Thanksgiving Recap

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and ate really well.

For our Thanksgiving, the assistants were out to the jungle with President, so we secretaries invited ourselves to a great lunch at a restaurant that was really good. It was great!

Emails? Comments? Sign the Guestbook? Anyone?

I'm sure the best Christmas present ANY missionary could receive, would be a note from friends and family.
Take some time today, and add a comment to this post, or the guestbook on the sidebar, or you can email me at sled4fun2@hotmail.com, and I'll pass your kind words along to Elder Rich. Thanks !!

Happy Thanksgiving

"Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen." Alma 26:37

Words of Wisdom from Peru

Remember, everything we do in this life has a consequence or a reward. We have to make the right choices and be ready for the trials the Lord is going to give us. Remember, the Lord gives the righteous trials to test their faith and to help them grow, but God also gives punishments to those who are doing bad things and not obeying, so they will maybe repent and change. Let's do the things that are right and be strengthened by the Lord and get on our knees when it's tough. Remember we're stronger when we're on our knees. Saying your prayers is really important. I know life is hectic and there are ALOT of things going on, but we HAVE to remember our God in everything, and thank Him for everything he has given to us.

Getting the Royal Treatment

Elder Rich sent this photo, and there was no info attached, except to say that the woman in the picture was a Sister from the CCM (Peru MTC). If I had to guess, I would say this was taken at the airport this past week. During all of the changes, the office missionaries spend quite a bit of time at the airport.

"So I got back from the airport and slept for an hour, then I had to get up and wake up some missionaries that had to go to the airport. I woke them up and got back to bed at 2:45 am, then I got a phone call at 3:30 am, saying that one of the elders couldn’t travel with his baggage, so I had to go BACK to the airport to bring his baggage back."

Till we meet again...........

Tuesday night, it was pretty sad to see Elder Larkin and Elder Schaertl leave to go home. I had become pretty good friends with them. Elder Ticona and I took them to the airport and didn’t get back to the offices till 1 am.

Elder Larkin and I were talking, and I told him a few of my goals after the mission.
1. Learn how to play the piano.
2. Learn another language, and then Elder Larkin pulled out his guitar, and I added,
3. Learn how to play the guitar.

Elder Hirschi and Elder Ticona and my companion (Elder Vargas) all know how to play it, and also Elder Larkin.

Elder Larkin said, “How am I going to take this home?? I can’t send it. I can’t put it under the plane, and I don’t want to carry it on. I don’t know what I will do”.

About 15 minutes later he was like, “Elder Rich, when is your birthday? Here, I give you my guitar, Happy Birthday, haha”. So I am in the process of learning from Elder Hirschi, how to play the guitar. I never thought I would have my own personal guitar. That’s cool.

Love to Eat !

I’m staying steady at 90 kilos - that’s about 198 pounds I think…. I’m pretty chunky, but it doesn’t look like it. The members feed us a ton and we eat it all. Oh well, I have some exercising to do when I get home.

Museo de la Nacion

"Last P-day, we went to a museum. I had been to it previously, in my first area. It was pretty good, better than the last time I went. I think it was because I can speak Spanish, and understand things better. Then we went to a market place and looked around, then went and ate and came back to the offices - pretty good day."

*The Museum of the Nation,is one of two major museums of Peruvian history in Lima. It houses thousands of authentic artifacts spanning the entire span of human occupation in Peru.

Words of Wisdom from Peru (and a picture too!)

(Not sure when this was taken, but thank you Elder Peterson *and mom ;)

All is well. I’m trying everyday to be better and be more humble. I love the Lord and I love you all. Thanks for all you do and all you help me out with.

I love the Lord and He loves us. Follow Him and keep His commandments. Be as happy as you can be, and the only way to do that is to follow Him and keep our covenants.

We need to look into the future, even after this life. What do we really want?? What really matters?? I know this church is true and that all of us just need to keep at it, have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, believe and fulfill our covenants.

The family is the MOST important thing in this world, nothing else!!!! Work will come, the chores will always be there, but the family is something very sacred we should cherish.

Remember the promises we make at baptism. If you don’t remember them, go to church every Sunday, and there is a complete hour where we can remember them and renew them.

