WEEK 18: I Don't Know if There'll Be Snow...But Have a Cup of Guarana

Elder Perry's District

Another incredibly hot and work-filled week here in Fortaleza. Lots of great people we have been meeting this week and lots of great new contacts. It has all been really great and. as always, quite warm. As the missionaries say down here: The warmer the climate, the warmer the hearts of the people. 

This week ended my second transfer here in the field and I have officially ended my training. I am going to stay this next transfer in the same area, Gurararapes A with Elder Makino. So as far as the area and the companion goes, nothing will change for me this next transfer. I am looking forward to the work and the success that we will have in this area over the next 6 weeks. We have a lot of people ready and being prepared to be baptized, so I look forward to getting this work done.  

This last week, I was able to do a transfer with one of our zone leaders, who is actually heading back for Utah tomorrow. We were able to meet with a few people, and a few of the members that he baptized or met when he passed through this area towards the beginning of his mission here. That was a pretty cool experience. He, like all of the other older people here in the mission, really only give one piece of advice: "Passa rapido" or "It passes fast." Grateful for all the people who constantly remind me that I will not be leaving this year, nor in the next, but the one after that. Those reminders should stop once we reach 2020. (Sorry if that doesn't make any sense)

Lots of sun but even more sunscreen here for me. It really does feel like every day it is getting hotter. BUT, some days it does start to rain in the morning before clearing for more sun in the afternoon. That is always really nice. I feel like I have adjusted to it quite a bit now. The cold showers have started to grow on me. Being here has made me appreciate how great the white Christmases were back in UT. 

Also more piano playing responsibilities for me! Now that everyone knows that I will be spending one more transfer here, I have been assigned to be the official pianist for the new ward, Dunas, and I will be playing with our stake choir for our Sunday Christmas meeting in one week. Needless to say, quite a bit of practice will be required of me this week. I look forward to using my talents to bless the people here in these wards. I really have been enjoying using the piano to serve. 

That's just about it for this week. The work continues and I have been loving it all. Thank you all for the love and support. 

Love,

Elder Perry

One of many giant frogs in Fortaleza