Multi-zone meeting

Well everyone.... not much has happened this past week.. we had a multi-zone meeting with the Elders from Moyabama on June 18th. It was good... We had some good training... Pres Perez is the best.. It was great.. Elder Nash didn't come this time.. I don't know why.. it was just Presidente Perez. It was amazing as usual.. he is a great man... he answers all my questions and helps me keep on track... Man, I love him and he reminds me so much of Bishop Fisher, I think there is a reason they are both so alike.. lovable and loving.. I love it.. the work is going good.. a little slow right now, we can't get people to go to church, but we're working with a few families now and it's going to pick up... it's going great.... I love it.. Click here for pics.

Early Birthday Package

"I got one package... with the 3 shirts....(matching "Browning" shirts for Landon, his companion, and Gabo) and the one package with my shoes (his old sneakers, beat to heck).. Ipod (filled with church hymns in Spanish) and lifesavers, carmelos, and everything in that one.... Oh my heck ! The Mike and Ikes and the Tootsie Rolls, wow !! I haven't had those in 8 months, and they were good haha... I can't wait for the Mountain Dew haha.. The other package, they (the zone leaders) told me they left in Lima, but it's all good. I'm happy and thank you so much for everything in the package.. Right now I'm wearing my shirt.... and also I got my b-day card so thank you for that.. and the list with all the stuff in the packages, so now I know what I am waiting for.... I also got your postcard, packet with the stories of my missionary friends, and a letter from Manda.... Tell her thanks for me. I love her and Cam and I will write them a letter next week. Tell Grandma Rich thanks for the socks.. They are great, and just thanks for everything in the packages. Tell everyone thanks for me, and I love them.. I loved everything. I'm so thankful for you mom and dad, and all you do for me..... I love you.."

Dia de San Juan

The people of Tarapoto had a traditional celebration yesterday. It is called Dia de San Juan, which translates to St. John's Day. No one works or attends classes, and the day in spent with familias. As a tradition, they eat Juene. This is rice, which has been colored a bright yellow with turmeric, and is placed in the center of a large flexible jungle leaf called bijau. Chicken, eggs, and olives are added, and then the leaf is gathered at the top and tied with palm fibers. The ball is boiled in hot herbed water for one hour. This has been a traditional Peruvian Indian dish for over 400 years. Gabo said that Landon tried it Tuesday night, and he loved it.

Here is some more information on Elder Landon Schofield's blog, about this holiday

Rejection

"In 1 nefi (1st Nephi) where it talks bout him crying and filling his pillow with tears... I now know what he meant, and how that came to pass. We were walking home from the church one night, and we had a good day, but we still didn't complete and meet our goals. I was a little down in the dumps, thinking about that. The day passed so fast, and now we have to go back (home) and we don't have time. I was down, with my head down, and then I thought, ya know what? This is what Satan wants, he wants me to be down and feel like this. So I got a different attitude and was happy, and then we saw this couple walking towards us. We walked up to them to contact them, and I put my hand out to greet the lady and she walked right by, pushing my hand out of her way and mumbling something under her breath, and she just kept on walking.... and once again my hopes and attitude were dashed for the night. My eyes filled with tears in that moment for two reasons.. One, a day full of rejection, and Two, I can't believe there are people that are that hard hearted. I then turned to her husband and said, Hermano (Brother), you will be blessed this night, because you stopped and listened to the Lord. He will bless you this night for that... Thank you, and we walked off."

"I couldn't help but cry that night falling asleep, thinking about the rejection and the people here in Tarapoto. The mission is crazy..... it makes you see every aspect of everything... it's a wonderful blessing and I am so thankful to my God and Lord for this oportunidad (opportunity). I am truly blessed to have a family who loves me and who are my friends.... I love you all...... please.. never ever reject anyone... invite everyone in... talk to everyone... they are sons and daughters of God.... please....."

Landon's thoughts on Teaching

Along with teaching the gospel, the missionaries teach a few English
classes during the week. Here is Elder Evans (Landon's previous comp)
teaching a group. I would love to be a fly on the wall and listen to Landon.

