Week 1 of the CCM (DR MTC)

I cant believe that it has already been over a week since I left home! In some ways it feels way fast and in others it feels pretty slow. It was a big change in lifestyle from living "the life" and then coming here. It took a little time for me to get used to getting up early for the day. This MTC is really small and really different than the Provo MTC. It is pretty much a hallway.  It is just a plain four story building. It also kind of feels like a prison in a way because we can't leave at all. I just want to go outside of the walls and see the city and how crazy it is. As you know, I am used to staying out until 3 and sleeping in until 12... but I kind of like getting up early. The food here is alright but im not a picky eater so I eat all of it. We usually have rice and beans for lunch and then lots of other random stuff. My comp is a six foot six kid. He is pretty cool but he complains about a lot of stuff and only talks about how he misses home.. so it is kind of annoying but its alright. The spanish is coming really good. I feel that I have learned more in the last week than I did in the two years that I took it in school. I know that I am not learning it alone. The spirit really has an influence on how much I learn each day. The days that it is strong I learn a lot and can speak a lot. The days that it isn't with us I can't learn anything. There are lots of amazing missionarys here with me in the MTC. I love all of the latinos here because thay are way nice and want to help you learn Spanish. There have been so many stories about the DR that are getting me pumped to go into the feild. Everyday I have amazing spiritual experiances here and everyday my testimony gets stronger. I Really do love you guys so much and miss you all more than anything! I really wish that I could just talk to one of you right now but I guess that we will just have to wait until Christmas.  I know that this is where I am supposed to be in life and I am loving it!! I love you all so much!!

Love

             your son

                                 Parker

 

AND HE IS OFF TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Last Friday Dave happened to look at the airline ticket the Church Travel Department sent.  The date for departure said Wed. Aug 28. at 6:25 am.  They had previously emailed travel plans that had him leaving Tue Aug 27.  Dave made a call and it was confirmed that he was flying out on Wed.  I was so grateful to have an extra day!
Wed morning we were planning on leaving our house at 4:30 am.  At 4:30 Parker tells us he can't find his wallet that has his debit card and drivers license in it.  After many prayers and remembering back to the last time he had it, he found it packed away in the storage room inside a fanny pack in a plastic tub.  Wow!
We arrived to the airport at 5:15 am.  Aunt Melanie and Aunt Josie were waiting for us.  80% of the people lined up at the checkin counters were Missionaries!  It was such a great site.  Saying goodbye for two years was rough but knowing he is in God's hands brings peace.  Parker was happy and excited to start his two year adventure.
Standing right next to us was a family with a son heading to the same mission as Parker.  They introduced themselves and acknowledged they had both heard great things about each other.  They were instantly best friends.

Elder Parker Morgan and Elder Coulson Hardy

FAREWELL SUNDAY August 25, 2013

Parker pulled in a crowd that filled the stake center as much as a Stake Conference.  I briefly worried if I had enough food.   It was so fun to see all the love and support of family and friends.  Parker did an amazing job with his talk he wrote on his own. He had a lot of people with wet eyes.  Brynlee also was able to speak as a youth speaker.  Their topic was following the promptings of the Spirit.

We Have Flight Plans

Parker received his Visa to the DR along with his flight plans.  He leaves on August 27th at 7:25 am.  He flies first to Los Angeles then Miami where he catches a flight to Santo Domingo.  He arrives at 9:10 pm.  I am sure he will be exhausted, excited and apprehensive all at the same time.

Elder Parker James Morgan has been called to serve....

Parker received his call April 4, 2013

in the Dominica Republic, Santiago Mission.  You will report to the DR MTC on August 29, 2013....