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



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

November 5, 2012 (abt 117 days left)

No Niin!! I am not sure how long this email is going to be because I have to type all of the essays. I am going to type them all up and then have some people review them, and I will send you the final draft next monday ready to submit into my application. I actually feel really good about going to the Y father haha. It was actually something I wasn't really considering before my mission, but It feels good. I guess we'll see what happens. I need to give you 5 characteristics it asks for on this paper. I put: Service Oriented, Hardworking and disciplined, Positive influence and leadership abilities, ability to deal with stressful environment, Analytical and strategic. I didn't have any time to really write anything last pday. Hopefully things go well today!! This week we had an awesome week! We have really been trying to focus on doing the things that will be most effective in the long run. For instance parking our car farther away from the appointment and then contacting in betweener's! We had an awesome experience last night. We felt like we should just walk to our next appointment which wasn't too far away. We were passing this couple and we got a distinct impression to talk with them. We said that we are searching for people who want to come closer to God, and recognize answers to their prayers. We talked to them for a minute, and they straight up said that they weren't interested. However the man said very openly that he knew two people he would be. He freely gave us two referrals of people he knew who were trying to, "Find themselves!" We really have been trying to follow the counsel to talk to everyone! Another cool story is about this member who is in a wheel chair. I was talking to the Sisters before Sacrament meeting on sunday and this lady in a wheel got my attention and asked me to go talk to her. I did so, and she proceeded to tell me about one of her friends. To back up a little bit, We had tracted into this potential investigator who is a single mom with a few young kids. We had an appointment with her, but for whatever reason she said, she is not sure if this is for her, and cancelled the appointment. A few weeks later this member went to some sort of clinic and they talked about the church a little bit haha. She offered her home to the lady to hold the lessons. I'm not sure if the mom was nervous about having us in her home or what not, but I guess this old lady in a wheel chair was able to some missionary work. This experience taught me that all of us regardless of our age or capacities can and should be doing missionary work regardless of our circumstances! The Lord will provide a way for everyone to bear testimony of this work. It was so cool to hear her cute old voice tell me abou it!!!! We were able to go down to Joensuu to hold exchanges with them down there! I got to see friends I made there! It was so cool to see them and some of the other branch members! I was reminded of how hard I worked there, and it gave me motivation above all to come back to my city and work just as hard! It is so interesting to think that I was there a year ago haha! I could understand them this time! I was with Elder Christiansen. He is a new missionary just like I was in Joensuu. It was cool to testify to him that he really does walk on sacred ground! We went through some of the people I taught in the area book, and set up some appointments with formers! It was a great exchange and those elders are doing so great!! I really like the picture grandma sent! it was really cool to see that visual! Thank you both for everything! Tell Alexya that she is a bumb for not writing me back yet! AS well as shelby haha. love, Elder Perry

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October 29, 2012 (abt 124 days left)

Hi family! Mom I wanted to say thank you for helping me get all of that registration started. I will type up those essays today hopefully, or by next week. I have decided not to be a procrastinator. I am thinking about majoring in mechanical engineering or physics. Perhaps I'll do a bachelors in m.e. and a minor in physics. I think that those degree's will give me a wide variety of options for graduate school. I also would like to apply to the University of Utah, and USU. I want to see what kinds of programs they have in biomedical engineering, and architectural engineering. I want to have my options open. I definately think that would be cool. However engineering and physics field is sounding good to me. I know it is going to take work and concentration buy I know I can do anything with the Lords help. If you could send me information via postage that would be great! So this week was absolutely crazy! However all in all I believe that it was a very successful week. All I can say is I truly do love the Lord. Sometimes it's easy especially as a mission leader to take everything upon your own shoulders, and to just go out and work hard. However I was reminded this week through studies and prayers that THIS IS THE LORDS WORK! He knows how to do his own work. Regardless of talents or personal abilities we need to do things His way! I can honestly say that everything fell through this week! We had at least 10 lessons fall through with investigators, members, and recent converts! However I am proud to say that I didn't get frustrated!!! I am so grateful to the Lord that he helped me to be patient. I know the importance of pressing forward when it seems like were stuck rather than giving in to the challenge. The Lord has really been softening my heart and changing me to love more, and judge less. He is helping me to see the bigger picture than just numbers. We still worked hard and we were able to pull through with 16 total lessons! We had a cool experience! Basically our whole day fell through Saturday, and we decided to just pull of on the side of the rode and say a little prayer and we felt we should go tracting. We have decided to spend our times tracting in places were we know we can find future stable leaders, and families. We felt like we should go to one house. We knocked on the door, and we talked with this man about the Book of Mormon, he wasn't interested. Then Elder Bushman started talking with him about his religion, he invited us in (it was pretty cold outside). We stood in his doorway and listened to him, and taught him for about 30 minutes about the restoration and principles of the gospel. In the end of things he ended up taking a book of mormon and we promised him that we would visit his church sometime. Which we will. I asked him if we could sit with him, and he said he doesn't really go haha!! But we will check it out for a bit or so. I really believe there is power in praising people for the truths they hold dear to them. Sometimes we are so quick to judge or to point out faults just because we have the fulness. Just because we have the fulness doesn't mean they are evil people and they should join our church or go to hell. We really just had a good week! We have really just been trying to work hard to help the members understand how committed we are to the work. We have met with several members asking them to whom we should go in the branch and out. We are setting up times when we can come and go with them to their friends who are less active, and (hopefully in the near future) non members. We are having fun, and finding, and loving these people! Even in our toughest situations we can find peace knowing that this is the Lords work. Elder Bushman in a great example to me of patience. He really helps me to not get discouraged when things don't work out. Because things always work out. I testify of the Lords power to communicate with us and tell us what we need to know in our callings. I testify about the power of the Savior to change our attitudes and desires if we just come unto Him. I testify that this is His church. This is the only church in all the world that has all of Gods authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel. Yesterday we were meeting with some members. We taught them about praying for missionary opportunities. Our recent convert jumped in and just started talking and talking and talking... analogy after analogy... finally the dad jumped in and said................"Yeah, thank you Elder's for coming, thanks for the principles you taught................... hopefully we do something.......................!" I bursted out laughing when he said that! We said a closing prayer, and I couldn't stop laughing hard in the prayer!!!! SINNNNEERRRRR! It reminds me of a quote I heard from my dad, "Son, you're not a bad person, you just do bad things." But way funny! Anyways, love you all, including you Natalie, Will

October 22, 2012 (abt 131 days left)

Hey! So I need to start with a few logistical things first! I have been thinking about a few options to earn some money when I get home. I was wondering how long it would take to do the woodland fire fighting program? It might be a good way to get some money for the school year. I have a friend out here that made a lot of money doing it, so I thought I would at least look into it. Secondly, What is going on with the registration at BYU? When can I start everything? I promise I'm not getting trunky! I'm just trying to be prepared so I don't come home to a mess. Dad I got the slip in the mail today that I have a package! I am going to go get it right now! HAHA I read on the slip btw that there are books in there! Our mission president said we can only read the missionary library! However I'm sure there are probably some good pictures in them! Thank you so much for everything! My comp, Elder Bushman is a way good wrestler! I told him that I wrestled in 2nd grade... awkward... anyways he has been teaching me how to wrestle and stuff. I HAVE BEEN GETTING DOMINATED!!! However there is only one way to learn haha. It is a very good workout in the morning. I have so many stories but such little time! We have been mad men up here working like crazy! I feel like every one of my abilities has been challenged and tested to ultimately come out on top through Christ's atonement. I can't even describe some of the challenges we have faced. However regardless of the challenges it all goes back to some principles that the Lord has emphasized in my learning this last little while. PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE!!! I think the only thing that Perry's have in common with the word patience is the first letter in both words!!! However I have felt the Lord help me to understand it the way He does to an extent. I think the biggest thing is patience with myself, but everything has been working out. The Lord always comes out on top. We were able to hold compi exchanges with the district leader from Rovaniemi (where Santa is) thursday. It was so great to be with him. It was him and I down here in Oulu. We found this way prepared guy! We gave him the Book of Mormon and set a return appointment. He was way interested! We went back to teach him, and the Lord really softened his heart. It reminded me of always following the promptings that come. Even if it's the slightest thought to go do something, do it. I have noticed that sometimes the things that seem out of the way, or uncomfortable is the spirit telling us to put off the natural man, and go do something! I have really noticed a difference in my mission as I have just gone and tried the idea's that come. We also had an amazing lesson with our new investigator. When we arrived she was finishing cooking for her family. We asked her right away, can we help you?? I cut the potato's whilst avoiding my fingers! I think that is when there was a turning point in our relationship with our investigator. We felt more like her friend to her it seemed like. Our member played with her kids and talked to her like a friend. A few minutes later after we helped her, we talked about how we can recognize God's hand in our lives. She told us how as she has been reading the Book of Mormon and praying, she has felt like the Lord has given her more energy to accomplish the things she needs to do. She woke up one morning and just prayed that God would give her the strength to do everything she needed that day. She felt a sense of peace come over her, as if it came from someone else. It is so cool to see the principles taught go into action!! I am so grateful the Lord is softening the hearts of our investigators! We now have a baptismal date with her! At this second her boyfriend is not interested, but the Lord will get him! I thank you both for everything! I was excited to hear about the deer hunt! I am excited to get back out there! We have some serious practice to attend to with the .270. Hopefully I don't scope myself again in the face! Mommy, don't be sick anymore. If it makes you feel better mom, I am not perfect in the Finnish language haha... I am doing good, but not perfect! Keep your head up! love, Elder Perry

October 15, 2012 ( abt 138 days left)

