Getting together with FRIENDS !!

Elder Rich:

"Hey, so first off, (on P-day) we went to Ventanilla to play (futbol) with that zone at 8 in the morning. It's Elder Peterson's zone. It was fun."

Elder Peterson:

"Actually, today we had P-day with Elder Rich and his zone. I really want to be best friends with him. He is so tight and always when I see him, he makes me happy."

Elder Herdt:

"We had a Multizona this week, which was awesome. I got to see my best friends, Elders Rich, Peterson, Kay, and Mills. Elder Woolf couldn't be with us cuz he's in the jungle right now. I love having our Multizonas. It's so awesome every time I see the guys from my group. I feel so re-energized to get out and work again. We really have like a brotherhood with the guys from my group. I know we'll all be great friends after the mission."

6 month mark - aka BUMP Day

Landon's mission is 1/4 complete........... These 6 months have passed by so quickly.


"....the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream....." Jacob 7: 26

Be Happy

"Oh, and one other thing to everyone. BE HAPPY. My heck, I'm sick and tired of people not being happy. You're living aren't you? You have a life, right? Then smile a little bit, and when you talk, talk "happy talk" with a smile. Sound happy for Pete's sake. This, more than anything - wow. Not only down here in Peru, but everywhere. If you have the gospel in your life, you should never be without a smile. Never be sad, because we have the answers...... so SMILE. Thanks."

Dan Jones continued........

Dan Jones was one of the fellows who was with the prophet Joseph Smith when he was killed at Carthage. His name is not mentioned nearly so much as John Taylor's or Willard Richards or Hyrum Smith's, yet he was the man to whom Joseph Smith uttered his last prophecy, in the middle of the bleakest and most forlorn position possible, with literally no hope of the prophecy being fulfilled.

During a disruption (at Carthage), the Prophet got off the bed where he was resting and lay on the floor between John S. Fullmer and Dan Jones and spoke to each of them in turn. He asked Dan if he was afraid to die. Dan answered, "Has that time come think you? Engaged in such a cause [as the gospel] I do not think that death would have many terrors." The Prophet Joseph prophesied, "You will yet see Wales, and fulfill the mission appointed you before you die." Before the year 1844 was over Dan Jones was en route with a prominent entourage of other Church officials toward the British Isles, not only fulfilling the prophecy but further proving his own loyalty to the slain Prophet and the cause he died for.

Later Dan served a second mission and is generally credited with more than 6,000 convert baptisms, the translation of numerous missionary tracts into the Welsh language, and leading the emigration of many of his converts to the Great Basin. After their arrival in the City of the Great Salt Lake, some of those Welsh converts became the nucleus of the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Dan Jones has a long list of accomplishments, most importantly being a strong proponent of the restored gospel. He died firm in that conviction and is buried in the Provo City Cemetery. - Research by Kerry A. Shirts

For those of you who are interested, you may find a longer and more detailed history of Dan Jones, here.

Dan Jones Group

"Well you can officially call the missionaries in the Independencia Zone the "Dan Jones" group. Elder Toolson, our zone leader, (ex) assistant to the Presidente, has started a new thing. We have tons of Books of Mormon in our bags when we know we're going to ride a bus, and then we have "little card things" that tell a little about the book, and we get on the bus and preach. It's amazing. Probably 40 to 50 people at a time are looking at you, while people are getting off and getting on the bus, and you're pretty much yelling, with nothing to show but the Book of Mormon and your testimony about it. We explain a little about it, and hand out those cards to everyone, then at the end, whoever wants the book - we give it to them. Just another way to spread the word and plant the seed - 50 people at a time. I love it. I will continue to do it throughout my life. I love this mission. I love all of you, and thank you for all your help."

