My Spanish Teacher

Our good friend Gabo, (who by the way...... has 18 more days before he leaves on his mission ! ) put this little icon with the missionaries and bikes together. I had asked him what it said........ and it is "I'm Mormon, and you?"

Gabo knows Spanish, English, Portuguese, and is studying Italian. He is very smart, and I think he should be a teacher. This is what he had to say........

Soy Mormón y ¿Vos? is Spanish, BUT I use vos "you singular". This pronoun is just used in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and some parts of Bolivia and Guatemala, we call it Rioplatence Spanish. In the rest of Latin America we use Tú "you singular", so that phrase would be, Soy Mormón y ¿Tú?

Here in Peru we use Amazonican Spanish (jungle), Peruvian Ribereño Spanish (coastal area), and Andino Spanish (mountain area), so our pronunciation and accent is different, even though we live in the same country.

In Latin America, every country has it's own accent and Spanish pronunciation. Spain has it's own accent and pronunciation too. But we understand each other

In Portuguese, it would be "Sou mórmon e você?", and in Italian it'd be Sono Mormon e tu?.

I hope this information is useful for you Sister Rich, bye!!

Thanks To 19 Year Olds

"First of all I would like to thank every missionary who has
ever labored in this transcendent latter-day undertaking we have been
given. The rolling forth of the restored gospel is a miracle in every
sense of the word, and not the least of the miracle is that a
significant portion of it rolls forward on the shoulders of
19-year-olds! As we have seen your sons and daughters, grandsons and
granddaughters, faithfully laboring ........, I have pictured the tens of thousands of others like them we have met all over the world. Clean, clear,
bright-eyed missionaries, laboring two-by-two, have become a living
symbol of this Church everywhere. They themselves are the first
gospel message their investigators encounter--and what a message that
is. Everyone knows who they are, and those of us who know them the
best, love them the most." by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (May 2004 Ensign)

Where in the world is................?

There have been some changes in the office. Elder Joshua Anderson (one of the AP’s) finished his mission and went home, and Elder Roldán was transfered to Yurimaguas in Tarapoto. So Elder Herdt has a new companion, Elder Sanchez, and Elder Ticona has a new companion, Elder Hirschi as the new AP.

Elder Hirschi is from Neola, UTAH, a place I didn’t even know existed, haha…. Neola, Utah. Do you know where that’s at?? I do now, but wow, I had no idea.

Also, did you know there is a place called Tropic, Utah?? Ya, that’s what I said......., we’re getting a new kid from there in January.

Scripture Study

"I am studying in 2 Nefi (2 Nephi) right now, and I love it. I forget how much there is about the Plan of Salvation in that part of the Book of Mormon. I want to invite everyone to study it. It is filled with the plan of God… the plan of salvation, it is amazing. It helps us know the will of God and His plan for us. I invite you to read it."

The Plan of Salvation - We are not left alone to wander through mortality without knowing of the master plan which the Lord has designed for His children. - Elder L. Tom Perry

You might notice that Landon spelled NEPHI, like they spell it or SAY it in Peru. I remember when Elder Lawson Bullock returned from the Peru Lima North Mission last December, in his mission homecoming report he referred to NEPHI many times, and each time, he pronounced it Neff-eee (with the emphasis on the Neff).

Landon's Hump Day ........... (Let's not do THAT again !)

"So my Hump Day started out normal. Me and Elder Herdt called all of our comps in the mission and wished them happy one year mark. (Elder Wright, Elder Peterson, Elder Woolf, Elder Kay, and Elder Mills). We went to lunch, I ate all my food, and it was good. Got done with lunch, and it hit me!!!! I did not feel good AT ALL.

We left to go out into the field like normal, because we had appointments. We had a good lesson with Layla and Milagros, and we HAD one (planned) with Eduardo and Regina at 7:30pm, but I started getting a headache, and started getting the cold shivers, and I had to go to the bathroom. We were at a member’s house, and they bought us pizza and ice cream and all that, because it was my one year mark, but I couldn't eat ANY of it because I felt like crud.

