Update from Peru

It was great to talk to you guys on Christmas, I loved it... but I spoke too soon when I said everything was great and perfect....we have been without water since that night I talked to you guys... It's the first time in my life I haven't showered in six days ! I know, I know, It's gross, and I probably have something growing on me, but oh well, the work goes on.

We have 3 baptisms this next month. One is Zanaida and Jim. They are married, and have a 9 year old girl. Zanaida is our pension. The other is Luis Garfius. He is about 45 years old, and just humble humble. We also found a family of 5, with 3 potential priesthood holders and they say they want to be baptized.

A normal day consists of walking, walking, and more walking, and sometimes riding in a combi (those van things)... its fun. My days are full full full... every minute is planned out.. I like it like that...I love this work.

We have to be in our room early tonight because of New Years. Oh well, just more study time and stuff.. having the opportunity to study the Book of Mormon every morning for an hour is amazing... you learn so much more everytime you read it. I love you all, and always remember that Christ is our savior.

Christmas Call

Landon sounded great when we talked to him Christmas evening. He loves his companion, Elder Jacobi (Ha-KO-bee) from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Elder Jacobi has been out 18 months, and has become very fluent in English, so this is a big help to Landon.

Landon is happy and upbeat about everything. He is about 10 miles north of the city of Lima, in Collique (Co-LEE-kay). This is a very hilly area, and reminds him of the hillside in North Morgan that is being developed, but with not so "nice" of homes. It is hot, but not too hot. He has no idea of the exact temperature. (I think I will send him a temperature gauge) At night he gets cold, and pulls the blanket up over him. He does not have fleas........yet. He assures me that he will, and there is no way around it.

Landon said he didn't want to make us feel bad, but he really doesn't think about us back here in Morgan at all during the day, and only for about 30 minutes at night before he goes to bed. He is too busy, and he doesn't know how you CAN'T be busy out there, there is SO much to do !!

He loves his pension, Zenayda (Zah-NIE-da) and her family. She is a good cook, and takes care of the missionaries meals and washing of clothing. The family let's them use their shower when Landon and his companion's water doesn't work, which is quite often.

Landon said that the Peru Lima North mission is the "best" mission in Peru. (Is that what every missionary says?) He said it is the strictest as far as rules, and that brings blessings to the missionaries. As far as investigators, they like to work with families, with a potential priesthood holder. Baptisms have gone down, but the retention of members is up.

The mission home is about 40 minutes away from his apartment, on a bus, or (Comb Bee) - that is how you say it, but I'm sure that is NOT how you spell it. It is basically a van, that holds about 16 people, no seatbelts, and the drivers drive FAST AND CRAZY on the hillside roads!! This is something I will be adding to my prayers....... Bless the drivers to be careful.

The language is coming, and he understands 80% of what is being said when it is gospel related. Otherwise, it's hit and miss. He can hardly wait until he becomes a pro at it. Landon bore his testimony at the very end of our phone conversation, and he went on for I would guess approx. 1 to 2 minutes, and it sounded great to all of us!

Thanks to all of you for the support.Landon is sorry he is not able to respond to all of your letters, but he wants you to know that he loves you, and appreciates all of your support and prayers in his behalf.

Where in the world is Elder Rich?

Some of you may be wondering just exactly WHERE Landon is ..... well he is about 4260 miles from Morgan, Utah (if the crow flies southeast)



He is on the South American Continent, in the country of Peru. If you were to draw a line straight North from Peru, for about 3700 miles..... you would run into New York City.
The LDS church has divided Peru into 7 different missions. Lima North, East, Central, & South. Also, Trujillo and Piura (Northern Peru), and Arequipa (Southern Peru).



Peru is one of 12 countries in South America. It has about 28 million people. The geography ranges from the desert plains on the coast, to the high mountains of the Andes, to tropical rainforests. It is a developing country with a poverty level around 50%. It is also home to the ruins of the great
Inca Empire,
Machu Picchu,
and the Nazca lines.



There are 195 provinces in Peru, grouped into 25 regions except for the Lima Province which does not belong to any region. The Lima Province is located in the central coast of Peru. It's capital is Lima, which is also the nation's capital. Despite its small area, this province is the major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Peruvian economy. The Lima North Mission covers the largest area of all of the missions in Peru (see map in red). It is basically (2) different areas; the northern part of the Lima Region and the Lima Province (city and suburban), and the large "jungle" area, with the main town of Iquitos which can only be reached by air or boat. Landon will spend time in both areas over the course of his 2-year mission.



