More info about the changes

"Elder Vasquez is going to Tarapoto, and Elder Figueroa from El Salvador is my new companion. He entered in the CCM with me, and the misión field with me, and is a great friend. We will have great times together and much success. "

This is what President wrote to Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez:

"Congratulations Elders, You have really done an impeccable excellent work. Elder Vasquez, that is the same way we want it to be when you go to Tarapoto. We want you to continue the excellent work that has happened in Pucallpa. You two are very good leaders, and I congratulate you. Sincerely, Presidente Perez"

The elders that are leaving Pucallpa are:

Elder Lee and Elder Soto
Elder Hyde (going to Iquitos)
Elder Layton (also going to Iquitos, but a different zone than Elder Hyde)
Elder Stewart and Elder Cope (going back to Bolivia)

Those elders that are coming in to replace them are:

Elder J. Mamani and Elder Elison
Elder Choc
Elder Merrill
Elder Clarke and Cuellar

"We will have a really good zone and I’m really excited for this new change."

Consejo de Lideres

Mom and Dad, I love you and I’m glad you’re happy. I’m happy also, we’re helping tons of people get to know the gospel. I’m healthy and ready to work. Time is running out and I’m working hard. Thanks for all your support.

I will be flying to Lima on Wednesday afternoon (03/25) and returning to Pucallpa on Thursday night. I’m excited for the Consejo de Lideres (Council of Leaders). I should be getting more of your letters, so I’m excited for that. I love you guys. Thanks for everything.

Changes this week.........

Elder Rich will still serve in Pucallpa, however Elder Vasquez is moving on to Tarapoto. Landon's new companion will be Elder Figueroa from El Salvador.

We received a VERY short email yesterday. He reports that this change will be SWEET :) He also refers to "my" elders. You can just feel the love he has for them. It is really true - you LOVE the ones you serve.

We were able to glean a little more info from Elder Layton. He reports that 6 couples were married this past weekend, with quite a few baptisms also. He reports, "It was actually really amazing to meet the goals of the mission. I know I can take what I learned here to Iquitos."

Elder Hyde reports that it has been raining quite a bit, and that they enjoyed a Stake cultural party this past week.

Both Elder Hyde and Layton will be moving on to Iquitos this change. The work goes on !!

Capirona

This picture was taken on P-day at "Capirona".

Here is a video of this area in Pucallpa.

Capirona is a tree in the Amazon.

Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez are working hard, and working very well together. I believe they are doing their best to be good leaders. I know they love the Elders in their zone, and the people of Pucallpa.

Futbol in Estadio Aliardo Soria

I may be taking a shot in the dark, but I believe this is the stadium that the Elders have been able to play futbol in. Landon had mentioned in a previous letter about playing in a stadium "right by our house". I had looked on Google Earth, and found THIS stadium, but it was SO big, and the pictures on the Internet were impressive enough, that I just couldn't imagine that the Elders would be allowed to play here. However, after receiving this picture, I have to say, it looks remarkably similar. What do you think?
Click here to see a You Tube video of the stadium, and here to see it on Google Maps. Landon reports, "I LIKE soccer now". This is certainly a change in his previous attitude - PRE Mission :) He also reports that sometimes they go running here in the early morning before it gets unbearably hot.

Baptism Day

This is Estefany Gallardo Ruiz. She was baptized on or about March 7th. Here is what Landon had to say.......

"Estefany had to wear one of my shirts when she was baptized, because there weren't any baptism clothes for her. It fit her perfect ! :)"

Power Zone of Pucallpa

That is what the caption said on the back of the photograph we received in the mail today.

Talk about HAPPY - that boy sure knows how to make his mom's day :)

I believe this is the entire zone - 7 companionships.....14 missionaries.

What a great group of young men. They look so happy!

This week was great !!!

"This week was great!!! Elder Vasquez and I finished with 2 baptisms, Melisa Tamani Huanuyri and Licie Lisbeth Leon Lopez. As a Zone we finished with 13 baptisms, and so far that makes 28 for the month.

We have a marriage coming up, with 14 couples getting married, and then the next day a massive baptismo with 18 people!! 6 families!!! Elder Vasquez and I have been working with two of the families - The family Macedo and Tiquilahuanca.

I'm doing great with health. I'm great in attitude, and I couldn't be better. All is good here and we're working hard.

