Week 43 --- Bike crashes and HUMIDITY

Hey Mom and Dad!

I am doing pretty good! McMinnville is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO humid now! But still is great. Yesterday we got to teach Elders Quorum and that went pretty well. I think this week was a lesson learner for me. I am just doing my best each day and giving it my all to the Lord.

Amanda Perry is still doing okay. She is just trying to adjust to a "Mormon life". But slowly and surely she will accept the gospel. We weren't able to have a meeting with her this week because her ex husband and stuff is just causing chaos. But the gospel is true....

A week or so ago we were walking back to our apartment complex, and this lady was sitting on the stairs and she said I need to meet with y'all. We started talking and set up an appointment for this week. We went over there and had a pretty interesting but awesome experience! We set a baptismal date for August 4th! She is so excited to be baptized too. Her name is Diana Mccray. Elder Tondevold taught her but she said she just fell away for a bit but now she is back. She came to church yesterday and she loved it! The ward members treated her and her kids so well, the primary president placed her kids into the right classes. It was pretty legit.

We started our "Less Active" Exodus and it is slow going ha. We are also visiting recent converts and talking with their friends so hopefully we will be able to start teaching them.

Funny story....One day we had been biking ALL day and it was way humid, and we were on our way back home for supper and my companion ate the pavement hard! He was riding behind me and he tried to go in between a trash can and pole and his tire hit the grass. So then it slipped and he smacked the pavement! I felt bad but now it is pretty funny, and he really didn't hurt himself. He got pretty lucky.

We had interviews this week and it was great to talk with President and Sister McKee one on one. They both said that I am doing great and have changed alot since I came out ALMOST a year ago! Its crazy! But anyways I talked to him about how I have been happy, and how I understand why I am put with certain companions. And President McKee told me he puts me with companions that are difficult on purpose.  I know it teaches me a lot. We also talked about how I have only had the opportunity to teach and baptize one lady in 10 months. He said that success isn't based on how many baptisms I have. Its my commitment.. but I already knew that. It just gets on my minds sometimes.  It is good to hear it from the President.  I am grateful for all my many blessings and for what I have been able to do as a missionary.

Devan will have a good experience at football camp. Probably one of the hardest things I have done but it taught me a lot. That is way cool about your missionary experience! I know sometimes people say that want to do things but certain things hold them back. That's when we tell them the blessings that come from obedience. But I know you are doing great. 

I know! I will turn 20 in almost a month! It is crazy! it seriously feels like I just turned 19.. and then a month after that I will have been out a year.. Too crazy. I will just have to work harder this next year! I know I can and I have learned so much in so little time. Well I hope y'all have a great time in California. Make sure to take pictures! And I will do my best to keep on taking pictures! I love you so much and miss you tons. Have a great week!

Love you so much!

Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

A Tennessee hot and humid summer day as a missionary... haha i know i look ridiculous

Week 42 -- The Kidney Stone passed

Mom,

This week was another week just trying to get Elder Zinkand healthy again.... And he is Kidney stone FREE!! We went down to Franklin, Tennessee yesterday and went to the doctors to check on his progress.  I guess his kidney stone had broken up on its own and I guess he passed it without knowing.  He had to get his stent taken out, so the doctor had us come back later that day to do that operation. They took the stent out when Elder Zinkand was awake! But the cool thing is, he taught a 1st lesson while he was getting the stent out! Such a Stud! I was laughing so hard when Sister McKee came out telling me that he taught a 1st during the operation. Pretty sweet.

So we are teaching a girl named Amanda Perry. She is engaged to the Stake President's son! Some pressure haha!!!! But the stake president son is less active... So it's hard to have her understand commandments when her fiance is not keeping them. But we are making progress! It is way cool to teach her because she is so sincere! We meet with her twice a week. Since she is a single girl we have to teach her at a park by the river! It's pretty cool. But this week we are going to focus a lot on part member families and less active! There

I love the rain! I really do miss the rain so much! Rain here is different... I cant' really explain it. Its just not the same thunderstorms or lightning storms we have back home.  Actually last night there was a thunderstorm and i just sat there looking out the screen door pondering about life hahaha. It is so relaxing though. But I will always keep working hard out in this Tennessee summer sun and sweat till my shirt goes yellow! Yes, it happens.. It's pretty ronchy.