"People teach in so many different ways. We all learn what our style is, and how we should teach, and by the end of two years we should be the best teachers ever. There is a rhythm to it also. Think... how many years you experience parenthood. Your first child you learn a ton and how to do everything right and you experiment, then the second.... and then comes the last, and by then your teaching should be perfect. It's like that in all things. Work, and just everything. I love teaching. I sometimes think about it. I think back in grade school, how boring it would have been to teach during all of the hours of school, man, how boring..... but now I'm teaching every day for 2 years without summer vacation.... and I love it"

Preach My Gospel

All people on the earth were members of God’s family in the premortal life (see Acts 17:26-20; Hebrews 12:9). We are part of God’s family in this life and can enjoy even greater blessings as members of His family in the life to come. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God. This knowledge gives us a sense of identity and belonging. It gives us reason to hope for eternal life in God’s presence. We understand these basic truths because of the Restoration. Teaching restored truths to your brothers and sisters is your responsibility and blessing. Like Alma seeking to help the apostate Zoramites, you can pray: “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ. Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious. . .; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee” (Alma 31:34-35). (Preach my Gospel: A guide to missionary service.)

My testimony

Family….. I know that this church is true.. I know that if we read the Book of Mormon we will be closer to our God and learn the fullness of the gospel… Stand up for the truth… Never neglect it… I love you all….

Best of all ...........

But the most amazing thing of the week, is we are working with this guy. He is 25 years old… and let's just say he has had a rough life. He is a BIG GUY - like the giant on Princess Bride. He is the smartest and most nice guy ever. He has changed and now has a baptism date. He wants to get rid of all his mistakes and change his life and follow Christ. He himself put (set) his baptism date. It will be a great day. His name is Cristian … and I love him…… He is amazing… He works in a shop like CPI (Custom Pipes Inc - mechanic work), like Zac did. He is just a great guy.

HOT !! ~ CEVICHE ~ HOT !!

I ate Ceviche for the first time this week. Don't worry, it wasn’t raw. Hermana Teresa put AJI in it… AJI is like peppers or something like that. Man, it was the hottest thing I have ever tasted. I couldn't even swallow the juice because it was burning everything, just by touching it. I could only eat 2 bites because I was sweating, haha, and crying also. It was funny. I guess my face was really really really red, haha.. But it was a good experience…

What happened last Thursday

Thursday, we met up with a old investigator who had a baptism date (previously) but then he traveled (out of town), some things went wrong, and now he is back and we talked to him and took out (set) another date with him.

What happened last Wednesday

Then Wednesday night we had an activity in the church. A show of talents (talent show) and it was a hit. It was amazing. More than 150 people came … inactives.. less-actives, and more than 10 investigators, including this new family we met yesterday on Tuesday. It was great.

Interviews this week

This week we will have a "multizona" conference, and also have our interviews. Elder Nash from the First Quorum of the Seventy is going to come and see how the work is going in the jungle with the stake and everything. I'm excited ....... a 70, teaching us.. wow… it will be great.

(Elder Nash did not end up coming - I'm not sure why)

What happened last Tuesday

Tuesday, we were down to our last 30 minutes of the night, and we were contacting people in the streets. We started talking to this one guy, and at first he wasn’t very interested, then we explained where our church was, and he was like, "Oh wow, that church? - the one that’s all nice and wow!" "I have always wondered" and (he) just was in awe. We explained that the most amazing part was what took place on Sundays inside, haha.. He then wanted to present (introduce) us to his dad. We were running out of time (because it was late), but I'm so glad we decided to go. We met his dad.. his brother and his wife and all his family. It was great. We have these two families that we're teaching now, and it's great. I love it.

What happened last Monday

Well to start off, Happy Dad Day to all the dads.. Especially my dad….. I sure do love him…

Well, this week has been one of, if not the best week of my mission…. Almost everyday we had a spiritual experience…


Monday we met these three people and we started talking. One of them asked us, "What is the difference between your church, and the rest of the christian churches". We said, "Well, 15 men are the difference …. A profet, (this is how they spell prophet in Spanish) his counselors and 12 apostles." He was blown away. He wanted an explanation of everything. We gave him a Book of Mormon, and he was content with what he heard and what we taught. It was a good night.

Today (June 16) I think we're going to the waterfalls again… so that will be good.. especially because it rained all night long so the waters will be high and it will be sweet.. and no.... don’t worry mom.... I will be careful hahaha….

Happy Father's Day Dad

The Little Chap Who Follows Me

A careful man I ought to be;
A little fellow follows me;
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he'll go the self-same way.

I must not madly step aside,
Where pleasure's paths are smooth and wide,
And join in wine's red revelry--
A little fellow follows me.

I cannot once escape his eyes:
Whatever he sees me do he tries--
Like me, he says, he's going to be;
The little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am good and fine,
Believes in every word of mine;
The base in me he must not see,
The little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go,
Through summer's sun and winter's snow,
I'm building for the years to be,
A little fellow follows me.

Investigators

We have a lot of new people that we're teaching, but not a lot of them are progressing. We may have to drop them and find more, that's one of the challenges in our area this week. It's an everyday battle. Probably 90 percent of Tarapoto isn’t married, and it's so tough, but we're going. We're working on it, and it will get better.

