Week 17 Delft - Keeping on, Keeping on!

Hello hello,

Where to begin.....this week has yet been another good one! Full of great times, and work. The spirit was strong, the blessings kept on coming and the smiles continue. :)

You won't even believe what I am going to say next! So for about the first time a good while, we almost had an ENTIRE week with no rain. Yes, NO rain. That itself was a blessing and a miracle in my eyes. No, it was actually super nice to have a short little break from the rain and see the sun again and be able to out without a coat. And what a week that it chose to be nice, I mean we only biked a good 8-13 miles everyday!

One really cool thing this week actually happened on Tuesday while I was on exchanges with Elder Moomey. After a couple of appointments where we were getting bible bashed, and wrecked in every way, and not have feeling the spirit I was honestly a little upset. I was just thinking why, we did all we could, testified and taught the best we could and yet we still felt nothing. I felt like for that short while we were alone, in the spiritual sense. Well then we went to our last appointment, with Americo and Ilyza, the two who the zone leader baptized last transfer. We had some dinner with them and then we got to watch 17 miracles with them. As I watched the movie I couldn't help but tear up a little, watching all they went through yet they kept on, pushing on with their WHOLE hearts, having a complete trust in their Father In Heaven.  It made me realize, you know sometimes it's going to feel like I am alone, and Christ is not there for me. But just like these saints did, I have to keep pushing on, because the reward or even when I look back at those times, I will see that because of that trial of faith I had grown. 

After the movie finished we asked them if they needed anything as we always do. Well Llyza said she would love a blessing. I got asked to give that blessing. And in the back of my head I was thinking, I haven't felt the spirit at all today, how am I going to be able to give this blessing. But I said yes anyways. I began to give that blessing, and then just paused, in my heart I was pleading for guidance on what to say. Well to keep it short, that is exactly what I received, the words began to flow out of my mouth and I began to precede with the blessing. When I ended she was in tears and said "wow, that was so powerful and exactly what I needed, thanks so much". At that exact point I felt the spirit sooo strongly I honestly felt weak. I knew, and I knew it without a doubt, that that blessing, those words were not from me. That my heavenly Father was there with me that day and was watching over and helping me.

Okay get this, so on Wednesday evening we went to a new investigators house for a lesson and when we walked up stairs, wow I was blown away. They literally had a MASSIVE cage of 4 little Parrots and 2 talking ones. I bet you can imagine how that went. The whole time we were teaching the Parrots in the background kept on talking. And not even in English, a parrot can even speak dutch. Without the hard G of course. I was literally dying it was so funny. Good laughs that's for sure.

On Thursday we ran into some members from England and I guess they saw us and said ökay if they stop that man we will buy them lunch" Well guess what We STOPPED HIM. That was super fun getting to talk to them and have a nice little chat. Always nice being treated that good for once, rather then glared at or a door slam every once in awhile. Tender Mercy.

So on Sunday Josh was in church with us again and at the end of the sacrament he turned to me and said "December 6th" meaning as of now, his baptism will be going down on the 6th of December:)! I was so so excited when he said that, I probably looked like a goof I had such a big smile on my face. But I just couldn't help it. Being with Josh from day one until now has been quite the experience. I have loved every second of teaching him. And now seeing him finally saying he wants to make that step now, ah to great! I can't wait to see this mans life change forever, that's what its all about right. He was most definitely a miracle given to us by the Lord!

Well everyone it is that time of year! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!! I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday season and be sure to enjoy your nice "AMERICAN" Thanksgiving. And just since its this time of year I just want to say how greatful I am for all of you! For my AMAZING mom, A dad who I can look up to for everything and some amazing sisters:) For all of my wonderful Neighbors back home, and leaders I had growing up, you have made me who I am. My amazing friends, I was 100% sure, blessed with the best, so thank you all, good times:) and more to come. Also one thing that I was not really greatful for before my mission, that being a journal. A journal all of the sudden means so much to me out here, being able to sit down and reflect on my day, and seeing that there has not been one, no not even ONE day, that I haven't seen the Lords hand in my life in some way or another. That.....is something I will forever be grateful for - My loving Heavenly Father.

Thank you all for the sweet letter, packages and emails. You are the best!

Love, Elder Parr

#ReturnwithHonor

My big family for this years Thanksgiving, oh how I love these people:)

Week 16 Delft - Amazing Week!

Hello everyone:)

 

This week has been amazing to say the least! Some once in a lifetime experiences, RAIN for days, solid lessons and so much more. I hardly have anytime this week so I'm sorry but this one is going to be short. But I still LOVE you all.

 

The weather this week was ridiculous, no joke it rained 24 hours a day for six days straight. EVERYTHING was soakinig wet, and to top it off the air is nice and cold, nothing like the nice dry air back home. But even with the crappy weather, this week was AMAZING!