They took care of me, and we went straight back to the offices where I took some medicine, took a hot shower, and got into bed at 8:30pm. At 9:30, Elder Herdt, Sanchez and Vargas gave me a blessing. (I guess Landon spent the rest of the evening, alternating between bed and bathroom)

In the morning, we called Hermana Perez, and my comps went and bought me more medicine and some crackers and Gatorade, and I didn't get out of bed until 10:30am (to write this email). I didn't have any strength, I didn't feel like doing anything, but all is well. What a great 1 YEAR mark - hahahaha. But really, all is well… no worries… After I write this (email), I will probably go get back into bed."

Investigators

"The visits with Eduardo and Regina have been going good, they say they want to put a date to get married in November, and then a date to get baptized. He is 36 an she is 31, and they have a 7 year old child.

We are also teaching Rubén and Gladys, a couple who are progressing, and also planning to get married.

Baptisms planned for this Saturday are, Layla (10 years)and her cousin Milagros, who lives with Layla's family, and Evelyn (16 years). Layla and Milagros were supposed to have been baptized last Saturday, but we decided we needed to teach and prepare them more, so they are set for this Saturday, with Evelyn.

The members in our area are great, and they help us out a lot. We attend the Independencia Ward, and it starts at 10am on Sunday mornings, with Sacrament meeting first."

A Year in Review

"4 areas (Comas, Villa Sol, Tarapoto, Independencia). 9 companions (Woolf, Jacobe, Ramos, Vargas, Villanueva, Evans, Flores, Gomez, Vargas). 29 converts, of which 19 of those I have seen enter into the water and be baptized. The others were baptized when I left the area, or I have heard through other missionaries that they got baptized, Guido Palomino being one of them!!!!!!! 7 Families, that could and will be sealed before I come home next year!!! I can only imagine what my second year will be filled with."

My Testimony

"Everyday I am noticing more and more how true this church is, and how perfect our God is, and how Humble and Caring our Savior Jesus Christ was and IS. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. Through him, they restored the true church that was lost in olden times. Now, in this day, we have the power and the authority to affect baptisms correctly, to give blessings, and to confer the Holy Ghost. I love my Savior and I know He lives and watches over me everyday, DyC 84:88. I know without a doubt this is the true church. I love my God and my Savior… and They LIVE."

10 Things To Strive For

President Gordon B. Hinckley encouraged each missionary to develop these traits while serving a mission.

1- A testimony of the living reality of God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 17:3).

2- A greatly enlarged understanding of the gospel (D&C 50:24).

3- A love for the people with whom you labor.

4- A greater love and appreciation for your parents.

5- An understanding of the meaning of hard work.

6- An enlarged understanding of the meaning and true worth and value of personal virtue (D&C 121:45).

7- Increased poise, the ability to meet people, to converse with them, to talk with them.

8- Courage to act.

9- The faith to do. The faith to try.

10- And finally, the humility to pray.

El Primer en año en la misión de Landon (Hump Day)

CONGRATULATIONS !!
It's "Hump Day" on your mission.
There are lessons to be learned:
Evaluate the good times,
Let bad things "crash and burn".

Remember, as His servant,
There is much you still can do.
The past 12 months are over,
The next 12 months are new !!

This camel carries heavy loads,
But knows his master's hand
Will lift them at each long day's end,
And thus you'll understand....

Submit, as does the camel,
To your Lord, on bended knee,
He'll bless you with His Spirit's power;
He'll lift cares, and help you see

That missions can be challenges,
But place your trust in Him...
No matter what you're called to do,
With the Lord's help, you will win.

It's "Hump Day" on your mission
There is so much to be done;
Work hard...love life... there's little time;
The best is still to come !!

by V-Ann Ludlow

So tell us what you think?

Now, about me completing one year?? Hmmm… I don’t know, it’s not really going to be that big of a deal here. The day before, the day of, and the day after, will all be the same, work work work.

I have a lot of things to make better, and such little time to do it. Times are going, people are growing, families are being made, and things are changing. I am grateful for my one year in the mission.

