Our Christmas in Zimbabwe

This week was absolutely fantastic! Because of course Christmas! And Christmas means, talking to my family! Once again I love you family. It was so nice to talk to you guys, and I never knew how fast time could fly when talking! But Zimbabwe is great here! The area is productive, our zone is super united, and just have all the fun in the world right now. I know I've said this before, but I'm going to miss Bindura when I leave. But anyways...

Christmas Celebration!

Our house consists of 4 people, Elder Young Yen (my companion), Elder Odunga, Elder Horlacher, and me. So on Christmas eve I decided, "We need to celebrate Christmas with some presents!" Except we really didn't have presents to give each other because lack of time, and mostly money. haha So I decided, "Well I'l just get some wrapping paper and wrap anything that was in the house!" And that is exactly what I did. So I bought some parcel paper, since Christmas wrapping paper was like 5 dollars!! Super expensive! And then when my housemates didn't know, I started wrapping random things in the house, and putting To: so and so, on the packages. I wrapped sticker books, toilet paper, shoe brush, other people's items wrapped to give back to them, basically anything that I thought would be funny to open. We had our Christmas Tree (made out of cardborad and bottles) And all the packages wrapped underneath, with plastic bags filled with candies on the ironing board. It was pretty epic. And when the morning came, we had a blast opening all of the presents. Definitely a memorable and fun Christmas. 

And Walked, And Walked, And Walked, And Walked...

Wednesday we got to go on exchanges. Basically our house just switched with each other. I was with Elder Horlacher and  Elder Odunga was with Elder Young Yen. So I got to go to Stonden that day. Which... is really far away. So we got a ride to the area then we taught some people who were recently baptized. (And just a note: Stonden is the place where so many baptisms are happening, and it's out in the farms so the houses are like little huts and the farms can be super spread out from each other.) But after we taught the lesson, we headed over from Chiwarizo farm to Aerodrome farm. It was about 1 1/2 hour walk. Which was pretty long, but luckily we had the people we taught accompany us! Which I was surprised, because they brought us about 1 hour out and then said they were gong to head back! It's custom to walk people out after you visit them. But these guys are super dedicated, because they go to church about every week and it is about a 2 hour walk! They have so much faith and are committed to the gospel! It's so cool to see them give so much for the Lord! But exchanges were great! Jumped over a chocolate waterfall, went across a river on a rickety swinging bridge, and had adventures eating this super sweet/sour candy like fruit on the side of the road growing in bushes. It was a great day and a fun experience! Soon they are going to make Stonden a branch itself since it is growing so fast, so when they make the mission area of just Stonden, count me in, because that place is like a missionary dream!

Quick Updates of the week:

So this week we had more baptisms! Our area had 3 baptisms while Elder Odunga and Horlacher had about 6! So the place is still on fire, and like I always say, Baptisms make my day! So always a great day when that happens! Also this week I killed another turkey! Except this time, I let go of the turkey and let it run and fly with it's head off. Mainly because I didn't want to get blood on my pants and white shirt, but it was a fun entertainment while it lasted. ANd wow, did this turkey have a lot of energy! I think that it took at least 3 or more minutes for it to stop moving! haha But this week was great! Lessons are going well with our investigators and 7 of them showed up to church for Christmas day! It was a Chrsitmas miracle!

Well hope everything is going well back home! I love you all! 

And Last but not least!!! HAPPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!! 

Love,

Elder Parco

Merry Christmas!!!

First things First!!! MERRRRRRYYY EARLY CHRISTMASSSSS!!!!!

Merrry Christmas Everyone!!!!! I hope that everone's Christmas's are just fantastic! I'm pretty excited for Christmas to come! Haha I tried to make a Christmas tree in our house made out of plastic bottles and cardboard.... Yeah it's still a work in progress... I'll take a picture of it next week when I make it look better. But hey it's something. Also I can't wait to call the family. Still doesn't feel like I've been out here that long on a mission, but Christmas is already around the corner! And just remember the true meaning of Christmas. It's all about Christ!!! And his birth and what he did for us! So this CHRISTmas be more like the Savior. Follow his example and spread the light! #LightTheWorld

Christmas Devotional!!

Wednesday we combined with another zone in the mission and had a Christmas Devotional with all of the missionaries. It was a lot of fun! And we even got to watch the Christmas Devotional held by the church. But each zone did a musical number. So the Marimba zone of like 24+ people did a parody of Let It Go! Haha it was pretty great! And super creative. And... made our zone nervous about performing ours. Haha it was that good. But anyways, our zone of 12 people only! (The smallest zone on the mission) Did a musical number of How Great Thou Art! And boy, we shouldn't have been nervous at all! We did super well and the spirit was super strong! After we finished President Mkhabela stoped us and was like, "Why don't we all sing that song" So we did, both of our zones together and it was pretty powerful! I got to conduct the music, and lead. It was a great experience. After we had such a wonderful lunch! And then we did a gift exchange! I got this little deer/ giraffe thing made out of wires. It was pretty cool.

