Mission Success

“The real success of a mission is not measured on a chart. It is etched in your heart and in the hearts of those whose lives are eternally changed because of you. Share your testimony often. I have seen nothing in a missionary that exerts more power and positive influence than the bearing of pure and simple testimony. Your testimony is the first step in the conversion of those whom you teach. Have courage to invite others to change their lives and come to Christ through obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel.” - Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the Presidency of the Seventy

Regresa con Honor

This video is for Gabo and Jimmy. These young men will be such GREAT missionaries. Gabo will turn in his papers soon. I am so happy for him. Heavenly Father certainly has blessed him. Prayers have been answered.

Changes Already ??

"Man, I can't believe this change is almost over. This is the fastest change in my whole mission. This month of May flew by, I don't remember anything. It's crazy. Only week more, and I will have a new companion....it's all good. I love this work, it's the most important work in the world. I'm glad you're all happy, and that you're good in health. I love you so much Dad and Mom, and thank you for everything you do for me."

Wild Weather

Well, to start off this week, all is well here in Tarapoto. It's rained a bit here this past week. One day it rained pretty hard, and it was nuts. Let me explain. Okay, so the night before, we were planning to visit a menos activo (less active member). We went to his house the next day at 2pm, and we got there right as it started to rain. Then it picked up a little bit, and we were just sitting there watching it out the window and door, because they had a tin roof so we couldn't hear anything or let alone talk. We were just waiting for it to pass, then it started to hail, but (it was) like the size of gum balls and pure ice, haha, not the weak stuff we get in Utah, but ice. That was weird, because it's super hot down here. They said it was the first time they have seen that here in Tarapoto. Then things got bad, haha. Then came the wind, and we were looking out the window and it was like you see on those hurricane videos on the Discovery Channel. The trees were blown sideways, and you couldn't see like 20 feet in front of you, because of the rain and wind and it was all gray. But don't worry, we were inside the house.. under the roof.. well at least we were haha.

The roof then lifted off of the cinder blocks like 3 feet, and slammed back down. Me and Elder Evans looked at each other. We could read each others minds.. "uh, this isn't good". Next came another gust of wind and it ripped the roof right off of the house... and it wasn't a small roof.. It had rafters and tin, and it was a good size. It ripped the rafters and all the wood and tin and threw it like 3 houses away. Man, it was cool. I wasn't really scared, but only worried about where the roof landed, and if any people were hurt. We hurried and got all of their stuff out of the rain, and we were all soaked and man, it was nuts, and the family was crying. Then it all stopped... and the sun came out, and it was scorching hot again. Ya know what the weirdest thing is? This all happened within 5 minutes or less. The storms come and go that fast. Well, all is well here, no worries. The Lord protects us, and (it was) just another grand experience to add to the list. Love you all... Take care...

A Missionary's Prayer

Today I am frightened.
My heart is beating a silent fury.
Before me are my family and friends
I love so much and must leave behind.
Pray that I might have courage.

Today I am studying.
With all my intellect I am diligently preparing.
Preparing for the days ahead,
That I might be an effective tool in the hands of God.
Pray that my mind might be clear and alert.

Today I am homesick.
The memories of fun, school, family crowd my mind.
I almost long to return to the carefree days of my youth.
Pray that I might feel the spirit of love.

Today I am successful.
The doors of those seeking truth open to me.
They are receptive to the word.
They will be baptized!
Pray that I might be humble.

Today I am discouraged.
Lowly I trudge home through the rain.
Pondering the slammed door,
The cruel hasty words, the laughing jeers.
Pray that I might have faith.

Today I am happy.
The light shines in my eyes.
From within me I have found joy.
Today I have lived close to the spirit.
Pray that I might always find this joy.

Today I am sad.
Reluctantly and with tears in my eyes
I must someday leave this country and the people
I have taken into my heart and loved.
Pray that I might always remember.

Today I am full of love.
Love for the Lord who called me on this mission.
Love for my family who supports me.
Love for the friends who installed the desire within.
Love for those who had faith in me.
Love for those who prayed for me.
But remember today, today,
I miss you. I love you. I need you.
Pray for me always.
I am your missionary.

Words of Wisdom from Peru

This advice is taken from an email we exchanged a couple of weeks ago. I sure love my son, and appreciate his help.

