Countdown to Peru !

Landon and I will be going to Peru this Friday. We are SO EXCITED ! We will be able to go to the temple in Lima, meet with President and Sister Perez and Carolina, meet with the missionaries, ward families, investigators and converts. It will be wonderful :) We will spend a couple of days in Pucallpa, and finally travel to Cuzco and Machu Picchu. We will return home on December 13th.

Happenings Lately

We traveled to Vegas and were able to meet up with "Tyler" Herdt and family. Roger and I were finally able to meet the big guy we have grown to love through weekly emails these past two years.

Enjoying "The Kings Tournament" at Excalibur

Elder Wright and family welcomed us to their home in Idaho. We had a great lunch, and Landon and Zac reminisced about Peru. We also viewed the pics of their trip to Peru. Landon and I (his mom) will be traveling to Peru on December 4th, we can hardly wait !!

Elder Quinn's family invited us to view a production of Les Miserables that Chase Quinn was starring in as Thénardier. He did a WONDERFUL job ~ WOW !

A Wonderful Day

Thanks to all of you who shared our day
We love you !

Speaking in Church

Landon's homecoming talk will be on Sunday, November 8th, 11am, at the Porterville Church in Morgan. 2700 S. Morgan Valley Drive. (Morgan 6th Ward)

Sister Lori London's missionary "farewell" will be in the same meeting, so plan to arrive early to get a good seat.

Directions: Take the Morgan Exit, turn right onto State Street, proceed south past Jubilee, over the Weber River (bridge under construction), to Young (0) Street, turn right, proceed West to the "Y" intersection (near the mountains), turn left, proceed South for about 4 miles? or so. It will be on your right, brown building, you can't miss it.

After Sacrament meeting, we will gather at the County Courthouse for a luncheon at approximately 12:30. Hope you can all come and enjoy!

*You will pass the Courthouse as you turn at the intersection of State and Young street. It is on the NW corner.

The Homecoming

It was a wonderful day yesterday. We are so happy to see Landon, and he looks SO GOOD. We all had smiles a mile wide all day long. Click here for more pics.

Leaving Peru.........

Hermana Alcantara sent this picture via Facebook early this morning. It was taken at the airport in Lima.

Our North American missionaries have been on a plane since 12:30 am this morning from Lima to Atlanta. After a 2 hour layover, the Utah missionaries are expected in SLC at 12:30 pm MST. If they happen upon a good tail wind, they could be a little early. We invite any and all to join with us at the airport, or later this evening at our home. As you can imagine, we are looking forward to seeing Landon once again. We are so proud of him, and the mission he has served. It has indeed, been the BEST TWO YEARS........so far :)

Check back on this blog for pics of the reunion, updates as far as work and college, and also our trip BACK to Peru, which is tentatively planned for December of this year. Thanks to ALL of you, for joining us in this journey.

You're going to be okay Elder.......

The next few days are going to be a little rough for Elder Rich and other returning missionaries.......in more ways than one.

Please CLICK HERE and read this, just to get an idea.

A Missionary 's Story.........

Now these were their journeyings; Having taken leave of their father (and mother)....they departed out of the land.....and they took their (missionary supplies)..... to go up to the land of (Peru).

And it came to pass that they......fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring if it were possible, their brethren.....to the knowledge of the truth.....

And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them; Be comforted, and they were comforted. And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth.....and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient.....show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

And it came to pass that the hearts of (these) sons....took courage to go forth......to declare.....the word of God. And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land......they separated themselves and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken.

*Parts taken from Alma,Chapter 17, Verses 6-13

2 years later..............

(They) did rejoice exceedingly to see (each other).....and they were....brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with the power and authority of God. And they had been teaching the word of God for the space of (two years).....having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words.

*Parts taken from Alma,Chapter 17, Verses 2-4

New Assistant

Elder Vigil, from Layton, Utah arrived at the offices last Thursday. Landon is training him as his replacement. The work goes on !

Meeting with Great Leaders !

Today the meeting was great!! All of the Peru missions (North, East, South, Central) were there and President Edgley, of the Presiding Bishopric was there with his wife, Elder Clayton, President of the Seventy, Elder Christofferson, from the Twelve Apostles, Elder Nash, Elder Pino, and Elder Gavarret, and four other Seventy's, Four mission presidents, the Lima Temple President, and other leaders of the area. It was a great meeting!!

President Edgley talked about how today is the greatest time in the history of the church to do missionary work. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how rich or poor you are or how much education you have, we all have the same calling and the same responsibility to help others.

Elder Clayton talked about the miracles he has seen here in Peru. In 1925 there wasn’t a single member of the church in South America and in 1971 there was only 1 Stake and Mission in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Elder Christofferson talked about Alma 17:3. Teaching by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy. The new Bible in Spanish could very well be the best version of the Bible in all the world. It’s a privilege to serve God. We need to KNOW Jesus Christ. Not only know things about Him, we need to KNOW His atonement, not only know about it.

The Spirit was strong and it was a great atmosphere. Afterward, President Perez had lunch with all of the leaders and he said that very good things were said about the Peru Lima North Mission. As I leave the mission, I'm happy it is in such good shape - the best in this continent and possibly the world.

These past two years have been the best. I have learned more than I ever have in my life previously. I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have had, and I will always remember the lessons learned, and use them throughout my life.

Now it’s time to move on and get on with work, study, and family. It’s the plan of God that will never stop and will never change. I’ve learned to value a lot of things that maybe before I didn’t appreciate enough. I love my God and I love my family who has supported me.

Grandparents!!!! Thanks for everything you have done for me over these past two years. I love you with all my heart and I will see you soon and be working along side you. Thanks for everything.

MOM and DAD. Well it’s come - my last email..... What do we have to say for ourselves? It’s been a long road, much has changed, and all will be great!!! I can’t wait to be with you, and to learn the things I didn’t learn before. I ask that you will be patient with me and help me in my weaknesses. I have many. Teach me everything you know. I love you and can’t wait to see you!!!

MOM DON’T CRY!! I love you, and well, there isn’t any more to say that can’t wait until WEDNESDAY!!!!

7 Missionaries coming home to the states

These North American missionaries will be returning home next week. Texas, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah - here they come !

Today, they will have their farewell testimony meeting with all of the Elders who are in the zones which are close to Lima.

Tomorrow all of the missionaries will get to hear Elder Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Sunday, they will attend church in Lima for the last time as a missionary, and also have their farewell interviews with President Perez.

Monday they will be able to visit members and converts and investigators near the Lima area.

Tuesday they will attend the Lima Temple for the last time as a Peru Lima North Missionary.

Wednesday they will return home, having successfully completed their 2-year missions.

Dear Family...........

"Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full."

2 John 1:12

The Lost Black Sheep

"He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart"
Isaiah 40:11

"I don’t know if I have mentioned him before, but we found a man named Carlos about two months ago. He is 29 years old. His brothers and sisters are members of the church, but he is separated from them. He is the lost black sheep."

"When we found him in the street he was a drug addict. He lived in the back of a truck and worked in the morning so he could eat lunch, worked in the afternoon so he could eat dinner, and he went hungry for breakfast."

"We taught him the gospel, little by little. We pounded it in his head, haha. He already had heard it a million times, he knows over 100 missionaries, but it wasn’t his time. Since the time we found him, he has changed. He now lives in a hotel where he doesn’t have to go out into the street to see his ´´friends´´ where he will be tempted to go back to his old ways. He has made things right with his partner, Angela. Last night we had a GREAT lesson with them. We talked about families, we talked about the Law of Chastity, and we loved them."