Hey, This week went extremely fast! We found a few different people this week, and we also had zone conference which is always crazy! I am actually very happy looking back on the results from this week. I so have a pretty funny story.. So talk about my most awkward moment ever... in zone conference... as a new zone leader... in the middle of our message... Anyways, there is a special musical number, namely, I know that my Redeemer lives. After the song we get up, and I testify of the song, and the message we are sharing (30 missionaries people including President were present). I notice the sisters in our city giggle, anyways I go to pick up my paper on my chair; look down, and my belt is undone!!!! I look over at my friend, one of the assistants, and he just laughs into his hand. DANG IT!!! I fixed myself, and went on with the message which went very well in the end of things. I told President about it, and asked WHY DIDN'T YOU WARN ME!!?? He honestly didn't notice haha, which is good! Right now we are really focusing on teaching families who can contribute to and strengthen the branch. We are teaching a mom, and we are trying to get her husband to join. However the mom is progressing very well, and we are very excited! Another funny story however, is in the middle of the teach we are sitting there and her one year old comes up and wants some food... from mom... no literally from mom... She asks if it bothers us if she breast feeds her child as she is pulling up her shirt... I was scarred permanently. I could not concentrate or speak Finnish haha. It was pretty weird... no blanket... nothing... just baby, mom, and innocent Elder Perry holding his picture book of the first vision far enough in front of him to block the view. It really probably wasn't that bad. Elder Bushman and I have really been trying to focus on finding. We are working towards our vision, and loving life! One of our investigators gave us a referral of one of her neighbors when we asked, do you know anyone who needs help? We went over the next day and contacted this older woman and she said we could come back and do service for her! As we did ten doors around the house, we tracted into this older woman who happened to be the mother of a member. She answered the door, and we just talked to her for a minute. The first thing she said was, "I have a grandson doing the same work your doing in Utah." We talked about him, and she said that we can come back sometime with her son to talk with her. Kind of a cool experience. As far as conjugating words in Finnish mom, it is nothing short of a miracle. I honestly could not have come this far in learning Finnish without the Lord's help. I find myself understanding new things every day that seemed impossible just a few months or weeks ago. It is cool to see Him guide the words that we speak as we seek to speak what he would say. Yesterday we came with one of our investigators to one of Presidents fireside's about the prophet Joseph Smith. As I sat down and started getting comfortable, President motioned for me to come over to him. I got up, and he told me that he wanted me to teach the first vision when he tells me to. He started and then motioned for me to stand up at the pulpit, and I went up. As I said Joseph Smiths words and paused to look out at the crowd I felt the Spirit testifying to people that it is true. Those kinds of unplanned things in front of large groups of people would have killed me awhile ago, but as we just pray that the Lord will speak through us, we notice a difference in the words that come out. My confidence in the Lord has grown exponentially, and as a result my confidence in myself has grown. Whenever I say to myself that I don't think I can do something, I remember, maybe I can't but He can. I rely on that knowledge everyday, and I trust Him. We are working to grow this branch and area. It will grow, and move forward. We find who we want to find. We accomplish what we want to accomplish. I am extremely optimistic about the future in this area! We have been working with branch leaders and members, and I know the Lord is preparing His elect to receive this message. We just have to keep going, and doing things in His timing. I love you, Elder Perry ps. Dad I hope you send me something from the army base in mississippi! I am anxiously waiting for that package!

October 8, 2012 (abt 145 days left)

I'm trying to catch up, sorry I got so behind on his posts. ******************************************************************* Well hello, This week was so awesome! The baptism went great, except... ya know I'll just tell the story. So we are sitting in the baptismal service. They annouce that the missionaries will be singing a musical number... Elder Perry is searching for his song book... can't find it... still can't find it... announces to congregation that he can't find it... goes out in the foyer and finds it!! I was sweating bullets haha. The nightmares of a missionary! However everything went well. We watched general conference here at the church with him in English, and he looked at me while that one larger guy was singing a solo, and said, hey man is that your brother! HAHA it was so hilarious! It was so great! We taught one of our investigators this week before conference and we promised him that if he watched conference with a question, it would be answered! He came and watched it, and after Sunday morning session (for you guys) he walked out! His countenance had changed, and he seemed at peace. He said that he was very touched by Elder Hollands talk. We were so excited, and it reminded me of the importance of conference. When we're growing up, we took it so much for granted!! Like for real, okay class who is the prophet today? ugggghhhhh... Thomas s. Monson... where's the doughnut's?? What happens when we die? uggghhhh we go to the spirit world....... can i leave?? HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD TRAVEL MILES TO REALLY KNOW THE ANSWERS TO THOSE QUESTIONS!!! I am so grateful for conference. i luuuuuuuvvvvvvvvvv it! On a more serious note it was so great to see our investigator get baptized. As i watched him go under the water I felt Heavenly Father in essence say, "Thank you so much." It was a miracle to see him change after baptism. His whole attitude change, and i could tell he felt so much peace. He said,"i feel like I carried a heavy bag, and now I don't have to carry it anymore. I feel so light inside." I know that the power of the atonement touched his heart. I know that baptism is the gate we need to enter to return to Heavenly Father's presence. It brought peace to my heart to know that at least one more of God's children are on the right path. Given I don't know what will happen to him, but I do know that God know's. We were able to take the night train down to Helsinki for zone leader counsel. It was a great meeting, and it really brought a lot of things to light in my mind. It brought to mind the importance of my motives, and why I do things. We do things such as: set baptismal goals, tract, talk to people etc... because we love our Heavenly Father, and we believe He can work through us. We gratefully submit to His will, accepting His timing, because of that love. Nothing is too hard for the Lord, and it doesn't have to be hard for us as we understand that, and see things from his perspective. I love Him. I have seen how patient He is with me, in helping me to just be happy, and love this work. I am developing a love for this work stronger than it has ever been before. I am starting to love it more than life itself. Without it, and Him, I don't know where I would be, or be doing. I have never loved people so strongly, or cared about someone so intensely as I have here in Finland for this people. I don't know how many people read my email's, maybe it is only you two, and grandma, but I want to testify to you of the Saviors power to help know He lives. I know that He lives and I love Him. I strive to listen to His voice every day. He lives, and He speaks to us. If you are going through a hard time, listen, and you will hear Him. With all the love that I posses I say thank you for everything, Elder Perry

October 1, 2012 (abt 152 days left

Sorry for the delay in posting. Enjoy everyone. ********* Well hello! So this week has been very fun! I was talking to my old comp in Kouvola, and apparently another girl we taught there is getting baptized this month! It is so amazing to see the fruits finally, after so much work! We got our change calls and Elder Pope and I are splitting up! Elder Pope is going down to Turku in the south. It has been way fun to serve with him, and we have had nothing but fun together. My new companion is coming up on Tuesday. His name is Elder Bushman, and he was in my district back in Kouvola when I first got there. He is a pretty good friend of mine, so we'll see how it goes. This morning Elder Pope asked me what change i'm in, and I couldn't remember haha. We have been working so hard, and I try not to think about coming home. But yesterday I was talking to one of the sister missionaries in our branch and she apparently is coming home in our group. She was like we go home way soon! And then it hit me........... I am getting old here.......... DANG IT! But i'm loving life here as a missionary. I really wouldn't want to be anywhere else. This next week we will be having two baptisms here in Oulu! We have been working with one guy and he is doing great! I am so excited for him. He is from Africa, and has been here for like 2 months. He is very enthusiastic about being baptized. A man from kaajani is moving into our branch, and he will be baptized this Saturday as well. I am so excited about that. All of this is happening on General conference weekend. Way cool! That sentence must have been so lame to everyone who hears it! It makes me a little home sick to see the pictures of Utah in the broadcast of GC. I always think about what you guys are doing, and stuff. I still want you to know that i haven't changed. I still sneak snacks into the session, and stuff. So we go to visit a part member family, and their daughter is learning English. I am sitting with my back towards the mom, and the daughter is sitting on my right side. Mom starts to quiz daughter on English words, namely colors. She said," what is the color for green in English?" Elder Perry answers, GREEN!...Insert awkward silence... and mom looks and says, "Oh sorry, i was quizzing my eight year old daughter!!!" one word.....DUUUUNNNNCCCCEEEE!!! Another funny story happened yesterday. We went over to a members house to eat lunch, and she is a single lady with a daughter. We of course had our member there. All of the sudden she the mom slices through her finger nail, and into the skin of her pinkie finger. She comes up to us eventually and asks elder pope, do you know how to cut off part of the finger nail that was hanging down, and Elder pope says, "UHH.. no." Really fast, and so I had to do it!! She gave me these scissors, and there is blood all over her hand! She cut herself very bad! I performed my first operation! The only thing i did was cut part of the fingernail off of the tip of her finger. Way funny! Thank you mom for sending me the thing. I have prayed about it, and thought about it, and i really feel that Obama should remain as President. It is so important that everyone get's taken care of by the government. I think it is great what's going on with the healthcare thing. ;) (This is where mom, reaches through computer screen, and chokes out her former son.) I can't wait to see your pictures and stuff! I hope they come today! I love you all, and am so excited to hear that everyone is doing well. love you, Elder Perry ps. you totally thought I was serious... haha. Mom just go get a drink, and relax!! love you!

