P-day at the beach

"We went to the beach (12/27/08), and man was it good. The ride there, playing fulbito on the beach!!! Chillin', and taking some great pics."

Back Row standing: Elder Sandoval (taking Elder Vargas' place), Elder Rich, Elder Ticona
Middle Row: Elder Sanchez, Elder Hirschi, Elder Herdt, Elder Bagley (taking Elder Herdt's place)
Front: Elder Vargas

Elder Herdt and the unknown missionary.......

Thanks to Elder Herdt for the latest pics.

I'm guessing it's been a little TOO long since we've seen Elder Rich.......... We both skimmed RIGHT OVER this picture, and it didn't even register that this was OUR SON with Elder Herdt !!

Let's see - was it the 1980's suit that is 4 sizes too big? The glasses? The look of extreme seriousness and concentration, and not the usual smile?

It wasn't until I noticed the caption on the jpeg (Executives Rich and Herdt) that I did a double take and just about fell out of my chair. Later this evening, after Roger had read Elder Herdt's latest email and looked at the attached pics, I asked him if he had recognized his son with Elder Herdt. He looked at me kind of funny, like "What are you talking about?" It was then that I realized the he had NO CLUE EITHER !! Too funny.....

We rushed back to the computer, had another look, and had a good laugh too. Are we getting older where we need glasses - or what? I actually think he looks kind of like that Kirby Heywood in "The Singles Ward" - don't you think?

Wondering about the suits? Landon told me they "found them". Where? I have no idea. He said he was going to have his altered to fit, and wear it for his "Homecoming" talk in October :0

News on Christmas Day

It was great to hear from Elder Rich on Christmas Day. He reported that the office Elders had a nice dinner with Presidente Perez and his family on Christmas Eve, and then with members on Christmas Day. Elder Sandoval arrived at the offices on the day after Christmas. Elder Vargas will train him, and then on January 7th, he will be Landon's companion, and Elder Vargas will head back out into the field. Today, they will have two baptisms !!

The Reason for the Season

Nativity, Breath Of Heaven from MnM Peterson on Vimeo.

He sounds GREAT !

Elder Rich made his "pre-call" yesterday. I think most missionaries do this (with their mission president's permission) in order to make sure their calling cards are working correctly, and also to coordinate any time difference issues. He sure sounded good. We only talked for a couple of minutes. I was content to just listen to his beautiful voice. I think I better get some questions put together for the Christmas phone call, or I'll just be sitting there in silence listening to him talk. I don't detect an accent, although he said that Elder Gubler's parents (who were down to pick their missionary up the other day) said that he had one. Maybe I'll change my mind after listening to him talk for longer on Christmas day. One thing though, he had trouble remembering the English words for things. He was trying to get the word "Nativity" out, and couldn't remember it until I supplied it for him :) Too funny! He'll be calling at 6pm on Christmas Day, so any of you who live close to us, and would like to stop by to wish him a Merry Christmas - please do so !! We'd love to have you.

A Change in the Changes

There are usually 6 weeks between changes, and the next one was scheduled for December 31st. It has been postponed for ONE WEEK, until January 7th, in order to avoid any New Year's celebration.

This week - Mucho Better :)

Well, everything is better here this week. Like I said, it’s crazy how fast things can go from bad to good and good to bad and worst to best and so forth.

I mentioned in my weekly letter to President Perez, about the death of Paul, and he let me call them and express my feelings. It was good to talk to them and help them, and share my favorite scripture with them, Alma 40:12, and it just so happens to be about what happens after death.

Mom, thanks so much for the talk and everything you sent me. I think it would be great for you to send a letter to Pedro & Giovanna. Their younger son’s name is Alen.

Hey Dad, thanks for your words. They really helped me out with everything that’s going on with Paul. Thank you for your prayers and everything you do for me.

A Christmas Message

"Teaching is going great"

"We have had one baptism for this month of December, remember Estrella? We have 2 other dates scheduled for the 27th. These are two young men who are the sons of members. They weren’t baptized when they turned 8. We have another date with Xiomara, the niece of Eduardo and Regina. She is progressing really well and wants to get baptized fast. It’s great."

Futbol or Fulbito ?

I asked Landon what the difference was........

"Futbol is on a huge grass field played with 11 players on each team, basically soccer."

"Fulbito is on a little cement field with smaller goals and only 5 on a team. I love it, it's like playing on like a basketball size field."

