Two different worlds

There are two wards and two areas in my new zone; Villa Sol and Proceres. It's crazy. There is a street called Universitaria. It's the divider of areas. Villa Sol is kind of richer, and Proceres is poor. Just from that one street, it's a completely different world, and buildings, and people. You can stand in the middle of the road and look both ways and tell the difference, that's how distinct it is. We have tons of success in Proceres, because they are humble. The people in Villa Sol are a little harder to reach.

The Red circle is where we "think" Landon's church house is located, and the yellow circled street is the street where we "think" he lives. Hopefully we'll get more info soon.

Click here to view more pics of Landon's new area

Those were the days .........

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the sun....


We went down to UVSC the past two days to watch the 3A State Wrestling Tournament. We sure enjoyed it, and it brought back many great memories - good AND bad. Landon had this to say in his latest letter......."Sounds like Region wrestles went alright... that's cool.. Man I miss wrestling. Wish them all good luck this next week at state."

¡El español está consiguiendo más fácil!

"There is a sister here in the ward, and she is from Connecticut. It's funny, we were talking in English, and I found it hard to reply back in English. It was easier to reply in Spanish! It was weird, it hurt my brain, trying to think of the answers in English, cuz I have never had to think about how to talk in English before. It's pretty sweet. I love it. We had our interviews with President Perez this past Friday. It was great. It's a lot different when I can speak Spanish, it's crazy how fast it's coming, and how fast I'm understanding. I have noticed a huge difference in Spanish since that's all I can use with my new companion."

We Love Uncle Landon

"That's cool about the new baby. Tell Zac and CJ congrats, and I'm sorry I won't be home to teach him the "way of Landon" (haha). I'm excited to see pics of the little guy, he will almost be two when I get home - crazy, I tell ya."

Hot in Peru

Hey, how is everyone? Hope the cold and snow are treating you all nice and good (haha).
Down here it's hot hot hot. I'm getting a nice old tan. I probably have the best farmers tan I have ever had. It's awesome. Dad you would be proud, I think it almost compares to yours (haha). I sweat all the time. You will see in the pics I send. Night and day. I love it.
I joined in a water fight yesterday with one of our investigators from their two story house. It was a blast getting little kids wet and them not being able to get us. It's fun.

Elder Ruiz' we presume?

Elder Woolf's mom sent this picture of her son, with Landon, and if I had to guess, that would be Elder Ruiz in the middle. Our sons became very close with Elder Ruiz. He was very friendly, and something just "clicked" and they became fast friends. He is from Iquitos, Peru, and is the only member in his family. It is a really sad situation. His dad threw him out of the house because he wanted to serve a mission. He cleaned the church, and they let him stay there. He slept there for about 6 months. He has been a member for a year. He is great missionary. He is excited to teach and serve. Elder's Woolf and Rich got his address in Iquitos, and told him they would try their best to teach his family. He told them he doesn’t know where he is going to live after his mission, because of his dad. "It’s a sad story but he has amazing faith. He knows this is where he is supposed to be."

Did you notice?

We finally have a red dot in Peru !?! Wonder who took a look? Landon said he was going to try and get Zanaida's daughter Cindhel to log on. And in Australia, that would be Matt Barr's mom and dad, and in Japan/Korea, that would be the Frosts' and Kelly, and in Columbia, the young man who put together "The Rising" video, and in India, the Wilkinson's (on a mission),and in Hawaii, Trin's family, and in Europe, cousin Janet and others, and in Georgia, Aunt Judy, and in Vegas, the Herdt's and in Texas the Woolf's, and in Ohio, Sue, and in Montana, President and Sister Fisher, and in Spokane, the Phillips' and in Virginia, cousin Dee, and in Ontario Oregon, Jose' Garcia, and in Eugene, Jon's mom, and in............. I could go ON and ON !! Thank you all for keeping track of Landon ! If any of you have friends in Alaska, Canada, or AFRICA.......be sure and pass this along !

Take care today, and I'll post later to let you know about Landon's new nephew, about to be born later this morning.

