Elder William Perry's Mission Address

Elder William Neldon Perry
Finland Helsinki Mission

Neitsytpolku 3 A 4 FI
00140 Helsinki
Finland

Send all mail to the mission home above

email:
william.perry@myldsmail.net

Serving from
March 2011 to March 2013



Monday, October 31, 2011

October 31, 2011

Haha I have been reading emails for the last twenty minutes or so haha.
I have had the funniest week, and have recieved some new assignments!!!!!! First of all, change calls.................. where could it be?????????................ Tampere,......... Oulu,............. Helsinki.................................... Training......................... sitting with President in an interview.................. and he says...................(drum roll)................. .................... Joensuu. HAHAA I guess the Lord likes the work I'm doing here. My new companion's name is Elder Rogers. He came with Elder Manwaring in his group. I'm pretty nervous because my finnish is okay, but not fluent haha. Well..... Life goes on. Whenever I'm on the phone and someone says something I don't understand, I just kind of laugh, and say, sorry I don't understand you haha. Hilarious!!!!

However First things first....... today Vanhin Weaver and I were playing Finnish Monopoly (We do it for language study on P-day). I won!!!! (Beware of Pride boy). I was getting so mad, and in Finnish I said, "You can't make up rules!!!" haha It was getting so intense. Elder Weaver and I really almost skipped email today. I was getting ready to throw him off our balcony!!! (insert throat clearing sound) uh.. hmm.. it was pretty cool. On to the gospel..... I was reading in the Book of Isaiah when I came across a very interesting passage talking about the how the children of Israel will return to the mother land in the latter.............................................Dad wake up and keep reading!!!!! That was a J.K.

Anyways, Things with H and T are still going very good. I drew out a baptismal calender for her, and she is so excited to be baptized on the 3rd of Dec. I had a very cool experience with them. We taught them the plan of salvation, and we got to the three kingdoms. We paused and asked them, what would it mean to them if they could be together for all eternity. They stopped talking. T the husband looked his wife in the eyes, and she looked back at him. They looked back at us, and with the most love and compasion I have ever seen they said humbly, "That is what we would really like." It touched my heart. I gained a new perspective on family relationships and what they should be. I am so grateful for the gospel!! I walked out of that teach feeling like I was standing on top of the world!

I really am so excited that I get to stay in Joensuu. I was kind of looking forward to new experiences in a different city, but I know that's not the Lords will right now. I know that there is a lot of work to do here. As I think about it, it causes me to want to shrink haha. But I just keep going forward, trying to do my best.

Are you all ready for W.D.D.T.W. (William's Dumb Doing This Week). Actually there's two, and they have to do with the mission president!! We were sitting in a meeting, and Sister Rawlings was explaining something with words I didn't understand haha. I asked what does this mean?? She replied using another word I didn't understand haha. That's when I sat back in my chair, and was like Oh.. of course that's what it means!!! Looking side to side, and pulling the collar of my shirt. Wow it's hot in here!! Second WDDTW. We picked President and Sister Rawlings up from there hotel in Kuopio, and went to the church for District Conference. President got out of the car, and it looked like he forgot his bag. I grabbed it (with him watching) and followed him inside. I asked, President, where would you like this? He turned around, and with his loving voice said, "IN THE CAR!!"

Nice Elder Perry. hahahah .... next assignment. Elder Perry we have a nice assignment for you in the mission office... sorting mail.... where you wont have to be confused, and no one will get hurt. Actually... maybe the mail is a little big......... you can be in charge of getting juice for the mission president.
Daddy!! I don't want to be juice boy!!

Everything sounds like it's going very good! I got your package mom, and I hung the halloween skeleton over our front door. His legs are kind of spred out between our mail slot, which makes it kind of awkward for posti mies to give us our mail haha. I actually haven't recieved any letters the past few days................ hmm..................
But thank you so much for everything. It made my morning when I got it during comp study.

It sounds like you and Mike, are really busy remodeling the house! It's like TLC on steroids! way to go for you. I am excited to see it someday. I can't believe this change is over almost. I'm going into my fifth change! I will be going down to Helsinki next month for my sixth month kieli koulu (language school). That is about when you start to be old in the mission. I am really excited for Elder Rogers, He sounds like a stud. President said that he lived in russia for a year, so his special assignment is to study a little bit of russian each day, which means I get extra language study too!! We are going to do great things. President told us specifics for Joensuu, which I wont talk about. It can be done, and it will be done. STOOcked!!!
As far as sister Turunen mommy. If you can find them in finnish then send them in finnish, but english is fine as well. Just send them candy, and whatever you think is necessary for Sister Turunen. They are so great. I love them so much. I talk to them all the time, and they are so sweet. I will get their address to you in the mail today when I write natalie back.

