Finding the Elect

Greetings - we began another round of transfer planning. I'm pretty sure what the destiny is for my last few months - we'll see for sure later.

One 2 zone leader exhanges this week - both well.

Went hiking this morning with our zone. I got sunburned on my legs because they are never exposed. Elder Bird and I just hike in the back and make sure everyone gets up the mountain. We all know that there emerges 2 groups when hiking: 1) the speedsters who race up (used to be me) and 2) the slow ones. I just stay in the back and bring up the rear so the one or two slow ones don't feel so bad.

We have 2 solid investigators emerge this past week. Emily is 19 - college and is just the bomb. She loves the Book of Mormon - already in 2 Nephi and we teach her lots. She will be getting baptized last weekend in October. Then we have Perry who is 18. He loves listening to the Book of Mormon. But we took him to FHE tonight and he just loved the interaction with people and had a blast. Singles wards are the best. Really fun - people are great. He will be baptized last weekend in October as well.

President Taylor promises that there are 2 people in each area that are ready to be baptized. We started October having 2 other names in mind and had never even met Emily or Perry. 10 days in, we have dropped our original 2 and will have another 2 baptized this month. The work is true - if you work hard, are obedient, and invite all to be baptized, then you find the elect.

Testimony builder for us.

Nothing better then missionary work.

A Letter Between Two Brothers

Elder Perkins (aka brother Tyler)

This week has been great. It all started out on Wednesday, when my roommate hit his head on the door of a car and got a small concussion. This wasn't what made it a good experience. He asked me to give his a blessing so I was able to bless oil and then anoint his head with it and then the Elders Quorum President actually gave him the blessing. This was a way cool experience. It was weird because you could really feel the power of God during the blessing and when I was standing there with my hands on his head you just knew that there was power in what we were doing and you couldn't deny it. So that was way cool.

Then on Friday I got my mission call. I had a few friends over, called mom on one phone, dad and the family on one phone, and Taylor on one phone, and opened it. I will be serving in the

Bahia Blanca Mission in Argentina,

speaking Spanish! I'm way excited to go. I've been looking it up for the pastfew days and everyday I get more pumped up to go. I report to the MTC in Provo on December 21st. Which is one day after I put my availability date which was quite surprising. So I report in exactly 80 days which is also 4 days after the Fall semester ends at BYUI. So these next few months will be way crazy with school and preparing for my mission. Sunday I meet with the Bishop to get a temple recommend so I can go do baptisms which will be good. So those are a few of the cool things that have happened this week. Also, I just realized that I will report 14 days before you get home which means I won't see you for another two years which sucks. But all is well. It's good to read your e-mails each week, mom forwards them to me. So that's always fun to read.

So pretty soon I'll be writing you e-mails in Spanish so you can work on yours and maybe we will be able to chat a little in Spanish when I get home. haha

Love,

Quinton

It is very good to hear from you.

So Argentina huh, that will be phenomenal for ya. It is the place you need to be at, that is for sure. One thing I've realized working so closely with President Beck and Taylor is that this work is heavily inspired. The Lord really does guide this work.

You better start learning that Espanol. I've been with a Spanish assigned speaking companion for the last 2-3 months. For 6 weeks I covered a Spanish ward so I got to go eat with members and teach - I usually just sat there and E. Falconer would translate for me, but I loved the Spanish people. They love seeing a white boy try to speak Spanish. But I had a cool experience where I was in a Spanish lesson and this less-active lady was talking in Spanish about how she had a bad experience and fell away for a bit. As she spoke, I could understand what she was saying - not sure how, could of been those 3 years of Spanish I took in high school and I was able to pick out key words about what went wrong for her - but I'd like to think it was the Spirit, and I was able to communicate back to her and after I was done speaking she just nodded and said, "Oh I understand now, that makes sense." It as an extremely great experience for me and my faith.

