Parkinson's at Navajo Nation: May 2011

Monday, May 30, 2011

Best of the Rez Week 19

Best of the Rez Week 19 May 22^nd –May 29^th

Oh my – has this been an eventful week. I can’t even wait. Today, Sunday the 29^th, our church got canceled. I wouldn’t even believe Elder Parkinson when he said it, but on the second trip in the house, he grabbed the phone and started calling people. What would cause such an action – our steeple blew off. The winds did reach around 60 mph, but this even shocked the locals. People would drive by and watch it bobbing and hurry in to tell us like we had not noticed. We had noticed and one call to FM and they canceled church for us. It didn’t fall until about 2PM and then it just leaned over and lay down on the arch of the roof, like a long Snoopy dog. At first we were worried that it would fall through the roof, or blow into the road, but it dropped rather safely. Sister Curley got nervous and had us go move the piano. She suggested the organ also, but it was rather heavy.
Now that the event is over, here goes the mundane of the Rez:

1) Sunday night one visit fell through and the other was a temple prep lesson with the Wheeler’s. Well, it was almost a temple prep lesson. They were so excited; it was just a million questions and answers.

2) Monday – okay what do you say about Monday? Our cabin sold in Star Valley so we had to go to Gallup to notarize all the papers and get them sent off. It was rather an emotional day in a strange place.

3) Tuesday we had a mission tour meeting with Elder C. Scott Grow. That was very nice and helpful as well. Sister Grow is from Missoula, Montana so we had a great time talking of the old days. After the meeting we bought some groceries and headed home.

4) Wednesday started early with a blessing for one of our investigator’s daughter who was about to get her iron tested. The morning was mostly piano/garden. I teach the Curley children piano and Sister Curley cleans the church. That afternoon we taught the flora/fauna of AZ to our Tsosie girls for girl’s camp. That night we made Dutch Oven Cobbler for the Young Women and did they love that. Elder Parkinson also let them shoot his Air Rifle at a target and they loved that almost as much as the cobbler. You could call us magicians the way we made that cobbler disappear. Our lesson fell through but we showed them how to race walk instead. Oh and we had a wonderful call – our investigator called to tell us her daughter’s iron was perfect. The hospital asked which Medicine Man they went to and she told them the LDS Elders blessed her.

5) Thursday we picked up Sister Tsosie and headed out visiting. It was not as great a day, but we found a member that is getting harassed from his family for trying to be a church member (really a fence sitter). It was a really sad conversation. Our other people were not there so we fixed lunch and headed to district meeting where Elder Parkinson spoke about the Holy Ghost. Then we rushed home and had a wonderful lesson with our investigator that has accepted marriage and baptism. Our next lesson fell through and our last lesson was wonderful. We taught the entire Thomas family on the temple prep on moral cleanliness and paying tithing.

6) Friday was a yard/garden day. We planted some flowers around our house that probably all got killed with the wind and our horrible soil. Oh well, I can dream of having a pretty yard. Since we have limited water, I am saving all the dish water and bath water for the plants. Oh, do I feel like the pioneer.
We had the Elders over for dinner and that was so good. We made Dutch Oven potatoes and they disappeared as well. And Sister Mears, your son is a delight. He has wonderful manners and is so helpful. We get a kick out of him and his cowboy boots.
That night we had a good lesson with the Wheelers. Actually it was one of the choice experiences of our mission. They asked their cousin over and she sat and listened. Afterwards, Elder Parkinson asked her if she would be interested in hearing the discussions. She said that her boyfriend was a Mormon and that they were having trouble because they had lost a young son this last year. Elder Parkinson then read her Moroni 8 and bore testimony to where he was. She was just sobbing as well as Sister Wheeler. It was a very special experience.

7) Saturday was piano and wind. We didn’t have a visit scheduled so we took off looking for people again. It didn’t go as well in finding but we had a nice drive. That night we spent the whole time getting ready for church. A bit of a restful day just sitting in our little trailer listening to the wind.