Within the Lima Province, there are 43 districts. Landon's first area of assignment is in the Comas District, which is North of the city of Lima. It covers about 30 square miles, and is 460 feet above sea level. It is one of the most populous districts in the country, having 460,000 people. Comas used to be one of the poorest districts in Lima, until recently when parts of it developed into a middle class residential district. Despite this fact, there are still patches of poverty displayed, with shacks which lack running water and electricity.




Landon is in the Collique/Casuarinas "area" of the Comas District. If you are interested if viewing his area up close and personal:)

Click here for a Google Map

And the Companero is.........

I was able to talk to Lawson Bullock, who returned from the Peru Lima North Mission on December 19th, at church today. He said that he was able to see the new assignments before he came home, and Landon has been paired with Elder Jacobi (Hah-Ko-Bee) from Argentina. Lawson said that Landon should really enjoy working with Elder Jacobi, and be pleased with him as his companero. Lawson looked great ! Not too skinny, and so happy and upbeat and outgoing. His mission homecoming report is next Sunday. I can hardly wait !

News !!! - But not from Landon

I spoke with Elder Jason Johnson, newly returned from the Peru Lima North Mission on December 19th. He said that he had called Zanaida, the pensionista (woman who cooks, washes clothes, and generally takes care of the missionaries) today, and she wasn't in, but WHO should answer the phone? Elder Landon Rich !! Apparently Landon was assigned to the EXACT same area that Elder Johnson had just left. He is in the EXACT same apartment, and has the same pensionista ! What a coincidence. The area (as near as I could tell from Elder Johnson) is in the Santadad Zone, city or area of Collique Bajo, Lima, Peru. Google Earth puts this a little North of the main city of Lima, and approximately 11 miles NW (as the crow flies) from the Lima Temple. The living conditions for the missionaries is not as bad as I had imagined. It seems Christmas has come early at the Rich household. Thank you Elder Johnson !!

Click here for pictures of Landon's first area

Cold here......Warm in Peru

As Landon goes out into Peru, away from the CCM and mission home, I have to wonder about his living conditions. I find myself looking outside here in Utah, and worrying if he will be warm enough in Peru. I have to keep reminding myself that in Peru it's SUMMER !!
I guess everyone here in Morgan, Utah doesn't need to worry about a "White Christmas"..... Click here to enjoy the latest rendition

Today is the day !

The missionaries who arrived at the CCM on November 8th, and who have spent the past six weeks studying and working hard, are now going to be heading out "into the field" to their respective areas of service. We are anxiously awaiting word as to where Landon's assignment will be.
Click here for pics

This Year For Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving
The thrill just wasn't there
No pictures taken with Santa Claus
My decorating has no flair
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties
Two suits and socks...no fun
I've bought him all white clothes because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I've spent more time in the temple
Felt strength come from His words
I've reread November's Ensign
And my testimony stirred
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run
Abraham seems closer because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion
Their sacrifice was so much more
My loss will be his presence
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him
I'm giving Christ my son

I stare at his face from long ago
I memorize his eyes, their shine
He's always hungered for the part of him
That makes his soul divine
The stories and lessons he always heard
His choice and mine are one
I'll put my faith in God's hand
This year, I'm giving Him my son

Past gifts have lost their glitter
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
By giving Him a hand
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
That all the packing's done
My gift has taken years to make
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

~ Author Unknown

Happy and Anxious.....

I would say the overall "feeling" of Landon's latest email was HAPPY, with a little (lot?) anticipation for getting "out in the field". He, along with other elder's thought their first EARTHQUAKE (Dec 6), was sweet, exciting, cool, etc....... Landon mentioned that he and Elder Woolf had been able to get out in the city again last Saturday, to teach the people. "It was amazing. These people are so ready to hear it, and they just need to be invited." We will not hear from Landon again, until next Wednesday (Dec. 19) when he will be transferred out of the CCM. Lawson Bullock (from Morgan) will be coming home the same day. It is possible that they will get to see each other at the Peru Lima North Mission Home.