I'm so happy to hear about all the things happening there in Utah. The snow melting, Keysto and Kaley getting married, wow, I'm so happy for them.

Well, there isn't any new news, I'm just working and going 110 percent, just like my dad has always taught me."

*I have put a link (marriage) to Elder Layton's blog. He speaks of his Zone Leaders, and their help with getting the marriages in place. I know the Lord helps those who ask for His help, and then work hard on their end to make things happen.

Everywhere you turn - Missionaries !!

Exciting news I'd like to share. Sister Evelyn Cachay received her mission call to Columbia, Bogota South. We are SO happy for her. She will be a wonderful missionary, and wonderful example to her family.

Two Elder's from Morgan, Utah have been called to Columbia, Barranquilla. President Porter's son, Nathan, and Jansen Bennett. This is the same mission that Mamita Teresa and Welinton Vera Cruz's son Jimmy was called to last October! I'm sure they will meet up.

My good friend's daughter, Sister Jenni Lake entered the MTC yesterday. She's going to France, Toulouse mission. I am so happy for everyone in their family. What an example she is setting.

Last but not least, I've been asked by the Morgan Utah Stake Primary to put together a slideshow of all of the current missionaries serving from our stake, for "Envision Your Mission", a presentation for 11 year old boys. It will be so much fun, and so rewarding. I can hardly wait to get working on it.

Busy Week - Working, Teaching and Baptizing

This past week in our area we had one baptism of a girl named Estefany Gallardo Ruiz, and in the zone there were 6 baptisms. As of now, we have 15 baptisms with 31 dates (set for baptism) for these next 3 weeks. I’m really excited to get going and finish strong this change and month. Time is flying, I’m finally getting the hang of things (as a leader), knowing what to do, and everything is clicking.

My companion, Elder Vasquez, is from Arequipa Peru. We’re working hard and ALWAYS get along. Our Zone is great, and I will be sad to have the changes come.

I Love My Presidente

P-day was on Tuesday this week, because on Monday was our interviews with Presidente. It was really good to see him and the Assistants again after 4 weeks. It was also my goodbye to my dear friend Elder Hirschi (from Neola, Utah). He will be finishing his mission this next change, and I won’t be there to see him leave.

My interview with President was the best one I have had yet in my mission. The spirit was so strong, and President helped me notice something - I have grown in these 4 weeks out in the field, more spiritually and with knowledge, than in all my 16 months as a missionary. I love it and I love my President.

*Picture of Barbeque was taken in January at Presidente Perez' home. Click here for more pics

**Elder Rich and Elder Hirschi

Angels in disguise?

"Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us." Alma 13:22

*It seems when you have a missionary, there are SO MANY scriptures that you can relate to :)

This picture was taken just a day or two before Elder Rich left for Pucallpa. These are young people from the Independencia Ward, they are Jacky Landa, Leyla Robles, Elder Rich, Elder Foutz, Elder Sandoval and Frank Robles - Thanks to Evelyn for information on who is who :)

Missionary Work

I love the field and I love being a missionary. I am learning in leaps and gains. No one will ever understand, unless they serve a mission. I feel bad for those who throw this precious time away. It truly is the best time in our lives, apart from marriage and families.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the atonement of Jesus Christ, and what He did for me. I am grateful for His sacrifice and His love that He has for me, and for helping me every step of the way. I’m grateful for my family and for what you do for me also. All I need is your prayers and that’s it. Help me from there with your prayers.

The Work of the Lord

We are very very blessed. We are seeing miracles here in Pucallpa, and our goals and dreams are being met. We are helping families to be ETERNAL. This is the happiest I have been in my mission, I can't even explain.

We finished this week with 9 confirmations as a Zone, and we have 27 dates for baptism for the month and much more to come also. I feel I have improved as a missionary, and it's all thanks to the Lord. This is the best time ever. The work of the Lord is the best and most important that there is.

Benishe did it again :)

A Picture is worth a Thousand Words

We have waited for a picture like this for a LONG time. Bless the members who love our missionaries, and who took this picture.

Yesterday we received TWO DISKS in the mail. Pics were taken in Dec/Jan/Feb, before Elder Rich left for Pucallpa. I can hardly wait to get them all loaded up. Please be patient :)

News from Pucallpa

"Well, here in Pucallpa it rained 3 days straight and it was muddy, haha, I didn’t think it would be that bad, but wow!