8) And Sunday you basically heard. We tried to call all the people but phones on the Rez are not friendly. At the end of the month most people are out of minutes. If we did get through, they would say—oh, I am all ready. Sister Davis and her mother drove down from Rock Point, so we had a little sacrament here in the trailer. For those of you who cannot do the blog and see the pictures, I will never be able to explain. I am staring at a Q-tip that is completely reddish-brown after one try in Brad’s ears. The wind is something I could have never imagined and that is saying a lot coming from Rexburg.

At any rate, we made it through another week. Our dream would be to have this place established to the point that missionaries were no longer needed. I am not sure that day is coming soon, so hopefully some of you out there will join us soon and we can have even more fun serving on the Rez.

The Church is True,

The cabin is gone but we now have a hummingbird here,

Keep the Commandments,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

Sister Benally, the Bishop's wife and YW President.

Kayla Curley takes aim.

Kelsey Curley intent on the bull's eye.

Elder Parkinson loading the gun for Mariah Woody.

And now she shoots.

Jessica Benally focusing on the target.

McKay Curley after his perfect hit.

After our little Sacrament Meeting.

Sister Davis swears it is in her contract for NO pictures

so she is holding her new cradle board.

Leaning tower of Many Farms.

We pose in the wind. I thought that it would be a full body

shot showing how our clothes were flying, but the FM man

took a close up. 60 MPH winds!

Over she goes!!!!

Our little Burro without a garage.

Can you see across the street?

A wind storm sunset.

Elder Parkinson's first Q-tip. His poor ears.

As we got into bed, he said, "Can you imagine what

our cilia are doing in our respiratory tract?"

Our kitchen window sill.

Our den's window sill. YUCK

The upper sill and the window was locked shut.

I never want to hear anyone complain about Rexburg wind again.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Best of the Rez Week 18

Best of the Rez Week 18 May 15^th through May 22^nd

Well, there were no huge lows but at the same time there were not any huge highs. However, there was a fair share of comedy, if you were not the family involved. So come along, and ride the journey of week 18.

1) Sunday seemed like a huge day for us. We had a very busy but good day at church with our Seminary Graduation, helping the youth play the piano, Elder Parkinson handling the Executive Secretary, teaching the youth Sunday School class and then doing sharing time and singing time. It went great but we were beat. I already mentioned that we had a couple of great lessons, and then we had another temple preparation lessons that was so good. It was a great day and we were just exhausted at the end.

2) Monday was Seminary where we taught President Gordon B Hinckley. Our computer didn’t cooperate great, but it went pretty well. The day was cold so we did not go outside like we had planned but worked on the inside of the house. That night we had piano lessons and taught Selena the first aid things for girl’s camp. Then we rushed to an appointment where we taught the Priesthood Restoration. That was so good. Followed by another rush to Round Rock where we taught a part member family. I think that lesson went well also. At least the day felt busy but rewarding to us.

3) Tuesday was another cold, windy day on the Rez. We worked inside all day and had a complete bomb with appointments and piano lessons. Oh well, we accomplished a few good things.

4) Wednesday was our closing day for seminary. We invited the girl that is joining us next year and fixed pancakes while they watched the video about President Monson. I will not miss getting up and ready for teaching so early, but we will really miss seminary. The rain just poured. The day is basically piano day. I taught 9 lessons while Elder Parkinson played ball and handled getting interviews into the Bishop. Tivona and Kaylana decided to beat the tar out of him playing full court basketball, so he changed the game to hide and seek and then never went to find them. They rolled themselves up in a carpet and waited for over 15 minutes for him. We sure laughed about that.

5) Thursday we picked up Sister Tsosie and headed out visiting teaching. We found this darling lady that wants to come to church so bad, but she has no ride. Sister Tsosie told her that she is preparing to go through the temple, so now Sister Yazzie wants to come too. It was really cute. Then we headed to Wheeler’s for another temple prep. Crystal Wheeler is Sister Tsosie’s granddaughter, and Cyrus Wheeler’s dad was there, so we made it a family lesson. It was so good. We had lunch and took Sister Tsosie home. We headed home to get our doors fixed, but they didn’t show. That afternoon, we taught the Price’s. They are the ones that came and asked to be baptized after our first baptisms, but at our first meeting the informed us that baptism was great, but they did not want to get married. We said we would teach them and see how it all went. Today was the day, we told them they had to get married to be baptized. “Okay, but can’t we just go to the justice of the peace, and not have a big ceremony.” HEAVENS YES!! We explained the Bishop could do it without any fanfare at all, and they were just as happy as could be. Let’s hope this goes through. That night we went out and saw Brent but our other appointment had to leave so we got home early – that is almost a yeah.

