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