WEEKS 101 & 102 Final Zone Conference

Hello everyone! Another couple of weeks have come and gone. We have seen so many miracles in just two short weeks, and I am excited to tell you about them.

The first, and most amazing miracle was the baptism of our good friend Larissa. We have gotten very close with Larissa, and have seen such a huge change in her. When we first started meeting with her, she seemed closed off, and suffered with anxiety. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, she was able to put these things behind her, and begin to walk more fully in the light of Christ. Her baptism was such a spiritual experience. She invited many friends to watch, and she invited one of them who is a member who lives nearby to baptize her. Larissa's smile was indescribably bright that day. She was called this last week as the young women's second counselor. We are very proud of Larissa, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of her journey.

We have been teaching many other great people this week! In particular, we found a complete family, and the parents are legally married which is pretty much the rarest thing ever here. We immediately started teaching this great couple and their 4 kids (3 of which are of age to be baptized) and they loved it. They expressed how they wanted to be married in the temple. But, there is only one problem. The first day we went to teach this family, the mother (Ingrid) was 9 months and 3 days pregnant. The baby was born on Saturday night, so we are hoping that we can get back to teaching them soon.

We had zone conference this last week as well. And yes, it will be my last one. I gave my departing testimony and everything. It didn't make me feel trunky at all, but made me look back on all been great times I had on my mission, and all the great times that lie ahead. I am excited to finish strong these last two weeks. There is still so much to do, and many people for me to meet still. I appreciate all of your love and support, and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Love,
Elder Perry

WEEK 100: One Hundred Weeks

Hello everyone! I cannot believe that I have reached 100 weeks on the mission. It has all been passing so quickly. I have loved every minute, and I am excited to serve with all my heart for one more month.

This week was highlighted by the baptism of our friend Cleidiane. She was baptized on Monday, but her preparation spanned almost 2 months. It was around 2 months ago when Elder Viana and I found Cleidiane's daughter, Pamela, and taught and baptized her. When talking to Cleidiane about the baptism, we could both feel a very strong light that she had inside of her, and leaving the house we both said to each other, "This woman is going to be baptized." It was not an easy process. There were several weeks when Cleidiane was completely convinced that she never wanted to be baptized. It was in those moments when I learned the importance of persistence and patience. As we taught her about the commandments and blessings her family would receive, she began to feel the spirit more often, and began reading the Book of Mormon every day. The transformation in her life was absolutely incredible, and summed up best in her own words following the baptism: "I am certain that this is the best thing I have ever done in my life."

We also participated in several baptisms from the zone. We had quite a bit of success this week. This mission is very blessed, and I am so glad to be here.

We received transfer news yesterday. I will be finishing my mission here in the Genibaú/Sevilha area with Elder Viana. I am very happy about that, and I am looking forward to the blessings we will receive together. In fact, our good friend Larissa finally accepted a baptismal date for this Saturday. I am glad that the "chuva de bênçãos" (rain of blessings) has not lightened up.

I am excited to see what the next month holds. I am both excited and nervous to be finishing my mission and returning back home, but if there is one thing that I have learned from everything I've been through, it is to trust in the timing and plan of the Lord. And that is exactly what I plan on doing.


Love,

Elder Perry