"Mom, I'm sorry, but if you say the words “ I don't really expect it to” or stuff like that.... you're not having faith. I do it all the time in the mission, like for example, I say, "Man, I hope these people go to church, but I doubt they will". If you have doubt, you don't have faith. We all need to work on this part of our faith. We say we have faith, but then we say and think in a different way. Never say the words, "I doubt it", or "I don't expect it". Always think the most positive, and don't let those words enter in your mind. Don't let them. I love you mom and you are a great woman of great faith... Don't worry, we all have faults, and none of us have perfect faith, that's why we're here on this earth. I love you mom.. Thank you for teaching me this lesson... I love you."

Good Companionship

Elder Evans and Elder Rich>>>>>>>>>

"I love having an English speaking comp. We help each other out. I love it. We're working hard and the Lord is helping us. Remember, strive to read the Book of Mormon everyday. It's tough because everyone is so busy, but don't forget to do that, and say your prayers. Don't let Satan tempt you otherwise."

Goodbye to Elder Toolson

We will be traveling to Arizona this weekend. We will be dropping off Landon's birthday package to Elder Toolson's family. They are going down to pick him up on June 2nd, as he is finishing his mission. This is what Landon had to say about it:

"That’s cool you will get to meet her (Elder Toolson's mom). Give her a hug for me, and tell her I love her and her son. I saw pics of their family. Elder Toolson was one of my best leaders. I love him".

Rainy Days

"I'm glad the weather is good for you guys. The weather is always good down here, haha. It rained the other day pretty good, but the people said, "Ahhh that was nothing", so I'm still waiting for the big storm baby, haha."


Note from Gwen : Yesterday was rainy in Tarapoto, and now there is fog today at 7am. Gabo says there are not seasons in the jungle, only rain and sun :)

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Okay, well this week, I had the most humbling experience of my mission and my life so far. I don’t know why it hit me so hard, but it did. I'll never forget it. So this family, the parents and two kids. They are such a strong family. So they aren’t the richest people in the world. They work to provide directly for the family.

Well, the mom has a job that she works on Sunday. So we told her that the Lord will bless her, and to just ask for time off every Sunday for the mornings. We thought that her boss, who is a Saturday worshiper, would understand and be reasonable. Well, Saturday night, she and her husband were talking, and they decided if they're going to follow this church, because they know it's true, they are going to do it with everything they have, and complete every commandment, not just a few. So the mom asked for time off, and the boss didn’t give it to her. The boss said, "If you don’t come to work, you won't have a job". Well needless to say, she came to church, and now she doesn't have a job anymore.

They're suffering and are poor, but they are happy and blessed in other ways they couldn't be, by working on Sunday. I cried for them. I felt so bad, but at the same time, through all the pain suffering and poverty, there was a spirit of love and of knowledge that they are right with God. I can't really explain it that well, but wow… I'll never forget it, and let's say I'll never take a job that puts me to work on Sundays. I love you all and I testify that you will be blessed for not working on Sundays, and keeping that day holy. I love this gospel and I love this work. I love you all.

Here are pics of the Church in Tarapoto

Love One Another

'A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.'


Elder Rich, Americo Putpaña Chujandama, Elder Evans

Chicos locos (Crazy Boys)

Wonderful Waterfall

This is the Ahuashiyaku waterfall, “The Laughing Waters”. Just 9 miles from Tarapoto, it is actually made up of three falls, each of them cascading down more than 164 feet before plunging into a vast, clear pool where swimmers can float, watching the sun dip into the surrounding jungle foliage. This is paradise.

The missionaries visited here on their last P-day (05/12/08). Looks like they had a great time.

Here are some Pics

Somos Patas (We are Dudes)

Just arrived home late this evening, and Jose Gabriel Arevalo, a good friend of the missionaries, had emailed some pictures ! This is fantastic ! Click here to view more pics.

Ups and Downs on Sunday

"We had a baptism last Sunday (May 11th). A guy whose family are members and he has been listening to the missionaries for a good time now, like 16 companionships (haha) and Elder Evans got it done. His name is Americo Putpaña Chujandama. He is 55 years old. It was really good."

Landon also mentioned during his phone call, that he and Elder Evans were confronted by a man on the streets on Sunday (Mother's Day), they were criticized for not being home with their MOMS, and not being good sons. I guess Landon took offense at that, and told the man in no uncertain terms, that his mom wouldn't want him ANYWHERE ELSE at this time in his life, except on a mission. That's my boy !! Gotta love him.