"How sweet is the gospel of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice that can make any man or women clean from ANY error or sin. At the end of the lesson, holding hands, they said, “Well it’s the best for both of us.” Before, they fought and yelled and hated. Now they love and respect one another."

"Carlos had a “strong” character and a horrible attitude with Angela, but after President Monson spoke about Anger in the Priesthood Session, which Carlos attended, he has completely changed his attitude and his way of being. I love this gospel and I love my Savior Jesus Christ and his Prophet here upon this earth."

"I will not be here to see the progress of Carlos and Angela. I will not be able to see their baptism, but I know the Lord will bless them!! I love them and will miss them!!!"

**We got a "shout out" on this great blog - Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord. Pretty awesome !

This past week.........

"The trip to Tarapoto was great. We flew out Tuesday, and spent the night. Wednesday we had the interviews and trainings with the Tarapoto Zone, where I said good bye to Elder Foutz and Elder Sanchez for the last time as a missionary."

"The trainings went really well. My companion is teaching on “Teaching by the Spirit”, and I’m teaching about how to use ´´The Flip´´ to help investigators get to church. ´´The Flip´´ is a flip book of pictures of the church and it's meetings, so that the investigators are more familiar with the meetings before they actually GO to the meetings."

"Afterward, we ate lunch and headed to Moyobamba!! The travel was great and I took some good pics. It was about a 2 and a half hour drive through beautiful jungle with big mountains and steep drop offs, haha, it was good. We stayed the night there Wednesday, and got up for the interviews on Thursday. The trainings also went really well and then I ate a giant ANT!!! Haha, it’s called Siquisapa. It wasn’t as gross as the Suri, so that was a plus."



"Then we headed back to Tarapoto and got stuck in construction, so we were held back and there was no time to visit anyone in Tarapoto. We went straight to the airport and flew out to Lima. We got here to the offices around 12 midnight. Lets just say that yesterday (Friday), I was REALLY tired !!!"

*Click on the picture for a close up of the HUGE ANT

Wear yourself out, in service to the Lord

"Hey - I know you !"

"You will never believe how many people know me! Last Monday Elder Peterson and I had the opportunity to go to the CCM and participate in a class with the North American missionaries who will be coming to our mission this next change. I’m not lying... 5 missionaries came up to me and said, "Elder Rich.... I KNOW YOUR MOM!" It was great. I loved it.... and another one said... "Elder Rich (looking at my plaque), this is going to sound like a stupid question, but... do you have a blog?" Haha, it was great!! I was dying laughing.... The blog has been a help for many people, and I’m glad and grateful you have done it, it's great! You have started something amazing!!!! I love you Mom."

General Conference Pics

So I'm checking out Facebook this morning, and what do I find? Brother Hugo has posted pics of Landon ! Talk about making my day :)

I'm going to have to give Landon a bad time. I had written "Good Morning Sunshine" in the subject line of my last email, and he jokingly replied, "The sun never shines in Lima :)"

Looks like the sun in shining here !

Lester, Hugo, Landon, and Elder Santiago.

I can hardly wait to hear Landon's report of conference in next week's email.

Thanks Hugo !!

Busy Busy

All is well here, I'm the most busy I have ever been in my mission.

The drive up to Barranca last Tuesday/Wednesday was good. I love that trip because Sister Perez brings a big cooler full of goodies and sandwiches and drinks and it’s just amazing!!!! They are good company, or I should say, we are good company.

Presidente mentioned something really special to me. He told me that he and his wife were talking, and they said that having me back in the offices is like having a son come back from a trip. “Back in the house” is what he said. I love them both very much.

Escoged hoy

For English version see this link

"I knew you would accept it !!"

The week before last we were able to travel to Pucallpa, it was great!!! I was able to see some converts and also people that I was teaching who were baptized after I left. What a great feeling it is when that happens.

Imagine in the after life, ALL the people that we have ever shared the gospel with, if or when they get baptized and endure to the end, we will see them and we will be so so so happy to see them and say, “I knew you would accept it!!!!”

I bought the new Bible in Spanish and I love it. I think I like it better than I like the Bible in English. I don’t know, it’s just different, and I’m actually reading the Bible for the first time in my life, and loving it. I’m excited to get on with my life and get studying and working and see what life has to bring... and well, it’s coming fast.....

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz............................

This past week has been really really tiring. Last night I went upstairs and fell on my bed with all my clothes on, with my wallet and plaque and everything. I stayed there ALL nightlong. I slept in my church clothes you could call them, but in reality they're my everyday clothes, haha.

Words of Advice from Elder Boyd K. Packer

With his 85 years of experience, he was asked what advice would he give a young man if he had just a minute or two to counsel the youth.

President Packer was quick with his answer: "I would tell him to stay in harmony with the great plan of redemption, to live the gospel, to gain a testimony — not just an impression but a certain testimony — that the gospel is true and Jesus is the Christ, that the Atonement is a great healer. Spiritual development is really an individual effort. If you're conscious about that, you can ever be learning.

"I would tell him to keep a sense of humor. It's critically important. If you get wound up tight, you can't see the comical side of things. Like many other things, a sense of humor has to be cultivated.

"I would tell that young man to get the best education he could get — which does not always equate to the best schooling — to be always learning, to have a curiosity about him.

"I would tell him to develop a little courage. It would be sad to be afraid all the time. The doctrines of the gospel are powerful and sustaining principles so that you can live with assurance and without fear even in times of serious challenges.

"I would tell the young man, 'Don't be afraid of the future. Don't be afraid to marry, for instance. You can't have everything certain before you take that step. You take that step and everything works out.' "

He said that he would encourage the young man to move forward. "I've never been a very good veteran in looking back at things of the past. I've learned that you don't go back in life. You don't go back to the old town or the old way of life. The magic is gone, and you just move ahead." - Elder Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles

Email Treats

One of the great blessings of being a missionary mom, is meeting other parents either in person or online. It's always exciting to get emails mentioning "our" Elder.

From Elder Hudson, in an email to his family: "The new AP, Elder Rich my old ZL, complimented me on how much I have improved my Spanish at the interviews, so that is good."

From Elder Peterson, in an email to his family: "Yesterday Elder Rich called me and told me that this morning we were going to the CCM to be part of a capacitacion. It was sweet. Me and Elder Rich were the missionaries representing the Mission Norte. It really was an experience." (Capacitacion = Qualification)

From Hermana Compton's father: "Nearly two weeks ago my #2 daughter and I went to Lima to pick up our missionary daughter as she finished her mission. Of course, when we went to the mission office I made a point of meeting Elder Rich. He seemed as good in person as I had imagined him from the website. He seems healthy and happy."

Fernando's baptism

Fernando is an older man, who is one of the Lord’s chosen ones.

We contacted him in the street and he invited us in, and since that first day he said he would be baptized. We explained to him about the power and authority, it was a good experience, and ever since then we have just taught him.

He isn’t the richest in the world, and he lives with and takes care of his mom who has health problems. They live in a room that’s about 15 foot square. In that room they have 2 beds and a stove top. He has 4 daughters, 3 are in Germany and are married, and one daughter lives here in Peru. He is learning and wants to follow. He has a lot of knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. He is great!!!!

Pics from Peru

Elder Smith, Elder Flores, Elder Rich

Tarapoto - August
Elder Santiago, Diego (with his little girl), Elder Rich

Feliz Cumpleanos to Elder Quinn
His "family" came to wish him Happy Birthday !

