Parkinson's at Navajo Nation: 2011

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Best of the Rez Week 48

Best of the Rez Week 48 December 5^th to December 11^th

Okay so the time seems to by flying along. I swear it is Seminary. It is tough preparing every day with all the other things that we have going, but we can feel this year drawing to an end.

This week did not have a wonderful baptism, but it did have a highlight—we had a man complete all 12 steps of the Alcohol Addiction Program. That is huge!!! We are very proud of him. He has fallen off the wagon once, but came right back. The Chinle missionaries have been doing ARP for 18 months and have never gotten anyone passed the 8^th lesson. We are very proud of our man!!

Okay, now for the best story week on the Rez. Our little church is about 1/8^th of a mile off the road and that really does stop a lot of people from just dropping in. Chinle on the other hand is right on the beaten path and next to a gasoline station so they get people almost every day. As the Roberts were getting out of their car from dropping off the seminary students, a man yelled from the road that he needed a prayer. Sister Roberts said she would be glad to pray for him. He came a running around the chain link fence. It was cold and he asked if they could go inside to prayer. They took him in and had a prayer. Then he asked if he could shampoo his hair. Sister Roberts said no but she would give him some shampoo in a little bag and he could do it later. Then she made him a sandwich. While she was doing that he said he had a urinary condition and wondered if he could use their bathroom. ‘No’ she said again, but they took him over to the church and let him use that restroom.
The other day someone stopped and asked for a diaper. When they said no he asked for money then. They said no and he walked out and walked away without any children.

1) We had planned to go to Gallup on Monday but the weather was bad so we just had a bit of a relaxing day at home. The Elder have bonded so they came over to hang out. That night we taught the Gene’s and the Wheeler’s which we very much enjoy.

2) Tuesday we got stood up for a literacy lesson. We spent the rest of the day handing out flyers for the RS Christmas work meeting. Then piano which overlaps with RS.
We were so thrilled. We had 21 women show up for our little party. We wrapped Christmas presents for the children, had a white elephant exchange (that was hilarious) and then ate. It was great! Our RS president was so happy. It was great. After that we taught the Logan’s – where I had taken care of the dogs. They said they are on line for baptism on the 17^th. WOW! This could be good, but they still need to come to church.

After meeting with them we drove Sister Tsosie back to Chinle. It had been a very long and busy day and we finally made it home to crash—so tired.

3) Our literacy man showed up but our appointment didn’t. Elder Parkinson is teaching the literacy and the man is just eating it up. He wants to come every day. That is refreshing.
In the afternoon Elder Parkinson met with John Draper to plan out home teaching. Now, our motto is ‘no expectations’ but we do hope something good happens with both our visiting teaching and home teaching beats. It would be a first for a very long time.
We also got a call that our Sister Yoe had surgery so I fixed her up a meal. We drove that out to her, picked up the Ahasteen boys and headed to the Chinle nursing home. The YM-YW were going to sing Christmas Carols and then the YW gave out the lap blankets they had made. We took a keyboard and when Kelsey started to play all the women started coming out of their rooms. They said it was the most patients that had ever come out. The YW went around and gave every woman a blanket. Now truthfully, the blankets were out of children’s material but those ladies were happy. Chinle has 2 sisters that were called on missions to teach the CNA program here on the Rez. They were there. They have talked and talked about the experience. They said that most of those ladies didn’t even know their own names, but they knew that someone was being nice to them—they knew kindness. And did those little old ladies love their blankets with dinosaurs and kittens and teddy bears. Sister Reid tried to pick one up to look at the pattern and the woman grabbed it and hugged it and then pointed to her name and shook her head ‘no.’ Anyhow, Sister Curley has really done a nice job with those girls. They have made over 40 blankets to give away.
After they sang we took them all to Burger King for a sundae. I think they had fun.

4) We headed to Gallup for to get groceries and supplies. We must have been been in need because we sure spent a lot. We rushed right home to get to Kelsey’s piano recital. She was wonderful. It is so interesting to see the variety of styles on the Rez. I hadn’t expected to see a Navajo Emo.

That night we made a Peach Melba Dump Cake for Kelsey. She came over with her mother to eat it and we sat and told stories for ever. It was really fun.

