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 !!

Capirona

This picture was taken on P-day at "Capirona".

Here is a video of this area in Pucallpa.

Capirona is a tree in the Amazon.

Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez are working hard, and working very well together. I believe they are doing their best to be good leaders. I know they love the Elders in their zone, and the people of Pucallpa.

Busy Week - Working, Teaching and Baptizing

This past week in our area we had one baptism of a girl named Estefany Gallardo Ruiz, and in the zone there were 6 baptisms. As of now, we have 15 baptisms with 31 dates (set for baptism) for these next 3 weeks. I’m really excited to get going and finish strong this change and month. Time is flying, I’m finally getting the hang of things (as a leader), knowing what to do, and everything is clicking.

My companion, Elder Vasquez, is from Arequipa Peru. We’re working hard and ALWAYS get along. Our Zone is great, and I will be sad to have the changes come.

Patience is a Virtue

Elder Rich is too busy to answer questions, and you know what? That's okay :) He's working hard, being obedient, and loving it. That's all that matters.

"Well hello everyone… Well first off….. I love being a leader. It makes me work even harder, be even more obedient.

I will tell you right now, the emails will be pretty slim. As zone leaders we hardly have anytime for ourselves, it’s all for our zone and ALL the investigators of ALL the missionaries.

I will apologize right now, for not being able to write details and answer all of your questions.

Elder Vasquez and I are over all of the Zone Pucallpa. I love it. We will go back to Lima every 6 weeks to have the (Zone) Council. I’m really excited for that.

The work is going good, we have 13 baptisms as of right now in February as a zone. The goal for March is 35. We have to work hard hard hard. I’m glad to hear all is well there at home.

Hey Mom and Dad, I love you, thanks so much for everything, and well, I know it’s short, but just know I am taking a lot of pics, and writing alot in my journal. I love you. I will explain alot more in my letters that I send home. Take care - Wish all well."

What to expect..........

"I will be flying out to Pucallpa on Thursday evening after Zone Leader meetings. Pucallpa is located in the Ucayali Region. We will have a pension again, and eat with members. I think I’m going to start losing weight big time, because it’s hot, my area is big, and I've been spoiled in the offices, with having fast food close and handy.

Elder Layton and Elder Hyde will both be in my zone. I’m very excited for that. My companion, Elder Vasquez and I, are over 12 missionaries with 7 areas. We have to make sure they are working, safe, being obedient, and at the same time, help the stake of Pucallpa be stronger and also work our own area.

Elder Vasquez has 3 months more than I do, so we’re about even in time served in the mission. I will probably be in Pucallpa for at least 3 changes if not 4, then after that I will probably come back to Lima to die*."

*To die on your mission, means to finish the last change in your mission