Happy and Thankful Son

Hey mom and dad. It sure was good to hear from ya. You both sound really good... and happy.. and that means I'm happy. Keep on praying and doing the things the Lord wants. Every day is the same rhythm and gospel, just different people. I love you both and am so blessed to have you as my parents. Thanks for everything. I love you.

Hey grandparents, I love you all. Thanks for coming up last night. You all sounded really good. I love you all and thank you for all your support, letters, and love.

I'm learning so much. An elder told me the other day, and I was thinking about it, and it's so true what he said... He said, "You know they ask us 19 year olds to come to a country, learn a language, teach 1000´s of people, learn new areas within days, and at the same time; keep organized, and be patient and loving. Our minds grow so much, not only our knowledge, but all of our skills and talents."

I was blessed with so many talents and gifts in the pre-life. I'm so grateful. I know how hard it is, but with the Lord it is possible. I love you all and wish you all the best. I pray for you.

Today we're going to the waterfalls. I don't know what to expect, but I'll take tons of pics and I'll be careful, no worries.

Mother's Day Phone Call

Landon called last night about 8pm, with the "Pre-Call" - we talked for maybe 5 minutes. He sounded great ! Tonight he will call about 7 pm. As you can imagine, we are thrilled.

Note to the Fishers

Hey President and Sister Fisher. Man, I love you two. I am now "knee deep" in the work, and loving it. I am so very grateful for your examples, and now I really understand the plan and I can't even explain how much I owe to you guys. You two really are the reason I am where I'm at. I still remember the days of home teaching with Bishop Fisher, and how much I learned, but yet how much I was missing, not taking full advantage of who I was with. Thank you so much, and now I realize alot more. We are in different parts of the world, and talking in different languages, but the work and the spirit are the same. I love you both and thank you for your examples and love. What a day it will be, to be together again. I hope I will have the opportunity to serve under you again Bishop Fisher. I love you both, thanks again. Love your Elder from the 6th ward. Elder Landon Rich

Learn through Study

"Man, I'm learning so many things on my mission. I'm reading the Prophet's words, and I'm studying in the Doctrine & Covenants, I mean really studying it. Word for word... I am only in Section 19 and I have been doing it for 3 weeks or so now. I love it and I am memorizing a lot.. I love it.. I hope all is well in Morgan, and I love you all and take care."

P-days in the Jungle

Last P-day we played Ultimate Frisbee at the church. We didn't play very long, because it is hot. Then we went back to our rooms. Pretty lame, but oh well.. Today we're going to eat ice cream and then clean and get ready for our interviews this Wednesday. Nothing too exciting yet. I'll let you know.

A Good Week

Well this week has been good. I think it's the fastest week of my mission. Really, I blinked and it was Sunday again, and then I'm emailing again. We worked hard this week and it was good. The jungle is cool. There are so many slangs and different words that mean different things, and I love it. It's like code talk, haha, it's fun.. Plus, it's in Spanish, so its even more code talk for you guys, haha... We teach so many good lessons, and with members we have spiritual experiences and everything, and they are so happy.

Note to Vanessa Salazar

Sister Vanessa Salazar posted a note in Landon's guestbook today (see sidebar). I am responding here, because I don't have her email address.

Elder Rich did have a burst appendix about 5 years ago. He was very sick. So sick, that he had to have emergency surgery, and spend about 10 days in the hospital. After the surgery, doctors filled him full of very strong antibiotics for many days. He couldn't eat for almost 10 days, because his bowels wouldn't work, and his lips were sore, and we kept them moist with lip balm. I hope your grandmother gets better soon. If she gets worse, please get her to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. Our prayers are with you.

My Testimony

I feel I'm teaching with more power. My comp told me when I teach sometimes I'm almost yelling, haha, I love it.. I actually am feeling confident with the Spanish. I can teach really clear and well, and really, to be honest, I can feel my testimony and I know it reaches to their hearts... I feel something different now.. a good different... a powerful different.. I don't ever want to lose it... I love this church and this work. I know it's true and I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and his contribution to this church.

Lima vs. Tarapoto

"It’s a little different than Lima.. actually it's a lot different. I like the weather and the people and just everything.. but the thing (that I miss), that I loved about Lima, is the success."