I love you all so much! Rauha.

Will

October 24, 2011

THis week has been a very good week. It has been a very hard week, but I have learned so much from it. We only had 1 member teach, and 4 other teaches. It was kind of rough. However I have felt the Lords loving help as I have simply tried to put my heart into the work.

Mom, I remember one day that was really hard, however I decided not to get frustrated. I felt like I should grab the letter that you wrote to me on my Birthday the night before I entered the MTC. I was so grateful for your words, and the things you told me to do. I took it to heart, and really tried to do my best in those difficult situations. The Lord has really been shaping us, and helping us to be better missionaries. I have really been trying to listen to His voice. As I have tried, I have been able to recieve the inspiration that I've needed. I know that He communicates with His Missionaries. I can't describe the reality of the counsel, and comfort given. You can't make up these feelings, and words. I know it's true.

To follow up with last week, H and T (I'm not sure what the rule is on sharring names) are doing so great! We met with them yesterday, and things are so well. We had planned to teach the Plan of Salvation, however the Spirit led us to different topics. On an off note. Dad I remember you telling me the story about how you helped a less active family return to the church and eventually going through the temple. I have really been hoping for an opportunity to help a specific family go to the temlpe. Anyways this was it! That is H and T's goal. They want ot be sealed for eternity. We helped them realize their potential. They felt like they weren't worthy to come back. The Spirit testified to them that this wasn't true. We felt the Lord speak through us to them. The Lord is so proud of them, and what they are doing in their lives!! They are so special. I love them so much.

The Lord taught me a very important lesson this week. "Whom the Lord loveth, He chaseneth." I have felt the importance of accepting the Lords correction, and taking it to heart. I was studying last night right before my nightly prayers, and I came across a really good scripture in the Book of Proverbs it's chapter 9. It says, "Rebuke a wise man, and He will love thee." I found this scripture right after I had recieved personal counsel for what I need to be doing better. I really have learned the importance of seeking correction, and doing it with charity. Sometimes the Lord corrects us through another (companion, friend, leader... etc). It is so important to just keep a good attitude about it. I have noticed that when I recieve correction, and I laugh about it, and just try and do better, it is so much easier to take.

I have been loving life here. I have really found the joy that comes from choosing faith. Although some things are uncertain about the future, I do know that we can be happy in any situation. Today for language study Vanhin Weaver and i played finnish Monopoly in Finnish haha. "It's four in the morning grandma...... you win!!!!!! (I didn't stay up late.. just a quote, joke..........) It was super hard!! Right about the time I was winning, He came back and destroyed me! I got mad at him in Finnish haha.

I have a few questions, mom.. Why didn't you email!?? Second, Where is Jace Larson going on His mission? Third is more of a statement... Don't send packages until I give you the clear. Change call day is in like a week and a half. I will find out if I recieve one this saturday. I have been in Joensuu for 4 changes or 5.5 months. Jumpi Kumpi, not sure if I'll leave or stay. I want to stay because I love the people in this city so much. Their are so many people I will stay in touch with here for well.... eternity haha. I do want knew experiences and stuff however. Well we'll see.

Rakkaudella

The blue elephant on star wars who is playing the piano in Jabbas palace (eli Vanhin Perry).

Monday, October 17, 2011

October 17, 2011

Hello There,

I have know idea where to start my letter today. All I can say is I have recieved so many answers to my prayers this week. This week has been pretty hard haha. It seemed as though all these different problems were mounting on my back. However one by one they were much more easier to handle as I turned to the Lord. Heaven touched my heart this week.

First of all, my bike situation hahaha... I NEED A BIKE SO UNBELIEVEABLY BAD!!! Joensuu is a bike city, and we don't have a car. I decided instead of getting discouraged or mad to just go pray. I went, and explained the situation to Heavenly Father, and then I just continued doing everything I could. The very day, I called a member to see if I could borrow His bike for ahwile. He said of course!! That was a temporary answer! But it get's even better.