Culture shock

Landon has written home in detail about going out into the Lima South area about 2 weeks ago. He said, "This is the most humbling thing that has ever happened to me". He tries to describe the homes built on the mountains, the dirt roads, the lack of doors, windows, roofs, dirt/mud floors. The dogs, the garbage, the smell.....




He just can't seem to find the adjectives. He said that as they were teaching in a small home, sitting on 5-gallon buckets, that a hen and four chicks ran around their feet. A surreal experience for sure.

He loves the people, who are always so happy. A truly eye-opening experience for one who like most "Americanos" hasn't ever wanted for anything. How could you NOT be humbled. He has said, "Don't pray for me, please pray for the people of Peru".

Elder Snowman

Elder Dallin Peterson's sister Makayla met a new missionary the other day. Poor Elder is in a MUCH colder mission than OUR Peru Lima North missionaries. Hope his mom packed HIS long underwear :)

A Day on the Town

This past Wednesday (Nov 28), President Crayk took the North American missionaries (the ones who hadn't transferred out into the "field") out to tour the big city of Lima. They visited the main town square where the President of Lima lives, went down to the beach, and also stopped at a soccer stadium. They wore "normal" clothes with no name tags. Landon said it was weird not being in a suit and tie. They took a bunch of pictures which we hope to have posted as soon as we get them.

Last night the missionaries were able to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. They enjoyed it, but it did bring on a little homesickness. Landon especially will miss Temple Square and the SNOW !

This is the first picture (ABOVE) that we have of Landon IN PERU !! Doesn't he look GREAT !! It just made our day. Thank you Elder Peterson, cameraman extraordinaire !

Click here to view more pics of this fun P-day

Latest Email.....

Landon's emails are short and sweet. I like the SWEET part, but NOT the short part. Last Saturday (11/24) the missionaries left the confines of the CCM, and ventured into the city to do some tracting. I believe it was to visit "miembros menos activos" (less active members?), and the CCM teachers may have gone with them. Landon was appalled by the living conditions. He said "Man, it is humbling and horrible". He is loving his mission so far, and is really excited to get to "the real stuff" in about 3 weeks.

Picture - Humble homes in Lima, Peru

For the December ward newsletter

Landon arrived at the Centro de Capacitación Misional on November 8th. He says that the teachers at the CCM in Peru are really good, and he's learning so much. The North American elders are teaching about 3 times a day to the Latino elders. Landon says the Latinos are very patient with them. The language is a challenge, but teaching so often, helps them to see improvement. Landon and his companion, Elder Woolf from Texas work well together, and they help to keep each other focused. They did not celebrate Thanksgiving in Peru, but Landon says there are a few Christmas lights in the city. He has had the opportunity to go to the Lima, Peru temple, which he said was very small, and very enjoyable. Landon will be at the CCM until approximately December 18th, when he will officially enter the mission "field". Landon always ends his letters with the words, "All is well". He must know that his parents love to hear that.

Recent Ramblings from Peru

Landon has been to the temple in Lima, and loved it. He particularly likes Elder Ruiz, a native Latino from Iquitos, they have become close. Landon and his companion Elder Woolf are working well together, and help to keep each other focused. I found out from Elder Woolf's letter to HIS mom, that they are teaching 3 lessons a day in Spanish, and this helps the language come along. Landon was able to meet another "Morganite" the other day. Elder Jason Johnson (Mark and Connie's son) who is also in the PLN mission was at the CCM to interpret for an elder who went to the doctor. That was a nice surprise for both of them. Landon says they will not celebrate Thanksgiving down in Peru, it will be just another day. He loves the leader of the CCM, President Crayk, and says he is an awesome guy. Landon also learned that the Peru Lima North area is the poorest in all of Peru. This will surely humble him. Landon always ends each letter with these words, "I love you both and all the family.. all is well..."

Things are shaking in South America

A powerful earthquake shook the border region between Ecuador and Peru . It is not reported if there are injured or damage.

The magnitude 6.7 quake was felt throughout Ecuador and in northern Peru . The U.S. Geological Survey said it was centered about 234 kilometers (151 miles) south-southeast of Guayaquil , Ecuador's largest city and its main port.

Peruvian Civil Defense officials told Lima radio station Radioprogramas that the quake was felt strongly in cities in northern Peru but there were no reports of damage.

The quake came after a magnitude-7.7 temblor shook northern Chile on Wednesday, killing two people, injuring more than 150 and leaving 15,000 homeless.