You will have many opportunities like that as you learn and then be able to fully communicate after about 6 months (or that's how long it takes our Spanish missionaries to learn it). It'll be fun for you. Glad that you are beginning to use the priesthood - it is very fun and rewarding. When I started my mission on the Navajo reservation, they would always ask us for blessings - very spiritual people (but we told them that if they went and got another blessing from a medicine man, that our blessing would be negated - because it shows no faith on their part). Fun stuff.

I can't believe you are leaving in December - I was talking about it with my companion a couple days ago and I didn't think you would take off so soon, but that is what happened, huh. Well then, it will be 4 years - just like we talked about. It will stink missing you, but good to know you're at the right place. I will have to download you with all my wisdom and counsel then in the next couple months and while you are on your mission. You have all the potential to become great and succeed.

I actually got a letter from Avery's mom (mama Bailey as she puts it) this week. She spoke very highly of you and the impact you've had for your family.

So are you going to start a bean and rice diet to prep you for your mission? You will probably be sick with stomach viruses the first few months until you get used to it - something to look forward to. And you will probably be attacked my wild naked tribesmen who hunt with spears and dart-guns. It will be great - something you will really love if you give it your all.

Make sure you are reading scriptures and PMG daily and praying - few little things that will prepare you a ton.

Here is a practice for you: He aqui, soy discipulo de Jesucristo, el Hijo de Dios. He sido llamado por el para declarar su palabra entre los de su pueblo, a fin de que alcancen la vida eterna.

Keep the faith,

Love

E. Perkins

Conference Edition

Conference was great. I did enjoy Elder Tad Callisters talk on the Book of Mormon - lots of great talks and great notes for me.

Big message I took out was how I can 1) better understand the atonement of Christ and 2 )How I can serve and lift others around me.

I tried a new note taking way i created myself ha - i only take notes in forms of questions that come into my mind. Because then I can look at my notes later and answer the questions one day, and then again.

For example, I made notes such as:

How can I make the Book of Mormon central to my teaching?

How do others feel after they have interacted with me?

Am I positive force in the ward I serve, etc.

Seems to work nicely. I like to challenge and push myself and always be evaluating and growing.

I am getting very tired. I try to work hard and then at nights and P-days - i am just exhausted and sleep. Probably wouldn't happen if I ate a better diet. We run 2 miles every morning which wakes me up though. We had a great week in our area (even though we didn't set any baptism dates, get anyone to church, or teach any lessons with members). We found 2 excellent people who seem elect - I think they will be baptized this month. Our mission vision is to baptize 2 a month and we must be example for that. So we need some miracles.

We had 2 sister missionaries come in today from temple square. That was fun chatting with them. I did a couple exchanges which is fun too.

Life is great.

Elder Perkins

Zone Leaders Conference

Elder Perkins Zone Playing Sock Ball

Assistants to the Presidents

Elder Falconer and Elder Perkins

On a personal note, a BIG Thank You and Much Love to President and Sister Taylor for giving the parents of the Elders and Sisters of the Arizona Phoenix Mission a superior Mission blog! It gives the families an opportunity to stay close and connected on a weekly basis. Just a little something extra that they do for all of us!

Transfers Last Week

And the Assistants to the Presidents are just glad it's over!

OUR ASSISTANTS

From the Arizona phoenix missions blog:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2011

OUR ASSISTANTS

I have known since the start of our mission that our "Assistants to the President" or "APs" as they are affectionately known, are AMAZING. But this week I had a "revelation"...

I think it is widely supposed that being an AP is a cushy job. It is not any more cushy than that of being a mission president. In other words, it is a whole lot of work! These men keep the Taylors up to speed, supported and organized in so many ways. They sacrifice time that they would love to be out teaching more to help President Taylor and myself. They are the example of how to live a divine companionship.

Elder Tyler Perkins and Elder Robert Falconer, our faithful friends.

We enjoyed our trip to the Mesa temple before transfers. Isn't it beautiful!

Here is a "revelation" I received after we came out from the temple. Elder Perkins and President Taylor were both on the phone cheerfully taking care of all the problems and questions that had come up from our missionaries while we were inside...and guess who had more calls to return? Yes, it was Elder Perkins. The Assistants run interference for President and it is much appreciated. They are an example of a "Nelson/Holland Companionship" where being Jr. or Sr. companion is not the focus...the focus is on more perfectly serving the Lord and each other.