5) As we were driving in from seminary, our literacy man was already here. He was only an hour and 10 minutes early. Brad spent about 2 hours or more with him. He wants to come back at 8 in the morning—Saturday—I don’t think so.
We were having our couple over for supper that is supposed to get married and baptized next week. When we went to get them they said they were thinking about coming. WHAT? They didn’t show! Oh well! We ran over to the Logan’s birthday for just a minute and then headed home to teach the Benally’s piano lessons. After 6 lessons I was beat.

6) Saturday we went over to Chinle to attend Sister Larsen’s funeral. He is the stake ward clerk—they are Beleganna’s that have lived her for a long time. We taught the couple from the night before and planned their marriage and baptism and then we watched a movie.

7) Sunday was pretty good. Logan’s came to church so the baptism is on for the 3 of them. The Tsosie girls were there and that was so fun to see them. We had another new family with 2 primary children. We had 63 which ties our record. Christmas songs were pretty good. Just lots of running around trying to help our new teachers and take care of sharing time.
After church we had Sister Yoe and Selena and Tivona (her grandma was in Montana for a funeral) come for homemade chicken noodle soup with homemade noodles. Oh, it was good. John Draper showed up as well. Then Sister Davis came with more goodies for the children’s presents. Then someone came dropping off clothing. Then the Pinon Elder’s came because they were staying here and couldn’t get in. We had the houseful all night. Finally everyone left and we could work on seminary.

And so the week 48 ends. A wonderful RS, a fabulous YM-YW! Another 4 are committed to baptism. A new counselor teacher in primary. WOW!!
In the front of the house you can see a skiff of snow so I assume we are feeling like Christmas is approaching. ‘I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.’

The Church is True,

Never underestimate an act of kindness,

Our faith and prayers,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

The Nursing Home asked us not to take pictures. SORRY!

Kelsey playing in her piano recital.

Kelsey poses after wards. Love her smile.

Best of the Rez Week 47

Best of the Rez Week 47 November 28^th to December 4^th

1) We actually started this week with some exercise. (After Seminary of course.) We went over to the gym and then I got an OCD moment - or hour. Sister Davis gave us all the left over crayons from her school. They were in boxes according to colors. I separated them all out and put them into boxes that contained all the colors in the same box to give to the other seminary teachers. That took some time and oh, my aching back.
That afternoon we returned to Many Farms Community School for the afterschool program. This time Elder Parkinson was going to teach birds and then I would teach singing with the leftover time. WELL—they were having a board meeting and so they brought 3 groups of kids in—all different ages. It really went pretty well, and we controlled them pretty good but it was not our ideal teaching situation. We had brought crayons and pictures for them to color. That went pretty well?#*#, but we ran out of pictures in the first section and had another one to go. There were kids everywhere and they all wanted us to see at the same time. Oh my! What an experience. The next group was just one class of 18 and went very well, but we had run out of pictures so they made some for us—on green paper. Elder Parkinson kept saying – Never Again.

2) I have no idea what happened, but I woke up sicker than sick in the night. It was awful. We canceled seminary since Brad didn’t feel very well either. Sister Tsosie called early and wanted to know if we could go over to Tsalie when we were going visiting teaching to give a friend a blessing. I felt okay—lying in bed, so we told her yes. We couldn’t find anyone to help give a blessing, but we picked her up and headed to Tsalie. It is a very pretty drive, but it wasn’t long till I knew I was in trouble. Brad pulled over and I lost my breakfast. I did feel better after so on we went. We gave her friend a blessing and talked with them. Then we headed to Many Farms but we only found one of our people home. Then we took her to lunch and brought me back to bed.
Elder Parkinson taught the piano lessons. I got a call from our investigator family that they were on their way to Phoenix as the oldest girl had a tumor. They needed supper. I called around and couldn’t find anyone to help so when Brad came home he put in pot pies and took them supper.

3) Happy Birthday to me! I still didn’t feel terrific but I was up and going for my birthday. We went over to Chinle and went out to eat with the Roberts. Love that couple! I still didn’t feel very well, but the food good. I got a cute card from my 15^th ward visiting teacher and the 15^th ward RS. Oh, it feels good to be remembered.
I was supposed to do YM-YW but they had something else planned so I was free to go to Evelyn’s. The YW called me in and gave me a book and a beautiful necklace. It was wonderful and I got hugs from them all.
We planned out the baptism and had a good lesson with Evelyn. I told her Brad had made me a cake and she wanted 10 pieces. April (her daughter) followed us home and they took 10 pieces. (Evelyn was embarrassed that we really gave them 10.) We had cake with the elders. The Tsosie girls called and sang to me. I was in tears. All the kids called and my brother and sister called. Fun day—so far away.