This week we have been teaching alot of new people, and I now have a new desire, it is to learn Portuguese. We have taught 3 people that are from Brazil, and well, they speak both Spanish and Portuguese and I love it.

I love this work. There is so much work to do, and we have high goals set, and with the Lord’s help we will be able to complete them."

Other notes:

According to Elder Layton, Elder Rich is doing a good job as zone leader.

According to Elder Hyde, he and his companions went on splits with Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez on Friday (last week), and also on Saturday they performed service and had a Bar-B-Q with them also.

According to Elder Morton, he is also enjoying Pucallpa, and is associating with Elder Rich.

It is great having so many "bloggers" in Pucallpa. What one son doesn't mention, maybe the other one will :)

Remembering Independencia

Wonderful news today ! I connected with a young woman in Peru, who knows the missionaries. Her family and other members of the Independencia Ward had a going away party for Landon, before he headed to Pucallpa. Evelyn sent pictures!! See more here

More wonderful news ! - Evelyn will be going on a mission, and should receive her call soon. We'll keep you posted.

Thank you so much Sister Cachay. This is another tender mercy, received from a sweet sister in Peru.

Patience is a Virtue

Elder Rich is too busy to answer questions, and you know what? That's okay :) He's working hard, being obedient, and loving it. That's all that matters.

"Well hello everyone… Well first off….. I love being a leader. It makes me work even harder, be even more obedient.

I will tell you right now, the emails will be pretty slim. As zone leaders we hardly have anytime for ourselves, it’s all for our zone and ALL the investigators of ALL the missionaries.

I will apologize right now, for not being able to write details and answer all of your questions.

Elder Vasquez and I are over all of the Zone Pucallpa. I love it. We will go back to Lima every 6 weeks to have the (Zone) Council. I’m really excited for that.

The work is going good, we have 13 baptisms as of right now in February as a zone. The goal for March is 35. We have to work hard hard hard. I’m glad to hear all is well there at home.

Hey Mom and Dad, I love you, thanks so much for everything, and well, I know it’s short, but just know I am taking a lot of pics, and writing alot in my journal. I love you. I will explain alot more in my letters that I send home. Take care - Wish all well."

New Pics !!

I know - I've been a slacker. Elder Rich sent new photos a few weeks ago, and I've just barely got them on his Picasa website - Enjoy !!

What's wrong with this picture?

When missionaries are transferred to the jungle, they are only allowed to take ONE suitcase :)

Landon is in Pucallpa now. I can't help but wonder......... how the flight was (I'm a worrier), what his companion is like, what their housing is like, who their pension is, how he slept last night, how the training meetings went yesterday, is it really as hot as they say, is he nervous, excited..................???

So many questions, that will have to wait until Monday to be answered. Believe me, I'll have a list :)

What to expect..........

"I will be flying out to Pucallpa on Thursday evening after Zone Leader meetings. Pucallpa is located in the Ucayali Region. We will have a pension again, and eat with members. I think I’m going to start losing weight big time, because it’s hot, my area is big, and I've been spoiled in the offices, with having fast food close and handy.

Elder Layton and Elder Hyde will both be in my zone. I’m very excited for that. My companion, Elder Vasquez and I, are over 12 missionaries with 7 areas. We have to make sure they are working, safe, being obedient, and at the same time, help the stake of Pucallpa be stronger and also work our own area.

Elder Vasquez has 3 months more than I do, so we’re about even in time served in the mission. I will probably be in Pucallpa for at least 3 changes if not 4, then after that I will probably come back to Lima to die*."

*To die on your mission, means to finish the last change in your mission

My week in review......

After this coming Wednesday (2/11) - the office crew will be the Elders in this picture - minus Elder Rich.

"Well this week has been a little rough for the field part. Monday (02/02) we got out into the field and hit it hard, but then from there out we haven’t been able to leave the offices. I have been training Elder Foutz, and we have had A LOT of work to get done and also my comp, Elder Sandoval, had a lot of work to get done.

Walter kinda fell through this past week. He hasn’t been around to go to church, to be taught, and well, he has lost interest. I’m sad, but we all have our agency and there are other people out there waiting to hear this message.

I have been really tired this past week, being cooped up really takes it out of ya. Elder Foutz is learning really well, he already knows all I know and he isn’t even on his own yet. He will do a great job. Today we went to the Museo de la Nacion again and looked around. It’s free to get in, so it’s only the taxi ride that costs money.