6) Friday the weather was finally good so we had a nice walk and planted the garden. We no sooner walked in to eat before it started to rain. The Roger’s (our district leaders for one more week) came over and fixed our doors and played WII with us. We laughed a lot. We are going to miss them big time. Please someone—come to Chinle and teach Seminary. That night we taught the Thomas family again, the first temple prep class. They really seem excited.

I think I have mentioned how no one will hold a job. Well, I took the Primary book and ask them to teach their son’s class. They almost cried they were so excited. In his prayer he said how happy he was to be asked to teach and for blessings to do a good job. It was really sweet and we are seeing a lot of progress there.

After that lesson we rushed to Wheeler’s for another one of their birthday parties. What a feast. Brother Gene (a little guy known as chubby) cooks up a storm and we just love to watch him cook and eat his food. He really takes care of us. FUN NIGHT!

7) We found out that one of our less active members mother had passed away and her funeral was in Chinle on Saturday. We canceled piano and basketball and headed to the funeral. As we were parking we almost wrecked with this suburban coming around the parking lot in a real rush. As we entered the church we saw the Roger’s standing there. They explained that the mortuary (some 100 miles away) had brought the wrong body to the funeral. Everyone was in the room and when they opened the casket, instead of Sister Benally, there was a man. They had to rush back and change bodies. The suburban had the right body. Needless to say that funeral was a little late. The Bishop at Chinle conducted the services. He gave the opening prayer, then asked if there was any one to do a life sketch (there was), then he talked for about 40 minutes, and then he gave the closing prayer. Okay!
After the funeral, it was Chinle’s seminary graduation party and they asked us to participate. They had a Hawaiian Luau. There was tons of food and we had a really good time.
We headed home to teach a family that we have been trying to schedule forever, and I think that went well also. They asked for a blessing for their daughter. We fixed supper for the Elders and that is always fun. Hamburgers and Dutch Oven potatoes. HUMM!
It has been really fun finding out about all these people that read our blog. The other day a mother of one of the Rez missionaries left a comment and low and behold, her son is our new missionary, Elder Mears from Spokane, Washington.

8) And that brings us to Sunday. We had the MOST AMAZING high counsel Sunday ever. The talks were out of this world—so good. One little girl in the ward finally came up and asked for piano lessons. I have taught her three lessons and today she played ‘Jesus the Very Thought of Thee’ for the opening hymn. The speaker really praised her and then came down and played a piece for her. WOW was he good. I was so tickled for Tinisha, and believe me she needs the success. Then when 10 year old Scott played the closing song, Brother Gillespie was so proud of those kids. To anyone else in the world, they wouldn’t be worth listening to, but here on the Rez when you haven’t had a piano played for 20 years, it is wonderful.
After church Sister Tsosie didn’t have a ride back to Chinle, so we had her come in and eat with us. Then we went out to show the Elders where someone lived and walked into some of her relatives holding a birthday party. We made a few appointments and had some good laughs. Then we went and found another little old Navajo speaking woman. Again, Sister Tsoise has her convinced that she needs to go to the temple. Anyone out there want to donate a bus, so we can drive around and bring all these people to church. It was quite the visit. Sister Taylor said that her knees hurt so Sister Tsosie told her to get a blessing from the Elder. She is quite the missionary for us.

And so ends another week. Since we are not the family involved, we cannot stop laughing about the wrong casket at the funeral. The family just went into shock when it was not their mother. I would say only on the Rez, but I am quite sure that is not true.

I hope all is well for all of you. School is ending, tennis is over, graduation is here and the summer is on its way. Ah, the good life. We taught about the rich man and the widow’s mite today. ‘He that forsakes all shall be rewarded 100 times.’ As we read the verse, we looked at one another and decided all is well.

The Church is True,

Enjoy the ride,

God’s health and happiness to you all,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

We loved Buffalo Pass so we went back again on P-day.