Strong aftershocks continued to rattle Chile on Thursday, with one tremor measuring magnitude 6.2 and another magnitude 6.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Chile's, Peru's and Ecuador's Pacific coastlines all lie along the intersection of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, one of the world's most seismically active regions.

Info from Peru

I had to get my hair cut again.. it was already short but they just pretty much buzzed it.. oh well..

Man, here everyone speaks Spanish... my teachers, everyone..

My mission president is really good.. he tells you how it is for sure.. he is strict and doesn't have many rules, but the rules he does have - he means them...

We are already teaching the lessons in Spanish... it's crazy how much I'm learning here.. It's comin' fast but not fast enough...

We teach the Latinos.. I have started loving them already.. they have nothing and yet they give everything to be here... most, if not all of them are the only ones that are members in their families.. It's just sad.. Peru is really really really poor..

I was sitting and thinking last night.. all I have are the clothes in my suit cases and that's it... we have hardly any space and it's just a hard way of living.. but a mission isn't meant to be easy... there are some sacrifices to be made.

The food is really funny - the same thing at every meal - potatoes, chicken, rolls, and rice. They also have an ice cream maker, the soft serve kind. They also had this mashed potato stuff and some other little treats I've yet to figure out, and they always have some kind of soup available, and fresh fresh juice. (This info comes from Elder Herdt and Elder Woolf)

We have a turf soccer field so that's nice.. I can't believe I'm saying this but I kinda like soccer... Elder Woolf is still my companion I'm happy about this.. also there are 16 Latinos and I have gotten to be pretty good friends with them...

What is the CCM ?

The Missionary Training Center (CCM) of Lima-Peru was dedicated on August 27, 1998 by Élder Russell M. Nelson.

Young men and women called by the Lord to serve as missionaries begin their service in one of the 16 MTC's in the world, of which the CCM of Lima is the third in capacity. Every 21 days groups of missionaries begin or end their training. The administration, teachers and leaders provide the best care to every missionary who enters training.

The duration of stay for the Latin American missionaries is 21 days. While for the missionaries who need to learn Spanish, the stay varies between 42 and 64 days. During this stay, the missionaries develop great love and understanding of scriptures and doctrine of the Church.

Currently, the CCM can train up to 152 missionaries every 21 days. The campus includes 3 buildings, beautiful gardens and 3 fields for sports and physical activity.

Learning how to teach the gospel and to assist in the establishment of the Church is a big challenge that will test the ability of a missionary. However, the blessings that come with this work will result in enormous personal growth. Missionaries receive many blessings that strengthen them and their families not only during their missions but also for the rest of their lives.
Click on picture below.

CCM pictures

Friends from Morgan

While at the MTC in Provo, Landon met up with Travis Brown, also from Morgan. They were in the same residence hall, and so they got to see each other everyday. Landon and Travis played baseball together and were in the same singles ward. Travis will be serving in the Salta, Argentina mission.

All is well !

Just got a quick email from Landon. They have arrived at the CCM (Centros de Capacitación Misional) in Lima. We have been calling it the LTC (Language Training Center), and I think this is the same place, maybe just a different name? Click here for more info If you can read Spanish you will be in luck :) Landon's P-day is Tuesday, so he'll write more then. His last words in the email were.... "Don't worry, all is well"

God's Army

Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation. D & C 31:3
Click here to view pics of Landon at the airport

It's time to head to Peru

We received Landon's last email from the MTC today. Here's part of it...

"I'm getting fat (haha) My pants are fitting snug, so it's a good thing I'm going to Peru on Wednesday, cuz I don't think they would last another 6 weeks here.... they feed us well ..... thank you for everything.. I'm doing great and I hope you are too... Just know I love you guys.. thanks for raising me so well... I love you both.. Our family will be blessed.. I love you, Elder Rich"


Landon flys out Wednesday afternoon about 3pm. When he gets settled in at the airport, we should get a call, probably between 1-2 pm. He flys from Salt Lake to Atlanta, Georgia, then on to Miami, Florida, and then to Lima Peru. He will have about 14 hours traveling, arriving in Lima on Thursday morning about 5am (our time)and 7 am Peru time.

Weird Mom

No tears shed at the MTC........
Comes home from work at noon to open the mailbox..........
Finds a much longed for letter.............
Bursts into tears..................
Weird..............