4) One of my birthday presents was that our investigator family all headed to Phoenix to be with their daughter and I was put in charge of dog sitting. They have a two dachshunds—one black and one red, and some really furry puppy. I love dogs so even clean up was great!

5) Thursday was Brad’s turn. He didn’t have the stomach flu but boy did he get a cold. He didn’t even get up for seminary and slept all day long. Friday he was still way under the weather and Saturday I taught piano and then we did a little GPS and called it a day. He still felt terrible.
Evelyn ended up staying in Phoenix (doctor’s visit) because of the snow, so the baptism was postponed till Sunday.

6) Sunday was interesting at church. We had a good turn out to church. Sister Martinez accepted to be a primary counselor. She said she wasn’t ready and I told her we were joined at the hip and together we could do this. She came in to primary and we started with a prayer and then the president asked me if I had a video or something because she didn’t know where her book was. GRRRR! I had everyone sit in a circle and then we all learned about one another—family members, favorite ice cream—stuff like that. One of the Grandma’s came in with us which was confusing but fun. Then we had sharing time and that was fun.
We had Sister Davis and Brother Simpson eat with us since they were staying for the baptism.
And sure enough, at 2:30 we were ready for our baptisms. I should mention that when Grandma was going to be baptized, my little Tivona that actually started all this with her piano lessons got permission to be baptized as well. She learned the songs to play for the baptism and could sing them while she played. She is the dearest thing in the world and every week tells us how she is coming to Idaho with us. Boy—do I wish it could be.
At school some kids were teasing her about how there isn’t a God and she turned around and asked, “Then who made you?”
Anyhow, I thought the baptism was wonderful. Todd was a little nervous, but how many people get to baptize his grandmother and cousin sister the day before he leaves on his mission. Todd’s father, Evelyn’s son-in-law confirmed Evelyn and Elder Parkinson confirmed Tivona. We had ice cream and cookies afterward and it seemed very nice.

And so ends week 47 with a very wonderful baptism. We love Evelyn but Tivona is our little girl. She is the youngest in her family and determined to lead the way. We hope that we can baptize more family members before we leave. And we so hope they will stay with us. With her one daughter being a faithful member we believe it can happen.
The Church is True,

Growing older is fine if it means families connect,

Our love and wishes,

Love all,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

Kelsey said she was cold and wrapped her head up.

We thought it was worth a picture.

Elder Shreeve, Elder Evans, Shaycee,

the birthday girl with cake, April Begay and Bill.

Tivona Begaye, Evelyn Begay, and Todd Smith

(her grandson leaving on a mission tomorrow.)

Part of Tommy, Taylynn, Trent, Tanya, Tivona,

Evelyn, Todd and the two of us.

Add Todd's brother and mother, Wileen and father Terrill Smith.

Best of the Rez Week 46

Best of the Rez Week 46 November 21^st to November 28^th

1) Can anyone say sleep in!! Ahhhhh. The girls are out of school this week so we do not have seminary. It came at a perfect time as my body was almost on revolt. However, it was a tiny bit embarrassing as a couple stopped to ask us what it is like to serve a mission on the Rez and how much money it would cost them. Lucky Rez, because they WANT to come serve here and they will be fabulous. They already understand the Rez and love the people so they will be a perfect fit.

2) Eric and Angella stopped by on their way to Salt Lake. They got here pretty late on Monday and we had supper with them. The girls went to bed rather quickly and we watched a movie with Eric and Angella. It felt nice. The next morning we had some pancakes and they were gone. However, Kaiya got a piece of gum and I told her to make sure she threw it away. When I noticed she wasn’t chewing it I asked her where her gum was. She said in the garbage can. I asked her which one and she said the white one. I was satisfied with that but when Grandpa put on his shoes, he found out where she had really put the gum. We did laugh.

