Elder Perrin - 2 December 2009

So, I have a story about black Friday for you, but I'm going to save it till next week when i see you. so we have a baptism this Saturday, that is pretty sweet. I think it's a good way to end this thing. I don't know if I deserve it, and we didn't really do much, but it's still cool to see a solid investigator get baptized. We haven't had one like him for a really long time. we've found a few good new people this week that have a lot of potential. One of them I almost fell in love with, it was hard to focus on the lesson and stop staring into her eyes. Ha! Ha! I'm horrible. I know. But she was pretty, wow. Well I can't wait to see you. That's funny your counting days, my companion does the same. Heck, he talks about me going home more that I do, it cracks me up. He's probably more excited that me to go. I'm just really nervous. I don't know if it's really hit me yet, but today is my last p-day. That's weird, tomorrow is my last planning session, that's weird. It's all so weird mom, and I'm just nervous. But I have a good feeling in my heart : ) Ha! Ha! I miss charlie. I can't wait to see my amazing family. I had a few long lost friends write to me, that was cool. I'm going to miss the friends I made here too, you know what I mean. There are a lot of awesome people here, and I'm going to miss them. One family came up from the other ward just to say goodbye to me and give me a goodbye tie. It was nice. Anyway, I'll tell you all about the mish when I get back. I don't think I'll have any problems remembering since I wrote in my journal every day. Love you tonz. See you in a week

Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 25 November 2009

You're just so amazing to have written me an email a week. And I know you knew that I was even going to say this when you wrote me all of that. But \I'm saying it anyway, don't worry about it. To be honest, I failed at writing emails. I could've remembered more stuff from my journal or something to share each week other than, things are the same. I did a really bad job, so I'm really sorry. I do regret that one too. I don't regret the way I did my mission, worked or many things. But I could've done better on emails. Oh, and I regret for critizing. Ouch, it still brings pain to my heart. Will you forgive me??? Sometimes I can be really mean, and that's not cool of me to critizize other people and tell them how to do things. I'm sorry. So those are my regrets. Hey, what do you know? Even missionaries mess up. I'm sorry about the whole weight thing. I ddn't know you had that as a goal. If you want, I can stay one more transfer and give you a little more time??? Well, no I wouldnt' stay here one more day if they paid me. Okay, I'm not that eager, but I'm excited to see my amazing family. Will you think I'm not mature if I still really love music??? Just a thought.

Okay, so tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we're going to go visit the Acosta family in 3rd ward, and it's because Elder Stuart is coming to visit there and so they invited me to come. And of course I said yes. Other than that, I think I'm going to do our weekly planning, and hopefully get in a 15 - 30 minute nap. That is my dream. Really, it is. See, at home, there are all these wordly pleasres, but a nap is all I got here.

Can we watch Iron Man when I get home??? I'm taking the vitamins and garlic, but i'ts hard to remember to do it often and get in the routine. I like the cliffbars, they make it easier at night, because I take one for dinner in my backpack. Can I tell you how happy I'll be to ride home in the rain in a car?? The rain right now is so cold, almost turning to snow, and my shoes on the bottom are all cracked and have holes from biking for so long, so it doesn't even matter anymore that there water proof. Water gets in from the bottom. I don't think it helps my sickness. My cough isn't gone. I might be sick when I get home still. I'm trying to take the medicine, but like I said, it's tough to remember so many things. So 2 weeks left! I really am excited. i feel old, really old. Just tired. I feel like I have wrinkles already. I can't wait to see Charlie. He is the best.

When I get home, I'll have to tell you what happens to me when I go jogging. I think everyone has their quiet places to recieve revelation. I think mine is jogging time. It's wierd what the Lord has told me while I'm jogging.

So this week the President took away our p-day. I'm really not a fan because I really wanted to nap today, but now I can't. Oh well, I guess. Can I disagree with someone and still support them?? I don't think so right??? I'll have to work on that one. For some reason, respect and appreciation and love for this new mission president is not coming as easily as the last one. I guess I just need to figure how to change my attitude. What do you think? I guess we can just talk about it later. Is it wierd to think I'll actually be home soon???

So guess what? I think we'll have a baptism before I leave. And last week, for the first time in ages, people came to church and could progress. This area, I've worked so hard in it, trying to make it better, and finally when I'm going home, the results are starting to show. Just in time for someone else to come in and profit from it. I hope he's not a lazy elder and throws it all away. This mission has changed my veiws about return missionaries. I guess i'll tell you why when I get home. If I would've really known how it is here, I don't know if I would've been willing to come.

Well life is crazy, and I'm ready to start the next phase. You're gonna flip out when I tell you what I'm going to be studying. It will all be revealed to you when I see you. Just stay safe for 2 more weeks. Ha! Ha! Love you so much.

Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 18 November 2009

Oh man, I wish I would've gotten this letter last week. It didn't come for some reason, but if I would've read it last week, I'm sure I wouldve been in a lot better of a mood this week. Just when you put it into perspective for me about how much God appreciates the work we do for his children, it just got to me. It was excactly what I have been not remebering, and so it was excactly what I needed. To be honest, I wouldn't really call myself depressed. I mean, Me and Elder Z have a great time. We laugh a lot through all the things that aren't fun, and we get a long great, and I cant' really ask for more. I hate making it seem like this mishion is so hard and all the other ones aren't as hard. But I'm sure that's not the case. All missions are hard in their own ways. I just really don't want to appear as a whiner to everybody. That wouldn't be good. Hopefully people don't read the sad parts I write, but the truth is that I leave most of them out.

I just loved this email, I can't even tell you how much I loved it. You had me in tears. Yes mom, you will be my date. We can go on a date every night. How about if we make a snowman? That would be a fun date. Wow! i just love my family, when you told me about charlie, it made me so happy. He says the best things and i'm so glad you tell me about it. i just love him.

Your right about the friendships thing. I think i'm going to try hard to be a better friend and keep the friends I've made here and everywhere. It's sad to see when missionaries lose contact with awesome friends they've made on the mish, never call, never write. I hope not to make that mistake. Oh, but your just so right on that. SO RIGHT! That's why I need you.

I'm glad to hear a bout your class. I didn't realize it was like that, but when you put it that way, I start to see now what you mean, why the trouble and still why the joy. I got you now I think. It took me this long to really get why you would say stuff about your class, but I didn't really get why. But now I do I think. You are the person for that job. It is just perfect for you. I don't think there are many people that could just be such an awesome and loving teacher who makes people better like you do. I always resisted being taught by you. I never wanted to be better. Piano was the worst part of my stubborn childhood. I don't really desire to be able to play, But I could've been nicer about it.

So about the bike. I just don't think it's worth sending home. I think i'll just take some pictures of it and if I want to ride a bike later, then I'll save my money and buy a good one later. But the bike like I said, has a cracked down tube, and it's just held together right now buy a mexican I found at a muffler shop who welded it for me. So it could brake any moment. And it costs like 100 bucks to ship home. I Might as well put that money to a bike I can buy later, or just not worry about it. It would be cool to have as a memory, but as a wise man once said, I'm not here to take memories home, I'm just here to leave behind my testimony of christ and leave behing something. So I'll just take some pictures of it I guess and not worry about it.

So, there are a few pizza places here in Chicago. The first is called Giordanos. I think it's spelled, and the other is call Iluminatis I think. I don't know. The pizza is good, but not worth the money. In my oppionion, The Pie is way better. Last p-day we went down there and I shoved 5 slices into my stomach. I think that's the last time I'm going there. Today I'm just going to clean and cook some bread and try to get over this illness of mine that keeps dragging on. I've been sick for like 2 or 3 weeks now. I don't want to be sick when I get home. Being sick makes it a little more miserable in the cold, so I decided I might take a sick day soon.

So as for school, I assumed you just picked my clases?? If you say I should be an architect, I'll just do it. I just want someone to tell me what to do, and your the first to have an oppionion, so you convinced me. Do you know anything about a test I can take to say I speak spanish to get free credit at college??? So we still don't know when my homecoming talk is???

So, I have to finish the story about the time when I ate Elder Zelenskeis food and had a burning stomach and felt like crap. So, I basically prayed to have it come out nice (I know this sounds ridiculous) and I prayed and said I was taking one for the team, asked for a little bit of help so that it wouldn't hurt so bad, and it came out beautifully. It was a miracle, Elder Z doesn't think God answered me, but I do.

Anyway, so I saw this billboard with this movie on it. There wasn't anything special about it I guess, until I saw the date that the movie comes out. DEC 11! Holy cow! That is such a good feeling!!! We should go see it eh? I don't even remember what it was called. It had morgan freeman in it and I think it was Matt Damon. I don't know, it was just crazy to think about.

Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea!!! I'm so so stoked for you, you have no idea??? My family is growing up, it brings a tear to my eye. Ha! Ha! I just am so happy for you. I cant wait to meet this boy toy of yours. : )

Well, I only have two more times to email after this. That's pretty exciting. I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty excited to come home. So I was going to say, if I didn't, I think that you're right about the whole airport thing. If everyone wants to come, I guess it would be a great experience either way. So sorry for making this all confusing. Just let me know if the whole family is coming or if it's just a few people. Let me know.

Things are good. I promise I'll get better before I get home. Elder Zelenskei says I'm braking down, and I don't know why but it's kind of true. I'm all sick lately and I get headaches, and now my back hurts and my ankle just started to hurt and I'm just tired at night. I don't know what the deal is. Hopefully I'm not too broken in 3 weeks. So have a great week. I love you so much and tell Charlie I love him.

