best of the Rez Week 31/32

Best of the Rez     Week 31/32     August 15^th to August 21^st

Okay, enough of the confusion; week 31 on the Rez but actually week 32 because we spent 1 week in the MTC.  I need to simplify because I am getting mixed up one which week I am on.  So from here on out, we are just going on the total of weeks we have been on the mission which is now 32 weeks.  Does that sound like a long time to anyone out there?  

This past week has been as interesting as most, but it is the first week in 3 weeks that we have not had a baptism.  Still, some very interesting things happened so all in all it was a pretty good week.  I still find that I am on the learning curve, and wonder if I will ever get this whole thing down.

1)      Groceries!  Actually it was things like staples to put up the missionary board, and vacuum bags to vacuum the floor that we needed most.  After seminary we headed for Gallup.  We stopped on the way and met with President Brown.  He is our stake president and really wants to do things right.  He is taking on the traditions and telling people to ‘choose’ which way they want to live.  We met with him to see about teaching literacy classes to help people read.  He told us about when he followed George Lee and left the church.  Interesting story!  And did he ever have the news for us – Elder Callister of the Seventy, is coming to give a fireside at Chinle on the 27^th and then will attend the Many Farms Ward on Sunday.  WHAT???  Oh, heaven help us!
Then on to eat and buy some groceries.  The young Elders were having a Zone Conference in Gallup and we were running into them everywhere.  After we loaded our ride with food and supplies we headed back to Many Farms. 

2)      Tuesday after seminary, Sister Curley came over and we made bread and butter pickles together.  It was great fun.  Then we prepared for seminary and got a lesson ready for Rose, but she didn’t show.  Piano started at 4 and went to 7.  A miracle happened in that the Primary presidency got together for a meeting.  After piano we had ARP but our man called and excused himself again.  We went out and taught Evelyn Begay and April the Word of Wisdom.  I think it went well. 

3)      Wednesday after Seminary I taught the Elders a piano lesson.  Then we forgot that we were supposed to go to Garcia’s to eat with the Rogers so we were late.  They came back for a missionary farewell and stayed a few days.  There were 8 of us at dinner and we sure had a good time telling stories.  Everyone’s new favorite is the 168 hours in a week and the Lord only asked for 3.  I am sure many of you out there are thinking 3—that would be nice, but it is near impossible to get the people to church for 3 hours here. 
At 4 I had piano lessons till 7 but the middle lessons did not show.  That night was crazy at YM-YW.  The Bishop was doing lots of interviews, the Primary was doing an activity night, and the YM-YW were both meeting.  After all that we had Wheeler’s over to look for temple clothing.  It seemed like a very long day.

4)      Thursday we didn’t even get started with our seminary lesson.  Then we went for a nice walk.  Sister Tsosie called and asked us to come in the afternoon so we drove over to Chinle for a temple prep lesson with her.  On the way home we taught the Ahasteen’s a follow up lesson but they were gone.  Kirby was supposed to stop by for supper but he forgot so we had a calm night.  (no piano on Thursday – I was planning on going to Rock Point to teach at a school there – still wondering)  Then Elder went to softball practice in a horrible wind storm but the few that were there stayed and played.  Then home and rest.

5)      Friday we still didn’t finish the Thursday’s lesson but we sure liked the pancakes.  Then we drove straight out for Kayenta where we were having a Senior Zone Conference.  It is always good to get together and get a boost in the arm for the work.  It was a great meeting.  President Jones talked on afflictions and overcoming them and committing people to read the Book of Mormon and pray.  Then we had a yummy lunch and headed for a sightseeing tour.  We went to Monument Valley and over to John Wayne’s cabin for all his movies they filmed there.  It was very nice.  Brad looked at a necklace for me and when we asked about the price it would have been $6459 with the discount.  We didn’t buy it!  Then we went to Bluff, Utah.  They had service volunteers there to teach us the history of that area.  It is part of the Hole in the Rock or Undaunted Courage fame.  That was great.  Afterward we ate at a local restaurant and nearly scared the owner to death when 19 couples walked in.  It was good.  Then long drive home. 
Ganado has been trying to play us in some sports event ever since we got here.  We have tried twice in basketball and they never showed up.  We tried once in softball and they never showed up.  Well, they got the big idea we could play Friday night.  They knew it was zone conference but they said to just let the wards do it without us.  Our ward agreed so we left them to play ball.  Ganado keeps telling us how they are undefeated and all that.  Well, we called to check on the game on the way home and we BEAT GANADO 21-10.  I guess it was amazing.  Elder Searle played in the state baseball championship 2 weeks before he entered the MTC so we will give him the credit.  I guess he ran that field and caught every one of their home run attempts.  Brad called Elder Payne and told him the score and Elder Payne started blowing in the phone and saying he had a bad connection.  FUNNY!!!  When we got home the Elders came a running with a play by play. 