Happy Happy

We have received one hard copy letter, and a couple of emails. Landon sounds Happy - as usual his attitude is great. His companion is Elder Woolf from Flower Mound, Texas. Here is an excerpt from one of his letters, " When it snowed, the mountains and cliffs with snow were amazing. I’m going to miss them. I’m sleeping well. Every night has been really good. I had my first sacrament in Espanola, it was crazy! I didn’t understand a word. Spanish is coming ok. I can’t communicate yet. I saw Pres. Fisher and Sister Fisher’s pictures. They have all of the mission president’s pictures up. I love you all. Everything is great!!" Only another week in the Provo MTC, and he heads to Peru on November 7th.

Update

Well, we haven't heard anything ! So there's not much to update. We thought we would get a letter on Saturday, because we have heard that they have the new missionaries write a letter the night they get there, and if you figure they send it out the next day, it should be here by Saturday, right? Not !! So we are off to Hawaii in a few hours, before Monday's mail.......Can we wait until the 30th?? I don't think so. Grandma Dickson (mom) is going to get our mail, and if there is anything from Landon, she'll open it, and re-write it to me on email. We can retrieve email on the ship. I'm not sure about posting to this blog, but if I can - I'll be sure and let everyone know. Who knows ?? I talked to Kacey today, and she said that she had heard that they were letting the missionaries email from the MTC, so maybe we'll get an EMAIL! Thanks for all of your support !!

Finally !!

Well, the countdown to mission is over. Landon was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and reported today at the MTC in Provo, Utah. Surprisingly, there were very few tears. If I could use ONE word to describe Landon's feelings, that word would be EXCITED !!

He will spend 3 weeks in the MTC, and then fly out to Peru on approximately the 7th of November.

Click here to view pics of Landon in the MTC

Here is what happened today:

When we got to the MTC, we were ushered off to a side (covered walkway area) to drop of luggage, then directed around the front of the building to the main entrance, where the missionaries went in one door to get their badges and instructions, and the parents/family went in the other door. Then Landon came over and I got to put his badge on him. It was neat. We went down the hall to a BIG chapel (more like a cultural hall, but we were told it was dedicated as a chapel). The room was about half full, but because there were only 3 of us (I think), the usher directed us up front, and we actually got to sit on the very front row !! This proved to be a good? thing..........because a nice man came up to Landon, and asked him to give the opening prayer !!?!?! Can you believe it ?? It was special, because when he introduced him, he said, "And the opening prayer will be given by Elder Landon Rich, from Morgan Utah, who will be entering the Peru Lima North Mission. It was a short sweet program, we got to sing Called to Serve, and also watch a short video of the same name. Then it was time to part, and they told us to use the band-aid approach. Quick...........and painless. We did just that, with a couple of hugs, some "I Love You's and no tears, and grins from ear to ear. He went one way, we went the other, and that was that. As we were driving away, Roger said, "Well, 730 days left to go"...........now THAT is depressing :(............... but no worries :) (now where have we all heard that?)

Released with Thanks

Landon has been able to serve with a great group of men in the Morgan 10th Ward's bishopric. They will all be released this next Sunday. Their shoes will be hard to fill.





From Left: Ernie Durrant, 1st Cn., Bishop Dwight Gailey, Howard Hansen, Ward Clerk, Matt Wilson, 2nd Cn., Nate Shaw, Executive Secretary, Landon Rich, Assistant Executive Secretary.

Squeezin' in every last minute of "fun" he can !!

Landon and Kacey went skydiving the other day. They had a great time !

What will happen the first day at the MTC ?

Check out this short video clip about the MTC

We're back !

We had a wonderful time, saw so many inspirational sights, and met WONDERFUL people. Landon and Christian Larsen (West Bountiful) were the youngest on the tour, and were treated so well by everyone. Christian has been called to Brazil for his mission, and will leave a month after Landon.

Landon also spoke in his singles ward today. He did a great job. Only 2 weeks.....time is short now.

Off to Nauvoo

Landon and Gwen are heading East to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska on an LDS church history tour. We promise to take lots of pictures, and will report when we get back. We are both really really excited.

Now we can relax......