All is well down here and I am loving it. I’m glad I’m where I’m at, knowing what to do, and enjoying it. I love you all and thank you all for all you do. All your letters and emails, your prayers and help. I love you, take care.

I love my family

"I was thinking, these upcoming months are tough for missionaries, with all the holidays that we are missing with families and friends. But in a way, I have my family here. I will still miss being with you guys, but it’s good to hear everyone in the family is doing good."

"Manda and Cam, Zac and CJ and the boys, it will be one crazy thing to see all of them when I get home. I am so grateful for them and who they are. They are special and have their own special talents. I love every single one of them."

The Ultimate Goal

"The times in our lives are vital. We have to do everything we can to be better everyday, because this life in this earth DOES end, and according to the things we did, depends on how happy we will be in the next life. We have the time of school, we have the time of work, we have time for everything. I hope we make the right decisions and end up in the kingdom of God together. That is what I want. That should be our ultimate goal in life, to make it back to the presence of our Heavenly Father with our families. This is my goal."

Focus

"I’m really focused on trying to be better, in everything, in the way I talk to my companions, in the way I do things, in everything. I read the scriptures EVERY day. Yes, it’s hard for me to read the scriptures everyday, not that I don’t want to or I don’t like it, but there isn’t much time. But as of a week I have been doing it, and I can see the difference and I love it."

This picture above is taken from a hill overlooking the Independencia Zone where Elder Rich is serving.

The Changes went well

"The changes are done, all the meetings and trainings are over, and everyone is in their new areas and all is well."

"These changes passed a lot better than the last ones. I knew what was going on, and when it was going on."

"It was not tiring in the sense of no sleep, because I’m on schedule, and I get everything done and I get to sleep by 10 or 10:30. I’m tired in the sense of a lot of things went on. Alot of movement and thinking and decision making, but it was all good."

Goodbye for a little while.....

Jimmy, Landon's good friend from Tarapoto, left on his mission last week.

He is Welinton and Mamita Teresa's son. Mamita Teresa was Landon's "pension" in Tarapoto. He will be serving in the Colombia Barranquilla Mission.

We received pics from Mamita Teresa yesterday, and have posted them here.

Glad to be of help

We received the nicest comment on Landon's guestbook, from Preston Wheiler, of Maple Valley, Washington. He will be entering the Peru Lima North Mission in January ! Congratulations !!

We are so glad this blog has been a help to others. What started off as a way to keep family and friends informed about Elder Rich, has blossomed into so much more. We have made so many friends along the way, both in the states and in Peru. We have always tried to make sure that the information we present is uplifting and positive, remembering always, who Elder Rich is representing.

The internet is really quite amazing. You can look up just about anything, and so when you "google" Peru Lima North Mission, this blog comes up. Blogging is contagious :) There are quite a few other PLN blogs available for review, Elder Layton, Elder Ridge, Elder Hyde, Elder Griffin, and Elder Morton.

Another GREAT resource is the Missionary Mom website. This is invaluable, and I would urge all prospective missionaries and their parents to sign up for it. There is NO CHARGE, and it is basically a "listserv" where questions are asked to the group (from Peru) and answered. We have all learned so very much ! If I can be of any other help, please email me (Elder Rich's mom) at sled4fun2 at hotmail dot com.

Conference Recap

"I loved conference. Once again, it was a great 10 hour experience, with great talks. I marvel at how much information and spirit and teachings they can put in to only a 10-15 minute talk. It was amazing. I loved it, and I hope you did too. I hope you got to watch alot of it. EVERY single talk was amazing and had something to help us in this life. I'm still in awe. Treasure in your mind always, the words of the prophets. I loved Elder Bednar's talk on prayer. I hope you heard it. If not, find it on internet and read it and use it."

Mistake? No possible way........

The best family of my mission as far as wanting to progress, and having the most challenges to do so, are Eduardo and Regina, with their son.

It was a "mistake" how we found them, but I know for a fact it was the hand of the Lord guiding us to them. We met a less active member in the street, got her address, and the next day we went looking for her. Well we mixed up the street name and got to the right number, but wrong street, and Eduardo answered. We talked a bit, and he says, ”You’re the Mormons right?” He says, “I have always been curious what you guys believe in, and I want to know more”.