Don't flinch

"Pre-mortally, in the most difficult of circumstances, we stood loyally by our Father and his Son, and we did not flinch. The question for us today is: Will we do it again?" - Sheri Dew

More on being a Senior Companion

Questions - What new things does this entail? Is it hard?

"Only that it's my area, and everything that happens, good and bad, falls on my head. I'm responsible for all the numbers and just everything in my area. It's a way bigger responsibility, but I like it. It's not much of a change in the work, I still teach and contact the same, it's just that I'm the example and leader in my area - it's good."

More on Elder Flores

"My new companions is from Tacna, Peru. This is only his second change. He has about 2 months in the mission, and only 1 month and a half in the field. I'm his second comp, so it's a bit of a change. He is the only one in his family that is a member. He was baptized 4 years ago, and he is 20 years old. He is a good teacher. He is good with me, it will be a good change."

Treasure your companions. They have something to offer you if you will learn. Look for the good in them, and help them. Help one another. Get on your knees and pray to the Lord and ask Him to bless you. Never leave your apartments in the morning without asking for the directing and protecting guidance of the Lord. And never come back to them in the evening and go to bed without getting on your knees and thanking Him for the blessings of the day. - Gordon B. Hinckley

Tender Mercies

Those of you who know how detail oriented I am, won't be surprised by this post. Early this morning, Gabo, from Tarapoto, instant messaged me to let me know that Google Earth had CLEAR images of Tarapoto - FINALLY !! Then he and I conversed back and forth, and he pointed out Landon's church, Landon's home, Mamita Teresa's home, his home and school, and other LDS Chapels in the area. This just made my day !!

Elder Woolf, Landon's friend and companion from the MTC is also in Tarapoto, and he is in the Tarapoto Central Area. Landon is in Aeropuerto Area. I don't know if you can see this Google Earth picture well enough, but I thought I'd post it. You can click on the picture, and it will appear bigger.

Thanks so much Gabo - you have become a good friend. You need to let us know as soon as you hear about the mission papers you turned in. I hope you come to the Ogden, Utah Mission :)

Dear Mom and Dad.............

" I love this work and everything that it brings. The Lord is molding me into something that I yet don’t know. I will find out many years after this great mission. Thanks Mom, for all your words and prayers. I'm glad you're safe, and good of health, and yes I am too. For about a week and a half now, I have been perfect. I love you Mom"

"Well Dad, I love you and know I know I'm doing the Lord's will. Every single one of us has a will to do, and it's of God. We have a purpose, and yes, we need to fulfill that purpose. I love you Dad, and thank you for all your prayers and words. You’re the best… I love you."

Fun Information

I was talking with Gabo, in Tarapoto (Instant Messaging). He said that Elder Flores arrived Wednesday night on the plane from Lima. Elder Flores is from Tacna, Peru, which is just about as far south as you can go in Peru, before crossing the border into Chili.

Today, the missionaries had a barbeque for lunch. Gabo said that Mamita Teresa garnished a chicken, and that Landon cooked it over an open fire. That, I would have liked to see :)

Authorized Servants

I want to say to you that all those missionaries who have gone out to preach the gospel…have had laid upon their heads, the hands of God’s authorized servants, men who held his authority; and all over the wide world, in every land and in every clime, from the midnight-sun country of the north to South Africa, wherever they have gone, the Spirit of the living God has attended them. From every land and from every clime men and women have received the witness of the Holy Spirit, and have embraced the gospel. (Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, October 1919, p. 29).

A new Stake?

"When I got in here to Tarapoto, the goal was to raise the numbers and to maintain them, and if we do that we will become a Stake. I don’t know if you guys realize it, but to become a Stake is a big thing. It brings so many more blessings to the people. We just got a notice today that we have passed the numbers (needed). Now we just need to maintain them, and we will have an Apostle come down here, to dedicate and create a Stake in the fall. How sweet is that? Man, how cool would that be if I could still be here? I love you all, and this work is crazy. The weeks fly and the days are long, but I love it. I love you all. Thanks for all you do for me and all your prayers. Take it easy, Love ya… Choufa"

Gabo says: Choufa is a Spanish slang for Good-bye

We are happy - It's all good

"We had 3 baptisms this past week. Pedro and Giovanna got married and then baptized and Hermana (Sister) Rosita was baptized also this past weekend. It was a great day. They are happy, we are happy, all is good. We have lots and lots of families that we are teaching. Man, it’s a tough life down here, but the Lord provides."

Staying in Tarapoto !!