So - how many of you are wondering - Just WHO is Dan Jones? Well I had to look it up myself....Tune in tomorrow for more info :)

Serving Others

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" ~ Matthew 16:25

Baptism Day

Landon sent pictures, and this was one baptism he didn't talk about in any of his emails. Her name is Sandra, and I think Elder Villanueva baptized her. Here is what Landon had to say about it:

"Well, her dad is a menos activo (less active) for a long time. We're teaching her whole family. They are the mom and dad and 3 daughters. Sandra is the oldest with 20 years. When I left, her little sister had a date to get baptized. They have family in Utah that are members, so that's pretty cool."

Melt Mom's Heart

"Mom, thank you so much for all your words. I can't express how much I love my family. I have learned so much on my mission. I love this. I have grown to know what I missed before my mission, and now I will not miss it anymore. Thank you for your words mom, and mom, I do know what I mean to you. I think about it everyday. I know, because you and dad and our family mean the same to me. I love you."

Housing in Villa Sol

It wasn't until the one of the last emails, that Landon mentioned he lived on the third floor. His pension, Carmen, and her family live on the second floor, and the owners of the building live on the bottom floor.

I'm guessing this picture is taken from Landon's apartment. -------------------------->

This picture (below) was taken in his pension's apartment.



This is what Landon had to say about the owners of the building:

"The owners are bien bien catolico (fine fine Catholics). They are so, so, so, nice. I love the little old lady. She will be a member either in this life or the next, I know it."

One less worry for Mom

"Dogs are not a problem here. There aren't any strays hardly, just in homes and stuff no worries... "

Lost - then found !

"While working in the Proceres area , we found the Familia Perez. Dad, Mom, and 3 kids.. ages, 19, 13, and 7. It's awesome. They have a date for baptism for the 19th of April. The 19 year old wants to be a missionary, and the dad will probably be a future leader, so I'm really stoked. The other missionaries were having troubles finding them, but we worked on it, and we did! Good news - In our interviews, Presidente Perez told us that there will be missionaries (specifically assigned) in that area (Proceres), and that is good."

"I am happy, but also he mentioned that I will probably not be here (in Villa Sol/Proceres). He mentioned that I will be companero meyor en la selva. (Senior Companion in the Jungle) I am praying tons right now, and I feel inadequate, but if this is so, I will be praying even more. But that's how the Lord works, and we will see what happens. I don't know, I am kinda ready to leave Villa Sol, and see what else Peru has to offer. We will see what happens. Crazy, only one more email, and then the next you will know where I'm going, or if I'm staying, crazy huh? I love it."

"Hey Dad, I sure am glad you taught me the things you did about life before my mission. You taught me so much about patience, and just when things (are hard)... suck it up, and push through it. All these words I learned from you, and many many more.... and in this tough time, the Lord and these words are helping me."

Different than the normal week......

"Well, me and Elder Villanueva are getting along just fine. We are working hard. This last week our (teaching) numbers kind of suffered, because Monday we had P-day and went and played futbol (soccer) with a different zone, that was great. Then we worked three days,(Tues. Wed. Thurs.) and on Friday we had our interviews with President Perez, which I absolutely loved. I learned so much, and I love that man. He is a Bishop Fisher, except in Spanish. After that, we had a special party with pizza, and watched a movie, and played futbol with the office missionaries. This was because our zone had met all of our goals, and it was great."


President Fisher (left)
Presidente Perez (right)

"Saturday and Sunday was conference, and it wasn't in our church. It was in the Stake house, which is like 20 minutes out of our zone, so it was tough to get people to attend, and for us to work with them, but I can say.... this was the first time in my life I have felt the spirit so strong. At the end of Saturday, I was spiritually drained, another first in my life. I couldn't think what it was... I was like "We haven't worked at all today, but yet this is the most tired I have been". I couldn't put my finger on it, but man... I love our prophets, and yes, a part of my Patriarchal Blessing was fulfilled this past weekend. Listen to the prophet's voice, I promise you will learn. I love you all, and all is well.......no worries."

General Conference

"I will be able to see the (General Conference) sessions live. It's not their voice, it's the translator's voice. I'm going to miss hearing their voices for 2 years, that's for sure."