I hope you all have had a great November, because it’s halfway done!!! And then we’re in December, that’s right, then we’re on to the new year, then we’re on to Mother’s Day, then we’re on to July and October........It’s all going way way too fast. A lot of things are going on back there in Morgan and I’m missing it, but I know I’m where the Lord wants me to be, and I’m happy. I love you all and I love my Savior and what He did for me…… and does for me…. Go to church!!! Love Elder Rich

Ouch !!

So about a month ago we were playing soccer, and I jammed my big toe, hard on the soccer ball. A little blood spot showed up underneath the nail.

Well today, (Saturday the 15th) I stepped on it wrong (as we were playing early morning soccer again), and it popped, and man did it hurt... I took my sock off, and there was blood under my whole nail, and it feels so weird - like it's going to come off, and now it hurts really bad, haha... We will see how I hold up :) My feet are getting pretty beat up out here. Really, I don't think my feet will ever be the same.... but oh well, it's a long way from my heart....

Actually what I need is socks, like 3 or 4 pairs if you could. It will be good to get those new shoes also, my feet are starting to take a beating. (His old pair purchased from Missionary Mall have a hole, so we sent him FREE replacement shoes) It shows that I have walked everyday for the past year and a month. I will have to get pedicure when I get home, haha… I will have Leisa Wilson do it, haha, my feet are pretty bad.

PS - ONLY in the mission would you catch me waking up at 6am to play soccer, haha. Never again outside of the mission would I do that!

Highlight of my week

"The highlight of my week was just being able to teach the people in my area. Eduardo and Regina are doing great, and have plans to get married on December 6th, and their baptism will shortly follow. Also we have a few other investigators that we have planned to come to church, and they will be progressing just fine."

"Sadly, Milagros..... I don’t know what happened, she just dropped off. She doesn’t have the desire anymore, and she wants to be part of the world, and doesn’t want to put any effort into it. But we all have our albedrío (free will)."

Till we meet again...........

"I was able to see Elder Arévalo!!!!! (Gabo) He looked really good. He came to the offices to get set apart by Presidente Perez. It was good to see him, he is so so so skinny. I hope he gains some weight while on his mission, and I told him right before he left, "Work hard and I love you and I’ll see you when you get home." He is very excited and worthy to be out there, and I’m very excited for him."

*Gabo is going to Bahia Blanca, Argentina . The reason President Perez, the president of PLNM, "set apart" Gabo as a missionary, is because Tarapoto, where he lives, is not a "stake", and so there is no Stake President. But because Tarapoto is located in the Peru Lima North Mission area, Presidente Perez does the honors.

Office Elders

This picture was taken last week, when the Elders from the office went to Temple

Becoming a Missonary

My beloved brethren, you and I, today and always, are to bless all peoples
in all the nations of the earth. You and I, today and always, are to bear
witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the Restoration. You
and I, today and always, are to invite all to receive the ordinances of
salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part-time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time or an assignment we must complete as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were foreordained in the pre-mortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth at this time to magnify the priesthood and to preach the gospel. That is who we are, and that is why we are here--today and always. by Elder David A. Bednar (Ensign, November 2005)

Splits with the Zone Leaders

We recently had a work visit with the Zone leaders, and it was good. I have made two new friends in the mission, Elder Larkin and Elder Scheartl. They’re both from Utah, and they both finish this next change. (Nov. 19th) I will sure miss them, and I will look them up when I get home. Elder Larkin is from Layton, and the other from Mapleton. The work visit went really well, and I learned a lot and got pumped even more for the work. We’re working harder and progressing.

I went to their area in our zone and worked, and Elder Vargas stayed here in our area and worked. We found some new people to teach, and I’m excited to see some of the changes in the lives of people.

House of the Lord

Last Saturday, for our P-day, we went to the temple. This time we got in, and it was good. I loved it. I felt really good.

Note to Grandparents: I went to the temple today and I had a great time, I can't imagine going there as often as you guys do, what a blessing. I have a plan to assist every week when I get home.

Preach My Gospel

This past week we had two investigators come to church. It’s funny how many we people commit to come to church (even on Saturday night), and they say yes, and then they don’t come :(

There are some great people here in our ward, great families. I love the ward members and our area. There were A LOT of inactives and less active people who came to church today. People that haven’t been for 5 years, and they’re starting to come and they keep coming. It’s good. We have 6 new ward missionaries, and we’re going to start doing visits with them, having our meetings every week, and talking and using Preach My Gospel. I’m excited.