We invited him to an activity the next day, and sure enough, the next day the whole family went to the church for the activity, and turns out they know a lot of the members, so it was great. They then invited us back to their house the next day, and we taught them about the restoration and they loved it. Monday we had a family night with them and wow, it’s just amazing. They read ALL the pamphlets we gave to them, The Book of Mormon, and everything. Eduardo wants to learn about the life of Joseph Smith and just everything. They are really smart. They just need to get married and they want to, but it’s kinda tough to get married down here in Peru. It costs a lot and they have to do a lot of paperwork, but they will get married. They haven’t come out and said it, but they were asking about baptism the other day, and man… It’s amazing how chosen they are.

I love it. I hope and pray all goes through well with them.

We need to find more families to teach! We are on the lookout everyday. I love working. I can’t wait everyday, to get out and work. I love it. I love teaching. I love this work.

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS Gabo !!

Josê Gabriel Arévalo Arévalo turns 19 today !! He was baptized a year ago, and will be leaving on his mission to Bahia Blanca, Argentina next month. He has been such a good friend and helper to Landon and all of the missionaries in the Tarapoto area. We have been able to become good friends also, over the internet with instant messaging. He speaks English, so that's a big help to me. My favorite thing to hear (read) is "Good Morning Sister Rich". It just brightens up my day. We sure love you Gabo, and hope you have a wonderful day. Love, The Rich's

Planned Baptisms

I absolutely love my area. We’re doing good. This week of changes will be a little tough, because we won’t get out much to visit our investigators.

We have 5 baptismal dates set for the 18th of October, for Daniel, Milagros Quispe, Milagros V., Manuel, and Layla. They are all young, 12, 14, 15, 19, and 10. They all have been assisting church or seminary for a long time. They are all doing really well.

Milagros V. (15) is changing and grasping this gospel and it’s beautiful and amazing what the gospel can do. She needs this. I’m happy for her and I’m thankful for her.

Milagros Q. (14) has been assisting seminary for 2 years and church for a year, but her parents won’t let her get baptized. We need to talk to her parents to find out the details, but she wants to. She is shy and timid, but a good young girl.

We’re teaching Manuel (19) and his mom now, and it’s amazing how willing she is to change, even though she says she won’t be baptized yet. She is fulfilling all of the commitments we have given her. It will be good for Manuel also.

Busy Busy Change Week

Hey! Well, how is everything going back there in good old Morgan??? I hope well. All here is well. The changes got approved, so I have a lot of work to do and not a lot of time to do it. Monday is the start of changes and another week of no sleep and lots of fun. There have been A LOT of changes, and a lot of flights to arrange. I think there will be more than 40 missionaries flying on the 8th of October. There is going to be a lot of movement and travel, but it will all go fine and I will love it.

It’s so tough to write letters down here in the offices. There is NO time, and I’m not just saying that. It’s so crazy and busy all the time, even on P-days, we’re always doing something. I love it. Thanks for all your prayers. I need them. I love you.

Did you hear it ?

I could hardly wait for conference to get over, so I could post this !!

Did you listen to Elder Eduardo Gavarret, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy? He spoke about Peru! Even though he didn't mention the Peru Lima North Mission specifically, that is exactly where the Puenta Piedra Stake is located. It was wonderful to hear about the "reactivation" efforts that are going on there. I can just picture all of our Elders listening, with smiles a MILE WIDE, can't you? And then to TOP IT OFF - Elder Nash, whom they had just met last week, and spoke with, and shook hands with - gave the closing prayer !!

I absolutely LOVED conference these past two days. It was so uplifting, and just what I needed to hear.

Another Missionary Mom Get-together......

Check it out here.

The Spirit of God

"I had a great 3 sessions of conference (Saturday), and loved every minute of it. The talks were amazing and the choirs too. I liked Elder Bednar’s talk on prayer also, and I liked Elder Holland’s talk on angels, and all the talks tonight at the Priesthood Session. It was good. Elder Richard G Scott had an interview with every single one of us. It was amazing."