3) Thanksgiving on the Rez. They held our zone conference for the seniors on Thanksgiving Day in Kayenta. We drove over with Roberts. I took pies and she took jell-o salads. We got there and tried to store our food either hot or cold and then met for a meeting. The meeting was great and President talked about how to help people with giving up their traditions. Truly, it is the curse of the mission. Then we all had our dinner. It really was wonderful and you have never seen so much food. But, it had dried out and got cold/warm a little so maybe not my favorite Thanksgiving dinner. However, the company was wonderful. I really wish you all could meet all the people serving on the Rez. They come for all walks of life and are just wonderful. The new 6 month mission is bringing out a lot of people. One couple was just delightful and said they were from Pocatello. I went up to meet them and they said, “Parkinson—do you know Del?” That was so much fun because we got to talk about the little recital we had just had Del do for us DVD wise. They are the Hoch’s and are just a delight. All the couples are and it about breaks our hearts when someone goes home. We will forever have a new family of friends.
I was in charge of the music for the meeting and the program. I delegated beautifully and it was all perfect. Elder Ziegler was the chorister and he was great. Sister Reid played the piano and was perfect on all the songs. Sister Williams and Sister Ziegler did a vocal duet for the meeting, “This is the Christ” and it was wonderful. After the meeting we had some entertainment for the dinner and the Ziegler’s and Williams (with husbands now) did 2 numbers that were delightful. Then I had good old Elder Parkinson do a harmonica solo. I asked him to do “Amazing Grace” but it came out “Mariah.” He kept telling me he wouldn’t do it, but he went right up there and was outstanding. I was very proud. Then the Nawahine’s did some Hawaiian numbers that were so fun and touching as well. He did a song his grandfather had written that was very sweet. Of course, I don’t speak Hawaiian, but his performance was sweet.
After the meeting we cleaned up the best we could in COLD water and headed home.

4) The Elder’s had a baptism Friday the 25^th, two primary children that are just great. Their names are Rylan and Rylena Wilson. I have already mentioned how they like to name their children with the same letter; well it goes much further—they try to use the same name. Rylan-Rylena-Rylander. Robert-Roberto-Roberta-Robertena. Joseph, Josepha, Josepheen. Johnathan-Johnathena. It goes on and on and is most confusing to some Beleganna’s I know.
Anyway, we got the font filled but we ran the water so slow, it didn’t trigger the hot water so it was pretty chilly. They asked me to speak on baptism and it went really well. It was a fun baptism and I have a good feeling these people may actually stick with the gospel.

5) We did a little more GPSing and stopped for visits wherever we could. We saw Ty which was a highlight. Oh, how I wish we could scoop him up and get him to BYUI. He would really like to be a great member, but his family doesn’t have time for church.
Eric and Angella came back for another quick supper and we had a little birthday party for all the birthday that were close. It was really fun. They loved their new dolls and I loved my watches.
They all went to Sacrament meeting the next day and then they were off. The kids at Primary stood in the window and waved goodbye. Sad day for Grandma!
We were invited to Todd Smith’s dinner after his mission farewell. While we were there we told his grandma (who was suppose to let Todd baptize her a week ago) that time was running out. They planned the baptism for Friday night. Evelyn went right to the microphone and told the entire party that she was going to have Todd baptize her this Friday, so I think it is going to happen.

And that is about all the highlights of the week. We were thrilled with our new baptisms and the activity of their parents as well. Actually, we think their grandparents as the children call them Grandma and Grandpa. But they have been great and we sure hope they will stick with the church. Thanksgiving was as good as it could be without family. Thank Heavens Eric and Angella stopped by (all too quickly) to make the holiday endurable.

The Church is True,

Gratitude is the most noble of virtues,

Love you all,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

Elder Roberts took a picture of his wife. She said her posterity

will not have a clue what he looks like.

(going CW) Sister Roberts Brother/Sister Jenson @ Indian Wells,
Sister/Elder Page @ Polocca [backs] Sister/Elder Hoch

Elder Nawahine and Sister/Elder Brown @ Sheep Springs.

(Also seen) Sister Hoch's back again, Elder Page's head again,

Sister/Elder Bouwhuis @ Window Rock, Sister/Elder Droddy

@ Tuba City, (can't tell Elder alone)- (next table)

Sister Yoeman and Elder Reid.

President and Sister Jones singing along.

Sister Bouhuis in the front.

Elder Nawahine singing his Hawaiin good-bye.

President/Sister Jones and the off beat Parkinson;s
following Sister Nawahine in the Hookie-now.

The first 3 pies are mine; and apple

and 2 pumpkins. I'm still trying!

Dark picture but me holding the mike

for the accomplished harmonica player.
He was wonderful!

The Hoch's took our picture and emailed

it to Del -- who emailed it to us.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

Elder Evans, Rylander, Felix Kinleechee, Rylan Wilson,

Rose Trujillo, Rylena Wilson, and Elder Shreeve.

Add Bishop, more family and us!

Add more family and take away us.