Love Curtis

Okay, So I just read this email. Man I have no time left. Okay, so I really am glad you wrote me this one too to give me a heads up. Thank you for telling me my talk. I'm really worried though because this is my hardest topic, you have no idea my battle with this topic, it's impossible for me. Charlie is the best!!! I just love him, but I think it's going to be a great moment and we're going to get along great when I get home. Oh man I'm going to cry. I just miss you guys. About the guitar, well, I was planning on locking myself in my room in college and learning to play, but I'll find a better guitar maybe. Don't worry about it. I thought Audri still had it to be honest with you. oh well. Okay, I really got to go. I love you so much and I will see you in a few.

oh yeah, about the primary thing, that sounds great! : ) no worries

Elder Perrin - 11 November 2009

So this week was pretty good. The weather was absolutely fantastic and my health hasn't declined to even worse yet, which is good. It just stays at this 80% range with this cough and headache, but it's manageable. So what's going to happen to my life in a few weeks? Do you by chance know when I'm giving a homecoming talk? So what do yo think I should study?? How did the school thing go?? Is there anything I need to do or is it all taken care of?? How is the family??? How's charlie doing with his homework and stuff??? Well I'm pretty excited to leave Chicago. It's funny though, no matter how much time you have left, It's always still a century away. It's always still too long to wait. I cant' explain it. But anyway, yesterday I was listening to some Christmas music and this song came on, it said "I'll be home, for Christmas." It was the best feeling ever. I was, "YES I WILL!" Ha! Ha! The song never meant anything to me before, but now it means everything. Missionary work is good. We're having to let go of a lot of people, but at the same time we have a few people that could actually get baptized here soon. Maybe even before I leave. We'll see. Love you tonz. Have a great week.

Elder Perrin - 4 November 2009

Well I guess I'll just answer your questions first. Uh, man how embarrasing. My AP scores were both a 2. Yah. I didn't pass, actually nobody in my class did except for like 2 or 3 people. That was a mistake. So I guess if they want the scores just say 2. In case you needed what class it was for, AP US history and AP art history. I didn't take the test for AP Environmental Science, but I aced the class. So I think my major is fine if you put Civil Engineering, or maybe Mechanical Engineering or something like that. I really don't know what I want to do. I wish someone would tell me what to do and then I would just do it, and not worry about it anymore. But I guess I have to go back to normal life to where I make decisions again. So if this girl is going on a mission now, who am I going to go on a date with??? Thats a bummer. I feel really bad about Charlie. He probalby is struggling like that because of all the music he would hear around me and Zach, or because of all the times we would just let him watch tv and not play with him. It's probably all the really fast music we would listen to or the crazy fast intense TV shows that's put his brain into that mode where he can't concentrate. Oh man, I think I'm going to cry now. I wish I could that all back now, funny how I find my self saying that all the time. I can't wait to see Charlie. I really can't. I think iIm doing okay here in Chicago. My mind is about to break down I think. I get headaches a lot and I find myself always looking for the smallest opportunity to sleep. I think my spirituality is definitely plummeting, and I really don't know why. It doesn't feel great especially because I wanted to come back on a high, but it looks like I'm going to come back at maybe the same level I left at, which hurts inside because I don't think that's the purpose of the mission. I can't really identify the problem either, other than blaming myself for just being spiritually lazy maybe. I still study and learn and stuff, but it's not the same. I don't know. I'm 'socited' (Charlie's version) to hear how gymnastics goes for Charlie. As for us, well were doing well here, pretty busy, and the weather could be worse. Love you all and especially you moml. Love curtis. Oh yeah, I don't know about the plane. I'm trying not to think about planes, even though every 30 seconds a plane is in the air here.

Elder Perrin - 21 October 2009

I cant even tell you the magnitude of my love and appreciation for you right now. I just wanted to run to you and give you the biggest hug and kiss when I opened that book and started reading it and looking at the photos. It was really the best gift I have ever recieved in my entire life. I don't even really know what it is. I can't pin point it. But there is something about it that I just love, and oh how I missed you. I really wanted to just call you and tell you I love you, but I guess it's a good thing I couldn't even remember your telephone number. Thank you so much, your the best mommy ever!!! ever!!! i can't wait to see you again. Oh, and then when Elder Zelenskei got his shoes, oh my gosh my heart just filled with so much happiness again, I was so so happy and the best part was that he didn't even speculate that they came from you or my family. He kept looking at his letters to try to match the handwriting to figure it out. And luckily I didn't say anything dumb to have him speculate. Oh I was so happy I had tears flying off my face on the bike ride home after we picked those up. I can't even explain to you, and I guess a lot of it was of the amazingness of my family, and I just got a little taste. I didn't even do anything, all I did was ask you if you guys could do it, and the next thing I know the shoes are in the mail. And in these kinds of times especially when it's a little hard to make a buck, but you just sent him shoes, and oh how his need just was filled and how awesome it was to see the shoes on his feet, and watching him trying to figure out how to handle the nice thing someone did for him. It was as if he didn't understand that someone else in the world might actually care about him. and I know he was happy to get them. Can I just tell you how much I love you? Wow! I just love you. So let me get a story of the week for you here. So it rained a lot this week, icy cold rain. So we were in the rain all day, trying to be happy. And then an appointment wasn't home and Elder Zelenskei just blurts out "I'm not happy Bob!" And then I was like what?? And then he explains the part from "The Incredibles" where he's talking with his tiny boss and then at the end he gets thrown through the wall. "I"m not happy Bob, tell me why I'm not happy." And then I remembered, oh yeah. So basically when it would start to rain harder or something else went wrong, he would just say I'm really not happy Bob, and it was really funny. I laughed a lot. And yesterday, well, it was the first day I ever have been defeated by a fence. I usually can reach my arm around, or stick my hand through, or find someone to open the fence. But this time, the fence beat me, I was stunned. By the time we realized the only way to get in was to jump it, it was time to go to an appointment, which wasnt' even there. It was the first day I have ever been defeated by a fence. How depressing. Well Elder Z and I have decided were going to do even better this transfer. We decided were going to run our shoes to the ground. I love you all, and am so glad your all okay. This is officially the last transfer. 6 weeks. See you soon. Lovec Curtis

Elder Perrin - 21 October 2009

Oh thanks so so much for the package, it was really awesome. That day was pretty cool, we went out to eat as a district after our district meeting. We went to this cool old pizza place and had a pretty good time. The day was normal all except for some realy nice weather, I mean really nice. Like perfect. I was in heaven. We had a few good lessons and it was a really cool birthday. The card made me really miss Charlie. I like just sat their thinking of memories. Sometimes I do that. Just wallow in my memories. And then I saw the picture of you 3 standing together, and how he was so tall and I was just thinking, man I missed all of that, and was kinda sad. But the week was pretty good. My birthday was pretty good. I'm confused on what you said about another package. I didn't know more than one was coming. Maybe I'm confused, or maybe not and I guess we'll see what you mean. So don't worry about me when I get home. I think I'm a lot different and getting along won't really be a problem. Most of the things that brought grief to me were just little things, but now for example, I don't even want a phone. I absolutely despise texting, like I seriously hate it. I don't want a curfew because I miss sleep, and I don't have a girlfreind anymore nor do I really want one now after what I've been through. plus i miss hanging out with my family so doing stuff with you will just be a delight. I miss getting wisdom from you and dad, I can't wait to bank off of your knowledge. Sure there might not be a big change in that aspect, but it will probably be way different because of where I'm at in life. I don't know. I'm not expecting miracles. I just cant wait to give you a big hug and kiss and be apart of your lives again. You know? I don't know. So this member the other day thinks I should be a school teacher because she said I understand kids. It made me think about it. I don't know, I do love kids though, they're great. I think it's all because of Charlie though. Having him as a brother made us all that way I think. So yesterday night was a horrid experience. We ate lunch with this family and did a lesson, then went and did some finding and then at night we had a less active appointment. So we get there and we end up helping them with math homework and fixing a light. But the thing was that she wanted us to eat her food. So we said okay, just a little to be nice. But then Elder Zelensei didn't eat his plate, so basically I did it for him for fear of offending them, but man it made the night horrible. It was a hot plate of food. I just started sweating and had to go to the bathroom after eating it so so fast, to wash my face off and try to rinse my mouth out. But the worst part was the horrible feeling in my stomach afterward. So riding on the bike was just not fun, plus the canceled appointments kind of made it worse. So I basically just went home and tried to throw up but it didn't work. Man, it was a crazy night. So life is good. Thank you so much for the birthday package and the pictures. I miss you alot. Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 14 October 2009