"When we were in Lima, there were tons and tons of people that would listen to us, and progress, and actually get what we're teaching, but here in the jungle it's different. They don’t progress.. "

"And really, I'm tired of teaching the Law of Chastity..... No one is married, and they don’t want to be… it's tough… but we're getting along. We're finding new people everyday, and talking to everyone to try and find someone who is married. We don’t have very much success, but I know the Lord will bless us as we do the things were supposed to be doing."

P-day Fun

You may remember a week or two ago, Landon wrote home that he and Elder Dallin Peterson (Kaysville) had met with their zones for an early morning futbol game. Here are some pics.......

Roger was really surprised at the uniforms, and he asked Landon about it in a letter. Here is what Landon had to say about the whole thing.....

"To answer your questions.. our zone bought them (the soccer uniforms) in Lima, for 14 soles ($4.66) for all of it.. Shorts and a Jersey, it's awesome… You like them I know, haha.. Heck yes we won the game… Do you ever know me to lose? haha Just kidding, but no, we really did win… it was a battle, but it was fun…. Ya, I know I'm skinny, haha, but don’t worry, I'm in good health.. I'm not in shape by any means, and I don’t have any kind of muscle in my body, haha, but I'm in good health.. Let's just say I'll be coming home and lifting the little baby weights.."

Streets of Sand - Smell of Smoke

Here in the jungle, everyone has motorcycles and these 3 wheeled motor things that are fast !! The roads are sand too. There are a few (streets) that are cement, but most are sand and dirt.

Another thing I love about the jungle and this area I'm in..... they always burn stuff out in front of their houses.. like in the street...it smells like campfire all the time, I love camping, and it smells like it all the time.

Mamita Teresa

"I love my pension. She is called Mamita Teresa. To best describe her, she is like *Marsha Walker, haha, I love her. She is outta control, and she is awesome. Never sad, so she is my kinda person… I love her…"

"She and her family live about 2 blocks away from our place. The family is awesome. The husband is the President of the branch, and they only have one son who is preparing for a mission. It's a great family .. very humble.. their house is humble, if you know what I mean... it's awesome."

"The food is about the same. Same kinds of food and stuff.. it's good.. Nothing wild yet...haha"

*Note - for those of you who don't know Marsha Walker, you are missing out. She is one of MOST FUN ladies in Morgan, maybe in Utah for that matter. She has a daughter, Natalie, who is Landon's age, and Marsha always supported the kids in all of their sports and activities through the years. The picture of her above was taken at Halloween. Landon is right, she is outta control :)

Everything is New

My new companion is Elder Evans, from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has 13 months in the mission, and I'm his second American companion. He is a good elder. I love it, cause I can speak English to him, haha.

We live in a really really really really nice house, haha, I'm serious. I hear it's one of the nicest houses or rooms in the mission. We're on the first floor, and have a bathroom, our sleeping room, a kitchen, and a study room.

Our church has a branch here. It's kinda smaller (than a ward), but we are hopefully going to create a Stake while we're here, so it's good.... The members are really nice. I love it.. I had to give a talk yesterday (in church), to introduce myself, it was all good.. I love it.. My Spanish is great.

¡Ame la selva!

I have so much information about the selva (jungle) from Landon, that I don't know where to start.

"Hey Mom.. Well I can't really explain it… It will take all 6 weeks to explain little by little the jungle.. Every week I'll tell something new… I'll take lots of pics, don’t worry.. "

"Hey Dad..Man I wish you were here.. You would love it. Not the hot of course, but the people and just everything else… The people are so nice… like you don’t even know them (the people we meet in the street) and they're like, "Oh ya, come in my house and sit down" and "Here, drink this, and let's talk", and we have known each other for about 2 minutes. It's great.."

"Hey Gma… Ya the jungle is awesome… The people are amazing… and it's just wonderful… It's not like really jungle jungle. We have a phone in our room , and we (use the) internet from a normal place in town. It has all the things Lima has, just in the jungle pretty much."

We've got pics !!

We got a disk in the mail today. I've been hours (I'm not kidding), trying to sort them out - he had the date wrong on his camera, and his descriptions are half in English (unreadable because it is so sloppy :) and half in Spanish (unreadable because I don't know Spanish). Plus the numbers he refers to, are NOT the numbers that they ended up referencing on the disk. It has been a fun puzzle to put it all together... Seriously - I love it. I'm weird:) I'll try and post them all tomorrow afternoon. Until then. I hope this picture will do :) This is Landon with Elder Villanueva on 04/04/08.