Monday, September 24, 2012

September 24, 2012 (abt 159 days left)

I HAD AN AWESOME WEEK! It was so good to hear from all of you! I especially love grandma's email's! I thought about what she said in her email, and i would ask that you would tell her this. Our mission president has counseled us to pray when we talk to people. Pray always, that the Lord will shine His love through your eyes in every contact. I have talked to a lot of different people out here haha. I have noticed when i follow that counsel, even when they are not interested in hearing what we have to say, that the spirit profoundly changes the attitude of the missionary and the person. I don't know how he'll do it over the phone, but he will if you pray for it. I am so excited that you are on a mission! I remember talking to you on the phone, and it would just soften my heart, so that i would want to do exactly what the Lord would have me do. You're going to do great! I wish that you were senior couples up here Oulu however! Things have been going very great! On Wednesday we went up to Rovaniemi for District meeting, and then we went and saw Santa Claus! It was so cool! I got a picture, and I will send it in the mail. I only bought one however, so you will have to scan it or something. I was going to buy gifts for everyone, however I ended up with a pair of slippers...... for myself........but i'm sure we will go up there, and then i get everyone souvenir's! I guess Finland has been declared the official residential place of Santa! Way cool! He speaks a whole bunch of different languages, and is hilarious. But you probably aren't interested in this so I'll go into the gospel stuff. I was reading in Ezekiel this morning about the stick of Judah........................ vitsi. Elder Pope and i had a very interesting experience. I hate comparing a missionary companionship to marriage, but it must be done for the purposes of this email. We just were not happy with each other haha!!!!! We definitely were friends, and liked each other, however we just weren't happy. For some reason we got into kind of an argument and it was dumb! However it led us to a miracle. We were both mad, and we finally just looked at each other and said, ya know, we are not happy right now. We decided to take a step back for a minute, and find the reason why we weren't happy. Elder Pope felt like we don't really have a vision in our work. I think that was the main source of our stress, and our arguments. We asked ourselves, "Where are we? and where are we going?" We decided to take a paper right then and there, and make a "Compi creed." First: We wrote down the things that needed to happen in our companionship. We really felt like respect needed to enter our companionship. We needed to see each other the way God see's us. There are many other things we talked about, however then next thing we talked about was our area. We really needed a driving force, that would motivate us to really work for something, rather than just working. Following that, we talked about the zone, and what we need to do there. One of the main answers to that question is the fact that we need to be examples in our own areas before trying to do anything. I was so grateful that my companion and i were able to work things out. We definitely haven't been miserable, just kind of lost it seemed like. I know that when we truly ask ourselves where am I?, and where am I going? The Lord will inspire us with the direction to take, goals to set, and His love with the assurance that we can accomplish all things. I really have seen His hand this week. It was so amazing to be able to feel His uplifting influence in the work. I have really felt how patient he is with us. The next day things went extremely well. We found a family! They are very great. The husband is very into science, and accepts that as an answer that there is no God. However when he asked us questions, we simply looked at him with a smile, and said we know these things are true. They said we can come back, and teach them sometime! Hopefully things work out! I have been learning very important lessons this last little while. It's funny how that happens in the Lord's service. Not only are others blessed in this work; we are too. We really have seen a lot of blessings with planning our lessons ahead of time instead of the day before!! Duhh!! We have really been taking time to write out the times when we will go meet with someone and the pray that the Lord will provide the way to do it. I know he does, as we simply take the time to do it. The Lord helped us to meet with a lot of our investigators this week, and also to re set up two baptismal dates this week with investigators that had one, but didn't make it. It was such a blessing to see the spirit there as we committed them to be baptized! I know that we have the right to call down the powers of heaven, after we have done the initial things that the Lord has required. Once we do those, we leave the rest to the Lord, and He does it. It is so weird to hear that Bryant is home and stuff. Tell him hi and stuff. Also mom when am I getting pictures from your California vacation? I have to say, I feel like i don't have any pictures of my family anymore haha. Well it's okay, I guess i'll be okay. ps. Apparently president wants us to make a withdrawal of like £250 in case there is an emergency and we have to travel down to Helsinki. I wanted to ask you about that before I make the withdrawal. I wont do anything until next week. I love you, Elder Perry

Monday, September 17, 2012

September 17, 2012 (abt. 166 days left)

Dear Family! This has been an extremely challenging week! I'm not going to pretend that it was easy! We are working very hard to do what is right, and follow the counsel. I actually had the privilege of going down to Helsinki to go on compi exchanges with the assistants. We were down there and i had the opportunity to meet with President. I was a little stressed and so I called him up to see if I could come talk with him a little. It was so great to meet with him. He talked about how we usually get stressed when we worry about things that aren't under our control. There are times when we just need to relay those things to the Lord, and He will take care of it. That really meant a lot to me. We talked for awhile haha! We talked about the North zone, and about the work up here. He says that very large things are going to happen, and i very much believe so as well. The adversary knows what's coming, and we just need to not get discouraged with our limited view of the things that are going on around us. We have been really trying to help the members do missionary work by role playing with them. We have been helping them present the Book of Mormon. It has gone very well as we have been consistent with it, and have made it fun. I love teaching so much. It is so much fun to see the light come on in someones eyes. Nothing can replace that feeling of love that comes for someone who Heavenly Father has placed in our path. We have been working with one guy who the sister missionaries referred to us. They have taught him multiple times, but he hasn't really come to church etc... We met with him a few times, and then Saturday he canceled our lesson with him. We pushed, and prayed that He would come to church. He said, well... I guess sooo. To be honest I didn't have very much confidence in his answer haha. The next morning he walked in, and it was so cool! I was so grateful to the Lord, that He helped him come. I had another cool experience with the scriptures this last week. In 2 Nephi 32:3 I believe it says,"Angels speak by the power of the holy ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Chirst. Therefore i said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things, what ye should do." The other day, I just prayed with all my heart that the Lord would help me see what we need to do now here. In the zone, and in our area. As I read and prayed very hard with specific questions I received very specific impressions. I was thinking about the importance of questions in our personal lives. Questions prepare us to receive revelation. It is interesting that Joseph Smiths prayer was answered as he asked god about his specific question. All I know is that it has helped me a ton in my work here. Way cool! Well I guess i'll wrap this up haha. Mom I would say that just get me signed up for the classes I need to qualify for that mcat test. I may need to retake things haha, because I have forgotten a lot about writing, and math, and science haha. I can't even pronounce english words with the letter r in it without rolling the r haha! It will be fun. I'm not scarred for the test though. I heard a quote once that says. "Whenever something in you says it's impossible, remember, take a careful look, and see if it isn't really God asking you to grow an inch or a foot or a mile, so that you may come to a fuller life." I don't remember who said it, but it's true. I can do anything with God's help. I love you so much. Thank you for your support. Will

Monday, September 10, 2012

September 10, 2012 (abt 173 days left)

Hello Family, This last week has been extremely busy! Of course... I think that if i had a euro for every time I started an email out like that, I could finally have enough money to buy enough muscle milk to support me for the rest of my mission. It actually is really funny. Yesterday we gave the sisters a ride to our meeting, and one of them asked... so what do you typically do for morning workouts... the first thing I said was lift weights hahaha I honestly do though haha, it wasn't "one of those comments." That reminds me of my whole high school experience. I keep finding myself in these awkward situations here in Oulu. So i'm sitting in ward counsel meeting,and we give our report, the sisters give their reports... check...the bishop starts asking about if "someone" knew anything about a meeting coming up. I could have sworn he was looking my way so I answered, "We don't know anything about it...." Bishop was talking to his wife sitting in front of me!!! DANG IT!! I blew it haha. He then made eye contact with me and said, "Oh sorry, i was just talking with my wife" I wanted to disappear into the wall behind me. you may think, well that isn't that bad... next story. We are tracting in a building and we come to this old guy. We start out with our message.. isn't interested, and so in attempt's to win his heart with my charismatic persona, I point at his shirt and ask, soooo are you an angels fan (wearing an angels baseball hoodie). He looks at me with the most confused look on his face, as he slowly closes the door... uh... I mean, do you... like (elder perry looking through the door jam) baseball... okay... have a nice day... HAHA STORY OF MY LIFE! Okay well moving on! We had an awesome set of zone meetings throughout the zone! It was so cool to see things how well all of our districts are doing up here. It was so inspiring to be with them, and talk about the counsel we have been receiving from President! We had a ton of cool little miracles happen, as we simply just humbled ourselves and followed the counsel. We felt that we should go out to this one area and talk with some members about the Book of Mormon. We went there and they were not home. We proceeded to do 10 doors, and as we went..either.. no one was interested, or they weren't home. We came to the 10th door (I think) and there was sauna smoke coming from the roof. We looked at each other, and thought, we don't really want to bother them when they are in the sauna, plus that would be gross if they came to the door naked. However we soon realized that we are the champions of awkward situations, and also that we needed to give the Lord a chance, so we went! At first the guy said he wasn't interested but then we showed him the questions of the soul paper, and prayed our hearts out that something would stick out. Something did stick out, and I watched his countenance change, and the spirit affect him, as he was reading about the introduction in the book. We set an appointment up, and it was so cool! We had the opportunity to go visit with a man in our ward. He talked to us about how he wasn't sure if he could endure to the end. He has just had a little bit of a rough past. We just tried to be for real with him, and we talked with him about his work, and just made him laugh haha! He then opened up a little more about his situation about which i wont talk about. Suddenly towards the end of the lesson a thought came into my mind, "Ask him if he wants a priesthood blessing." I thought, uh..... he probably doesn't want one...... excuse, excuse, excuse...........lame. I finally inquired of him about it. He responded positively, and asked me to give him one. In the blessing it was another testimony to me about how much Heavenly Father wanted to communicate with His son. I felt that love for this man from Him. The promises in the blessing were very bold and sincere from Heavenly Father, and I was grateful that we were able to help him. As we closed the blessing, there were tears in his eyes. Heaven had touched his heart. He reached out to give my companion and I a hand shake. I felt prompted to give him a hug. As I gave him a hug, I literally felt like I was standing where the Savior would stand. I felt like I was standing in His place. We embraced, which is something that Finnish men typically don't do hahaha. However I saw a tiny glimpse of what the Savior saw in this man. The Savior didn't see him as the man felt, but as what that man could become through the Saviors atonement. We have been role playing (introducing the book of Mormon) with the members, and really trying to apply the counsel into our work here. As we were role playing with one member, we showed him how we do it, and we explained everything step by step. When it was his turn he froze and just starred at the floor. He was so nervous to try in front of us. As we calmly tried to help him do it, he just got more nervous. We felt like we could go sit with him, and help him do it just like parents do for their kids in testimony meeting sometimes. It worked! I went over and sat right next to him. I did one part, and he did the other. It really helped our member feel like he wasn't alone in this. The members are getting excited about missionary work through the new counsel we have received from President. It is so exciting to see. So many miracles have occurred about which I would love to write, but I don't have time of course! Thank you for everything you do for me. I love reading your emails, and I think you all are great! love, Elder Perry

