Elder Jack Perry: WEEK 25: Country Roads...Take me home

Elder Damo and Elder Perry with a welcome cake from the Itapipoca branch president and his wife

First week here in the city of Itapipoca. It has really been an exciting week. One of the greatest features of the city, and the reason for the title of this weeks blog, is that the city is surrounded by mountains. Something I never really expected to see here in Ceara. It was really awesome when I arrived on the bus to see the mountains. I was instantly reminded of life back in Utah. My new companion, Elder Damo, and I hiked up to the highest peak early this morning. As we were going up, it was impossible to see anything because of the clouds, but it cleared up and we got a really awesome view of the city. Glad to remember the good times in the Utah mountains.

The work here is really great in Itapipoca. We are working with some really great families, and have a couple of marriages coming up at the end of this month. It has been a little different transitioning to a branch instead of a ward, but it has been great. I have again been named as the ward, I mean, branch pianist.

The sun is really hot here. I would say, when it's not raining, definitely hotter than Fortaleza but actually a little cooler in the mornings. I still sweat quite a bit when we're out working in the streets, but I feel like I'm adjusting at least a little bit. Elder Damo and I both enjoy running so we get up and run most mornings here.

I have already seen some pretty crazy things here. Lots of wild fruit. Tons of frogs. In fact, we found a frog on our bathroom wall yesterday. We respectfully relocated it out the window. Also cows, pigs, and chickens in the road. Pools full of fish. Just about all of it and I've only been here one week. I can't wait to see what else lies in store for me here in Itapipoca.

I am, as always, really grateful for this opportunity to be serving a mission here. I am grateful as well for what it really means to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ. I love this work and I love you all!

Elder Perry