"Well, some news on the changes. I stay in the same area, thankfully. I'm happy about that. Oh ya, and I went up to comp mayor (senior companion), so that’s cool. I'm pretty nervous though. I'm too young in the mission to be doing that, haha, but the Lord makes big things out of small people, so I'm sure He has something waiting for me and He will help me along the way. Elder Evans and 3 other missionaries from Tarapoto are going to Lima, and other missionaries are coming here. My comp is Elder Flores. I don’t know him, I don’t know how much time (he's been out). I don’t know anything. I think I will be his Padrasto….. his second comp, in his second area. He was in Independencia, I think with Elder Villanueva in Villa Sol, how cool is that? (Elder Villanueva was Landon's last companion in Villa Sol before he was transferred to Tarapoto) Oh ya, Elder Santiago from my old zone is coming to Tarapoto baby, I'm stoked! He is one of my very good friends in the mission. I'm really excited for this change."

Mission Success

“The real success of a mission is not measured on a chart. It is etched in your heart and in the hearts of those whose lives are eternally changed because of you. Share your testimony often. I have seen nothing in a missionary that exerts more power and positive influence than the bearing of pure and simple testimony. Your testimony is the first step in the conversion of those whom you teach. Have courage to invite others to change their lives and come to Christ through obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel.” - Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander of the Presidency of the Seventy

Regresa con Honor

This video is for Gabo and Jimmy. These young men will be such GREAT missionaries. Gabo will turn in his papers soon. I am so happy for him. Heavenly Father certainly has blessed him. Prayers have been answered.

Changes Already ??

"Man, I can't believe this change is almost over. This is the fastest change in my whole mission. This month of May flew by, I don't remember anything. It's crazy. Only week more, and I will have a new companion....it's all good. I love this work, it's the most important work in the world. I'm glad you're all happy, and that you're good in health. I love you so much Dad and Mom, and thank you for everything you do for me."

Wild Weather

Well, to start off this week, all is well here in Tarapoto. It's rained a bit here this past week. One day it rained pretty hard, and it was nuts. Let me explain. Okay, so the night before, we were planning to visit a menos activo (less active member). We went to his house the next day at 2pm, and we got there right as it started to rain. Then it picked up a little bit, and we were just sitting there watching it out the window and door, because they had a tin roof so we couldn't hear anything or let alone talk. We were just waiting for it to pass, then it started to hail, but (it was) like the size of gum balls and pure ice, haha, not the weak stuff we get in Utah, but ice. That was weird, because it's super hot down here. They said it was the first time they have seen that here in Tarapoto. Then things got bad, haha. Then came the wind, and we were looking out the window and it was like you see on those hurricane videos on the Discovery Channel. The trees were blown sideways, and you couldn't see like 20 feet in front of you, because of the rain and wind and it was all gray. But don't worry, we were inside the house.. under the roof.. well at least we were haha.

The roof then lifted off of the cinder blocks like 3 feet, and slammed back down. Me and Elder Evans looked at each other. We could read each others minds.. "uh, this isn't good". Next came another gust of wind and it ripped the roof right off of the house... and it wasn't a small roof.. It had rafters and tin, and it was a good size. It ripped the rafters and all the wood and tin and threw it like 3 houses away. Man, it was cool. I wasn't really scared, but only worried about where the roof landed, and if any people were hurt. We hurried and got all of their stuff out of the rain, and we were all soaked and man, it was nuts, and the family was crying. Then it all stopped... and the sun came out, and it was scorching hot again. Ya know what the weirdest thing is? This all happened within 5 minutes or less. The storms come and go that fast. Well, all is well here, no worries. The Lord protects us, and (it was) just another grand experience to add to the list. Love you all... Take care...

A Missionary's Prayer

Today I am frightened.
My heart is beating a silent fury.
Before me are my family and friends
I love so much and must leave behind.
Pray that I might have courage.

Today I am studying.
With all my intellect I am diligently preparing.
Preparing for the days ahead,
That I might be an effective tool in the hands of God.
Pray that my mind might be clear and alert.

Today I am homesick.
The memories of fun, school, family crowd my mind.
I almost long to return to the carefree days of my youth.
Pray that I might feel the spirit of love.

Today I am successful.
The doors of those seeking truth open to me.
They are receptive to the word.
They will be baptized!
Pray that I might be humble.

Today I am discouraged.
Lowly I trudge home through the rain.
Pondering the slammed door,
The cruel hasty words, the laughing jeers.
Pray that I might have faith.

Today I am happy.
The light shines in my eyes.
From within me I have found joy.
Today I have lived close to the spirit.
Pray that I might always find this joy.

