Yang Terakhir

(The Last)

From: Parker Thompson [ pthompson@myldsmail.net ]
Sent: Sunday, July 02, 2017 7:03 PM
Subject: Yang Terakhir

This week was absolutely hectic but filled with so many blessings and miracles. I could not think of a more perfect last week for my mission. Here is my best summaries of what happened in a short amount of time!

We started it off with an awesome P-day in which we went on a shopping spree with our members and then the Elders bought them all this American BBQ stuff and cooked it at their house that night. It was way good and I think we made it taste like real American cheeseburgers despite lack of actual real food to buy! The funniest thing was watching their Dad and a couple older men eating the burgers like a typical Iban. They don't know how to do it. We showed them, but years of crushing up food, grouping in with 4 fingers, and plopping in in their mouth took over. I was laughing way hard. They thought it tasted good though! Win.

This week was full of last appointments with members and lots of food. So grateful for these people. One of the highlight dinners was on exchanges with Elder Mickelson, in which we headed out to Bro. Gaadong and Sis Norlia's kampung. If I haven't said enough about this family let this be the cherry on top. These guys are family to me. I would do anything for them. Sis. Norlia is "Mak" to me. That is, Mom here. One of the many "Mom's" that have taken care of me. 

Malaysia is so beautiful. Sorry for the random switch of topic with no transition but it just is. It will be so hard to leave this paradise. This place is literally paradise. It was a long time ago that the smells and the heat and the 3rd worldliness faded to the background of my mind. I will miss the beauty here.

Also Weljen got baptized! I couldn't think of a better last, farewell gift anyone gave me than God when we brought Weljen to the waters on Saturday. I don't know if I've said much about Weljen, but be assured that he is awesome and I love him. He is 17 and was a referral from one of our youth about 8 months or so ago. It has been a fight and a battle getting him to this point but I am so grateful for the time he took. He is converted. It took a team though, God included. One of our youth baptized him and that was exciting and fun for him too! It was a great night topped off with a farewell dinner party the members organized for me. 

Sunday was bittersweet. I was sitting in sacrament and I finally had the thought, "This was a week of lasts." I finally had that thought! I was just thinking of all the things I won't get to do here in Sarawak in the coming weeks. That thought quickly changed to a grateful attitude for ALL of the unbelievable experiences and moments that I have had over the last 2 years. I am just barely scraping the bottom bits of my feelings as I am expressing this. There are no words to describe it. It just cannot be typed on an email, or even said in person. It can't even be shown through plethora of videos and pictures. I have no words. These people, and this land. I love it It was an amazing journey to find a love for a random people on a couple islands that needed the gospel, and in finding that, finding also a love for my God. I tears me apart to leave these people and this culture in which I have become apart of. But I am strengthened and I am confident, seeing as I have become so close to me Heavenly Father. It is written that if everything where to be written about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, it is supposed that not even the book of the earth could contain it. I feel the same with my mission. And that is just my mission! I can't even begin to list and describe everything that I have learned out here. It is truly unbelievable. It doesn't feel like I am leaving, and yet I have to. 

Jesus Christ lives. He lives for you and for me. His Atonement is real. It is real to cleanse. It is real to build, uplift, inspire, motivate, strengthen, and renew. The Book of Mormon testifies of it. God lives and he loves every single one of us. This church that he has given us is true. It is true. If we will just give our lives over to him he will make us into more than we or anyone else thought possible. This work will go on forever, changing lives of boys like me, and individuals into the eternities. The change that is experienced, and the power that comes from Him, nothing can compare. I cannot express the slightest of the joy that I feel. Let this suffice for now, this work is not over, in my life and this world. All beginnings and no endings. I love you all and thank all of you for the support and encouragement throughout these two years. You will never know that impact you have all made. See you all soon!!!

Elder Thompson 

(Sorry no pics for this week. Like, I have a lot, but can download them right now because I have to get on a flight to Singapore in 2 hours!) Show them to you when I get home!

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Note from Parker's Dad:  Due to his note of no pictures above, this picture is possibly my favorite pic I've seen as I've blogged and group emailed on Parker's (and Mom's) behalf for 2 years.  When Parker left, the best advice I felt I could offer to him was to completely open his heart the people and culture, and to love them and serve them before doing anything else he's trained to do.  To Let them change YOU and you'll probably change them as you hope.  When I saw this on the Social Media groups per his Singapore Malaysia Mission, it spoke everything, for me.  The Elder, listening to the Elders of Malaysia.   It will be good to see you Wednesday, Parker, and to hear it all.   We have missed you!

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Draper, Utah Missionary Letters seen thru Jul 1-2017

Flying Worms with Pinchers

When you hear about "the jaws of hell gaping open after you", you usually think of just that. But this week my companion learned that it can mean earthly things as well. So, we were sitting at one of our 'less actives' houses getting ready for the lesson. Well, they are known for cooking very strange things. You all remember the worms I ate alive back in Sibu?? Yeah so he brings that out but he tries to hide if from us. Once he gets close he throws it at my feet (he was trying to scare me and make me jump). Without making a move I looked down, and in my head I thought, "Buddy, I've been in Sarawak way too long haha." I was like, "Hey! Where did you find this?!" As I picked it up and realized how big it was. It's pinchers were massive. Pretty impressive actually. "Jaws of hell"....well to my companion, who was given the worm at his feet right after me, but his reaction was less controlled, haha. Always a good time here in Sarawak!