Picking up an accent :)

In every country where the people speak Spanish, every one speaks differently. With a different accent.

In America for example, a New Yorker, or someone from the South, are speaking English, but with an accent which is completely different.

It’s the same here in Latin-America. Some accents are stronger than others and many times you will see missionaries come home from their missions speaking with that same accent.

Well the Peruvian accent isn’t strong at all, that’s to say for me, I speak English with my normal accent, at least that’s what I think. What did you think in the phone calls?? (We thought the same thing – there appeared to be NO accent at all when he was speaking English)

The Uruguay accent is stronger than the Peruvian. It turns out that without me knowing, just by listening and speaking so much with President and his family, EVERYONE says “Hey, you don’t speak like a Gringo now, you speak like President”

At first I didn’t notice, but now that I’m paying attention I notice it big time, haha, and it’s strong!! It even comes out in my English!

Big meetings.........Great Leaders

On Sunday, September 20th, our Stake here Lima is getting divided, so we have a big Conference tomorrow with President Nash and it will be good.

Also, in October before I am released, Elder Christofferson, from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and a President of the Seventy, will be down here to speak to our mission and the Central mission.

We ate SURI !!

It was gross !! It tasted just like fish bait smells, haha.

Welcome Home Elder Bagley

Remember this guy? Front and center? Well, he's been home for 1 week now. Elder Bagley finished one change before Elder Rich. They had served together in the office for a change or two last December/January, and again for a few days at the end of July.

We had the opportunity to travel to Moroni Utah to listen to his report in church. It was a wonderful day. The Bagley's are such a welcoming family, and we had plenty of time of talk and laugh and tell stories at the yummy luncheon held afterwards.

Words can't express how a parent feels when another missionary who has served with your son gives you a BIG hug and tells you how much he loves your son, and that you should be proud of him and his service to the Lord. Thanks Elder Bagley!

Then and Now..........

On Wednesday, September 9th, the Assistants travelled to the CCM to pick up the "newbies". They came back to President and Sister Perez' apartment for lunch. At this time, they took pictures which will be sent home to parents anxiously awaiting news.

This is the picture WE received those many months ago.....

It was December 28, 2007. A missionary looking excited, happy, and maybe a little nervous ?





















I guess Elder Rich thought another picture at this time was appropriate. Much more comfortable, still happy (as usual), and with so much LOVE for these wonderful servants of God. They take SUCH good care of our missionaries. We are so grateful for their love and guidance.

My Mission Commission

I am called of God. My authority is above that of the Kings of the Earth. By revelation, I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my Master and He has chosen me to represent Him. To stand in His place, to say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice and my acts are His acts. My words are his words, and my doctrine is His doctrine. My commission is to do what he wants done, to say what He wants said, to be a living modern witness in word and deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous latter - day work. How great is my calling !

- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

My Companions

This week marks the beginning of the end. Changes are today. Elder Rich will officially be in the OLDEST group in the mission. He will finish with Elder Santiago as his companion, and they are both very happy about this as they are the best of friends. 15 companions, over 24 months. What a great learning experience. (Click on the picture to enlarge)

Finally - they get to meet !

Last October, we were contacted by Preston Wheiler of Maple Valley, Washington. He had been called to Peru Lima North Mission, and had stumbled upon Elder Rich's blog. He left the following message:

"Sis. Rich,

I was just called to the Peru Lima North Mission. I report to the MTC in January, and am very nervous, thus I have been frantically searching the web for as much information about the mission as I can find. Most the stuff I found just made me nervous (I've traveled a lot but never to anywhere like Peru). I read things like about how poor it was and how different their food was and about the risk of disease. But when I found this blog, detailing your son's mission, it gave me a lot of hope. The mission looks great! (although the food will still be difficult for me, haha).

I am excited to keep searching your blog for more information, hope to hear from you, and am excited to meet Landon in the mission field and say "Hey, I've read your blog!"."

This past month, when Landon traveled to Tarapoto, they finally had the chance to meet. His mom sent this picture. Another tender mercy. This mission has been such a blessing.

Hey Elder ...........

"An end is come, the end is come: it watcheth for thee; behold, it is come." Ezekiel 7:6

Not a coincidence......

We're doing great in the field, Elder Santiago and I. We have A LOT of investigators that are really good. The Lord is literally guiding us to them by all sorts of ways. Here is a story:

When I was Personal Secretary (August 2008 - February 2009), I always had to go to the bank to make payments. There was always a lady there who helped me always. I took down her direction (address) and at that time she lived a long way away from the office. I don’t know if the missionaries ever got to her house.

Here a year later, Elder Santiago and I are visiting a different investigator in an apartment building on the same block and very close to the offices. We were walking down the stairs and out she comes with her little daughter. We recognized each other immediately, and she said, "VISIT US!!" It was great!

We didn’t know if her husband would be receptive, but we visited them, and they are GREAT!! I feel something for this family. I don’t know why, but I know it’s a family that ´´I´´ am supposed to teach. Her husband works in Iquitos and is only here in Lima for 1 week every month, so it's going to be a little hard, but they are both really good!! I'm excited.

My Testimony

I want to express to you my love that I have for my Savior Jesus Christ. He lives!! He is our Savior and our Redeemer. As we repent, we are forgiven and can return to God; but only through His sacrifice.

I love Him, I'm grateful for Him and always will be for the rest of my life and for all eternity. We need to fight everyday to better our testimony of Him and to share it with those who don’t know Him.

We have to repent and do our best to be clean and pure. I'm not perfect, I make errors, I commit sins; all of us do, but we need to remember who we are. We are sons and daughters of God, and Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. I love Him and always will.

September - Uno Mas

Our goal was for 400 baptisms here in the Mission North this past month of August, which is a good feat. We hit 404 in the month of May, and we're planning on going with it in September and October also.

Our motto for September is ´´ one more´´ or ´´uno mas´´. It's to say we should do even more than we did in August, and be even more obedient and even more diligent.

The Mission North is the best mission in Peru and the world. Many people may say that their mission was ´´the best in the world´´, but they never were a ´´norteño´´ The reputation lives and always will.

Teaching

Elder Santiago and I are teaching various people in our area. We have the Family Barboza, the Family Billar. We have Igor and his mom Maria, and various other people that we just need to teach and we will be able to help them be baptized.

We are teaching another man who lives out of a truck. He doesn’t have a home and he has two kids that live with his mom. He lives about a block away from his kids. He is a drug addict and also an alcoholic, and we're helping him to get baptized and change his life. It's hard and it’s a process.

Working in the field is going great, I love teaching and I love working with Elder Santiago. I can't wait for September, because the new Bible in Spanish comes out, and I will for sure be getting it. And also we will have our Stake Conference where our Stake will be divided in two, and that’s a great thing because it means we're working hard.

Letter from President and Sister Perez

August 30, 2009

Dear Families of Missionaries in the Peru Lima North Mission,

It is an honor to be able to write you and express our thanks for the service that your sons and daughters are carrying out here in the mission. My wife and I are happy to have so many valiant young men and women that are giving all they’ve got, and even more.

