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..............