This week I got to do exchanges with Elder Mullins in the district because my comp went with the district leader. We had fun teaching and seeing miracles. 

Also, don't know if I have mentioned it yet but we are teaching and English Class every week along with a mission prep class here. It is so much fun and the youth from the two branches here are way cool. They will be forces to be reckoned with later. 

Last P-day we went with a bunch of youth (speaking of youth) to the beach and played ultimate frisbee and soccer. Well, we taught them how to play ultimate, and owned them, then they wanted to turn the tables on us a play soccer. Yeah well, we beat 'em 7-0, no big deal. Beach soccer is my jam. It was fun none the less getting out and doing stuff with the youth in the beautiful locations not far from here. This place is amazing and I will sure miss it. 

Sorry! Short one! Love you all. Keep it real. Always kneel ;)

Elder Thompson 

 

 

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Draper, Utah Missionary Letters seen thru Jun 24-2017

Apai

Happy Father's Day one and all! Dad, I hope you had a great one! Thanks for being my role model and example.  Only a couple more weeks now and we can go keep the yard up on Saturdays, hit up Wingnuts and watch a game, or we could go to our family 'Kebun' in the jungles of Sarawak and cut down various wild fruits, kill our pig, and barbecue it (If you're feeling Malaysian). Let me know! Love you Dad.

These people are my family here, honestly. There are many times that I look around, or that we are in a lesson with kids climbing all over me, and I think, just like my family. There is no sweeter feeling then to sit in a home and teach them the gospel with all the kids reading with us, and the parents helping to explain. We end it with a prayer on our knees and the whole family is in on it. We were also at church on Sunday and my second Mom (Sis. Norlia) and I were having conversations about life and what my plans were, as well as their families. I honestly just felt like part of the family. I don't know how I am going to leave these people. 

Jesus Christ lives and he is real. His power is over all and if we would just let him take our lives, we would understand that truth. Our investigator, 'Jackson,' testified of his dream he had where he felt he saw Jesus Christ in essence. Now, for those of us who are not a lucky as Jackson over here, we believe in Him given our circumstances. I am reading the New Testament, and if anyone wants an extra boost to their study of Jesus Christ, watch the Bible Videos, because I did that too. He lives. He absolutely lives. He taught simply and he taught with love. If we will just seek him, follow his teachings, and give our lives over to him. He will make us more than we ever thought possible. 

To my "Apai", and to my "Apai ti aba Sorga", I say thank you for all you have done for me. Love you all!

Elder Thompson

The Sarawak Conquest

I have to keep it short today so sorry in advance! 

This week we headed up to Miri for our zone conference up there. Miri was the last city that I have not gone in Sarawak so going there made me Sarawak conquest complete! We took four hour bus ride up there and back on Thursday and Friday. We got to see Pres and Sister Simmons and all that good stuff. I gave me final testimony too, like what the heck?! When did that happen? Also the buses are nice but the road....oh my the roads. Ok, for anyone from Utah who complains about Idaho roads, I dare you to come drive these roads out here. For anyone that is from Idaho that complains about Utah drivers, I dare to you drive on these roads with 3x the madness and rudeness. Yeah imagine that. Be grateful for what you have! Dad, if we were to take our boat and drive it behind the truck out here, we'd have like 37 flat tires instead of two in a 4 hour journey. Just to give you imagery.

Aside from that the miracle this week had to come with our investigator Jackson. We were asking him how his reading and praying has been going and he made a comment about the night before as he was praying and repenting. He said that as he was doing so he could feel a presence behind him and almost thought he felt a hand on his back comforting him. He felt light and peace. When he turned around he could see nothing, but he remembered the feeling. You should have seen my face grinning from ear to ear. All I could say was, "That is what I'm talking about! Woohhh!" Jackson, I know EXACTLY what you mean man. Welcome to the greatest feeling our God has to offer. It can never be forgotten for as long as we live. 

Love you all!

Elder Thompson 

Miri Trip ::

 

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Ghost Town

I'll just give you all an update on the other side of Gawai here in, Bintulu. Well, everyone in the town leaves and heads out to their long houses they have out in the jungle. I think like over half the town just left. The last week was pretty interesting and we kept busy, but just a different kind of busy. I can't wait until I can take my own vacations, haha.

Also, earlier in the week the family of one of my past comps (Elder Duckworth) was here to visit with the members and hang out. Elder Duck finished his mission and his family came and picked him up. It was fun but still a bit weird to hang out and talk with more white people. It always is. 

