Hey mom, and dad,
I just wanted to let you know that i am here in the mission office. It is really cool here, and we are just taking it easy today. Sorry I couldn't call in Germany.. I couldn't figure out the phone system. It was in German!!
I love you both,
will
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 11, 2011
Hi Mom,
Don't worry about the calling card, I bought one with a thousand minutes on it at the book store.
We leave here on Monday, and I am going crazy!! I am so excited. For some reason a few weeks ago I got really nervous inside. I didn't tell anyone, but I was stressed. Then a letter came from my branch president that said, "Elder Perry, you're doing great. And then it went on to say, "Fear is not from God." That really hit me, and its so true. You can't really love someone perfectly if you don't trust them. So after about five minutes I said, "Okay, i'm not scared anymore." :) I promise you that I am taken care of here.
May I make one suggestion to you, "Don't worry!!" I am so happy here, I love it here. If the Savior came to me right now and said, "Elder Perry I will give you the option of going home and going to school, and doing all of that home stuff, or to stay here and do the work".......... I without a second thought would choose to stay here! I have learned a very important principal from the Book of Mosiah, , "The Lord seeth fit to chasteneth his people, ye he trieth their patience and their faith. Neverthless whomsoever putteth his trust in him, with be lifted up at the last day." This promise is real. Every challenge that I have gone through here has strengthened me in ways that I can't even tell you. I have started to look at trials in a whole new perspective.
In the church we here the phrase, "I want to become like jesus, I want to walk in his footsteps." We always pray that the Lord will help us be more like him. The thing is, we have to actually walk his path. We have to struggle, we have to suffer, we have to sometimes get on our knee's in tears saying, "Father please... I can't do this alone." If we want to become like Jesus Christ.. we too have to take a few steps into Gethsemane.
But I know now... That if we strive to become like the Savior, we will be the happiest. When we love like him, when we think like him.... their is no room for failure.
I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting last sunday, when the song Lead, Kindly Light came on. The lyrics say, " Lead kindly light against the circling gloom, lead thou me on, the dark is night, and I am far from home... Lead thou me on. Sometimes I miss home alot, but I catch myself in silent prayer... and say.. Lead thou me on. "He who has put forth his hand to the plough, looking back, is not fit for the kingdom of God."
I am so excited to talk to you mom. I will call you in Salt lake around six on monday, and then in Chicago around 11, and in Germany the next day.
Don't worry about me, I know, and you know who is at the head. He has never left me comfortless, and he will never leave you. Make sure and apply his Atonement in this hard time. The atonement is not just for sins, but for people who hurt.
I miss you alot mom, but I love being here so unbelievably much. I have made a goal to really read and ponder the scriptures everyday. I have been doing at least 10 pages a day. The spirit is so strong when we show the Lord we care. My advice to you is to push yourself with your scripture study, even if it is only one chapter a day. You will recieve blessings throughout the whole day.
love you oodles of noodles,
Will
Don't worry about the calling card, I bought one with a thousand minutes on it at the book store.
We leave here on Monday, and I am going crazy!! I am so excited. For some reason a few weeks ago I got really nervous inside. I didn't tell anyone, but I was stressed. Then a letter came from my branch president that said, "Elder Perry, you're doing great. And then it went on to say, "Fear is not from God." That really hit me, and its so true. You can't really love someone perfectly if you don't trust them. So after about five minutes I said, "Okay, i'm not scared anymore." :) I promise you that I am taken care of here.
May I make one suggestion to you, "Don't worry!!" I am so happy here, I love it here. If the Savior came to me right now and said, "Elder Perry I will give you the option of going home and going to school, and doing all of that home stuff, or to stay here and do the work".......... I without a second thought would choose to stay here! I have learned a very important principal from the Book of Mosiah, , "The Lord seeth fit to chasteneth his people, ye he trieth their patience and their faith. Neverthless whomsoever putteth his trust in him, with be lifted up at the last day." This promise is real. Every challenge that I have gone through here has strengthened me in ways that I can't even tell you. I have started to look at trials in a whole new perspective.
In the church we here the phrase, "I want to become like jesus, I want to walk in his footsteps." We always pray that the Lord will help us be more like him. The thing is, we have to actually walk his path. We have to struggle, we have to suffer, we have to sometimes get on our knee's in tears saying, "Father please... I can't do this alone." If we want to become like Jesus Christ.. we too have to take a few steps into Gethsemane.