6)      Saturday was the calmest day I can remember.  Brad forgot a stake meeting in Chinle and no one showed up for open gym and only the 9 AM showed up for piano.  We tried to drive around and find people but no one was home.  We taught a lesson to the Ahasteen’s that night and that was about the whole day.  I would have to say dull.

7)      Sunday was a new day.  Last month someone called the Bishop and said he was from Farmington and was coming to Many Farms on the 14^th to speak.  We tried to find out who this was and failed.  Well, today we found out – President Neilson of the mission presidency came.  We had no idea, but it was the Elder’s that were going to speak so their feelings were not hurt that badly.  Also, President Brown had assigned us high councilmen every week so we had Bishop Yellowhair show up as well and he spoke also.  It was a good meeting with great talks.  Kayla Curley did all 4 songs and did a great job.

They found a teacher for the youth Sunday School class so this was my first week OUT!  I was like a fish out of water.  We did have all three Primary workers show up and almost function together. Then I met with the Bishop and it looks like I am leaving Primary as well.  He extended a call but I told him to finish all the calls and then put me in where the others wouldn’t; but it looks like my time with the youth is over.  I was crushed. 
We came home to our sandwich and got a quick nap through the phone calls.  Then we taught a family we have been working with.  The mother and the 11 year old daughter have been baptized but not the father and 16 year old daughter and 8 year old daughter.  They all accepted baptism on the 17^th of September.  Let’s pray for that one.
Then we rushed to Chinle for a High Priest meeting.  I visited with the missionary wives there and then we drove home.  We went out to a garden that a lady put in that we did not think was a member.  She had been baptized for placement but never came back.  But does she ever love her garden.  We tried one more visit and then home.  I was really low as my joy of Sunday’s has been taken away.  We can’t wait to see who accepts what and how the ward will function from here on out!

And so another week (or two) ends on the Rez, some new sites and some new friends.  The thoughts of next Sunday have me nearly in shock.  I cannot imagine a Seventy coming to our little ward for Sacrament Meeting.   We will be busy this week handing out flyers and making invites.  We are eating watermelons from our garden and squash and potatoes and beets and beans and carrots and onions and too ripe corn.  YUM

The Church is True,

            May your horizons always be colorful,

                        May God Bless,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

Our Elders, on foot, tracking. 

Looking out over Monumnet Valley.

The Duke!

One of the stagecoaches used in the movies.

Elder Parkinson and Elder Nawahine show off their hats.

The senior missionaries listening in the shade

house at Bluff.

Bluff, Utah

                       

           

Best of the Rez Week 30

Best of the Rez     Week 30     August 8^th to August 14^th

The spectrum of emotions.  I wonder if anyone has done a study on that – especially on the LDS missionaries’ spectrum of emotions.  It is impossible to do the work without getting emotional about it, but the emotional involvement can kill a person.  Only a return missionary can truly understand.  Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be balanced again.