Every six weeks we have the blessing of being with them, to interview them, train them, and visit their houses. It is in this way that we see the sacrifice they make every day with glad hearts, and we know that they are living many spiritual experiences. We want to tell you that in the month of August, your missionaries are working towards the goal of having six baptisms per companionship. Many have already achieved this goal and others have surpassed this amount before the month has even ended. We are very happy because they are obedient and know they are working for the Lord. The enthusiasm of each young man and woman has carried them to have the desire of achieving this very important goal, and for the month of September, the plan is to have seven baptisms per companionship. It is a very noteworthy number. Your missionaries know that if they work well and plan intelligently, the Lord will be with them. (D & C 84:88)

It is for this motive that we want to get in touch with you, the parents, so that in the letters you write to your missionaries every Monday, they feel like the marvelous sons and daughters that you know you have; and that in these letters, you can lovingly encourage them to achieve their missionary objective, which is “to bring many souls unto Christ.”

We want to again express to you our deepest gratitude; and please know that your missionaries are giving all for you.
(D & C 118:3)

With much love,

President and Sister Pérez
President and Wife
Perú Lima North Mission


**This letter was sent via email to all parents of missionaries in PLN. We understand that some of you did not receive this email because your email provider may have marked it as junk or spam. If you would like this email forwarded to you, please let me know at sled4fun2@hotmail.com. Thanks - Sister Gwen Rich

"Oldest city of the Americas"

Thursday (August 27th), we got up and ate breakfast in the car on our way to the famous city of ´´Caral´´.

Just so you know, it's official. I have been to the ´´oldest city of the Americas´´. It was cool. What I liked even more than Caral, was the road getting there.

We were in the ´´sierra´´ or the mountains, something that we don’t have in our mission. It was great to see the blue sky, the open farm ground, the mountains and hills, and just fresh air.

On our way back to Lima, we stopped in Huacho to eat lunch at ´´Rockys´´. It's a chicken place and it was really good. Then we got on the road home and were back in Lima around 4 pm in the afternoon and we got to work out in the field.

Trip to Barranca

This past week we had a good time traveling to Barranca. To get there we drove through the Zones of Pro, Puente Piedra, Ventanilla, Huacho, and then finally getting to Barranca, about a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive. President Perez was the driver and he is great with his navigator, Sister Perez, and of course the snack provider in the back seat, their daughter Carolina.

The drive up started around 10 o'clock on Wednesday. We ate breakfast and lunch in the car (sandwiches made by Sister Perez and Carolina). There were chocolate chip cookies, Twix candy, pop, and all sorts of stuff, it was great, with even better company. I love my companion and the Perez family.

It was good to get to see Barranca. It has A LOT of farm land, and it was great to see the ocean, the mountains, the green fields of sugar cane, and all the farmers doing their work by hand. They do it just like the olden times in the United States, with horse and by hand. It's hard work, but that doesn’t stop the oldest geezer to the youngest buck from getting out there and working.

We got there around 1 o'clock and had time to catch a little nap in the hotel, and then we went to the interviews with the Zones Barranca and Huacho. It was good to get to see some of the elders that were with me previously in the Pucallpa zone (Elder Clarke and Mamani). Also, I got to see Elder Kay, who is from my group (the group that went out together almost 2 years ago). It was a good meeting, and afterward we ate dinner with the zone leaders of Barranca and got to bed early.

Advice from Elder Rich

Last week, another missionary I'm corresponding with wanted some advice on how to deal with companions. I passed this question along to Elder Rich, and this is what he had to say:

If they don't want to work, YOU work even harder.
If they don't want to be obedient, YOU be even more obedient.
If they lack Love, YOU love them even more....
Be humble, Pray often, Work hard, Be obedient.
It’s the same for every single missionary, member, and Profet in the world!

Missionary Work

All people on the earth were members of God’s family in the premortal life. We are part of God’s family in this life and can enjoy even greater blessings as members of His family in the life to come. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God. This knowledge gives us a sense of identity and belonging. It gives us reason to hope for eternal life in God’s presence. We understand these basic truths because of the Restoration. Teaching restored truths to your brothers and sisters is your responsibility and blessing. Like Alma seeking to help the apostate Zoramites, you can pray: “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious. . .; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31:34-35). (Preach my Gospel: A guide to missionary service)

Road Trip

The Assistants and Presidente Perez have headed north up the coast from Lima to visit Barranca and Huacho Zones. Presidente Perez will drive the long winding route which will take 2-3 hours.

Elder Rich has never been to this area of Peru before, but his two good friends, Elder Woolf and Elder Herdt began their missions here. This picture, of Elder Herdt is in that area, almost 20 months ago. My how time flies.

Nunca estamos solos

Tarapoto Trip Remembered

Well, it was a good week, we went to Tarapoto last Wednesday and had interviews with the missionaries there, and also in Moyobamba. It was good to see the elders again.

We were able to visit all the afternoon with members and converts!!! I was able to see Diego Montenegro, and his family. Remember the little baby girl I was holding in the picture? (the picture is on the very very top of my blog), Well I took another picture holding her, but now she is huge and walking haha!!!

I was able to see Giovanna Vela, mother of Paul who drowned last December. She was working, so we didn’t have much time to talk, but she is doing well.

I saw Jorge, the husband of Rosita del Carmen, and their son Patrick. He isn’t a fat baby anymore, he is a walking skinny machine haha.. It's crazy!!!

It was a good trip, good flight, with good interviews.

A visit back

Presidente and Elder Rich and Elder Santiago traveled to Tarapoto yesterday. It's been about a year since Landon has been there.

I don't imagine there was much of THIS going on........



Probably more like THIS picture below, excepting that Gabo is coming upon his year mark in Bahia Blanca Argentina, and Elder Flores..... I'm not sure which zone he is in now?

Finally - new pictures up and posted !

I may be a little late (I'll just say it, I'm a procrastinator:) Here are some pics from Pucallpa. I think Elder Rich will be sending more soon, and I promise to get them up quicker than I got these posted. These are from April, May, June, and July.

Miscellaneous Pucallpa Pics

Youth in Pucallpa

Baptisms in Pucallpa

Vacation in Pucallpa

Church in Pucallpa

Massive Matrimonio

My companion

Elder Santiago is from Guatemala City, Guatemala. He is the oldest of 3 sons. One of his brothers is serving a mission in Ecuador and the other is 15 years old. They live with their mom. They have been members all their lives and are a great family.

I love my companion, he is the best. We’re the best of friends and we’re going great. We work hard, and we have fun doing it. He finishes his mission in January of the next year.

Facing the Facts

Well the time is getting short, I know I say this every week, but it's so true. I don’t have any time left and it feels weird. I know I will have to return home, but I have kind of forgotten what a normal life is like back home. The mission is the best thing that I have done in my life. I will spend all my life doing this work, I will help in every ward I am in and I will serve and I will do all I can to help other young men get on missions. I will do whatever I am called to do.

I know I'm talking about home, haha, I don’t know why............., I'm not trunky at all. I'm working hard and I'm loving what I'm doing and working to the best of my ability. I'm just facing the fact that one day I will have to go home.


I don’t know what the Lord has in store for me. After the mission it will be a life completely different. I have no idea what I will do. It’s going to be hard to stop being a missionary here in Peru. To leave all that I have done for the last 2 years. To leave President and his family. To not be a missionary. We have two choices, do the Father’s will, or not. We have to pray and know what His will is and then follow it and complete it. I’m not scared, I’m not uncertain, I just plain don’t want to stop being a missionary.

Let's get the combines going !