But I know now... That if we strive to become like the Savior, we will be the happiest. When we love like him, when we think like him.... their is no room for failure.
I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting last sunday, when the song Lead, Kindly Light came on. The lyrics say, " Lead kindly light against the circling gloom, lead thou me on, the dark is night, and I am far from home... Lead thou me on. Sometimes I miss home alot, but I catch myself in silent prayer... and say.. Lead thou me on. "He who has put forth his hand to the plough, looking back, is not fit for the kingdom of God."
I am so excited to talk to you mom. I will call you in Salt lake around six on monday, and then in Chicago around 11, and in Germany the next day.
Don't worry about me, I know, and you know who is at the head. He has never left me comfortless, and he will never leave you. Make sure and apply his Atonement in this hard time. The atonement is not just for sins, but for people who hurt.
I miss you alot mom, but I love being here so unbelievably much. I have made a goal to really read and ponder the scriptures everyday. I have been doing at least 10 pages a day. The spirit is so strong when we show the Lord we care. My advice to you is to push yourself with your scripture study, even if it is only one chapter a day. You will recieve blessings throughout the whole day.
love you oodles of noodles,
Will
Saturday, May 7, 2011
May 4, 2011
Hello family,
I wanted to get my email done early today so you can reply to me on that dearelder thing! Things went pretty good this week. We are all studying hard to get our last bit of studying in before the big move!! Last night elder Orr started crying and wanted dog.... jk... don't tell him I said that haha. I don't mean this in a bad way, but Girls are brain ninja's!!! gosh..
Elder Orr and I had to have a comp inventory with Sister Merkley because she was mad at everyone in our district for some reason. We started out with a prayer, and both asked a few questions, and then she started venting!! It was so funny because I looked at Elder Orr and he was looking at his watch, I looked down and we had been in there for an hour! Great Scott!! I have studying to do. But it was good to resolve some of her struggles. We both walked out of there exsausted, and she was as happy as a bird.
I had a pretty cool experience last night. Some of the guys started talking about studpid stuff so I decided to go study scriptures in the hall and read my patriarchal blessing. I was reading, and one of the lines said, "He is mindful of you." I have for some reason been worrying about everything!! School, work, family, friends, whether or not i am going to make a difference in finland, everything that the adversary could possibly throw at me. But I basically got the impression, be still.... your heavenly father loves you.. He knows what your worried about, he knows what concerns you. I then decided to open my scriptures, and i opended to the 9th chapter of Mormon. i know the scriptures are so important. I heard a quote that says, "Prayer is how we comunicate with god, and the scriptures is how he communicates with us." That chapter said everything i needed to know. Now I am not worried about a thing!! who cares about the regular world. "Sufficent today is the evil thereof." Don't worry about tomorrow.
I am just trying to be a good boy, honor my covenants, keep my commandments.. and I know if I do that, that I will be led to those who need the gospel. I love that promise, and I know if I just try and do that.. My whole life will be awesome!! I am not worried about a thing! It is so great.. The only thing I have to think about is preaching the gospel.
love you both,
Elder Perry
Ps I get my travel plans tomorrow, so AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Where is my brown paper bag!????
I wanted to get my email done early today so you can reply to me on that dearelder thing! Things went pretty good this week. We are all studying hard to get our last bit of studying in before the big move!! Last night elder Orr started crying and wanted dog.... jk... don't tell him I said that haha. I don't mean this in a bad way, but Girls are brain ninja's!!! gosh..
Elder Orr and I had to have a comp inventory with Sister Merkley because she was mad at everyone in our district for some reason. We started out with a prayer, and both asked a few questions, and then she started venting!! It was so funny because I looked at Elder Orr and he was looking at his watch, I looked down and we had been in there for an hour! Great Scott!! I have studying to do. But it was good to resolve some of her struggles. We both walked out of there exsausted, and she was as happy as a bird.
I had a pretty cool experience last night. Some of the guys started talking about studpid stuff so I decided to go study scriptures in the hall and read my patriarchal blessing. I was reading, and one of the lines said, "He is mindful of you." I have for some reason been worrying about everything!! School, work, family, friends, whether or not i am going to make a difference in finland, everything that the adversary could possibly throw at me. But I basically got the impression, be still.... your heavenly father loves you.. He knows what your worried about, he knows what concerns you. I then decided to open my scriptures, and i opended to the 9th chapter of Mormon. i know the scriptures are so important. I heard a quote that says, "Prayer is how we comunicate with god, and the scriptures is how he communicates with us." That chapter said everything i needed to know. Now I am not worried about a thing!! who cares about the regular world. "Sufficent today is the evil thereof." Don't worry about tomorrow.