The Kuopio Elder's (Our District leader) came down for splits on friday. In the morning we went over to a sister's house to do service. We helped her to tear down her sauna so they can remodal. I was so grateful for the opportunity to help her. We had so much fun, tearing wood down, and pulling the nails out, and all that different stuff. She was so grateful, and she made us a really good lunch. During the service she said, Elder Perry, come look at this bike (She knew that mine was broken). I checked it out and it was in really good condition. I rode it a little, and went back inside, and asked "Thank you so much! How much do you want for it?" She said, We'll talk about it later, with a big smile on her face. Hahah it was so funny. She said, "I want to share a spiritual thought with you all." So she sat us down, and pulled out her "Teachings of President David O Mckay book" and began talking about how God pays us back when we give service to others. She looked at me, and said,"Elder Perry, do you believe God will pay me back if I serve you?" of course I replied yes. She went on to say, Let me serve you, and give you my bike for free. I was so grateful. I still am. My Heavenly Father heard my prayer. She went on to say how she came home the night after she found out my bike was broken and opened right to that page in President Mckay's book. I'm picking up the bike today.

We had so much fun on spilts. Vanhin Cassity and I went and first went to a sister's office to give her a letter from another missionary that came to our apartment. We met up with her, and haha it was so hilarious. This particular missionary was the one who baptized her. I believe. She read the letter outloud and the whole time Vanhin Cassity and I were like, "Has He proposed!!!???" she was like, not yet haha. After she finished I said, let's read in between the lines haha. She is so funny. I call her my big sister haha. Everytime she calls us or we call her, she says my little brother haha. I used to get so nervous when I taught her for the first few times. However no one get any idea's!! I already decided that There is no one in Finland who I would pursue anything with. I'm not here for that haha.

Following that visit, we went down to teach a less active investigator and his non member wife. They are so great! The impression came at the beginning of the lesson to commit her to baptism. I waited awhile, and it's almost like the spirit led them to say what the Lord wanted them to say. We talked about the temple, and how I want a picture of them when they go through!! They want to be sealed together for eterenity. The man said, "I want to recieve the Melchezidek Priesthood, and the wife said, "I want to follow in the foot-steps of my husband." one word............GOLDEN!!! The spirit was there fo sho. haha

The last experience happened on saturday, and was pretty rough. We had four teaches planned for the day. Everything was planned around these teaches, so we were pretty busy. However I want to share what happened during the second teach of the day. We went to a DA in a potential's home for lunch, and a lesson. He was very nice on the street, and when we came into his home he was nice. We talked a little bit, and sat down to eat. He asked the question, "Why don't you believe in the Koran?" My companion said kind of an indirect answer, but didn't really answer the question. The mantle was on me. I felt like Jake Heaps, fourth quarter against the Utes haha except doing good. anyways, I said bodly but with love,"We know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." From there things went down hill... He went on calling us servants of the Devil, saying how the reason we feel good inside is because we are "good servants of him." I tried to contain myself. He asked how could you know such a thing? I looked him in the eye, and said with all my heart, "Through personal experience, and personal revelation I know that He lives. I don't dare to deny what I know. I know you can know too." Then he changed the subject to how arrogant I am, and I was just like whatever. I just tried to love him, and we left.

I have been reflecting on that experience for the last little while. I was a little down trodden, but as I turned to the Lord He comforted me. Sometimes it's not easy saying those kinds of things to people, however they have to be said. We can't be casual about our beliefs. It is very important to respect other peoples' religions, and not try and find fault with them. However when we teach, we teach in the attitude of this is what happened, and this is why it happened. There is no other way. We do it with love, but nevertheless we do it.

I was so happy to here about the house mommy. It sounds like you've been busy with everything. I remember your Disney Christmas Fireplace thing, and I also remember Mike shaking his head everytime it was put on haha. I haven't recieved any letters from him by the way! Tell him He is not getting anymore finnish stuff until I get a letter haha. Not an email, a letter. By the way, I have more for him.

I remember dad when we went to Virgina. When I'm riding my bike I sometimes think about when we went camping, or hunting (illegally) or all of the fun stuff we went to do. I miss those days so much, but it's all good. They'll come again.

I miss you both so much. Today is my Fifth month in Finland, and no....... I am not fluent haha. But someday......... I hope soon.