The following is an excerpt from a letter that Elder Wright sent to his family:

"Well, Elder Rich and President came to see us. I gave an hour long talk on why we should be "combines" and harvest the baptisms. See DyC 4:4. I talked about how the field is white and ready to harvest, about how there are many people looking for the gospel in their lives and they just don't know where to find it. See DyC 123:12. And how we as missionaries from the north mission should be like the combine and harvest all the people that we can. It was one of the funniest talks I have given on my mission. President loved it, and Elder Rich couldn't stop laughing, saying that I was a real hick, and that only an Idaho boy could put a wheat harvest story in a church talk! We spent the day with them and it was fun."

**Elder Rich's mom thinks Elder Rich is the pot, calling the kettle black !

Good News !!

"Good news from Proceres and Villa Sol. The Polanco family was SEALED in the temple!!!!! I haven’t seen pics yet, but they wrote me a letter and it was amazing to get it and be able to know they are happy and doing great in the church, I can only imagine."

**In these pictures - the daughters were baptized in March of 2008, and a few weeks later, their parents were. Such a special family.

P-day

Today (Saturday, August 8th) we went to the center of Lima to visit two museums. One was the catacombs underneath a Catholic church. It was interesting more than anything, for the first time in all my life I entered into a Catholic church during a meeting, and it was very very interesting. It was good to get out and see Lima again and just rest.

Travel Day

Today Elder Rich will be traveling with Elder Santiago and President Perez. They will go to Pucallpa for trainings and interviews. He reported in his last email, that three of his previous investigators in Pucallpa were baptized last Saturday - he was so happy. This is a picture of a previous baptism in Pucallpa. What a cute familia.

Hecticness........

Well this week has been full of adventure and excitement and well a week of hecticness, haha, I know that’s not a word but oh well…

Let's see where do I start?? Sunday was a good day. Our ward is really great and we had four really good investigators assist. They are now being taught and I'm sure that all of them will be baptized this August.

Monday (August 3rd) was a normal day in the offices and we prepared to go to Iquitos. We worked to get our trainings all ready, and were also able to teach the family that went to church. They have a lot of questions and are great.

Tuesday (August 4th) there were a lot of interviews for President, and in the evening we flew to Iquitos. It is alot bigger than Pucallpa or Tarapoto, I was surprised haha.

Wednesday (August 5th) we had interviews with Zones of 9 de Octubre and Iquitos. Our trainings went well, and it was good to see the missionaries. After, we were able to go to an American restaurant called The Little Texas Rose - it's owned by a Texan. I had a filet minon cordon bleu and it was really good and it only cost 10 dollars. Then Elder Santiago and I went to a cool river place, and I GOT TO KNOW THE AMAZON RIVER!!! HAHA. I never in my life would have thought this would happen !

Friday (August 7th) we had interviews with the Palmeras Zone and Independence Zone. Elder Peterson is the Zone Leader in Independence and it was good to see him and he gave a really good training. We were also able to get out to teach today. We taught a guy named Igor who came to church the last Sunday. other day. He is from Cuzco. He and his mom will get baptized hopefully.

What a day !

Elder Nemelka reported on his mission today in West Jordan, Utah. It was a great report, and we loved the hugs and kind words that we received from Elders who had recently been with our sons.

Back: Elder Nemelka, Elder Rich's Mom (me), Elder Peterson's Dad, Sister, Mom, Elder Quinn's Dad, Mom, Brother
Front: Jake Frost (former PLN missionary), Kenny Hirschi (former PLN missionary), Hirschi's fiance, Elder Quinn's other brother.

Genealogy in the Office

Can you figure this picture out?? I couldn't at first, but then it "clicked", and I added the words so it would make sense!

If ye are prepared, ye shall not fail

Thursday we had the council with all the zone leaders and I was nervous, but not nervous.....

I knew I had prepared well, and had prayed a lot and hard. I knew that it would go well, and that the Spirit would be with me. I hope the mission as a whole, can sacrifice more and receive more blessings.

A visit to the jungle

Presidente Perez and the Assistants are traveling to the Zones of Iquitos and 9 de Octobre today for Entrevistas (Interviews). This city is about 627 miles north of Lima, and can only be accessed by plane or boat.

The Temple and Sacrifice

Saturday (July 25th) we went to the temple as an office. It was a great time, the first time in 6 months. I learned a lot about sacrifice. I’m preparing for my training in the Zone Leader Council about sacrifice and diligence. I’m still getting used to being Assistant. It’s a completely different thinking pattern. It’s helping me grow and helps to make my weaknesses become strengths. I love where I’m at. I love doing what a missionary does. I love my Lord Jesus Christ. I know He lives.

Sacrifice is everything. Last night I saw on the back of a car, a bumper sticker that said, “No envidias mi progreso, sin saber mi sacrificio” (Don't envy my progress, without knowing my sacrifice). In the Hymn “Loor al Profeta” (Praise to the Man), there is a verse that talks about sacrifice. Everything in this church requires a sacrifice. The sacrament is also a great way to show the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and our sacrifice, to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit as we partake of it.

On Tuesday (July 28th) we went again to the temple with all of the old missionaries who were finishing their missions, and with Presidente and his wife. It was great. I was able to go to the temple 2 times in 4 days. It was really special because it helped me to understand more about what I was going to talk about in the Consejo de Lideres.

New Missionaries

Wednesday we were able to go to the CCM to pick up the new missionaries. There were seven of them. We took them to the home of Presidente Perez where they were introduced, trained, had interviews, and a good meal. Afterwards we came to the offices and introduced them to their trainers and they went off to work and so did we!

Living Waters

The following poem was written by Sister Chipman, who is serving with her husband President Chipman, over the Peru Piura Mission. I have posted it here, along with one of my FAVORITE pictures.

Living Waters

Little ones with smiles bright
From homes of mud and straw
How many of you will search for truth
Living waters from which to draw?

Look to your future with hope and faith
The Lord holds you in his hands.
He promised to send the gospel again
To Lehi’s little band.

His missionaries here are valiant and true
Their testimonies burn bright
The fire of truth illuminates their eyes
As they desire to share His light.

Once you hear it you will know
..An echo from the past
It will beckon to your heart and soul
Living waters here at last.

Brrrrr...........

Here in Lima and it's about 65 to 68 degrees, not that cold, but when you come from the jungle where its 95 to 100 everyday with humidity, it is a killer. The cold goes straight to your bones.

Back in Lima

Hey how is everything going?? Well I’m here in Lima and in the offices once again. The farewell in Pucallpa was good. I arrived here in Lima on Thursday at 3pm in the afternoon and we went right to work in our area. Our area is called Los Angeles, in the Stake of Palmeras. I’m really excited. We’re teaching really good families and one in particular, the dad reminds me a lot of Uncle Mark. His structure, his way of doing things, and wow, he is great and his family is really good. I’m really excited to be able to work with Elder Nemelka for these few days before he goes home, and with Elder Santiago, my new companion.

Friday was the Multi-zone farewell of the old missionaries that are going home (on July 29th), and I was presented as the new Assistant, it was a good experience. I don’t feel like an Assistant yet, but I guess it will hit me this Wednesday when I get to go to the CCM and pick up the new missionaries, and on Thursday, when we give training to the Zone Leaders. It will hit me then. I remember perfectly, the day I was picked up at the CCM by Elder Toolson and Elder Brandenburg. “My” Assistants. How great the experiences will be. I’m very excited.

My favorite part of being Assistant is receiving revelation for the missionaries, and receiving it to be able to prepare trainings. The Spirit works so close to you and you have to be paying attention. I love it. It’s just what I need right now in my mission. Today I get to go to the Lima temple for the first time in 6 months, and I’m very excited because it will help me out so much with the training that I’m preparing for.