Food Food, Wonderful Food

One day last week, we had a great lunch that I loved!!! We had beans with turkey and rice, it was GOOD. For a few minutes I was looking at my food and thinking, “Man, I hope there is this kind of food when I get home”. I love the food down here. I guess that’s why I’m getting fat.

I think I might spend a lot of money on that Peruvian restaurant when I get home. I was thinking back when mom and I went to that place, and nothing looked good on the menu. I had never eaten food like that before, and I couldn’t read Spanish to see exactly what it was. Imagine when I get home, being able to talk to the owners about Peru, and just chillin’ and gabbin’ and eating ALL sorts of food and INCA COLA. It’s going to be sweet!

Relaxation

This picture was taken just before heading to bed last week. It's nice to see they can kick back and relax a little.

How do you like those Alpaca slipper's? Maybe Elder Herdt can hook us up :)

Different Day - Different Reaction

Well for the second time in my mission we got yelled at!!! This time we didn’t yell back though. We were knocking on a door of this lady we had talked and prayed with before. Her husband was there when we knocked on the door this time, and he wasn’t very happy. He said some colorful words and threatened us, but it was all good. I just feel bad for the guy, so unhappy. But oh well… it all goes on.

Click here to see what happened the FIRST time they got yelled at.

Normal......Healthy.....Working......

Well to tell you about my week….. It’s been pretty normal down here, all healthy, just working, preaching, and teaching. We have a lot of investigators that are doing good, but then we have some that aren’t, it’s just the way it is.

We have one family where the dad is a member, but less active. The mom, Gladys, is the one learning and progressing. They have 2 kids, and need to get married. Gladys and her son that is 8, have a baptism date for the 22nd of November. Pray for them.

Eduardo and Regina, are as good as ever. They have had all the lessons, and are coming to church every week. We visit them 2 to 4 times a week, and they are eating it up. They just need to get married too, and they are ready for baptism!!!

Milagros Valenzuela (Leyla’s cousin) is going good also, she has a date for this 8th of November.

Last Friday we found a new family to teach. We visited an inactive home and they let us in. The mom isn’t a member, and at first it looked like she didn’t want us there, but we taught and she caught interest, and it turned out wonderful. We have another date with her and it will be great.

Details

Why was the temple so busy yesterday? "Today we went to the temple, we were going to go in and do a session, BUT we kinda forgot it’s a holiday and there was more than 200 people there, so needless to say we didn’t go."

A member invited the missionaries to lunch, and took them to a Columbian Restaurant. Here's what Elder Rich had to say about that "It is soooo good. All the food in South America is good. I swear that’s all I'll eat when I get home. I will be fat fat fat."

The Earthquake - "We got back here (to the offices) around 3:30pm and guess what happened? An earthquake!!! Not a very big one, but big enough to set off all the car alarms on the street, and to make all the dogs bark in the whole town, and to make everyone leave their houses. It was all good… not a very big one… only like 15 seconds long."

Some Good Advice, "Always wear a smile and make the day of someone else. Open your mouth and help someone different everyday."

Today's Terremoto

In today's email, Landon said they went to the temple, but were not able to get in a session. There were over 200 people there! Afterwards, they ate at a Columbian restaurant which was very good, and then they went back to the office and "were in for a treat" (his words) and got to feel a Terremoto. He said it wasn't as strong as the one last April, but it did cause people to leave their homes and gather in the street.

Dia de Todos los Santos

Today is celebrated as "All Saints Day" in Peru

During this time, the doors are opened to guests, who enter with clean hands and share in the traditional dishes, particularly the favorites of the deceased. Tables are bedecked with bread figurines called t’antawawas, sugarcane, chicha, candies and decorated pastries.

At the cemeteries, the souls are greeted with more food, music, and prayers. Rather than a sad occasion, the Día de Todos Santosis a joyous event.

Halloween Halloween

Halloween, as other occidental traditions, is celebrated in Peru like it is in the United States. Kids wear costumes and ask for candy in their neighborhoods. The main difference is that instead of saying “trick or treat” when asking for candy they say “Halloween, Halloween.”

“El Día de la Canción Criolla” is also celebrated today, the Peruvian "Day of Criolla Music". It started back in 1944, when the Peruvian government announced that on this day a special celebration of “Criolla” music, a Peruvian genre of music, which combines African, Spanish and other influences. The most popular style of musica criolla in Perú is the marinera, which is said to be the national dance of Perú.

