to be cleaned, and the in-laws that are spending the night. Take at least 10 minutes of your day to look around and to be grateful for the Savior and all the love and blessings that he gives you! I love and miss you all! Remember that God answers prayers!

Sister Parry

Our cute Christmas tree

Kylee and I

Week 54: Surprise!

Happy Monday everyone!! 

I can't hold in the news any longer.......GONZALO JUST GOT BAPTIZED!!!!!!! I know. I'm just as surprised as you are..still. So here's what happened: Gonzalo was going to have to wait until March to be baptized, I was so bummed that I was going to have to miss it but excited that he was willing to wait and endure to the end. Last week, the assistant to the ward mission leader suggested that we talk to President Bell again about him getting baptized because EVERYONE realized how sincere he is and how much he wants this! (He has even been going out with the elders!) President Bell agreed to come interview him! He interviewed him on Friday night and he was baptized on Sunday. 

It was one of the top 3 spiritual baptisms that I have ever been to. He has truly turned his life completely around and worked so hard for this. He came up out of the water grinning ear to ear. We all bawled as the talks were about this family preparing to be an eternal family. Sister Bringhurst and I have been talking about it and we realize that we really haven't done much AT ALL. Looking back, we realize that the Spirit took complete control, we just loved them and did what the Spirit told us to. It is amazing to realize that despite our imperfections and shortcomings, the Holy Ghost can work miracles. 

Saturday was so much fun! We went to a training/Christmas party for missionaries. We were all just minding our own business when President Bell announced that we were going to look at everyone's BABY PICTURES?!?! I thought that he was kidding, then I realized that he was serious. I thought that this only happens in nightmares!!! LOL Then we had an ugly sweater contest, I brought a beauty that I found in our apartment closet....that work of art won me a gift card! :) 

Last night after the baptism was so cool! The zone leaders challenged us as a whole zone to find 10 new investigators by the end of the evening. This wouldn't have been too much of a big deal but they just raised the standards on new investigators this week. All of our appointments fell through and we were a little bit at a loss. We decided that Christmas is in full bloom here and we went caroling! The 1st door that we caroled to was interested but the Mom mostly speaks Spanish, so we will let the other missionaries take over that one! Then we tried once more and again the parents only speak Spanish. The 3rd time a super cute family let us in and everyone spoke English........except for the Dad, another family for the other missionaries! The 4th door that we tried spoke perfect English and wants us to come back this week!!! 

Do you want to hear the song that Sister Bringhurst and I are working on? So far, it goes like this:

"No one speaks English in Dodge!

Only the children speak English in Dodge! 

We don't know Spanish....in Dodge!"

It's a work in progress! 

More miracles of the week include:

-A little Ceasars is opening in Dodge tomorrow!!

-I taught Sister Bringhurst how to plunge her 1st toilet

-Sister Bringhurst got her driving privileges this week so now I get to rock it in the passenger seat

I hope that you are all seeing miracles too! I love you and and miss you! Remember that God answers prayers! 

Love, 

Sister Parry

Sister Bringhurst gets to drive now!!!! This is just as exciting for me as it is for her! 

Ugly sweater contest! This work of art won a gift card to Subway!

And then Gonzalo got baptized?! #christmasmiracle

Surprise!! Gonzalo got baptized!!! 

Small acts of service make me so happy

Week 53: Christmas has Struck Dodge!

Hi!

So much happened this week but I am having another writer's block moment! Can I just forward you my companion's email and call it good?? Hold on tight while I explode this week at you!

Last Pday there was a parade to light up Dodge City with Christmas lights! Why doesn't Sandy do that?!  There was tons of people everywhere which made it all the better! We went over to have a Family Home Evening with the Lira's and played Mexican Bingo. I must be really great at speaking Spanish because they kept asking me to pronounce everything. Jokes, jokes.

Tuesday was probably one of the best days of my mission. We had a fantastic district meeting and we walked out of there even more dedicated and stoked to go work! We did things that we have been scared to do, saw miracles left and right, and had a blast! I have been obsessed with keeping up this momentum for the rest of my mission.