There isn’t much news more that that, just that I’m happy. I still don’t know why it’s me, but all I know is the Lord has put me here. Well, I love you all and I wish you all the best. Pray for me.

New Pics !!

Brother Quispe is a member of the Stake Presidency in Pucallpa.
This sweet family would feed the missionaries often.

Elder Rich, Elder Foutz, Elder Quinn
Grandfather, Father, Son
(Elder Rich served as secretary to Presidente Perez from August 2008 to February 2009. He trained Elder Foutz, who has served in this position until now. Elder Foutz has trained Elder Quinn who will be the new secretary)

Elder Santiago, Elder Nemelka, Elder Rich

Elder Quinn is taking the place of Elder Foutz
Elder Rich is taking the place of Elder Nemelka
Elder Steed is taking the place of Elder Bagley (who was Herdt's replacement)
Elder Sandy (in front) was Landon's companion during January 2009
Carolina is Presidente and Sister Perez' daughter

Unexpected Change.........a little early

Changes are scheduled for next Wednesday (July 29th), however we received this unexpected news from Elder Rich last week. We waited to post it until today, at his request. He returned to Lima Thursday evening.

"I have some news to tell you. I know where I will go to finish my mission! I know the area, I know the zone and I know where I will be sleeping. My time here in Pucallpa is not going to last long…… Here in about a week or so, I will be moved from Pucallpa and be put in as the new Assistant in the Mission Peru Lima North. My companion will be Elder Santiago. More than a year ago we were in the same zone (in Tarapoto) and we told each other that we were going to be companions one day, and look how it turned out!?"
"I'm very grateful for this call and position. It will come with more challenges and new experiences. What a great blessing."

More info received in Monday's email:

"Well, on Thursday night, (July 23rd), I will be going in (to Lima) to be trained by Elder Nemelka (one of the current AP's, who will be going home on July 29th). I will be present for the good bye meeting for all those who are going home on Friday. I will get to see Elder Vasquez before he goes home. (Landon served with E. Vasquez in Pucallpa during February and March)."



Of course we had many questions, which he tried to answer:

"During every change (every 6 weeks), an Assistant travels to all of the zones in the mission with Presidente Perez, and gives trainings. Also, receives all the (baptism, contacts, etc) numbers of the mission every week and sends them to Salt Lake to Church headquarters. It's alot of work, but we have our own area to work in, and I'm very happy for that. Elder Santiago and I will be able to help alot of people and be Assistants at the same time. It's truly a great opportunity and I'm very grateful."

"I will get to know Iquitos (a part of the Jungle only reached by plane and boat - Landon has not served in this area previously) and also Moyobamba (jungle near Tarapoto) and all of the mission - every zone !!!! I will go back to TARAPOTO!!!!!!!!!!! (Landon previously served here March-August 2008) We travel to Barranca (about a 5-6 hour trip up the coast from Lima), in a car with Presidente - he drives :)"

Happy Pioneer Day

And for our friends in Peru !!



Also, see how a couple missionary in the Peru Lima East Mission helped members in their area to celebrate this special day here.

Peru in Utah - Are you busy this Saturday?

Thanks to Elder Newbold's mom, we have learned about the Peruvian Festival to be held this Saturday, July 25th, in Centerville, Utah.

Place - Founder's Park off of Parrish Lane (300 N. 100 E.)

Time - 10 am to 9:30 pm

Free Admission

Experience the rhythms, colors, and flavors of Peru.

Enjoy live Peruvian music from the best in the area bands, more of 70 performers sharing the best of Peruvian Dance, Folklore, Live Rock Music, Salsa and Songs; Fun Contests, Free Climbing Wall, Fun for Kids and much more…!

Special this year:

The Peruvian International Food Fair - Come with your family and friends to enjoy delicious Peruvian Food such as: tamales, anticuchos, grilled steak, ceviche, lomo saltado, picarones, chicken BBQ, and rice pudding. One noted American travel guide said Peru has the best food of all of South America.

Peruvians are the second largest in the Hispanic community in Utah.

There will also be exhibition and sale of Peruvian art, painting, crafts, jewelry, and textiles.

For more info click - here.

A Great Visit

Sunday night (July 19th) we had a great lesson with a less active family. The Stake Patriarch, a member of the bishopric, and 8 others went with us to visit this family and it was great. The spirit was really strong and it helped out alot.

I'm very grateful for this ward I have been in. I can't believe I only have 3 months left on my mission, only 2 more changes, only 2 more of everything!!! I can't believe it. I still have no idea of what I'm going to do when I get home. I have no idea what I want to do or what there is TO do, but I know that there will be something because I am working hard here and I'm not worried!!!!

TO WORRY = TO NOT HAVE FAITH

Planting Seeds

Last Saturday (July 18th) we had 4 baptisms. Margarita Marilu Amèsquita Morales, Julio Duràn Rengifo (he is the dad of Rosa Duran from Campo Verde), Wilson Isuiza, and Jorge Luis Panaifo Ortiz. I'm very grateful to be able to have baptized 29 people in my time here in Pucallpa. I'm very grateful also because we have planted alot of seeds to be able to grow in the people for the future.

Winding down......

Well my time is winding down. It's incredible how fast the time goes by, it was just yesterday when I was participating in the MTM (Mountain Top Mission - Morgan Utah Stake) and getting ready to serve a mission, and look where I'm at with almost 3 months left to go - nada mas…..

Peru is amazing, I love the people and the Jungle is great. It's hot hot hot and also it rains at times. We're in summer here, so it doesn't rain that much. People we don’t even know invite us in their house and give us their food, and it's all out of generosity and kindness. I love the people and will be sad to leave them, but I know I have to get on with my life and start my own. I love you, take care, be strong, and always be happy. We are part of the only true organization where we can be saved and be with our families forever…..

This past week.........

The mission is great as usual. The Family Upiachiua Mozombite, Victor and Sofia, were baptized on Saturday and confirmed. They are a great family who will be great converts in the church. Victor was a Pastor in another church and was converted. I remember a month ago he didn’t want anything to do with us, let alone read the Book of Mormon, but he read it and the power of it has changed his life and will bless his life forever. I'm very grateful for the time I have to teach them.

It was our Ward Conference in Ucayali this past week, and we got 2 new counselors in the bishopric. A new returned missionary is the new Elder's Quorum President. It will be great, I love the work I am doing and I know we're all being blessed by it.

Finally !!

When we left the MTC on October 17, 2007, Roger turned to me and said, "Well, only 712 days left". Not something a mom wants to hear at that point (sigh). I've seen all of the countdown calendars you can buy, and I've even put a countdown "widget" or two on Landon's blog, but I just couldn't bring myself to countdown from start to end.

On January 17th, 2008 - I posted that he was 1/8 of the way complete. On April 17th, 2008 - one quarter.......... Didn't mark time again, until October 17th, 2008 - Hurrah !!! Hump Day !!

Now we are speaking differently when asked........ It's not "How long he's been out", but "How long he has left". It's funny how things change.

612 days ago I promised myself that I would start marking the time - TODAY. We are now at 100 days and counting ! October 21st, here we come :)

Zone Pictures

The pictures that Elder Rich emailed home this past week were a big hit with the missionary parents. I'm so glad we could share.

Upon closer examination of some of the pictures, great truths were found.

Zona 9 de Octubre

2 Ne 7:7-8

For the Lord God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. Therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

And the Lord is near, and he justifieth me. Who will contend with me? Let us stand together. Who is mine adversary? Let him come near me, and I will smite him with the strength of my mouth.