 

On Thursday which was one of the best days of my mission for sure. I was on exchanges with Elder Ames just going about our regular studies when we got a call from President Robinson. It turns out it was his turn to work in Delft!!! So president came at 12 and took us out to lunch and then just came along with all of our lessons and lekker contacting. That was the most fun I have had with President. We had some amazing lessons, and can I just say that that man teaches with power and boldness. He is and was such an example and teacher to me that day. I learned so much from him and our relationship grew a lot! One day I will never forget, thats for sure. Also...It was his very first time since he has been out here that he had to get an OV fiests (bike rental) and just biked around with us instead of driving. He loved it, super funny too, love that man.

 

This week our lessons with Josh went better than planned. I don't know how it is possible but he just keeps on getting better and better! We challenged him to move his date to December 6th this week and he agreed. It's amazing how I have had the oppurtunity to see the spirit change someone so much. From the very first time he met the missionaries til now, a world of change. We are best friends, truly love each other like brothers and he has a testimony of the De Kerk Van Jezus Christus van de Heiligen Der Laaste Dagen! Truly a miracle in my eyes! What an opportunity that I have been blessed with to get to teach him and so many of these wonderful people in Delft.  I love my mission.

 

Along with Josh we had many good lessons. 

Micha is finally starting to pray, he swore that he would never pray. He said that my first week in the land, now look at him. The Lord is truly begging to soften his heart. 

Miguel would drop appointments like crazy now he calls and reminds us, keeps commitments and prays. 

Tom wasn't active for over 20 years and he hasn't missed a Sunday this month. 

Estella went through the Temple. 

Habtamu said that what we have shared with him has given him a reason to change his life. 

Those are only a few of the many blessings that the Lord is pouring out upon the city of Delft. I know with out a doubt that he is here with me and helping me every step of the way! These things wouldn't be happening if he wasn't. The Lord has prepared His children and I am just lucky to get a chance to be a instrument in his hands. I have learned the true meaning behind the scripture that talks about "if you lose yourself in the will of the lord then you will find yourself."  I love this gospel and the joy it brings to me and everyone who gets to hear it. The church is true!

 

Thank you all for the emails and the sweet letters and smiles! It really means the world to me. I am sorry to those I wasn't able to get back too, I promise I read all of your emails and love them, so keep them coming:) Love you all and have an amazing week!

 

Love, Elder Parr

#ReturnWithHonor

President Robinson came contacting with us through Delft.
It was the BEST! I love that man.

The Best 2 years Train - Trains of Europe.

Just a picture of the crew hanging out at the beach on the only non rainy day. Boy did we luck out! Sand castle contests, soccer, frisbee, bunker tours and much more. I love my mission!

I am sure Elder Parr was loving this part.  He has ALWAYS loved making sand castles. He will always be a young kid at heart!

Week 15 Delft - What a Week!

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all for the great emails, and the love and support that you give to me, I really appreciate it a ton, so thanks! 

This week has been another amazing one for Elder Lee and I, we have truly seen the Lord working through us and blessing us so much. We have seen a miracle every day and tender mercies from the Lord. Had some great laughs and some good times. The weather is still nice and chilly and the rain is still coming, but even being soaking wet, knocking doors, and riding bikes against the wind, I love my mission.

So this week the AP's called us and asked us to keep track of the time we spend: Finding, Teaching, Traveling, Meetings, Meals, Service and Planning. I guess we are doing super good in the mission along with some others and they wanted us to do this for them. So that was exciting for Lee and I.

Here are some of the highlights from this week.

This week we taught Josh two times and both lessons were amazing but the one we had on Tuesday was just something else! We had planned to teach about the plan of salvation and such, then we got to the appointment and we were talking to Josh and he told us that he had received his answer that the Book of Mormon was true and he knew it. That was the best new and feeling for Elder Lee and I when that came out of his mouth. But during the pre-lesson I felt really prompted to drop the lesson and talk about the importance of Baptism. So that is what we did. We could feel the spirit teaching and working through as we told Josh how important this step is and that if he knows its true then why delay the blessings. Well by the end of an incredibly spiritual lesson Josh agreed to move his baptismal date sooner! That was an amazing experience for us just seeing that as we follow the prompting of the spirit and teach to the needs of our investigators and rely on the Lord, only good will come out of it. Josh is still progressing super great and I am loving the opportunity I have been given to work with him.

This week Elder lee and I were so blessed. Had so many amazing lessons with some amazing Investigators and less actives. We work so well together and that is definitely one reason why we are seeing so much success, companionship unity is key. Without it you don't have the spirit and without the spirit you aren't going to teach with the power the lord has promised to give to us. That really is the key, relying on the spirit and just going to work no matter the weather or the circumstances with a smile on your face. It make a world of difference. :)

Tuesday we got invited to eat lunch with a less active named Grace, so much fun. She fed us steak potatoes and rolls, total american. Felt like home! So that was awesome.

We got a home call from Tom this week and he told us that he has completely stopped contact with his other church and made time for ours! Tom hasn't been active in over 8 years and now he has been the last 3 weeks and is going to ward activities as well. We definitely saw the Lord working with him and He finally made that step and oh is he happy. The gospel is such a happy thing and blesses lives beyond measure, it simple is...amazing!!

Funny story, so this week I let Elder Lee cut my hair and well I guess all of the stories were true. If you let your comp cut your hair eventually he is going to mess us. Well that was this week so I got some nice short hair right now haha. But we got a great laugh over that it was great. I mean it will grow back right! Good memory though!