Click here to carve a pumpkin

Bad Decision

One morning a week or two ago, I decided to work out. Not only work out, but I over did it, and I forgot I haven’t worked out like that in over a year!!! Needless to say, I could barely walk. It took a few days to get better..... Lesson learned.

Unexpected Phone Call

The other night, I received a phone call with an Arizona area code. When I answered, it was a woman who told me she had just returned from Peru, and she had met and spoken with Landon ! She then proceeded to tell me how HEALTHY he looked, and everything else a mom would want to know. It's one of those tender mercies that I have received as a mother of a missionary.

Sister Coombs also took a couple of pictures, that she mailed to me. This first one, is the street just outside of the mission home.........and the second one, is Elder Rich with another Elder.........not sure which one.


If I remember the conversation correctly, Sister Coombs was there with her husband, who had previously served a mission in Peru about 35 years ago. They were with another couple who work with our church's Perpetual Education Fund. They were meeting with North American missionaries who were soon to be going home after completing their missions. One thing that she said, sticks out in my mind. If these returning missionaries would set aside $5.00 per month, this $5.00 would "fund" one of their former companions, for one month, as they progressed through the PEF program. Just think of that !!

So many of these missionaries that our sons are serving with, have no prospects for an education, or bettering their lives after returning home from their missions. Our sons, who are so VERY blessed, can help to improve a life - by giving so very little. I tell you, it surely changed the way I personally look at the PEF program. It puts a "face" on it, so to speak. Thank you Sister Coombs !!

So THAT'S what did it..........

Oh ya, haha.. I’m fine now. My health is a million times better than last Saturday. It was fruit that made me sick. Dang strawberries, haha. We all ate them, and we all felt a little sick, but I got the worst of it. I’m all better now.


And no, I didn’t burn a shirt (for his one year anniversary), because I couldn’t leave my bed, haha, Elder Herdt did though. I thought I would just save one, because I might need it later down the road, you never know.

Congratulations Leyla !

Leyla Rebbeca Gutirrez Sosa was baptized last night!!! (Friday, October 24, 2008) She has 10 years of age. Her cousin, Milagros, has a date for the 8th of November to get baptized. Leyla's parent's names are Rosa and Jonny.

It was such a good baptism, even though at first not many people were there, and we started a little late. She was so excited to get baptized. Here is the story: The water is cold here in the font. It’s not heated, and it wasn’t too bad, but for a little girl, she was cold. When we got in the font, she was all worried about being dunked and everything and she was like, “I can’t do it”, and she started to cry a little bit. Not because she didn’t want to be baptized, but she was just afraid because she didn’t know what to do, or to expect. You gotta know her, but it was hilarious. Once she got calmed down, she is like, “Ok, I’m ready”.

As soon as they were about to open the doors (in front of the font), she is like, “Wait!, I’m chewing gum!” I told her it’s okay to get baptized with gum in her mouth, but she didn’t want to, so I was like uhhhh.... “Ok, give it to me”, haha. I was like a mom, you know when the mom sticks out her hand and they spit it (the gum) into their hand? Well, that was me, haha. I put it into my front shirt pocket and she was baptized!!!! It was amazing.

Good Week

This week has been a pretty darn good week. I can’t complain. To start off, we had the amazing opportunity to go to the CCM last Wednesday, (October 22, 2008) and hear from President Costa from the 70 and Elder Christofferson of the 12!!!!!! Their talks were amazing.

President Costa talked about our study in the scriptures, about putting ourselves in the spots of Nephi and Noah and all the profetas of the olden times. He told us to think how easy or how hard it would be. It was really good.

Elder Christofferson talked about the Book of Mormon, using it as the main tool in our work, and blessing the lives of others with it. We also got to shake their hands, even though it was very fast. There were a lot of missionaries there, 600 or so at the CCM.

It was all around great, and what was amazing also, is that we saw all of our friends from other missions, especially ALL of our friends that went to Bolivia but got kicked out. (These would be Elders that they got to know really well in the CCM about a year ago) Elder Clark from Tooele, Utah, and all our Latin friends that we couldn’t talk to a year ago (because of the English/Spanish barrier) but now we can, and the teachers also. To be able to talk to them about our work, how we’re doing, how they’re doing, and it was just amazing. It was a great day.