Oh my goodness, this email just brings me back to you my super duper awesome mother. One day I will come back to you I promise, one day. AND THEN I'M NEVER LEAVING AGAIN!!!!! EVER!!!! Ha ha, I just miss you what can I say , you know??? I'll admit it, I am just really excited to see my mom. Okay, so the shoes, well his named is spelled Elder Zelenskei, and I don't want anyone to know who their from, so I'll just tell the office to tell elder Zelenskei that the shoes are from his ward. That should eliminate the problem, I hope. So just send them, and I'll tell the office to take care of it. So anyway, life is good. Still cold. Im really excited to be done with the bike, I don't know why but I'm really getting tired of riding the bike. There are just these nights where I just would really like to ride home in a car, and not have to freeze my butt off and sweat at the same time to get home, and arrive at the house, sweating and freezing. I feel like I already did it for one winter and already paid my dues kind of thing, let someone else have a turn at the city kind of thing. But nope, I'm doomed for some more cold weather. So let me give you some trunky moments. This morning I pulled out my luggage out of the closet to look for more winter gear, and I realized that the next time I would be pulling those out would be so I could pack and go home in two months. That gave me a smile. I wouldn't have even thought of that had it not been for Elder Z. Another trunky moment, in my next zone conference I will be giving my farewell testimony to everybody. Wow, that's wierd. Did you like the plane picture where I'm staring at my beautiful plane??? Well I'm not that trunky to be honest, but Elder Zelenskei likes to play things out, hence the picture. So I heard it was okay to be trunky, as long as you work still. So we're still workin hard, don't worry. Have I ever told you how much I love you??? Well I just love you so much, your basicaly my favorite, and I'm so so flattered everytime you say that I'm your favorite child and favorite baby and the easiest to handle and all that. What can I say? I do what I can. I do what I can. That's my attituDe since birth, I just was trying to make life easier for you. I like to make life easy for people, hence the wait on walking. I didn't want to walk that would mean you would have to keep an extra eye out on me to make sure I didn't wander off too far. But by just taking a seat and chillin, I just made life easier for you by not doing anything. Am i right??? Who knows. So how was the vacation?? I can't believe the vacations you have been on since I've been gone, it blows my mind. So what do I need to do for school?? I still haven't heard much about that, let me know what the details are and if I need to do anything here. Well let me let you into the mission for just a brief moment. On Sunday we had a lesson right before chruch with a single guy in his basement who seems to be pretty legit. So basically it was a perfect situation to come to church. We had members with us, he didn't have to work, plus he said he was going to come a long time ago, but just hasn't yet. So perfect, the lesson gets over, and we invite him. He of course says yes and we all walk out together, him included, following us to go to church. So we get on our bikes and are expecting him to show up in a bout 2 minutes. This would have proved to be something remarkable because we haven't had someone to church for months, I mean months. People just don't come to church. I dont know why. Anyway, so we wait and wait, and wait some more, and wait. He never showed up. It just doesn't matter how much you do sometimes, sometimes satan is just trickier. For me it was like this, "What else could I have done?????" Absolutely nothing. That was the absolute limit, maximum, the ultimate attempt at getting someoine to church, and it still failed. So basically it's enough to drive someone to depression. But anyway, that's the story of the week, I really have a bunch I could share, but I'll wait till I get home and just share it all I guess. Anyway, I love you. Thanks for all the love from home. You have a fantastic week. Let's remember, there's more to life than work, all we take with us after this life is our knowlege accompanied by our spirit. We take our relationships we have and the spiritual preparation. Thats it, all the stuff stays. Let's remember what's important in life. I think I easily forget a lot. Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 7 October 2009

So life is good, I'm sick of my bike tires. I think I had like 9 flats this week, due to the fact that my tires are wearing down a little bit and stuff gets through a little bit easier, and I don't want to spend money on new tires, so I'm fixing the tires by cutting an old tube and putting it in the inside of the tire to have an extra layer of rubber between the air tube. I think that should solve my problems. I think today I might get the other bike fixed, the one that has a crack in the frame. I have been to a few muffler shops and they refered me to another place that has the right welder that could possible fix the crack. We'll see. If not, they told me I could definitley put a small piece of pipe on the inside of the bike frame and weld to that, so I might try to do that, hopefull it works. I really want the bike to work because of how much I love it, and I kind of want to send it home, if it's possible. I just don't want to lose it. The work is good. Really hard to get people to church and Elder Z is getting a little down because of it. I think we can keep him happy though. Anyway, conference was good, at least the conference part of the day was good, the rest was a little frustrating and heartbreaking. I liked the talk you shared by Richard G scott, a lot actually because I've always had a hard time with personal revelation and following the spirit. I personally think the one on temperance applied to me the most, and the one on doing the little things to keep our hearts from becoming stony again. That one was good because it gave me inspiration to not lose the scripture reading and constant prayer after this mission. I forgot to send pictures, again. I'm a loser I know, don't worry I know. I need to put in more effort to being more informative to my family, I know I know. I'll try a little harder I guess. I don't even have any excuses, well I do but I really just don't want to give them to you. Anyway, I really appreciate the shoes thing, I hope it doesn't cost to much is the only thing, but I just think you and dad are awesome for being so giving, especially when things aren't the best financially. I really don't even have an idea of how bad it is, but I just thank you so much for being so amazing. Really what would I ever do without you. So what is it about this class that makes you appear more worried than normal. I don't know if you have always felt this way about your classes, having to quiet them down, worried about angry parents or things like that. What is it that makes this class different??? Or is it any different and I'm not gettnig it? What is it?? So, the fall is really nice like last year. I kinda wish I was in a different enviornment this year instead of the same gross noisy busy city, but at the same time I realize the benefits of being here for so long. The best one, and most valuable is the relationships I get to have the members. That's a really good advantage, because most wards just forget about you and when you go back to visit, they have forgoten you. But if you spend more time in a ward, you get to make a lot more freinds and stuff like that. So I have basically two wards, and a branch. If I ever want to come back to visit, I won't have to make any long distance visits or anything like that. My mission areas can be seen in a 15 minute car ride through Chicago, and then you've seen my mishion. Whoo hoo!!! Ha ha, that's so weird to think about though. Anyway, I'm glad to hear that everthing is good. Love you tonz, send my love to my amazing grandparents, I really love them.

So I have a secret. In the priesthood session, during the first talk, I don't know if dad saw it, but when I heard the first talk, I had the most deep feeling of dad sickness, I can't even explain it. As he kept talking it just kept getting worse and worse which eventually led to tears of missing dad. I don't know why, I think it was because I wish I would have been a better son, or because I really have missed his counsel for me here, or maybe because I can't wait to talk to him again and listen to his advice, or maybe because I realized how hard he tried and how much he loved me and Zach, and how I was just so stupid and angry all the time. And then I really, for some reason, wanted to go golfing with him again, and not be such a cold hearted stupid teenager. You know I also realized that dad is rarely wrong, hardly ever. I don't know, I just sickly missed dad and the two months I have seemed really long during that priesthood session. Sometimes the time just never ends quick enough, no matter how short it really is. Anyway, I love you dad, love you mom. Love Curt

Elder Perrin - 30 September 2009

Ooooh I'm so jealous of your conference weekend coming up!!! I wish I could be there with you and hang out and all that, it would be so fun. But anyway, things are good here, I cant complain, except its really cold. Like in the 40's, and it brings back horrible memories of 20 below on icy roads on the bike with a nasty face wind. Ay yay yay! Good thing I'm leaving before it gets that bad. So it's cold here, but with missionary work, the Lord just keeps hooking us up with people to teach, which is awesome. We really are pretty busy, and we do have more decent than average people were teaching which is nice. No one is close to baptism yet, but we have a few that have a really good shot. We're working really well, I'm pretty happy with what were doing. A lot of that contributes to an awesome companion who wants to make the work go, no hinder it if you know what I mean. So that's where I'm at. Coldness, sweaters again. I swear I only wore the short sleave for a week or two, and then back to the sweater. I'm wondering how school is going to work. Do I have to do anything on the computer over here? What do I need to do, just let me know about that. So dad's a fisher now eh?? That's pretty cool, sounds pretty fun. How long is this one going to last??? ha ha. So this primary story has got me really curious, cuz I can totally see that being a problem. And I can just see you in there in the primary bringing down the house, and the reverence. I think I inherited something like that from you, because all the missionaries here ask me how I can get the little kids to be quiet around here. They try to calm them down and do stuff, but then when they try to bother me, I just give them this look, and I sternly tell them to settle down, and then they do it. And then in lessons with families, I don't know how I do it, but I get them to fold their arms and be quiet. It's my only gift I think. I would just love to be there to see you work your magic. So about the shoes, I don't think the best thing for me is to look, I'm really limited I think, and I don't have money. What I really was thinking was that someone over there could go find something, like anything, and then send them. The thing is that I need the shoes to be pretty good, they don't have to be 200 bucks, but at least a good pair that will last. I got mine at Mr Mac, but there might be other places. If you ask the guys at these kind of stores, they should be able to point out the shoe he needs. So I don't know, tell me what you think. We don't have to do it, but if we can I would love it. I can try to look on the internet and see what I can do. Thanks for all the love, I really do appreciate it. I'm sending a few photos today, and tell the primary thanks for the package. I'll probably get it this week. Give them a hug for me. Give Dad and Charlie a hug for me too. I cant wait to see you again, and I love you so much. Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 23 September 2009

Well as you can see, I didn't write a letter, the stack on my desk grows higher and higher. I'm so sorry I really am. I don't have an excuse. I just do other things on p-day instead of write letters. So I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I have a question. I really want to buy my companion shoes. He really needs shoes. He rolls around in these black skate shoes because he's too poor to buy some good dress shoes, the other dress shoes he has are falling apart everywhere, so he cant wear them. They just aren't cutting it, and he cant just go buy a good pair because he has no money. The old misson president had to buy him pants and shirts and stuff. So I really want to buy him shoes and have him not know about it. He's a size 8.5, can we do it??? I don't want him to know who the shoes are from either, because he'll reject them. He needs shoes like mine, or at least a shoe where the heal won't come off and fall apart. My shoes have been perfect, I couldn't ask for better, but I know mine cost a lot. Is there anything we can do, it would make me so happy? Let me know. So I read between the lines of your email. Mom, you will never know the amazing impact you have had on my life, and on the life of everyone you are around. Don't look at your flaws, that will bring you way down. Just pray to do better and try your best, and apologize when you do something wrong, and move on. You are the best mom that anyone could ask for. Thank you so much for being so amazing. Thinking about sin, leads to sin. Thinking about flaws, leads to those flaws. So just remember that I love you so much, God loves you, and we all love you and we're all in this life journey together, trying to be better. Thank you so much for all you have taught me and the example you have been to me. Without you I would never have come out here, I wouldn't have cared. You care so much, you try so hard, which could be why you feel the most down sometimes because of all you want to do but it outside of your human reach. Just remember how much I love you, and every time you see a plane in the air, just think "that's my sons plane in a few months, here he comes!" Ha ha, okay well I love you. Tell charlie I love him. I cant wait to see him and his crazy num chucks. He should do gymnastics, it's really hard. Don't worry about the transfer, its just not what God wanted I guess. These next two transfers I'm here for my companion, not for the area. Sometimes there's a perspective I fail to miss. I'm just trying to see it. Tell me what you think. Okay, one other thing. What's going on with Candace? Why is Tam telling me not to say stuff I'll regret. Is Candace not really engaged, because she told me she was. I'm confused. Did you know about this??? I mentioned it a while ago, but I thought you already knew. Is this true?? What's going on?? If you know anything, well I could use some help. Thanks : ) love you.