1)      Monday we started seminary.  We doubled our class from last year – we now have two –Kelsey and Kayla Curley.  What an absolute delight!  We have been out and have 10 signed up, but we realize that we will only have these two girls, unless some boy gets hungry on pancake day.  After seminary we drive them back to school.  The rest of the day was just establishing our new schedule; preparing seminary, cleaning, and gardening.  We went out and taught the Ahasteen’s.  DJ is really excited to get baptized.  Then we rushed home because the Begay/Teller’s are having a dinner for us.  They called to say it would be late.  Now I am beginning to understand late—we were to eat at 6 PM but we ate around 9 and then the host showed up around 9:30.  Her daughter was left to do all the cooking.  It was not a total loss because I got to cook my first fry bread.  The first one I put in splashed a little on my toe and did that ever hurt.  The pan was so full of oil that Brad asked if it ever caught on fire.  She said no and I told him not to jinx us.  He left to get the camera and it started on fire.  April blamed him and we all sure laughed.  Anyhow, fun night—but I was so tired I wanted to cry.  The family had to have Brad pray before he left because they love his prayers.

2)      Tuesday was seminary and then we headed to Kayenta for a seminary meeting.  We went with the Roberts.  We had a great time.  Talk all the way there and back and lots of info while we were there.  Almost out of the blue they found a couple looking for some type of service mission that was willing to come and teach at Tuba City.  They are the Droddy’s from New York.  It was fun to meet them as well.  We made it back for piano lessons and then ARP but no one came.  Then we found out he called and said he couldn’t make it.  That felt a little better because we really like this guy and want him back in the church.  Then we went over to teach the Begay’s but they were all getting ready for their big dedication for their new little party house.  They wanted Brad to do it, but the rest of the family said it had to be traditional.  We struck out everywhere we went so we just drove home. 

3)      Seminary was good Wednesday.  They girls seemed to like their project.  The mid day was calm and then we taught Aaron.  His mother and sister were baptized, so we are trying to catch him up as well.  The early piano didn’t show up but Selena did.  What a sweetheart.  Then I made Beleganna (white) pudding for YW.  They seemed to like it.  Afterwards, they played softball.  Brad is just having a ball with the softball thing.  We had around 25+ there.  One of our investigators came over and played with them and he said he had a ball.  That was very good.

4)      Seminary was GREAT!  We did the Plan of Happiness in the parking lot with sidewalk chalk.  They loved it.  So fun!  Then we headed to Chinle to teach Margaret.  That went very well.  Afterwards we went out to eat—yum!  Then we bought a few groceries and headed home.  Our 4 changed to 8 and our 5 canceled.  We had a bite and headed back to Chinle for the garden meeting.  That was great—love those garden missionaries.  We left that early to get to Ahasteen’s.  We played Chutes and Ladders with them and they really had a good time.  We also planned the baptism.  Finally home and to bed.

5)      Friday is pancake day so we were up early getting things ready.  We tried to catch up all the video’s we had planned but we still ran out of time with an extra day.  Brad decided we needed a nap.  Well, he may have gotten 10 minutes in but I went through 3 calls with Neil, 4 with Sister Roberts, Sister Curley came and we were trying to cut off vines with squash bugs and the FM man came and fixed up the house. I did not get much rest.  Both our appointments either didn’t show or canceled.  We fixed up some BBQ and had our Sunday School party.  We had 10 show (plus Bishop and the Elders) up so that was good.  We ate and played 100, squat ball (my name) and toss up.  I think it was a good party only we sure didn’t have much food.  Very tired!

6)      Saturday we slept in and then Elder had softball practice while I had piano lessons (45 minutes late).  Then we got things ready for the baptism.  It took us 2 tries but we got clear water. 
We had a new family that we think will have a baptism so we took the Elder’s with us.  We really got lost but an hour later found the place.  Okay, how do I describe.  Really, the house was clean enough.  It was just extremely hot so they had all the doors open.  That brought in a few outside guests as well.  We estimate that I had over 100 flies land on me at once.  I am NOT kidding.  The Elders could not believe how they just swarmed at me.  I did my best at holding the pictures while Elder Searle tried to kill them by flipping them off of him.  Elder Parkinson had a hard time teaching, but he maintained his composure.  He did, however, mention that we were not much help. 
Then home to get ready for the baptism.  Our printer was out of ink so I had to write the program out by hand.  We got to the baptism and they were late.  He got ready while I was playing prelude.  Then I sat down with him and noticed his mother was not there—he almost started to cry but she got held up in some rain storm somewhere and said to go on without her.  The program went very well and then we had some root beer and a few cookies.  His mother was bringing a cake and since no mom—no cake.  We finally got home with lessons to prepare and then the program to write by hand.  I was so tired.