We were able to stand and sustain our new prophet,Thomas S. Monson, and his counselors and apostles. It was special to me, in one aspect, because everyday, I'll think and wonder......"What is Landon doing right this minute?" - and yesterday, for a few seconds, I knew EXACTLY what he was doing, at EXACTLY that minute. When they asked the Elder's quorums (across the world) to arise, and put their hand to the square, I KNOW that he was doing that - 4500 hundred miles away - in Villa Sol Peru, RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT.

Read, Study, Pray

"How is the Book of Mormon coming? Keep it up.... I'm waking up a half hour early to study the Book of Mormon because I love it so much. You can get so much closer to God just by reading it everyday. So do it. You will be blessed and see the changes in your life."

¿Opinión qué?

"It's pretty tough to speak English right now. I am in the process of doing a sound (audio) tape, and I sound like an idiot, haha. I can't speak my own language, let alone spell things right. Man, I'm going to struggle after two years, but it's all well. The Spanish is there. I can understand pretty much everything, and I can say what I want to say, and not sound like a gringo, so that's good."

A Clean Shirt Anyone ?

"I got the package (with two new white shirts), which was good, because I didn't have clothes haha, they were all dirty. I forgot to give my laundry to the guy (who takes them to be cleaned), because I was sleeping in the room of Elder Ramos, and so 2 weeks without clothes almost, haha."

"All is well with me. I hope it is with you too. Thank you for everything, You know I love this mission, and I love being here, but I wish you could be here with me sharing it. That's why I can't wait till we come back down to Peru, because you will be able to see."

¡Terremoto Fuerte!

"We had 2 earthquakes last Saturday (March 29th). One at 1 am in the morning (which wasn't very big), it just woke us up and nothing more. But then at about 8am that morning, we were just getting back into our rooms from breakfast and bam. It hit again, and it was strong, haha. It was like nothing I have ever felt in my life."

"We hurried down the 3 floors (to the street) and on the second floor our pension was getting her kids out, and same with our (landlord) owner, (she) was getting her family out. So we got out into the street, and it was just starting to quite down, and I looked up and down our street, and everyone was outside their houses in just boxers (underwear) and blankets, it was funny. But no worries, all is well. A little bit of concrete fell from our roof, it's all good."

More baptisms

"We baptized the Familia Polanco (the parents). I'm really happy, and they are too. Also, Hermana Karla Rivera. I'm so happy she made the decision to be baptized. They all went well, and good news; we have 2 more families for this change too. We found a family that is the best. I'm excited. I love this work."

"I love this mission, and I love being here. All is well down here in Peru."

For more pictures of this day, click here.

Rough Week

Ok, to start off, wow.... this week has been rough and just all over the place. So Tuesday (March 25) at 5pm, I started in a trio with my ex -companion, Elder Ramos, and his new son (newby companion) from Cusco. We were sleeping in his area, which is kind of far from mine. I slept on a mattress, haha - that's it, but I'm used to it. It's just like, pack your stuff you need for 4 days, and move. It was tough.

My area struggled this week, because we didn't work in it a lot. My new comp, Elder Villanueva, came from Tarapoto (the jungle) on Friday and we spent all day at the hospital because he is sick with gastritis.

We did get to work on Saturday and Sunday, and we're getting into things pretty good. Elder Villaneuva is from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and has been out about 11 months. Only he and one brother and tio (uncle) are members. His parents aren't members, but they support him.

Ame la lengua

From the latest email:

I’m getting pretty good with Spanish. 5 1/2 months out, and I can say pretty much whatever I want. I can teach really good, and joke around with people too. It’s great. I can understand probably 90% of things said. All is well down here.

Fasting and Baptisms

You may remember a few weeks ago (March 8th) - Landon baptized Diescenia Polanco (27 years) and her sister Yajaira (14). The missionaries have been working with their parents (54 & 47 ) since that time, and in Landon's last letter, he had this to say.....

"The Polanco's are doing good. They assist in the church every week, and have a date (for baptism) for this coming Saturday (March 29)."