So Pretty!

Just another pretty picture.

After our lovely walk, we saw this footprint.

It is either one huge cougar or a bear. Comforting.

Another pretty picture.

Tender Mercy Wallpaper.

Our seminary closing social--pancakes

with our new student for next year.

I hope everyone has a testimony in teaching the one!

Elder Nawahine singing at our Hawaiian Luau.

And add Sister Nawahine dancing.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Best of the Rez Week 17

Best of the Rez Week 17 May 8^th to May 15^th

I am still here. There were moments in this week that made me wonder but amazingly, when things get tough, there are little tender mercies that come your way that balance it out. Thank You!!! I would have never believed how a little pick-me-up could do the trick. Good always triumphs over evil and I have felt the tender mercies of the good.

1) Sunday ended okay. I got to talk to all the kids. We taught a lesson that was okay and saw another lady that has fallen away since her daughter has been having emotional troubles.

2) Monday was up early and to work. After Seminary (which we love) we headed to Chinle to cook. All our Senior Zone came to Chinle where Elder Parkinson made them Dutch Oven chicken and they all brought the sides. Then we went down in the Canyon De Chelly in our trucks. WOW! We really drove through some scary parts but everyone made it. We saw lots of ruins and learned how they grew up there. It was great fun to see everyone. We got 2 new couples that day but only made it in time for the party. They are the McNeil’s from Manti on their 4^th mission together. They met on their mission to England—then served in Ireland, England, inner-city Salt Lake and now here on the Rez. GREAT! We left the tour early to hurry home for a piano lesson and had an answering machine message that she wasn’t coming. Oh well!
That night we met with a family that the father is struggling with health and emotional problems. We suggested a fast and blessing and taught him about fasting. He joined the church years ago but never got the priesthood. Hopefully we can fix that.

I also got some flowers and candy from a ward family for mother’s day. That was so cute.

3) Tuesday was calm so we headed out to find. We sent the Elder to Rock Point with a list of names and we headed for Round Rock. We found four homes with members and one invited us right in. She got angry and left the church years ago and took her family. Her ‘husband’ is not a member but was so excited about her being a member. We had a great visit and hopefully that will go somewhere. We also found a home that we didn’t approach. All those of you on blog will enjoy that—I was scared to death even taking the picture. We came home all excited about the four families and new investigators we had found. The Elders went to one member’s home and ate with them and then to another member’s home and ate with them, and found no one. L We had even given them a specific address on one lady. That night we went to the Tsosie girls to set up their baptismal program. WAHOO!!!!

4) Wednesday was a nice day. I got cards from home and a package from Elder Parkinson for mother’s day. The 15^th Ward Beehives sent me scrap book letters and some pictures that were absolutely precious to me. Someone stopped at the house for funeral information so we got them set up with the Bishopric. We also got some shocking news when we checked our credit card and purchases were being made in Massachusetts. We called on that and they canceled our card and all is well, but we don’t have money for a few days. We fasted that day so it was a long day. Then piano and we met with our fasting member’s family and gave him a blessing. Another lesson that night with Wheeler’s that was very nice. We also tried to find a less active member but we got lost instead.

5) Thursday was for my step-sister, Carma. She had a foster son from this area and she wanted me to look for his mother, Mary Tsosie in Sawmill. I asked my Margaret Tsosie about her and they were related. Margaret said she was in a nursing home in Winslow, that she was 95 years old and that she would surely like to see her again. I told her we would take her. Oh was she excited. We loaded up first thing and away we went. It was a new drive for us so we enjoyed the views. When we got there and Margaret saw Mary she just rushed to her and cried and cried. So sweet. We stayed there a while and headed back home to teach. Of course, he canceled but he stopped at the house to tell us. He brought his nephew in to meet us as well. So nice. I taught some piano lessons and then we went out looking again and did find the house this time. The 11 year old girl was the only one home but said she would like to come back to church and get baptized. We will see.

6) Friday the 13^th and we will not talk about it – EVER!!! Worst day so far and never again.