Preaching and Teaching

"Everything is going good. We had a "little battle" with a guy who knew the Bible pretty well. He interpreted it in his own way, not really how it is. I learned a lot from him, but it's sad how wrong he is. This thing.... meaning the plan of god, is perfect. YES, it's pretty scary standing in front of everyone and just preaching. It's amazing though, and you would be surprised how many people want a Book of Mormon, and who know about us, it's great."

Stolen Kiss

"Oh ya, last night (April 20) I got kissed. Man, I hate when that happens. We were contacting on the street, and this little old lady was explaining to us how she believes we have a Mother Celestial. Now I won't go into that doctrine, cause it's deep, yes she's right, but just a little wrong..... anyway, she gave me a big hug and was going to give me a kiss, and I couldn't escape, dang it! And the only way out was to get a kiss and ya.... Oh well, I think the Lord understands, haha... I love little old ladies. Well, be happy, remember that. I love you all... see you in the selva (jungle)."

Off to the Jungle

Landon leaves for Tarapoto today. We do not know whether he will fly or be bussed. The city is located about 380 miles north/northeast of Lima. Tarapoto, is also known as "The City of Palms", and is located in a valley between two mountain ranges on the back side of the Andes in the Amazon region. The rolling hills up into the mountains are called the high jungle and the Tarapoto region is called "the land of waterfalls". The mountains on either side of Tarapoto rise to an average of 8000 feet above sea level. Almost everyday at mid morning, huge cloud banks roll in and stick at the base of the mountains, sometimes enveloping and hiding the mountain range completely.

Everyone rides scooters or motorcycles and there are a ton of mototaxis. There are very few cars out and about.

Tarapoto is the largest city (116,800 population) in the Region (State) of San Martin in Peru, and is approximately 1150 feet above sea level and has a hot tropical climate and many strange and interesting "animals".

A Wonderful Day

"Well, we had 6 baptisms this past week. Two families !!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. I loved it. To see their faces, when they knew without a doubt that they were sin free. It was amazing, and I loved it. The spirit was so strong, that no one could deny that this is true."

One of these families, was the Familia Perez that Landon has mentioned previously. (Dad, Mom, and 3 kids.. ages, 19, 13, and 7) The father wrote Landon the following email. Landon was pretty happy when I passed it along to him.

Dear Elder Rich: Jesus Christ has permitted us to meet each other and it gives me joy that a young man like you, dedicates completely all his time to preach the gospel. I hope that our celestial father walks with you always. Sincerely, Your brother, Wilfredo Pérez Cornejo

"Also, a cool experience.... An older couple was baptized too. When we had the interviews for them, the mom was like, "I can't do it, it hurts too bad". Her legs are bad, and she has open sores because of an operation. We fasted and prayed for her, and on the day of their baptism she showed up.... walking..... and was like, "Yes, let's do it, I'm ready". So we got her legs wrapped with plastic, and it took three of us to baptize her with a chair. I know this church is true, and I love it."

Bienvenidos a la Selva (Welcome to the Jungle)

"Well. to answer all your questions.. Yes, I'm leaving Villa Sol.... happily and sadly... I don't know, I have mixed feelings. I don't want to leave because I'm accustomed (to it) here, and also I have made alot of friends here in this zone, and now I won't be here to see them go (home) because they finish (their missions) the next change and the change after, and I'm going to be in the jungle. I'm pretty mixed (feelings) right now, but most of them I'll see again after the mission. One lives in Pleasant Grove, and (another) in Arizona, right where Manda will be living, so that's good. But the ones who live not in the states, in the next life I will see them."

"I am going to Tarapoto, where Elder Woolf is, and my companion is the son (the greenie that Elder Bullock trained) of Elder Bullock haha, how crazy is that? Yes, the Elder Bullock who is in our ward, (Morgan 6th ward in Morgan, Utah) so I'm excited to get to the jungle. I head off Wednesday (April 23). I'll let you know next week how everything is."

Our General Authorities

Click here to listen to a cute song.

Onward Christian Soldiers

President Joseph Fielding Smith declared: "Our young people . . . are the nobility of heaven, a choice and chosen generation who have a divine destiny. Their spirits have been reserved to come forth in this day when the gospel is on the earth, and when the Lord needs valiant servants to carry on his great latter-day work."

President Spencer W. Kimball declared, "We are rearing a royal generation . . . who have special things to do."

