Coming Home

 8/26/2024

Well the whole day coming home didn't feel real. Even when I was on the plane traveling home, seeing my family, and going home felt like it was all a dream and was going to end. It was good to see and hug my family again. 

Before I went home and still in Wisconsin I got to have a testimony meeting with all the missionaries going home and it was an amazing spirit in that room with every missionary bearing their testimony. Testifying of Jesus Christ is the best way to feel of the spirit and everyone in that room did just that. We then got the worst nights sleep in the hotel, and most of us couldn't eat any food at breakfast downstairs. We then part our ways at the airport with President and Sister Hansen saying goodbye. I then travel to Atlanta with 3 other missionaries and then to Salt Lake City. It was weird being on the planes as well because everyone was staring at us or asking where we were going, saying "Hi Elders!" when no one said that to us in Wisconsin haha.

Then getting home after I was home for a little bit I went to meet with President Atwood our Stake President to get released from being a full time missionary. The killer for me was when he said that I could bear my testimony one last time before he released me and I wasn't emotional at all up until this point but when he said that I started to tear up. Then when he released me he said I could take off my tag whenever I felt like but I was ready on the ride home to do that. I was then able to change out of church clothes.

I then was able to give my homecoming talk and it was again so weird to be the one giving a homecoming talk I never thought I would ever do it I just thought I would always be a missionary but it started and ended so fast. It was really good to be around family and to bear my testimony to them all and tell them about my experiences in Wisconsin. I felt like the whole time there is nothing that I could do or say to help them know how much my mission changed and helped me draw closer to my Savior.

One of our last Monday calls while Parker was on his mission.

Elder Gordan before heading home.

Waiting for Parker to round the bend.

Finally see Parker before he came into the waiting area.

Carter and Mom wee going back and forth to see who got to hug Parker first.  

Carter was nice enough to let mom be first - lol.  Then he got the second hug before dad.

Parker also left with a family of 8 and came back to having 3 sister-in-laws.  Definitely a change.  Was so nice to finally be together as a complete family again.  Johnathan and Rosa actually flew in late the same day, so weren't here when he arrived.  They were coming back from Spain.  

Bradley was so much taller when Parker came home.  Parker almost couldn't believe it was him.

Parker wanted to eat at J Dawgs.  

Some fun items that Parker brought back for us all.  

Parker's cool new Wisconsin hat.  We loved sitting in the backyard talking and enjoying our time together.  

  

Bradley was so nice to let Parker sleep in his bed and he slept on the floor.

Parker was released from being a missionary later that evening.  Byron, Tricia and Parker went to the Stake Center where President Bryan Atwood met us there.  It was really cool to be able to hear Parker share his testimony to Byron & I.  

Here is the letter President Atwood received from Parker's mission president when he was released:

27 Jul 2023

Bryan Atwood 

147 W 1850 N Utah 84043 

President Atwood,

Elder Parker Nevin Beck is a wonderful missionary who has served well in the Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission. Sister Hansen and I love this blessed missionary and will miss him dearly. It has been a privilege to serve with him, for the time we have been serving together.

During his service, Elder Beck has served faithfully wherever assigned. His dedicated service has blessed other missionaries, members, and Heavenly Father's children wherever he has served. Surely, many people will be forever grateful for the sacrifice and service of this wonderful missionary.

Through his service, he has risen to his missionary purpose. In doing so he has developed into a disciple of Jesus Christ, who is committed to remain on the covenant path for the rest of his life. We know that some of his greatest service lies ahead, and we are excited to see what the Lord will accomplish through him.

You will be blessed by visiting with Elder Beck upon his return. We invite you to identify meaningful opportunities for him to serve upon his return and hope that you might encourage him in consistent temple worship and continued gospel study through involvement in institute. Thank you for all you have done and will do to bless Elder Beck.

Faithfully,
David C. Hansen, President Wisconsin Milwaukee Mission