7)      Early start today.  We got things ready and then I headed to the church to practice.  While I was gone Sister Curley called for a ride and since I didn’t hear they had to walk to church.  Sacrament meeting did it to me again.  We had 3 of our baptism’s there.  BUT, the missionaries were seated at the Sacrament table to bless the sacrament and 2 ward members went up and took over.  One is the husband of one of our baptisms and we have been working with him as well.  It was his first time ever and he did great. 
Okay, I have not bragged about my little piano players lately, but today was another first.  Today Kelsey Curley did the entire meeting, all four songs and did a wonderful job.  I am now having them all take turns and do all four hymns.  Not bad for around 6 months. 
Oh, and the high councilmen was my favorite speaker, Brother White and his family.  They are so amazing—great talks.

Again, our primary counselors did not show up.  Sister Curley was sick so I had Elder Searle teach primary while Elder Read taught Gospel Doctrine.  After Sunday School Brad pulled me out of Primary and told me to go get the family we were teaching temple prep to have them come to meet with the Stake President.  (There haven’t shown up last 2 weeks)  Oh Boy!  I am not so good at this.  I prayed a lot on that drive.  When I got there they were resting in front of the air conditioner.  It was an interesting conversation—something about commitment, serving, showing up for your callings and the Lord asking only 3 out of 168 hours in a week.  Anyway, they said they would come.  They did!  We got a picture of the Ahasteen’s whole family and then home to collapse.  Sunday dinners are a thing of the past. 
Just as we were about to sit down the Bank Robbers came.  That is the name the missionaries have given the women that are always trying to get money and food from us.  They haven’t been to church in months, since I wouldn’t give them gas money or buy their $600 rug.  First they wanted squash and corn.  I told them we just sprayed and had to wait and that I wouldn’t pick it on Sunday anyway.  Then they came back to sell us rolls.  Brad told them we don’t buy things on Sunday and they left. 
We went out to find people that night and found the 2 boys that we had just recently baptized and were supposed to get the Priesthood today but they didn’t show up.  Come to find out they were up in Pinon and had gone to church up there.  WOW, did that ever make my day.  We visited there and then headed home.  Seminary comes early but sleep didn’t.

Week 30.  That sounds like it should be a mile stone.  Not really, but time is passing.  Baby Steps!  President Jones says that we are all making baby steps and someday the progress will show.  I do hope he is right.  Oh, the steps seem so small.  The garden grows so large, the steps not so much.  At least we have seminary to keep us grounded. 
We do hope all is well as your families are probably preparing to go back to school as well.  New schedules  and opportunities—how exciting.  We wish you all the best.

The Church is True,

            Fall walks are the most colorful,

                        Walk with God everywhere you go,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

Seminary starts.  It is Elder Parkinson's day to accompany.

Kayla and Kelsey are always here 5 minutes early!!

Kelsey and her father, Pres. Curley showing

off their garden produce.

My second fry bread, this one is round.

April Begay and I made all this fry bread!!!

The host wasn't there yet, but we started without her.

Navajo tacos -- wonderful!

Our host Evelyn, standing and her sister Marlene.

Another sister, Elaine -- mother of Ty and Kirby, April

and Evelyn's brother Ashkii.

Another brother, Stan, Elder Searle and Elder Parkinson.

Vanessa Price brought Taylor with her for her son's Aaron's

lesson.  Taylor rocked herself to sleep on our glider.

Such a cute pose.

Kelsey and Kayla build a Plan of Salvation in our living room.

Now they are taking on the parking lot with sidewalk chalk.

Elder Searle is doing some kind of Indian dance to assist.

Elder Evans is drawing a smiley face.

It was wonderful and they were very proud of it.

The Sunday School class party playing 100.