love curtis

Elder Perrin - 9 September 2009

So I got 10 minutes to write this. Email is really short today because of transfers. I'm not doing so good, not really myself for the past few days. My companion got sent home, in fact he might call you and ask for the phone number for Zach. Elder Melchor got sent home yesterday. I spent the day with other missionaries and today I got a new companion. I'm really upset because I don't think this should have happened, and I had a long talk with President, but he didn't understand. He's just new and doesn't get it. It's not like Elder Melchor wanted to go home, but now he's home, miserable, suffering. One of the best missionaries out here for real, is now shamefully at home, when he didn't have to be, while I'm still here. So anyway, I have a new companion. He's Russian and different, but cool. I didn't read your email. Because I have no time, but I saw it was long so I'll enjoy reading it. I was hoping to leave this area but it looks I'll be here till the end. So, there's my mission. Woodstock, and a few square miles of Chicago. Patience Curtis, don't kill these people, they are children of God , is what I find myself saying to myself a lot. So I am so sorry I forgot to send a birthday present or card, or even say happy birthday. I'm worthless, but I love you so much and think your the best. Your so amazing, how you do everything is really beyond me. Love you love you love you
Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 2 September 2009

I love your letters and the little stuff you tell me about Charlie and stuff. It makes me really miss you and Charlie, but that's ok. It makes me laugh. I love Spongebob. I wish I could be seven with Charlie then we could go hang out all the time. Cereal instead of steak. That's so cool. and so true. I used to eat cereal like crazy!! ha ha. So the basement could be finished? Before this decade ends??? That's crazy. I just think you have a lot of patience and are the best mom ever. EVER!!!! You rock. So school is tiring??? What would give you more energy??? Well I think your doing it; excercise and eating healthy. And you have to drink water and not DIET COKE. I'm serious, the diet coke I swear will take the energy right out of you, and I don't know if you drink it a lot or not, but if you do, mom, don't drink the diet coke. Half a gallon of water a day. For real, it does wonders. Then the veggies and a good breakfast will do wonders. I'm for real, Wheaties with fruit or something. The breakfast is just so good, soo good. So maybe this helps, I know you already know it. I can't say I know what it's like to be stressed and want to eat, because I'm the opposite. But you have to find a different wordly pleasure instead of food for when you come home. I personally, now don't hate me or anything, but I think if it were me I would choose sex, or music, or laughing and hanging out with my family. So just say to yourself, I deserve a romantic moment, or I deserve a good laugh and a good talk, or I deserve an awesome song blasted in my ears right now. I don't know, that's what I think. That's why so many missionaries get fat I think, because we don't have any other of the wordly pleasures, so we just eat food. ha ha, I don't know what I'm saying. This week was cold. I could see my breath in the morning the past 2 or 3 days. It's just like a cold spell, it's really odd, and shouldn't be happening. It's funny , we were talking to this guy on the street by his house, he was pretty cool. Then I asked him "What is going on with this weather here, why is it so cold?" His response made me laugh, he said "I don't know, but we never used to have this problem until everybody started going green." So maybe global warming is a good thing, I don't know anybody who likes freezing their butt off. As for missionary work, it's just a crazy trip. and hey, I'm not depressed!!! ha ha, I can't believe you told the congregation that in your talk, I don't get depressed for crying out loud. I hate that word, maybe next time just use the word a little frustrated with the people, or down about the rejection, or frustrated because of the power satan has to ruin the progress of investigators. I don't know, I just hate the word depressed. I will read to you later what depressed is when I read to you the stories of my second companion. that's depressed. You probably remember. But your talk was awesome. I hope Chels finds a job, it must be hard to not have one. I'm worried about that one too. So the temple, I hope I have desires to go a lot when I get back. You're awesome to get yourself there as much as possible. I love you tonz and don't worry about the memory card. Your the best. Love you.
Love curt

Elder Perrin - 26 Aug 2009

Hey, thanks so much for your love. Well, I loved the email, it was good to hear from you and dad. Dad's advice is dead on the money, but I don't know, I think I might be taking it too far. You see, I see it the same way, and instead of just keeping a good pace at missionary work, it seems I've gone over the edge. I don't know if it's true, it might be just an excuse I give myself for not seeing what the Lord sees. So I go this whole time in this area, not seeing anything come about. And I mean nothing. We teach people but they aren't interested, and we talk to people all the time ( I mean all the time) to find out who is interested. And they aren't. And I don't get discouraged yet, just thinking to myself, "Oh well, the Lord has a purpose for everything..." and stuff like that. But then I get the statistics at zone conference, and mine don't match up at all. In fact mine are way way way below normal. And despite that I talk to probably 10 times the amount of people, I have nothing to show for it. Now it's not about that, at all, it really isn't and I know that. But it does bring up the doubt of, " What am I doing wrong?" So then we go to the book, am I sincere? Do I keep the rules? Am I doing my best? Do I talk with everybody? Am I using time wisely? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. So what is it? Talk to more poeple. But then it seems that the more people I talk to, no joke, the less work we have. That is not an exageration. It's frustrating. Not only that, but my companion writes letters to his girlfriend while we're on the street. I'm talking to this guy and he's chillin' writing a letter. So I guess I just mean it would be nice to see the picture God sees. I'm trying. Lord knows I'm trying. Wow, I'm just tired. So not that I was trying to prove anything to you, but I'm trying. It's nearing the end, but I'm not one to do anything half way, or three fourths the way. We go all the way. The last part of the race should be your fastest. And to be honest, I feel horrible about the money. I don't think I've done a very good job. I don't want to blame it on something, but broken bikes don't help and emergency transfers don't help either. So I'm sorry about the money. I'm trying my best, if you saw what I eat you would know. The other week I wanted to yell at my companion. Here's why. I buy flour, and sugar, and milk, and oil, and eggs, and fruit sometimes, and things to cook like that. And I make food, and I lovingly share because I love to do that. And I don't ask for him to buy stuff to help out. I just spend my money and hope he might say one day, "Dude, I'll buy that, you always buy the food." Okay. Cool. But he hasn't. Okay. No big deal. Well it wasn't, until I found out that the money he saved up on his mission card, he used that money to buy a new camera. I don't know why he chose to do that, he has plenty of money at home. And I don't know why I shared that, my point is that I'm trying my best with the money. It's just hard sometimes. So anyway, thanks for all the news from home. I'm glad for Zach. I really hope he does good. I didn't know Jon worked at the college. But I was wondering if you have all the pictures from my card, because you didn't erase any pictures this time. So, do you just put the pictures on a cd? Should I erase them and use the card? To be honest, I don't even think I'll need it. I think I have plenty of room on my other card. So anyway, this past little bit of time has been difficult to not beat myself up. I tend to do that; just seeing my weaknesses. And finding out about Candace today didn't really help out that much either. So that's why I really appreciate the emails and stuff. Man, I feel like a woman today, and like it's just my time of the month or something. I apologize for the wierd email. I don't think I'm 100 % in my head lately. Lord knows I'm trying. Tell charlie I love him.
Love Curt
p.s. what does 143 mean?

Elder Perrin - 19 Aug 2009

Mom, I just love you. Can I just say that? You are the best. Good thing I came out here on this crazy ride of a mission or I don't think I wouldn't realized how stupid I am. You sound like your excited for Dec 10th??? I can't even tell you how excited I am. Maybe I shouldn't be, but I am super excited. We should hand out. Dad is awesome too. I didn't even say happy birthday to him, what is my problem??? Can you tell him happy birthday for me? And that i love him a lot. I loved your words of wisdom. I can't wait for your talk. It made me excited to read from Doctrine and Covenants. I hate reading from Doctrine and Covenants; Absolutely despise it. I don't know why. Maybe because it's hard for me to recognize the love in the lords vioce or I don't know. I think this could help me gain a testimony on the Doctrine and Covenants. Anyway, you are so smart. What you said about Brian, you like nailed it right on the head. I was thinking the exact same thing when I read that. It's so true, and here I am gossiping about it. He thinks he's Jesus sometimes, it really is true, I just feel bad for Zach. Man, I am so glad he's going to college though, so happy. I wish I could've been there to see Ilah and Spencer in the temple, so badly. I would've been balling the whole time though, no joke. It makes me so happy. Well things are good here. I've been in Chicago for almost a year now, that is crazy. School is starting again, that is crazy. All kinds of people are having babies, that is just crazy. Things are just crazy. My time is running out, and I'm so glad. This summer has been amazing. There has been no heat. I feel bad for all the swimming pools. They probably made no money this year. Sorry I didn't email you last week or the week before. I don't think I got your email because I haven't gotten an email for the past 2 weeks. I don't know if you sent it or something and it didn't come. I need to ask again, did you get my memory card??? Please tell me you did. But don't lie to me. If it didn't come you can tell me. I will cry for a while and then get over it. I wonder if you got my email where I asked you the first time. I don't know, anyway, I love you tonz. Thank you for everything and have a good good week. You're amazing.
Love, Curtis
P.S. oh yeah, do i need to do anything for college??? papers, classes??? let me knowlove you
P.S. again - oh yeah, and tell dad that i am completely down for this girl if he wants me and her to hook up, you should tell this girl to write me, and talk me up too. ha ha, that would be so cool. but seriously, do it. i trust you guys, i think. alright, love youlove curtis

Elder Perrin - 5 Aug 2009

So first, I just need to say that mom, you're in my prayers. And since we all know that missionary prayers are heard more often that everyone elses prayers, I'll pray a lot for you. : ) Ok, so only the hispanic people here think that, but we still love them so much. So I keep forgetting to ask, did my camera card arrive safely home?? No one said anything about it, and so I'm really sick to my stomach that something happened to it. Let me know, please. I sent it like a month ago.