I hit my year mark on Thursday.......oh my gosh..........so weird! I'm a mix of emotions right now!!

I got really temple-trunky this week as well. I realized that I haven't been to or even looked at a temple in a year and then some! When I was praying that night, I felt like a 4 year-old crying to a parent about being homesick(home sick for the house of the Lord that is!) I realized that it is so worth it to miss it so much to now see the Lira family and others prepare to go to the temple soon! I feel so blessed! So the next time that you see or go to the temple, say hi for me!

One of my favorite moments of the week was when we got a text from the ward asking all of the missionaries to do a live nativity at the ward party that night! I don't mean to brag but I had the main role! Yes, I was the donkey. One of the highlights was watching Mary try to deliver Jesus AKA try to get the basketball out of her shirt. It took a solid 2 minutes and help from her mom but the show must go on!!

Did anyone watch the Christmas Devotional?? It was amazing! Just so you know! How are you spreading the Christmas love??

I love you all, I miss you and remember that God answers prayers!!!

Sister Parry

Maliegh wants to play the piano when her dad is baptized

1 year.....Can anyone believe that?!?!

Week 52: Grateful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!! 

I have come to find that Thanksgiving is one of the best and the worst holidays as a missionary! It's the best because people's hearts are softened as they think about what they are grateful for, and there is tons of delicious food. It's also the worst because no one is home, and you always eat way too much. #stretchyskirts

We were lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with one of the most missionary-minded members that I have ever met. There was TONS of food....TONS. Before we even left the apartment, I challenged Sister Bringhust to see which one of us could gain the most weight by the end of the day, we were too scared to weigh in! :) The best moment of the whole day was probably when Sister Dameron opened the HUGE pot of stuffing and sang "HALLALUJAH!" as stuffing came pouring out! The house turned into a rampage as everyone grabbed something to put stuffing in until Sister Dameron poked it and it all deflated. Maybe you had to be there, but it was hilarious. 

Naturally, there is a controversy about when it is appropriate to celebrate CHRISTmas. Sister Bringhurst and I have been celebrating it full force for a month and a half now but now there is no shame! It is after Thanksgiving now and it's only going to get better! One of our plans is to text a Christ-centered scripture to everyone that we are working with up until CHRISTmas. We are also super excited to do a secret twelve days of CHRISTmas for 2 families that we are working with. The whole thing if focused on remembering Christ and how we can follow his example in our own lives. 

Speaking of Christ, have any of you seen the new video that the church just launched? It's called "He is the Gift" and you ALL need to go watch it and show it to everyone that you know! Here is the link:

http://www.mormon.org/

So this week, I have been doing a study focused on charity and I realize that I need more of it big time! So, I'm coming to all of you for advice. What are stories, scriptures, and examples of Charity?

This is the best time of the year! First, we all focus of Gratitude, then Christ/giving, next we all get a fresh start, and finally we finish it all off with love! I love you all, I hope that you had a fantastic week!

Remember that God answers prayers! 

Sister Parry

The sky is on fire!

 CHRISTmas is here!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is how it has been since Halloween! 

Week 51: Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

So, right now, I am sitting in a kid-size chair, using a kid-size keyboard, and a kid-size mouse at the library, so forgive me for any typos! 

First thing: WE ALL SURVIVED TRANSFERS!!!! Sister Bringhurst and I get another transfer together in Dodge City! Plus, I get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas here. I am in a dream. By the end of this transfer, I will have been in Dodge for 6 months! Woah!! A whole third of my entire mission. I just sat down, and realized that my entire scale of thinking has been completely focused on the Lira's baptism and transfers this week! But now both are over. :) 

So the baptism was easily, one of the most powerful baptism services that I have ever been to. It was standing room only, Gonzalo prayed, the entire thing was focused on the temple and the family, the Spirit was so strong, and the whole room was filled with love and support for this dear family. My favorite part was right before they went into the font, I suggested that we all say a prayer together. I have rarely felt the Spirit this strongly as I did in a tiny bathroom in Dodge City Kansas. Beatriz said that even though there was a lot of people there, all she could see was her family. 