And now playing Toss Up.  Elder Searle hates that game.

The Ahasteen men before DJ's baptism.

Add all the missionaries.

And now add President and Sister Curley

and Bishop and Sister Benally.

DJ and Junior.  These are the cutest kids ever!

DJ and Elder Parkinson.  He came up and asked for the picture.

Since his mother and sister couldn't make it the night

before, we took a family picture on Sunday.

Best of the Rez Week 29

Best of the Rez     Week 29     August 1^st to August 7^th

So, how was your week?  Amazing how you can fill up 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, and about 1 hour of that whole process can change so much.  There were wonderful parts of this week, but I still about lost it.  No, I did lose it, but missionaries always bounce back – right?

1)      Monday was a nice day.  We did the usually cleaning, washing and gardening.  Buffalo Pass is Elder Parkinson’s favorite spot so we drove up there for a picnic and he took over 200 pictures.  We also started into our seminary materials.  Then we cooked for both the Curley’s and Mr. Z.  Mr. Zamudio is the Ag teacher at Many Farms High School.  He is the hardest working and most energetic person we have met.  He is Mexican but has been here for years.  When he saw Elder Parkinson’s garden, he has been a regular visitor.  He wants us to put up a big fence around it, because it looks so much better than his.  His wife takes care of her elderly mother so she wouldn’t come but Mr. Z showed up a half hour early and the Curley’s showed up a half hour late.  That made me a bit nervous.   We had fresh garden salad, fresh cucumbers, Dutch oven potatoes, BBQ Dutch oven chicken, boiled crook neck squash, and dump cake.  Sister Curley brought homemade tortillas that were out of this world.  Fun night.  Lots of conversations and good laughs.  It was a lot of fun and a lot of clean up afterward.

2)      Tuesday we really worked on Seminary.  Then for some reason we drove out to try the Begaye’s again.  We found them!  We had a nice visit and then home.  My piano lesson forget me because they forgot their laundry full of new shirts at the laundry mat and had to drive back to Chinle to find them.  I was over at the church just playing the piano and Brad came over to set up for ARP.  We had dinner and we did get someone to ARP—his 4^th time.  That is very good!  We then tried to set up some appointments and called it a day.  As I was saying my prayers I remembered that we had missed an appointment.  NO WAY!  I was just sick and could not get to sleep.

3)      Wednesday was a little fun.  First off, the stake president wanted us to go to Rough Rock to try to find a man.  He wasn’t there.  Ouch!  The stake president wanted him in our ward bad.  Then we came home through the rain.  We made an appointment to make up the one we missed and we drove out to it and they were not there this time.  We stopped some cookies over to Dale Mitchell.  He is such a fun guy.  Then I taught piano lesson to the entire Thomas family again.  Even there Aunt stopped into watch.  (Thunder and lightning outside and she was walking and got scared.)  Then it was time for YM-YW.  We all went over to the ball park.  We got it cleaned up and I thought everyone was having a great time.  We had about 16 there.  Then home and exhausted!

4)      Thursday we went to Sister Tsosie’s.  We taught about chastity and tithing.  I am not sure tithing has been a high priority on the Rez – it is a much harder concept for people who feel so poor.  Then we went shopping for groceries and headed home.  The piano didn’t show up (new schedule) but we had a great lesson.   We challenged a mother and her adult daughter to baptism.  Her grandson is going on a mission Dec 7^th, Mexico City.  She first said that she was so glad he was going in the US.  Then we said that Mexico City was one of the largest cities in the world and she said she thought Phoenix was.  We stayed there way longer than we expected, but I think some of them are going to accept baptism.  Anyway, we are trying to get her to let her missionary grandson baptize her before he goes.  She wants her whole family baptized with her.  I think one is willing to accept but the other two may be more trouble.