It was a great day ! Everything went as planned. The talks by Landon and his good friend Mike Rose, and Bishop Birt were excellent. The music was beautiful, and the dinner afterwards was good. There was enough food (thank goodness), thanks to everyone helping out. Thank you all so much for supporting Landon and our family. Family and friends, co-workers and team mates, those who traveled from FAR and near. We love you all ! <

Time is getting short !!

Landon's farewell in his old ward is this Sunday at 10:50 a.m. in the Morgan 6th Ward (Porterville Chapel) located at approx. 2700 S. Morgan Valley Drive. We will have a luncheon afterwards at the Morgan County Courthouse, and would love to have everyone come and join us.

Zone Conference in Helena Montana

Landon and Gwen drove up to Helena on Sunday afternoon, arriving about 9:30pm. They visited with President Fisher at the hotel, and the next morning traveled to a church where the conference was held. There were approximately 18 Elders, 2 Sister missionaries, and one couple missionary. It was interesting to note all of the "practical" matters which were discussed, i.e. having $20 on you at all times (for emergencies), clean and trimmed neckline, insurance(medical) cards in order, watching a safety video (they had 5 wrecks in the past week),etc. There were missionaries of all shapes and sizes, tall, short, outgoing, shy, greenies (only in the field for 3 weeks) and one who only had 2 weeks left. It was great to share in the spirit that was there. We were treated so graciously, and were able to eat lunch with them, sing with them, pray with them, and share our testimonies with them. It was a great preview to what Landon will be experiencing soon. We left for home about 5:30 pm on Monday. Thanks again President and Sister Fisher - we love you !!

From California to Montana

Landon is off to Cali with friends. They flew out last night, will attend the Angels/Cleveland game today, and the BYU/UCLA Bruins game on Saturday. They will fly home early Sunday morning, and then he and Gwen will drive to Helena, Montana for a zone conference with President Fisher (Landon's former bishop), and the missionaries of the Billings Montana Mission on Monday.

Remembering a Friend

In the fall of 2001, four boys from Coalville joined the Morgan Midget (Little League) Football team because North Summit did not have a program. Colton "Duke" Potter fit right in, and became good friends with Landon and the boys. Roger was one of the coaches on the team, and knew Duke's dad, Rene very well from his old wrestling days. Throughout high school, it was always great to see the Potters at both football and wrestling. We received news the other day that Duke was tragically killed in a car accident. He was a great young man who's life ended much too soon. We will miss him. Read Obituary here

More news about the Earthquake.....

I talked with Tammy Bullock this morning, and she said that they had let all of the missionaries in Peru call their parents to reassure them. Lawson told her that they were without power for two days, but everything is back on and back to normal. He said the scariest/wildest part was seeing all of the electric transformers blowing up and sparking everywhere. The missionaries in the Lima Peru North Mission have not been called on to help in the southern part of the country. They are tracting and teaching as normal. Lawson also said that he LOVES his new mission president, President Carlos A. Perez Basso, who is a native of Uruguay.

Earthquake in Peru

Jose' Garcia, Landon's friend from TVCC, texted him last night, to tell him about this. He had heard it on a Spanish radio station. We looked for it on the internet and local news stations here, but didn't find any news until this morning.Check out this article

More Fun in the Sun

The Singles Ward (Morgan 10th) will be traveling to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some fun filled days of floating the Snake River, and enjoying the
Bar J Wranglers. They left Thursday the 9th at 11am, and will return Saturday afternoon.

Peru Info

This is information from a missionary who served in the Peru, Lima North Mission from 1998 to 2000:

Wish List: A little photo album that I could show pictures of my family.

Never Used: Iron, Sewing Kit, Rain Coat, Cooking supplies (I didn't need a sewing kit because there was always people who would sew whatever I needed for real cheap)

Preparation: I wished I would have read more of the books from the Missionary Series (Jesus the Christ, Articles of Faith, etc)

Living Conditions: A one room apartment was the norm.

Weather: In the jungle you will experience a lot of flooding due to much rain. The rain coat from home didn't do the job, and it never rained hard enough in Lima to need a raincoat.

Natives: Never tell them how much you make at home or how wealthy you are as an American, always respect their country and customs. Learn about their traditions and respect them.

Problems: Diarrhea, I was able to get a bottle of a drug called Bactrim that really helped to make me feel better when I got diahrrea.