We are grateful for their obedience, service and friendship!

Endure to the End-owment

That is great to hear about Quinton's patriarchal blessing - very good to hear about him turning his papers in - that will be very good.

The mission presidents 16 yr old son, Braden, made sure to tell me Georgia got beat up by Boise State I believe - just pathetic. At least I won't be into this season at all since I'll still be out here.

My week:

29 Aug 2011 - Drove a missionary home to the airport. Sad stuff. But with all that has been going on - I learned that is no dis-honorable releases now. Everything is just a release, but they tag onto it. (example - release for disobedience, release for medical, release of own desire,etc.) Short P-day - didn't even really have one. Got everything ready for Zone Leader Council tomorrow. Then went out on splits with another companionship to pass off an investigator from the spanish to english missionaries. I love hard-working, humble, obedient, friendly, kind missionaries. Good times.

30 Aug 2011 - Got to mission home and set up for zone leader council. The US Postal Service will no longer be forwarding mail due to financial cut-backs - so we are in the process of changing our mailing policy - parents will be able to send packages and mail directly to the missionaries houses. We are moving this week, so I will get you my new address next week. You can still send stuff to the mission office, but it will wait here until the next major meeting until they give it to the missionary (luckily I'm here in the office 3-4 times a week so I can get it anytime I want). But anyway, so we had to move like 30 packages and over 100+ letters from the mission office to the mission home and sort them by zone to give to the zone leaders to distribute out. I had to give a 5 min talk on teaching by the Spirit - I still prepare for talks now, but I don't write down anything anymore. I just get up there with my scriptures and just talk and will open to a scripture or two if I feel I need to. Right after, Elder Farnsworth and I began an exchange. We taught Taylor and then went to a family and taught them and had dinner with them. Then coordination. His zone is having a really tough time, so I tried giving him new ideas of things to do and how to get the missionaries going. If only missionaries would wake up on time and just stay outside their home between 10am-9pm (except for lunch and dinner of course) - even if they just walked around aimlessly, I would take it. So him, Elder Geren, me and ElderFalconer all stayed over at our little house. It was fun being with all them. Elder Geren rocks - I trained him - he's grown a lot and it's cool.

31 Aug 2011 - Dropped off the Silverado at the car shop again - airbag problems again. Had leadership training today from 10-4pm. It was really good. Elder Falconer and I had to discuss effective studies and how to have effective zone and district meetings. We had someone from LDS Family Services come in and talk to all the leaders on how to help those with mental illnesses (Depression, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, etc). It was really good - we have many situations with that a lot. He basically said, our role as leaders isn't to fix, but to listen and be a friend (encourage) and then refer them to someone who can diagnose and help. Really good. President instructed on the key indicators and obedience and trust - pulled up the cell phone reports and made it clear some cell phone patterns need to stop. We cleaned up afterwards and made some visits.

1 Sept 2011 - Went to the temple with transfer planning in mind. I love the temple. I want to be one of the old temple workers someday that seem to not be doing anything other then just smiling at people as they walk down the hallway. Seems like a good life. The temple was great - still all goes over my head, but its very peaceful. President and Sister Taylor are the best, they rock. After the temple, they took us to a Venezuelan restaurant (where he served his mission) and treated us to our very first arepas. Like a roll, with cheese, meat, beans in the middle, and deep fried. Very good. We then went back to the mission office and made some more changes on the transfer board. Had coordination, made some visits, etc.