September 3, 2012

Hi Family! This week went amazingly well! The zone conference went very well in addition haha! I actually had the opportunity to be interviewed by Elder Richards. I waited for like an hour while he interviewed some other leaders. I walked into the interview, and we say an opening prayer. I am preparing for every question about missionary work he is ready to throw at me!! Elder Perry... yea?... What are you going to do after you mission?? UHHHHHHHHHHHHH........ I don't really know. I talked with him about college, and dating and everything they advise us not to talk about here haha. It was hilarious. He told me to take time to think about it, because honestly I avoid it!! But ya...... I have given it a little bit of thought. I am thinking about the Engineering program at U of U, as well as maybe Byu. I guess it really depends on what opportunities the Lord set's up for me, but i will think about it more, next p day. It is actually a funny story. We don't really get a p day today. We got word that President wants us to hold zone meetings as soon as possible, and sense we are way up here in the north, we need to travel down to different areas to conduct the meeting. Today we are taking a train to Kokkola to meet with about four companionship's in that area. Tomorrow we are traveling down to kuopio which is kind of by Joensuu, to conduct another meeting. We prayed about it and that is what we felt we should do. So hopefully we'll get some more p-day time on Wednesday. I am really excited that everything is going so well for you all. It is so great to hear that grandma is doing well in her mission. I have often thought to myself about grandma Huntley's testimony. I am convinced that if anyone has any concern or problem about the church or this work, if they take 15 minutes with her to hear her testimony about the Savior and this work, they will walk away asking... so when can i get baptized?? Tell her that I love her a lot, and that she is very special to me. As well as Grandma Perry. Tell her that I miss her, and think about her often. I love it up here as a zone leader, however I have come to realize that there are a lot of challenges!! With all of the training and things we do with other missionaries, it is easy to get behind on our area. I started to get really stressed out, and this is only my second week! However I have prayed very strongly that the Lord will help me. I have noticed that, that prayer thing really does help. It is hilarious. One moment i'll be in what seems like an impossible situation, and the next moment (after I pray) not only do i have the strength to accomplish the thing required, but also have confidence in it through the Lord. I know He helps us more than we are aware. I guess i was just taking too much on myself, and trying to do it alone. WHAT A GOOBER!! However, things have gone so well. My companion and I are getting along great! We are really trying to focus on taking all of President's counsel to heart. We had an interesting success story about consistency. We went out to this area to contact a referral, and then do some work. It turned out that the referral wasn't interested, and no one else in the area was interested as well. We stayed strong however. We did everything we could to follow the counsel to the best of our ability given the circumstances. As we were leaving the area, i was a little discouraged, however then came these words into my mind. "After much tribulation, cometh the blessings." We kept going. We went to another area, doing the same thing, no success, yet we were consistent. As we came back to our apartment, there was a guy out packing some things into a trailer. We offered to help him, but he didn't want help. We proceeded to follow all the counsel with him, and right there within 1 minute we set up an appointment for this week. It is so amazing to me to see how willing the Lord is to help us, yet he will teach us through our hard times. He will test us to see if we will be faithful in all things. The best stress reliever is following the spirit! This is true! I love you all, Elder Perry ps mom, what is the topic of the essay i'm supposed to write? Also can you just print my essay off the internet?` Joke!!!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August 27, 2012 (abt. 187 days left)

Hello there!!! So this week has been an incredible week! It was so interesting coming up here from the south haha. I guess I will tell you the story haha. I get on a train at about 9:30 at night. I am literally watching the clock for 40 minutes till I connect to my night train in Riihimäki haha. I get off the small train and pull all of my bags and bike off of it. I am standing on the train platform at like 10:30pm by myself and it is pretty cold haha. There were some people on the platform, and so I decided to start a conversation with this one guy haha. We talked for about 30 minutes, and then all the sudden the night train pulls up. It was super long, and i realized my car was at the other end of the platform!! I grabbed a couple suitcases, and for some reason i picked up my bike with one arm and started running haha!!! I asked the conductor for some help so i could get my other bag, and he said, "what help?" haha basically why do you need help?? GOSH! Luckily i looked behind me and found the place to put my bike haha! I then b-lined it to my other bag, and then I had to get on the train! I pushed all my bags through like 2 or 3 cars until finally I came to my bunk. There was an army guy in there and he was okay. However as i finally laid down to go to bed, he took off his army boots and stuff, and our whole room that we were sharing stunk!! GREAT SCOTT!! I tossed and turned the whole night, fearing that i would miss my stop and end up in Norway. It was about a 7 to 8 hour train ride on the night train. It was intense, yet i was pretty peaceful the whole way. I wasn't really that nervous to come to Oulu, I felt ready. Elder Pope is my new companion, and he is from bountiful Utah. It is so funny, we were in the MTC together. We actually both thought about the MTC and we weren't sure how things would go. However as we got to know each other, we discovered that we are a lot alike haha. We have been laughing non stop since basically i arrived! Our apartment is huge!! I love it so much! Being a zone leader is a lot harder than I expected haha. We have a zone conference (mission tour) with Elder Richards of the 70 coming, and so we have been working on that a lot. We have a lot of things to do today to prepare for that, and we have 24 missionaries arriving in oulu tonight! So that will be fun! I am actually very excited because I know almost all of them, and Elder Ogden is coming tonight! Unfortunately I left Elder Manwaring in the south zone! We had an awesome opportunity to go down and do compi exchanges down in Pietarsaari (which is along the west coast of finland) with the district leader there. He is doing so great, and we had a fun time. We went to a teach with a part member family. The wife has been active her whole life, and her husband has never joined the church. We were talking about the Book of Mormon, and how it can answer our questions. We gave him a paper, and he glanced over it, and said, "How can anyone know the answers to these questions?" Then he set the paper down, and kept starring out the window while we talked to the member. The member then stated that she wanted to make a copy of the paper. It was just us and him haha!! I felt very strongly just to get to know him. I ased a few questions. Where did you work?, what did you do in the army?, do you like any sports? AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREEEEEE!!! He loves sports, and talked about how he was a great runner! I told him that I ran in high school (one year... cough). I told him about how i won the jr. olympics in utah for my group. We started laughing and talking, and then the wife came into the room! We then commited them to read the questions together and pray about them, and after a little hesitation they accepted. After we said the closing prayer, I went up to shake his hand, and he asked me about my old running times and stuff haha! It is really funny because this guy reminded me of Grandpa Marshall! His finnish twin! I learned the importance of just really getting to know those we meet with. They are going to be way more open, once they feel like they can relate to us! DUH! good one elder perry, your quick! Following we went down to teach a family, and I really felt the importance of not always answering peoples questions right in the teach. The husband asked a question from the questions of the soul paper, and a prompting came very strongly to say this. "We know that we could give you an answer to this question right now, but we want you to recieve an answer for yourself from the holy ghost. We will give you a chapter in the Book of mormon that answers this question, and we will discuss about it next time." It was perfect because then Elder hansen came in (the district leader) and said, "You can right down you feelings and thoughts, and we will talk about it next time!! The spirit really helped us to teach after the manner of the workings of the spirit! It went very well. Later on this week, we went to an americans house for dinner. He is a less active man here in Oulu, however is very cool, and loves the gospel very much. We ate with him, and had a fun time with him. We then sat down to share our message. Of coure we turned to 2 nephi 32:3 and talked about how the words of christ will give us the answers we need to our questions. He looked at the questions on the list, and we asked who comes to your mind, who would benefit from answers to these questions? He said, me haha. We then did the Invitation to pray with him, and we helped him to know who he could show the book of mormon to. He also commited to read the sections with his wife haha! Everything really is just tying together as we have been using the Book of Mormon in everything! I love it so much! I really have come to love the book of mormon, and I have complete confidence in the fact that it is a true book. No more doubts, just questions! Although the stresses of being a missionary are apparent. I have just as strong as every a testimony of the fact that this is the Lords work. It's true, and awesome! I know that l am in the right place, and i wouldn't want to be anywhere else at this time! i love you all, Elder Perry

Monday, August 20, 2012

August 20, 2012 (abt 194 days left)