Because it's Thanksgiving week, I wanted you to know just a portion of what I am grateful for:

The Atonement

My family that supports me

Kansas, that has given me an opportunity to change my entire life

The Book of Mormon that gives me strength every single day

Alright, so the library computer is kicking me off now! I love you all! Remember that God answers prayers! 

Sister Parry

The Dodge City District

Sisters: Bringhurst, Parry, Hymas, Judy

Elders: Cole, Maisey, Grow, Banderez

Little Maleigh will only give us handshakes whenever we leave

Sister Starks is like having a grandma right here in Dodge. She always has cookies and soda for us to eat, and gives us a hug that will make your eyeballs fall out!

Just chillin

The day of the baptism, we "decorated" the Lira's car :)

A dream come true!

Jasmine was nervous out of her mind! 

The Lira's Christmas tree. The top is the first pass-along card that we gave them, and all of the pictures that we have given them over time. They have the Temple, Jesus, their baptism photos, the scriptures, etc. It's the best Christmas tree that I have ever seen!

Week 50:

Happy Monday everyone!

We had another whirlwind weeks so hold on tight while I tell you about it! 

First things first: we were able to meet Elder Schwitzer of the 70! He is so down-to Earth, and took the time to shake hands and talk to each one of us. We had a meeting with him that lasted for 5-6 hours but I swear, it only felt like 1 hour! When all was said and done, I walked away feeling like the Spirit was telling me to truly LOVE the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, investigators, my companion and the Savior ALWAYS. 

So my dear Lira Family is now MARRIED!!!!!!! It's actually a pretty funny story how that happened. We were an hour and a half away from Dodge City in the meeting with Elder Schwitzer and we booked it home so we could make it to the wedding on time. We ran up to the courthouse to find that they locked the doors 7 minutes before we got there!!! Sad. It was even more sad to find out that they tried to wait for us.

Precious moments with them:

 We went over the baptism interview questions with Jasmine, and the very last question asks if you feel ready to make the commitment? Jasmine then fist pumps the air and yells, "YES I AM!!" I love the enthusiasm. 

We sit down for a lesson and Erik who is 4 walks up to us and gives us his school pictures :') it is now decorating my scriptures. 

Their Christmas tree is decorated with the pass-along cards that we first gave them.

So, I just realized that I only have like 2 more minutes to email so everything else is going to be short but here we go!

So, maybe my companion got all 4 Dodge Sisters sick this week! haha we had to make an extra run to the store just to buy all of the sick people stuff. Oh man, being sick on a mission STINKS!!! 

IT SNOWED!!! It is a whooping 7 degrees right now. Love it. 

Favorite quote of the week:

To his kids: "Will you all just please run away?" 

Love you all!! Remember that God answers prayers!! 

I love the winter!

Then it snowed again

Week 49: Hello!

Hello!

I can't decide if this week feels like a year long or just a few hours? Is anyone else having a time-warp issue?

This morning I was trying to make a handy-dandy list of things to talk to you all about and Sister Bringhurst and I hardly came up with anything! Sorry about that. I know that we had a great week, I just barely remember much that happened...it's my life and It all seems so normal to me but not to anyone else! :) 

The wonderful Lira's are doing splendid! We taught them about keeping the Sabbath day holy and they already decided that week that they are not going to use their cell phones all day on Sundays and proceeded to give us their house phone number?! We were starting to get worried when they were not reading in the Book of Mormon every day, and when we talked about it again with them, they took it so seriously! Now, they are 9 chapters in, and when Jasmine went to Wichita for the weekend, her parents had her write down the chapters that she needs to read to keep up because they want to finish the Book of Mormon before Gonzolo is baptized. 

