May 18, 2009 (Baptism!)

Dear Family,

Wow, what a week! Thank you, first of all, to all those who remembered my birthday! I appreciate all of the cards, gifts, etc. That really means a lot to mean and makes me feel warm inside because I was remembered! Thanks a ton!

My week was pretty good. On Wednesday, it was a crazy day! We had to get a baptismal interview and Jonesboro needed help with some of there investigators so we went on exchanges with the AP's and we went all over the place. I went with one of the Spanish Elders and we went and walked like 3 miles. We committed 3 black people to baptism but my feet were on fire! I got a blister or two, but I am fine.

My birthday was very fun. We went to very unique restaurant. It was a decommissioned airplane and they turned it into a restaurant. It was very good and cool. I took some pictures and stuff, it was fun!

Then the ultimate highlight of the week was the baptism of Nathan Lee. It was really neat. What a great birthday present from the Lord. :) So, overall, it was a great week. Next week, we should be having another baptism so I am excited about that too.

So overall, it was a sweet birthday week! I got a letter everyday, I got a baptism, got to eat on an airplane, etc. Man, life couldn't get any better!

Thanks for all of your love and support! I love you all very dearly! Thanks again!

Love,

Elder Kyle Parker

Pictures included: Me, Nathans brother, Nathan, Elder Hansen, Me and the airplane restaurant, inside the airplane restaurant.

May 11, 2009 (Still in Pocahontas)

Dear Family,

What a week. It was a stressful week due to just some things that happened during the week. But, it is much better now because I got to talk to most of you on Mother's Day. It was good to hear all of your voices again. Most of you sound very grown up and mature, especially Cade, Jarom and Ethan, oh and yes, you too Chad. :)

Also yesterday, we went to a funeral for a member’s mother. It was sad that she died before mother’s day but she is in a better place now.

Zone Conference was cool! I saw more of my missionary buddies. And I got to talk with president. From the sounds of it, I might say here another transfer. That would be cool. I would love to be here during 4th of July!

I wish I could write more but I kind of talked to you guys yesterday. :) I hope all is well. This week should be a could one, because we have a baptism this coming weekend! YAY! I love you all. I pray for y’all constantly. Thanks again for your thoughts, support and prayers. May the Lord bless you!

Love,

Elder Parker

Pictures included: At Captain Catfish with the Whitlows and Winegars and first time I had catfish. I probably won’t eat it again. :), Me, Elder Cornelius, Elder Fa, Elder Stapleton, Elder Hansen and Elder Carlson.

May 04, 2009

Dear Family,

I heard that Chad had a good birthday and that he demonstrated the missile hug. Now, we all know that I am the only person that can do it correctly. :) But good job for demonstrating it to everyone Chad! I hope that you had a wonderful day!

This week was good. We went and helped some members tare down a wall in a Chinese restaurant. They even fed us too. It was great!

We had a Zone meeting with our Zone on Tuesday in Memphis. We talked to everyone and what we could better as a Zone.

Our main focus this past week was in Ash Flat. It is about an hour away NW from Pocahontas. There used to be Senior Sisters there but they left so they don't have any missionaries there currently so we are serving as them. We are working with 2 people with Baptismal dates. They should both get baptized in May so that should be exciting. I am getting really stressed out though. Taking care of two areas and trying to please 2 branch presidents is difficult! But we should have more baptisms coming up, I am excited!

Other than that, nothing really that exciting happened. I am just looking forward to talking to y'all on Sunday. I am so excited! I have a lot to share. It should be pretty fun. Thank you for all the prayers and hard work. Keep it up. I love you as does the Lord. Stay strong!

Love,

Elder Parker

Pictures included: A really tiny turtle, and kid in ash flat (Scotty) in his backyard. I thought it was pretty!