Carnival

"We're in the month of February, and here in South America it's the month of Carnival. It's a month long water fight. Every corner you turn, there are kids and grown ups with globals or water balloons, and buckets of water. It goes on for a whole month, everyday. I have only been hit once so far with a water balloon, but I'm sure more are coming."

Unbelievable !

My pension is awesome. I hear she is one of the best in the mission, and I would have to agree.

I eat everything she puts in front of me. Let's just say I won't be a picky eater ever again in my life. You would be proud.

I have eaten every single type of veggie you can name, and also fruit of every kind. I have eaten liver, lung, and heart, and just everything - haha.

Yes, I had to choke some of it down, but I'm getting used to it. I'm getting fat here in this area.

More info from Elder Rich

Ok to get started... I am in the Independencia Mission Zone, but it's actually in the Los Olivos "district" within the Lima Province. It is in the same area as the Peru Lima North Mission home. And my companion isn't Vargas anymore, it's Elder Ramos from El Salvador. It's great. He has been out 10 months, so he is in the thick of things and works hard. No English though...

The first night and next day in this new area was tough. I didn't like it. I didn't like the area, and I couldn't understand anything because my companion speaks Spanish a bit differently. But that got over quick, and we went right to work, and ya... I love this area now and the Spanish is better than ever. I am understanding a ton. I hear and can recognize the words, even though I don't know what they mean, I can tell what words they are, ya know?

We have two wards, Villa Sol and Proceres. They are really good. The leadership is outstanding, and it's more like a city area. Villa Sol reminds me of Arizona, the part Manda used to live in, except not as nice of course, but this area is really nice compared to my other one. Like I'm in heaven - haha.

Finally !!

We have a picture of the Peru Lima North Missionaries who entered the field on December 18, 2007.
Back Row: Elder Herdt (Las Vegas, NV), Elder Wright (Chubbock, ID), Elder Rich (Morgan, UT), Unknown, Unknown, Elder Woolf (Flower Mound, TX)
Middle Row: Elder Peterson (Kaysville, UT) - he is the second one from the right.
Of course, Presidente y Hermana Perez are in the middle in the front.
Hopefully we'll get to know all of the other missionaries before this wonderful adventure is over.

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.

Update from Peru

It was great to talk to you guys on Christmas, I loved it... but I spoke too soon when I said everything was great and perfect....we have been without water since that night I talked to you guys... It's the first time in my life I haven't showered in six days ! I know, I know, It's gross, and I probably have something growing on me, but oh well, the work goes on.

We have 3 baptisms this next month. One is Zanaida and Jim. They are married, and have a 9 year old girl. Zanaida is our pension. The other is Luis Garfius. He is about 45 years old, and just humble humble. We also found a family of 5, with 3 potential priesthood holders and they say they want to be baptized.

A normal day consists of walking, walking, and more walking, and sometimes riding in a combi (those van things)... its fun. My days are full full full... every minute is planned out.. I like it like that...I love this work.

We have to be in our room early tonight because of New Years. Oh well, just more study time and stuff.. having the opportunity to study the Book of Mormon every morning for an hour is amazing... you learn so much more everytime you read it. I love you all, and always remember that Christ is our savior.

Christmas Call

Landon sounded great when we talked to him Christmas evening. He loves his companion, Elder Jacobi (Ha-KO-bee) from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Elder Jacobi has been out 18 months, and has become very fluent in English, so this is a big help to Landon.

Landon is happy and upbeat about everything. He is about 10 miles north of the city of Lima, in Collique (Co-LEE-kay). This is a very hilly area, and reminds him of the hillside in North Morgan that is being developed, but with not so "nice" of homes. It is hot, but not too hot. He has no idea of the exact temperature. (I think I will send him a temperature gauge) At night he gets cold, and pulls the blanket up over him. He does not have fleas........yet. He assures me that he will, and there is no way around it.

Landon said he didn't want to make us feel bad, but he really doesn't think about us back here in Morgan at all during the day, and only for about 30 minutes at night before he goes to bed. He is too busy, and he doesn't know how you CAN'T be busy out there, there is SO much to do !!