So I weighed myself the other day. I weigh 170. That's just way too light, way too light for me. I'm a little guy, well it feels like it anyway. I went into the MTC at 225 or so, and I'm just way too skinny. The thing is that I can eat. Lord knows I can eat. I'm just tired of cooking. I cant explain it. I'm burnt out on cooking food, so hopefull I'll put some wieght back on when I get home. I think a lot of it that I've lost is muscle weight. That's why I still have a little bit of a gut, but I just need some food. No, what I need is a desire to cook me some food. Lately, I just would rather eat a quick meal and take a 15 minute nap. Maybe we should not skip dinner either. So the transfer just started, and I'm still here in Albany Park, the city area. Things are good.

I got Ilahs letter on Saturday. It was honestly the happiest day of my entire mishion, hands down the most joy I've felt since day one. When I read the letter and card thing, I just got this overwhelming feeling of love and happiness and relief that I've never felt before. Finally, Ilah is going to the temple, and who out of all our family deserves the blessing of the temple. Ilah of course. Who has the cutest and most awesome family that needs to be there after this life? They do duh. Man, I can't even explain it. It was the greatest moment ever. No more waiting. She's going to the temple. I wish I could be there. Although it was a great learning experience for me. For a long time I've wanted to obtain a strong desire to go to the temple, somehow to have a strengthened testimony about it. But I could never figure out how to have more desire to go. For a long time I had doubts that I would be a solid temple visiter when I got home. But I realized, Ilah and spencer are not the only ones waiting. They waited six years, people above have waited hundreds, maybe more to be able to recieve the same blessings. And I , selfish Elder Perrin, can't even find a desire to make a trip to the temple here and there to help out my brothers and sisters??? Man I'm shallow. I can't believe myself sometimes. I didn't even realize How stupid I am, as if I forgot these people we do the work for are real people. Man, I'm a joke. I think the joy for Ilah and Spencer must be 10 times greater, compared to the joy someone feels when they're just newlyweds. Am I right?? That's what I would think. That's just so amazing how they're doing it. It makes me so happy. We'll just say the tears were pouring while I was reading that letter. Yes, I'm a little cry baby. That's just the way God made me. Dad, can I just say you are the man. I'm so glad you raised me. We won't blame the fact that I'm a cry baby on you. That I think I got from mom. It's all right though. Hopefully at my homecoming talk I won't cry.

Thanks for looking for a car for me : ) Hopefully you can find something cheap, and easy to fix. My dream car is still the one Chels wrecked. Just a really small truck, like Tam's. But good luck finding something. I really appreciate it. I wish I could just ride a bike everywhere in Utah. It would save me such a hassle, and money. Well, life here is good. I be eating a lot of rice, and beans, and more rice and beans. It's a good combo. The Mexicans know whats up. Love you mommy. Love you dad. The gospel is true. The prophet talks with God. The Book of Mormon is true.

Love curt

I forgot to tell you. I have some bad news. My bike broke, well not broke, it's totaled. My frame is cracked, at the bottom, and it's unweldable because of rust, and if I continue to ride it, the guy said the post could brake comepletely, which would fold my bike in half. If I were riding that while that happened, well, I could die. So I had to retire the bike. But I got a different bike, from another elder that's going home this transfer, so I'm all set. I just thought you'd want to know that the 150 bucks I spent on fixing that bike up, just went down the drain. Sorry, it's just my luck.

Elder Perrin - 29 July 2009

I really miss your sense of humor sometimes, and I was glad to hear a good report of The family reunion. I can't really say I would've loved to have been their, because, well, it's the family reunion. But you made me laugh a little, I could tell you tried super hard to have a good time, sitting and talking for hours. That's good. Next year I think you and our family should plan it. Golf tournament, and if you don't know how to play, you can't come. That basically eliminates almost every body, so that means we could have a family reunion of you, me, zach, and charlie, and play golf for a week. : ) I'm down for that. No but your a good sport dad. I always have admired you for that. So this week we got dropped by a lot of poeple, that was a bummer. But we had a lady come to church for the first time with her less active husband. That was good. The weather here is just super amazing. I mean, just absolutely perfect, I couldn't ask for better. I don't understand it, maybe i'ts hotter than I think and I'm just smokin, but I am pretty sure i'ts been cooler than last summer was here. The other day we had the senior missionaries take us to this famous barbeque place here in Chicago. It was pretty good. It made me want to go to that one barbeque place I loved, I forgot the name. The place where I would always order the pulled pork and beans. But it was tastey. I'm trying to gain wait lately, it's not really working. I'm a light wieght now, it's kind of pathetic. I'm sure charlie could beat me up now, I wiegh like 175. Other than that, nothing much has been going on. Last p day we went on like a 45 mile bike ride through the forest reserve, and we brought the zone leaders who don't ride their bikes anymore because they have a car. When those two got home, they both threw up and barely made it up the stairs up thier house. It was a funny story. Anyways, thanks for everything. I shouldn't need any money because I only spent like 20 dollars from the money mom gave me a while ago. So I'm good. Thanks though. I was sad to hear about Chris. That is a bummer, it must feel like a betrayal. That's got a hurt. I never thought that would happen. I'm glad to hear you have work, that is a huge blessing. Huge. I pray for you all the time. Thanks for all the love and support.
Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 15 July 2009

Mommy I just love you!! I just want to give you a big hug right now!!! : ) I'm glad you got me letter in time, and I really am glad it made a difference, or maybe cheered you up, or maybe it just made you miss me ha ha. Who knows, but it's one of those moments or things that happens that people don't share too much, but I wanted at least you to know about it, because your my mommy and I love you and I know you would appreciate it the most. Maybe I'll share it with everybody else later or something, but I just am glad you liked it. Thanks.

So do you want to hear something kind of surprising? You mentioned Sydni and Jon not being able to make it to the reunion or whatever, but I think a lot about Sydni, surprisingly. I don't know why. But sometimes I just think about her and want her to come back so badly. And I don't even know how lost she is, she's awesome really, and that's the saddest part. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes thinking about it, that she really could not be with us after this life, she just might not make it, she can't. And it is just so sad. And I know she wants to go to the temple, I know she wants kids and I know she wants to take them there. And I know she want's to get married there and have a happy family and all this, but she doesn't have any of that, and who knows if she ever will. It's just sad how many women do that, just marry someone who can't take them to the temple, thinking that everything is fine and that it will work out, tricking themselves in a way, when in reality it's the most ridiculous decision that anyone could make, it's like sacrificing your eternal life, not to mention sacrificing all your happiness and peace in this life. Why would anyone want to do that?? And then to think about after this life and how God will have to say sorry, you knew, you chose not to follow my commandments, and thats it. Oh my gosh it makes me sad. But I don't know Gods judgments, It's just the whole fact of the possibility of never seeing her after, when life is over, will she be there??? Makes me sad. Anyways, I think about that wierd stuff alot, what else do I have to think about???

So did you ever give my ward letter to the ward??? Because I'm pretty sure I wrote one. It was intended to go to the ward, to maybe post it on the bulletin board or something like that. Did that get taken care of??? Let me know. I wish I could've been there to see the organ playing, I love that stuff. You're so good at that stuff, your just amazing. I decided I want you to teach me to sing when I get home, deal?? Except you don't really get much out of it, he he , sorry : ) So man, sounds like it's impossible to find a job, that gives me a lot of hope, but oh well. How's Zach, how's Charlie, how's Tam, how's Chels?

This week we might have found "the one" no joke. Actually, we might have found two of them. That would be so sick, but one of them came to church, and loved everyting we taught, and wants to be baptized. The guy is a little bit strange, in a way, but not too bad. And he's a little bit old, but he's an awesome guy and really nice. He came to church even with his physical disabilities, and he loved it. So there is a really good chance that this could be "the one" ha ha. But the Lord definitely hooked us up this week.

So I've been thinking a lot about my jaw. It looks ridiculous and it's not working too well. Chewing food is impossible, and I think it could be the reason why I can go a week sometimes without going poop. I don't know, but it's frustrating. There's just got to be a way to get this surgery, and it's got to be as soon as possible. Like, I got to do it next summer, because I think it might be doing damage to my teeth. I don't know, but it's all just frustrating, because my mouth is always sore because of it. I think about it a lot.

Anyways, that was my week, well not really. Did I tell you that I saw my first crash live??? That was crazy. So did you know I could be in the city my entire mission??? I have 3 transfers left, and I could be here all 3. That would be crazy. So are you all down if we go to 'The Pie', just us, when I get back??? Or do you think everyone should be there???? Let me know.

Love you so much, love love love love your cute little son Curtis : )

Elder Perrin - 7 July 2009

Josh is home? That is crazy! To be honest it just makes really nervous to be thinking about it. I cant' believe you forgot to tell me about that fathers day!!! How could you forget!!! That is so cool, that is what I'm talking about, that's the stuff people remember, that is so so cool. I wish I could've been there. I'm all nervous wirting this email, it just gives me a stomache turn, thinking about Josh, coming home, aahhh I just get all nervous.