BUT After the conference before we headed back to Bindura, we went to..... KFC! Yep! There are KFC's in Zimbabwe! But really only in Harare. It was great! Even though I never went to KFC back home. But it was cool to go to one! haha 

Now for my... Elder Parco moment of the day. When we went back in the van to head back to Bindura. I brought my dipped wings with my at my seat. And when I pulled out the box with all of these dripping wings, ALL of the wings fell into the bag. Then wanting to show my disappointment, and forgetting that the wings were very drippy, I shook the box to show that all the wings fell out and said something like, "Man! All my wings fell into the bag!" That was a horrible idea. Because all the sauce that was in the box now splattered over my white shirt and on my tie! Haha I felt so stupid. But hey got to make some memories!

Baptisms! And Best Zone Ever!

We had baptisms on Wednesday! Like I always say! Always makes my day! Except before the baptism we had a wedding that we planned. First Wedding that I have done! And I think it went pretty well! Probably going to see more weddings in the future! But Baptisms were great! Elder Young Yen and I baptized 3 that day and Elder Odunga and Elder Horlacher baptized 6! So very successful! Bindura is really the high life in this mission.

Also would like to say that I have the best zone ever! Even though we are the smallest, I have had so much fun with them! Makes me sad that most likely I will be leaving next transfer! ALso our zone has been on fire with baptisms! We set a goal of 41 this month, and it looks like we are going to exceed that goal if everything goes well! So like I said Best Zone ever! haha

Also after the baptisms our ward had a christmas party which was pretty great! The Primary kids did a drama on the birth of Christ and it was so adorable and funny! Some of those little kids have a personality! Also inbetween the skits, they would play music and all the little kids would go up front and start dancing! And wow, can those little kids dance! They were soo good! Haha

Well I hope that everyone had such a great week this week!! And Have a super Merry Christmas! Love you all!

Elder Parco

Pictures:

1) Picture of our wonder Zone of 12!!!

2) KFC in Zimbabwe! haha

3) Our Baptismal font!

4)Our wonderful couple cutting the cake

5-6) Baptismal candidates!

7)Seriously! These kids can dance!

A test of faith

How can we Help others See

Tuesday we had District meeting, and I was given the responsibility on teaching the doctrinal study. And boy, did I try to get as creative as I could for it! So the topic was centered around the campaign #LIGHTtheWORLD And for that week we focused on "Christ helped others to see, and so can we." So first started out with what we need others to see, which was found in the vision of Lehi's dream. 1 Nephi ch. 8. But I had everyone close their eyes and imagine the vision while I read. And wow was that powerful! It was so cool to hear what everyone imagined, and haha they really focused on what the fruit of the tree looked liked to them! But it was great! Then later in the lesson I got all nerdy and brought physics into the lesson. I was comparing how when we teach we need to teach simply to our investigators level and not the level we know. SO, I showed them a way of how not to do it, by explaining a physics problem as complicated as I could, with big words and such and then then asking, "Alright, I taught you how to do it, now who can solve it." Apparently my nerdiness was too much for them, because they didn't understand how to solve. (Which was the point) But anyways it was a really fun and spiritual lesson. And I also realized how much I miss physics. haha

A Test of FaithThis week I really reflected on my faith. One Wednesday we visited one of our investigators and with the help of a member and kind friend, Bro. Dick translating for us, we were able to teach the first lesson. It went really well! But at the end of the lesson, she mentioned that her wrist has been hurting for some time. Over three weeks! And she told us that the pain wouldn't go away. When she said that I was prompted to ask her if she wanted a priesthood blessing, but I wouldn't do it. I then lingered on the topic and then looked at my companion who said, "Do you want to ask her?" (Talking about the blessing.) I pretended like I didn't know what he was talking about and my companion asked her if we could give a blessing. As we were preparing for the lesson, I was thinking "Why was I so scared to ask?" "Did I not have faith that us being priesthood holders couldn't heal her?" I was doubting. Then I thought of all the miracles Jesus did and all the faith the pioneers had and the miracles even performed in the latter days. Then I thought, "Do I have enough faith to believe in the priesthood power I have?" Then I realized that I should. God is always the same, and that power is now back on the earth, so there should be no reason for me to be doubting. I then prayed really hard to myself that I can have the faith. And it was amazing. I felt the spirit so strong. And after we met with her again she said that her wrist was healed, or felt so much better than it has. It was such an amazing experience to have and really grew my faith in God's power. The priesthood is real, and it can do miracles. And I know that is we trust in God then fear should have no place in our minds. I am so grateful in the experience I had. It truly was a test of faith.

Update on the Work!