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

"So, did I mention how stoked I am to watch General Conference? Well I am, and it will be in English for me too. The spirit speaks to me in English."

Helpful Information - PLN Mission Zones

Click here for info on areas WITHIN the zones.

And now, after all of this.......What is always the CONSTANT?
You've got it - CHANGE !!

From Elder Rich's latest email:

"On October 8, 2008, when all is said and done with the changes, and with all of the new missionaries (including those from Bolivia), we will have over 200 missionaries!!!!!!!! and 16 zones!!!. I'm stoked.... It's going to be sweet... I hope it all goes well..."

"There is a new zone, called PRO. It is just the Puente Piedra zone, cut in half and named differently, and also the PALMERAS zone is the INDEPENDENCIA zone cut in half and named differently. The same areas, just different names and more leadership."

That much fun ?

"I bought a laser pen, and am using it to play with cats and dogs. Who would have known that a missionary could have that much fun? And also, it’s pretty helpful to keep the dogs away."

"I almost got bit today by the way... There are tons of small passage-ways here, with stairs going straight up a mountain, and there are dogs. Well, we got kind of trapped, and it was daytime, so I couldn’t use the laser pen, so we were there for a little bit until the owner came out and called them off."

Vision and Possibilities

Sunday, we had three investigators at church. It was good. Bryan, Evelin and Regina came to church. It was a great meeting with testimonies, because our stake is doing the fast the next week after conference so ya.. my fast was good. After, we had a good lunch with the Ubyllus Family. They are a great and humble family, mom and dad and two daughters.

As of today, we have 4 baptism dates set for the 18th of October, and man, the vision and possibilities are great. This area was just waiting for two good elders to come in and just tear it apart. We have found 3 families to work with, and a ton of young people. It’s the best. I’m really excited. Tomorrow we have planned a family night with one of our investigator families.

Lift Up Your Voice

"And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel---to lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming." D y C 34: 5-6

I just love this picture of Elder Dallin Peterson and his companion. I sure hope Landon can get one taken like this.

La Bistecca

The Assistants, Anderson & Ticona with Presidente Perez, and his wife and daughter.




Every once in awhile, Presidente Perez will take the missionaries out to eat. This is one of his favorite places. Check out the pics here.

Good week - Good work

This past week has been a good week. We got out a lot in the field to work, and I’m happy. I just want to work. That’s all I want to do. I want to get out into the field and talk with people. I have a desire to baptize all of my area. I love working.

We found a lot of good people, and a lot of families this week. One family, Eduardo and Rejina, they are amazing. We met them on Tuesday. They came to an activity with their son at the church on Wednesday, and we went to their house and taught them on Thursday. They are ready, and I am excited.

We’re getting a lot of references from members. They are showing us to a lot of people, their friends and family that aren’t members, and we have a lot of people we’re planning on baptizing this next month of October.

I love my area. The size of the area is perfect. Not too big, but not too small, easy to get around in, and everyone is ready to hear the gospel.

Changes are coming up quick and I have a lot of work to do this week. A LOT!!!!

P-day at the Temple and Circuito de Agua

Today we went to the temple and it was a great day. I was really excited because I really need it. I love the temple.



Then we went to the fountains. It’s a place where they have a water rocket show with lights and everything. It was good. I have some pics I'll get to you. I guess it is one of the biggest water parks, as far as fountains, in the world. You will understand when you see the movies and pics. I am pretty tired tonight.



Lima has a new attraction (August 2007) in Circuito de Agua, Parque de la Reserva, it is a 12 fountain complex, the biggest in the world (Guinness Book). In this complex, there are geysers that spill the water up to 80 meters high, and laser lights combined with music, also the fountains create amazing water figures mixed with colorful lights, making a spectacular view and a wonderful show.