Rakkaudella,

Willie

October 10, 2011

Heeellloooooo Rakas Vanhemmani!!! the (HEeellooooo) is just hello exaggerated. haha

Anyways where do I start!!!!! This week has been ridiculous haha fun, crazy, stressful,..... all of the ingrediants to make one want to get into the corner of his/ her bedroom, and cry for two hours... (which I didn't do). Kuitenkin, moving forward.... We made some changes here in the work in Joensuu. Vanhin Weaver and I have really been trying to push ourselves to do things more in the Lords manner. Particualry with holding on to investigators. Our purpose is to find, teach, and baptize those who are ready to recieve the restored gospel, and are willing to act on the message we share. At one point we went from like 10 to 8 to eventually around 2 investigators. Some of these people I have known since my arrival into Finland. It was definately a step of faith... however the blessings we recieved far outstretch the sacrifices we had to make. This week cannot be described in any other word other than "miracle." I would say that word in finnish, but the fact is.... I don't know it in finnish.. hmmm.. (insert clearing throat action... copy.. paste).

One thing I can say is, I HAVE BEEN SO HAPPY THIS WEEK!! Everything has been hilarious. Every time something bad happens, or a disappointment comes I laugh so hard haha. I'm laughing right now!!!! (oh.. the lady in front of me, just gave me the strong finnish stare!! but don't worry I stared right back!!!) jk but everything has been so good. I have really strived to just have a good attitude about everything. As I have just tried to look for the good in each situation, and prayed that Heavenly Father will help me, He has. I will illustrate some good examples haha.

So we finally got an appointment set up with this golden family!!! Mom, Dad, lapset!!!! So were on the way to this appointment which is around 10 kilometers out of town, and a twig get's caught in my gear system. I start to slow down to get it out and Vanhin Weaver yells, EMBRACE IT!!! hahah (always loved that guy!) So l do, and start to speed up, when all of the sudden the twig goes up through the pully, and bends the whole thing into the spokes!"! Five minutes before the teach!!! (2 points to the adversary!!) So I look at it, and just start laughing! We locked our bikes right there, and ran to the teach!! We taught them about the Book of Mormon, and they said they are interested! (5 points Elders). It was so great! We still had to walk my bike into town, but things went so well.

We had a very cool experience as well earlier in the week. We were on the way to another appointment with an potential, and Vanhin Weaver and I realized we should be talking to more people even though we are on bikes. We stopped this guy, and I said,"Hey we talk about God's plan for us, and know that He lives... or something like that... can we talk more about this with you sometime? His first response was, yeah!! It kind of shocked me haha I was like okay, can we recieve your phone number. Vanhin Weaver spoke up and said, Can we meet in your home this week? He said yes to both questions, and we recieved his address, and number. The Lord blessed us by following the counsel of our leaders. However that is not the coolest part.

We continued down the road to where I thought this potential lived. However I looked at the wrong street on the map, and so we called this potential and apologized. He said we could meet on sunday, and I felt so bad. However I just tried to think, well i'm not perfect, what are we to do now? We stopped and the impression came to go try another close potential. We went imediately there, and... no answer. We recieved the impression to knock on the door behind us. I then remembered a story that Brother Francom told me about a door he recieved an impression to knock on, but he didn't. He remembered that his whole life. We decided to do it, and met this nice new family who said we can come back!! I was so grateful to be apart of that experience. It was so humbling to me, that the Lord saw through my weakness. He understands that I make mistakes sometimes, but He is still there to help us to be successful.

I love emailing, not only because I get to speak with you, but because I get to remember all the times the Lord helped us, and particularly me to do this work. Another experience I had may not be interesting to too many people, but is very important to me. I heard the testimony of another missionary who said, "I know Heavnly Father is proud of all His missionaries. I know He is proud of me in my efforts here." I thought about that statement, and that very night I prayed. I prayed to know if Heavenly Father was proud of me, if I am doing the right thing. All I can say is, I know he is there. I felt so close to my father that night. I felt His love. It may not be revelation like Paul revieved on the road to Damascus, or Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, or the brother of Jared on top of the mountain. But to me, it was so important. Of all the experiences I have had as a missionary, the best ones have happened while I was on my knees. I plead with anyone who reads these emails. Do not take for granted the capactiy you have to be close to your Father in Heaven. It's not worth it.

I was so happy to here about Natalies concert. I remember taking Jen to The Roof for dinner once. EXPENSIVE!! haha but I would say worth it. I am also so excited to hear about the Provo Tabernacle!!! I remember sitting in that small room, and just shouting!!! It was so great to hear.