The town is pretty small. In Tennessee there are TONS of factories!  The people are pretty nice, just the Church Of Christ preachers are nuts... When preachers try to tear down my testimony and beliefs, it only strengthen my testimony. They read through the Book Of Mormon looking for faults and errors. Ways to prove me wrong. But they don't recieve a witness because they don't have faith or real intent. 2 nephi 29! But I need to be Christlike and have patience with them.

The ward is awesome. Lots of really nice people. I do look skinny! I have lost weight. I am around 190 195 right now. But I can't go lift, so I do the best I can in the morning with my push ups ha. I sure miss yall a lot. I miss grandma and grandpa a lot too. I love them so much, How is brandon doing? I hope he is doing better. I think I will write him a letter soon. 

My life is great right now. Learning a lot! I just feel good and tired all the time haha. A mission is spiritual exhausting haha. But it is dad gum worth it. I love it. I love waking up everyday and putting that tag on. I am so thankful I have this chance to serve the Lord! In all reality, I try to do my best each day, get 6 inches better, leave it all out with no regrets and soak in this experience and the things I learn as much as I can. I sure miss yall and love yall so much! Have an awesome week!

Love Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

Week 41 -- Kidney Stones and Book of Mormons

Mom!

First! Sorry for taking so long to email! It has been a CRAZY week! To start the story... Friday morning.. I wake up and go to the bathroom.  Then I think I hear something. So I step out in the hallway and hear
"AHHH!" So I run to the bedroom and see Elder Zinkand on the floor, grabbing his side, curled up in a ball. With my mind and body still trying to wake up, I call Sister McKee and try to explain what was
going on as best I could. After the call I gave him a blessing and it lessened the pain.. Days go by...(good song) Sunday night/Monday morning. 1:30 AM. I wake up to "AHHH!" again he is on the floor
grabbing his side! So I call Sister McKee.. no answer.. President McKee.. no answer.. Zone leaders.. no answer.. Then thankfully President McKee calls back. I tell him what was going on and he says
"change into your proselyting clothes and take him to the ER. Make sure to give out B.O.M" So I run and change. Carry him to the car.  Drive and try to find the hospital in this small town and carry him to
the ER and wait until about 5 or 6 am. Turns out he has a Kidney Stone!  I feel so bad for him! So since last Friday we have been imprisoned to our apartment haha. That is why we haven't had the chance to email
till today. And he still hasn't passed the stone but hopefully sometime today he will.

You can imagine this week hasn't been all the eventful.. But a couple days before the whole kidney stone shingdig we had a miracle! We got this referral and turns out like all the info is wrong. But we still try to
go find this guy. The address that we had was pretty good. It took us to the general area of where this guy could live. But it was out in the sticks. But I see this guy down the old dirt road down yonder. So i pull up and ask him if he knows where this address is. He says" that's my house. Oh y'all are the Mormon missionaries! Y'all want to meet at my house or at the church?" There was a Church of Christ building right next to his house. I say "whatever is more comfortable for you"... he chooses the church. So my natural man comes out and in my mind I am thinking he is just going to bible bash with us.. But while walking up to the church I notice he has keys and a quad! Like all the 4 books of scriptures in one. And we had a awesome lesson! He asked a lot of questions which was good. And then at the end of the lesson I invite him to come to church and he says "you know I would love to but, I PREACH at the same time!" I was so shocked! haha so right now we are teaching a Church of Christ preacher. And it is even cooler because he is so sincere about learning more.