I wish that I could describe to you in writing how awesome they are! I feel so incredibly blessed to have met some of my best friends! I have learned so much about myself, the Gospel, and missionary work from this family. I don't think that they will ever truly know that they literally changed my whole mission. This is what the Gospel does, it brings families together! I get to watch a family change their lives around, come closer to God, to each other, and prepare to become an eternal family, how did I get so lucky?!?! Every night, I thank my Heavenly Father for letting me get to know them, and how much they have done for me. 

This week, we were able to receive so much revelation!! First, it was at Zone Conference. They had us all get down on our knees and choose one thing that is holding us back from giving our "all' to the Lord and give it up. It was so powerful. 

We listened to a talk again, and the Spirit hit me so strong. It is "Feed My Sheep" from Elder Holland. At the end, he talks about when the Lord found the apostles fishing again after the Savior had left. I realized then, that a mission is truly meant to change you. This is a calling for life, not just 18 months. When the Lord asked Peter, "Do you love me?" he really was asking him if he really was going to follow him and do everything that he asked him to with all diligence. 

I just have to say, that the dinner appointments that we have here in Dodge are stellar! Just this week, we were in a house with at least 18 cats and music from "Cats" the musical was in the background just to make the effect perfect. Sister Bringhurst loathes cats with a passion so it is even better. The next day, we ate at the bishop's house when him and his wife pulled out their accordions, played them for us, and told us how they fell in love through the accordion. All I know is that I am definitely in Kansas!! 

I love and miss you all! Keep going strong! Remember that God answers prayers!

Sister Parry

My comp is so talented

So, maybe I have a special place in my heart for sunsets

Kansas sunsets

:)

Our sunset spot

Have I mentioned that I love Kansas??

Week 48: Do you believe in miracles?

Whoa. I can't believe that another week has already flown by! 

It probably went by so fast because we were having a party every day! Sharing the Gospel is the funnest thing that I've ever done. 

I was definitely spoiled rotten on my birthday! Mom will be so disappointed when I don't get humbled on my mission! haha We were having dinner at a member's house and they pulled out a cake! I was like "What?! Why did you do that??" then they pulled out the candles and even a present! Sister Bringhurst surprised me by making me a sign for the apartment and everywhere we went, someone gave us cake. So spoiled.

Did any of you dress up for Halloween? Because we totally did. All week long, I themed my outfits after Disney characters and at the ward trunk or treat, we came dressed up as The Book of Mormon and The Bible. We also decorated our trunk and handed out pass-along cards with candy taped to them, the ward loved it! Shout out to Sisters Savage, Runia, and Hymas for the ideas! 

On Halloween, President and Sister Bell came through Dodge and we had a photo shoot with them at the Dodge City sign for their Christmas card. They adore Dodge as much as I do. Later on we needed to be off the streets and everyone was trick-or-treating so we spent the evening decorating for Christmas! The apartment is so magical, and it is the best thing to wake up to. Every day feels like Christmas. 

Earlier in the day, we were decorating the Lira's door with post-it notes when Sister Bringhurst says, "Their driving up.....RUN!!!!" So, we booked it around the corner. Then we hear Gonzolo yell "Happy Halloween sisters!!" Yep, they totally saw us. Oh well. 

The ward is LOVING the Lira family! Every time that we bring someone new to meet them they always compliment about how sincere they are. Jasmine told us this week how excited she is to be baptized and that she wants to go to seminary!! They also fed us dinner last night! How did I get so lucky?? I am serving the Lord in the best place on Earth:Dodge City Kansas, and teaching one of the best families that I have ever met. Every day, I thank Heavenly Father for this wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, stretch, go out of my comfort zone, appreciate the Gospel, make lasting friendships, and learn to truly rely and trust him. 