Add Sister Gene, the Primary President.

Sarah, Kaiya, Sister Tsosie, Brooklyn, Angella, and Eric

sporting their new Navajo dolls, purse and scarf

that Sister Tsosie made.

Sister Anabelle Mitchell, her daugher,

Grandma Ardella Mitchell, and Geogia Mitchell.

(and Sister Gene peeping out the door)

Best of the Rez Week 45

Best of the Rez Week 45 November 14^th to November 20^th

1) YIPEE!!!!! Another new experience. The entire mission went to the Monticello Temple on Monday the 14^th. We had 6 young elders and 2 couples meet at Many Farms and head to the temple together. It was just wonderful. They held a 9:30 session, a 10:30 session (ours) and an 11:30 session. Then the Monticello stake fed us. It was wonderful. We had a great drive in nice weather. The temple was wonderful. We are going more and more—that is our new goal.

2) Most of the week was on driving around inviting everyone to our ward Thanksgiving dinner. We were able to see a lot of people so it felt good although nearly every one of our appointments fell through. Piano lesson are holding strong at about 12-15 a week.

3) Friday night the Curley girls came over and helped me make posters for the primary songs. I was bound and determine to teach them, but we have different children every week, so posters are a must. I found a site that donated me the pictures and showed me how to make the posters for free since I was a missionary. We spent hours making them while Elder Parkinson made us lemon bars.

4) Can anyone say work? Can anyone do work? Oh my goodness! We held the ward Thanksgiving dinner on the 19^th. I started cooking at 8 AM, taught 5 piano lessons and we were still working our little hearts out at 6 when it opened exactly on time. WHAT A FEAST! And I believe it was a huge success. We think we served around 130. Our favorite was our ‘safe’ member that his wife will not let us in or speak to us came!! We were so happy and she liked my pie. We had a great turn out but still we thought we would have so many more. You are happy about this one being there, but so sad that one is not. And the food was great. We cooked Safeway turkeys and they were so good. Everyone brought something and we had tons of food. Still, the day was long and the clean up was intense. I got to eat about 8:30 and it was still one of the best meals of my life.

5) Primary Program. We will never hold that the day after the Thanksgiving dinner again. Oh, next year I do not need to worry about such things. We had 12 ward kids and Bishop Yellowhair’s (our high councilmen) son’s helped as well. It really went as well as it could. All the music was played by the youth – 4 primary kids and 3 YM-YW. A couple forgot their talks, but we made something up on the spot for them, and all ended well. And we had 63 there. That is our highest attendance since before Elder Callister came.
I made them my Skittles pop corn and we played reverence games afterward. I walked in and dang near died.
That afternoon we drove the Curley’s over to Window Rock for the Youth Standard Night. That was nice, but things are different on the Rez. We got there when it was suppose to start and the leaders walked in with us and told us what we could do to help set up.

The Church is True,

     Serving brings happiness,

          All our love,

               Elder and Sister Parkinson

Best of the Rez Week 44

Best of the Rez Week 44 November 7^th to November 13th

1) Yipper – another new one for the record books. We went to the elementary school and taught the after school program singing. Oh my! It wasn’t quite what we had expected. Our first class was great, the second class was bouncing off the walls. Elder Parkinson plays the piano while I teach the songs. It was really quite fun, but we expected 30 mintues classes and got them for over an hour. By the way—how many verses have you done of ‘Old McDonald.’ And can anyone tell me what a giraffe says?

2) The seminary teachers from the Rez meet once a month for in-service. This month was Many Farms month to host the event and they came on Tuesday, the 8^th. That also meant that Brother Watts was coming to our class that day. We did something very special—we used what he taught us at the last in-service. They called it a scripture squeeze, but we had a whole message from Elder Ballard on the ‘Law of Sacrifice.’ We covered the table in paper and then taped the article on the table. Then all 4 of us got different colored pencils and went around the 8 pages of the talk, and made comments, or gave a scripture reference, a cross reference, a personal example or a goal we would try. It was WONDERFUL!!! Brother Watts just loved it and the girls were great. After the in-service everyone came over to see. It went over so well, we did it for 2 days—great activity. We also served them dinner which was great fun.

3) We also had RS work meeting this week. We only had nine there but we still felt good about it. I taught a lesson on visiting teaching. They really don’t have a clue. Oh well, I can use my visiting teacher, Sister Luce, from the 15^th ward for the perfect example. THANK YOU!