He loves his pension, Zenayda (Zah-NIE-da) and her family. She is a good cook, and takes care of the missionaries meals and washing of clothing. The family let's them use their shower when Landon and his companion's water doesn't work, which is quite often.

Landon said that the Peru Lima North mission is the "best" mission in Peru. (Is that what every missionary says?) He said it is the strictest as far as rules, and that brings blessings to the missionaries. As far as investigators, they like to work with families, with a potential priesthood holder. Baptisms have gone down, but the retention of members is up.

The mission home is about 40 minutes away from his apartment, on a bus, or (Comb Bee) - that is how you say it, but I'm sure that is NOT how you spell it. It is basically a van, that holds about 16 people, no seatbelts, and the drivers drive FAST AND CRAZY on the hillside roads!! This is something I will be adding to my prayers....... Bless the drivers to be careful.

The language is coming, and he understands 80% of what is being said when it is gospel related. Otherwise, it's hit and miss. He can hardly wait until he becomes a pro at it. Landon bore his testimony at the very end of our phone conversation, and he went on for I would guess approx. 1 to 2 minutes, and it sounded great to all of us!

Thanks to all of you for the support.Landon is sorry he is not able to respond to all of your letters, but he wants you to know that he loves you, and appreciates all of your support and prayers in his behalf.

Where in the world is Elder Rich?

Some of you may be wondering just exactly WHERE Landon is ..... well he is about 4260 miles from Morgan, Utah (if the crow flies southeast)



He is on the South American Continent, in the country of Peru. If you were to draw a line straight North from Peru, for about 3700 miles..... you would run into New York City.
The LDS church has divided Peru into 7 different missions. Lima North, East, Central, & South. Also, Trujillo and Piura (Northern Peru), and Arequipa (Southern Peru).



Peru is one of 12 countries in South America. It has about 28 million people. The geography ranges from the desert plains on the coast, to the high mountains of the Andes, to tropical rainforests. It is a developing country with a poverty level around 50%. It is also home to the ruins of the great
Inca Empire,
Machu Picchu,
and the Nazca lines.



There are 195 provinces in Peru, grouped into 25 regions except for the Lima Province which does not belong to any region. The Lima Province is located in the central coast of Peru. It's capital is Lima, which is also the nation's capital. Despite its small area, this province is the major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Peruvian economy. The Lima North Mission covers the largest area of all of the missions in Peru (see map in red). It is basically (2) different areas; the northern part of the Lima Region and the Lima Province (city and suburban), and the large "jungle" area, with the main town of Iquitos which can only be reached by air or boat. Landon will spend time in both areas over the course of his 2-year mission.



Within the Lima Province, there are 43 districts. Landon's first area of assignment is in the Comas District, which is North of the city of Lima. It covers about 30 square miles, and is 460 feet above sea level. It is one of the most populous districts in the country, having 460,000 people. Comas used to be one of the poorest districts in Lima, until recently when parts of it developed into a middle class residential district. Despite this fact, there are still patches of poverty displayed, with shacks which lack running water and electricity.




Landon is in the Collique/Casuarinas "area" of the Comas District. If you are interested if viewing his area up close and personal:)

Click here for a Google Map

And the Companero is.........

I was able to talk to Lawson Bullock, who returned from the Peru Lima North Mission on December 19th, at church today. He said that he was able to see the new assignments before he came home, and Landon has been paired with Elder Jacobi (Hah-Ko-Bee) from Argentina. Lawson said that Landon should really enjoy working with Elder Jacobi, and be pleased with him as his companero. Lawson looked great ! Not too skinny, and so happy and upbeat and outgoing. His mission homecoming report is next Sunday. I can hardly wait !

News !!! - But not from Landon

I spoke with Elder Jason Johnson, newly returned from the Peru Lima North Mission on December 19th. He said that he had called Zanaida, the pensionista (woman who cooks, washes clothes, and generally takes care of the missionaries) today, and she wasn't in, but WHO should answer the phone? Elder Landon Rich !! Apparently Landon was assigned to the EXACT same area that Elder Johnson had just left. He is in the EXACT same apartment, and has the same pensionista ! What a coincidence. The area (as near as I could tell from Elder Johnson) is in the Santadad Zone, city or area of Collique Bajo, Lima, Peru. Google Earth puts this a little North of the main city of Lima, and approximately 11 miles NW (as the crow flies) from the Lima Temple. The living conditions for the missionaries is not as bad as I had imagined. It seems Christmas has come early at the Rich household. Thank you Elder Johnson !!