5)      Friday we headed to Chinle to take Brother Draper to the hospital for his shots.  We drove around the Canyon for a while and then picked him up and headed home.  The Elders needed haircuts to look spiffy for the special night.  We helped the Elders fill the font.  Oh my!  The water was clear.  We think we have figured it out.  We then tried to teach our family again, and we were stood up again.  We headed back and got everything ready for the baptism.  I played the piano and Brad led the music.  That was interesting.  They had their son give the talks and it took 97 seconds.  But then they waited for a niece for about 30 minutes.  Finally he was baptized and it went great.  We had made cookies for it, Elder Read made fry bread, and she brought a sandwich dinner for everyone.  The Elders told us that the couple wanted to go through the temple.  I went up and told them that after the missionaries finished with the follow up lessons we would start on temple prep and have them already before we left.  She wanted an explanation.  I told her they could go through the temple next August but we would be leaving in July.  “But you will going through with us?!”  Hum, I told her we would try.  Cute!

6)      Saturday started early with softball.   We had a pretty good crowd and they seemed to have lots of fun.  HOT!  Then we just hung around trying to get appointments and get everything ready for our baptism.  The Elders were melting so we had them come over and we watched seminary videos.  The baptism had a pretty good turn out and Ty said it was the best day of his life.  We had floats afterwards and the kids all played ball.  Home and get everything ready for Sunday.  We promised a family muffins if they would come to church so we had to cook on fast Sunday and couldn’t lick the bowl. We were so tired but we could not sleep.

7)      Sunday started really early.  I was playing in church and I didn’t know the songs so I had to leave early to practice.  Besides the fact, I had to have a Sunday School lesson ready and music time for Primary.  We got to church and saw the crowd and our little hearts jumped for joy and sank into the pit at the same time.  Our 2 primary counselors were not there.  Our baptism from last week, brother of this week, that was supposed to get the Priesthood was not there.  Our muffin family was not there.  Finally, our little boy getting baptized next week showed up so that is still on.  Anyhow, I really felt bad – 41 people there.  Still, the lady we challenged on Thursday came with 2 grandchildren and stayed for all 3 hours.  Our members don’t even do that.  And our new baptism stood and bore his testimony and made us cry and cry.  That was very nice.  Then our little ‘safe’ man came and wanted his children named and blessed.  The son (2ish) screams at everything and everyone.  We did it in the Bishop’s office after sacrament meeting and you have never heard such screaming.  The little girl was as sweet and could be though.  The father was thrilled.  Sunday School went well but Primary was not my favorite.  We still tried to pull it off.  When I saw the Primary leaders not show again and all the people not show up that ‘promised’ us they would, it about broke my heart.  I came home and the tears fell.  Brad said my mistake is having expectations.  You must relax on the Rez.
Brad made the yummiest meatloaf and while it cooked we took a nap.  Wrong again, the phone rang.  We had our dinner and then the Roberts came from Chinle.  They are so excited about teaching seminary over there.  Then we set up for our Gospel Institute class but no one came.  We went out and found 3 seminary students and signed them up, but we are not taking odds on them ever showing up.  The Elders went with us so we had a good time.
Elder Read was transferred to Farmington and then reassigned to Fort Wingate.  He leaves Tuesday.

Done—a roaring week.  It was hot but only one quick wind storm.  We had a little rain so that was good.  School is back in so a lot of people are getting back to a normal schedule.  We got to see Katie’s family for the first time on Skype.  It was Olivia’s and Brittan’s birthday Sunday.  Brittan is 16 and ready to drive and date so watch out world. 

The Church is True,

            Exercise the body and calm the spirit,

                        Our love to you all,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

 

Kenton and Marilyn Anderson mentioned that our garden

is like an oasis in the desert.  We thought we

would show you how true that is.

From the road looking toward the Elder's trailer.

The networking is to stop the crows.

Just a plush picture of our garden.

Our first corn with other veggies.

Elder Searle gets his first haircut.

(from left) Elder Searle, Edison Yazzie and Elder Read.

And the whole family

For some reason this is the only picture of Ty Bia's baptism.

We love this young man!

Best of the Rez Week 28

Best of the Rez     Week 28     July 25^th to July 31^st

Ah, the ups and downs of mission life.  All in all, it was quite a good week with a few down moments.  Our baptism happened and we were just thrilled.  Sunday was a bit confusing at church but we made it through the day.

