WEEK 24 Cruising The Coast

Wowza...what a week! 

If I'm being real with yall it was a harder week. I absolutely love being a missionary, I love Oregon but missions truly turn you inside out and flip everything upside down! While it was a hard week it was also a great week! It was a busy, full and exciting! 

Buckle up...this story might be a long one! Recently we found a lady named Eileen in our Areabook. We've been prayerful about how and when to contact her. Many times in the last week we've wanted to go visit her but for some reason we kept pushing it off. On Thursday night we finally decided to drop by and visit her. With a bag of chocolates in our hands we knocked on her door. A man, who was her grandson, opened the door. She came around the corner quickly and excitedly when he called for her. She was over the moon that someone had come to visit her. She's a very brittle, energetic and spunky 87 year old! We visited with her for a minute or two and then invited her to come worship with us. With her sharp Boston accent she said "I'm going to get changed right now, let's go to church!" She clapped her hands and basically leaped out of her seat! We had to explain to her that we would have to wait until Sunday when we could get her a ride. Eileen is ELECT!

 A few minutes later, while Eileen was in the kitchen, I heard a man's voice ask if we were the Jehovahs witness's. I stepped around the corner to see an old man sitting in a rocking chair. I began talking to him about religion. Jim said he's looked into many many religions and read ALL the books (not the Book of Mormon...yet;)) and claims to be agnostic. I asked him if he had a desire to know that God loves him and knows him personally. He said he wished he knew. We talked about the Book of Mormon and read a from 2 Nephi together. As we read it he said "Maybe this will be the book that helps me grow closer to God before I die." My little heart about jumped out of my chest! I was so excited! Him and I had a sweet and tender conversation that I will never forget. We found out that Jim and Elieen use to be married and are now living together so their children can take care of the both of then. It was an interesting dynamic for sure and the jokes and sharp remarks they'd make towards each other had us rolling! 

Eileen took us to her part of the house, which is the garage. She was so excited to show us her place but felt embarrassed when we got to her little patio/backyard area. The yard work hadn't been done for a long time. We quickly offered to come back next week and do it for her. She reached out and hug me and began crying and told us she had just finished praying to God to send her someone who would show her love so she doesn't feel so alone and then we showed up! The Lord's timing is everything! He loves and knows each of us so perfectly that he is able to help us beyond our comprehension. Isn't that the coolest thing?! 

This week we visited Corvallis and the coast for a couple days to film content! We slept over at my besties, Sister Bells and Petersons, which was way too much fun! The next day headed to Newport to film. The drive was absolutely beautiful! We met with a man for lunch who I've been messaging on Facebook who lives in Newport! We pulled up to a place called Georgies and let me tell you it was the nicest place I've been to eat since coming on my mission! An ocean front view and I hate to say it but the clam chowder was better than Mo's. Besides the good food and amazing view Steve was awesome! He has never been too religious but is now wanting to know more. We taught him the Restoration in Georgies! Seriously such a cool experience. We are hoping to start doing zoom lessons this week with him! 

Cross your fingers and say a little prayer for us;)

We spent the rest of the day filming up and down the coast, visiting cute costal stores, watching the sea lions and seeing all of Gods creations. As a missionary you obviously don't get to go on vacations but this felt like the closest thing to having one! I was in awe all day of how beautiful the earth is! 

Here's a little quote I wanna share with everyone:) "Our own hearts will be changed for the better as we endure personal trials through faith in Him. And with that change, we will ourselves become the friends the Lord can send as angels." - Henry B. Eyring

I hope everyone is doing well and is finding happiness! I love each of you so much! As always feel free to reach out! I love hearing everyone:) 

♡ Sister Parry 

- Dinner w/ the sisters after Zone Conference!

- Sleepover w/ my besties 

- Reenacting our MTC cuddle pic 

- Coconut shrimp 

- Lunch w/ Steve! 

-Murry and I at Georgies

- The sea lions at Newport

- The wind! 

- I LOVE OREGON!