I am just trying to be a good boy, honor my covenants, keep my commandments.. and I know if I do that, that I will be led to those who need the gospel. I love that promise, and I know if I just try and do that.. My whole life will be awesome!! I am not worried about a thing! It is so great.. The only thing I have to think about is preaching the gospel.
love you both,
Elder Perry
Ps I get my travel plans tomorrow, so AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! Where is my brown paper bag!????
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 26, 2011
Hey, so I got your package yesterday, and thank you so much for the goodies. I have had a really awesome week!! I can't believe we have been here for over 2 months! That is insane. We have been working really hard, and also battling the anxiety of leaving soon. I love it here! I have met some really cool people, and some who are nice but are not cool by whatsoever means, haha that was mean. But seriously, there is this one elder (really nice guy, just out there) he told me, "Ya I used to play the trumphet, but then I decided that I can play better with my lips." or something like that. I was like, huh interesting, I'm glad that is working out for you, and hope you go far ;) He always sings that jungle book monkey song... and “The Circle of Life,” haha. I am nice to everybody, so this is me venting a little.
The people here are all pretty nice. I feel bad because all the guys learning Spanish are like, “dude this language is crazy, (haha),” and I just want to say, "Really, are things hard for you (haha)" I hope people don't read this letter. I really don't think that (haha), every mission has its hard aspects, and I don't know what they're going through personally, so I would never. But I think it's funny.
Now, on to the spiritual side of things. We have had two Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come and speak to us in a week. It is so cool being in the same room as them. They were all very bold and very spiritual. I love their examples, and especially when Richard G. Scott came. He is so amazing, I love listening to him talk. The gift of Tongues is coming amazingly, there are some times when I will say a word that I don't ever remember looking up. I really am not too worried about the language.
I just have been trying to be a good example, trying... (haha, I could definitely be better).
Love you both,
Will
The people here are all pretty nice. I feel bad because all the guys learning Spanish are like, “dude this language is crazy, (haha),” and I just want to say, "Really, are things hard for you (haha)" I hope people don't read this letter. I really don't think that (haha), every mission has its hard aspects, and I don't know what they're going through personally, so I would never. But I think it's funny.
Now, on to the spiritual side of things. We have had two Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come and speak to us in a week. It is so cool being in the same room as them. They were all very bold and very spiritual. I love their examples, and especially when Richard G. Scott came. He is so amazing, I love listening to him talk. The gift of Tongues is coming amazingly, there are some times when I will say a word that I don't ever remember looking up. I really am not too worried about the language.
I just have been trying to be a good example, trying... (haha, I could definitely be better).
Love you both,
Will
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 20, 2011
Mom, my favorite (yes, William really did say this)
Thank you so much for the packages! I have gained 50 pounds and look like I just got out of a snack pack factory! (jk) Actually, I haven't gained weight... unless pure muscle counts. Hm did I say that out loud? That's embarrassing. Anyways, things are going good! I have had the hardest, but the most rewarding week here. Things can get stressful, but a quote that I learned a long time ago came to a reality this week, "When things get too hard to stand... kneel." I cannot tell you how much comfort I have received during my stressful situations. I was sitting in a classroom so stressed out by myself over vocab that I was literally about to break down. I flipped through a hymn book and found the song, "Oh My Father." My Heavenly Father spoke to my heart, and was there for me. I cannot tell you how humbling it was. Tears could not be constrained, and I knelt and expressed my love for my Heavenly Father and my Heavenly Mother. I know they're there. When I first got here sister told us, "Be the kind of missionary your mother thinks you are."
I am so grateful for you Mommy, and I am also grateful for my Heavenly Mother. There is a special spirit that comes about when I talk about you and her. It is an interesting topic.
We are pushing ourselves to speak only in Finnish from breakfast to dinner. I have noticed a difference in my teaching. last night after my lesson, Elder Orr said, "Where did you learn all that?" The gift of tongues is real. Elder Scott, last night, came and conferred upon us the gift of tongues apostolically. It was an amazing feeling being in the same room (30 yards away) from someone who has possibly felt the prints in the Savior's hands.