So first off, I am loving it here in Bindura! The people are so kind and everyone wants to at least hear the gospel. However not everyone wants to accept it, or progress. That's one thing about here. Everyone, and I mean Everyone! Will say that they are coming to church with you on Sunday, and none of them will show. haha It's just their kind way of rejecting you. 

But as for our investigators. Things has been up and down. We have lost some, and gained others. But this Sunday we were able to have 5 people show to church! Which was really awesome because these past couple weeks we have been struggling with people showing up. But on Sunday we met with someone new and had a first lesson with him. ANd it went so well! We focused on who God really is and on how he can pray. And he was so interested and actually put into his schedule to come to church with us every Sunday! Like he wrote it down! So that was super cool! THe spirit was so strong too! ALso Bro. John, someone who we recently baptized helped bring a friend to church, and we met with him this week and set a baptismal date for him at the end of this month! But things are going just fine. Whenever we loose one, we gain another! ANd it is so awesome! I am loving the missionary work and see so many miracles throughout the day! Things are great!

Well I hope that everyone had a great week this week! I miss you all very much!!

Love,

Elder Parco

(SOrry no pictures this week)

I'm staying in Bindura!!

Transfers #4!

Since I am training I will be staying in Bindura for another transfer! So by the end of this next transfer I'll be in Bindura for 6 months!! Wow! That is a long time! A fourth of my mission already! Crazy! Also haha all of the little kids in the area know me by name now! They say "Elder Parco Elder Parco!" Then like a group of 5-10 kids go around and chant. "HOW ARE YOU! I"M FINE!! " Haha it's so cute! But anyways yeah, 6 months in Bindura here we come!!

Call me a Contract Killer

I think I was officially have the title of "Animal Killer". Because this past week, I had the opportunity to now kill a turkey! haha again it was another cool experience. But this time, the Turkey wasn't well behaved! While I was cutting the head, it went crazy! (As one would expect) I was stepping on the wings so it wouldn't go anywhere but then it moved so much that I almost lost it! Almost ran away from underneath me. But in the end it was all good! And was a lot cleaner from my last killing experience. Also I was going to kill a goat, but by the time I was going to do that, the deed was already done. Which I am fine with, because a skinned goat kind of looks really creepy and gross, but amusing. haha

Golden Sunday

This Sunday was great! I always love fast and testimony meetings! However there was one disappointing thing... majority of our investigators didn't show up. It was a bit discouraging, but then one of our investigators made up all the difference. We went out to the area to pick up some investigators who wanted to come to church, however like I said before, a lot of them couldn't come. It was sad walking to church empty handed, but then we stopped by one more house, and our beloved 19 year old investigator came! It made me so happy! The best part about it however was that we hadn't even taught him any lessons yet! We just met him and talked to him about our church and he wanted to join us this Sunday! It was such a miracle! He also was able to stay all three hours! And afterwards, he said, "I liked it, your church prays well!" It was a pretty cool experience. So since it was his first time, he was a little confused on some things, but later on that day we stopped by his house to teach him for the first time and explain everything that he might have questions on. We talked about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel and everything made sense to him. After the lesson he said that he was so happy that he now understands the gospel more. And he said that multiple times until we left. It was truly a miracle of an investigator!

Ye Are the Light of the World

On Friday we had a Zone Meeting! (Except our whole house didn't realize it was that day since we usually have it on Tuesdays so we were in a rush to get ready and then our car broke down with the tire completely disconnecting from the axle and ending up having to call the Zone leaders for help to get the car to a repair place and fix all of these shenanigans...) But besides those minor details, it went well! There was one part of the meeting when we talked about being a light unto the people of the world and how our mission is on fire because we are doing so well. But It made me think of the whole candle analogy and how we should be a light unto the world and share the gospel to everyone. Because that's exactly what we need to do! To have the light inside of us to share. The world is in darkness and we need to share that light to make the world a little brighter. And that light comes through the gospel. I have seen the light in one of our investigators who just got baptized. And wow is he full of light. You can see it in his eyes and the way that he talks about the gospel! It made me think... "Well as missionaries, shouldn't we be the same way?" Sometimes we loose that fire inside of us, sometimes as a missionary we go through the motions of, teaching, teaching, teaching, and we don't think too much about the message that we are actually sharing! But if we take a step back and think, "What is the message I am actually sharing?.." Then wow, it is truly an amazing message! Jesus Christ Lives! God Loves us and hasn't abandoned us. Because the Gospel of Jesus Christ is back on the earth today in it's fullness! And through this knowledge we can come back to our loving and most amazing Father in heaven! How great a relationship can we have with our God! How great can our Joy be! That's why so many recent converts want to share their light with others! Because it changed their lives! And it changed their perspectives on life! And it made me think, "This is the light I want to have" 

So I challenge you all to share about the gospel and brighten someones life! Because it can change them for eternity!

I love you all and hope you had a great week!

Love,

Elder Parco