This week was good. I think if might be picking up a little bit, finally, after all our hard work, I think maybe we have a few investigators here that could progress, that would be a miracle. Ithank the lord everytime we have a second lesson, that is a miracle in itself. The weather was super nice this week, fourth of july was crazy. It was absolutely pointless doing missionary work, but at night it was tight. Everyone goes to Indiana to buy illegal fireworks, and they drop money, a lot of money on these fireworks. So just imagine a firework show, like a professional one, throughout the whole city of Chicago. We found a little alley party and joined in for a bit, and watched all their crazy fireworks, the best ones though are the bombs. When they go off it just sound like a grenade 'boooooom" and then if you stand close enough it pushes you back. All day those would just go off randomely, and then car alarms would all go off and people would jump. It was crazy, Chicago was like a war zone around here. But missionary work was impossible on the fourth , you can imagine why. Everyone is down at the lake, or busy getting drunk around here. I can't believe Josh is home, that is crazy, that was 2 years ago when he left, that was forever ago. I can't believe it's already been forever, I mean two years ha ha. Well have an awesome week, We'll see you soon. Love curt

Elder Perrin - 1 July 2009

Well, life is crazy and just keeps going. Josh gets home, I forgot about that one, that should be fun. I feel bad I have only written him once my entire mission. You should tell him to call me haha, just kiddin. I feel like a loner kinda. We have a new Mission Pres, I'm going to meet him today. All my senior companions went home, all my mission buds went home, and Josh gets home, plus we got a missionary reduction of like 15 missionaries here, so things are a little different. The borders for my area are a little bigger now too. As far as missionary work, well I'm not gonna fluff it up for ya, it's good, but the same. We just talk to a million people a day, set up appointments, tract, go by the appointments which cancel, then keep looking for more people. Once in a while we get let in a door to teach someone, but then we never have another lesson because they lose interest and don't want to do anything. And so the cycle continues until we find the one, the person who is waiting, the one who has been waiting for their whole life, one day we'll find that person. But yeah, we haven't found that person yet, but Lord knows we're trying to. It's crazy how many people we talk to a day, and how you would think that at least one of those people would be ready, but nope, so you keep looking and asking everybody if they want to hear, and then someone says sure!!! And then you go by for the appointment and the house number they gave you doesn't exsist! ha ha. Thats just how it works. Ask Josh what I mean. He probably knows what I'm talking about. I'll tell you all about it when I get back. It'll be great. We can go to The Pie and I'll tell you all about missionary work from Chicago.

I'm so glad you do FHE, that's so cool. I love charlie, why is he so cool? He really is. Thanks for checking school out for me, I'm sure there will be no problem from doing the online thing, just let me know when to do it. As for the scholorship, anything I can get will help. If you think it's a good one to apply for, go for it. I appreciate all the help you're giving me though, so thanks so much. Let me know if I can do anything.

Well the gospel is true, the Book of Mormon is awesome. The words of the prophets are from God. God loves us. We really are his children, and we really do have so much potential. Trusting in the lord with all heart, not leaning on our own understanding, and acknowledging him in everything really is the best way to live life. He is GOD. He is EVERYTHING. He is LOVE.
Luv Curtis

Elder Perrin - 24 June 2009

Charlie had a cavity!!!!! what!!!!! You still have my dance pictures? You know the sad thing is that you're right, there were a lot of girls that wanted me, but I didn't even see that. I was too blind. I wish I would've been smarter.

So your email was really true about our thoughts. In my opinion, I don't know how valid this is or not, but I think that our thoughts is the last battle, the very last one. It's like the movie gone in 60 seconds, he saves the hardest car for last, or I don't know, but the last battle we fight is the hardest. Once we have all of our actions trained to the point where we don't commit sin like that much more, it all comes to the purification of the mind. And you can tell the difference between someone who is good, but doesn't have the pureness of mind, and someone who is good and does have the pureness of mind. There's a huge difference, but it's the hardest battle to fight. becuase you can have a bad thought and then choose to not act on it, and ok, not too hard. But then try to not have that thought in the first place, that is so hard. I think it's every ones battle though, not just a select few. So I don't know.

Anyway this week was transfers, today actually. We have a new mission president. His name is President Dahl. I'm still here in the city and with Elder Melchor, but the city boundaries are all changed up because they got rid of a few elders in the mission. Actually the mission took a huge cut in missionaries, so everything is kind of new and stuff. But we're doing good, we just keep going, talking to a thousand people a day and knocking doors and all that. We teach here and there but not really coming up with anything. You would think after awhile there would be something, but not yet.

But hey, that doesnt' sound so good about the law suit, That's a lot of money. You should hire my mission president to do it, he's a really good lawyer : ) . But we got a new apartment, it's actually a basement and it's pretty nice, I can't complain. The only thing is that it's way away from where we have to buy groceries. Before we were a 1 minute walk away, now were like a 10 minute bike ride away. So it's all good, I wish I had some cool stories for you, but they are all in my journal. As far as email I've kept, well I 've had to delete a bunch because I don't have enough room. So anyway, I'm sending the memory card home today for sure. I think. I'm so sorry I know you want pictures. It's so hard to get everything done though, and I still have to write letters to you all. I got Charlie's letter. THANK YOU CHARLIE!!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! The treat was so tasty. I really loved it. : ) And I will write back as soon as I can. So how big is your jump for your bike??? That's so cool. We should make a bike track with a lot of jumps when I get back. That would be so much fun. Well I love you. Thanks mom, you are so awesome. How was fathers day? Did you do anything special? I know what I would do if it was Father's Day and my wife wanted to give me a gift, ha, sorry. Love you. Have a good week.

Love curtis

Elder Perrin - 17 June 2009

Hey! Guess what? I really am glad for the letter response you gave me, it was really nice compared to the one Brian gave me, don't show him this email by the way. For example, I know I shouldn't send emails about what I'm not liking here or things that make me mad or stuff like that, so I was kinda worried after I wrote that email that everyone was going to think, "Oh what a bad missionary, he needs to love his companion, he needs to learn patience, he doesn't have the spirit, he's not doing a good job bla bla bla you know how it goes." But you just read right through the words and figured I just had a bad week, and needed to vent or just recieve advice or whatever you want to call it. Brian thinks I don't love my companion ( which I do by the way, he's actually a really awesome guy and easy to get a long with), and he said, "No wonder you don't have success, the people can see right through you." So he thinks because I don't love my companion, the people don't see the love in me etc... you know how it goes. Well that's all a bunch of Malarchy. I don't think he realizes what I was trying to say, or the message I was trying to send, which was, "I'm learning a lot of patience, I'm learning to forgive, and I'm learning the true test of diligence." So anyway, thanks for understanding and not throwing judgements out there, that really made me so happy : )

So I didn't know that you also saw a difference between the mission I'm serving and the one Josh and Mitch are serving. That's such a relief you know that because everyone that serves here knows that secret, but I didn't know you knew too.

So guess what though, Do you remember Antonio, the guy me and Elder Stuart found a long time ago, who needed to get divorced? Well he finally got divorced after he worked with a lawer and sacraficed his right arm to pay the guy. So he's divorced finally and getting baptized!!!! Sweet!!! Not only that, but fiance and his step son are surprisingly accepting the gospel and are going to get baptized. She stopped smoking which I never thought would happen so soon, and now their house doesn't smell like smoke, and when he comes to church he doesn't smell like smoke either. Sweet!!!! So I think if he gets baptized soon I'll be able to go because I'm right next door to my last area. Man, this was like 7 months ago or so when we found this guy, and he's finally getting baptized. I'll send you a picture of him today.

By the way, I didn't get a letter from Charlie, I'm sorry, but I'll let you know if it comes. When did you send it? So we're moving out of our Apartment tomorrow to a different one about a few miles away. That should be crazy eh?/?

This week was pretty good I guess, I got a lot of enthusiasm back from an exchange we did, Elder Bell gave me some words that have helped him and it was good, plus I read the story of Abinidi and just put it into prospective. I realize that I may not have the baptisms that others have, but I still have an impact, and I may not ever know how deep that impact is, but there is always an impact. Like I said a long time ago, I may be planting seeds my whole mission, and I think just last week I was sick of planting seeds and never seeing a harvest. You know what I mean.

So no one has told me how the basement is coming along, still. does that mean it's on hold again??? ha ha, I figured, that's funny. $ Did I tell you about blurb.com??? It's so cool you can make books!!! This sister showed me a book she made, it was soo coooool!! You should try it and tell me if it works. So how's the scripture reading going? Prayers??? I struggle with prayers too just so ya know, it's really hard for me. I say them, but it's so hard to make them sincere, but I'm getting better I think. Let me know any tricks if you have any. Well have a good week, thanks for the letter and the powerful words of advice, I can't wait to ask you for advice when I'm married and have kids, It'll BE GREAT!!! ha ha !! Love you mommy.

Love curt

June 10, 2009 - Elder Perrin

Oh hey, so I'm pretty retarded for sending dads letter so soon. I thought I missed fathers day actually, and I didn't even realize it was on the 21st. oops, so yeah, save it. It should make him tear up, if it doesn't let me know, because that letter would make the grinch tear up. For crying out loud it made me tear up. This year is weird in Chicago, because it's still cold. It's still sweater weather here, I don't think it was like this last year. But I don't know, this week was ok I guess. How can I explain it, well the best way I can explain how I feel is that I'm sick of being a missionary, really, I'm sick of it. I'm tired, disappointed, tired, my head hurts, I'm tired of baby sitting, I cant' even tell you how tired I am of babysitting my companions. I'ts like they were all breast fed until the day they left on their missions, and their parents did everything for them. It's so annoying to have to be like their mother and clean up after them and help them to not be stupid and this and that and it's just annoying. How hard is it to clean the dishes and pick up after yourself? Not that hard is it? Is it? I didn't think so but apparently it's just way too much. And saying something about it doesn't do anything of course, you know that , and being nice about it doesn't change it either. Man, and then it's just ridiculous the missionary work in Chicago, I cant' count the number of people I talk to every day to try and share the gospel. Every person I see, I talk to, hoping that one might listen, and once in a while they do, but in the end it all amounts to nothing, absolutely nothing. Just another seed planted and that's it. No one is really interested, and I'm just tired of being a missionary. Talking to people all day, canceled appointments, members who don't understand, companion who all he cares about is his girlfriend, long hours, rejection, no sleep, no music, tracting, no results, no results whatsoever, feeling guilty all day because I'm never good enough or perfect and list just goes on. Yeah so I'm supposed to remember Christ and his atonement and his comfort he can give bla bla yes the holy ghost does that but I don't even have that many experiences with the holy ghost, I know other people who aren't missionaries who have way more spiritual experience than I do. when do I get the cool experience of having the holy ghost whisper something in my ear to tell me where to go or what to say, aren't I entitled to that stuff? Or maybe that stuff isn't for everyone, or maybe I don't believe enough, or have enough faith, or am not worthy enough, or am not spiritual enough. Great, just another reason I can feel worse about myself, the missionary who should be having all these spiritual things happening isn't good enough to have those experiences, even though he's obedient to the rules and is trying his best. Nope, I'm just not good enough. That's just great, I'm just ready to be done with this, I'm just tired of it and ready to be done. But I can't even slack is the worst part, because then there's this whole thing about god holding me accountable for all the people I didn't talk to and for not trying my best, and having their blood on my garments at the last day because I didn't talk to them on the street or at their door. That scripture in Jacob 1:19 just makes me feel like every mistake I make I'm going to hell for. Great, that just adds to my excitement to be a missionary, when's my nap time? It's not even going to come after the mission because of school, work, school, work, and then on top of that I have to figure out how to get a social life, because the one I had or thought I would come back to is macking on other guys and it all just makes me sick. Well I apologize for venting, it was probably unnesesary, I don't know how to spell that word, but anyway I really enjoyed the email, thanks so much. Tell charlie I miss him. As for school, well just let me know if I can do anything, 4000 miles away from home. I forgot what else I was going to say, but I apologize for going off like that. It really is a blessing to be a missionary, I shouldn't complain like that. forgive me. I love you and I hope you have a good week. Tell Chels and Tam good luck for the job and stuff, I am still going to try to write Tam and Chels, tell them sorry for that. Love you tonz!
love Curtis