Click here for pictures of Landon's first area

Cold here......Warm in Peru

As Landon goes out into Peru, away from the CCM and mission home, I have to wonder about his living conditions. I find myself looking outside here in Utah, and worrying if he will be warm enough in Peru. I have to keep reminding myself that in Peru it's SUMMER !!
I guess everyone here in Morgan, Utah doesn't need to worry about a "White Christmas"..... Click here to enjoy the latest rendition

Today is the day !

The missionaries who arrived at the CCM on November 8th, and who have spent the past six weeks studying and working hard, are now going to be heading out "into the field" to their respective areas of service. We are anxiously awaiting word as to where Landon's assignment will be.
Click here for pics

This Year For Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving
The thrill just wasn't there
No pictures taken with Santa Claus
My decorating has no flair
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties
Two suits and socks...no fun
I've bought him all white clothes because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I've spent more time in the temple
Felt strength come from His words
I've reread November's Ensign
And my testimony stirred
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run
Abraham seems closer because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion
Their sacrifice was so much more
My loss will be his presence
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him
I'm giving Christ my son

I stare at his face from long ago
I memorize his eyes, their shine
He's always hungered for the part of him
That makes his soul divine
The stories and lessons he always heard
His choice and mine are one
I'll put my faith in God's hand
This year, I'm giving Him my son

Past gifts have lost their glitter
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
By giving Him a hand
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
That all the packing's done
My gift has taken years to make
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

~ Author Unknown

Happy and Anxious.....

I would say the overall "feeling" of Landon's latest email was HAPPY, with a little (lot?) anticipation for getting "out in the field". He, along with other elder's thought their first EARTHQUAKE (Dec 6), was sweet, exciting, cool, etc....... Landon mentioned that he and Elder Woolf had been able to get out in the city again last Saturday, to teach the people. "It was amazing. These people are so ready to hear it, and they just need to be invited." We will not hear from Landon again, until next Wednesday (Dec. 19) when he will be transferred out of the CCM. Lawson Bullock (from Morgan) will be coming home the same day. It is possible that they will get to see each other at the Peru Lima North Mission Home.

Culture shock

Landon has written home in detail about going out into the Lima South area about 2 weeks ago. He said, "This is the most humbling thing that has ever happened to me". He tries to describe the homes built on the mountains, the dirt roads, the lack of doors, windows, roofs, dirt/mud floors. The dogs, the garbage, the smell.....




He just can't seem to find the adjectives. He said that as they were teaching in a small home, sitting on 5-gallon buckets, that a hen and four chicks ran around their feet. A surreal experience for sure.

He loves the people, who are always so happy. A truly eye-opening experience for one who like most "Americanos" hasn't ever wanted for anything. How could you NOT be humbled. He has said, "Don't pray for me, please pray for the people of Peru".

Elder Snowman

Elder Dallin Peterson's sister Makayla met a new missionary the other day. Poor Elder is in a MUCH colder mission than OUR Peru Lima North missionaries. Hope his mom packed HIS long underwear :)

A Day on the Town

This past Wednesday (Nov 28), President Crayk took the North American missionaries (the ones who hadn't transferred out into the "field") out to tour the big city of Lima. They visited the main town square where the President of Lima lives, went down to the beach, and also stopped at a soccer stadium. They wore "normal" clothes with no name tags. Landon said it was weird not being in a suit and tie. They took a bunch of pictures which we hope to have posted as soon as we get them.

Last night the missionaries were able to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. They enjoyed it, but it did bring on a little homesickness. Landon especially will miss Temple Square and the SNOW !

This is the first picture (ABOVE) that we have of Landon IN PERU !! Doesn't he look GREAT !! It just made our day. Thank you Elder Peterson, cameraman extraordinaire !

Click here to view more pics of this fun P-day