Hermana Parks in Peru: Apparently birthdays are a big deal in Talara

I think I still have egg in my hair....seriously. Alright here`s the story:

Thursday (day before my bday): I honestly wasn`t expecting anything but given that we were headed to district meeting with a bunch of borderline-immature elders, I should`ve known. After our meeting Hna Richan and Hna Valdez brought out a -- cake? Nope. About 30 eggs painted with Happy Birthday Hna Parks! I knew those were all going on my head....sure enough after the zone picture, I was attacked. SO MUCH EGG in my hair, on my shirt, everywhere oh my goodness. I can still smell it, haha. AND they brought a cake. I was spoiled!

The next day I woke up to a feliz cumpleanos sign made by my sweet comp, chocolate, a pic of us, a handwritten note from her in ENGLISH -- go hna ruiz!, and an accordion-type sticky note thing signed by 40 members and missionaries! Seriously! She went way overboard. I have the most thoughtful companion. Feelin` the love! It was a normal proselyting day until the night when ¨we had an appointment with Eda and Joel¨ (yeah right. I knew they were planning something, haha) Sure enough, all my favorite people were there waiting for me with a beautiful cake! Martin, Celina, la familia Rosales, hna liliana, Eda, Joel, leslye, richardson, rosemery, and mercedes! Seriously I am surrounded by the greatest family here in Talara.

AND THEN RICHARDSON ROSALES SMASHED ANOTHER EGG ON MY HEAD AS WE WERE LEAVING.

Stinker. I was so mad, haha. In all, I`ve used a whole bottle of shampoo in a single week and I think my clothes are forever ruined, but honestly it was the best birthday. I just felt so grateful this week -- for the people God has put in my life especially my family and 20 awesome years. So grateful I`ve spent almost 1 of those 20 as a missionary.

And oh my goodness this better not be my last email from Talara....but it probably is :(

Here`s what I wrote to President today:

¨Honestly it has been a miracle for me watching Villa Talara progress from when I arrived in January. Weekly planning brought me to tears more than once during my transfer with Hna Shumway -- tears of frustration as we didn`t see anyone progress, difficulty finding those prepared, lack of member support, etc. But the past couple weeks of weekly planning has been SO drastically different. It`s filled with exciting plans as we work with our several progressing investigators, we`ve been able to baptize every other week this transfer, we`re finding new people who are willing to come to church, the members are more supportive, and our branch council has improved a ton. The Lord has truly blessed us. It is a testimony to me that we must do ALL that we can within our abilities, and then we can ¨permanecer tranquilos¨ (DyC 123) knowing that God will send his tender mercies.

I also feel like I`ve changed a lot here in Talara too. I`ve learned about selflessness. Whenever I`m stressed or down, I pull out a piece of paper and make 3 columns. Person / What do they need? / and plan. Then I write down anyone on my mind -- investigator, less active, convert, member, etc and I think of what they need or what they lack in their progression and what we can do to help them come unto Christ. It calms me every time; it helps me to love these people and forget about myself.

I`m willing to go wherever The Lord needs me and with whomever He needs me this upcoming transfer.¨

Here`s to likely my last week here in wonderful Talara! Marcia`s baptism is this Sunday, we are so very excited for her. Her parents, Martin and Celina, are making headway on their documents to get married.

Love,

Hermana Parks