7) Saturday was another garden day in Chinle. I teach piano lessons while they are gardening. Those garden missionaries are completely unreal. What workers! We learned all about putting in the hosing and planting the crops. We went over for Chinese afterwards, because one of our investigators works there. My fortune was ideal: ‘The vacation can wait; stick to the project to the end.’ That was more than a coincidence after the 13^th. Then home and filling the font and getting everything ready for the baptism. I started a new student on the piano and she just wouldn’t leave. She played for over 2 hours. We also worked in the gardens and had fun there.
At last—it is 6:30 and the Tsosie should be here to get ready. 6:40 – 6:50 – 7:00. I call all scared to death and they are on their way. It was wonderful. They really filled the house which was great. The one girl got frightened and it was all Elder could do to get her under, but he won. Then he played his harmonica while a brother played the flute. Great night. Afterwards, the Elders came over waiting for transfer news. They didn’t leave till really late but all in all, it was a wonderful day and sleep did return.

8) Sunday was so good. First off, the three Tsosie girls were all confirmed by Elder Parkinson. Then we had Seminary Graduation. Since Seminary is a new and sparse thing on the Rez, the graduation is in Sacrament Meeting. We only have the one girl but the Bishop’s 3 children take Seminary in Chinle where they go to school. (You can choose on the Rez) So we had Tyler, Kelsey and Tyrell speak and then Mariah Woody played the rest hymn. Then the Roger’s (Chinle Sem. Teachers) spoke and then Bishop and finally President Curley spoke and handed out a certificate to all, whether 1^st year or graduate.
The meeting was great. And Brent came with his little boy. I do hope he felt safe again.
And this may be my last brag on piano players, but Darren Woody, who struggles with ADHD and a few other things as well, learned and played, ‘God loved us so He sent His Son.’ He did it and he did it great. There was more than me crying when he finished.
Primary—I came so prepared it would make you proud and yep—so did the counselor. Oh well, we have next week done as well. I asked Sister Wheeler if she would teach one of the classes and she said yes. WAHOO I asked the Elders to teach one but Sister Curley (already 5 jobs) said she would, so I had my lessons for the two age groups. (And while they were teaching that—Elder and I taught Youth Sunday School.) Then we used the counselors sharing time and I rearranged the music and taught that. WAY BETTER!!!!! Somehow I am still exhausted, but not frustrated.

9) And home—too tired to cook so some leftover homemade soup. Then we taught three lessons and home to collapse before our evening lesson—which is next week’s news.

It was my sister, Elaine’s, 80 birthday and they are all celebrating big time in Montana. I skyped her so I could be there also. I bet it was a great celebration. Good on ‘ya. (My mother always said that after her mission in Australia.)
Keep those prayers coming; if I have learned anything it is that you never settle down and say you have seen it all on the Rez.

The Church is True,

Choose the Right

God Be With You Always,

Elder and Sister Parkinson

I made this extra large so you can see the Indian drawings on the walls.

This one is for Katie Parkinson : )

Brother Hugo and I and looking at pottery shards.

I found a great one with artwork. Boy did I want to take that one

home, but I put it back in a special place.

This is a Kiva. Look at the little furnace at the back.

Elder says that Louis L'Aamour talked about them

in The Haunted Mesa.

This is the "Curley's. They are the parents of Presdient Curley

from our ward and the grandparents of Kelsey, our seminary student.

Here is most of the group --except the ones taking pictures.

Okay, here are the Meldrums from Canada. Every time we see them

the two Elders have to plan their motorcycle trip once the mission is over.

So Sister Meldrum and I are hanging on.

You should here him talk about my candy bottom rolls-

he calls them teasers.

My Mother's Day Present from the Curley family.

This is Kathryn Begay weaving a Navajo rug. A pattern like this

will sell for over $1000. They create the design in their mind

without any pattern to follow. They do a little red and then change to

white and fork it altogether.

We didn't stop.

Our Roxanna Tsosie was really scared about being baptized,

so we opened the font to show her all about it.

Sure enough, she felt a lot better after looking at that spider.

This is the Little Painted Dessert on the way to Winslow.

Sister Tsosie and me being blown away at

the Little Painted Dessert.

Sister Margaret Tsosie finds her Aunt Mary :).

Sister Mary Tsosie -- this one is for you Carma.

We told her we were going to take her picture and she just beamed.