Tomorrow is "fast" Sunday. I personally, will be fasting with two purposes (beginning my fast today) ; that the Polanco's will go forward with their decision, and continue in faith, and also, for an individual who lives right here in Morgan, who has recently become interested in the gospel, and has been attending church. This person will soon be asked if they would like to be baptized. My prayers are with all of them.

Nuevo Soles v. US Dollar

"I'm going to take out 100 soles today for the temple, and some other things I need.

By the way, how does that work? I take out soles, but my money (in the bank at home) is in dollars?"

(When Landon withdrew 100 soles, it debited $35.78 from his checking account)

Missionaries for Dinner !

Our family was asked to fix dinner for two sister missionaries tonight. Sister Hoffman from Virginia, and Sister Shuster from Alaska came and had homemade chicken noodle soup with Camryn, and Roger and myself. It was great. I loved it ! They were so kind, and grateful for the meal, and then afterward asked if they could share a message with us. They said this was the same message that Landon was sharing down in Peru. They spoke of the restoration of the Lord's church on the earth today, and Prophets who speak to God. They each bore their testimony to us, and it brought tears to my eyes, knowing that Landon was doing this same thing, 4500 miles away. I hope we can have them in our home again.

Up and Down.......

This past week I have felt some of the most joy in my life because of the people we have found, and just the spirit, but then again, I felt the other side of the spectrum on those decisions that the "men of the world" make. Wow, what a difference.

You know, I was thinking... this thing, this two year mission, man, it's tough. If you look at it, it can't be done without the spirit. It's so draining physically and mentally. This thing (mission) is amazing. It will be something to look back on, that's for sure. Nos vemos en 19 mesas.

Mega Plaza

On P-days, the missionaries are sometimes able to do a little shopping at Mega Plaza.

"It's like the mall. It has a food court and all the outlet stores, and a grocery store and games and a movie theater. But no pasa nada, because as missionaries we can't do anything like that, haha."

Cambios! (Changes)

Tommorrow, Elder Vargas heads off to the jungle, and I stay in Villa Sol, and I'm happy. My new comp is from Bolivia, and I still don't know him, but I'll have all the info next week. He gets to Lima on Saturday, I'll be in a "triple" for a few days. (3 Elders together)

Well, I think it's a good thing there is a change, cuz you all know I can get along with everyone, but with Elder Vargas my nerves were tested, haha. Man, he is a good missionary and obedient, but is there such a thing as too obedient? Haha.... no there isn't, but I guess what I'm saying, is he did things in excess, where I didn't see the need, and no, it wasn't breaking rules or anything, but all is well, and I've learned a ton in the short time I was with him.

We have 15 families, it's amazing, and we're teaching like crazy. We had 16 dates for baptism, but lost a few, but now we have 9 solid for the upcoming weeks. One family and 3 more to come in the next month. I'm excited. Well, I love you all, and keep on keeping on.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives - Happy Easter !

Can you say Thin ?

"We had a meeting last week with all of the Elders that were ending their missions, and I saw all my Comps from the CCM. It was great. Some of them I hadn’t seen for almost 2 months or so. Wow, all of us have lost weight, but Elder Kay and Woolf win it all. Elder Woolf looks like I did when I got out of the hospital from my surgery, haha, it’s crazy. I was good to see everyone".

I don't know - I think Elder Rich, looks pretty skinny......maybe that's just a worrying mother's point of view :)

I can't wait until I'm 8...............

"I baptized a little girl who completed her 8 years (turned 8 years old). Her name is Francis Karla Alba Pelyce. I love this work. We are working really, really hard. We are teaching 9 families!!!!!!!!! It’s amazing. This is the true work."

Laugh of the week

I'll usually start my letters to Landon, by saying "Hi Hon" - as in honey..... This time I thought I'd try it in Spanish, so I said, "Hola Anamorada" - guess I didn't get it quite right.....

"Mom, hahahahaha, you called me your boy friend, or something like that. Spanish is like that. One word has about 5 meanings, and if you don’t put the word in a sentence, it doesn’t specify which meaning, haha, but no worries."