Zona Barranca

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Zona Iquitos

Somo de la Selva (We are of the Forest)

Sedundo y si no sois uno no sois mios (If you are not one you are not mine)

Zona Independencia

From Elder Layton's blog we read: "Last week we made a title of liberty as a zone and the sisters in our zone took it home. Of course when it came back it was completely changed and pretty looking, but that`s what you'd expect from sisters. Today for pday we're going to climb the highest mountain/hill nearby (which is really high) and take a picture with it. All the Zones are doing it for a surprise for President Perez."


Zona Moyobamba & Zona T-Suyo

3 Ne 5:13

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

Zona Pro

Alma 48:17

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

Zona Pucallpa

Alma 26:12

Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.


Zona Puente Pidera

Puente Pidera means Stone Bridge, and you will notice in the picture that one of the missionaries must be quite the artist, because there is a drawing of a beautiful stone bridge on the flag, and also the words.... "The restoration of the Book of Mormon, will be a salvation to this generation"


Zona Tarapoto

Read all about the great day this zone had raising their flag on Elder Landon Schofield's blog. Notice all of their t-shirts have a picture of a man hammering a stake with a big sledge hammer (mallet). The motto reads "a dios rogando y con el mazo dando" - "To God requesting and with the mallet giving"


Zona Ventanilla

"Cultiva la semilla para levantar" - "With work, the seed will rise"

Last week and This week

Hey mom and dad, well I sure did need the Spirit this week. We had to deal with a situation and it was hard to know what to say, but it all worked out.

We're working hard, and it's showing. Pascual Pereira was baptized, it was neat to see it. 98 and a half years old… only speaks Quechua… it's awesome.

We have a family to baptize next week. I am very excited to finish working here in Pucallpa. This week will tell it all!!!

I love you and thank you for everything you do for me. I appreciate it. I'm doing great. Interviews are Wednesday with Presidente. It will be good!!!!! Thanks for everything!!!!!! LOVE YOU

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS President Perez !!

"Presidente Perez' birthday was July 1st. This was an activity we did to help everyone get excited about the work. We all made a flag of our zone and did a march dressed up with the colors of the zone and a scripture of the zone. We walked and had a great time and had a prayer at the end. Every zone did it, and it was great. We gave all of the pictures to Presdiente for a present. It was great!"

182 missionaries / 16 zones - listed alphabetically.
Can you spot your missionary?
(Click on pictures to enlarge)

Feliz Cumpleaños Elder Rich :)

"I love you all and I thank you for the Happy Birthday present. Thank you so much. The work is going so well for Elder Figueroa and I. We have 10 people progressing towards baptism and we have 3 baptismal dates set for July so far. We have a 98 year old man who only speaks Quechua, and who will be getting baptized. His son is a member and translates for us. I love and thank you for everything. It's my birthday and I will be 21!!!!!!! But ya know what? It will just be another day in the mission, haha.... Happy Father's Day (a little late) to those who are fathers. DAD I love you. Grandpas - I love you also."

**This is a picture of the great cake that Gabo made for him last year.

In Preach My Gospel, President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) is quoted as saying:

“I have often said one of the greatest secrets of missionary work is work! If a missionary works, he will get the Spirit; if he gets the Spirit, he will teach by the Spirit; and if he teaches by the Spirit, he will touch the hearts of the people and he will be happy. There will be no homesickness, no worrying about families, for all time and talents and interests are centered on the work of the ministry. Work, work, work—there is no satisfactory substitute, especially in missionary work.”

Just a hard 10 minutes........

The other night I was thinking a little bit about home, and looking at some pictures of the green mountains in Morgan and my family and well..... I miss you guys...... I want you to know that I love you and I'm working hard. You don't have to worry about me down here, I have grown up and can take care of myself, but most of all the Lord is walking with me wherever I go. It wasn't a hard night of homesickness - it was just a hard 10 minutes of remembering and hoping. One can't see the future, only the past, and can only prepare for the future and hope for the best, this is where faith comes in.

** The picture above, is the view of "the green mountains in Morgan" from our back window

Working Hard - Loving the Lord

We've worked hard this past week. We're working hard to be an example for our Elders. This is the most tired and exhausted I have been on my mission.

I love the Lord and I am getting to know Him even more every step of the way. This past week I have experienced alot of things that have touched my heart, and made me realize the importance of the atonement. Jesus did everything for me and for us, and I love Him. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it and writing this.

To all of you, I love you and I miss you, but the time is running short!!!! I have to work harder and I have to complete the things the Lord wants. The temple is the only place we can be sealed for life... GET THERE!!!

Missionary Work

I'm very excited for this new change. We're going to work really hard and I know we will have a good July. My birthday is coming up pretty fast, how weird is that? It doesn’t seem like it, haha. It will just come and go. I don’t have much time to write right now, because we have to do a ``informe``. I don’t know the word in English, sorry.

**Informe means "report" in English

Juan Carlos Tacuri Villacorta and Daniela Flores Vargas were baptized last night. Carlos is 22 years old and Daniela is 10. Carlos will be a great missionary and I'm very grateful for him and his learning. This week we have worked hard and we had good numbers, even being in Lima for 2 days.

I'm very grateful for the prophets and apostles that we have today. I'm in the process of reading the General Conference talks and I love them. I feel the spirit so strong and I'm becoming more receptive to the spirit, like when Carlos was bearing his testimony last night, it was so strong and I loved it.

Planes, Showers, & Scales

The Consejo (Zone Leader Conference) was great!!! The flights were also really good, nothing bad at all!!! (they experienced REALLY bad turbulance last time)

Being in Lima was great. It was 17 degrees Celsius (62.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and it wasn’t too cold. But showering in the morning in cold water was sure cold, haha. It's a lot different than showering in the jungle with cold water.

Oh ya, I also lost another half kilo. I weighed 84.5 kilos (186 pounds), so I'm almost down to what I was as I entered the mission, how sweet is that!?!?!?!

Homemade by MOM

"That’s cool you learned how to make my favorite food!!! I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but when I get home I think I will want to eat food from the states, haha, just joking, I will probably want to eat at the Peruvian restaurants all the time because I will miss the food down here!!!! That’s great!!!"

Papa a la Huancaina - (Peruvian Potatoes with Cheese)

Peruvian Sauce:
2 lb. Panela cheese (found in Mexican markets)
3 Tbsp. Yellow Hot Pepper Sauce (Aji Amarillo salsa)
½ clove garlic (optional)
Salt to taste
1 Tbsp. oil
1-2 cans evaporated milk (till you get desired consistency)
Dash of freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp. lime juice

Peruvian Potatoes:
10 leaves of lettuce
10 potatoes, boiled and sliced in half
3 eggs, hard-boiled and sliced vertically in ¼’s
10 pitted olives
Parsley, chopped
1 medium red onion, sliced very thin, rinsed in water and seasoned with salt

Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender; blend completely, using a little more oil and a little more evaporated milk if needed to blend ingredients well. Sauce should have a slightly thick consistency so it can be spread over the potatoes. To assemble, lay a bed of lettuce in a serving dish; place the potatoes on the lettuce. Cover with the sauce. Garnish with eggs, olives, parsley, and onion slices. Serve cold.

Peru Party was a Success !