I hope you can see the smile.

Elder Parkinson, Shania, Nizhoni, and Roxanna Tsosie.

Add father, Tony and mother, Roberta.

Add Elder and Sister Parkinson, Grandpa Joe Sam,

and to the far right, Grandma Evellyn Sam.

Elder Parkinson and Roxanna

--she was terrified, but they made it

and she was so happy afterwards.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Best of the Rez Week 16

Best of the Rez Week 16 May 1^st to May 8^th

Happy Mother’s Day! I do hope all you Mother’s had a wonderful day and that all the rest of you took a moment to remember how wonderful your mother’s have been in your life. How lucky we are to be given the opportunity to come to earth and receive a body as we strive toward eternal progression.
I have really worked this week at re-arranging my attitude to try to help me through my work load, especially on Sunday’s. I must admit, that I have been to the point of ‘bitter.’ My new attitude was ‘the Lord sent me here because he could trust me to carry on where others may not.’ By the time I walked out of church I was more tired than I have ever been, but at least I wasn’t so bitter. We had the Davis’ to dinner and Sister Davis gave me the best rebuking I think I have ever had. So here is the new attitude: “My responsibility is not to worry about your responsibility and whether or not you are responsible enough to do your responsibility.” I do feel better, but at the same time, it is absolutely essential to get some help in that Primary. Attitude or not, I cannot keep this up.
And now for another week on the Rez:

1) Sunday afternoon we had a lesson with one of our families that like coming to our house. The little girls are rather wild, so I took 2 of them while Elder Parkinson taught the lesson. We showed the video ‘Finding Faith in Christ.’ The father sat there and cried his eyes out the whole movie. It was amazing. Then we had a rather unusual treat – the Elders invited us over for Navajo Taco’s. They were pretty good; especially after we brought some meat, cheese and tomato and lettuce. They were very proud of themselves and we were delighted. That night we were so tired we went to bed early, but the phone rang and we answered to “Ding Dong – The Witch is Dead.” That set off a series of calls and getting on the internet to find out the latest news.

2) Monday we took advantage of a P-Day and after we got the housework finished, we headed out for a nice hike at the Many Farms’ Window Rock. It is only about 5 miles from town and we just love it. We hiked right up to the point of the window and mostly slid down. You can take sleds up there and really have some fun but sleds are something we forgot to pack. That evening was piano and a lesson with Selena and her mother.

3) Tuesday we a wonderful awakening. At around 5 AM Elder said, “My ring is gone.” We both jumped up and tore our little trailer apart. All I could think of was us sliding down that sand the day before. My heart sunk. Finally we needed to get ready for Seminary so we started our daily routine. Elder said his prayer, got up and went to the air mattress we had rolled up the night before, opened the bag and his ring was lying on top of it. Ahhhhh, the power of prayerJ! After seminary we took a walk against the mesa. The day was rather calm but I was tickled about a piano lesson with a girl that I am concerned about. That night was Relief Society which is always interesting. They start it at 5:30 which is impossible for anyone to make. I was still teaching piano and running back and forth trying to help the 5 women that came. They told me we were going to exercise so I ran home and changed and then they started with fool storage. And guess who I got to sit by—the Primary President. She never even mentioned the fact that she hasn’t been there forever or asked how the children were doing. Oh well.

We left to teach but got stood up at our first lesson but the second was great.