2 Sept 2011 - Had a meeting with all the trainers and trainees. I got to take all 22 of the trainees (1st and 2nd transfer) and go into the high council room and talk with them for about 45 min - really good. We discussed first, "Things I wish my trainer knew or would do" President took notes and then shared them with the trainers at the end. My role was basically to facilitate the discussion and give advice/counsel when they talked about troubles they've been having so far (not learning fast enough, hard to teach, trouble with companions (usually a majority)). I feel like maybe I'll be a counselor of some sort. It was good, then we cleaned up and it was 1:10, then walked into my district meeting and gave a talk on unity and obedience. Just always busy - I love it. I love speaking and talking - I'm probably not the most effective, but I enjoy trying to help others. Worked in West wing a bit today - tracted - then had a lesson with Leticia. She is solid - she talked to us about all her blessings since she's been baptized - It's great when your converts see how they can continue to move forward and what's ahead. Endure to the End-owment.

3 Sept 2011 - We moved our mission storage. We have 3 units (20x10) and moving them to another storage unit. Called and got a flatbed trailer from a member and made a couple trips. Then we treated ourselves and went to Old Country Buffet - delicious - I ate a lot. I'll do what Dad does and describe my meal....I started off sampling many things (fish, chicken, meat, mac/cheese, salads, onion rings, etc. I decided that I enjoyed the orange chicken and the mac/cheese and the onion rings - so I got some more of those. Drank cherry coke and then got a small cherry slushie. After sitting for about 10 min - I got some a small salad and after that had a bowl of vanilla/chocolate swirl ice cream - good meal. In the office till 4 getting transfer stuff all situated. Went to a spanish baptism at 4 - Elder Falconer had to give a talk. Then we went to Jenny's baptism - it was great. Elder Brase and I worked with her and got her moving and then we had a lesson with her and the YSA Sisters and transitioned her off (but first we set a baptism date and did a baptism calendar with her). She progressed well and was baptized - shared a great testimony. It was just a great service - I knew some of the members there - Deer Valley Stake - which I've been around my whole mission.

4 Sept 2011 - Church was fine. Visited la familia Tayas after. In office from 4-7 finishing up transfer stuff. Went to Taylor's from 7-8pm and they off course gave us some dinner and cookies. Reviewed transfers with them and think we're all good.

This week with transfers is very crazy - we will be moving and things will change for us as well. Have an exchange in Cottonwood as well - sounds like life is great back home - really good to hear.

Love yall lots.

E. Perkins

I Like Good Missionaries

With housing at BYU - my biggest challenge will be transportation I think. Walking distance would be great - so I don't have to stay on campus the whole day, but whatever works to be honest. Old doesn't really bother me.

President says I will most likely fly home Monday the 2nd.

Leticia and Clovi's baptism went great. They speak English so I have been able to help teach them - they are great. The service was in Spanish, but you could still feel the Spirit - great baptism service. They will do great. Taylor P. did come to church which was great. we just got to get her family to come.

I have not heard about the hurricane - that is scary. The only precaution for hot weather is to drink more water. Before President Beck, they could stop working at 115, but President did away with that since it's ridiculous - just drink more water. Most Elders are fine - but most of the sick calls come in because of dehydration.

Elder Falconer and I actually live with members. They have a big work garage about 30 yards off their house in the backyard with a portion that has been turned into a mini house. It is very small, but has a small kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. So it's just us 2 there and I love the peace and quiet.

The Taylor's are great. We appreciate all that they do for us.

22 Aug 2011 - Drove the transfer van around since our Silverado was in the shop. Played some volleyball and soccer for district activity. Got haircuts. Taught Leticia and Clove - we teach them about 3/4 times a week. Began an exchange with Phoenix South zone leaders. I went with Elder Johnston to deep south Phoenix - like 19th ave and baseline which is way down in the ghetto.

23 Aug 2011 - went to a district meeting - was in all spanish. Then did some work with Elder Johnston - he is the man. Swapped back and went to teach the Carpio family. Committed them all to baptism and passed them off to the other Elders - hopefully all goes well with that. Was with three Elders today.

24 Aug 2011 - Down to the airport to send another missionary off. Then came back and was in the office with President and Sister Taylor from 10-4pm doing our first work on transfers. It is fun stuff - who will be trainers, who will be zone and district leaders, who's going where - its been neat for me to see and learn how to recognize the Spirit. President is definitely inspired. Then we went out on splits with my Bishop - great man - being a Bishop is tough work.