Letter to Dad

Hey Dad, How ya doing? All is well here, well kinda....... Kinda a rough week with a few things, but you know how we are, we take care of business and we make things work. Sounds like you're working hard too, sounds good, it's better that way sometimes. It's HOT down here, maybe not too high on the degrees, but it is hot and it's not even summer yet, not officially till the 21st of December, so we will see how that is. I'm good down here, just going. This next week will be better, less trials and better news I hope. Take care and I love ya.... Work hard and pray!!!! Chou

Roller Coaster

This mission is an emotional roller coaster. It just hurt so bad to hear about Paul. I love them, and now he is gone. This has been a hard week for me, very hard. It has been tough and I have learned alot of patience, humility, and gratefulness for the plan of salvation. It's important to remember why I’m here and all the lives we are blessing, and the people we're helping, and the joy we can have in the gospel.

Heartbreak in Tarapoto (and MPLN office)

We received a note from Elder Wright’s mom in Chubbock, Idaho this past week. She passed along part of her son's email. He is in Tarapoto, where Landon was before he was assigned to the office. This is what he had to say:

“This morning we are all sad. We had a 15 year old boy from the ward who was found drowned this morning in the river. This boy and his family are newly converts of about six months. Elder Rich baptized them when he was here. He was a great kid. This kid was baptized first, and then following his example, his family was later baptized. It’s just kinda sad that a kid so young had this happen. It really makes ya think about the plan of salvation. We went to give a blessing to the mother this morning. I just can’t imagine how hard that would be. Everyone here in the ward is pretty upset. I just can’t imagine how a family who doesn’t know about the Plan of Salvation, can stand to go through this. It’s hard enough when we do know. It makes me want to share the gospel even more.”

We passed this information along to Elder Rich. He read the email yesterday. He is heartbroken.

Landon’s letter: "As I opened the email this morning, I knew right who it was, without even seeing or reading any names. I ran right to the phone and called the missionaries in Tarapoto. It’s Paul, mom. The oldest son of Giovanna and Pedro, the family that I baptized. He got caught under a log and drowned. I feel horrible and tears still come to my eyes every time I think about it. I miss them, and they are going through so many problems. I will call them tonight to talk with them. I feel horrible and there is nothing I can do but pray and hope they come around and realize this life is not the end."

"How can this be, mom? People so great, who accepted everything and now this….. Only God knows why!! I feel horrible. Pray for them. Thankfully, I was able to go to the temple today and was able to put their names in the temple and pray for them there."

Please join with our family in praying for Pedro and Giovanna and their youngest son - and for Elder Rich, as they mourn for their son, brother and friend.

New Temple in Peru !!

The First Presidency made this announcement today !

Trujillo (True-hee-oh) is located to the north of Lima. There are seven missions in Peru, and the Trujillo mission is one of them. How excited we are. I can hardly wait to get Landon's email today, to get HIS reaction.

Busy Busy Week - Working and Teaching

We had a good lesson with a lady named Amanda. Her kids are members, and we taught her the first lesson.

We had dinner, and a lesson with Estrella, who was baptized 12/5/08.

We had another lesson with a less active that wants to go on a mission. Juan is 21 years old he has been to church before, and listened to the lessons before, but now he has a baptism date for December 27th, and he is ready to go. I love this work and I’m happy I’m here. I’m learning so much.

We’re teaching this family, Benites. Silvia is a single mom with 3 daughters, Jackie at 17, Karla at 15, and a sweetie, I can’t remember her name, at 4 (years). They are amazing. I love them. Jackie is really into it, reading the Book of Mormon and asking lots of questions. I am going to pray really really hard for them tonight!

We had another good lesson with Xiomara, the niece of Eduardo. We taught about Chastity and Word of Wisdom. Everything was great and she accepted everything. She is ready to go. She wants to get baptized.

We finished the night off with a lesson with the Family Echevarria. Their dad isn’t a member, and their mom died. She was a member, and they are 3 daughters and 2 sons. They are great, really strong in the gospel for being alone and young. We taught two of their friends, Ruth and Jackie. I love teaching, and I can’t wait to pray tonight, to help them from my part.

Well, it’s time to get upstairs and to get ready to go to bed early again to get going with the spirit. I love you all.

Working through sickness

I have been a little sick lately, just with a cough and a stuffed nose and a sore throat, but that stuff is for babies, haha. Last night I prayed to the Lord that He would help me get over my sickness, or at least give the strength to work through it and not be tired when I woke up, and that’s how it was. I really poured my heart out to God, my Father, and that’s how it should be. I love it. My day went really well, I got alot done in the offices. There isn’t much to do this change, because there are only 6 (missionaries) entering (the field), so not much to do. I’m caught up on everything up till the changes.

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS Elder Vargas

Last Friday (12/5/08) was my comp's (Elder Vargas) birthday in the mission. It was a good day. I don’t have my guitar anymore. I gave it to my comp!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! He loves music, the flute, zampoña, and all that good stuff. He is great - I love him.