I hope you are having an awesome time at Grandma and Grandpa's! I know I sure miss y'all a ton! But I know that I am supposed to be here at this time. And I love Tennessee. I love going
around sharing the gospel. I have learned and gained so much in this short amount of time. I am trying to figure out this whole computer and how to put pictures on it. So sorry if i don't send pictures today
:( but i will figure it out! I sure love you lots mom! Tell everyone hello! Hope you read this soon!

Love Your Son Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

Week 39 -- I am going to Tennessee!!!

Mom!

I am doing great! Kind of shocked also! We got transfer calls on Saturday and............. My wish has finally came true! I am going to TENNESSEE!!! I got called to Whitewash into McMinville, Tennessee! I am going to serve with Elder Zinkand. Never heard of him or ever seen him but I know we are going to tear it up! So I guess I am just going to continue to follow Elder Tondevold's footsteps. He served in McMinville for 7 and half months! I am so excited. I finally am going to serve in Tennessee after 9 months in great ol Kentucky.

The weather is pretty warm now. But nothing I can't handle. I like the heat to be honest. But when you are walking all the time you sweat quite a bit. But enough complaining.

This week was pretty good. Once again nothing crazy had happened but just a good week. Our baptismal date, Tiffany, had to move her date back. She won't budge on the word of wisdom. Her husband is a member but doesn't act like it at all. He says "If Jesus was here he would party. I bet I could get him drinking. Heck he would get me drinking."

I was so shocked he said that. I just feel awful even telling you that. But we will continue to help them feel the spirit and have a change of heart! So I had to give a short little talk yesterday about what I had learned here in Bowling Green and bear my testimony. I am going to miss Bowling Green because it is just so awesome. Definitely Elder Rothlisberger! What is the chance of serving with someone from Arizona again. Even from a close town. I am still shocked that he is from St. John's.  I also am going to miss Sister McDonald because it was so great to see her improve. Especially that she was taught by Elder Tondevold and she went through the temple. I took pictures at her horse farm so she says I have to write her and send some pictures The Harrison family is so great. I will miss them as well.

I DEFINITELY am going to miss the 4th of July! Make sure to take pictures! Especially of around Grandpa's land and house. And Jill! But I know that I am supposed to be here at this time right now. And that there will be plenty of other 4th of July's.  That's great that Devan has a job! And Sterling sent me a picture of the temple and it looks so cool! I can't wait to go to it when I come back home. TIme is flying though. It is 9 months coming up and in like two more transfers it will be a year! I just hope that I can continue to grow and become more like Jesus Christ each day.

Sometimes we just get so rolling in the motions of missionary work that we forget that we need to DO the things that Christ would do. But more importantly...to become like Jesus Christ. Well Mom and Dad I sure love you lots. Have a great week! Love you lots!

Love your son Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

Week 38 -- Father's day

Mom and Dad!!!

I am glad you got the picture! Last night was a great time at the Harrison's house! They are definitely one of my favorite families on my mission. Sister Harrison is so funny. She is always doing so much for us. She said "I have an assignment for you before you leave. You have to make your Dad a sign so I can take a picture and send it to him!" She is great. I am glad you like my glasses! And yes, I do wear them all the time. It helps the strain of my eyes so much. But I should have thought about my glasses more, because I could have gotten contacts if I was going to wear them all the time. BUT I love my glasses now! Thank you so much for helping me out!

It sounds like that y'all had a good Father's Day! That sounds pretty cool about that book! I really want to see that! You know I think I got my love of chinese food from Dad. If there ever is a chance we can eat chinese we do! We found a buffet for 6 bucks all day! It's so good. I have so many memories of eating chinese food with Dad. Then there are those many times with Rhett and Conner at China City. Just amazing!!

I am glad that Aunt Heidi found a place! Sounds like a great home! And Perry is a pretty good school. Its probably a really big school now. Oh and dont worry about the package! Y'all do so much for me anyways! Whenever you get the chance no rush. BUT I did take lots of pictures lately! You would be proud of me haha.