June 3, 2009

So charlie has homework? That is pretty crazy, but I think I honestly remember getting homework too. Although I didn't always tell you, I would always get reading charts to fill out, but I learned your signature, or I think I would just lie about if I had read or not and then you would just sign it. I think it was like 10 minutes a day. And then I had homework to practice cursive too no? It's a little fuzzy, maybe I didn't get homework, who knows. Charlie looks so cool with no teeth. Zach looks ridiculous with his beard, it's not even fully grown in. It just looks gross, it's like a half attempt to grow it out. No I haven't heard from him still, to be honest I'm not really counting on it. The thing that kills me the most, or one of the things, is missing charlie grow up, that kinda hurts sometimes. You can't take back the years, which just hurts at times. But oh well, that's what I signed up for. So job searching is hard? Well that's just great for me, I can't tell you how excited I am NOT, to come back to that. And all the skills I tried to get before I left, are going to do me no good when I get back because the construction market is probably down the drain. I think the coming home really could be harder than the leaving, especially from what it sounds like. I appreciate the money you sent, I only needed like 20 or so, but well 200 bucks works too. I shouldn't need to use it, and I'm going to be selling the other bike I have. So I apologize for that. How are the house projects coming along? Are you still working on the basement, or did you switch back to yard? This week was good, yesterday was zone conference and I learned a lot. Our mission President leaves in like 3 weeks, which is really sad, but it think I'll get over it. I'll send the memory card home today, there isn't that much on it, but I'll still send it. So what is Chelsea going to do? How is she going to get a job? Why did she quit the other one? I don't understand, I really don't, why did she quit? How does she plan on getting another one? Who would quit a job in times like these? Does she just want a job that gives insurance? She needs higher training for that right? I got a letter from her the other day, it made me a little worried to be honest. It wasn't really clear what she was trying to say. I hope she's alright. I think I'll write her. Well I love you, thanks for all the support and love. I'm glad my words could help a little bit, it just seems to me that you will never have a break from worry for your kids, which makes me a little sad because I wish I could make it better. But all these experiences, mine and yours and dads too helps me to want to have a strong family, and helps me learn the best way to have a strong family. So if there is anything I can do or say, or write I guess, just let me know. I love you so much and can't wait to be with you again. : )
love
Your Curtis

May 27, 2009 - Elder Perrin

So I read your email and I could tell that you have a lot on your mind, and I can tell you have thought about things a lot. Maybe I am the one to vent to, if I am I appreciate it, I really do. I miss you and love you mom, and sometimes without realizing I think you can be just way to hard on yourself, and try to do too much. I think sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves first before we take care of others, but like they say, we can't help others if we aren't in the right position to help them. I just see how you care so much for other people and just want them to do the right thing and them to be happy, but I wonder if this is at a sacrifice of your own happiness. Do I even make sense right now? So I see how you love dad and your family so much, but when they aren't doing something they shouldn't, well it might cause so much worry or anxiety that you might just sacrifice your own happiness worrying about them, when in fact people can choose, people know what is right and wrong. So I guess my point is that you shouldn't worry or blame yourself for anything that isn't perfect in life, because I know you have done your very best, and you will never know how much I really admire you and look up to you for what you have done for me. Just remember that there is only one opinion that counts, and I know sometimes we get caught up with what other people think about us, and it's really hard especially with family, but really there is only one opinion that counts. If we just do all we can to be good with our Father in Heaven, the rest will fall into place, sooner or later. Most of the time later. I just pray that you know how much you are loved, by me and your family, and especially by the one who loves you the most. So yes we know dad isn't perfect, but neither am I. And I know that when Jesus made the biggest difference in other peoples lives, he did it by a quiet, humble example. So thank you for being the example in the family that we could always count on, being that example really does go a long ways. So I wish I could be there to help, and give you a hug and tell you I love you. But most of all I just want you to be happy, and I really just hope you don't hold any blame on yourself for anything that happens or has happened. Just do what you know how to do best, love. Just love your family and give hugs and kisses and everything will be Ok, I promise. : ) well I love you and miss you, and I hope you have a good week. : )
love
Your Son Curtis

So I didn't even see the second half of the email. So I had a thought about the whole fathers day gift thing, and it made me think of what the psychiatrist said. He's a simple guy, and that really is true. The gift that will mean the most is the simplest one sometimes. Here's my opinion, the gifts that mean the most are the ones that touch the heart. So you got to figure out a way to touch his heart. Buying things, well, that isn't the best gift, it's just buying something. The only fathers day I remember is when we put our handprints on a paper and framed it and said I love you. Remember? Simple? But it sticks. So the best thing to do is find a creative way to tell him you love him. That's it. And it doesn't come in a box. There are a lot of things you can do, and it can be fun too. Take his favorite candy and write I love you with it somewhere, or do something like that, that is different. Paint him a picture of you and him together with you five little kids, like a water color picture, or something, or cut our pictures of the ensign of Christ and make a something cool with them for him or I don't know. Ok so all this was just my opinion, but I hope you think of something.
love curt

May 20, 2009 - Elder Perrin

So I think I understood your story with Nate and Zach. It was that they were going to go golfing on Sunday? At first I thought it was about Zach saving money, but from what I understood it was about golfing on Sunday right? Well I don't really know if you wanted me to reply on that one or not, but I kinda wanted to give my oppinion too I guess. I think that you are basically right, going golfing on Sundays, well, would not seem like a bad thing anymore, to Zach, and if I didn't go on the mission, it wouldn't be a big deal to me either. The thing is that, even though no one is perfect and you did you best as parents, we kind of grew up thinking it wasn't really a big deal to break the sabbath, and since there are no definitinons of breaking the sabbath, going golfing wouldn't seem like a bad thing. After a while of going out to eat on Sundays, and going to Lagoon a few times on Sunday, and doing family outings on Sunday, after a while I think Satan just blurs the line of what is right and wrong. It even happens to the best of us. No one has a perfect Sunday, well not many. Are the things we are doing really drawing us nearer to our Savior? Some may justify watching TVv is Ok, others justify playing sports or things like that, others justify video games. The thing is that all of us have something we can do better on Sundays, and yes golfing isn't right because we aren't focused on the Savior, and we're spending money and all that, but I think in this case with Zach, and Nate too is patience. I don't think he understands the importance of the Sabbath, but speaking personally, I knew what was right and wrong when I was home, and all I really wanted was a good example. I think that's all you can really do, is set a good example and bare your testimony. Let the spirit be the one to exhort. But anyway, I'm sorry to hear the frustrations, I really wish I could be there, I think I would be able to help a lot. But it's alright, I only have two more seasons and then I'm back home already. It's so wierd how time get measured as a missionary. It goes so slow as it happens, but then looking back it just seems like it's gone. Its just wierd I guess. So how's Josh doing? I still need to write him a letter, I feel horrible. I think I'll just write him when he gets home, but I have definatly failed on that one. How is Dan and Marne? How are they taking this whole thing with Nate? Are they pretty excited for Josh to come home? Well the work here is good. I have a bunch of funny stories, but none really have to do with missionary work, so I think I'll just wait and let you read my journal. I've done really well on that. I have written basically every day and every important event on my mission. It's pretty sweet. I'm so glad I have no more winters in Chicago. I hope I get to stay in the city through the whole summer, that would be really nice. How's the basement? I forgot to ask on the phone? Progressing? How's the fam? How's Chels doing? Is she Ok? Let me know how things are. Thanks for venting to me, I feel really special. I wish I could give you the biggest hug right now and tell you how much I love my mommy. So I love you, consider this your hug. MMMMMMMM!!! There ha ha muah, kiss too. love you, tell dad to be good, and tell everyone I love them.
Love, Curtis

Elder Perrin - 5 May 2009

Hey, sorry about last weeks email. I actually wasn't trying to make anyone feel bad, but I might have, my bad on that one. I actually was just writing some things down that have been on my mind, they weren't actually pointed to anyone in specific. I think a lot of it could have been an experience I had while we went to this members house. They were really close to having their first baby, and they lived in just this tiny little attic above this house, it was really small, but really clean and when I walked in I felt peace. While we were giving the lesson and talking with them, it just felt like I was in the temple, and to be honest I think I just had the strongest desire to make my future house feel the exact same way. All these thoughts came to my mind, about how a lot of people care about what their house looks like, or they care about the cool stuff that's in their house, instead of what their house feels like, and it made me kind of sad. It's just sad how Satan blinds everybody, even members of the church. and it's just sad how happiness gets confused.