My Spanish Teacher

Our good friend Gabo, (who by the way...... has 18 more days before he leaves on his mission ! ) put this little icon with the missionaries and bikes together. I had asked him what it said........ and it is "I'm Mormon, and you?"

Gabo knows Spanish, English, Portuguese, and is studying Italian. He is very smart, and I think he should be a teacher. This is what he had to say........

Soy Mormón y ¿Vos? is Spanish, BUT I use vos "you singular". This pronoun is just used in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and some parts of Bolivia and Guatemala, we call it Rioplatence Spanish. In the rest of Latin America we use Tú "you singular", so that phrase would be, Soy Mormón y ¿Tú?

Here in Peru we use Amazonican Spanish (jungle), Peruvian Ribereño Spanish (coastal area), and Andino Spanish (mountain area), so our pronunciation and accent is different, even though we live in the same country.

In Latin America, every country has it's own accent and Spanish pronunciation. Spain has it's own accent and pronunciation too. But we understand each other

In Portuguese, it would be "Sou mórmon e você?", and in Italian it'd be Sono Mormon e tu?.

I hope this information is useful for you Sister Rich, bye!!

Thanks To 19 Year Olds

"First of all I would like to thank every missionary who has
ever labored in this transcendent latter-day undertaking we have been
given. The rolling forth of the restored gospel is a miracle in every
sense of the word, and not the least of the miracle is that a
significant portion of it rolls forward on the shoulders of
19-year-olds! As we have seen your sons and daughters, grandsons and
granddaughters, faithfully laboring ........, I have pictured the tens of thousands of others like them we have met all over the world. Clean, clear,
bright-eyed missionaries, laboring two-by-two, have become a living
symbol of this Church everywhere. They themselves are the first
gospel message their investigators encounter--and what a message that
is. Everyone knows who they are, and those of us who know them the
best, love them the most." by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (May 2004 Ensign)

Where in the world is................?

There have been some changes in the office. Elder Joshua Anderson (one of the AP’s) finished his mission and went home, and Elder Roldán was transfered to Yurimaguas in Tarapoto. So Elder Herdt has a new companion, Elder Sanchez, and Elder Ticona has a new companion, Elder Hirschi as the new AP.

Elder Hirschi is from Neola, UTAH, a place I didn’t even know existed, haha…. Neola, Utah. Do you know where that’s at?? I do now, but wow, I had no idea.

Also, did you know there is a place called Tropic, Utah?? Ya, that’s what I said......., we’re getting a new kid from there in January.

Scripture Study

"I am studying in 2 Nefi (2 Nephi) right now, and I love it. I forget how much there is about the Plan of Salvation in that part of the Book of Mormon. I want to invite everyone to study it. It is filled with the plan of God… the plan of salvation, it is amazing. It helps us know the will of God and His plan for us. I invite you to read it."

The Plan of Salvation - We are not left alone to wander through mortality without knowing of the master plan which the Lord has designed for His children. - Elder L. Tom Perry

You might notice that Landon spelled NEPHI, like they spell it or SAY it in Peru. I remember when Elder Lawson Bullock returned from the Peru Lima North Mission last December, in his mission homecoming report he referred to NEPHI many times, and each time, he pronounced it Neff-eee (with the emphasis on the Neff).

Landon's Hump Day ........... (Let's not do THAT again !)

"So my Hump Day started out normal. Me and Elder Herdt called all of our comps in the mission and wished them happy one year mark. (Elder Wright, Elder Peterson, Elder Woolf, Elder Kay, and Elder Mills). We went to lunch, I ate all my food, and it was good. Got done with lunch, and it hit me!!!! I did not feel good AT ALL.

We left to go out into the field like normal, because we had appointments. We had a good lesson with Layla and Milagros, and we HAD one (planned) with Eduardo and Regina at 7:30pm, but I started getting a headache, and started getting the cold shivers, and I had to go to the bathroom. We were at a member’s house, and they bought us pizza and ice cream and all that, because it was my one year mark, but I couldn't eat ANY of it because I felt like crud.

They took care of me, and we went straight back to the offices where I took some medicine, took a hot shower, and got into bed at 8:30pm. At 9:30, Elder Herdt, Sanchez and Vargas gave me a blessing. (I guess Landon spent the rest of the evening, alternating between bed and bathroom)

In the morning, we called Hermana Perez, and my comps went and bought me more medicine and some crackers and Gatorade, and I didn't get out of bed until 10:30am (to write this email). I didn't have any strength, I didn't feel like doing anything, but all is well. What a great 1 YEAR mark - hahahaha. But really, all is well… no worries… After I write this (email), I will probably go get back into bed."

