Recap.........

Well family, all is well here in Pucallpa. I went to Lima last Wednesday/Thursday, and picked up my companion, Elder Figueroa, and we had a great Consejo (Zone Leader Council).

President Perez talked about the goals of the mission, and reminded us that Christ is with us.

Elder Nemelka (the AP) talked about the love between companionships, and Elder Santiago, is the new assistant, replacing Elder Hirschi. Yes, it's the same Elder Santiago that is my very very good friend. It was so good to see everyone again.

Elder Figueroa is from El Salvador, but lives a long ways away from Elder Ramos (a previous companion). Elder Ramos finished his mission by the way. Elder Figueroa laughs exactly like Elder Ramos and makes me miss him, haha. He is great and we will get along perfectly!!!

We hope to have the same success Elder Vasquez and I had. I'm excited for this new change, we have a lot of teaching to do and well, I'm up to doing it

More info about the changes

"Elder Vasquez is going to Tarapoto, and Elder Figueroa from El Salvador is my new companion. He entered in the CCM with me, and the misión field with me, and is a great friend. We will have great times together and much success. "

This is what President wrote to Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez:

"Congratulations Elders, You have really done an impeccable excellent work. Elder Vasquez, that is the same way we want it to be when you go to Tarapoto. We want you to continue the excellent work that has happened in Pucallpa. You two are very good leaders, and I congratulate you. Sincerely, Presidente Perez"

The elders that are leaving Pucallpa are:

Elder Lee and Elder Soto
Elder Hyde (going to Iquitos)
Elder Layton (also going to Iquitos, but a different zone than Elder Hyde)
Elder Stewart and Elder Cope (going back to Bolivia)

Those elders that are coming in to replace them are:

Elder J. Mamani and Elder Elison
Elder Choc
Elder Merrill
Elder Clarke and Cuellar

"We will have a really good zone and I’m really excited for this new change."

Changes this week.........

Elder Rich will still serve in Pucallpa, however Elder Vasquez is moving on to Tarapoto. Landon's new companion will be Elder Figueroa from El Salvador.

We received a VERY short email yesterday. He reports that this change will be SWEET :) He also refers to "my" elders. You can just feel the love he has for them. It is really true - you LOVE the ones you serve.

We were able to glean a little more info from Elder Layton. He reports that 6 couples were married this past weekend, with quite a few baptisms also. He reports, "It was actually really amazing to meet the goals of the mission. I know I can take what I learned here to Iquitos."

Elder Hyde reports that it has been raining quite a bit, and that they enjoyed a Stake cultural party this past week.

Both Elder Hyde and Layton will be moving on to Iquitos this change. The work goes on !!