WEEK 7 SAULT STE. MARIE (WEEK 104 OF MISSION)

Well, this is the last email i will send from the mission field. I have no time and too much to say.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers over the past two years and throughout my life. Thank you for the emails, cards, money, and letters. I could not have done this if it weren't for the support of my friends and family. 

I have learned so much over two years. I have changed. I will share briefly the truths that are the most worth knowing. 

There is a God in Heaven who is our Father. He has consecrated His entire existence to helping us become like Him. The Universe is consecrated to that same purpose. We are eternal beings who are in a probationary state, to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God will command us. Jesus Christ is the Savior and the very Son of God. He atoned for the sins of the world and paved the perfect path back to our Heavenly Parents. If we will follow Him and His teachings our lives will be filled with peace and happiness. His Atonement answers all the, "what if" questions of life. The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored in these latter days through the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is true and if we will read it and follow its teachings, we will steer clear of sorrow and misery in our earthly state. Through the restoration of the Priesthood of God, the relationships of husband and wife, parent and child, and all other relations back to father Adam can be welded together in a great chain, leading us to dwell in everlasting burnings in the presence of God. 

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

WEEK 6 SAULT STE. MARIE (WEEK 103 OF MISSION)

There wasn't a group letter from Parker for his blog last week.  

He didn't get to go to Mackinac Island after all last Monday because they got rained out!!! Sounds a lot like here.  Maybe our whole family will get to go there someday.

This past weekend he got to attend the temple Sealing of the Drahers, who he taught back in Kalkaska.  This is a picture of them at the Kalkaska Meetinghouse before heading to the temple.  He said this day was one of his all-time favorites!!!

Brother Hoover,  a member of the mission presidency, texted me Saturday saying that he was with Parker and that there had been several members from his mission at the temple and that they got to have a mini-reunion with him before he leaves for home. He said that Parker had a permanent smile on his face.  I think you can see that in the picture!

I was trying not to cry today because my eyes are sore from all the crying I have done this last week as Mikey received his mission call, and as I have thought about Parker being reunited with our family, but I can't help but shed some tears now as I think of his mission coming to a close.  He has loved it so much and hasn't wanted it to end but I was telling him how his "mission" will continue throughout his life as he serves the Lord no matter where he is and that he is needed back home now with his little brothers and family and friends.

Love you all so much!

Parker with his good friend, Elder Elmer

WEEK 5 SAULT STE. MARIE (WEEK 102 OF MISSION)

Our phone call with Parker on Mother's Day was so much fun!  It was great not to be kind of sad when talking to him because we knew we would see him in 10 days!!!  

We got him laughing pretty hard a few times and it was so good to hear his laugh.

He told us that he wouldn't be able to write Monday because they were going on a trip to Mackinac Island for the day.  The island doesn't allow any motorized vehicles so they were going to be on bikes.  In the winter they do allow snowmobiles there or they wouldn't be able to get around.  In the winter the population is about 400 and then in the summer it grows to 10,000!

The lake right by where he lives.

Can't believe he will be home in one week from today! 

WEEK 4 SAULT STE. MARIE (WEEK 101 OF MISSION)

hey everybody! another great week here in the soo! 

 

A view of the Mackinac Bridge from a distance. 

Parker and Elder Sauer and their bikes.  No idea what's behind door "C" haha

things are going really well with maria! she is progressing so well and will be baptized soon (date to be decided either may 23 or 30) the 16th would be perfect, but there is a temple trip that day so yeah... but she is doing great! we have found some other new investigators who are doing well. we just need to get them to Church and reading more consistently! 

The Church is true! We all must answer the terrible questions (who am i, why am i here, and where am i going?) The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ answers those terrible questions in the most incredible ways. we know those answers because our Heavenly Father has reached out in love and called a prophet again. He has restored His authority to the earth. Our message is simple and true. 

Remember to read your scriptures every day! one reason why: alma 37: 38- 47. if we will give heed to the scriptures, they will lead us through this vale of sorrow to a far better land of promise. do not be slothful because of the easiness of the way! as you read you will learn new insights into the gospel that will further change who you are. just like spending time with someone makes you more like them, spending time in the words of Christ makes you more like Him! For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, that is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart? mosiah 5:13. 

Have a great week! 

Elder Green