Investigators

"The visits with Eduardo and Regina have been going good, they say they want to put a date to get married in November, and then a date to get baptized. He is 36 an she is 31, and they have a 7 year old child.

We are also teaching Rubén and Gladys, a couple who are progressing, and also planning to get married.

Baptisms planned for this Saturday are, Layla (10 years)and her cousin Milagros, who lives with Layla's family, and Evelyn (16 years). Layla and Milagros were supposed to have been baptized last Saturday, but we decided we needed to teach and prepare them more, so they are set for this Saturday, with Evelyn.

The members in our area are great, and they help us out a lot. We attend the Independencia Ward, and it starts at 10am on Sunday mornings, with Sacrament meeting first."

A Year in Review

"4 areas (Comas, Villa Sol, Tarapoto, Independencia). 9 companions (Woolf, Jacobe, Ramos, Vargas, Villanueva, Evans, Flores, Gomez, Vargas). 29 converts, of which 19 of those I have seen enter into the water and be baptized. The others were baptized when I left the area, or I have heard through other missionaries that they got baptized, Guido Palomino being one of them!!!!!!! 7 Families, that could and will be sealed before I come home next year!!! I can only imagine what my second year will be filled with."

My Testimony

"Everyday I am noticing more and more how true this church is, and how perfect our God is, and how Humble and Caring our Savior Jesus Christ was and IS. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. Through him, they restored the true church that was lost in olden times. Now, in this day, we have the power and the authority to affect baptisms correctly, to give blessings, and to confer the Holy Ghost. I love my Savior and I know He lives and watches over me everyday, DyC 84:88. I know without a doubt this is the true church. I love my God and my Savior… and They LIVE."

10 Things To Strive For

President Gordon B. Hinckley encouraged each missionary to develop these traits while serving a mission.

1- A testimony of the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3).

2- A greatly enlarged understanding of the gospel (D&C 50:24).

3- A love for the people with whom you labor.

4- A greater love and appreciation for your parents.

5- An understanding of the meaning of hard work.

6- An enlarged understanding of the meaning and true worth and value of personal virtue (D&C 121:45).

7- Increased poise, the ability to meet people, to converse with them, to talk with them.

8- Courage to act.

9- The faith to do. The faith to try.

10- And finally, the humility to pray.

El Primer en año en la misión de Landon (Hump Day)

CONGRATULATIONS !!
It's "Hump Day" on your mission.
There are lessons to be learned:
Evaluate the good times,
Let bad things "crash and burn".

Remember, as His servant,
There is much you still can do.
The past 12 months are over,
The next 12 months are new !!

This camel carries heavy loads,
But knows his master's hand
Will lift them at each long day's end,
And thus you'll understand....

Submit, as does the camel,
To your Lord, on bended knee,
He'll bless you with His Spirit's power;
He'll lift cares, and help you see

That missions can be challenges,
But place your trust in Him...
No matter what you're called to do,
With the Lord's help, you will win.

It's "Hump Day" on your mission
There is so much to be done;
Work hard...love life... there's little time;
The best is still to come !!

by V-Ann Ludlow

So tell us what you think?

Now, about me completing one year?? Hmmm… I don’t know, it’s not really going to be that big of a deal here. The day before, the day of, and the day after, will all be the same, work work work.

I have a lot of things to make better, and such little time to do it. Times are going, people are growing, families are being made, and things are changing. I am grateful for my one year in the mission.

All is well down here and I am loving it. I’m glad I’m where I’m at, knowing what to do, and enjoying it. I love you all and thank you all for all you do. All your letters and emails, your prayers and help. I love you, take care.

I love my family

"I was thinking, these upcoming months are tough for missionaries, with all the holidays that we are missing with families and friends. But in a way, I have my family here. I will still miss being with you guys, but it’s good to hear everyone in the family is doing good."

"Manda and Cam, Zac and CJ and the boys, it will be one crazy thing to see all of them when I get home. I am so grateful for them and who they are. They are special and have their own special talents. I love every single one of them."