Today I am sad.
Reluctantly and with tears in my eyes
I must someday leave this country and the people
I have taken into my heart and loved.
Pray that I might always remember.

Today I am full of love.
Love for the Lord who called me on this mission.
Love for my family who supports me.
Love for the friends who installed the desire within.
Love for those who had faith in me.
Love for those who prayed for me.
But remember today, today,
I miss you. I love you. I need you.
Pray for me always.
I am your missionary.

Words of Wisdom from Peru

This advice is taken from an email we exchanged a couple of weeks ago. I sure love my son, and appreciate his help.

"Mom, I'm sorry, but if you say the words “ I don't really expect it to” or stuff like that.... you're not having faith. I do it all the time in the mission, like for example, I say, "Man, I hope these people go to church, but I doubt they will". If you have doubt, you don't have faith. We all need to work on this part of our faith. We say we have faith, but then we say and think in a different way. Never say the words, "I doubt it", or "I don't expect it". Always think the most positive, and don't let those words enter in your mind. Don't let them. I love you mom and you are a great woman of great faith... Don't worry, we all have faults, and none of us have perfect faith, that's why we're here on this earth. I love you mom.. Thank you for teaching me this lesson... I love you."

Good Companionship

Elder Evans and Elder Rich>>>>>>>>>

"I love having an English speaking comp. We help each other out. I love it. We're working hard and the Lord is helping us. Remember, strive to read the Book of Mormon everyday. It's tough because everyone is so busy, but don't forget to do that, and say your prayers. Don't let Satan tempt you otherwise."

Goodbye to Elder Toolson

We will be traveling to Arizona this weekend. We will be dropping off Landon's birthday package to Elder Toolson's family. They are going down to pick him up on June 2nd, as he is finishing his mission. This is what Landon had to say about it:

"That’s cool you will get to meet her (Elder Toolson's mom). Give her a hug for me, and tell her I love her and her son. I saw pics of their family. Elder Toolson was one of my best leaders. I love him".

Rainy Days

"I'm glad the weather is good for you guys. The weather is always good down here, haha. It rained the other day pretty good, but the people said, "Ahhh that was nothing", so I'm still waiting for the big storm baby, haha."


Note from Gwen : Yesterday was rainy in Tarapoto, and now there is fog today at 7am. Gabo says there are not seasons in the jungle, only rain and sun :)

Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Okay, well this week, I had the most humbling experience of my mission and my life so far. I don’t know why it hit me so hard, but it did. I'll never forget it. So this family, the parents and two kids. They are such a strong family. So they aren’t the richest people in the world. They work to provide directly for the family.

Well, the mom has a job that she works on Sunday. So we told her that the Lord will bless her, and to just ask for time off every Sunday for the mornings. We thought that her boss, who is a Saturday worshiper, would understand and be reasonable. Well, Saturday night, she and her husband were talking, and they decided if they're going to follow this church, because they know it's true, they are going to do it with everything they have, and complete every commandment, not just a few. So the mom asked for time off, and the boss didn’t give it to her. The boss said, "If you don’t come to work, you won't have a job". Well needless to say, she came to church, and now she doesn't have a job anymore.

They're suffering and are poor, but they are happy and blessed in other ways they couldn't be, by working on Sunday. I cried for them. I felt so bad, but at the same time, through all the pain suffering and poverty, there was a spirit of love and of knowledge that they are right with God. I can't really explain it that well, but wow… I'll never forget it, and let's say I'll never take a job that puts me to work on Sundays. I love you all and I testify that you will be blessed for not working on Sundays, and keeping that day holy. I love this gospel and I love this work. I love you all.

Here are pics of the Church in Tarapoto

Love One Another

'A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.'


Elder Rich, Americo Putpaña Chujandama, Elder Evans

Chicos locos (Crazy Boys)

Wonderful Waterfall

This is the Ahuashiyaku waterfall, “The Laughing Waters”. Just 9 miles from Tarapoto, it is actually made up of three falls, each of them cascading down more than 164 feet before plunging into a vast, clear pool where swimmers can float, watching the sun dip into the surrounding jungle foliage. This is paradise.

The missionaries visited here on their last P-day (05/12/08). Looks like they had a great time.

Here are some Pics

Somos Patas (We are Dudes)

Just arrived home late this evening, and Jose Gabriel Arevalo, a good friend of the missionaries, had emailed some pictures ! This is fantastic ! Click here to view more pics.

Ups and Downs on Sunday

"We had a baptism last Sunday (May 11th). A guy whose family are members and he has been listening to the missionaries for a good time now, like 16 companionships (haha) and Elder Evans got it done. His name is Americo Putpaña Chujandama. He is 55 years old. It was really good."

