WEEK 46: Georgia Atlanta North Mission Week 1!

Elder Perry, Elder Swanson, and Elder Stearman

Hey everyone! I'm glad to be back writing another blog post for you all! My first week here in the GANM was a really exciting one. Lots of new things and lots of really great and interesting experiences!

I have been assigned to the only Portuguese speaking district in the mission, which I am very happy about. I am currently living in Marietta, Georgia. There are only a few Portuguese speaking groups of missionaries on the whole east coast. But because of that, our area is actually larger than the whole mission. We basically get to teach anyone nearby who speaks Portuguese. We mostly teach them English courses, and then teach them the missionary lessons. The strategy seems to be working pretty well so far! I am in a trio here with Elder Swanson and Elder Stearman. They are both incredible missionaries who have also served in Brazil, and they have already taught me so much. 

A majority of our teaching is done through Facetime calls, but we were able to go visit people in their homes a couple of times this week. It has been very interesting trying to do all of our missionary work through the internet, but it has been getting easier for everyone. Very different from the work I was used to doing in Brazil, but it has been cool to see everyone adapt to this new way of teaching and finding. We have several people that we are teaching on a consistent basis, and we were actually able to set a baptismal date this week with our friend Rudy. 

It is really hot and humid here in Georgia, which has been alright. At least there is air conditioning in the apartment! But the heat hasn't been too bad! We have also had some rain this week. But the climate accounts for the fireflies outside our house and the turtle I saw when we were taking out the garbage. The state is a lot greener than I thought it might be. Lots of trees all over the place. Georgia really is a beautiful place.

But overall, things here in Georgia are going really well for me. I have been adapting well to everything: to cooking all my own meals, to the temperature, to having American companions, to this new kind of missionary work. Everything is great and I am really happy. Love you all!

Elder Perry

Wildlife in Marietta, Georgia

GANM Portuguese Speaking District

Elder Perry celebrating his 19th birthday in the GANM