I also went to Serpost (the Post Office), and shopping with Presidente, just me and him. It was hilarious. I loved it. He is such an amazing guy, really just like President Fisher, but Latin. It was good to spend some time with him and just chat, not really about the work, but just his family, the 500 baptisms and ya…

Then we came back, ordered some pizza, and sat and ate Doritos, pop, and watched the funeral of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. It was really good and some of the stuff President Monson said at the end - I was like wow!

One Month - One Goal

In the Multi-conference meeting last month, Presidente Perez felt impressed to tell us the Lord has a goal for us. 500 baptisms for the month of December. It is a Big Deal. 500 – WOW. It works out to be at least 5 baptisms per companionship. We have only been baptizing about 200 a month, IF that, but already we have over 300 dates scheduled for December, and it’s just the start. We’re working on it.

Presidente says it was revelation straight from the Lord, and that we’re going to have a ´´White Christmas´´ this year with 500 baptisms. It’s the goal for our mission, in every stake in our mission, and with all the members also.

It’s almost Christmas, and I love this season. There is no snow here in Peru, but it’s all good. I really am gaining a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ!! He is my Lord, my Savior and with Him, anything is possible. He is everything, without Him we are nothing. It ALL depends on Him!!! I love Him and I love you too, thanks for everything!!!

Baptism Day

12/05/08 - Estrella was baptized!!!! She is 13 years old and just amazing. We passed by her house a little earlier in the day, and she was down and sad because her mom wasn’t going to be able to be at her baptism. Something had happened with the food and inviting people, so we had to talk to her a little. We said a prayer with her, and needless to say, everything turned out great. Even though there were problems, the Lord helps everything go good.

Ready for Christmas

As you can see, the office Elders have their Christmas tree all decorated and ready to go! I was so tickled to see some of the little wooden elf ornaments that I had sent - all colored (with FACE pictures inserted) and on the tree. (Click on the picture, and zoom in to get a better look). One of them has been made over into a little missionary :) I didn't know they would be such a hit, but Landon got his Christmas package, and this is what he had to say about it.

"So first off, I would like to thank you for the packages I got. The shoes are AMAZING!!!! I absolutely love them. At first I thought they were too small, but they fit perfectly and I love them. And the rest of the stuff? - WOW how creative are you?!?!?!"

"The citrus air-fresheners are going to be great for presents (for our families), and the wooden ornaments? That’s just what we needed, because our tree is bare!!! All of it was perfect, I won’t lie. So creative - and I will give away a lot of it, to make other people’s days, but really it is you making their days. Thank Thank Thank you so so so much for everything."

Mr. Krueger's Christmas - Enjoy !

Teaching the Gospel

Eduardo and Regina are good, except we can’t get her birth certificate from Trujillo, Peru, and they can’t get married without it, so we are working on that, but they are great.

Yesterday (Friday, 11/28) was our best day of the week. We had 6 lessons and 6 people presented to us by members, and all six of these people have the potential to get baptized.

All our investigators are good. We have a sister called Estrella, that will be getting baptized next week. She is ready and willing to learn and she is 14 years old.

We are finding new people everyday and we will see what goes down, but as of right now its Estrella, Eduardo and Regina, and their niece Xiomara.

We have a lot of dates tonight and tomorrow with new people that will receive the first lesson, so there is a lot of hope and work to do these next few weeks.

Park of the Legends

"We went to the zoo today (Saturday, 11/29) and I forgot to put on sun block. I'm a little red, but I'm good. Here are some pics."

*Zoological Park of the Legends
This park offers countless numbers of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. The animals are divided by their natural region of Peru: coast, mountains and jungle.

All is well !

All is well with me, I’m doing good and just working. I guess that’s what I always say, but really that’s how it is, almost always the same thing, just with different people.

That’s what I love about this gospel and the plan God has for us. It will never change, and it doesn’t matter who is involved. It will always have the same results: Eternal Life!!

My studying is going good and I love the Book of Enos. Just one chapter is full of important things that we all need to do and learn and put into practice. I love you all, and thank you for all you do.

Working

This past week was filled with great lessons, spiritual experiences, a great exercise - early morning soccer, burying a dog, and ya.....

Sunday after church, we went to a member’s house and their dog had died while at church. They started to dig a hole for it, and it was taking a long time, so I took over and they’re like “Wow, this white guy can work!” haha… I am grateful that I have had parents and siblings show me, and at times, made me work when I didn’t want to. I made great habits, and well, I know how to work a shovel at least.

New Photos !!

Check out this older post, where I have posted A LINK to pictures of the day at the temple, and also the fountains.

To see what Elder Rich's area looks like, Click Here.

Love Love LOVE to see pictures of the families who help to take care of our missionaries.

P-day futbol is always fun.

Some candid pics of Elder Rich in the office.

To view ALL of the pics, including ones you may have missed previously, Click here.


Looks like the Elders are getting in the Christmas spirit in the Peru Lima Norte Offices.

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.