The Ultimate Goal

"The times in our lives are vital. We have to do everything we can to be better everyday, because this life in this earth DOES end, and according to the things we did, depends on how happy we will be in the next life. We have the time of school, we have the time of work, we have time for everything. I hope we make the right decisions and end up in the kingdom of God together. That is what I want. That should be our ultimate goal in life, to make it back to the presence of our Heavenly Father with our families. This is my goal."

Focus

"I’m really focused on trying to be better, in everything, in the way I talk to my companions, in the way I do things, in everything. I read the scriptures EVERY day. Yes, it’s hard for me to read the scriptures everyday, not that I don’t want to or I don’t like it, but there isn’t much time. But as of a week I have been doing it, and I can see the difference and I love it."

This picture above is taken from a hill overlooking the Independencia Zone where Elder Rich is serving.

The Changes went well

"The changes are done, all the meetings and trainings are over, and everyone is in their new areas and all is well."

"These changes passed a lot better than the last ones. I knew what was going on, and when it was going on."

"It was not tiring in the sense of no sleep, because I’m on schedule, and I get everything done and I get to sleep by 10 or 10:30. I’m tired in the sense of a lot of things went on. Alot of movement and thinking and decision making, but it was all good."

Goodbye for a little while.....

Jimmy, Landon's good friend from Tarapoto, left on his mission last week.

He is Welinton and Mamita Teresa's son. Mamita Teresa was Landon's "pension" in Tarapoto. He will be serving in the Colombia Barranquilla Mission.

We received pics from Mamita Teresa yesterday, and have posted them here.

Glad to be of help

We received the nicest comment on Landon's guestbook, from Preston Wheiler, of Maple Valley, Washington. He will be entering the Peru Lima North Mission in January ! Congratulations !!

We are so glad this blog has been a help to others. What started off as a way to keep family and friends informed about Elder Rich, has blossomed into so much more. We have made so many friends along the way, both in the states and in Peru. We have always tried to make sure that the information we present is uplifting and positive, remembering always, who Elder Rich is representing.

The internet is really quite amazing. You can look up just about anything, and so when you "google" Peru Lima North Mission, this blog comes up. Blogging is contagious :) There are quite a few other PLN blogs available for review, Elder Layton, Elder Ridge, Elder Hyde, Elder Griffin, and Elder Morton.

Another GREAT resource is the Missionary Mom website. This is invaluable, and I would urge all prospective missionaries and their parents to sign up for it. There is NO CHARGE, and it is basically a "listserv" where questions are asked to the group (from Peru) and answered. We have all learned so very much ! If I can be of any other help, please email me (Elder Rich's mom) at sled4fun2 at hotmail dot com.

Conference Recap

"I loved conference. Once again, it was a great 10 hour experience, with great talks. I marvel at how much information and spirit and teachings they can put in to only a 10-15 minute talk. It was amazing. I loved it, and I hope you did too. I hope you got to watch alot of it. EVERY single talk was amazing and had something to help us in this life. I'm still in awe. Treasure in your mind always, the words of the prophets. I loved Elder Bednar's talk on prayer. I hope you heard it. If not, find it on internet and read it and use it."

Mistake? No possible way........

The best family of my mission as far as wanting to progress, and having the most challenges to do so, are Eduardo and Regina, with their son.

It was a "mistake" how we found them, but I know for a fact it was the hand of the Lord guiding us to them. We met a less active member in the street, got her address, and the next day we went looking for her. Well we mixed up the street name and got to the right number, but wrong street, and Eduardo answered. We talked a bit, and he says, ”You’re the Mormons right?” He says, “I have always been curious what you guys believe in, and I want to know more”.

We invited him to an activity the next day, and sure enough, the next day the whole family went to the church for the activity, and turns out they know a lot of the members, so it was great. They then invited us back to their house the next day, and we taught them about the restoration and they loved it. Monday we had a family night with them and wow, it’s just amazing. They read ALL the pamphlets we gave to them, The Book of Mormon, and everything. Eduardo wants to learn about the life of Joseph Smith and just everything. They are really smart. They just need to get married and they want to, but it’s kinda tough to get married down here in Peru. It costs a lot and they have to do a lot of paperwork, but they will get married. They haven’t come out and said it, but they were asking about baptism the other day, and man… It’s amazing how chosen they are.

I love it. I hope and pray all goes through well with them.

We need to find more families to teach! We are on the lookout everyday. I love working. I can’t wait everyday, to get out and work. I love it. I love teaching. I love this work.