Today and tomorrow will be my last days to preach and teach here in Independencia. I’m sad, I will miss a lot of people. Luckily I have a talk tomorrow at church, so I will be able to say goodbye to everyone together, because there is literally too many to go house to house. I can tell you where everyone lives and their names, haha... It’s like my home ward - I love it."

Last week in Independencia

Walter is really excited for his baptism next Saturday (2/7/9), but we have to get permission from his parents. Please pray for him.

It’s going to be weird working in Independencia for the last time this week, my last week. I will work hard and talk with more people than I ever have before. Then........off to Pucallpa, Wednesday, February 11th.

Missionary Work

I’m grateful for this time in my life. I was reading in DyC: 4 about missionary work and well, it’s one of the three most important things to do in the church - and I’m doing it!! I love my family and all of you who are praying for me and helping me out in one way or another. It’s great to hear from you. I love letters :)

**The 3-fold mission of the church is.
1. Perfect the Saints
2. Preach the Gospel
3. Redeem the dead

Summer in Peru

I don’t care for Peru very much in the summer time. I don’t know if you can imagine why, but it’s pretty bad down here with the immorality and the dress. Let’s just say temptation is everywhere and the Devil has a good hold on a lot of the people down here. It’s sad really, but we will just keep going and not miss a beat. Really, it’s passing by way too quickly.

Changes are coming.......

Well family, here is the news for the week. Sunday night (01/25/09) the Assistants got back from President’s house and told us of the changes to come. Elder Foutz came to the office (as my replacement) on Tuesday and he is doing well. As for me - I’m going to Pucallpa !!!!! Another part of the jungle......

I’m happy happy happy and kinda sad at the same time (to be leaving Independencia), but most of all I’m really really happy. I’m really ready to work and get going out into the field.

Temple Surprise

Today (1/31/09) we were able to go to the temple and go through a session. It was great as always. I love the temple, and also it just so happened that all of the young men and women from the ward of Casuarinas were there!!! I got to see one of my converts who was doing baptisms for the dead - how sweet is that!?!?!? I was stoked, it was the daughter of Guido Palomino (see picture below), and also people from Villa Sol were there. The bishop and his counselors and many more!! I’m sad because I didn’t get any pics, but it was great to see them.

Where in the world is Elder Rich?

According to Grandma Rich and Grandma Dickson,
Right here !!

Futbol and Cookies

Last Saturday we were able to play soccer. Guess where???? VILLA SOL!!! There is this man who owns a taxi service, and he takes care of all of our needs as a mission. He lives in Villa Sol, and we played against him and his friends. I saw members from my old ward, and man how good it was to see them and actually be able to talk to them and ask them about the families I baptized. It was great.

Afterward, we went to the house of President Perez and ate lunch, to celebrate the birthday of Sister Perez. It was good as always, and I’m fat, haha. We cooked your pumpkin cookies that you had sent for Christmas, and they were good. Thanks so much for sending them, President and Sister Perez never had tried them, so it was good.

Easy Pumpkin Cookies
2 boxes of Spice cake mix
1 large can of pumpkin
1 bag chocolate chips

Mix all together and drop by spoonfuls on cookie sheet. Bake at 350*F or 180*C for 15 minutes
*This was very easy to send through the mail for my missionary. I sent a disposable foil cake pan (for baking) and hoped he could find a member with a large bowl for mixing - Just an idea.

**This picture above was actually taken at Christmas. President and Sister Perez take such good care of our missionaries.

A good week - teaching, working, studying....

This week has been a good one, we are finding new people and blessing their lives. We have a baptism date with Walter for the 7th of Feburary, and we’re trying to get more for this date, and we’ll find more.

I have been really really busy here in the offices with a lot of paper work to do for every single missionary that is foreign, and I have a lot still to get done, but it will be good.

I have been able to study the scriptures a lot this week, practically reading all of Mosiah in one day. I really love Chapter 27 in verse 25, 32, and 37. It talks about being born anew and changing. Well this "change" in verse 32, comes with teaching, proclaiming, and preaching... and in verse 37, comes the blessings. This gives me hope, and well, I love the scriptures. I love reading them, and following the words which helps me and guides me.

**This picture was taken Presidente Perez's balcony overlooking Lima, and out towards the sea at sunset.

Familia Alcántara - Friends of the Missionaries

What a wonderful family ! You can just tell that they love the missionaries.

