100 days in the mission field

 Wow it's been a crazy week!!!! I had my last few days with Elder Fisher. It was sad to see him go. He thinks he will probably finish his mission up in Norwich. Which would be really cool. He taught me a lot about missionary work and how to be effective. I picked up Elder A from the train station and we made our way back to Bedford. We talked a lot on the train ride. He's from southern California. We talked about Newport, the beach, chronic taco, crystal cove, and driving on the PCH. 

So we got home and did some unpacking, went shopping for some food, and then just went out finding. It's crazy how familiar I got with Elder Fisher just walking next to me the last 3 months. We were pretty great friends. But it's good to have a new companion to find out different finding techniques and things. So we just started talking to people! We basically went finding all day Thursday, and Friday and set some awesome appointments on Saturday with people that we were stoked about. Like we were seeing miracles finding, it was crazy!!! Well Saturday came and we had a member coming to each of our appointments, we were pumped, but as the day went on, each appointment cancelled until it was 7 at night and we didn't have one appointment and we had been riding across Bedford to each appointment to have them all cancel. It was frustrating. But to be honest I felt that I had done my part. I talked to people, I invited them, and they have the agency. I just wish they knew how happy it would make them. I think the Lord has me in the refiners fire right now haha. Dad sent Sam and I an email a few months ago about that and it feels like that is what I am experiencing. I hope I can continue to learn from rejection and opposition but to be honest it's a hard sometimes. But like Sam said in his email last week. One of the few things I do know how to do is to just put my head down and work. When the going gets tough just put the head down and work harder. I'm grateful that I learned that at such a young age. Thanks mom and dad. I could use a mowing day once in a while though like 20-25 lawns on a Saturday morning. (Wow, that sounds glorious!) maybe that's just the crazy Parkin in me haha. 

Well not much else happened this week. But Elder A and I did make a sweet connection! Elder S, who Sam trained is in Elder A ward!!!! It was so crazy when we found that out! They are actually really good friends. It's crazy that we are all the way across the world but we can make a connection like that. We will have to visit their families when we go to Newport! That was really cool I thought. 

I hope Ben is alright. I wouldn't expect anything less though, to be honest. He sends it too hard sometimes. At least you know when you're sending it though Ben. I'll miss making him test the 50 footers in Sun Valley or hitting the first sticky rail in the park or seeing if the double backy is doable off the jump we just built hahaha. 

Lords Hand

I saw the lords hand this week in keeping me happy and positive even when things aren't going they way I would like them too. I can feel of his love for me in the hardest of times, as well as the easiest. I have also seen the lords  hand in giving me a companion that I get along with and that I can make connections with. Last I see the lords hand in my family. I have struggled a bit thinking about Christmas out here without you. But I have felt the Lord comfort me and let me know that it will all be okay. I am so excited to talk to you guys. It will be the best. 

I love you so much. Ben keep sending it. Be the first brother to huck a backflip with a sling on. Lol haha. Love you guys. 

NO SHORT CUTS 

Jacob