25 Aug 2011 - Pizza planning thursday - had pepperoni today. Did weekly planning and then went to a district meeting. Met with president again for a couple hours and then took Braden Taylor to a lesson with Taylor - she's doing great. After, we had Leticia and Clovi's baptism interviews - both passed and did great.

26 Aug 2011 - Went down to the Phoenix Zone meeting - was good. Their stake President is like 34 years old - very young. After, we sat down with the zone leaders for about an hour to discuss their zone and members and stake stuff. They are the only 1 of the 11 zone leader companionships we won't be able to hit up for exchanges this transfer. Then drove and got Wendy's. Swapped with the Glendale zone leaders. Fun evening with Elder Johnson and Elder Lynn - good missionaries. I like good missionaries.

27 Aug 2011 - Swapped back and went and had waffles at the mission home. 2 Elders were sent home a week early for school. Drove them down to the airport and it was fun. All 3 of us had the same trainer - good stories. Then went into the office and worked on some things. Had Leticia and Clovi's baptism - went really well. I love baptisms. Then over at the Taylors from 6:30-9pm. Discussed next week's zone leader council, leadership trng mtgs, agendas, etc. Also discussed our stake coordination meetings. They got us some dominoes pizza which was delicious. Fun night - the Taylor's are great.

28 Aug 2011 - Leticia and Clovi were confirmed which was great. Had some lunch, office for a couple hours, President Taylor for 15 min, made some visits and had a couple good lessons tonight. Notified another Elder going home tomorrow morning.

So this morning we sent an Elder home and turns out his plane flight was cancelled, so he is coming back and will stay in the mission home till tomorrow night and then we will drive him back down tomorrow morning before zone leader council. Busy day for us tomorrow.

Hope all is well back home.

I love yall and appreciate the letters. Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Perkins

Baptisms and Good Friends - "He's the Man!"

Dear Family,

I write to yall now in the family history center of one of the chapels. We have lots of unique experiences in my role which is fun. We are with one zone leader and another missionary right now.

This week: Had zone conference 3 days this week. Instruction on Effective Studies and how they prepare us to teach. Moving from a "complete the study guide" mentality to a "what does our investigators need to hear" for our studies. Also instructed on obedience and trust. Elder Falconer and I had to take lead in the skill trainings this week - always fun to do.

Continue working with Leticia and Clove, they came to church this past Sunday. They will be baptized this coming Saturday at 5pm. Everything is in place and they are solid. Will be really good to see. They are moving along perfectly.

Also the Lewis family is coming along. Haven't been active in 5+ years and they have been having family prayer and scripture study every night this past week. Need them to still get to church though (had a family emergency yesterday). Their 17 yr old daughter Taylor who we also teach seperately (to focus on her more) is doing well as well. She loves the scriptures and she's come to church the past couple weeks - some good friends in the ward make all the difference.

Was on 2 exchanges this week. Elder Anderson came down from Prescott - he's the man. From California and hung out with Miley Cyrus fun fact. Also with Elder Freeman - really young zone leader - reminds me of myself. Was made a zone leader at like 8 months which is pretty young and he has lots of questions - little unsure of himself like me. Also has had lots of issues come up that he's had to step in on.

President Taylor and Sister Taylor are the best. We love them. He has had to deal with lots of issues and concerns recently. We've tried to help him and provide some "assistance" to him in the last few weeks. Probably will be sending a couple more elders home. Sad stuff. Gotta be good.

Elder Falconer is the man - we enjoy each other. Life is great - we'll baptize a couple this week and have another on Sept 10 which is good. Work is good, life is good, just happy.

Tell Quinton just to put his papers in. This is much better the BYU-Idaho is - by far.

So I knew yall would come up with a better plan. So Jan 3 sounds like it will be fine. Drive up to Utah Thursday and that'll work it seems like.

Thanks for all yall do. Appreciate the support. Tell everyone hi.