Even though we were rained out at the property, we were able to move to Elder Rich's grandparents house nearby. Everyone had a great time sharing pictures and stories of our missionaries. The "kids" had a great time playing games while the adults visited. Next year we'll hope for better weather, and we'll have our missionaries HOME, so we can sit around and listen to them! Thanks to everyone for coming, and if you couldn't make it this year, we'd love to have you next time.

What - no boots ?!?

Elder Quintana and Elder Rich got a little bit muddy, don't you think?


Of course, the question from mom is, "Were you riding that motorcycle?" - or is it just a clothes rack :)

WE KNOW BETTER

God has put the commandments in our lives to lead us and protect us from all harm. We KNOW to obey them!!! And just like a father in this world shakes his head in disappointment when his earthly children disobey, our Father in heaven I'm sure does also, when we disobey and sin.

WE KNOW BETTER, we must always try to make our fathers happy by obeying. Not out of pressure, but out of love. That's what I learned this week.

Cambios! (Changes)

Well the news is in!!!! Looks like I will be flying to Lima on Wednesday, but I will be coming back on Thursday night to keep working in PUCALLPA!!!! For a month and a half more!!!! I will have 6 months here in Pucallpa!!! For the past year, I've only been in 2 areas, Independencia (while working in the office) and Pucallpa.

I'm really excited, and what's even better, I'm staying with Elder Figueroa. Six missionaries are leaving the zone and six more are coming. Those leaving are Elder Mamani and Elder Elison, Elder Morton, Elder Moreira, Elder Rojas and Elder Quintana. Next week I will tell you the new ones who are coming here.

I love working and I love helping other people. I'm very happy and I have nothing to complain about. I just can't believe how fast this change went by. Aaahhh it's going by too fast!!!!

** Note - the picture above is the Pucallpa Zone from March 26, 2008 to May 6, 2008 (Missing Elders Wayt and Atkinson who arrived on May 7th)

Congratulations Senor & Senora Ticona

Elder Ticona, was one of the AP's while Landon was in the office. He finished his mission in November or December 2008. The missionaries received word that he has recently been married. He and his beautiful bride were married in a civil ceremony in Arequipa, Peru (where they are from), and then flew to Lima to be sealed in the temple. Congratulations to the new couple !

Pics from Pucallpa

We received a CD of new pics this past week. There were some nice ones, and I'm working on getting them out on the Picasa account.

In the news..........

Here in the jungle they cut alot of trees, and the rivers get polluted and well, the natives are rebelling. It hasn't gotten to any big city yet, like Pucallpa or Iquitos, but we see things in newspapers and TV news, etc, and it's pretty rough. We have heard that 20 police officers were killed and over 100 natives. They were blocking roads and causing problems, but there is no harm here.

Cambios coming up

Man, about the changes...... I have no idea. Next Monday I will know whether I'm going or staying. I have no idea if I will go or if I will stay!!!!!

My time here in Pucallpa has been great and if I'm changed so be it, and if I'm not, that works too!!!

All is well here. If I am transferred, the saying goodbye will be hard, but I will get it done. I love the work I'm doing. So many people are changing and it's all thanks to one thing!!!!!! Jesus Christ. He is the only one that makes everything possible. I love Him and am grateful for Him. I love you all and thank you for everything.

The "Bicycle"

I was sick the other day. One of our investigators invited us to some lunch, and well, they live out in the boonies so the water they gave us wasn't treated or boiled, so needless to say I got sick!!! I had a bad stomach for two days and it was bad. I almost couldn't leave the bathroom, haha. They have a slang down here for diarrhea. They call it the "bicycle". Someone asked me if I was sick with the "bicycle", and I said it's more like the "motorcycle", haha. It was pretty bad, but now I'm better. The Lord blessed me and I'm better in 2 days, but I think I lost even more weight.

Ok, so a funny story. We were walking and I was sick right? So I didn't feel very good but we still worked, and well I didn't see a curb and I ate it hard, haha. I tripped and fell with full force and well, at least I caught myself somewhat, but the worst is that it was at an intersection!

Missionary Work

Our converts are flourishing, I'm so happy!!!!! The Macedo family is doing great and the rest are too. I had the opportunity to bless Rubì Ester Macedo Coronado yesterday in sacrament meeting. My first baby blessing, and what an experience. It was great. The family Macedo is one of a kind. The father will be a great leader!!

Our investigators are doing well for this Saturday. We have Betsy Vasquez and Linda ready for baptism, and for the next week, Victor and Carlos. Sadly, two nights ago, the dad of Manuel Montes, our convert, died of cancer. He was receiving therapy, but had a blood clot and died. Thanks to God for the Plan of Salvation!!!!

Hot and Cold

On the 3rd of June it was COLD - like really cold, haha. Not really for us back home, but for the people here in Pucallpa, all of them had their coats on and scarves and all were dying, haha. I thought it felt great!!!!! But it was a big change, because one day it's way hot, and the next cold, and the next way hot - that's how it is.

Just missing him..........

Some days are harder than others. Again, I kick myself for not making sure that Landon's camera captured SOUND with the video. I do like this video, seeing Landon talking with his hands. SO LIKE HIM :) He's obviously explaining something. I just love to watch him. Yes, today I'm trunky !

You are or have been a Latter-day Saint missionary if:

You have been living in Hawaii for a year and a half and don't even own a swimsuit.

You ask golden questions and talk about golden plates while searching for golden investigators.

You have learned that pouring ketchup on burnt scrambled eggs is cheaper and easier than throwing them away.

You've ever been told that Elder is an interesting first name.

You have a new wardrobe today because you traded ties with a friend.

You've reinforced the soles of your dress shoes with duct tape.

You top 10 favorite hits are all hymns.

You hum them all day long.

You have calluses on your knuckles from knocking on doors.

Your closet has nine shirts in it and eight of them used to be white.

You spend more time praying for others than for yourself.

You have learned how to eat animal parts that you would normally throw away.
(Latter-day Saint Wit and Wisdom, p. 118-120)

One of those tender mercies...............

An email message from Sister Snow:

"I bring you greetings from your son in Peru. We were with him at a Stake Conference in Pucallpa a week ago, and I am pleased to report he is doing very well!

We are only home at the computer for a few hours, then have more travel until next week. I will try and give you a call when we return to give an "in depth, in person" report.

Elder Rich asked me to send his love to his family, so I am sending a big hug your way. For now, here is a photo and a compliment on raising a wonderful young man!" - Sister Phyllis Snow

The Scriptures bring to mind.................

It seems that when you have a missionary in the field, certain scriptures touch your heart more than others. (Moroni 7: 31-34)

31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.

32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

Estamos en JUNIO‏

Well, May is finished!!! The race for 505 is over. As a zone we finished with 45 confirmations with 12 families and 13 men over 18 years old. As a mission we finished with 404 baptisms and confirmations. It's a miracle and we are all very very happy. It's the highest number of baptisms we have had in all my mission and well, it feels good. Here in the area, Elder Figueroa and I finished with 7 baptisms with 1 family and 2 men over 18 years old. Also in our zone, Elder Elison and Mamani finished with 11 baptisms and 6 families and 3 men older than 18. It's truly a miracle and I'm very grateful for this time I have to be here. This week that passed we had 22 baptisms here in the zone. It was great, the Lord is truly blessing us all.

Jess Ramos moved from Lima to Pucallpa with his wife 3 weeks ago. His wife is a member and the family of his wife are members here in Pucallpa and they gave us his reference and he was married, taught the lessons, and baptized in a week and a half. Only the truth restored can change a person's life so fast. I'm grateful for Jess and his change he has made.