4) Elder Parkinson also had a delightful experience. While I am teaching piano lessons on Wednesday evening, he and McKay Curley teach a 10 year old boy, Timitrius. Timitirius’ mother just moved in with a boy friend that really doesn’t like the kids or have enough room for them so she dropped them off at an aunt’s house. Then they decided to keep the girl but left him. Oh yes, if I could I would pack up at least 75% of the Rez’s children and ship them out on permanent placement. Anyway, he moved in with Sister Yoe and Selena. She brings him to the church and his mother told him he could take the lessons and be baptized if he wanted to—so he is. Well, I guess it is just precious to see little Mckay (12) and Elder Parkinson teaching this darling Timitrius (so full of life and energy and SO cute). I think you call that making the most of a bad situation.

5) Turkey Dinner – yes, we went to Ayze’s for a turkey dinner. It was wonderful. Her table was so pretty. Her food was just wonderful. We ate till we just about burst and then she wouldn’t let us help clean up. What a wonderful time we had. My. Ayze has worked in Navajo politics for quite some time and was telling us all the stories. This Rez loves to shoot themselves in the foot. They almost had a Walmart but then a son-in-law put the stops to a land deal. The only three things you can buy on the Rez are expensive food, gas, and cell phones. They will tell you over and over how the four sacred mountains will provide for you, but you better want one of those three things or be willing to use your gas driving somewhere else.

6) Interesting. After feeding us a wonderful meal and talking about how excited they were for piano lessons and basketball the next day, they didn’t show up.

7) Sunday was our first practice for the primary program. I delivered parts to 18 youth. We had eight show up. I will be praying a lot for this mission miracle.

And the rest of the week was normal Rez. I still believe it is Seminary that makes our time pass so quickly. We love our girls and we are even enjoying teaching the Old Testament. Before you know it, Christmas will be here—Ho Ho Ho!

The Church is True,

Stay Strong,

Pray Often,

Elder / Sister Parkinson

This is Timitrius in his first white shirt and a

new tie from Elder Parkinson.

Sister Yoe, Timitrius and me.

Don't show Sister Jones (mission president wife)

but they say you can tell a lot about a missionary

by the shoes he wears.

Do you think our missionaries work?

Elder Parkinson made animal pancakes.

Kayla and Kelsey loved them!!!!

Teaching at the elementary school.

"It's autumn time -- the leaves are falling down."

Best of the Rez Week 43

Best of the Rez Week 43 October 31^st to November 6^th

1) Only one day to do our thing; I called Margaret and we headed out visiting teaching. We had a great day. I take her to all the elderly Navajo only speaking women and it was great. We found everyone home and they were all very nice to us. We went out to Gerald and Elvira’s house—way out there—and their little 2 year old son Scotty took Margaret by the hand and walked her to the car. It was so cute.
That night we had a trunk or treat and some people actually came. Then the Benally boys carved my giant pumpkin for me. It was not too giant but they had a good time.

2) We went visiting teaching to a Navajo speaking non-member that her son joined the church and she loved having the missionaries coming and teaching him. She wanted a blessing. I told her I could pray but I would bring my husband back to give her a blessing. Well, we did without any interpreter. After Elder Parkinson finished, I pointed around her room and said how nice it looked. She nodded and pointed to her son. I said he must be the helper. “No”, a voice from the kitchen said, “she wants a blessing for him as well”. I do not have the gift of tongues.

3) Well here is a new experience for you. We were told that there was a member down the way. We have stopped several times but finally found him at home. He is a bit older and uses a cane. Our conversation was centered on how we should all love and understand one another—and how happy he is the Catholic’s let the Native American’s keep their traditions. He was sitting there tapping his cane on the floor when all of the sudden sparks start shooting out of it and buzzing noises!!#@## Come to find out the cane has a tazer in it. When we asked him why, he said because if he carried a gun, he would use it. So much for loving one another. Meantime, my little over sensitive to electricity body had that tazer go up my legs till I could hardly stand the rest of the day.

4) Saturday we had some new piano students show up. There is a member that married a preacher’s daughter and has completely left the church. Well, he likes our gym and so he brought his 2 granddaughters to play ball and learn piano. We had a great time. They even invited us to a turkey dinner next week. That sound wonderful to me.

And that about covers any highlights of the week. Seminary good, excuses bad. Life moves on while at the Rez.

The Church is True,

Fall is beautiful,

Love to you all,

Elder Sister Parkinson