Well family! A few of you have asked me about my change calls. We got them last Friday haha! It was so intense because I knew it was coming! It was so cool, because usually President calls on Friday around 9pm so the whole day is really intense! I was doing some paper work stuff, and all of the sudden the phone rang in my hands with Presidents special ring-tone. I set his ringtone as this super intense creepy tone haha! It reminds me of the twilight zone hahaha! So I answered and he said, Elder Perry you're going up to.......................... missä se voisi olla?????? OULU!!!! I get to go up north as a zone leader! I am really excited. This means that I get to go do compi exchanges in Joensuu with the district leader there, and hopefully see Sister Turunen haha (finnish mom)! I was so excited. I have only been in 2 cities so far in my mission: Joensuu, Kouvola, and now Oulu. I am so grateful for the opportunity. Yesterday in church it was so sad. I arrived in church and we had 4 investigators come! Both our baptismal dates and two other progressing investigators, It was kind of a record haha. They announced that I was being transferred and I was a little sad haha. We started closing with the hymn after the last speaker. As I opened my hymn book and looked down at the words I heard my name in the microphone. We would be pleased to hear from Elder Perry, and we would like to give him this opportunity to bear his testimony. My head shot up! I walked up to the stand, and looked out over the people. I was speechless; I didn't know what to say. However the words came and I expressed my extreme love for the Lord, and for them. It was like a dream come true. I saw our investigators who are preparing for baptism, and others who are looking into it, and I felt so grateful for the Lord, who has blessed our efforts here. We had an awesome experience with one of our investigators here. We met a girl in the church parking lot. She actually lives in the same building as the church (the chapel is a rented hall under apartment buildings.). A day or two before we met her the second time, I called just to see how she was doing, and she talked about how much the chapter we gave her in the book of Mormon had affected her in a good way! She knew she needed to be baptized. We taught her the plan of salvation this time. Before we taught her, we followed up on her commitment to read 2 Nephi 31 about baptism. She loved it. As we started teaching the plan of salvation she was very in-tune. The spirit was working with her very strongly. As we were teaching about the spirit world, all of the sudden she stopped us. She asked about baptism. (We were not even teaching about baptism, it is very apparent that the spirit was speaking to her. He was saying you need to be baptized!!!) We dropped everything and answered her questions, and then we committed her! Will you be baptized!? She said yes! As my companion testified to her about how much Heavenly Father loves her, and about the Plan of Salvation, she began to tear up. She knows it is true! I was so grateful for the Spirit who said to her, "This is the way, walk ye in it" (Isaiah 30:16). As far as our other investigator goes, he felt like he wanted to post pone his baptismal date for 3 weeks. He felt that he needs some more time to stop chewing the nicotine gum. It is perfectly okay, we set a new goal with him for the 15 of September. So cool! I won’t be here for the baptisms. However I realized a long time ago, and especially when Eddie wrote me that I'm not here just for the baptisms. I am here to do the work, and go to where the Lord wants me. If he wants me on the other side of Finland, that's good enough for me. I have seen so many miracles in this city. I have really developed closer to the man (don't giggle!) that the Lord wants me to become. I have learned so many things I need to do, and not do haha to accomplish His commandments. I am grateful for Him, and rejoice in Him. He really is my friend, and my relationship with him is becoming the most important thing that I have control over. I leave here on Tuesday night at about 10pm. I take a night train all the way from Kouvola to Oulu and arrive there at about 7:45 in the morning. I'm traveling alone, and I get a room with a bed haha. I guess there will be one other person in my room haha. The assistants talked about putting me in a room with a college girl haha. (Insert smile) No complaints ;) Common mom I'm just kidding! Chill haha. Love you fam, I don't know my new address yet. Just send my stuff to Neitsytpolku, I'll get it from there. I'll send you my new address next week. RAUHA! Elder Perry PS mom I'll call president today to ask him about that endorsement and get back to you next week.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

August 13, 2012

Hello Family, This week has been very interesting! We have of course been working extremely hard, and trying to help our investigators come closer to Christ. I don't know why, but lately I have reflected a lot on my personal progress in coming closer to Him, and I have noticed extreme changes in myself. I had the opportunity to go on compi exchanges with a brand new missionary in our district! It was so great to be able to work with him. We had a great day together! In the evening we were doing his training program for new missionaries, and I felt we should do some role plays. I did a role play were I was the missionary and he was the investigator, and then we switched. We always do our role plays in Finnish. As I told him a better way to say something in finnish he paused. At first I thought he was getting frustrated with the language, but I didn't say anything and I waited for him to talk. Finally I felt the spirit say there is something wrong. I asked him what was going on. He started to cry, and talked about his struggles as a new missionary, ya know, missing home, not understanding the language, and problems with his companion, the typical problems that arise as a new missionary. A thought came to my mind, "show him what you wrote to your mission president about your feelings upon arrival as a new missionary." I pulled my paper out, and I read it. I wrote something along the lines of, "I don't know if I can do this. Of course I'm not going to give up, but I just don't want to mess up............ on and on and on......." I said, "Elder, would you think I am the same person now as I was when I arrived in the mission field?" He said, "no." Of course I didn't say that in order to brag, but to illustrate the power of the Saviors atonement to change us. I know He does, as we allow Him. I just told him to keep trying, and going. Your doing great, and the Lord loves you. I remember hearing those words when I was having a hard time as a new missionary from President. Anyways, as I listening to him, and tried to comfort him, I felt the Saviors profound love for him. It is something I have never felt before when talking to another missionary. I was able to give him a priesthood blessing. As the power of the priesthood came through me, upon his head, I felt it. I know the Savior lives, and loves us. He is so aware of our current situations and trials, we just need to keep going, and stick with what we know to be true, until we gain a testimony of the things we are not sure about. I don't claim to have all the answers, I promise. I don't claim to be the best missionary in the mission field. In my opinion I am definitely not hahaha. This is were mom says, I beg to differ!! (Insert lovey dovey mommy voice). Thanksssssssssss mom. Bytheway Is it awkward that I still go to the check out counter and buy kids cereal haha! I feel like when I dress up like this, that I scream mama's boy!! Especially whilst carrying my mickey mouse tote bag and trying to contact people. "No I don't live with my mom........ why would you think that....???? Anyways! This next friday or saturday we get change calls. Everyone tells me I'm leaving, and President already told me in an interview that I'm going. I have been here since Christmas! GREAT SCOTT!!! in the words of my father! It is going to be sad to leave, but happy to move on to the next phase! We have been working with our investigator to help him to be baptized! His baptismal interview is this thursday! I am so excited for him! He is so great! This last week we were in a meeting with him, and he was sad. He is struggling quitting the nicotine gum. All of the sudden I felt the spirit testify so strongly to my heart that I needed to make this promise. I said, "I promise you that when you are baptized that the temptations and feelings of wanting to smoke will be gone, and I do it in our Saviors name. I know the Holy Ghost has spoken to my heart, and this is true!." Then Elder Van Geenen came in and said, I know that what Elder Perry said is true. We are the Lords representatives here, and I know that you can be clean." It was so powerful! He is trying so hard to quit it, and the Lord is blessing him because of his faith. I know that the Lord will bless him because of his willingness to keep our commitments:come to church, read the book of mormon, and especially pray. We had another cool experience! Last pday we felt we should contact this lady, and we ended up teaching her about the book of mormon on the street. At first she wasn't very interested, but as we pulled out the questions of the soul paper, and showed it to her she gained a lot of interest. We opened up to the chapter she wanted,and set up a return appointment. When we went to the appointment she had already read all the questions on the paper! I committed her to pray about it to know if it was true, and she looked at me funny. I thought I said something wrong in finnish!!! She said, "I already know it's true..." HAHA so cool! The questions of the soul are so important with conversion! It is so good to hear you all are doing well! I'm doing great, and loving life! love you both, Your Elder ps. can you tell sister Turunen thank you so much for her letter. It made my day, and I absolutely needed it the day I got it! I don't get too many letters, so when I got that one, it really meant a lot! Kiitoksia Suomalaiselle Aidilleni!

Monday, August 6, 2012

August 6, (208 days left)

Hello There Family! Who are you people that keep writing me letters!!!?? Whoever you are, you sound nice, and I hope I can meet you someday. Just kidding, I love you. Mom stop crying, IT WAS A JOKE!! So my week went really crappy, but it was very well. I got super sick on tuesday, however I went to go do compi exchanges with an elder here. Poor guy, the whole time I was walking slower and haha I felt bad! Wednesday was district meeting with the zone leaders, and as I got up to teach my lesson, I felt like I was going to pass out! However I made it through, and I'm alright now! We received a mini missionary (usually a priest who comes and spends a week doing missionary work with us) again this year, and the first day I laid sick in bed, but the next day we went out and pounded the pavement. He was a good guy, and I learned a lot about being patient even when your sick. We really did see a lot of miracles! I have really been trying to focus on the importance of the spirit in teaching this week. Funny story that illustrates this point. Yesterday we were in a teach with a man who has been investigating for awhile, and the only reason we were really there is because he asked us to come. He has this parakeet cage right next to his couch, and I was kind of playing with the birds, and my compi wasn't really paying attention, I feel bad. It was just hot, and I didn't feel like he cared about our message. However I heard the speak say, "Pay attention!" I pulled my seat a little forward, and I started listening to what he was saying. As I listened, and really just tried to love him, a chapter from the Book of Mormon came to my mind, and I opened to it. I read it out loud, and He jumped up in His seat! He was like, "Man that is exactly what I was thinking! That is an answer to my question!" We have been having a hard time helping him to receive a desire to want to read the Book of Mormon. It is so cool to see the spirit work in a lesson, if we but pay attention. I am convinced that we hear the spirit more than we give ourselves credit for. The Spirit speaks to us individually, and sometimes we don't even recognize it as "the spirit." Often I have noticed that is speaks using our own thoughts. For instance, yesterday morning I was in personal study just thinking about our day, and all of the sudden a thought came to me, "oh we need to remember to call this investigator now." That's the spirit! Sometimes we receive words into our minds, but usually it comes through our thoughts and feelings. We need however to give ourselves a chance to be quiet. Try it! Sit down for 5 minutes and try and let the spirit talk to you, ask for counsel, and wait and listen. Thoughts and impressions will come! I know it's true! Not only do thoughts and impressions come, but the best thoughts that work out usually come from Heavenly Father when we give Him an opportunity to speak to us! (That was one of those DUUUHHH statements of the year!) We met with one investigator that I have known for awhile. As we entered her home, I was happy, but a little sad. This lady had really come to know God, and had basically overcome her addictions, and then turned away from it all, including us. As she told us about how she didn't really believe anymore, and how she felt bad, I honestly didn't want to be there. It was really hard for me. I said a little prayer, "Father I can't do this, I love her so much, and this is too hard for me to deal with right now.) A thought came to my mind about how now you know how Heavenly Father feels to an extent. Kind of the if he has to feel that way sometimes, why should you be an exception? After that we just testified with love about how much the Lord loves her, and she can always come back to Him. Lately she has been coming back to Him, and it seems as though her addictions are becoming lighter on her shoulders. I know that our Savior lives, and loves everyone! He is so great! I love Him so much! This is His church, and we are in the right place! How does it make you feel to know that you are in the right place!!?? I know that if we keep going walking in faith, He will fill in the gaps, and we will see miracles. I think about each of you often (mom and dad). I'm working hard, super tired, but loving life! I know the work is true. I know Heavenly Father and Christ live to comfort and wipe away our tears. That is why we should live also, to do the same thing to others. It is great to hear that everyone is doing great! I'm glad to hear that Rhett is doing well, and that He isn't dead. Tell Michelle congratulations, and I am excited for her! I love you both, miss you both, but wouldn't want to be with you right now!!! Elder Perry ps mom, dad pictures that I can hang on my wall???

