Presidente y Hermana Crayk

Landon has mentioned how much he loves Presidente y Hermana Crayk, who were over the Peru CCM (MTC). The Crayk's recently returned from their mission, and Gwen had the opportunity to visit with them at their "homecoming". She showed them a picture of Landon, and said, "Do you know this guy?" Boy did they !! You could just FEEL the love that they had for all of the missionaries they had served.

New Area

In his email yesterday, Landon said that he was going to be moved to a new area, just south of where he was previously (Comas). The Independencia district is part of the city of Lima. It looks to be an area closer to the Peru Lima North Mission home, and Landon said that he will be spending Tuesday (today) packing up and getting to the mission home, will stay there overnight, and spend Wednesday getting settled in his new area. His new companion will be Elder Vargas. Elder Jacobi is going back to the jungles, where his allergies will not be such a bother. Landon has enjoyed working with Elder Jacobi, and we hope that Elder Vargas will be as kind. Of course, Landon can get along with most anyone :)

Changes

Mikey Edmunds................................Elder Mike Eddy
Summer 2003..................................Peru Lima Central - 2007


On January 19th, when most of the Peru Mission got together to give President & Sister Crayk a send off, Landon got to see one of his good friends from the Peru Lima Central Mission. He hasn't seen Mikey for nearly two years.

"Oh my gosh! Listen to this... guess who I saw?....... Elder Mike Eddy hahahahahahhaha. It was amazing. I didn't get to talk to him, but I got to see him, and throw faces at him, and ya... it was awesome. I don't think he knew I was down here or something, haha. It was good. He has changed so, so, so, much though, it was scary. He isn't the same old Mike Eddy I remember, and it scared me because I don't want to change that much, but oh well, I can't really help it huh?"

President Hinckley has died

Our Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley passed away this evening. He was truly a prophet of God. He will be missed.

New Language

"The Spanish is coming, and when I get fluent in Spanish, I'm going to work on a different language. It's called Quechua. It's an old language here in Peru, so it's pretty sweet."

Another Special Day

We had the opportunity to hear from Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles this past Saturday, January 19th. He came to the CCM to release President and Sister Crayk from their mission. The North, South, East, and Central Missions (Lima) were there, it was great. We got to see all of our old teachers, and President & Sister Crayk, and best of all, shake hands and meet Elder Nelson.
He and his wife spoke to us. Sister Nelson talked about looking into our eyes and seeing something. She said what ever we do brings light into our eyes and with this we can see what other people can not see. This paves the way. We just have to tell them about it. Then Elder Nelson talked about the gospel and what we need to have, and teach people to have; faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, receive the holy ghost, and endure to the end. He really emphised on enduring to the end, and how we need to teach the people that they need to work to receive blessings. It was awesome.

~ Info taken from Elder Rich's and Elder Peterson's emails

Dear Elder is up and running again !

After 2 months and 3 weeks, you can now send "pouch" letters to Peru by using Dear Elder.com. The service is FREE, and alot easier than rounding up a stamp, and making a trip to the PO.

Latest from Landon

"Man, I'm already one week away from my first change in the field ! I don't know about all of you back home, but if the time doesn't slow down, I'm going to fall asleep and wake up in my last area, on my last change. It's so crazy how fast time moves."

Changes or Transfers occur every 6 weeks. A missionary is not always changed/transferred every six weeks. Landon mentioned that if his companion's allergies don't clear up, he (Elder Jacobe) will be sent back to the jungle where he can find some relief.

Landon is looking forward to TWO MORE transfers........because.......

"Only 2 more changes, and I should, (should being the key word) be fluent in Spanish."

The word (in the CCM halls) is that by your THIRD change, you should have the language down pretty well. Let's see........that's about May 1st :)

Fact about Peru

Ceviche - the National Dish
It came about through Japanese migration into Peru, but is far removed from its sushi origins. Usually consists of flakes of firm white fish marinated in lime juice, with plenty of chopped red onion. It is served with boiled sweet potatoes, and a chunk of maize.

1/8th complete - But who's counting ?

Today, January 17th - Landon has officially been a missionary for 3 months. He is happy and healthy, what more could we ask for ?

Relying on the Lord

"My comp was sick for 2 or 3 days this past week, and we got absolutely nothing done those days. We were cooped up in our room, with him sleeping and me studying everything I could. I liked it for the first little while, getting to rest a little, and study a little more, but man once we got back out teaching I realized what I was missing. I love teaching and going out and about, tons more than I like being in our room. I get to study a lot everyday. Everyday for an hour I read nothing but the Book of Mormon. I read about 20 pages a day or so, I love it. Alma is my favorite, cuz it's about missionary work and wars haha.

We thought with us being cooped up inside, that we weren't going to meet our goals for the week, but through our prayers and faith, God answered them. A returned missionary from Arequipa, Peru who lives on our street, and is the son of the bishop of our ward, he companships us. I don't know how to put that correctly in English, sorry. He goes with us and shows us new people that he knows and teaches with us. It's awesome. We finished the week with 26 new investigators and 28 lessons taught with a member, and without those 3 days too ! It was awesome.

The Spanish is coming. It is true, that scripture in D & C, I can't remember where, but it says the Lord will fill your mouth when needed. I was asked to stand and talk to 30 people in our sunday school class. I had no idea what I was going to say, but I actually talked for 5 to 7 minutes. I bore my testimony, and I talked about our family and told a story and everything. I was amazed ! I didn't think I could do it, but the Spanish is coming. The gift of tongues is real. I understand alot in every conversation, and I know what's going on. I don't catch everything, but I get the gist, and I know how to respond in English, but not in Spanish haha.. Oh well, it will come."

Letter from Peru

Presidente y Hermana Perez wrote us a letter which we received today. They promised to take good care of Elder Rich, and assured us that he is in good hands. Also included was a letter from Landon, where he described them as "amazing". Landon also mentioned that there is hope for HIM - Three of the assistant's are "gringos", and they speak FLUENT Spanish.
Click here for more pics

A new apartment/room

"Well we found a room, then we couldn't move into it cuz it didn't meet regulations, then we had to search some more and we were almost about to give up, then BAM, we found an amazing apartment thing haha, it has tile and everything, and a kitchen thing. There is always water haha, and ya it's perfect. I'll send pics soon."

Baptism Day

Yesterday Landon had the opportunity to perform his first baptism in Peru. He said it was great! Jim Kelly Pie Falcon became a new member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He is the husband of Zanaida, Landon's pension. Zanaida was baptized also, by another elder. Their little girl Cindhel, who is nine years old, was baptized last year. Landon said he was reminded once again of how important families are. Click here to view more pics of this special day

Missionary Transportation

Main mode of transportation - your own two feet.....

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings unto them, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings unto them of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
For ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward. ~~ 3 Nephi 20: 40,42



Sometimes they will use the "Combi" (sp?) which is a van that holds 15-20 people, with a crazy driver a careening around mountainous roads ! ------>



<-------Missionaries are not allowed to ride in the Motos.....it is considered too dangerous, with the crazy traffic in the Lima area.