I was so excited to hear about Aunt Marsha and Uncle Dale!!! That is so great!

I will be staying in Joensuu, and the change ends on the 6 th of November, so don't send packages or anything to my home address two weeks before that date. Send them to the mission home. Otherwise send everything straight to my apartement in Joensuu because otherwise I have to wait a month or so to get it. I'm so sorry mom, I forgot your question at home. I will write you a letter.

love you all, and thank you for your support

Will

October 3, 2011

HEEELLOOOO Family.

Well, first of all, dad with the package on tuesday I believe... very nice move! That BYU poster is proudly on my desk where it should be. They beat the AGGIES!!!!!??? That is hienoa!!! I can't believe they decided to take off their skirts and end this tea party!!! Movin up to the big kids table hahaha. Anyways, trying to think of what to talk about... sooo many options, let's see... we've got Kuopio road trip to Oulu, Oulu contacting, Oulu zone conference, Elder Manwaring and I playing guitar (Oh babylon, Oh babylon we bid thee farewell!!!!!!) That was a joke because we started playing wordly songs, which is funny with the babylon referrance because the ancient Israelites were commanded to leave the city of babylon because the wickedness of the city, resulting in the... hahahaha jk not sure if any of that is even true... Kuitenkin....

We had a lot of fun in Oulu! I don't know what it is but I love that city!!! Elder Manwaring and I always have so much fun haha. He is soooo good at the language, His congegations are really progressing, and we did very well when we went contacting. We always laugh so hard, and everything is hilarious. Experience number one: We were out and He was telling me about Kaajani, and the work there, and we decided to contact this one last guy before we got back to the chapel. We talked to him about the plan of salvation, and how we have a purpose in this life. We talked about how God loves all of his children, and the guy was soooo cool!! We got his phone number, and Elder Manwaring invited him to general conference the next day!! didn't say he would come... however, we did get his number, and Oulu should have a really good investigator soon. It was so cool to see the Lord to work through us to bless this man's life.

The next thing happened the following morning. Once again with Vanhin Manwaring and I after morning work out, I realized that I didn't have any breakfast!!!!! It was about 7:30 in the morning. I convinced him to come with me to buy some food. We ran into the city, and looked at the store door... locked......DAANGGIT!!! No food, until we get to Kuopio at 1400!!! So we start walking back, and we see this guy (Drunk) trying to fix his bike. Elder Manwaring said, we should go help him. I agreed, and so we went over there and Elder Manwaring fixed his bike, and we taught him a little bit. He gave us his phone number, and he told us about how much he needed to get his life back in order. His girlfriend dumped him, and he said he is crushed. We testified of the plan of salvation, and how through God, we can find peace, or something like that... Sweeeet!!!

I have come to see the importance of the spirit in this work, and how diverse the spirit works to lead us to individuals who are ready. I still didn't get food.... but Heavenly Father led us to one of his children who needed help. I know that it doesn't matter whether everything is good in life, or whether everything is going bad... we need our Father in Heaven. I love the quote Elder Packer said. He said something along the lines of,"compared to god, man in nothing... but to god man is everything." His purpose is to help us to be eternally happy. I have realized how grateful I am that I can be with my family forever!!! Because God loves me, he is going to help me return to him. I know that God is a God of order, and things must be done his way. However, when I marry my wife in the temple, I will be sealed for all eternity to her and my children. I am already sealed to you and dad, and life is soo great!! Everything makes so much sense. God loves us, so he gives us these different commandments to keep us free and happy. Leeeegit.

Sorry I don't have a lot of time today, we just barely got back into town, and I need to go shopping and clean my apartment. However I want you to know that I do love Elder Weaver. Even though we are completely different people, he is a great missionary, and a cool Elder. Sometimes I think He is kind of strange when He talks about his computer catalogs, but I'm sure he thinks I'm strange when I lay out the pictures of Jet's you sent Me!!! Big thanks to dad!!!

It sounds like things are very much so coming along at the house! That is so great. That downstairs hallway needed the reconstruction. I am excited to see it someday ahah. Maybe you can send me pictures of it. I'll send my memory card home, so you can post pictures of myself, particularly my chizzled abs and stunning features hahaha. Elder Weaver and mines key phrase is (So noone kidnapps us) Hey kid, you want some candy?? Tell Alexya and she'll know haha.

love to be, be to love

Vanhin William Neldon Perry III