Culture Hints: I really got a Peruvian companion mad when I walked in between him and a guy he was talking to without saying "disculpe". It seems really silly, but it was very important to him. Also when someone "invites" you to eat something it is very important to accept it and eat it all. Always share your goodies with your companions. If you buy a snack, be prepared to share it.

Missionary Secret: My first companion told me "Know why you're really here, and the rest will take care of itself." That was really good advice for me.

Other Advice: You never remember the rejections, but you always treasure those who accept your message

Nothing Much going on

All of us (Landon, Roger, Gwen) are working...... Still need to get a lot of shopping done for the mission, but haven't made it back to Missionary Mall in Orem, which is where we will probably pick up most of the stuff. It's expensive ! Who knew?? Missionary photo shoot is scheduled for Wednesday, so hopefully we'll get a new photo of Landon up soon. The days are counting down.

Finally !!

Passport arrived today - Visa application will be sent off tomorrow - Yahoo !
Landon will be attending MTM (Mountain Top Mission), Wednesday through Saturday of this week. This is....."a unique experience with good food, physical challenges, mission games, stimulating discussions, and important instruction". This is for all 17-18-19 year old boys in the Morgan Stake. Landon is looking forward to it - it should be GREAT !

Where is the Passport?

In two more days, Landon's passport application will have been in for 4 weeks. We did expedite it, and they SAID it should take 2-3 weeks. We have his visa application all ready to go, just need the passport to finish it up. Apparently it's the visa that takes so much time, which is why Landon's report date isn't until October. We are now down to 3 months and 6 days...........

Landon's Day

Today is Landon's 19th birthday. He went to the Ogden Temple to receive his endowments. It was a great day. Thanks to everyone for your love and support.

Letter from Peru

Lawson Bullock is serving in the Peru, Lima North mission at this time. Here is what his mom wrote for the ward newspaper:
In Lawson's last email he said he can't believe he only has 6 months left. He said he had a dream that he was going home and he felt like he couldn't go because there was too much work to do. He had transfers this week but he and his companion are staying together in Comas. He was thrilled. It is a part of the city that he says is very loud and very dirty, but he and his companion have been working very hard and they feel they have made a big impact on the area. They continue to have success with baptisms and are receiving new referrals everyday. They baptized a young man this week and he was so excited to be baptized so that now he can receive the priesthood. They are also trying to activate some of the members that have been baptized and have gone inactive.

He is getting a new Mission President this week and is very sad to see President Morris leave but is excited about the new President.

It is winter there and getting a little cold by Peru standards. Lawson said they had hot chocolate with chocolate marshmallow in it. He said it was just like home. It is hard to think of it being cold there when it is so hot here.

He was excited to hear that Landon Rich will be going to Peru but they will probably only cross paths as Lawson comes home and Landon goes into the field. The North Peru Mission must really like those Morgan boys.

One in One Million

Good article from the Deseret Morning News
Click here to view

Some more info.............

We've talked to a few people, checked out the internet, and read through the mission papers, and our heads are spinning......or I should say MY head is spinning. Landon just smiles and says, "It's going to be great !"

Some things we have learned:

There are 7 missions in Peru alone.

Landon will spend 3 weeks in the Provo MTC, and 6 weeks at the MTC in Peru.

The big city of Lima (pronounced Leema, not like a lima bean) is split up into four areas (North, South, East, Central) and also, as part of each of these missions, there is another area outside of the city. The NORTH mission takes in a big area which includes the rainforests of the Amazon.

Landon will spend 1/3 to 1/2 of his time in the city(Lima)and the other in Iquitos, far to the north, which can only be reached by boat or plane.

Landon might be eating a lot of "interesting" foods - guinea pig, turtle, monkey, lizard and alligator to name a few.

There is not a lot of tracting done in Peru - most contacts are by member referral.

Two Morgan missionaries are in the Peru, Lima North mission now - Lawson Bullock, and Jason Johnson. They will be coming home, just as Landon arrives.

Peru, Lima North Mission

Landon reports to the Provo MTC on October 17th - 4 months away............ We are told we should get working on his passport tomorrow !

He is excited and nervous. He will of course, be learning Spanish !

Click on this link for info about Peru

It's a RED LETTER Day !

Well, the call came at 7 am this morning, it's here ! We plan to open it tonight at 7pm. Check back for more details later tonight or tomorrow morning.