Everyday I try to be like Him, and fail miserably (which is good). I know that the Lord helps us through our weaknesses (Ether 12:27). It is amazing how close we can be to our Savior if we are but obedient. I have come to realize how imperfect I am. But, I have also come to realize the grace and mercy the Savior gives to me. I cannot express to you how watched over I am. There are some days when you literally have to call down angels to help you make it through that day, and somehow find the faith to learn ust one more grammar principle, just one more word, just help one more person.
As I have strived not to worry about home and myself, I have realized how many people I can help. There are so many people all around us who need us, who need help. If we forget ourselves and worry about them, our brothers and sisters, there is no greater happiness in this world or the world to come. I finally have learned that lesson. Forget yourself and go to work.
My teacher told me, "Try and serve each person in your district everyday." I have been trying to find some small way to do that. There has been no worrying about anything, as I have been doing that. I love you so much mom. And, I can't tell you how much those packages and notes, etc, mean to me. "I came not into the world to do mine own will, but the will of Him who sent me." When we take the Savior's example into our lives... there is no possible outcome other than pure happiness that is not attainable anywhere else.
I love you so much
Vanhin Perry
PS I get my travel plans and Visa two weeks from tomorrow.
Thank you so much for the packages! I have gained 50 pounds and look like I just got out of a snack pack factory! (jk) Actually, I haven't gained weight... unless pure muscle counts. Hm did I say that out loud? That's embarrassing. Anyways, things are going good! I have had the hardest, but the most rewarding week here. Things can get stressful, but a quote that I learned a long time ago came to a reality this week, "When things get too hard to stand... kneel." I cannot tell you how much comfort I have received during my stressful situations. I was sitting in a classroom so stressed out by myself over vocab that I was literally about to break down. I flipped through a hymn book and found the song, "Oh My Father." My Heavenly Father spoke to my heart, and was there for me. I cannot tell you how humbling it was. Tears could not be constrained, and I knelt and expressed my love for my Heavenly Father and my Heavenly Mother. I know they're there. When I first got here sister told us, "Be the kind of missionary your mother thinks you are."
I am so grateful for you Mommy, and I am also grateful for my Heavenly Mother. There is a special spirit that comes about when I talk about you and her. It is an interesting topic.
We are pushing ourselves to speak only in Finnish from breakfast to dinner. I have noticed a difference in my teaching. last night after my lesson, Elder Orr said, "Where did you learn all that?" The gift of tongues is real. Elder Scott, last night, came and conferred upon us the gift of tongues apostolically. It was an amazing feeling being in the same room (30 yards away) from someone who has possibly felt the prints in the Savior's hands.
Everyday I try to be like Him, and fail miserably (which is good). I know that the Lord helps us through our weaknesses (Ether 12:27). It is amazing how close we can be to our Savior if we are but obedient. I have come to realize how imperfect I am. But, I have also come to realize the grace and mercy the Savior gives to me. I cannot express to you how watched over I am. There are some days when you literally have to call down angels to help you make it through that day, and somehow find the faith to learn ust one more grammar principle, just one more word, just help one more person.
As I have strived not to worry about home and myself, I have realized how many people I can help. There are so many people all around us who need us, who need help. If we forget ourselves and worry about them, our brothers and sisters, there is no greater happiness in this world or the world to come. I finally have learned that lesson. Forget yourself and go to work.
My teacher told me, "Try and serve each person in your district everyday." I have been trying to find some small way to do that. There has been no worrying about anything, as I have been doing that. I love you so much mom. And, I can't tell you how much those packages and notes, etc, mean to me. "I came not into the world to do mine own will, but the will of Him who sent me." When we take the Savior's example into our lives... there is no possible outcome other than pure happiness that is not attainable anywhere else.