Monday, July 30, 2012

July 30 2012 (215 days)

Hello there! I AM SO UNBELIEVABLY TIRED!! We have been working sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hard! It's a good thing. I do love knowing that we are working hard. I can't believe that we are already half way through this change. I talked to President, and he told me to enjoy my time here, because I wont be staying. I don't know what that means haha. Maybe I will become an assistant (serving him juice and unpacking supplies in the office... uh... a little complicated for me......... I will stack paper.) Just kidding! I love serving here! I have been learning so many different things this last change. Including the importance of not caring what people think of me haha. Sometimes we get asked to do things that are just simply against the rules, or against what our leaders have said, and we have to say no. I have also learned the true meaning of the letter of the law, and the spirit of the law. In the white handbook it says that we are first accountable to the Lord, then to our mission president, and then to our companions etc... Sometimes we will be asked to do something that isn't necessarily wrong, but it doesn't feel right either. The Lord will give us an impression that, this particular thing isn't for you at this time. We then turn to our priesthood leader to see what he thinks about it, hoping that if we get approval from him, it should satisfy our feelings. However even if we have approval from him, we need to rely on the Lord to help us make the correct choice. We are first accountable to Him, and when He gives us an impression, we follow it. Sometimes we have to look bad, and be kind of "the bad guy" but in the words of President Rawlings, "We can be nice bad guys haha." However peace only comes from the Prince of Peace, not from our leaders. We have to obey His voice in order to receive true satisfaction from our work. It is so good to hear that everyone is doing well. I think I meant to write Beau like a hundred times, but never got around to it haha! Tell him hi, and that I miss him. Uh weird............ anyways. I know that learning languages is hard mom! But it's so fun........... until you totally don't understand what their saying! I have many hilarious stories about that, and feeling like a goober head! We have really been working so hard with our investigator from Kotka! He is progressing towards baptism! Unfortunately I wont be able to attend I think, but I am so grateful to the Lord that He has reached down and touched his heart. We have been teaching everything, and he has been progressing tremendously. Last Saturday we went over to meet him, and he seemed a little different. He went to his shelf and grabbed his bible and book of mormon, and he didn't understand a certain part. He really struggled with the translation of a specific part. We did everything we could to explain it, and testify about the book of mormon, and Joseph Smith, but he just wouldn't accept our answer. He has received a spiritual conviction that it is true, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet, but He wouldn't let this go. We told him to write down his question and it would be answered in church. To be honest I was frustrated. I thought for sure we would loose him, and I was sad. As I started feeling sorry for myself I decided (later that evening) to read the scriptures as I was praying by my bed. I just flipped through anxiously to hear the Lord speaking to me. (If you want to talk to God, pray. If you want God to talk to you, read your scriptures.) I all of the sudden opened to this one chapter, can't remember which one in the Doctrine and Covenants. I felt the Lord's spirit testify to me that everything would be alright. That my prayers have been heard in the Lords ears, and He would do His part now. I went to bed with a little more peace, and trust in that promise that I had received. The next day, He came to church and we arranged for him to meet with the branch president about his concern. As he walked in there after church, my head dropped, and I prayed so hard, that everything would be okay. (He was considering dropping his baptismal date.) A little bit later he walked out with a big smile on his face. I talked to him, and he said I got an answer, and everything is okay. I feel the spirit, and now I am so happy! I was so grateful to the Lord that He answered my prayer! He is now more excited for baptism than ever! So cool! I testify that if we look closely enough at the scriptures when we read, and we pay attention, the Lord will speak to us every time, one way or another. The Holy Ghost really will help us to understand and to learn what we need to know. Maybe we need to listen and seek to hear the Lord when we pray, more than speaking words in a personal prayer. So many other things have happened! The Smiths gave me a winnie the pooh journal haha. I will be starting it next week haha. I need to be better about writing in my journal haha. whoops! Elder Van Geenen and I are getting along very well. I don't know what it is, but the Lord has blessed me with amazing companions my whole mission. Knocking on wood!!!! I love you family, yes mom, I am safe and healthy, and all of my fingers and toes are attached, well except for the one I lost in the saw mill............................................................ But other than that, I'm doing fine. Chill!!! it was a joke, set the phone down, don't call president! Elder Perry ps, can you get me garrisons address again, I lost it.

Monday, July 23, 2012

July 23,2012 (222 days left)

Hello there family, This week has been especially busy. We had a district meeting on friday, and it was the first time I taught in front of President Rawlings. However I think it went very good. I taught about the power of praise, and how we need to make sure and praise our companions significantly more than we correct them. There are so many stresses in missionary work, and I would say in life. As we as companions focus on praising our companion instead of looking for faults or imperfections, our compies will grow from the love they feel. It was a good district meeting, and interviews were so cool! President told me that I wouldn't be here in Kouvola very much longer, and that I needed to enjoy the time while it lasts haha. So katsotaan!!! We'll see what happens. I am so tired! I feel like I just want to hibernate for the next 2 weeks or something! We have been working so hard! But it has been paying off. Our investigator is really loving the gospel, and he came to church yesterday. I was so grateful to seek him there! He asked the sunday school teacher for a lesson schedule for the next several months or so. It is so cool to see someone so prepared accept the gospel. He has really been trying to quit smoking on his own, and he is doing well. He made the decision on his own without us even really committing him. However, we have been doing our best to help him to stop, and pointing him to the Lord. We are trying to keep him busy, and helping him to focus on better things. This week Brother Smith gave him a ride to church (He lives next to our investigator), and they became really good friends. We are going over to Brother smith's house with our investigator to do some service, and share a message. The members are really loving him! He told a lot of people at church that He had a baptismal date! I am so grateful for him! We had the opportunity to give him a blessing to help him resist smoking. The spirit was strong, and I felt how much Heavenly Father loves him. Heavenly Father loves all of his children, and I know that He will bless us as we do what is right. All of naturally know what is right and was is wrong. It is natural. I'm sorry, I'm not feeling very good today so I'm going to cut it short, but everything is well. We are working hard, and loving life!! Mom, I am still trying to be the kind of missionary you think I am. love, Elder Perry ps. thank you so much for the package! I tried on the pirate patch and earing and took pictures. I'll send some to you sometime. The cookies were fabulous, as well as the t shirt. I laughed so hard when I saw it. My comp makes fun of me when i use the baby fork at dinner. jk I haven't yet, but will soon haha