Missionaries pictured here - Left to right along the back:
Elder Vargas, Elger Ticona, Elder Montellanos, Elder Gubler, Elder Herdt, Elder Seaman, Elder Hirschi, Elder Sanchez, Elder Anderson, Elder Rich
Missionaries kneeling: Elder Roldán and Elder Roldán (yes, that's right)

Thanks to Jazmin Alcántara for the pics and video - you're the best :) and to former missionary, Elder Shandon Gubler (recently returned home) who helped to fill in the names of the missionaries I didn't know.

Surprise Package

Mrs. Peterson!!!! (Elder Peterson’s mom) Thank you so much for your package, it really provided us with some fun here in the offices (she sent silly string, and a lot of other fun stuff). I want you to know your son is an amazing missionary and is one of my best friends. We will have a great life together as friends after the mission and it will be great!!!! Love you and thanks for everything!!!! Love Landon

Elder Bagley covered with string, and Elder Rich and Elder Peterson (he's got his dad's smile)

For Sure

Well, it’s coming to an end. I will be leaving the offices the 11th of February. I had my interview with President, and it was good, short and sweet, and full of the spirit as it always is. He made a comment to me that really made me happy, and more than anything, shows I did my best. I would do anything for that man.

I’m not going to lie, it will be sad to leave Independencia. I will miss a lot of people. It’s a great ward, young, and still learning the ways of the Lord, but they’re progressing.

We have a winner !

Family, Friends, and assorted Blurkers (Blog Lurkers), we have had OVER 20,000 "views" on Elder Rich's blog, and decided to offer up a little "give away" of sorts, to encourage a comment or two or three or more.....we got "7" to be exact. Hmmmm, we must have more "lurkers" than "commentators" out there, but that's okay :)

The winner, picked through a randomizer, was.....................drum roll..................
Aunt Erika Bettinson !! Your "prize" will be sent to you soon !

Thanks to Elder Layton's dad, Aunt Joni, Elder Peterson's mom, Taelyn from the 6th ward, Vanessa S. (from Peru), Elder Westensee's mom, and everyone else for checking in on Landon, we appreciate it.

Baptism Day

The work is going good, we had a baptism last Saturday (1/27/09) of Milagros Quispe, a girl 15 years old who has been waiting to get baptized for almost 2 years. Her parents just barely gave their permission. She has assisted in church and seminary for 2 years. She is really shy, but ready to be baptized. I will have the privilege of baptizing her. I’m really excited.

Gracias

Well family… All of you who write me emails, letters, look at my blog, or just think about me or pray about me…. Thank you… it means a lot to me.

I miss you more than you will ever know, and it means a lot to me that you take time out of your day to do these things.

I’m learning a lot out here, and learning how to control and put out the natural man and the feelings of that, thanks to God and my Savior Jesus Christ.

Working Hard

We're struggling finding people to teach. We always need help from the members, and we're always talking with new people everyday. My companion is amazing. It's like having a best friend here on the mission.

Words of Wisdom from Peru

I know everyone is really busy in life, but just know you're not alone. You have 3 godly beings behind you, and also angels here on this earth to help you every step of the way. Be a light, follow the commandments, keep your covenants that you made with God as you were baptized, and follow the words of the prophet. Be true and faithful in all things, and everything our Father has will be yours.

Words we like to hear

I learned this week what obedience REALLY means. I’m grateful for the parents I have, and for things they taught me.

It’s unbelievable how much I have grown in these six months in the offices. It’s helping me prepare for the life after (the mission), it’s like having a job, but at the same time keeping myself in the world but not of it. You get it… it’s helping me out a ton.

I’m glad to hear all is well with everybody at home. I get nervous sometimes to check my email, thinking there might be bad news, but the Lord will help me.

Dad, your surgery will go great, don’t worry. You will be in and out and you won’t even notice a thing, just that your leg will be a million times better. I support you in all your decisions and choices.

When I get home, I can’t wait to get a calling in the ward and to be a home teacher. I’m way excited for that. I have such desires and want to study right now, learning more about different things. When I get home I want to study, not to just get it done or complete something, but actually to learn and be smart and grow mentally.

Fun times on P-day

Today (01/17/09) we went to a museum of natural history. It was good with interesting things, and it was just good to get out and relax and walk around a little bit. Click here for more pics.