Let me tell you about a cool miracle named Henry that seems to impress every single week. Well, this week we got a call on Monday night from our investigator Jackson who is Henry's best friends saying that they had both fallen at work. Henry from the 4th floor and Jackson from the second. We rushed to the hospital to see him and figure out everything because at that point, we were his only family. His family lived 10 hours away by car and in a secluded area at their kampung without any cell coverage. He has severe brain hemorrhage and may have broken a leg and arm, but when we saw him he was still unconscious and didn't look too good. Fast forward to Tuesday the day after and we visited him throughout the day all day long and at night we gave him a priesthood blessing. He had woken up and could talk a little but was still out of it and the doctors said he's probably be there for 2 weeks. Jackson had minor injuries and had been released already. Ok, so we show up in the afternoon the next day, Wednesday, and he's gone. His bed is empty. What? We ask the staff where he is and they're like, he's at home already! Wait...what?! So we hustle over to his house and go see him. I turn the corner to see this smiling face and totally coherent man saying, "Hey!" No brain damage, no broken bones. The next day he was walking. He kept asking if we were still going to keep learning like a day after he fell. He showed up on Sunday in a white shirt and tie with hardly a limp, his head went from a lopsided basketball to a normal size, and he even blessed the sacrament for the first time. I've never seen so much faith. So cool.

On a separate note, I finished reading the book "The Infinite Atonement" this week and man, what a book. That is all I have to say, what a book. His Atonement is so much more than you and I could ever have even imagined. With Tad R. Callister, I too express of appreciation and gratitude for the sacrifice that not only saves me, but changes me into somethings only God could make. It has that power if we let it in.

Love you all!

Elder Thompson 

 

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Selamat Ari Gawai

We had transfers this last week when I got off last Monday but nothing exciting other than I am staying here and everyone in the house is staying too. That was to be expected. We plan to exalt this city up with Enoch by the end of these next 5 weeks.

So earlier this week as it normally does it just started dumping rain in the middle of the night. Like I'm pretty used to it by now, but this was something else. Rain on tin roofs puts me to sleep but this was like a straight mile long stream of water being poured down on our house for like 5 hours straight. I remember at one point I could actually feel the vibration of the rain through my bed. Yep, earthquake rain. It's awesome.

So, there is like 1 puddle in the middle of this entire small town. Seriously, one. It is right on the main road. It's literally the only puddle within miles and it had to be on the street. Well I drove up next to it on my bike and waited to turn when a car comes flying by going the other way and hit the puddle straight on. Watching a wave of water come at you that is like 6 feet and your on a bike, you say some pretty classic prayers. But yeah who knew bike surfing could be so much fun?! Jokes on the car I was burning hot and he cooled me down. Thank you kind car driver for caring enough to give a mini tsunami here in Bintulu. 

We helped a Muslim family this week build there house and that was a new experience. They were like, you're really going to help us?! I'm like, yeah! What? Is it because we're white? Huh? He laughed. It is not often different religions help each other out like that. Not even their own family want to help. I was like, we believe in the same God, and we are all his children, so yeah we'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning. It was cool to get to know them. 

The highlight of the week was our Gawai Party. We kicked of the Gawai season, which is like the equivalent of Thanksgiving here, with an awesome party. Pictures to come. Lots of music and dancing and a whole ton of food. Way too much food. Way too good. Good times with members and watching Relief Society sisters battle it out in musical chairs. It all makes for some good memories!

That's all I got love you all!

Elder Thompson

 

 

Gawai Parties and Exchanges 

On Mon, May 22, 2017

Parker Thompson : PThompson@MyLDSMail.net wrote:

Hello one and all once again! Another down in the books here and yeah, here's the highlights and what not:

Probably the best experience this week that was not really missionary related would be the other branche's 'Gawai Party,' of which we had a performance in. Yes we went all out. Would you expect anything less. Just imagine a bunch of huge white dudes all dressed up in swimming and scuba diving equipment doing a mix of ballet and cheer leading stunts to some nice classical music. It was so much fun. It's kind of a sad thing that most of the people here don't really know what swimming is, or even how to do it, but it still worked. So worth it. 

I also got to go on an exchange with my district leader here, Elder Mickelson. We had a fun day of walking around the smallest area in the mission, and very well could be the smallest in the world. Within about a 5 minutes walk there are like 20 flat building just stocked full of majority, Iban. There was lots of stair climbing and a lot of obnoxious Gawai music blasting everywhere you went. Ah, feels like home. 

So also, we were going to teach our investigators and we have known that one of them has been missing out because his mom won't allow him to learn. Well we went to visit the house and ask politely. We ended up talking to the father and before we got too far I wanted to know his name. He's like, "Sion." Yeah. Zion. If there is another indicator greater than this for an elect person to teach, then I don't know what it is.  His name is literally, Zion. Like, we found Zion. Hopefully he works out!

Other than that, anything and everything that happens here in Bintulu is done in Iban, their tribal language.  I absolutely love it and have found myself more comfortable in Iban than in Malay at points in the day. I think when I committed myself to becoming Iban early on in my mission I might have been in over my head. But hey, if we aren't in over our heads, how can we know how tall we are? That was a short joke, Ibans are way short and stubby haha. I love these people.

Love you all!

Elder Thompson