Monday, July 16, 2012

July 16, 2012

229 Days left. Hei siella! Everything is going very good. I got my package from the smith's this last week. Things have been so great lately!!! I can't even tell you how happy I was to recieve those gifts from home! I wasn't expecting the gifts from Disneyland. Yes I made sure to capitalize the D in the word out of reverence. When I received it I thought of all of our old memories! This is where dad is rolling his eyes, but you just wait buddy!! I am going to buy you a goofy t shirt, while we're sitting on small world for the tenth time! Man I miss you all! But I still don't want to be with you yet haha!! We have had a very good week. Elder Anderton and I had to part. It was kind of sad to see him go, but I know that He will do great things down in Helsinki. I am so grateful that I was able to serve with him. He taught me so much about who I am, and what I need to become. Whatastud! I took him to the train station and sent him off. My new Companion Elder Van Geenen is way cool!! We get along very well. We have seen a lot of miracles just in the last week we've been together. He is from Holland, however he speaks english like a black american guy haha. It is soooo funny. We got a new elder in our district fresh out of the MTC. When He came to our apartment. I pretended to be from Holland with my dutch accent. IT was soooo good!!!!! I made it 35 minutes before the new elders companion said, okay come on stop it!! I could have kept going! But ya know, being a missionary is all about being mature. Maturity and body building... uh I mean... yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa this is my life haha!!!! In my personal study I have really kind of been focusing on the difference between being valiant, and being obedient. I have come to the conclusion that the difference is: being valiant is loving god with all your heart, and keeping his commandments out of love, with trust that His ways are higher than our ways. Obedience is good, however just being obedient is not enough in god's eyes. He want's us to use the atonement to want what He wants for us. Sometimes we want to kick against the pricks, and we wonder why it causes so much discomfort!!! UHHHH why can't I watch this TV show, uh...... it's only a little bad....... UHHH it's not bad to miss church some day's uhhh I'm not perfect....... UHH mom, it's not that big of a deal to take the van out illegally,,,,, I'm like 15......... Surely there was teenager like that out there somewhere in the world. But seriously... We need to have clean hands and a pure heart. Clean hands means that we repent when we sin. A pure heart means we use the atonement to turn away from the mistake we do. We change to conform to what the Lord wants for us. We so often ask ourselves these questions.......... why am I not happy?? hmm.......... maybe we should follow the plan. of . happiness. haha We had a great experience. Last sunday we found an investigator who has been so prepared by the Lord! We were going into a building, and he walked up at the same time. We contacted him, and he said come in to my place. We taught him, and he loved it. A few days later I called him just to thank him for letting us come over. He told me, "As soon as you all left, I felt this warm feeling for like two days that what you were saying is true." Elder Perry, "woooow!" (side note, plan your responses so you don't sound like a goober) HAha just kidding. But then throughout the week we have met with him a lot, and He is doing great! He has read all of 1 Nephi, and has a testimony of the Book of Mormon. He really wants to come to church and "become a mormon!" (his words, not mine.) These people are out there, we just need to use the atonement to change ourselves and repent to follow Christ. As we do so we will let Him do His work in His way! The reason being because we will be clean. He is already talking about how he needs to start doing missionary work in his family haha! I love missionary work! It is so amazing to see the hand of the Lord in my life, and the lives of others. I wouldn't trade this time for anything! Although I miss my family and guitar, and my saab (..........................ehkä ei) I really love it here! Miracles are happening! As we are pure in heart, as we trust in His hands to help and heal us, He will. John Bytheway quoted someone by putting it this way. "Whatever Jesus lays his hands on lives. Whether it's a marriage or a family, or a life that simply seems to grow darker, whatever Jesus can lay His hands on, it lives, and heals. We just need to come unto Him and let him do it." I've noticed in my study of the New Testament that the people typically had to go to Christ to be healed. I testify that this is true. He lives, and loves us. Well........ cool. I love you all, Will

Monday, July 9, 2012

July 9, 2012

Hello Family! So we got news on our change call......................................... where am I going????????????................................ Hauluaisitteko tietää??? Well the truth is.......... no where hahaha Elder Anderton is leaving. He is going down to Helsinki with my old companion Elder Larsen!! They will be in an apartment with 4 elders!!! That is like a dream! However I am here, and I am excited to stay! My new companions name is Elder Van Geenen. He is from Holland I believe. It is so funny because His first zone conference here (my new comp) I looked at him and said, We're going to serve together some day! I gave him a big hug too. Booo ya!! Prophecy fulfilled! I'll be honest I was a little disappointed. I had basically told all the members goodbye, because i thought I was leaving. We have a big area haha! The Lord has a sense of humor. When I went to bed that night, I prayed, why am I staying here? As I listened a voice said, "Called to serve........... Him." I realized because this is His work, and He knows where He needs me. This is not my mission, it's His. That is good enough for me! We are going to work hard, and go to work, like always! Anyways I will be here when the Smith's get here. I am pretty sad that my little boy is all grown up. We have had a blast together, and it is just great! One of the assistants here taught us when we were called to train, that it really is kind of a father like stewardship, and we should expect to feel that love like a father has for his son. I know that is so true, He is going to do so great! I am excited to see what he will do here! I definitely think training is my favorite calling I have ever received on my mission. I hope I can do it again! This week has been full of miracle after miracle. We have really been trying to raise our vision, and expand. This week we set a goal to teach 24 lessons. The Lord helped us reach it, as we just did our best! I have been learning the importance of being aware of our goals!!! HAHA That may sound as obvious as if I told you you need to put wood in the fire place if you want fire, however it is true! As we are conscientious about our goals, and pray with earnestness to achieve them, we will. Wow what an observation Elder Perry! How long have you been out? But it's all good! We move forward not backwards! So yesterday I'm sitting in church, and one of our English speaking members get's up to give his talk. I'm sitting there in the congregation when all of the sudden the second counselor motions for me to come up and translate haha! I run up to the stand, and do it haha. Right before we started, I was just like oh great, here we go.......................... He started speaking, and I just went for it haha! It was really cool, and my first time translating a talk from finnish into english in front of the whole congregation! I'll be honest I just do not speak finnish like a finn. However I do my best, and trust in the Lord to make up the difference. However I would say my language is really coming along, and I am improving. Also, Yesterday we really learned the importance of following the inspired schedule. At the end of church, a member came up to us and said that they had some non member friends coming over for lunch, as well as a former investigator they invited. However we felt we shouldn't go, and follow the plan we had set. We had an appointment in Kotka, and we didn't want to shaft it. We politely excused ourselves from coming and went about our day. We went to the appointment at the appointed time, and we taught him how to pray, and that God lives, and He became a new investigator. He is very interested, and said we could come back!! We then felt we should try meeting with a less active lady (wasn't home). But right as we were leaving her place, I felt we should go visit another less active. We went, and He wasn't home! Elder Anderton (as we were leaving) felt like we should tract the building. We did so, and the first door we knocked on was a young lady, and we taught her about God's plan and set up a time when we could come back!!! So cool. As we were driving away, our member who was with us felt like we should try another less active who was actually one of the people He home teaches (Well should be home teaching haha.) As we were walking in, a man came up to the door, and we taught him about the book of mormon. We asked do you have a few minutes now when we could share this with you?? He immediately responded yes, come on in! We followed him into his apartment, and we taught him. We taught about how Joseph Smith wanted to know which church was true, and he stopped us and said, that's what i'm wondering!!! The time we have to plan is so sacred, and the Lord really does guide us as we do it faithfully every night. It is so important that we stick to the plan, while following the spirit. Sometimes the solution is not always obvious, and we can't always say why we feel like doing something. There were three potential new investigators at the members house for lunch, but that is not where the Lord wanted us, and we had to obey!! Boo YAA!! The other thing I learned is the importance of unity in a companionship. Following the spirit is compared to putting a puzzle together. Each person receives a piece at a time. It doesn't matter how much we may like our piece better, we need our companions piece as well to finish the puzzle. We need to rely on those promptings, maybe even more then the promptings we receive. It is better to show your companion you love him by yielding to his promptings, than to cause an argument. I learned a cool quote from elder anderton. You can tell the kind of priesthood leader I am by the way I treat my wife at home when no one is watching. I have been trying to apply it to my companion. You can tell the kind of leader I am by the way I treat my companion at home when no one is watching. I wrote that quote in the 121st section of my Doctrine and Covenants. So cool! The Lord will help us become! I know it. There is so much to share, but so little time. It's good to here that everything is going well! I hope that you all are safe! love you, Elder Perry

Monday, July 2, 2012

It's a good thing William like's to shovel snow. They get a lot in Finland.
William found his car in Kouvola. Amazing!
Here is William sending every one a big hug.

July 2, 2012

Hi family! I don't have very much time today, because I procrastinated coming here to write! Things have just been crazy today, and I have to go to a lesson soon, and catch a train to Lappeenranta tonight! Soooooo busy! So I tried to find some protein shakes this morning because elder anderton and I have been doing some pretty intense work outs. (Like we actually work out). So of course the cute finnish prisma worker comes around the corner. "um... excuse me... uh (insert image of elder perry leaning up against the shelf in my strechty pants (quote from nacho libre- duh) where are the vitamins...??? (Didn't know the word for protein). Also apparently I didn't know the word for vitamins either!!!! I spoke in english and she said uh..... isle 163. HaHa but this week has been pretty intense! We really have been working so hard! There has been a standard that we teach 20 lessons per week. We have been struggling very hard to get it. Last week in planning meeting elder anderton said, "You know what, we need to show more faith, let's set a goal for 23 lessons." THAT'S MY BOY!!! We did it. We worked very hard this week, and at the end of the week we had 22 lesson's. I am so grateful for my companion. He has taught me so much about faith, and uh huh, (insert clearing throat noise) using it haha! I learned an amazing principle there. When we are struggling to maintain vision, raise it, don't decrease. Now I'm not insisting that we can't set goals to build up our bigger goals. This friday is change calls. I am a little excited because it would be nice to see other cities, however I really don't want to leave my compi. He is so cool! We get along pretty well. We just both have the same vision, and it works very well. He really has taught me so much. We have been doing our best to help this less active lady and her children come back to church. It has been great to see the change in her. We actually found our baptismal date through her! She called us one day, and had an emergency. We drop everything and went and helped her. We met our baptismal date there! I have learned the importance of just doing the right thing. Always do the thing that Christ would do, and you will be safe. Not only will we be safe in doing that, but he will provide opportunities to share the gospel as we show our love for his children. Our district is doing great! On sunday calls ins we talked about not letting doubts get to us! I asked them a question I learned from a talk from john bytheway. He asked, "What would you give up to know God?" We talked about it, and they asked me what I decided to give up. I said my doubts. In every situation satan tries to forge doubts as facts, or truth. However truth is the complete opposite of doubt. The adversary tries to tear at our testimonies, and make us feel like maybe we don't have faith. We begin to question our faith when these doubts come, when really we should be questioning our doubts!!! Are they really valid!? Doubts are dumb! Truth is Tremendous! haha, soooooooo lame..... Anyways, I love you, miss you, wouldn't want to be with you at this time (now i must explain that it is nothing personal mom.) Elder Perry

