Who's in Charge of the Chicken?

There are no words to describe the Rollercoaster this week has been. It feels like just yesterday I was writing on Preparation Day and it's here again! Time flies. Tuesday was a pretty rough day. We went to Newport and had a lesson with our investigator, Dotting. She's an old, widowed woman who's very lonely. The missionaries have been teaching her for a while now and we decided we needed to let her go. She didn't agree with anything we said, didn't keep commitments, and just wanted us over for the company. Speaking of finding, we came back to New Bloomfield right after to do some tracting. I never knock on doors, because I'm terrified of doing so, but today I was determined to face my fear. Of course, the first door I have ever knocked on, turned out to be a very contentious lady. She let us in, but she wanted nothing to do with us but to fight and argue. She said she knew what the book of Mormon was, but when we asked she was very far off the mark. She even went as far as to say that Jesus Christ wasn't even that great or perfect of a guy, and he never taught us anything. We were very kind and talked with her, but I'm sorry to say I got a little argumentative with her. We left on a good note, and invited her to read the book of Mormon. I have a lot of work to do as a missionary, and I'm far from perfect. But I know God can help me overcome my weaknesses. Wednesday we had zone conference and that was awesome. We talked a lot about setting goals and effective planning, and that was really awesome because we are really working hard on planning our time well enough to meet with lots of people. It's always nice to talk to President Johnson, he's the absolute best. It's great to be around other missionaries to and get to laugh and what not. Thursday was a pretty good day. We went and did service for the Booth family for a while in the morning. Their family is still struggling a lot, and Joann, the mother, looks like she's about to burst into tears all the time. We helped clean out Dawn's bedroom and give some of her clothes away and it was hard for me to do it, I can't even imagine how hard it was for her. I just pray we can help them feel better. Service has quickly become my favorite thing as a missionary. I love going and helping others and getting to know them. Then, we went up to Mifflintown to have lunch with the Ellis'. Let me tell ya, they are the best. They are from Texas, and brother Ellis, or Billy, is just like a big, little kid haha. He makes me laugh so much. A TON of Amish people live up there, and all around the Ellis home. Sister Ellis even introduced us to one of her Amish friends who is very nice. I saw my very first buggy and I was probably way more excited about it than I should've been. And then I saw about 15 more later in the day haha. Sister Ellis took us to an Amish Market and that was cool even just for the experience. I bought a whoopie pie, a very common Amish dessert, and it was pretty awesome. It's my hearts desire to be friends with an Amish person haha. After that, we went to visit a referral named Amy. She is very receptive to the gospel and wanted to know more, but we could never set up an appointment. She lives about an hour away and that's really rough to do when you have busy days, and limited miles to drive a month. We finally did, and the moment we pulled up to the trailer, the land lady met us there and said we weren't welcome and to get off her property and what garbage us and our church was. She told us to never come back and that Amy didn't want us there. So we left. And of course, I was angry. It's funny now, but I was shaking at the time. I just dont get how someone can be so hateful to 19 year old girls. Amy has been ignoring our phone calls and texts, so we don't know what to think. Onward and upward I guess? Haha. On Friday night, Kayla had her mission call opening party and we got to go! It feels like just yesterday I was opening my call and getting Ready to leave and here I am! Pretty crazy how time goes. Kayla is going to Boise, Idaho and we are very excited for her. She'll do great. If any of you are worried I'm not eating well, fear not haha. After church on Sunday we went to a less actives who fed us fried chicken and mashed potatoes.... And then we went and visited another less active who fed us home made pizza even though we said we had already eaten. After that, we went to our dinner appointment and had Chilli and cornbread. I don't think I've ever been so full in my life. I feel as if I won't eat for a week haha. Sister Roper and I even prayed that our stomachs would expand for all the food being thrown at us. But we are blessed, people here are so willing to make sure we are taken care of. This week was really hard for me, harder than others. And I've learned quite a few lessons the hard way. I have a strong testimony of the power of Christ's Atonement. The more time I am a missionary, the more clear it is to me how weak and imperfect I am. There is just absolutely no way I can become the best version of myself, or become half as great as I'd like to be. There is no way I could overlook the imperfections and the wrong doings I have done. But, I can. There is a way. Christ suffered and died so that we could triumph over all the trials, mistakes, and hardships we will ever go through. He understands perfectly how each of us feels, and loved us enough to die for us. If Christ could overcome all the pain and sin I will ever feel on top of everyone who has ever lived, what should make me think I can't overcome just my own? I love my Savior Jesus Christ. Because of him I don't have to walk this path of life alone. If I do my part, and give my 100%, he will meet me half way, and make a way for me to live in heaven again. I love this church. The more opposition I face the more aware I am that this is the one true church, God's true church, on the face of the earth. I am beyond blessed to be sharing that joyous message with others. I love you all so much and continue to enjoy your emails and letters! Thank you for the love and prayers, they mean so much! Alma 26:12 Sister Parry 418 West Main Street Unit C New Bloomfield, PA 17068