Today we went to Sister McDonalds to work. And you will never guess where she works..... A HORSE FARM! It was so cool! It is like my dream place! And we even got to talk to her friend, who owns the farm, and we gave her and her husband a  Book Of Mormon! Pretty exciting!!!  I learned so much about horses and what not. Good stuff to learn for when I go back home. Sister McDonald is so great! She is such a member missionary. It is like the story you were telling me about the lady at your work. One day they will come to church.

So this week was great! No car. Getting hot. Even more humid. Sweatin like a hog in the summer sun. And sharing the gospel! Just delightful!

We had pretty good week with contacting people. But the weird thing is, we got rejected more than excepted.  But they reject us in the kindest way if that's even possible. But I tell you what, putting the miles on your feet and talking with everyone you meet builds your testimony up. And you get so many blessings. The girl we had a baptismal date with has not come to church in two weeks.... So we probably have to extend her date, BUT she will get baptized!

We had an awesome lesson with the family from Africa! The biggest objection they have is that they believe that the true church is in your heart and not on earth. But we are getting closer and closer each time we go over! 

I dont know why or what but I am just happy. Actually I do know why. It is the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. I may not have all these baptisms, but I see the gospel change lives daily. We had stake conference this weekend and a seventy came down. His name was Elder Mund. He talked about 5 Road Blocks from peace:

1-  Not understanding the true doctrine of the Plan Of Salvation

2- "wickedness was never happiness"

3- Expecting Heavenly Father to open the windows of heaven even if we don't do the basics

4- Not having a forgiving nature

5- Hangups anxiety stress depression personal problems

Well mom I love you so so much! I hope that everyone is doing fine. I pray for yall all the time. I am excited to send some of these pictures home! and..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANIELLE!!!!!!!!!!! I HOPE YOU HAVE AN AWESOME BIRTHDAY! Love you much

Love your son Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

Week 37 - Another Baptism

Mom,

This past week seems like it went faster than usual. It wasn't really jammed pack of stuff, it just was a good week. No complaints. We had a BAPTISM!!! It was Justin webster who is 9 years old. So it really was.... you know.  Funny thing though... The Bishop of the 1st ward was supposed to conduct the service, but when 3pm rolled around he was no where to be found.  So Elder Rothlisberger conducted the service. The Bishop walked in right after the actual baptism part. I felt bad for him but he got stuck in Nashville traffic. It was a very good and spiritual baptismal service. I am greatful that I had the chance to teach Justin. It was way fun to be able to go over to their house and have little lessons with the family.

Bro Webster is a stud! He reminds me of Round Valley a lot. He wears his wrangler jeans, boots, and his white shirt and tie to church every week. He is great.  

This week we had a family home evening with the Pendly's, Bro Whitney, and Roger. We watched "Finding Faith in Christ and had a discussion about it after. It is nice to have FHE as a missionary.

On Tuesday we got a new investigator with a baptismal date! Her name is tiffany. She is married and has like 4 kids. Her husband is a member but not active and hasn't been for a while. The sad thing is, she did not come to church yesterday... but we are going out there on Wednesday to go see her!

Wednesday was a Brother Higdon day haha!!! We had two killer lessons with two families! They live way out in the Sticks, so its a little difficult for them to come to church. But there should be no excuses. Heavenly Father will always provide a way for us. We also went to Ken Kessler's farm and talked with him and helped him out a bit. We tilled his garden again and picked black berries. I didn't get shocked this week which is very good haha!!

Thursday we had a zone conference in Clarksville, Tennessee. That was my favorite zone meeting so far on my mission! We talked about having no deviance from the white handbook. We also talked about how we can get caught up doing missionary things over and over, and we forget that we need to BECOME like our savior Jesus Christ and DO what he does. It was pretty awesome. It also was good to see Elder Tondevold again! He is too funny. It was fun to talk to him about our stories in Murray haha. He leaves at the end of this transfer!

