January 15, 2018

A Golden Contact and . . .Salmonella!

(a note from Mom: Stephen had a really busy week this week so he asked me to put together a post for him. This is excerpts from the letters that he sent to us)

Opening an area really is like starting from scratch and it has been lots of door knocking and it's tough. But now this week we have a packed schedule of people to teach. And on Thursday night, we were visiting with a family and asking for references. The oldest boy said he had a girlfriend who had gone to church multiple times and said she had a desire to join the church. They just never got in touch with the missionaries. We were like"Why!?? She sounds like a golden investigator!" And then we found out why. Because she suddenly knocked at the door and we talked with her, set an appointment for Saturday, and gave her a Book of Mormon. On Saturday we committed her to baptism. Miracles happen. And it is amazing. [Her name is Jamie and she has accepted a baptism date for February 4th. Keep her in your prayers!]

Today we went to the centro today and explored a little. We found a CIRCLE K!!!!!!!!!!! The frosters weren't as good as at home but they were so great. We also went inside that huge catholic chapel and it was so cool. And then we got Pizza hut. It has been a great week.

On Thursday I got Salmonella. But, luckily, my Mission President is a doctor and he told me to fast (except water) for two days just to clean everything out. It was really rough but I have stayed strong so far!

(This next part is from a letter from Stephen's mission companion, Elder Stones, that his mom forwarded to me)

Elder Parr is a stud! These past couple weeks have been super hard with all the responsibilities and getting to know the area, but my "son" has been doing pretty well. He reminds me a lot about when I first got to the mission. There has been a couple moments where we've had to sit down and work some things out, but he´s so far been a champ. He struggles a lot with Spanish from time to time, but we´re working together a lot and he´s progressed a ton! It´s definitely hard having to be the guy that does most of the talking, but whenever it´s his turn to talk, he brings a special spirit into the room.

January 8, 2018

First week in the books!

Hola Todos!

Well, holy culture shock. This is all so much different than I thought it would be. But it is good. I am ready and able to do this work and to learn the language and everything I need to. I do appreciate all the prayers that I know have been offered in my behalf and please, everyone continue. I can feel the power that it gives me to get through each day. 

Today, my companion and I went to what is called the centro or is kinda the downtown area of Puebla. We were there for some interviews with our Mission president so we didn't get to do much sightseeing but I believe we are going back next week to really explore. It was so beautiful. And I got my first real Mexican tacos! They were so good.

Right now, we are teaching a lady named Ana and I believe that we could really change her life with the gospel. 

Not much to report besides amazing food and a great week so far! Much more next week.

January 2, 2018

¡HOLA!

Well everyone, the day finally came for me to leave the comfort of the CCM. I will miss so much the fullness of the spirit and the people that have made the past six weeks a joy. I thank my teachers for all they did for me to help me learn as much as I can about teaching and about the language before I left. And my district for being such awesome people who have become my little CCM family. They will do amazing things here in the mission field.

Puebla is beautiful and the people are so kind. We took a 2 and a half hour busride from the México city airport to the mission. It was nice and the whole time was trying not to fall asleep. And then we got to the bus terminal and met our mission president and his wife right away. They are very kind and full of love for missionaries. We then drove a short distance to a building where all mission meetings are held and had a few classes about the field and how to effectively contact people in the street. It wasn't until I got here that I realized how much I have to learn. And it freaks me out a bit, but I know with the Lord on my side I can do this. 

We then were introduced to our trainers. My new companion is Elder Stone and he is also from Colorado! Small world. He has been in his mission for I believe 16 months. And he is pretty fluent in the language which will help me out a lot in my first few months. I will be here in my area "Alamos" for 12 weeks. So I will have plenty of time to learn a lot from the people here about missionary work and about the culture here in Puebla. 

We had a short devotional and then jumped right into a taxi and headed to our area. We found our house and wow is it different. There is a gate by the street and from the outside it doesnt look like much. But on the inside of the gate is a big courtyard with a garden and such. We live with some members of the church and they are so nice. It is quite humbling to not understand half of what is said though. 

We then set out with the ward mission leader to scout out the area and learn more about it. (as we are opening this area) Up until us, there have been only sisters in the area which may prove a little challenging because the investigators are used to the spirit a sister carries but I'm sure it'll turn out great. We met some members in the area and sat down and had a short little meeting with a family here. They were so kind and very understanding of my weakness in the language. And we left them with a short spiritual message that I bore testimony of in broken spanish but the spirit was felt. 

We also met the bishop who owns a bakery here in this area. He was very kind and even let me take home a little treat free of charge. We also met the Stake president and his family. They were very kind and gave us a bite to eat which was wonderful. I will say though that was the strangest take on spagetti I've ever had. Was different, but pretty good. I can tell that as I continue to focus on loving these people as I have already begun to, I will be blessed immensely. I need lots of prayers from home though for comfort and strength. This is going to be very hard. But I know I can do it. 

I love you all at home and while Sunday night was going insane in Mexico city with fireworks, music, and just lots of strange noises, I hope that all had a wonderful time on this new year. I sure know what my new years resolution is. Learn Spanish. I love this gospel and every part of this life points to the fact that it is true. Have a wonderful week everyone and Happy New Year!

With Love,

Elder Stephen Parr

Mexico Puebla North Mission

December 27, 2017

Buenos Dias!

Wow Christmas in the MTC is amazing. The spirit was so strong the whole time and I have never felt the spirit in this way. We had three christmas devotionals on Sunday, three on Christmas day, and one last night because we always have a devotional every Tuesday night. I wrote so much in my journal, I may have to get another before leaving for the field. The devotional last night was one of the most powerful talks I've ever heard directly from the MTC president here. The room was so full of the spirit it was truly amazing.

I also got to talk to my family over the phone which was amazing. I missed their voices so very much and it made me so happy. And they sent me with some presents to open on Christmas day and it was amazing. The elders in our district all set up a tiny christmas tree in the common area of our house and we all opened our presents together and it was a lot of fun. I cannot wait to dig into some of that candy and treats!

We also have recieved all of our travel plans for this upcoming Monday out into the mission field! My companion has to be at the reception desk at 1:30 in the morning and thankfully I don't have to until 4. I am a little nervous for the field, but mostly excited beyond belief. I cannot wait to see the beautiful city of puebla, and eat some of its famous Mole for the first time! (Also crazy excited to buy my first bottle of mexican coke. Because Coca Cola is amazing.) 

I cannot wait. 

With all the love I can express, especially in this Christmas season,

Elder Stephen Parr

Mexico Puebla North Mission