Adios Cajamarca

So I have a transfer...after much time I will be leaving my pueblito Cajamarca.  I will miss this zone and all of the people who are here.  I am the first Elder to say goodbye to my pension, so it was a sad experience for her.  She is sooo happy for all the gifts that you have sent and she says that one days she wants to meet my parents.  But it was hard for me because she asked me "Will you be able to come back for my baptism?" and I wasn't able to say yes.  I know that in the mission it isn't about how many people we baptize, but about how many lives we touch with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This week we met with our mission leader and when he was leaving he noticed that he had a flat tire.  So I had the experience of helping him change his flat, which was a super funny experience for us.

Saturday night the Stake president came to teach a lesson with us to one of our favorite couples.  He testified to them that if they are unable to have children in this life the Lord will give them an opportunity in the life to come.  The Stake president here is so humble, yet so powerful spiritually.  After the lesson we had pizza and continued to talk of how the gospel can bless their lives.  I just love the gospel because it is ALWAYS a message of hope.

I seriously feel like I am leaving family behind in Cajamarca.  More than half the people I told that I am leaving did not believe me and the other half was sad.  I also had the experience to meet with two companions, two pensionistas, and one of my bishops this week, and it was a very special experience for me.  I feel bad for all the missions that have to cook for themselves because they miss the chance to really be part of a family.

I love you all, but I need to catch my bus.

Love
Elder Perryman

Happy Birthday, Elder Payare!

So this week was my companion's birthday and we had the traditional Peruvian smashing his face in the cake.  I don't know why, but here it is considered a bad birthday if someone doesn't throw an egg at you or you don't get cake in your face.

But sadly this week we have not had a lot of time to go out and teach.  The trip to Chiclayo takes a good chunk of time out of the week and Friday we had our zone training.

I am so excited for the "He is the Gift" video that the church is putting out.  That worldwide, the message of Christmas is being spread by missionaries.  It is also the perfect way for members to invite us missionaries into their homes.  I am also excited for Christmas in general.

My pension is the greatest.  This week she presented one of her friends to us and she testified of the Book of Mormon.  She isn't even baptized yet, but I have seen how the gospel has changed her life and has given her so much hope.

In the week to come are transfers so I will let you know if I stay or if I go.

Love Always,
Elder Perryman

Chiclayo!

Family!

Sorry that I am writing late, but I just got to Chiclayo.  I am now writing in the mission office and I am tired.  But I always like these trips to Chiclayo because the training's from President are great.

Sunday was the primary presentation in the ward.  I played piano and there was about 50 niños.  It went super well and it helped a lot that our investigators were there.  After church we went straight to visiting.  We taught one of the families that is progressing really well and they invited us for lunch.  We finally were able to teach the father of the family.  He is great and wants to know that the church is true.  He has hope in our message.

For Thanksgiving we actually had the chance to eat a good Thanksgiving dinner.  We ate turkey with the same family that we ate waffles with and they introduced us to some of their friends and family too.

I am sorry that I do not have a lot of time to write, but I will make it up to you all next week.

Love,
Elder Perryman