Landon also mentioned during his phone call, that he and Elder Evans were confronted by a man on the streets on Sunday (Mother's Day), they were criticized for not being home with their MOMS, and not being good sons. I guess Landon took offense at that, and told the man in no uncertain terms, that his mom wouldn't want him ANYWHERE ELSE at this time in his life, except on a mission. That's my boy !! Gotta love him.

Happy and Thankful Son

Hey mom and dad. It sure was good to hear from ya. You both sound really good... and happy.. and that means I'm happy. Keep on praying and doing the things the Lord wants. Every day is the same rhythm and gospel, just different people. I love you both and am so blessed to have you as my parents. Thanks for everything. I love you.

Hey grandparents, I love you all. Thanks for coming up last night. You all sounded really good. I love you all and thank you for all your support, letters, and love.

I'm learning so much. An elder told me the other day, and I was thinking about it, and it's so true what he said... He said, "You know they ask us 19 year olds to come to a country, learn a language, teach 1000´s of people, learn new areas within days, and at the same time; keep organized, and be patient and loving. Our minds grow so much, not only our knowledge, but all of our skills and talents."

I was blessed with so many talents and gifts in the pre-life. I'm so grateful. I know how hard it is, but with the Lord it is possible. I love you all and wish you all the best. I pray for you.

Today we're going to the waterfalls. I don't know what to expect, but I'll take tons of pics and I'll be careful, no worries.

Mother's Day Phone Call

Landon called last night about 8pm, with the "Pre-Call" - we talked for maybe 5 minutes. He sounded great ! Tonight he will call about 7 pm. As you can imagine, we are thrilled.

Note to the Fishers

Hey President and Sister Fisher. Man, I love you two. I am now "knee deep" in the work, and loving it. I am so very grateful for your examples, and now I really understand the plan and I can't even explain how much I owe to you guys. You two really are the reason I am where I'm at. I still remember the days of home teaching with Bishop Fisher, and how much I learned, but yet how much I was missing, not taking full advantage of who I was with. Thank you so much, and now I realize alot more. We are in different parts of the world, and talking in different languages, but the work and the spirit are the same. I love you both and thank you for your examples and love. What a day it will be, to be together again. I hope I will have the opportunity to serve under you again Bishop Fisher. I love you both, thanks again. Love your Elder from the 6th ward. Elder Landon Rich

Learn through Study

"Man, I'm learning so many things on my mission. I'm reading the Prophet's words, and I'm studying in the Doctrine & Covenants, I mean really studying it. Word for word... I am only in Section 19 and I have been doing it for 3 weeks or so now. I love it and I am memorizing a lot.. I love it.. I hope all is well in Morgan, and I love you all and take care."

P-days in the Jungle

Last P-day we played Ultimate Frisbee at the church. We didn't play very long, because it is hot. Then we went back to our rooms. Pretty lame, but oh well.. Today we're going to eat ice cream and then clean and get ready for our interviews this Wednesday. Nothing too exciting yet. I'll let you know.

A Good Week

Well this week has been good. I think it's the fastest week of my mission. Really, I blinked and it was Sunday again, and then I'm emailing again. We worked hard this week and it was good. The jungle is cool. There are so many slangs and different words that mean different things, and I love it. It's like code talk, haha, it's fun.. Plus, it's in Spanish, so its even more code talk for you guys, haha... We teach so many good lessons, and with members we have spiritual experiences and everything, and they are so happy.

Note to Vanessa Salazar

Sister Vanessa Salazar posted a note in Landon's guestbook today (see sidebar). I am responding here, because I don't have her email address.

Elder Rich did have a burst appendix about 5 years ago. He was very sick. So sick, that he had to have emergency surgery, and spend about 10 days in the hospital. After the surgery, doctors filled him full of very strong antibiotics for many days. He couldn't eat for almost 10 days, because his bowels wouldn't work, and his lips were sore, and we kept them moist with lip balm. I hope your grandmother gets better soon. If she gets worse, please get her to a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. Our prayers are with you.

My Testimony

I feel I'm teaching with more power. My comp told me when I teach sometimes I'm almost yelling, haha, I love it.. I actually am feeling confident with the Spanish. I can teach really clear and well, and really, to be honest, I can feel my testimony and I know it reaches to their hearts... I feel something different now.. a good different... a powerful different.. I don't ever want to lose it... I love this church and this work. I know it's true and I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith and his contribution to this church.

Lima vs. Tarapoto

"It’s a little different than Lima.. actually it's a lot different. I like the weather and the people and just everything.. but the thing (that I miss), that I loved about Lima, is the success."