"I trust and pray that we can all see their divine potential; that we can see them going forth as bearers of the holy priesthood and as missionaries preaching "the everlasting gospel" by the Spirit "to the nations of the earth"; that we can see them as faithful husbands and fathers and as valiant servants in and leaders of the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days." - Elder John M. Madsen

Getting together with FRIENDS !!

Elder Rich:

"Hey, so first off, (on P-day) we went to Ventanilla to play (futbol) with that zone at 8 in the morning. It's Elder Peterson's zone. It was fun."

Elder Peterson:

"Actually, today we had P-day with Elder Rich and his zone. I really want to be best friends with him. He is so tight and always when I see him, he makes me happy."

Elder Herdt:

"We had a Multizona this week, which was awesome. I got to see my best friends, Elders Rich, Peterson, Kay, and Mills. Elder Woolf couldn't be with us cuz he's in the jungle right now. I love having our Multizonas. It's so awesome every time I see the guys from my group. I feel so re-energized to get out and work again. We really have like a brotherhood with the guys from my group. I know we'll all be great friends after the mission."

6 month mark - aka BUMP Day

Landon's mission is 1/4 complete........... These 6 months have passed by so quickly.


"....the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream....." Jacob 7: 26

Be Happy

"Oh, and one other thing to everyone. BE HAPPY. My heck, I'm sick and tired of people not being happy. You're living aren't you? You have a life, right? Then smile a little bit, and when you talk, talk "happy talk" with a smile. Sound happy for Pete's sake. This, more than anything - wow. Not only down here in Peru, but everywhere. If you have the gospel in your life, you should never be without a smile. Never be sad, because we have the answers...... so SMILE. Thanks."

Dan Jones continued........

Dan Jones was one of the fellows who was with the prophet Joseph Smith when he was killed at Carthage. His name is not mentioned nearly so much as John Taylor's or Willard Richards or Hyrum Smith's, yet he was the man to whom Joseph Smith uttered his last prophecy, in the middle of the bleakest and most forlorn position possible, with literally no hope of the prophecy being fulfilled.

During a disruption (at Carthage), the Prophet got off the bed where he was resting and lay on the floor between John S. Fullmer and Dan Jones and spoke to each of them in turn. He asked Dan if he was afraid to die. Dan answered, "Has that time come think you? Engaged in such a cause [as the gospel] I do not think that death would have many terrors." The Prophet Joseph prophesied, "You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die." Before the year 1844 was over Dan Jones was en route with a prominent entourage of other Church officials toward the British Isles, not only fulfilling the prophecy but further proving his own loyalty to the slain Prophet and the cause he died for.

Later Dan served a second mission and is generally credited with more than 6,000 convert baptisms, the translation of numerous missionary tracts into the Welsh language, and leading the emigration of many of his converts to the Great Basin. After their arrival in the City of the Great Salt Lake, some of those Welsh converts became the nucleus of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Dan Jones has a long list of accomplishments, most importantly being a strong proponent of the restored gospel. He died firm in that conviction and is buried in the Provo City Cemetery. - Research by Kerry A. Shirts

For those of you who are interested, you may find a longer and more detailed history of Dan Jones, here.

Dan Jones Group

"Well you can officially call the missionaries in the Independencia Zone the "Dan Jones" group. Elder Toolson, our zone leader, (ex) assistant to the Presidente, has started a new thing. We have tons of Books of Mormon in our bags when we know we're going to ride a bus, and then we have "little card things" that tell a little about the book, and we get on the bus and preach. It's amazing. Probably 40 to 50 people at a time are looking at you, while people are getting off and getting on the bus, and you're pretty much yelling, with nothing to show but the Book of Mormon and your testimony about it. We explain a little about it, and hand out those cards to everyone, then at the end, whoever wants the book - we give it to them. Just another way to spread the word and plant the seed - 50 people at a time. I love it. I will continue to do it throughout my life. I love this mission. I love all of you, and thank you for all your help."

So - how many of you are wondering - Just WHO is Dan Jones? Well I had to look it up myself....Tune in tomorrow for more info :)

Serving Others

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" ~ Matthew 16:25

Baptism Day

Landon sent pictures, and this was one baptism he didn't talk about in any of his emails. Her name is Sandra, and I think Elder Villanueva baptized her. Here is what Landon had to say about it:

"Well, her dad is a menos activo (less active) for a long time. We're teaching her whole family. They are the mom and dad and 3 daughters. Sandra is the oldest with 20 years. When I left, her little sister had a date to get baptized. They have family in Utah that are members, so that's pretty cool."

