Dear Grandpa and Grandma

Hey Grandparents, It's good to hear from you all. It's good to hear all is going well in the family. I miss you all very much, but the Lord is blessing our families. Remember always, that family is the most important. I love you all and will be writing back to your letters. Thank you for writing me. I love you all. Tell everyone Hi, and I love them.

From the Heart

Well there isn't much more to say. I have about 5 minutes left to type. I have a lot of thoughts about a lot of things. One thing that is interesting... It's crazy how us "youngens" can touch the hearts of all these people. Old and young, and of many different beliefs. Last night I didn't sleep too well. I couldn't get to sleep because of the changes and the families here in this area. Man, it was a rough night. I can't believe I lost sleep for people I don't even know, but in reality I do know them. We all know them. We were with them before this life. How amazing.

Finally ! News from Landon

I'm staying in this area (Villa Sol/Proceras)and I am very very happy about that.

We had six baptisms scheduled for this past Saturday, but we only ended up with three. I baptized, 27 year old Diescenia Polanco. Her sister Yajaira (14) was also baptized. We're working with their parents (54 & 47 years of age), and I sure hope they except. The other baptism was Mariela Velez. She is 20 years old, and has a 2 year old son. The work is going. I'm so so so glad that I'm staying in this area. The baptisms were great, and I'm loving it. This week has been kinda up and down, but we have been having some success. It's all good.

Here are some more pictures of that day.

Gracias Vanessa Salazar!

A member of Landon's ward in Villa Sol made a comment in Landon's guestbook (see sidebar). She has apparently viewed our family blog too, because we have a dot in Peru ! If any of you can read Spanish, you can probably make out what she had to say, but not me..........I had to ask Jamo Rees (recently returned from Argentina) to translate for me. He said that she commented on Landon's cute "sobrinitos" (neice and nephews), and also said that Landon would be staying in Villa Sol for another 6 weeks ! If this is true, he will be very happy. He likes the area.

The picture above is Vanessa's mom, with Elder Ramos and Elder Rich. They did a service project of painting at her home. Check out more pictures, here.

No Email today ......

Well, we don't know what happened.............but we didn't get the usual day brightener today. Maybe it will come later, but it has NEVER been this late before. Maybe tomorrow? Who knows, maybe it has something to do with transfers........or maybe he sent it to homail.com instead of hotmail.com. That's what Elder Herdt did last week :)

Heading towards Fall

It's March in Peru, and if you take the 6-month difference (occasioned by the tilt of the earth and its orbit around the sun) of time and season, it's something like September in the USA. Therefore, school started today. In Peru, preschool is often skipped. Students enter kindergarten (called "jardìn" here - or just "garden") whenever their parents decide their children are old enough. Including that year, the "primaria" is six years in total, the same as elementary school was for me. When a student finishes fifth grade, they have a graduation party (well, I suppose there's nothing wrong with the celebration of education). They then enter "secundaria," which is equivalent to high school, but is 5 years long. Depending on the age one starts, one can graduate at the age of 15 or 16 (with another party, naturally).
The information above was taken from Elder Withers blog

Teaching Truths

We had a good experience with a young kid who is 17 years old and was in a gang. He wants to change, so we’re teaching him. I don’t know if you have heard this before, but everyone on this earth has heard all of the doctrine in the pre-earth life, and we have all forgotten it now that we are on this earth. When people hear it again, something clicks. We were teaching him about the Book of Mormon, and he is like… “I have heard this before somewhere, I don’t know where.. but this is so familiar.” Pretty crazy.. it’s awesome.

Over the lips, and past the gums.....

One of our investigators made us this drink, and really, I’m not going to lie. Ya know when you throw up in your mouth and taste it? That’s what it tasted like. I had to choke it down, and then she asked if we wanted more, and I didn’t answer... but my comp was like, oh ya sure....it was good (are you kidding me !!), so I had TWO glasses of it. Oh well, I have eaten worse, just to let you know. Let’s just say I’ll eat (drink) anything when I get home.

It's that time of year......

Man, sounds like a good baseball season going on. That's awesome. Tell Der, congrats and ya.. That's good about Chans and Chase.

Tell them to work hard and just love it, cuz it flies by. Be safe and enjoy the baseball!

Landon's good friend Derick Roskelley plays for Weber State, and his cousins' Chans and Chase made the Morgan High baseball team. Also, we're keeping track of what is going on up at TVCC, where Landon played last year.

How is the Spanish coming?

Good..... I really am starting to pick it up. I can understand pretty much all, but even though I don't understand the meaning of the word, I still can tell what word it is.... Ya, me and my comp were talking last night when we were falling asleep, our "dejo" is what it's called, or accent. Haha, I'm pretty sure I have one, but we will see in May (when I call home).

Latest from Pay' roo

Hey everyone, all is well down here in Peru. Man, we have so much work to do, and so little time to do it. It's crazy to think, that this time next week, I will know if I'm staying in this area, or if I'm moving. Crazy.. I love this area and wouldn't mind staying awhile. The work is going. We have 2 dates for (baptism) this Saturday that are for sure, and we're working with a family of four. I hope they except.
Not much other than that. At the end of each day, we're beat, tired, and we just zonk out, haha. Time is flying. I can't believe this next change (7 weeks away) I will complete 5 and 6 months in the mission...crazy... I love you all, and I'm glad you are all well.