Much love,

Elder Perkins

Quintons Burn and Preparing for BYU Provo in January

That's horrible about the burns!! I can't imagine. Will he always have scars there or what will the aftermath be - can he still walk, nerve damage, etc.

Since registration isn't till October that will give me some time to think. I think I can get permission to go online and do some looking previous, then I will put some plans together and have yall get on at midnight and sign me up for some. I will ask around what my friends are planning on taking, so hopefully I can have some friends in a few of my classes when I start.

I am happy and healthy. This week has been so crazy. It is going into the sealed portion of my journal which is never to be read by my children ever! Just kidding, but it has been very...eventful. We've had to do 2 emergency moves with Elders getting kicked out of their houses, emergency trips to Prescott and a trailor of hay caught on fire causing a massive traffic - out till way late. Getting up at 3am to go to the airport. We've made 2 trips to the airport this week. A couple emergency interviews with other elders. Missionaries in the hospital. Just crazy stuff. But all has been well. The craziness just makes us laugh and think, "What's Next?" So I will put more detail next week.

Spent all my time on those coming home options. It doesn't really bother me thinking about it yet - probably because it still seems so far distant. I'm happy as ever, we are doing great in our areas, lots of work. The spanish people are awesome. I had to read a paragraph from the gospel principles book at a baptism. Fun stuff. I'm loving it here.

Have a great week.

Elder Perkins

Making Plans to go back to BYU Provo in January

With housing at BYU - my biggest challenge will be transportation I think. Walking distance would be great - so I don't have to stay on campus the whole day, but whatever works to be honest. Old doesn't really bother me.

President says i will most likely fly home Monday the 2nd.

Leticia and Clovi's baptism went great. They speak English so I have been able to help teach them - they are great. The service was in Spanish, but you could still feel the Spirit - great baptism service. They will do great. Taylor P. did come to church which was great. we just got to get her family to come.

I have not heard about the hurricane - that is scary. The only precaution for hot weather is to drink more water. Before President Beck, they could stop working at 115, but President did away with that since it's ridiculous - just drink more water. Most Elders are fine - but most of the sick calls come in because of dehydration.

E. Falconer and I actually live with members. They have a big work garage about 30 yards off their house in the backyard with a portion that has been turned into a mini house. It is very small, but has a small kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. So it's just us 2 there and I love the peace and quiet.

The Taylor's are great. We appreciate all that they do for us.

22 Aug 2011 - Drove the transfer van around since our Silverado was in the shop. played some volleyball and soccer for district activity. Got haircuts. Taught Leticia and clove - we teach them about 3/4 times a week. Began an exchange with Phoenix South zone leaders. I went with E. Johnston to deep south phoenix - like 19th ave and baseline which is way down in the ghetto.

23 Aug 2011 - went to a district meeting - was in all Spanish. Then did some work with E. Johnston - he is the man. Swapped back and went to teach the Carpio family. Committed them all to baptism and passed them off to the other Elders - hopefully all goes well with that. Was in a three-some today.

24 Aug 2011 - Down to the airport to send another missionary off. Then came back and was in the office with President and Sister Taylor from 10-4pm doing our first work on transfers. it is fun stuff - who will be trainers, who will be zone and district leaders, who's going where - its been neat for me to see and learn how to recognize the spirit. President is definitely inspired. Then we went out on splits with my Bishop - great man - being a Bishop is tough work.

25 Aug 2011 - Pizza planning Thursday - had pepperoni today. Did weekly planning and then went to a district meeting. Met with President again for a couple hours and then took Braden Taylor to a lesson with Taylor - she's doing great. After, we had Leticia and Clovi's baptism interviews - both passed and did great.

26 Aug 2011 - Went down to the Phoenix Zone meeting - was good. Their stake president is like 34 years old - very young. After, we sat down with the zone leaders for about an hour to discuss their zone and members and stake stuff. They are the only 1 of the 11 zone leader companionships we won't be able to hit up for exchanges this transfer. Then drove and got Wendy's. Swapped with the Glendale zone leaders. Fun evening with E. Johnson and E. Lynn - good missionaries. I like good missionaries.