4) Now Wednesday I loved! We had a great Seminary—love teaching the Prophets. Then we went to Wheeler’s but he got called away to drive a field trip. We came home and made a picnic and took to Dale Mitchell. We dearly love that man. He had a bad wreck and a stroke so he hobbles along in a walker. The missionaries go to his house once a week and read a chapter with him. No one will bring him to church. We asked the Bishop if he wouldn’t stop and get him and bring him to church. The first week, Dale wasn’t ready, so he just came in his Mormon underwear top and finished dressing at the church. Anyway, we fixed him a tuna casserole, jello and cookies and had lunch with him. He was so happy. Then Elder Parkinson asked if he had ever been married. He burst into tears, “I killed her, I killed her.” He got drunk and had a wreck and his wife was killed. Just as we got the subject changed, he spilled his food and Brad said, “Opps, did you have a wreck?” Brad looked at me for help but I was between crying and laughing myself. We stopped at a home we have been trying to work with and had a great visit with her – although the poor thing has very little working for her. Suggesting activity in the church may help doesn’t always make sense to them. Next we found another less active and had a great visit with her. She was much more receptive to us but was sure having her share of problems also; she is trying to adopt and her mother is dying. Then piano and my little Tivona was so cute. She is the only non member I teach and we had a little chat on not taking the Lord’s name in vain. We practiced saying ‘Sugar Beans’ instead. (That what my sister Elaine says.) Wednesday’s I teach till 8:30 and it was a complete zoo. Kids on every piano in the church and basketball in the gym. We rushed out and to the Wheeler’s where we had a great lesson. Finally home, we were beat by the end but both Brad and I were so hyper we couldn’t sleep.

5) Thursday was not a good day. We drove our ride to Farmington where we had a $1100 repair bill. And that within a month of taxes – maybe we will take up panhandling. The bright part of the day was the new mountain pass that we went over. It was just beautiful. Gloria, have you been over Buffalo Pass?

6) Friday Elder Parkinson took his Flora and Fauna slide show to the Chinle Elementary School 2^nd Graders for Sister Yoe. Oh, so much fun. The kids were so excited. We both decided teaching high school/college is a good thing. We stopped for a sandwich and Brent Harrison came running in behind us, “You missed me last night and I couldn’t find you. I was running all over trying to find you.” OPPS We had stopped at his house on the way out of town but no one was there—so we hoped we would make it home in time. After a 5 hour wait in the shop, we missed our appointment. We sure felt bad but love how excited he is to have us coming. He is the one we blessed his house and he felt safe at church. Then we rushed home and cleaned and dusted our house. I taught a piano lesson and then we headed back to Chinle to judge the elementary science fair. That was so cute and Elder got a nice badge and present. By that time we had company in the Chinle LDS parking lot– Jerry and Ardith came for a visit. Jerry is Brad’s older brother. They took us out to eat and then we came home. Oh, it was so much fun to talk and play.

7) Now Saturday was a ‘special day.’ Our ward was supposed to play basketball against Ganado but for the second time they canceled. Well, Many Farms showed up and with a ringer – a 68 year old ringer – Jerry. Oh my, did they play ball. It was really fun and we got some new people along with the fun. After the game we had a quick lunch and then Jerry and Ardith left and we headed to Chinle for a hike with the seminary. It was a good hike, but I have no idea how Brad did both in one day. Then home and a couple of lessons, but one fell through.

8) Sunday! Are there words -- NO! It was one amazing day. The opening hymn was played by our little Selena – the little 12 year old girl we baptized last month. Then the sacrament hymn was played by 10 year old Jacob. The primary sang 2 songs for Mother’s Day; Tivona (the non member) came to accompany and brought 6 people from her family to listen to her. She looked like an angel and it was so wonderful. Then Scott, another 10 year old accompanied the other song. Then Kayla (13) played the closing hymn. Okay, I was floating everywhere. Tivona and her cousin stayed for primary. Only you guessed it – there wasn’t any primary workers there so I got the entire 2 hours. Oh well, it went rather well, but I was so tired. I came home and found next week’s lessons so that I will never be that unprepared again. Now, can someone tell me how to teach two different lessons, to two different age groups at the same time? And if someone has a sharing time idea – that would be nice as well. As we left Elder Parkinson said he was cut to the bone. We usually teach Sunday School together because that teacher doesn’t show up either, but I had to be in Primary. Well, Selena gave the closing prayer and thanked Elder Parkinson for the lesson but blessed Sister Parkinson to be able to make it next week. We had the Davis’s to dinner and that was great fun. When they left we did the dishes and collapsed. My first Mother’s Day away – I made it. I cannot lie and say this is so much fun I don’t miss home a bit. I miss everyone and everything – like Saturday mail and Chiz’s ranch dressing. My faith has been tested severely, but I pray every day that not only will we make it through this experience but that as we leave it will feel like it was all worth it.

The Church is True,

God Bless America,

Our prayers and blessings to you all,

Elder and Sister Parkinson