Elder Ramos

Elder Ramos is from El Salvador, and was baptized at age 10. He has been out in the mission field for 10 months, and is a really hard worker. Elder Ramos has a good temperament, and Landon has never seen him mad. His past companions have tested him, and he has learned patience. Elder Ramos has the spirit and is very kind. He comes from a rough background. He and Landon get along really well. He is really good about teaching the gospel in a simple way, and that helps Landon ALOT with the Spanish. That, and the fact that Elder Ramos doesn't speak a lick of English:) Both Landon and Elder Ramos are "new" to the area, neither having any idea of what to expect. Don't they look happy in this picture? I just love their smiles.

To the Temple

Landon went to the Lima Peru Temple today. Here are some interesting facts about some of our temples, and also some FAQ's. Also, some more pictures taken that day.

Interesting....

You know how we all say Peru? Puh roo'.
When Landon says Peru, he says Pay'roo, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
He's getting an accent! Hope we recognize him on Mother's Day (haha).

Did you know that Peruvians speak the most "pure" Spanish spoken? Whenever the LDS church needs Spanish translators, they ALWAYS get a Peruvian. Interesting, huh?

We received an audio tape from Landon. It was great to listen to Landon, from his first days in the MTC in Provo, to December 18th, the day he went into the field. He sounded SO excited that last day - you could just FEEL IT.

Latest email info

We have 6 baptisms scheduled, and we're working on 2 more for the 8th of March. We have been fasting for these families. I'm excited. I love my area, it's great. Great people and good surroundings.

The work is going everyone, our President has set high goals for us, and it's going to take a lot of work to meet them, but we can do it because we have the best missionaries in the world. I love you all.... I wish you all the best.

We're working really really hard. I love it. time is flying. Strive to have the spirit with you... it's very important. We're going to the temple on Wednesday, so that will be good. All is well down here.

Family Home Evening

Landon's pension in his new area is Carmen. He says she is a wonderful cook, and takes good care of the missionaries. In the picture above, she is with two of her children, Karen and Aymmar.
Click here to view more pics of a fun family home evening in Carmen's home

P-Day - Hike in the Mountains

P-day - Hike in the Mountains

Click on the picture above and view the slideshow

Walked and walked and walked......

Hey dad, my week has been rough and hectic tambien (also). We have been walking everywhere. One side of our area to the other, and Wow ! I tell ya, I hope my feet hold up these two years haha. It’s been tiring this week, that’s for sure.

Note from Gwen: These aren't Landon's shoes......They belong to Curtis Tonks, my cousin's son who finished his mission in Brazil last year.

Speaking in church

I spoke last Sunday in church. All in Spanish, and I’m the only person in the room who knows English! I spoke for 5 minutes on Helaman 6:3 and the obra misional. It went good. I was really nervous, but I spoke alright, and it was fine.

The REAL Elder Ruiz

A few posts ago, I put up a picture I thought was of Elder Ruiz with Landon and Elder Woolf. I was wrong! Thanks to Elder Woolf's mom, she helped me out and supplied a picture of the REAL Elder Ruiz.
You've got to understand, as our sons send us home their pictures, they have no way (that I know of) to put a caption WITH the picture file. Most times we are at a loss, and have to guess... What Donna did, was ZOOM in on the name badge, to scope out WHO was WHO.
That's what I was able to do with all of the pics Landon sent home from the Provo MTC. It kind of makes you feel like a sleuth :)

Tagg you're it !

Hey Zac and CJ.. Man that’s so cool. I have another sobrino. Man I can’t wait to see him. I bet he is so cute, just like me haha ! Cuz we all know I’m the best looking in the family haha, even though you (Zac) got all the muscle. I got the looks, haha j/k. I hope all is well with you, CJ, Treyson and the new one.
Tag, huh? I know his name has two g’s, but this computer won’t let me type two g’s, haha! I love you guys.

Giving Service - Having Fun

Hello all in Morgan! Everything is bright and sunny down here in Peru. Last Friday we had a fun day with our zone washing cars and motos for free, and while they are trapped outside of their cars, we teach them! It was bright and sunny and warm, and afterwards we had a nice water fight and all. I hope I’m not making ya mad. I’m sure you can all have a snowball fight or something haha. I can’t find any ice down here, not even ice cubes, haha.

Here are some pictures from that day. Too bad Landon isn't in any of them :)

Happy Day - more Pics !!

Landon mentioned in a previous letter/post that he had met a women from Connecticut, who was visiting in Peru. We received a most wonderful welcome phone call tonight from Julie Camacho. She said that she got to meet/visit Landon and his companion for about 2 weeks, before she had to return home. She actually saw them for the first time as they were walking and crossing a street, and she hollered out the window, "Elder's... Elder's". It makes this mom's heart so happy to hear how Landon is being looked after. Julie said he looks good and healthy, and seemed so very happy. Now that sounds like our Landon, doesn't it? Julie was born and raised in Peru, and recently returned to Peru for a few weeks to help her mom with some medical issues. Julie lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a very special friendship.

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.