A Crazy week in review.......... Friday (09/19)

Okay, to fill you in on some of the Bolivia stuff. It’s been really crazy, running around getting these guys situated and all good, and they are still coming. We got 17 on Wednesday, 3 on Thursday, 2 today (Friday) and the rest come on Sunday. We then get 4 more Latins from Guatemala on Tuesday, and 2 gringos nuevos (new white “North American” missionaries)on Wednesday (Note from Gwen: That would be Elders Ridge and Eliason? I believe) We’re getting a lot of missionaries, and with that, I am in charge of the travel and all the documents. How fun, huh?.... I love it… It’s good, but I’m really tired, and I won’t get any rest for awhile.. But it’s fine.

There have been some cool stories going around though, of how they got out of Bolivia. They called them in the night and said pack up your stuff, you’re leaving Bolivia. Whichever “border” they were closer to.. Brazil, or Argentina, or Peru. That’s where they went. They got them out as fast as they could. Most of them left all their stuff behind, they just brought a backpack with whatever they could fit in it. It’s tough. They are all good with us here.

The coolest thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An Elder Walker from Bolivia, went to Argentina and stayed the night in a mission office. Well, when he heard I was from Morgan, Utah, he asked, “Do you know an Elder Brown?” and I said, “Oh my heck! Travis Brown??” It was sweet. I guess Travis is the secretary personal to his Presidente also.. How sweet is that?

So, I’m ready to head to bed. It was a good day and a well needed P-day is coming up!!! I love you all and I hope the best for all of you. Take care.

A Crazy week in review.......... Thursday (09/18)

Today.. What a day... It was OUR day with Elder Nash. We were at the church at 8 am, waiting, and he got there and all the zones got to go through a line and shake President’s hand, Sister Perez, and Elder and Sister Nash´s hand. It was good… It was normal now for me, because we had had a little meeting with him before, but he shook everyone’s hand and looked them right in the eye!! It was good.

As we started the reunion, we had been told to prepare a talk, 3 to 5 minutes long, on our purpose as a missionary, and Elder Nash would choose randomly from the crowd, a missionary to share his thoughts. Well, I got picked!! I loved every minute of it. I had prepared, but then I didn’t use any of it when I was up there. I felt I did good. Presidente and the assistants were happy, so I’m happy.

Now here is the part that wasn’t so great. One of the missionaries was sick, and Sister Perez and me and my companion had to take this Elder to the hospital. It took 2 hours and 15 minutes. We left just as Elder Nash was getting ready to speak, or better said....... to train and to teach. When we got back, it was just in time to hear his testimony. I missed it all.... The thing I had been waiting for.... the training.. But it’s ok.. It’s my job, as Presidente's secretary, plus I had a good two hour conversation with Sister Perez, so it was fine. But ya.. I missed a lot. I will have to study extra hard. It’s all okay. God will help me.

A Crazy week in review.......... Wednesday (09/17)

11 months today, haha…. The funny thing is, I have been so busy here I didn’t even realize it till 3 in the afternoon.

Today, the Assistants were at the CCM picking up the 17 missionaries from Bolivia, when all of a sudden they said, “Oh ya, you’re getting 27 again”. Well needless to say, it was a hectic day, but it all turned out really well.

We picked up Elder Layton from the airport. He just chilled with us all day, slept with us here in the offices, and it was so interesting to see someone right out of the states come to Peru and just be AWWWed at Peru. He was tired though, he slept from 10 in the morning until like 6 in the afternoon. A good little nap. Then we went to dinner, it was good, his first Peruvian meal!!! I will tell you one thing, I’m sooooooo glad I’m not new anymore… I would like to be in his shoes again, BUT with the things I know now, and being able to speak Spanish. He is in the field with his comp, and I bet just lovin’ life…. He will be a good missionary.

This evening, we started our meeting with Elder Nash, and it was so formal, I loved it. First, he circled us up in the offices, he and his wife, and President and his wife, on the couches, and us on chairs. He had each one of us present ourselves and explain a little about our job, then he went for a tour of the offices and was very impressed at the work that is going on here, and the missionaries that are here also. Needless to say, President Perez was HAPPY. You should have seen his face, it was amazing. I’m really excited for these next few days of training from Elder Nash in our mission. It will help a lot, and also with all these new missionaries. I’m excited, this next month of October will be amazing.