Melt Mom's Heart

"Mom, thank you so much for all your words. I can't express how much I love my family. I have learned so much on my mission. I love this. I have grown to know what I missed before my mission, and now I will not miss it anymore. Thank you for your words mom, and mom, I do know what I mean to you. I think about it everyday. I know, because you and dad and our family mean the same to me. I love you."

Housing in Villa Sol

It wasn't until the one of the last emails, that Landon mentioned he lived on the third floor. His pension, Carmen, and her family live on the second floor, and the owners of the building live on the bottom floor.

I'm guessing this picture is taken from Landon's apartment. -------------------------->

This picture (below) was taken in his pension's apartment.



This is what Landon had to say about the owners of the building:

"The owners are bien bien catolico (fine fine Catholics). They are so, so, so, nice. I love the little old lady. She will be a member either in this life or the next, I know it."

One less worry for Mom

"Dogs are not a problem here. There aren't any strays hardly, just in homes and stuff no worries... "

Lost - then found !

"While working in the Proceres area , we found the Familia Perez. Dad, Mom, and 3 kids.. ages, 19, 13, and 7. It's awesome. They have a date for baptism for the 19th of April. The 19 year old wants to be a missionary, and the dad will probably be a future leader, so I'm really stoked. The other missionaries were having troubles finding them, but we worked on it, and we did! Good news - In our interviews, Presidente Perez told us that there will be missionaries (specifically assigned) in that area (Proceres), and that is good."

"I am happy, but also he mentioned that I will probably not be here (in Villa Sol/Proceres). He mentioned that I will be companero meyor en la selva. (Senior Companion in the Jungle) I am praying tons right now, and I feel inadequate, but if this is so, I will be praying even more. But that's how the Lord works, and we will see what happens. I don't know, I am kinda ready to leave Villa Sol, and see what else Peru has to offer. We will see what happens. Crazy, only one more email, and then the next you will know where I'm going, or if I'm staying, crazy huh? I love it."

"Hey Dad, I sure am glad you taught me the things you did about life before my mission. You taught me so much about patience, and just when things (are hard)... suck it up, and push through it. All these words I learned from you, and many many more.... and in this tough time, the Lord and these words are helping me."

Different than the normal week......

"Well, me and Elder Villanueva are getting along just fine. We are working hard. This last week our (teaching) numbers kind of suffered, because Monday we had P-day and went and played futbol (soccer) with a different zone, that was great. Then we worked three days,(Tues. Wed. Thurs.) and on Friday we had our interviews with President Perez, which I absolutely loved. I learned so much, and I love that man. He is a Bishop Fisher, except in Spanish. After that, we had a special party with pizza, and watched a movie, and played futbol with the office missionaries. This was because our zone had met all of our goals, and it was great."


President Fisher (left)
Presidente Perez (right)

"Saturday and Sunday was conference, and it wasn't in our church. It was in the Stake house, which is like 20 minutes out of our zone, so it was tough to get people to attend, and for us to work with them, but I can say.... this was the first time in my life I have felt the spirit so strong. At the end of Saturday, I was spiritually drained, another first in my life. I couldn't think what it was... I was like "We haven't worked at all today, but yet this is the most tired I have been". I couldn't put my finger on it, but man... I love our prophets, and yes, a part of my Patriarchal Blessing was fulfilled this past weekend. Listen to the prophet's voice, I promise you will learn. I love you all, and all is well.......no worries."

General Conference

"I will be able to see the (General Conference) sessions live. It's not their voice, it's the translator's voice. I'm going to miss hearing their voices for 2 years, that's for sure."

We were able to stand and sustain our new prophet,Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors and apostles. It was special to me, in one aspect, because everyday, I'll think and wonder......"What is Landon doing right this minute?" - and yesterday, for a few seconds, I knew EXACTLY what he was doing, at EXACTLY that minute. When they asked the Elder's quorums (across the world) to arise, and put their hand to the square, I KNOW that he was doing that - 4500 hundred miles away - in Villa Sol Peru, RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT.

Read, Study, Pray

"How is the Book of Mormon coming? Keep it up.... I'm waking up a half hour early to study the Book of Mormon because I love it so much. You can get so much closer to God just by reading it everyday. So do it. You will be blessed and see the changes in your life."