June 25, 2012

Dear Family, Before I start, I have to say how happy I am to hear that Grandma Huntley is doing well, and that all is looking well. I asked all the missionaries in our district to pray for her haha. I have spent a lot of time on my knees praying for her at night, pleading that all will go well. It almost brought tears to my eyes to hear that everything is going well. I love you Grandma!!! I love getting your emails every week. It is so great to hear the news from home. As I'm working hard I often think about you. I have a picture of dad on my scriptures that he sent me, and it always motivates me to work hard. I have the quote "be the kind of missionary your mother thinks you are," engraven on my heart, and in my mind! I think it's from all the prayers sent up from you mommy. I had a cool experience this morning. I was putting my laundry in our washing machine, and it just wasn't working. I tried resetting it, and turning it off and on............ ei mitään. The thought came to me to just pray, and it will work. I said a quick prayer, and felt like I should press the button again. pressed........ started........... so cool!!! Sometimes we forget how powerful the prayer of faith is. Heavenly Father can just make things work sometimes haha. We have been working very hard! Last week we met this investigator in Kotka. We taught him the message of the restoration, and gave him a copy of the book of mormon. We commited him to read it everyday, and he said okay. (kind of the 19 year old, I'll do it okay.) We came back a few days later, and he had read the first 7 chapters, and he talked about how much he liked it! We came back a little later, and he had read several more chapters, and the plan of salvation pamphlet. As we were teaching him (about half way through the plan of salvation) I felt super bored!!! And I knew that he was. I asked him a question like, "what does it mean to you that we have a purpose here on earth?" At that point he taught us the whole plan of salvation back. He read the pamphlet, and studied it! We dropped teaching, and then just answered his questions! His concerns had melted away, and his desire to accept this grew! Elder Anderton commited him to baptism, and he accepted without a doubt (we commited him in the first lesson, and he told us he had already been baptized). I felt the power, and importance of our investigators keeping their commitments. As we read, and pray, and act in accordance with correct principles such as attending church, and preparing to be baptized, the holy ghost comes in and guides us. The Lord has been working with this man for awhile! We testified that these things are true and I know that they are! On Juhannus ,(mid-summers day. It is a huge holiday here), we were able to go over to some members house who have children our age! We weren't alowed to go door to door, or be outside in public. There is lot of drinking that goes on! So President said we could go over to relax with members and investigators and stuff! We played steal the flag! After that we played clue the board game! Sooo much fun! I believe that change calls will be in about two weeks. I don't know if I will be leaving or not. I would imagine so, because I have been here for over 6 months. That is an extremely long time in an area haha! I was in Joensuu for 5 changes, and now I've been in Kouvola for 5 changes. Send it to the office, and I'll have the zone leaders pick it up for when they come to district meeting or something. I am so excited to see all of the pictures (everyone take a moment of silence for the lack of pictures that haven't been sent in the last six months haha). I love you all, Elder Perry Ps. I will write grandma a letter.

June 18, 2012

Heellooo Everyone, It was so great to hear from trey, and to see maya and Coles hieroglyphics (indian painting) I can't spell worth my life anymore. In Finnish you say all the letters in a word when you speak, and so English is just blown away. Anywho, Aunt Nancy, and Uncle Bill sent me an email! I miss them! Tell them I love them, and I don't mind that they receive my emails. However it is kind of funny to me that I have a blog, and you also send my emails to people haha, does that not defeat the purpose of the blog if they can get highlights in their inbox haha. Maybe I'm just going crazy... or you are... I mean it with love. We had a crazy day yesterday! We went down to Helsinki for stake conference, and it was way fun! Elder Jensen of the seventy spoke there. It is super awkward when you walk up to members you know, or something, and you say hi....... they say hi....... and after that you don't really know where to go with the conversation. I mean for real, how far can you go with someone who works in the mission office... hi... so... you organize the supply closet recently???... great... k ... bye!! HAHA I just decided that I would love to recieve my emails haha. They are so funny....... or maybe not........... but anyways it was great to be in Helsinki. Elder Anderton slept with his mouth open in the car, and I took a picture of him on our phone. He doesn't like it when I do that.. but... it must be done. We had a meeting with Elder Kopichke.... (I really don't know how to spell his name) he was in the area presidency in europe. He was so cool to listen to. I learned a lot from him. I had my specific questions for our area, and for myself, but the answer I recieved from the spirit answered all of them. I studied the way he taught, why he was so happy, and everything he did. I wanted to know why he was successful, and why he was such a good missionary. The answer came from His closing testimony. He said, "Elder's and Sister's... I know that I am a child of God. And He loves me." It hit me. He has been able to do everything He needs to in His calling because he understands and feels that statement not only in his mind, but in his heart. As I studied that statement in my personal life, and study since that day, I finally get it. Whenever we feel discouraged, stress, jealousy, anger, it is because we are more focused on what others think about us, than what God thinks about us. The world (even the church) has ideals of what the successful man or woman is. When we let those stresses get into our hearts, that is when we are down. Likewise, if our only desire is to please god and do his will, we will always be happy, because the man that follows god is always right (I believe it's president monson who said that). It is one thing to understand the principle (that we are children of god) and it's another thing to understand and to feel the principle in our hearts. When the knowledge goes from our head to our heart, I know that our whole perspective on life will change. I have never been happier in my life. I know that God lives and He is my father, my dad. He loves me, and He takes time to show me He cares. I would encourage you all to really think about what it means to be a child of god. When we know, and truly feel it in our hearts, it will bless us so much! We had a lot of different experiences in our work this week. We were in a meeting with this really intelligent engineer. He had a super nice house, and it was apparent that he knew a lot. He started talking about paranormal activity haha. He was asking if we believed that people could communicate with people on the otherside. The first thing that came to my mind was this is so weird! But then the spirit came in! He said, pay attention, and listen to what he was saying. I began to pray for discernment. A scripture came to my mind. Moroni 10:8- 18 "Deny not the gifts of God, for they are many. We read those verses, and explained our perspective on it, and He totally agreed! Had one of us said, that is weird, and of the devil (which some of it is) He probally would have kicked us out haha. I learned an important lesson. Investigators have a different vocabulary than we do ha ha. We use the words, angels, ministering spirits etc. He used paranormal activity. He is a new investigator who said he wants to read the Book of Mormon now! So cool! We are working super hard! I am so grateful for you all. I think about you both often, and you both are in my prayers. Send me pictures of your california trip momma! So I can be home sick for a few days! Especially of disneyland, shelby, and andy and david and their lady friends. Wow... super kinky statement. Actually maybe don't. Love Elder Perry PS tell shelby she is the worst writer ever haha

June 11. 2012

Sorry guys, I can't find a letter for this date. I thought I had one for every week, but somehow this one got lost or there wasn't one.

June 4, 2012

Hello Family, This last little week has been pretty great. We have been trying to build up to teaching 20 lessons per week. It has been very challenging, but we are working towards it. This morning was very cool. We went and studied finnish with a finnish couple in our branch. It is super helpful for me, because I can expand on the harder principles, and have some back up haha. This last little while I have been studying with elder anderton the basic grammar, and so this gives me an opportunity once a week to really build on where I need to go to improve. He is really coming along with his Finnish. It is very inspiring to see. And also I want to hit him in the face because I could not ´speak the way he does when I came into the country haha. COME ON, IT WAS A JOKE!! Don't tell president though, I don't need that on my plate right now. Is everything alright with grandma? I guess so, because you didn't say anything bad that happened. I have been worried about her all week! She better be okay! You mother better be okay as well. You always call me an accident waiting to happen, but your the one always seeming to get into the train wrecks haha. I hope that everything is okay with you. As far as you pop. I will send an extra prayer up for you. Don't get too burnt out! I expect pictures from the camping, and fun stuff you do with the boyzzz. Speaking of which, everyone keeps talking about how you two are freaking out that natalie will get married haha. Is this true? Is she, will she, when's the date? Are they talking about this? I'm sitting up here in an ice box, and you're down there with all the news! COME ON!!! Milta teistä tuntuu tästä? So this week we have really been focusing on inspired planning, and it really has been working. It is amazing how the Lord will coordinate the work, as we exercize faith in Him. I have notice countless examples of when the Lord will help us to teach as we plan to do so! Let's throw that statement into the worlds most obvious statements book, published by Elder Perry Finland Helsinki Mission. Haljelulah! haha. I know that as we exercise faith in Him, He will make it happen. So cool! On splits Elder Haws (zone leader) and I planned on contacting a man who said we could come by the next day. We drove out to his place, and went to his door. Not home. We decided to go for it, and give the Lord a chance! We tracted a few doors, until all of the sudden this one man answered. He talked about how so many bad things have happened to him, and he is kind of angry at god because of it. We slowed down a bit, and listened to him. We asked him some inspired questions. He let us in and we did a first lesson teach. He had a very loud friend, and I ended up going and sitting by the loud friend to try and teach (but mostly distract because he was kind of drunk), while elder haws taught the other guy. New Investigator! It was cool to see him smile through his tears, as he felt the truth of the message in his heart. That was another special experience where I felt like I was standing in the place of the Lord, at that time, and in that moment. Tell Mckayli, that we will go do sleep over's at Natalie and Georges new apartment! That would be a little awkward yet hilarious at the same time. "Um, escuse me nat and georgy (you think she calls him that?), but you are all out of food... I ate it all... well that's how it would go. I AM SO EXCITED. I can't believe the day has come... you know that I am just doing this to make you both worried haha. Love you (I really do) Elder (still the same sense of humor) Perry