I love you so much
Vanhin Perry
PS I get my travel plans and Visa two weeks from tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 13, 2011
William's newest post: Things are pretty good. I have learned a lot this week that I think will help me my whole life. Elder Orr and I had a rough middle of the week. I think that everything started getting to us, so finally, I had had it with the drama so I pulled him aside into a different room and we had a little comp inventory. I basically said, "Elder, you and I would probably not be friends outside of here, and that's fine... but we're here now. Our companionship is inspired and we are going to work together without all the drama and crap" (for lack of better terms). Oh by the way he is an army ranger - talk about staring the bull in the eye! We knelt down and prayed (this was right before our lesson) I offered the prayer that the Lord would soften both our hearts so we could teach with the spirit and be happy with each other. I decided that I needed to stop judging him, because I know he has problems just like me that he is working on. I prayed about a way that I could work this out so I could always have the spirit with me. What I do is everytime I'm about to judge someone I sing a hymn or a song or something and it works. I am so grateful that the Lord has helped me with my weakness because I know without a doubt I could not do this alone. Ether 12:27. We had some awesome teaches this week. Elder Orr and I taught a lesson on Monday in English and we taught with the spirit. The other missionaries looked like they were about to cry or something (this is a good thing I hope). My first lesson in Finnish was awesome! It was like Finnish was natural to me at that moment. When they asked questions, I was able to understand by the spirit, and answer those questions by the spirit. I know without a doubt that the spirit is everything in missionary work. The thing that sets us apart as missionaries from missionaries of other churches is the fact that we literally have the spirit. I know from personal experience that we are literally led to others by the spirit who needs our help. A really funny experience that happened was we went planning to teach a lesson in Finnish to our investigator, and she pretended to be a completely different person who wanted us to teach a lesson about something we haven't even looked at yet (in Finnish). We just smiled and I think she would say, "so what is the word of wisdom??" and I would say, "Tiedan etta Jeesus Kristus elaa," (I know Jesus Christ lives). I said that about 30 times, then I switched to, "Tiedan etta Mormonin kirja on totta." (I know the Book of Mormon is true). So I hope at least she felt something towards those things. Basically, the language is awesome. It is challenging, but I wouldn't want it any other way. I've heard so many Spanish Speaking elders here that I probably could go teach the first lesson in Mexico right now! But, this work is so interesting... It amazes me how much I learn when I'm trying to serve others. Although working with comps is trying sometimes, I am so grateful for trials. They help me realize how much I really need my Heavenly Father. I love my friends here. I've made so many! Sometimes I'll go study with elders going to different missions like Hungary, Estonia, etc... Sometimes with the sisters...hahahaha, Just kidding (or am I ;) Love you Vanhin Perry
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Letter April 6, 2011
I wrote William to tell him that one of his good friends, Jeffery, is going to the Finland, Helsinki Mission and will report August 17th. His letter: Mom, I am so excited that he got called there, that is really crazy! Rumor has it that it is the highest progressing mission in the church right now as far s percentages go. The field is ready to harvest! That ws so dorky, but had to throw it in there. I miss you, but I love being here though. It can be stressful and discouraging at times, but when we accomplish something - it makes everything worth it. We are teaching our first lesson in Finnish tomorrow, and I have been studying like crazy! (well...trying haha) I have my part memorized, and have been learning how to structure sentences so I can speak from my heart. I have been learning the first vision, and can teach it pretty well. My companion said, "Did you learn Finnish overnight?" I am progressing pretty slow when it comes to atually learning the language in my district, but when I teach - it's like it comes right out. One thing I learned is that I'm not called to learn Finnish, I'm called to preach the gospel, and Finnish is just a tool to do that. As long as I can look someone in the eye, and say I know that my Redeemer lives, that's all I need, and I'm good to go. But, I still want to study some more here, before I put that into effect. I have been working out a lot, and am about the size of Michael Ormsby (in my mind). But ya... I go running everyday, and I love playing basketball to relieve my stress from our 14 hour days in the classroom!!! I have been getting a lot of mail, especially from you and dad, and others. I love your letters; they make me smile so much. The other day dad and uncle Rowan sent me some stuff in this big flower box, and all the really cute sister missionaries were talking to me, haha (close but no cigar - can I say that, lol). It's a conversation starter. I learned in conference tha the Lord does chasten his people sometimes. I guess I never really saw things that way, but it's true. Heavenly Father wants us to grow, and I testify that if we treat that situation with a humble attitude, relying on God.. He will help us. The scripture Proverbs 3:5 come to my mind. Here it can be really stressful. One day I'll be feeling on top of the world with a grammar principle, and the next I'm in Elder Orr's arms crying in the featle postion! (jk - but seriously - lol no not really...) But I am grateful for trials because they help us come closer to our Heavenly Father. When we feel like our support system is gone, or whatever... it really is not. He is with His Saints, even when it feels like he's not. He is. Vanhin Perry
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