"When we were in Lima, there were tons and tons of people that would listen to us, and progress, and actually get what we're teaching, but here in the jungle it's different. They don’t progress.. "

"And really, I'm tired of teaching the Law of Chastity..... No one is married, and they don’t want to be… it's tough… but we're getting along. We're finding new people everyday, and talking to everyone to try and find someone who is married. We don’t have very much success, but I know the Lord will bless us as we do the things were supposed to be doing."

P-day Fun

You may remember a week or two ago, Landon wrote home that he and Elder Dallin Peterson (Kaysville) had met with their zones for an early morning futbol game. Here are some pics.......

Roger was really surprised at the uniforms, and he asked Landon about it in a letter. Here is what Landon had to say about the whole thing.....

"To answer your questions.. our zone bought them (the soccer uniforms) in Lima, for 14 soles ($4.66) for all of it.. Shorts and a Jersey, it's awesome… You like them I know, haha.. Heck yes we won the game… Do you ever know me to lose? haha Just kidding, but no, we really did win… it was a battle, but it was fun…. Ya, I know I'm skinny, haha, but don’t worry, I'm in good health.. I'm not in shape by any means, and I don’t have any kind of muscle in my body, haha, but I'm in good health.. Let's just say I'll be coming home and lifting the little baby weights.."

Streets of Sand - Smell of Smoke

Here in the jungle, everyone has motorcycles and these 3 wheeled motor things that are fast !! The roads are sand too. There are a few (streets) that are cement, but most are sand and dirt.

Another thing I love about the jungle and this area I'm in..... they always burn stuff out in front of their houses.. like in the street...it smells like campfire all the time, I love camping, and it smells like it all the time.

Mamita Teresa

"I love my pension. She is called Mamita Teresa. To best describe her, she is like *Marsha Walker, haha, I love her. She is outta control, and she is awesome. Never sad, so she is my kinda person… I love her…"

"She and her family live about 2 blocks away from our place. The family is awesome. The husband is the President of the branch, and they only have one son who is preparing for a mission. It's a great family .. very humble.. their house is humble, if you know what I mean... it's awesome."

"The food is about the same. Same kinds of food and stuff.. it's good.. Nothing wild yet...haha"

*Note - for those of you who don't know Marsha Walker, you are missing out. She is one of MOST FUN ladies in Morgan, maybe in Utah for that matter. She has a daughter, Natalie, who is Landon's age, and Marsha always supported the kids in all of their sports and activities through the years. The picture of her above was taken at Halloween. Landon is right, she is outta control :)

Everything is New

My new companion is Elder Evans, from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He has 13 months in the mission, and I'm his second American companion. He is a good elder. I love it, cause I can speak English to him, haha.

We live in a really really really really nice house, haha, I'm serious. I hear it's one of the nicest houses or rooms in the mission. We're on the first floor, and have a bathroom, our sleeping room, a kitchen, and a study room.

Our church has a branch here. It's kinda smaller (than a ward), but we are hopefully going to create a Stake while we're here, so it's good.... The members are really nice. I love it.. I had to give a talk yesterday (in church), to introduce myself, it was all good.. I love it.. My Spanish is great.

¡Ame la selva!

I have so much information about the selva (jungle) from Landon, that I don't know where to start.

"Hey Mom.. Well I can't really explain it… It will take all 6 weeks to explain little by little the jungle.. Every week I'll tell something new… I'll take lots of pics, don’t worry.. "

"Hey Dad..Man I wish you were here.. You would love it. Not the hot of course, but the people and just everything else… The people are so nice… like you don’t even know them (the people we meet in the street) and they're like, "Oh ya, come in my house and sit down" and "Here, drink this, and let's talk", and we have known each other for about 2 minutes. It's great.."

"Hey Gma… Ya the jungle is awesome… The people are amazing… and it's just wonderful… It's not like really jungle jungle. We have a phone in our room , and we (use the) internet from a normal place in town. It has all the things Lima has, just in the jungle pretty much."

We've got pics !!

We got a disk in the mail today. I've been hours (I'm not kidding), trying to sort them out - he had the date wrong on his camera, and his descriptions are half in English (unreadable because it is so sloppy :) and half in Spanish (unreadable because I don't know Spanish). Plus the numbers he refers to, are NOT the numbers that they ended up referencing on the disk. It has been a fun puzzle to put it all together... Seriously - I love it. I'm weird:) I'll try and post them all tomorrow afternoon. Until then. I hope this picture will do :) This is Landon with Elder Villanueva on 04/04/08.