One thing I want to comment on before I close… The LOOK Elder Nash gives you. He looks you right in the eyes. One word... WOW! It’s unexplainable.. It was like looking into... I don’t know... Tt was amazing!!! It’s like he studies you, your thoughts, and your sins if you have any.. it’s crazy, but I loved it!! He is amazing, and I am truly blessed to have met him, and for the opportunity I will have to listen to him tomorrow.

A Crazy week in review.......... Tuesday (09/16)

We thought we were getting 27 Bolivian missionaries........well we found out that we're only getting 17, so the AP's are meeting with President today, to get everything worked out. The rest of us were out buying beds and blankets for them.

Last night we went to dinner and we had the usual chicken and rice, just with a different type of sauce. Then a family calls us to have a family home evening with them, and their house is in a dangerous part (of town), so we had to have someone come down from their house to accompany us up to their house. It was a good family home evening. We met two more people to teach, and all went well. I was in bed and asleep by like 10:45 pm, it was good… I loved it.

I remember waking up at 4 am, thinking it was time to get up, and looked at the clock, and I was like, YES, I still have 2 and a half hours, haha, I love it when that happens.

Elder Nash comes tomorrow!! And he is going to have a meeting with us here in the offices… just us… tomorrow at 6!! So I’m excited.

A Crazy week in review.......... Monday (09/15)

We didn’t get out in the field today till we left for dinner, which is at 8pm. I was busy doing the new changes, YES, the new changes already.(October 8th changes) I know where everyone is going this next change. All my old comps, all my buddies, I love it. They will be excited. I was doing that all day long, and my comp was at Serpost (the post office) picking up packages, and then we cleaned upstairs. Our room, and the big room also.

To follow up on the girl that the member presented to us yesterday. Me and Elder Herdt went to teach her. I loved teaching with Elder Herdt. It was the first time in the mission. We didn’t have any experience together or anything, we just taught, and it was good… The lesson went really well, but I thought the commitment we did to get baptized could have been a little better. I now realize I have to keep studying to keep up the teaching good… I need to read Preach My Gospel a lot more… I don’t think there is time, but I will find time.

A Crazy week in review......... Sunday (09/14)

Well, today was a good Sunday. We had some good Sunday services. One sister presented us to a 15 year old girl that wants to hear the message… We have tons of young people, and that’s good, but not very many families.. But we’re getting there.

After church we went out proselyting. We passed by a bunch of less actives, and had some good lessons with them. I think that the easiest way to find families to teach, is to look for the less actives and usually their wife or husband isn’t a member, so there you go!

We visited this guy that told us he had been waiting for us. It was neat… He said he has been inactive for 2 or 3 months, and he is the only member in his family, so it’s tough. His wife and 3 daughters and 2 nephews aren’t members. He was waiting for us to come and get him back on the track. We kneeled to end in prayer, and it was amazing. He felt better, and we have an appointment with his family this Friday.

Then we had a good visit with a family that we contacted last week. The wife is a member, she was baptized when she was 8, but then went inactive. It was amazing to see her face during the whole lesson. It was like, WOW, I haven’t heard this for years and years, and I’m so glad they are here. It was a good feeling.

We didn’t have too many lessons with investigators (this week), but with less actives and finding new people to teach, it was good. It was a good night and day. I liked it. I had a desire to teach and find and baptize yesterday. I want to have that desire all the time. I pray that I might.

We got notice that the PLN mission is getting 28 North Americans, that were serving in Bolivia, plus 4 or 5 more that are coming from different places, so in total this Wednesday, we’re getting 30+ missionarie. We get to put them to work, find where they’re going to live, and eat and let’s just say, I don’t think we will get out in the area much (working) this week.

Elder Nash is going to do his sweep of the mission from Tuesday to Saturday. The schedule was set in stone. I had called all the hotels and made all the flights, but then the "Bolivian Crisis" happened, and I will now need to change all the flights, make and cancel new flights, and cancel and change hotel reservations.

It's going to be hectic. 30+ missionaries in one day, getting them to and from their areas. WOW !! Plus, there are more than 30 missionaries (not the ones coming from Bolivia) either flying into Lima or to another part of the jungle, to have the meeting with Elder Nash. It will for sure be interesting.

