WEEK 13: The Endless Summer Continues

Elder Perry (with hat) in his apartment

Another great week of hard work here in Fortaleza. Sometimes, I think the work wouldn't feel nearly as hard if the sun would let up for a couple minutes. But I've been trying to adjust to the heat and humidity the best I can. I've been wearing my hat quite a bit, and it has started to give me a reputation with people in the neighborhood. They sometimes refer to me as the "tall white man with the funny hat." I have earned some other endearing nicknames here as well including "Jack Sperry" and "Paris."

I think I am finally worthy to be considered a Brazilian! I bought a hammock! Lots of people here sleep in hammocks, because they're pretty comfortable and generally cheaper than a bed. I tried last night, and it's going to take some adjustments to start hammock sleeping. 

The food here continues to impress me as well. We have eaten some fish based dishes finally, which seems to be a staple here in Fortaleza, being so close to the ocean. People have said that the crab and shrimp here are also really good, but we haven't had the chance to eat any of that yet. I think it might be a little expensive, so we´ll have to wait and see. 

We had stake conference this week! All 3 of our wards gathered together in the chapel across the street from the temple. I think there was probably about 350-400 people there! Very strong crowd. There were also some Americans who came and spoke to all of us. A few of them were older men, who had served some of the first missions here in Fortaleza. They talked about how it was amazing to see the growth of the church in this area. I feel blessed to be a part of the continuous growth that this area. Our stake president said something pretty profound that I´ll share with you here: "You can count the amount of seeds within an apple. But you can´t count the amount of apples that one seed can produce."

As of now, we are preparing for our first baptism for this coming Saturday! Glecianie and Elvis are both getting ready for that date and we may have one other who could be ready for that day. We are going to keep working hard and getting them ready. I have felt more blessed than ever finding and teaching these people and helping them follow the example of Jesus Christ.

There are some points out here in the field where I think, "Wow, no one could possibly imagine the things I am seeing right now." Some really crazy stuff but mostly beautiful things. We continue to work! 

Elder Perry