When I came out he was only a year and 3 months out. Time has went by sort of fast. Friday we went to Sister Painter's farm! I love going out there to help her. She got 14 more alpacas! They are so ugly haha and mean! I got cow kicked again by one.  But it is so relaxing and just fun to me to put on our blue jeans and go to work. We cleaned out her barn and stalls. And then cleaned out her horse trailer.

Service is one of the favorite things about my mission! Saturday we had an awesome lesson with the African families! We read 2 nephi 2. We were trying to teach the purpose of life. They understood it pretty well. Then we watched some mormon messages and they loved it. They love the fact that there is a prophet on earth today! And as I was thinking about that later on, it is one of the best feelings to know that Jesus Christ is running this church. This is HIS work we are doing. And HE will help us on our way.

My eyes are doing pretty good. I still get headaches every now and then. So I started carrying a gallon of water with me each day so I stay hydrated and that has helped a bit. I still get migraines once a week or every other week. But I am not to concerned about it. Thank you so much for getting that cd!

Thank you so much! I love y'all so much! Thank you for all that you do for me. I am so thankful that I have this chance to be able to serve the people in Kentucky. I would not want to be anywhere else. There are days when its not as easy, but as I endure and work my tail off every day, it definitely is worth it. It's a great feeling to know that I am working side by with the Lord. I hope yall have an amazing week! Sure Love you!

Love Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins

Week 36 -- Slow but Steady

Mom and Dad!

I am so glad to hear that you are having a great week! I bet that your going to have a good time at girls camp! It sounds like the girls are going to learn a lot! It is amazing to see young people gaining knowledge of the restored gospel! Sometimes I wish that I would have taken seminary seriously, but I can't live in the past. I am glad that I am here in Kentucky and I know that what I go around telling these wonderful people is true. I know and have witnessed life changes. I have seen tough men, who I respect with all my heart and look up to, get down on their knees and pray with me to our Heavenly Father. I have been part of priesthood blessings that are true miracles. The priesthood is amazing and has been restored. These experiences I have had in these few months I have been out are so sacred and special to me. They are testimony builders to me.

Anyways! I hope aunt Heidi is feeling better! Please send me her email again so that I can write to her.

Aunt Hope emailed me again! I failed at emailing her back the first time! I am sorry Aunt Hope, but I will email you as soon as I can! Her email was awesome! It is so cool how she can be mowing lawns then all of the sudden be testifying about the Book Of Mormon and the Restored church! What an example to me.

I wrote Grandma back and will send it today. It has been a while and I am sorry again Grandma.. But it's on its way! That is pretty cool that Uncle Jake moved into his new house! I am excited about Grandpa's gym! I bet that he just has a bunch of crazy people like Aaron lifting there. Haha. 

It sounded like Devan loved the trek much more than I liked the trek.  Haha!!! It was a good experience. I was glad I got to experience that with Jamison. We worked our tails off. I look back and enjoy the memories of it all.

So i got an email from Todd today... He was saying how he was sad that he was leaving the area and that he had SIX baptisms in the one month!! I was thinking what the heck! I just laughed. I know that my efforts aren't wasted. I have impacted many people's lives and was able to be apart of Sis Brewer's conversion.

This week was a little slow. I went on an exchange with Elder Horner, zone leader, in Goodlitsville, Tennessee! There were a lot of African American people in that town. We met someone named Brother Hut.  He was awesome. Thick southern accent and was a Vietnam Vet. He was telling us stories of how he got shot 4 times! He said he was picked to go crawl around in the tunnels and stuff pretty nuts. It was a good week just pretty slow. We didn't really do any service this week which was kind of sad, but got to walk around lots!

Well mom I hope you have a good time at girls camp! The only thing I need is that computer cord so I can send y'all pictures! Or a music CD called "The Trek" by Jason Deere. Its like one of the only music we are allowed to listen to.   OH! I got a whole in one of my pants Dad got at the missionary store. I don't know if they said to send it back to them and they would send a new pair or what but I thought I'd let you know. Love you so much!!

Love Elder Vaughn Dee Perkins