A small miracle happened yesterday. We went to the park to go talk to people. As we were leaving we smiled and waved to a lady but didn't talk to her. When we were almost to the car, Sister Bringhurst turns to me, and says, "I think that we need to go back and talk to that lady." I say back, "I know, I feel the same way" We go back and Sister Bringhurst says to her, "haha Hi again, we really feel like we need to come talk to you!" We explain who we were and we have an appointment with her on Wednesday! I love the promptings of the Holy Ghost and a companion who is braver than me to follow those promptings!

One of my favorite moments happened yesterday morning. I was just about to shower when Sister Bringhurst noticed that it was only 5:30!! SCORE!! Another hour of sleep. Totally a miracle because I'm a little sick and haven't gotten much sleep at all this week. The only sad part about Daylight Savings is that it gets dark at 6:00, and no one wants to answer their door after it's dark! 

Oh well, The Lord will provide. 

I hope that you all have a fantastic week! I miss you and I love you all! Remember that God answers prayers! 

Sister Parry

Halloween week day 1: Cinderella

Halloween week day 3: The Bible!! 

Happy trunk-or-treat!

The beloved Lira family!

Halloween week day 2: Snow White

#dodgecity

It's the party life in Dodge City. 

Precious moments! 

Happy Halloween Dodge City! 

Week 47: The tale of 2 missionaries

Hello! 

Today is another one of those days when so much happened, but I have NO IDEA how to write it all out! I should get my companions to write my emails for me! :) 

I prayed that Heavenly father would give us tons of people to talk to this week and we were so busy-those weeks are the best. By the end of the day, I feel so exhausted that I want to collapse but it is such a satisfying feeling to be worn out in the work of the Lord. 

Speaking of being worn out, I was brushing my teeth when I realized that it WASN'T MY TOOTHBRUSH. Nasty. Great, then I had to tell Sister Bringhurst that we need to run to Walmart to get her a new one! So embarrassing. 

The beloved Lira family! Is doing so great! We had to figure out all sorts of details this week but they are all on date to get baptized!!!!!!!!!! The mom and daughter are getting baptized on November 22 and the Dad needs to wait but he will be getting baptized in March. :)))) Oh, and they finally made it to church and they loved it! The Spirit is getting stronger and stronger with them. Just walking into their home the other night, was so great. We walked in and the Spirit was already in the home waiting for us! Usually in teaching almost anyone, we try to bring the Spirit with us and leave it with them.

Last week when we were teaching the 13-year old class, they all laughed when I said, "Church is only 3 hours long!" 

But seriously. We spend all week long, pumping people up to come to church, getting them a ride, clearing their schedule, ect ect. When Sunday morning rolls around, It's game time. All the missionaries stand by the front door waiting for everyone to come. Once when they do, church instantly turns into a juggling act! 

Oh, I'm giving a talk? Where's the teacher? No, I'm not the librarian, lets all go to 3 different classes? How many times can someone bring up doctrine that the investigators have never heard before?? I wouldn't trade it for anything! I love every second of it. Going to church makes me feel like I have been on a roller coaster! 

So the 4 of us sister missionaries are at a dinner appointment with some great members. They pull out this home-made cheesecake and we all die. I am sooooooo excited because it has been months since I have had it! Then I taste it. Gross. It tasted so bad, but we all smiled and told her how much we LOVED it! I look over at Sister Judy and she was struggling to even get it down! The members were standing in the kitchen so I took a HUGE bite of hers and swallowed it down. Just taking one for the team. 

It's never too early to get ready for Christmas! Sister Bringhurst has some mixed emotions about her 1st Christmas away from home, so I am making it my personal mission to make it the best Christmas ever for her. I know that odds are, we probably won't be companions during Christmas, but that's okay, I have a plan! I'm not going to give it all away now, but this week we are going to decorate the whole apartment! And maybe we have listened to just Christmas music ALL WEEK LONG? Love it. 

I love and miss you all, remember that God answers prayers! 

Sister Parry

Liberal Kansas is the home of Dorothy so we just HAD to have a mini photo-shoot! 

So Kansas. 

Jesus is the way. 

Teach when you find, find when you teach.

Cupcakes!

So many jumping pictures this week!

Loving fall