1)      Monday was a calm day.  We cleaned, washed and gardened during the day.  Then we drove out to give a blessing to a little boy that has been told he has brain cancer.  Elder Parkinson asked his Uncle, Dale Mitchell to assist in the blessing.  Bro. Mitchell is one of our favorite.  He had a bad wreck and a stroke and really can’t function mentally or physically at 100% but he wants to help.  He kept saying, “I’ll do the best I can,” and he did.  He repeated every word Brad told him.  Then we drove out to give a follow up lesson but they had company so that didn’t happen.  Nizhoni and I got to chat so all was not lost.

2)      Tuesday we drove over to Ganado to get a haircut and kill prairie dogs.  It is always fun to be with the Payne’s.  Then we drove back to Chinle and stopped in to see Margaret.  She didn’t feel tops so we made an appointment to visit her again on Thursday.  We came home and taught Derrick and Vanessa and their son Aaron that is home with them now and wanting baptism.  That was really fun.  Then I taught Caitlyn a piano lesson.  We were supposed to go to Ahausteen’s but it was pouring rain so they called to cancel.  That night we had ARP and a new record—2 showed up.  I think it went well; pretty good discussion but a little too much blaming and not realizing their choice in agency.  It rained all during ARP so we stayed in the rest of the evening.

3)      Wednesday I taught piano because the Curley’s were leaving next week.  That was fun.  Then a slow afternoon but we had a great lesson with the Ahausteen’s.  Then I taught the entire Thomas family—mom, dad and 4 children a piano lesson.  That was really fun.  As I was finishing up I noticed that the Roberts from Ganado were there.  They had just been re-assigned to teach seminary in Chinle and we were holding the supplies until they found a teacher.  We tried to chat with them but Thomas kept on playing and Roberts kept asking questions and then YM-YW showed up.  All so confusing.  Of all things, I taught the YM-YW tennis in the gym.  It was hot but we had a good crowd and all seemed to be having fun.  We set chairs up across the gym for a net and played tennis baseball, and the volley game.  I was a wet noodle by the end—so hot and tired.  We had this family that use to be active show up for help.  Always interesting!

4)      OH NO!!  Massive headache.  I woke up at 4 AM with a bad headache.  A little after 5 AM I had to get up so I was walking around looking out and a brown cow was just reaching into our garden.  That started the morning off with a bang as we were running and yelling at that cow.  He took off on a run and ran right under the chain link fence like it wasn’t there.  I just could not break that headache so I mostly slept/sat for the day.  Brad had a drunk come for help and they had an interesting chat.  He wanted a prayer, so Brad went into the young Elder’s district meeting and asked for Elder Searle.  Elder Searle (greenie) wanted to know what was happening.  Brad told him a drunk needed money so he told him that he could sell Elder Searle for whatever he could get.  Elder Searle sure has great faces and expressions.  (Hope you laughed Val)  We did have one lesson that night with a member family trying to show them how to use the scriptures.  My hair was a fright (too sick to comb it), but we made it through it and then home and back to bed.

5)      Friday started with a blessing for a young father.  Brad needed to talk to the man alone, so I took his son and we went and picked peas and beets in the garden.  When we came back the man was just sobbing and rightfully so—such a sad story.  Second marriage—wife left him—now wants back child support—no job—no money.  The sadness on the Rez can choke a person.  Then we drove over to Chinle and ate at Garcia’s—a Navajo burger.  It was good.  Next we went to Margaret and talked about putting zipper’s in a purse.  She thinks she figured that out so we had a temple lesson.  Interesting!  She sure gave a sweet prayer.
We stopped at Bashas’s (Arizona grocery store) for treats for the baptism.  We saw a man there that was supposed to be showing up for ARP.  He was drunk and had stolen a blanket and was trying to sell it.  We had quite the talk in the parking lot.  I don’t think he won. We rushed home for Kirby Bia’s baptism interview.  That again was interesting.  The parking lot experience was connected with our baptism and the family had ended up in a fight but Kirby stood strong waiting for his interview.  He did great and we planned out his baptism.  We started filling the font but the hot water came in black and the cold water turned deep-dark brown.  YUCK!  We got stood up for a lesson and then had a pick-up rodeo chasing that brown cow up and down the road.  We just stopped and gave it up for the day!