I think it's kind of sad how in the church sometimes that children kind of get their testimonies spoon fed, so when it comes time for adulthood, sometimes we withdraw from the church because we haven't really received a testimony for ourselves, but I think later on it comes once we realize the blessing we had before when we were actually choosing the right and living the gospel. I think sometimes it can be necassary for young people to withdraw. Sometimes that is what is necessary I think so that the person can gain their own testimony. I think the important thing is just to let them go and not keep trying to convince them to come back. It could lead to more withdrawal. I think patience and prayer and love is the best thing that someone can do to help a loved one back. They will eventually, sooner or later, realize the correct path, sometimes after a lot of pain and grief that could have been avoided, but in the end they come back. I think a mistake sometimes parents make is they become overly worried, and sometimes start to blame themselves for the decisions their children make, and then surprisingly maybe even become depressed, or less happy, and loose sight and trust in Heavenly Father. The best thing I think to do is just be even happier, and even more righteous than before. Smile more, laugh more, read the scriptures more and pray more, and wait. I don't know, hopefully my kids aren't as bad as I was, hopefully not worse. Most likely my kids will be just like me though.

I'm glad you had fun on your little getaway mom, you deserve some time. Man , do you get sad sometimes that almost all your kids are out of the house? I would be sad. It's like the mission in some ways. Somedays you just can't wait to get to be all alone again, but then once their gone your just like uh, great, I miss them. Now what do I do? I don't know, you guys luck out because of Charlie. So this Sunday is the last phone call until I am home, I think. That is pretty crazy. It kind of feels like the last stretch before home, but at the same time, I still have a lot of time left even after this Sunday. So just pray that we can have our goals of member work accomplished.

I'm basically switching over my missionary tactics, but it requires more patience, and smarter tactics. But I think it will work in the end, and pay off more in the long run. You see, missionary work is not about tracting or contacting people, even though those can be important. I don't know, I'm kind of trying something a little different, but I think it's working. Anyway, yeah it has warmed up a little here. I'm pretty sure it's going to stay. If it doesn't I'll cry, because It's almost summer and it shouldn't be cold. So what time do you want me to call on Sunday. I was thinking that I could do it at night, does that work? Hopefully it does. Well have a good week. Ihope all is well. Things are good here. Pray I don't get transferred. He He.

Love Curt

Elder Perrin - 27 April 2009

So how's it going? How is life? Life here is good. NO complaints. How is the weather? Yesterday I had to wear a coat and beanie for some reason. It was like 80 degrees one day and then like 38 the next. It doesn't make any sense, because it's one month before summer. It shouldn't be 38 degrees. But oh well I guess. Elder Melchor and I are doing good. We didn't teach much this week , but we're trying really hard to work with members a lot more, since most baptisms come from members anyways. That's about where I am at right now. I guess I could write down all my experiences to you all but I really don't feel like right now, sorry about that. I just am not a fan of email. Gettting letters is so much better than emails. I guess I'll try and write a letter today if I have any time. I still got to clean the apartment and cook some stuff and cut my hair and get some stuff for my bike, so we'll see if I have any time. Thanks mom for the really long letter, it's good to hear from ya. I love you and miss you. I can't wait to ask for your wise council and advice when I get home. And I might have you reteach me piano again, we'll see about that. I think I want to take a nap today. I think if I have extra time that a nap would take priority over the letter to dad.

So Elder Melchor and I have been having a pretty good time here doing some crazy things some crazy ideas with the work. I hope it all works out. So what's the deal with Chelsea? Is this sickness going to stop her from serving a mission? I can't believe she's going to go. That means I wont' see her for a really long time, like a really long time. Like it's basically as if like my sister died, and then 3 and a half years later I find out that she's alive and I see her for the first time, and it's just super weird and so crazy. That's what it's like.

So do you have Zach's address? I think I'm going to try to write him a letter. Maybe I can talk some words of sense for him. Maybe he needs to hear from me. I guess I'll just get over the fact that I'll never hear from him, but I think I'll write him. I guess I still feel partly guilty for where he's at and I need to write him to rid myself of the guilt I have about this. It basically is tearing me up inside. I don't know how to explain it. But at the same time, I guess it could be worse. I am pretty sure he'll come back, but it still sucks. I wouldn't even care as much if he maybe had his crap all figured out and was all clean, and like died or something. At least I would see him after this life, but now, if he dies, he is basically toast. I imagine as parents you feel pretty crappy about this too, but I hope you and dad realize that the way to do this is to do it like Alma's dad did. Fast and pray and fast and pray.

Either we're serving the lord with all our heart and doing all that our leaders ask of us, or we don't, and we foolishly choose to submit to Satan's way, whatever other choice that may be, laziness, anger, no time, excuses bla bla bla the list goes on. As Joshua says, as for me and my house, we will serve the lord. If we're not serving the lord, who are we serving? Think of how Satan laughs at us every time we are weak in the church, especially because of the promise we made to serve the Lord with everything we got, and then he convinces us that it's too hard or time consuming. Man if we could just see his little smirk every time he wins, I'm pretty sure we would want to punch him in the face, and then in order to shove it back in his face, we would do what the Lord wants and then even more, just so that we could see his disappointment. But why don't we understand that the Lord's way is the easy way? Why? Why? Why? Obviously when were breaking the commandments, even the little ones like little things prophets say, we're not as happy as we could be. We've experienced both sides, yet we still don't get it do we. We still want to choose the hard way. Not only do we sacrifice the peace of the spirit, but in the end, we sacrifice maybe even eternal life? How stupid and mindless can we be??? Who loves the feeling of the temple? I do. Everyone does. Yet why is it that when our home should feel the exact same way, we still fill it with arguing and fighting and tears and sadness, and with the world and with Satan, he just laughs at us!!!! Why do we do that? Why do we settle for less!!! It's like we all know the girlfriend who deserves a better boyfriend, one who doesn't treat her like crap, but she still settles for less! Why do we put ourselves through such misery and heartache when all we have to do is do what the Lord says, and we're safe, and happy, and our family is happy. Man, why does pride have to fill our lives. Don't we know that cars, and more cars, and nice things and envy and being better than our neighbor will be the cause of destruction, even among those that think they are righteous??? Why then do we set our hearts and vain and pointless things like vacations and our house, and cars and gadgets, when they get us nowhere, and we can't even do our calling, after all the Lord has given us. We read the Book of Mormon and we think to ourselves, man how sad. The people just went right back to being wicked. That's so sad how they became so prideful in such a short amount of time.... we are no better than they!!!! Yet we don't even see it. Our pride just blinds our eyes and the world, little by little just tears us down. Let's do what we know to be right, and lets drop the pride, and most of all, let's drop the world behind. We're supposed to be different. We're supposed to stick out. Let's stick out a little more and choose the right and serve the Lord. Serve the Lord. He is greater than the rest, and only he can offer true happiness.
Love Curtis

Elder Perrin - 22 April 2009

Well ,this week was alright. I just got back from the temple. It had been since last June that I went, so that was cool I guess. But I had a whole bunch of questions running through my mind while I was in the session. Just a bunch of doctorinal questions that I wanted answers too that confused me, that I will probably never get the answers to. That's the worst part. If I were to ask somebody, they wouldn't even be able to tell me probably, they would just say, oh because it's the lords will or that's just the way it is. So, I can't really say I like going to the temple, because it still just wierds me out, and I hate the feeling when things don't make sense. Maybe I need a different attitude about it. Really I just want answers though. But I'll never get them.

So chelsea is really going on a mission? Why? Well maybe it will be good I guess; to see how easy real life is compared to the mission life. Let me know where she goes I guess. So what is Zach doing? And why did he move out? Is he giong uphill or downhill in life? No bishop didn't write me a letter. I wasn't really expecting one though. Tell him not to worry about it; he's a busy guy.

I'm glad you had fun at the beach. Sounds like charlie had a blast. I miss Charlie a lot, he's so awesome. So how did candace find out about this letter? I hope you didnt' tell her. I really didn't want her to find out. Either way it doesn't matter I guess. Was that quesiton "What can I do now?" intended for me? Am I supposed to tell you what I think and then you tell her. I'm not doing that. She can just write me if she wants to talk to me. Plus I don't even know, I'm who knows how many miles away from there... we've been over this. I guess I just took it as a confirmation that we really do have no future unless a miracle happens. I do know, however, that all things can be remedied and fixed through the atonement of Christ, that's a comfort isn't it?

Well as far as why I'm here, I can tell you since I'm so far away from you. The elder I replaced wrote a really stupid letter to the mother of a member from the last ward I was in, which is right below. This lady got really infuriated at him, to the point where his life or his well being could be at danger. That's what president told me. So they moved him to the absolute farthest spot they could, Rockford, because this elder didn't use his common sense, nor the spirit, and decided to write a horrible letter to this lady. So here I am on a special errand paying the price of a stupid decision of another elder. I honestly don't mind, it's life, it's the way it goes. Elder Melchor is a really good guy too. Plus I love the bike and it's warming up. It's a nice dividend of a winter below zero on bikes. That was a trip.

I'm sorry I haven't written any letters; I can't say I've found time. It's impossible especially when we go to the temple all day. I guess I could break the rules and write you, but I'm not going to. Sorry but I still love you. Sorry dad. I still love getting letters from you though. The whole 2 I've gotten from dad were a thrill. They made me really happy. And mommy, I love your letters too. Thank you for being so diligent in writing, except for last week and a few others. I love you. I love my family. I figured why I'm so wierd though. It's because my family is so unique and different. It's the different people that make the difference though, at least thats what I tell myself.

love you luv curt