27 Aug 2011 - Swapped back and went and had waffles at the mission home. 2 Elders were sent home a week early for school. Drove them down to the airport and it was fun. All 3 of us had the same trainer - good stories. Then went into the office and worked on some things. Had Leticia and Clovi's baptism - went really well. I love baptisms. Then over at the Taylors from 6:30-9pm. Discussed next week's zone leader council, leadership trng mtgs, agendas, etc. Also discussed our stake coordination meetings. They got us some dominoes pizza which was delicious. Fun night - the Taylor's are great.

28 Aug 2011 - Leticia and Clovi were confirmed which was great. Had some lunch, office for a couple hours, President Taylor for 15 min, made some visits and had a couple good lessons tonight. Notified another Elder going home tomorrow morning.

So this morning we sent an elder home and turns out his plane flight was cancelled, so he is coming back and will stay in the mission home till tomorrow night and then we will drive him back down tomorrow morning before zone leader council. Busy day for us tomorrow.

Hope all is well back home. I love y'all and appreciate the letters.

Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Perkins

One of the Many Duties of the AP's- Moving

Picture of AP's Moving Supplies- I believe this is Elder Falconer and Elder Brase with Elder Perkins

April 2011

Christlike Love

Sounds good - thanks for the pictures. I love football - I miss it a lot. I'll let the Taylor's know you liked their blog. We speak with them on a daily basis.

Spanish is fun. I've now said probably 3 or 4 prayers in Spanish. I don't really know any Spanish. Elder Falconer just translates for me. I don't even study it, cause chances are it won't last too long.

My life is super busy. Going from 4 AP's down to 2 has caused us to be running around a lot. Had 3 exchanges this week - crazy. But I've absolutely loved it. Just when I think I have got it all down, they cut the AP's down and now I have to learn how to do lots more things (a lot more). Life is great.

1 August 2011 - Got to mission home at 7am. Elder Falconer went in for a procedure, so I spent the morning on splits with President Taylor. I worked mostly on the computer for Zone Leader Council tomorrow. They came back and made us some lunch. We stayed there till around 2 - so Elder Falconer could rest up a bit. Played some bball with Braden - really good kid. Shopped, took a nap. Went to office and finished up preparations for ZLC - back to mission home to drop off supplies and review everything with the Taylors. Spent another 45 min there going over it all - it will be their first one.

2 Aug 2011 - ZLC went really well. President Taylor is just the man. Sister Taylor is great. At one point, I was up speaking and sat down and Sister Taylor got up and President Taylor leaned over and said, that was great. I said, "Ya, but they love hearing from you more" and after Sister Taylor starting speaking and all the Elders perked up, he leaned back and said, "and they love Sister Taylor even more then both of us". It was funny. They are the best. Right after I began exchanges with Elder Allred - I was companions with him for one week about 17 months ago. Had a lesson with Taylor - went great - she's a 17 yr old LA that is coming back with her family which rocks. Elder Allred is a brand new zone leaders, so I gave him some advice - a little nervous for it, but he'll be fine. Called out sister exchanges tonight. I just love our sister missionaries - they are simply the best and do great things.

3 Aug 2011 - Swapped back from exchanges and we had a quick meeting with President Taylor and 2 sister missionaries which went well. Then they left and we spoke with President and Sister Taylor for probably an hour and a half about zone conference in a couple of weeks. They are so funny - showed us some video on their Facebook page - they always tell jokes and just have fun. Went to Elder Griessman's district meeting which was fine. In our Spanish ward their are 2 sets of elders and they have been saying not so good things about us to our ward leaders, so I called them out on in in the middle of the meeting when they were giving their ward report and so they had to explain it in front of us and President Taylor - they probably hate me more, but justice has been served today. That's what ya get for messing with Perkins! Lesson with Tayas was good - mostly in Spanish. Met with our WML and met with him for a bit. He has a 5 year old with Down Syndrome - she's so cute (funny story - so in elders quorum this week, the primary leader brings her in looking for the dad and he wasn't there, but the dad's friend said they could give the daughter to him). So the primary leader leaves and this girl just does her own thing as Morgan would do and just walked around the room and sat by people and told people hi for a good part of the meeting. It was so funny, then someone took her to her dad. I love solid missionaries who take care of themselves and are obedient and work hard - hard things to come by.