Preaching and Teaching

"Everything is going good. We had a "little battle" with a guy who knew the Bible pretty well. He interpreted it in his own way, not really how it is. I learned a lot from him, but it's sad how wrong he is. This thing.... meaning the plan of god, is perfect. YES, it's pretty scary standing in front of everyone and just preaching. It's amazing though, and you would be surprised how many people want a Book of Mormon, and who know about us, it's great."

Stolen Kiss

"Oh ya, last night (April 20) I got kissed. Man, I hate when that happens. We were contacting on the street, and this little old lady was explaining to us how she believes we have a Mother Celestial. Now I won't go into that doctrine, cause it's deep, yes she's right, but just a little wrong..... anyway, she gave me a big hug and was going to give me a kiss, and I couldn't escape, dang it! And the only way out was to get a kiss and ya.... Oh well, I think the Lord understands, haha... I love little old ladies. Well, be happy, remember that. I love you all... see you in the selva (jungle)."

Off to the Jungle

Landon leaves for Tarapoto today. We do not know whether he will fly or be bussed. The city is located about 380 miles north/northeast of Lima. Tarapoto, is also known as "The City of Palms", and is located in a valley between two mountain ranges on the back side of the Andes in the Amazon region. The rolling hills up into the mountains are called the high jungle and the Tarapoto region is called "the land of waterfalls". The mountains on either side of Tarapoto rise to an average of 8000 feet above sea level. Almost everyday at mid morning, huge cloud banks roll in and stick at the base of the mountains, sometimes enveloping and hiding the mountain range completely.

Everyone rides scooters or motorcycles and there are a ton of mototaxis. There are very few cars out and about.

Tarapoto is the largest city (116,800 population) in the Region (State) of San Martin in Peru, and is approximately 1150 feet above sea level and has a hot tropical climate and many strange and interesting "animals".

A Wonderful Day

"Well, we had 6 baptisms this past week. Two families !!!!!!!!!!!! It was amazing. I loved it. To see their faces, when they knew without a doubt that they were sin free. It was amazing, and I loved it. The spirit was so strong, that no one could deny that this is true."

One of these families, was the Familia Perez that Landon has mentioned previously. (Dad, Mom, and 3 kids.. ages, 19, 13, and 7) The father wrote Landon the following email. Landon was pretty happy when I passed it along to him.

Dear Elder Rich: Jesus Christ has permitted us to meet each other and it gives me joy that a young man like you, dedicates completely all his time to preach the gospel. I hope that our celestial father walks with you always. Sincerely, Your brother, Wilfredo Pérez Cornejo

"Also, a cool experience.... An older couple was baptized too. When we had the interviews for them, the mom was like, "I can't do it, it hurts too bad". Her legs are bad, and she has open sores because of an operation. We fasted and prayed for her, and on the day of their baptism she showed up.... walking..... and was like, "Yes, let's do it, I'm ready". So we got her legs wrapped with plastic, and it took three of us to baptize her with a chair. I know this church is true, and I love it."

Bienvenidos a la Selva (Welcome to the Jungle)

"Well. to answer all your questions.. Yes, I'm leaving Villa Sol.... happily and sadly... I don't know, I have mixed feelings. I don't want to leave because I'm accustomed (to it) here, and also I have made alot of friends here in this zone, and now I won't be here to see them go (home) because they finish (their missions) the next change and the change after, and I'm going to be in the jungle. I'm pretty mixed (feelings) right now, but most of them I'll see again after the mission. One lives in Pleasant Grove, and (another) in Arizona, right where Manda will be living, so that's good. But the ones who live not in the states, in the next life I will see them."

"I am going to Tarapoto, where Elder Woolf is, and my companion is the son (the greenie that Elder Bullock trained) of Elder Bullock haha, how crazy is that? Yes, the Elder Bullock who is in our ward, (Morgan 6th ward in Morgan, Utah) so I'm excited to get to the jungle. I head off Wednesday (April 23). I'll let you know next week how everything is."

Our General Authorities

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Onward Christian Soldiers

President Joseph Fielding Smith declared: "Our young people . . . are the nobility of heaven, a choice and chosen generation who have a divine destiny. Their spirits have been reserved to come forth in this day when the gospel is on the earth, and when the Lord needs valiant servants to carry on his great latter-day work."

President Spencer W. Kimball declared, "We are rearing a royal generation . . . who have special things to do."

"I trust and pray that we can all see their divine potential; that we can see them going forth as bearers of the holy priesthood and as missionaries preaching "the everlasting gospel" by the Spirit "to the nations of the earth"; that we can see them as faithful husbands and fathers and as valiant servants in and leaders of the Church and kingdom of God in these latter days." - Elder John M. Madsen