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,
Love,
Elder Perry