6)      Saturday was another new experience.  First off we went over really early and tried the font again.  We may have it figured out.  We turned on the hot water only, just barely and ran it for a while and then the cold water – again just barely.  That seemed to work.  The pictures still look not so good, but it is clear (dark) water and you can see the bottom so we were pleased. 
At 10 we went over with the Curley girls to try to fix a softball field.  It was hot and lots of work, but we made some progress.  Finally noon and out of the sun.  We made up the program and got everything ready for the baptism.  At 7 PM Kirby, his mother and sister were the only ones here.  I felt so bad.  Then all the sudden the Bishop pulled in with 8 of his family, the Curley’s came with 5, and the Thomas’s pulled in with 4 so it was much better.  And of course, the 4 missionaries.  The baptism went great and then we made root beer floats.  Home to do all the wash.  Hard to settle down after a big day.

7)      Sunday seemed like a very early start.  Brad got up and left and I just couldn’t move.  I finally made it over there to get the music organized.  Humm!  Not the best day for music.  Everyone goofed bad.  There were suppose to be 8 speakers in Sacrament, but time ran out after 4 so they wisely stopped there.  It was a great Sunday School lesson so that went pretty well also.  Then @#$%%^&*.  I went into primary and everyone kept coming and taking their children and leaving.  I went into to see what was happening and nothing was happening.  It was 5^th Sunday and everyone forgot, so everyone was just sitting.  I got something going there and then turned it over to an Elder but he called on someone who changed directions.  That’s fine as long as there was a direction.  Anyhow, after church we were literally too tired to cook.  We had a sandwich and took a nap.  Just as we feel asleep the phone rang.  Then we tried to call people (everyone runs out of minutes at the end of the month) and make visits but not much happening. 
Another new experience.  We have decided we need people coming to us instead of us doing all the running while teaching the same thing over and over so we started a Gospel Institute class.  We had no expectations but we did get one person there—an investigator.  She really seemed to enjoy it and the Elders said they learned as well. 
After that the Elders came over and asked how in the world we could help Many Farms function as a ward.  It had been a bit of a depressing day at church.  Elder Parkinson said, “Okay let’s look at this picture.  You are here for about six months at the most, and then you get transferred.  We stay for the entire 18 months!”   They looked at one another and started doing high 5’s and clicking their heels.  Boy did we cheer them up.  Can’t say that it did much for us.  We think we are making some progress or as President Jones calls it -- baby steps and then the Rez shuffle takes us back 2 or 3 giant steps. 

And there you have it for another week; the good and the bad of the Rez.  This week the elementary goes back to school but the high school has one more week off.  The weather has been cooler with rain here and there so that has been nice.  Our garden is amazing and we love the food. 

The Church is True,

            Eat fresh – 5 servings of fruits and veggies a day,

                        God Be With You,

                                    Elder and Sister Parkinson

Okay -- Wild Kingdom strikes again.

At Ganado we saw these 2 dung beetles pushing

this prairie dog poop along.  One just rode it

while the other one pushed it with his back legs

I promise -- it was fascinating.

We all watched it and had a great time.

Tennis on the Rez!

This is the good.  It was just slightly yellow.

The deeper it gets, the darker it looks.

But believe me -- this is the good stuff.

You should have seen what we dumped out.

Since we ran hot -- then cold -- I had to get in and stir it up.

I also cleaned out any junk that came along.

Erin, Kirby Bia, his mother Elaine Teller and Elder Parkinson.

Add Elder Read, Elder Searle, me,

President Curley and Bishop Benally.

And now add the Thomas family--their cousins.

I got the big idea to clean up and burn the tumble weeds

Monday morning.

This is the third time we have burned them this summer.

Apache/Navajo ingenuity.

One of our investigators stand for their

air conditioner.