"Funny story, so I’m learning how to speak “Quechua”. It’s what the Inka’s spoke. It’s really hard. Way, Way, hard, but sweet. So I’m learning, and ya, I said a bad word and I didn’t even know it. Well, not a bad word, but I asked, “How is your butt?”, but like in detail. The word “butt”, was a word (that was) a little more strong. Haha, it was funny. It wasn’t the first, and won’t be the last. I love it."

Profetas

We are finding families like crazy, and it is amazing. We found a family that has a mom and four kids. Their dad died about a month ago, and the mom works hard hard hard, everyday to put her kids through studies, and to feed them, and they are humble.

Funny story, so we sit down and the mom is calling in her kids to come sit down and listen to us, and the son (15 years old) walks in says, “Ya, I am from another religion. I have heard it all from you Mormons”. Well, we got teaching, and when we were talking about profetas (prophets), he was hooked. Everyone was. It was amazing. It went perfect, and at the end of the lesson we took out (set) dates with all but one of the sons who wasn’t present at the time.

Interesting stuff....

"I was in the room of some other Elders in Covida (it’s in our Zone), and there were some papers there, and they had the name of Bullock on them. My pension (Carmen) knows him, and actually met him. Also, in one of the desks, on one of the sides it had Elder Walker from Morgan, UT signed on Sept 11, 2004. How crazy is that? I’m following up on the work they left off. All three, Elders' Johnson, Bullock and Walker."

New Companion - Working Hard

"I’m with a new companion, Elder Vargas. He has 10 months in the mission. He was in my zone already, so I know him. It’s great, he is from Bolivia, lives with his grandpa, and those two are the only members (in his family). He is 26, and was baptized when he was 14. "

"We are working hard, and we can tell the difference. We have ten baptism dates, it’s awesome! And more to come too! The Polanco family (mom & dad) told me that I will be baptizing them within this change (next 5 weeks)."

"We’re finding new people to teach everyday, and working hard with the members, and it shows.... and that’s only in 4 days work! Think what we can do with 5 more weeks, huh? Pretty sweet. I’m excited."

"I’m falling in love......with food :)"

Arroz Choufa. "Oh my heck, it’s so good. I love it."



(After watching the first few minutes of the clip above, those of you who know Landon, and how much he loves Panda Express, won't be surprised that he LOVES Arroz Choufa.)

"All the days I eat a lot, I’m not joking. Down here they go by levels, or I don’t know how to call them (“courses”), first a salad, then a fruit or something, then the main dish, and then so on. I’ve noticed I eat tons more, triple what I ate at home, but yet I’m losing weight! I have energy and feel good, so it’s good."

Hakuna Matada

Well Dad, I’m getting pretty used to the Spanish and the culture, and life down here. It’s a simple life. I don’t really care too much about anything, like I do (care) about the things that matter, but I have no worries. It’s good. I can’t really explain it. All is going well.

I hope your weeks keep going good and your spirits are high. Keep up the good work dad, I love ya, and I talk about you alot with my investigators. I love you Dad. Thanks for everything. I think the husband of my pensionista is going to write you, haha. How cool is that? You will have to translate it of course, but ya, he reminds me a lot of you. Love ya Dad.

A little advice............

"Please tell everyone sending letters, to tape the back of them. They run them through a machine and some of them rip and I don't get them" :(

Email Update

Well, we got an email today. It was so detailed, happy, upbeat, and looooooooong, that it's going to take me awhile to go through it and post notes about everything he mentioned. Let's just say, that it was by far, one of the best emails we've received. It's amazing how it just makes your day!

Words of Wisdom from Peru

Concerning The Book of Mormon:
"Remember, read it every day. That is the key. Every day. Don't miss a day, even if it's just a chapter, and then don't forget about it. Think about it throughout your day. Ponder it, and don't forget to pray before and after, to help you understand."

Which Food Do You Like Best?

It's called
Papa ala Huancaina.

It's potatoes with a cheese sauce on it and it's soooooooooooo good.

My pension fixes it, and I really like it.

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.