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS Gabo !!

Josê Gabriel Arévalo Arévalo turns 19 today !! He was baptized a year ago, and will be leaving on his mission to Bahia Blanca, Argentina next month. He has been such a good friend and helper to Landon and all of the missionaries in the Tarapoto area. We have been able to become good friends also, over the internet with instant messaging. He speaks English, so that's a big help to me. My favorite thing to hear (read) is "Good Morning Sister Rich". It just brightens up my day. We sure love you Gabo, and hope you have a wonderful day. Love, The Rich's

Planned Baptisms

I absolutely love my area. We’re doing good. This week of changes will be a little tough, because we won’t get out much to visit our investigators.

We have 5 baptismal dates set for the 18th of October, for Daniel, Milagros Quispe, Milagros V., Manuel, and Layla. They are all young, 12, 14, 15, 19, and 10. They all have been assisting church or seminary for a long time. They are all doing really well.

Milagros V. (15) is changing and grasping this gospel and it’s beautiful and amazing what the gospel can do. She needs this. I’m happy for her and I’m thankful for her.

Milagros Q. (14) has been assisting seminary for 2 years and church for a year, but her parents won’t let her get baptized. We need to talk to her parents to find out the details, but she wants to. She is shy and timid, but a good young girl.

We’re teaching Manuel (19) and his mom now, and it’s amazing how willing she is to change, even though she says she won’t be baptized yet. She is fulfilling all of the commitments we have given her. It will be good for Manuel also.

Busy Busy Change Week

Hey! Well, how is everything going back there in good old Morgan??? I hope well. All here is well. The changes got approved, so I have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. Monday is the start of changes and another week of no sleep and lots of fun. There have been A LOT of changes, and a lot of flights to arrange. I think there will be more than 40 missionaries flying on the 8th of October. There is going to be a lot of movement and travel, but it will all go fine and I will love it.

It’s so tough to write letters down here in the offices. There is NO time, and I’m not just saying that. It’s so crazy and busy all the time, even on P-days, we’re always doing something. I love it. Thanks for all your prayers. I need them. I love you.

Did you hear it ?

I could hardly wait for conference to get over, so I could post this !!

Did you listen to Elder Eduardo Gavarret, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy? He spoke about Peru! Even though he didn't mention the Peru Lima North Mission specifically, that is exactly where the Puenta Piedra Stake is located. It was wonderful to hear about the "reactivation" efforts that are going on there. I can just picture all of our Elders listening, with smiles a MILE WIDE, can't you? And then to TOP IT OFF - Elder Nash, whom they had just met last week, and spoke with, and shook hands with - gave the closing prayer !!

I absolutely LOVED conference these past two days. It was so uplifting, and just what I needed to hear.

Another Missionary Mom Get-together......

Check it out here.

The Spirit of God

"I had a great 3 sessions of conference (Saturday), and loved every minute of it. The talks were amazing and the choirs too. I liked Elder Bednar’s talk on prayer also, and I liked Elder Holland’s talk on angels, and all the talks tonight at the Priesthood Session. It was good. Elder Richard G Scott had an interview with every single one of us. It was amazing."

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

"So, did I mention how stoked I am to watch General Conference? Well I am, and it will be in English for me too. The spirit speaks to me in English."

Helpful Information - PLN Mission Zones

Click here for info on areas WITHIN the zones.

And now, after all of this.......What is always the CONSTANT?
You've got it - CHANGE !!

From Elder Rich's latest email:

"On October 8, 2008, when all is said and done with the changes, and with all of the new missionaries (including those from Bolivia), we will have over 200 missionaries!!!!!!!! and 16 zones!!!. I'm stoked.... It's going to be sweet... I hope it all goes well..."

"There is a new zone, called PRO. It is just the Puente Piedra zone, cut in half and named differently, and also the PALMERAS zone is the INDEPENDENCIA zone cut in half and named differently. The same areas, just different names and more leadership."

That much fun ?

"I bought a laser pen, and am using it to play with cats and dogs. Who would have known that a missionary could have that much fun? And also, it’s pretty helpful to keep the dogs away."

"I almost got bit today by the way... There are tons of small passage-ways here, with stairs going straight up a mountain, and there are dogs. Well, we got kind of trapped, and it was daytime, so I couldn’t use the laser pen, so we were there for a little bit until the owner came out and called them off."