Then we came back and we ate trout. Well I don’t know if you know this, but I’m not a big fish guy. It was pretty good, but now my stomach hurts, haha.... oh well.

Last night we had a sleepover, haha. Elder Sandy and I took our beds into the room of Elder Bagley and Sanchez, and then we put up walls and a roof with blankets, and we were like little kids again, haha. It was like old times, sleeping out with friends, talking, and falling asleep. It was good.

Crazy Elders -
Left to Right:
Elder Rich, Elder Bagley, Elder Nemelka, Elder Sandoval, Elder Sanchez, Elder Hirschi

9 months and counting.........

Okay, I wasn't going to start the countdown quite yet, but this is too funny to pass up. I had a conversation with Elder Larsen's parents that went something like this:

Larsens: "9 months and counting, are you getting excited?"

Me: "Oh yes ! Just like having a baby ! My BABY will be coming home :)"

Larsens: Yes, but without the morning sickness, weight gain, stretch marks, or delivery pains. Hurray!!

**I thought about putting a pregnant lady countdown widget on the sidebar, but thought that might be a little over the top :)

He Lives

Working with the Spirit

I felt the spirit pretty good this week, and have had a good spirit of discernment. A few times throughout the week I could feel how people were feeling, and I could sense what they were thinking, and was able to help them out. It was a good feeling.

We have a baptism date with Milagros (different than the Milagros I have previously mentioned). She has been waiting a year and a half to get baptized. We are also teaching a young woman named Carol, and of course Xiomara, and Eduardo and Regina. We are searching to find additional investigators. We have 2 or 3 people that we plan to baptize by the end of January, so we’re working!!!

Be Pure

This week I had a dream. I learned a very very great lesson that I will remember ALL my life, and it was from a dream!!

´´Receive a remission of your sins, and be pure´´ Those are the words from my dream. This is something very special to me, and these words came from a very wise missionary that was in our mission but now is home. A great friend and a great future leader. I remember these words EVERY DAY since that night.

I want to invite you all to receive a remission of your sins through the atonement of Christ and then be pure! Whenever a thought comes into your head, just think - “Be pure”.

I am thankful..........

Always in ALL my life I have had food. It is a great blessing. Some people in my area hardly have anything to eat. I love my family and I’m very thankful for what we have.

There are kids at every stop light who wipe the dust off cars during the red light for only 10 cents each.

There are girls as small as Camryn (4 years old) walking the streets selling bubble gum for 10 cents each. It’s what they do to eat.

Be thankful for what we have, never take it for granted.

Elder Sandoval - new companion

Elder Sandy is great!!! He is a great worker, he is organized and teaches very well. Our area also is wonderful, we have a few challenges with a few people, but we’re going to work hard this change. Elder Sandoval is in a family of 7. All are members. He is very very humble. I love him.

Mormon Missionary Challenge

Rich.......Ridge..........Rich...........Ridge

Landon was telling us in his Christmas phone call, that there always has to be a "point of clarification" between he and Elder Ridge. Apparently in Spanish, Rich and Ridge are pronounced EXACTLY the same ! (Try letting it roll off your tongue.........see? He's right !) I guess when referring to one or the other, the missionaries always say, "Elder Rich/Ridge who is/is not in the office". I wonder what will happen when Landon goes back in the field? Oh well, gotta keep those missionaries on their toes ;)

Elder Henry B. Eyring - Your Call To Serve

“… In a world so large, the Creator … somehow not only knows you but loves you enough to ensure that your call is where He needs you to go to teach the children of our Heavenly Father.”

You Raise Me Up !

All good things must come to an end..........

Elder Herdt moves on today - back to the field..........the jungle at last :)
Until we meet again, take care.

FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!!!

The Office Crew (New and Old)

Back Row: Elder Bagley, Elder Nemelka, Elder Hirschi, Elder Sandoval

Middle Row: Elder Sanchez, Elder Vargas, Elder Herdt

Front: Elder Rich

Baptism Day

"On December 27th, Freddy and Orlando were baptized, and yesterday (01/03/09), Hermanita Teresa was baptized. Alot of people came - it was great."

Landon has been companions with TWO missionaries for a week now. Elder Vargas is training Elder Sandoval. (far right in this picture below) This will continue until next Tuesday, January 6th, when Elder Vargas will depart for the field.