Cool story....so Thursday is our contacting day because non of our investigators can meet on thursdays. So this Thursday we had about an hour before we had to go to Den Haag so we prayed and asked the Lord to bless us with three potential Investigators. And the answer was miraculous. We walk outside down to the street where we contact normally and the FIRST 3 people we talked to were interested and told us to come by. How big of a miracle is that?!?! I just love being able to look back on my week and see how much the Lord truly loves us and wants us all to succeed. He is Always there if we but ask.'That's truly an amazing principle, I know that my Father Loves me, and all of you!

This week was quite a good one and made me realize all my blessings! I hope that you all have an amazing week yourselves and Remember The Lord Is Always there!! The Church is true!!

Love, Elder Parr

#ReturnWithHonor!

p.s

Me and the little girl in this picture are best friends now. Her name is Vloer and she is the sweetest girl ever!!

Week 14 Delft - We can do all things through Christ

Hello hello,

What a crazy, wonderful week it has been over here in the Netherlands. The weather is still the typical, you walk outside get rained on, then blown around by the wind, I love it! The days are actually day for about 4 hours and then its dark again ha-ha. The work is progressing and the days just seem to keep on getting faster. And the food is beginning to become very Dutch. So here is my week for you all, enjoy.

Monday:

Last Monday night we got the missionaries in our district and went over to the Presidents house and did an iron chef with one of the members. It was super fun, so is what we did: each missionary had to bring one ingredient of his or her choice. Then the Member (Ethlyn) Took them all and with the help of us missionaries turned it into quite an amazing meal. So that was an awesome time with everyone. A good memory!

Tuesday:

Today was the last district meeting with the gang before transfers, so we had to say goodbye to everyone. Then went out to eat at Vapianos again so good! But tonight we had an amazing lesson with our new investigator Esmeralda and she said she loved it and wanted to be baptized and felt the spirit, it was just solid. Elder Lee and I were so excited. Then Friday came along and we were sitting in correlation and we got a phone call from her saying she doesn't want to meet anymore. That was so sad and honestly a little hard for us seeing how much she loved it the other day. But we did our part and tried our hardest sometimes things just don’t work out the way we hope I guess. But tonight we had another lesson with crazy tom! I love that man he is so great, always a fun time with him. He is super old and thinks he can speak English and only knows a couple lines off movies so every time we would say something in English he would say something like :of course baby “over and over. We got a good laugh out of it!

Wednesday:

Today was great, so Elder Lee had an investigator when he was in Den Haag named Guido and he wants to meet with us now. So today he invited us to a sushi bar buffet in Den Haag. Mom & Dad I know you know how much I love sushi so you will be surprised when I say, I actually ate some!  I am conquering my fear of foods I guess. But that was an awesome time, we had a solid lesson with him about modern day prophets and Apostles. Loved it. Then tonight we had a Super member present with Josh, Dan and Emma Pershcier, that was so great. SO josh was there for dinner with us and he absolutely loved it had a great time and got to know Dan and Emma a lot better which is great. We played a matching game with the prophets and apostles and then had an amazing spiritual lesson after that. Josh is still super positive and doing awesome.

Thursday:

Today we met a guy he brought us to his house and we sat down and gave him a strong lesson and he really liked it and invited us back and really wants to know more about the church. Tonight we had a Halloween party with the Jofos and that was a blast. We bobbed for apples, did egg Russian roulette, donuts from a string, pumpkin carving and really just had a blast with each other.  :)

Friday:

We had dinner with Micha tonight and actually had a good lesson with him and are making some progress. I gave him a red pencil and challenged him to use it every day and to start reading. He accepted, so let’s see what happens! Then we had a lesson with Arie and Estella again, super super good. We gave Arie a scripture story book with painting of the story as he reads he can follow along to remember it better. He absolutely loved it.

Saturday:

We had a lesson with Miguel this morning and finished the restoration, which was a very good spiritual lesson he definitely felt the spirit, it is working on him!! Then we had a lesson with Habtamu, super positive man and family. I am glad that we were sent to him and get the opportunity to work with him. Then another lesson with Josh, which was also really good and we just reassured his baptism and he is still on track.  :)

Sunday:

Awesome day of church, tom bore his testimony we had Micha and Josh there again plus 4 less actives. Elder Lee and I are really being blessed by the Lord right now it’s amazing. I am so thankful for that. We had lunch with Micha and the Romig’s too and the best part was how well Elder Romig and Micha connected both having background in the military.  They helped give a solid lesson and that was just great!

Well sorry this email was not super detailed and a little short. But I love you all and thanks for the support you give me. I hope you all have an amazing week. I heard this week was a little rough, we are keeping you in our prayers.  Remember the promise that “with the Lord we can overcome all things, Never Forget that he is there for you....ALWAYS! Phil. 4:13

Love,

Elder Parr

#ReturnWithHonor

Iron Chef party at the Mission Home

Ethlyn and I 

Grandma Dansie sent me the mask - perfect for Halloween Thanks Grandma :)

Halloween Party JOFOS and our District