4 Aug 2011 - Did some weekly planning. Baked a pizza for pizza planning Thursday. We visited Leticia & Clove - who I met about a year ago when I was a DL in Deer Valley. Now they attend the Spanish branch which I help cover now. Set 2 baptism dates with them. Had coordination. Bro. Sanchez, our WML, brought us pizza - good times. Ran into office, did work, swapped with Elder Mendenhall and went out with him to Buckeye/Goodyear

5 Aug 2011 - Elder Mendenhall is the man (his dad's cousin is the BYU head football coach). Went out to a district meeting - i wish I could be a district leader so bad - It's the best by far. Back when I was a Zone Leader, Elder Mendenhall was one of our district leaders, so we go back about 9 months. He's the man - solid missionary. Got word about missionary disobedience that required some immediate action. Handled that. Set up Coleman's baptism interview. Swapped back and then did a back to back exchange, so now Elder Birch is with me.

6 Aug 2011 - Had breakfast with our Bishop at 6:30am. He's the man. Coleman passed his baptism interview - will be baptized on Sept 10 - when family comes into town from Utah - so that's great. Had lunch and then taught a new investigator - 17 years old named Blake. Has a friend in the ward - so we'll see if they can hook up for church. Swapped back with Elder Falconer. Got word about a female investigator coming on too strong to some missionaries. Spoke with them about it and gave them some counsel - all should be well. Got emergency call that some Elders had to vacate their house immediately, so spent a couple hours getting them out and into another apartment. Fun stuff. All the craziness just makes me laugh - it makes life interesting. The mission is just fun.

7 Aug 2011 - Church was fine. 3 hours in the Spanish ward was a little tough - especially fast Sunday. Cause I don't understand anything in Spanish. So it's just me thinking by myself the whole time, so time goes so slow. But it's all good. They are so funny too. In an English ward you have about 95% born into the church and 5% converts. In your average Spanish ward it's about 80% converts and 20% born in church - so they don't really know the traditions and stuff. So they do lots of funny things. In EQ's, for the lesson, we just went around the room and said our names and what we like to do. Went over to Leticia and Clove's home. I can honestly say I feel Christlike love for these 2. Leticia is in her 50's and her granddaughter clove is 14. They wanted to come to church so bad, got dressed and all, but Leticia has brain cancer and tumors on her brain and is on so much medication that she just cried to us and told us she wants to come to church and get baptized so bad, but just physically cannot get out of her house. She tried this morning and just couldn't. So tough for them. We talked with her and are bringing Bishop over tomorrow night to talk with her. They are the best. Have read the Book of Mormon twice, pay tithing, etc. They rock - solid. My body is just physically fatigued. I'm wiped out - good feeling - means I work hard I like to think. Glad tomorrow is P-day and can rest. Elder Falconer is legit - great companion, we have a lot of fun and do work.

8 Aug 2011 - baked in crock pot for first time in mission. Napped for 2 hours. Good times.

Love y'all,

Have a great week.

Elder Perkins

Happy to be done with Surgery

From Mission Blog: Our dear Elder Falconer had the daunting task of going in for a colonoscopy! He was brave and faithful and made it through the prep...which is more than half the battle! He was a trooper the whole way, and so happy and cheerful when he was done. He remarked after the surgery, "Oh, I forgot to ask the nurse to be baptized!" Who knows what he said while hewas going under...he probably

We kept Elder Perkins and Falconer at the Mission Home for the afternoon to do some laundry and recuperating...and I think there was a little bit of crazy meds still going on when a couple of the rutabagas in the centerpiece became puppets! We look at them and smile and wonder if we can ever replace them with anything else!!