My Missionary Commission

"I am called of God. My authority is above that of kings of the earth. By revelation, I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He is my master and He has chosen me to represent Him - to stand in His place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts; my doctrine is His doctrine. My commission is to do what He wants done; to say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of His great and marvelous Latter-day work. How great is my calling!"

- Elder Bruce R. McConkie instruction given to missionaries, while he was a mission president in the Australia South Mission (1961-1964)

Life is Short

"This life is short. Think about it... how fast has everything gone in our lives?? School?? The years?? My mission??? Think how fast everything will go.... Our families, our lives, our years... Wow, it's amazing.. We're only here on earth for an average of what, 80 years? Yet we existed before this life, for we don’t know how long... a LONG time. And after?? Well one word says it all.... Forever!! We only have 80 years give or take a few, to make the REST of forever how we want it. Let's hope and pray we make the right decisions."

Elder Rich's Testimony

Sé que mi Señor Jesucristo vive y que nuestro Padre Celestial nos ama.
Sé que José Smith fue un profeta de Dios y que Yo Soy un misionero suyo.
Los amo a ustedes y a toda mi familia.. Amo esta obra y a mis Señor…
Esta iglesia es verdadera…SI o SI!



Translation by Gabo:
I know that our Savior Jesus Christ lives, and our Heavenly Father loves us.
I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and I'm His missionary.
I love you and to all my family... I love this work and my Savior....
This the TRUE CHURCH...yeah oh yeah!

Bolivian Missionaries come to Peru

Well, apparently the news has broken, and I feel like it is okay to "blog" about this latest developmen. Some of these missionaries. They will begin arriving tomorrow (Thursday). I'm sure our Peruvian Elders will welcome them with open arms.

Super Heroes

This picture was taken at Real Felipe Fortress when they visited there on 09/06 (I know the date says 09/01, and I've reminded Elder Rich to change his camera date quite a few times.........but I think he keeps forgetting). What a great bunch of young men.




I think Landon looks great! Not too skinny........filled out just right. At 190 pounds he looks good to his mom !

Landon loves his companion, Elder Vargas. This is what he had to say about him:

"My comp is hilarious… He is innocent… and makes us all laugh everyday.. just the little things he says and does… I will explain a few, but they won't make sense, one, because ya gotta be there and two… it's in Spanish translated to English, haha… Elder Vargas is very humble, and never gets mad or upset. I swear he doesn’t have any pride… He is amazing… a best friend, a great person…. He teaches really well, and I sure do love him…. He plays the flute amazingly and the zampoña. You don’t know what that is, but it’s a musical instrument, and he touches it good!!"

"A funny thing that happened this week. We were sitting there and I'm like, "Hey, call Daniel to tell him we will be late", and he is like, "Oh, ok.. ya"… So he dialed the number and put the phone to his ear. He was listening and had the phone up to his ear for like 3 minutes… I'm not lying.. Then he pulled it down, looked at me and said.. "Oops, I forgot to hit the button that makes it call".. Now that’s not anything funny to you guys, but you just gotta know Vargas.. His voice and the way he says stuff.. It's hilarious.. I love him."

Missionary Pictures

"And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be." 1 Nephi 13:37

We recently received some group pictures, and have posted them here in hopes that some parents might recognize their sons. Don't they look wonderful?


I think this may be the latest group of missionaries who entered the field this past change (August 27th?). I think I recognize Elder Morton (in front next to Presidente Perez) and Elder Griffin (in front with the yellow tie) and I KNOW that is Elder Herdt (financial clerk) and Elders Anderson and Ticona (the AP's) in the back. Any other's you know? (Click on the picture to enlarge)

Please disregard the date on this last picture - Elder Rich is a few days off :) I think this may be the zone leader conference/training (held the week of changes). I recognize a couple of these missionaries. Elder Villanueva and Elder Ramos, Landon's past companions. Anyone recognize any others?? If so, please leave a comment.

If you do see your son, and would like a copy of the picture (high resolution) - please email me at sled4fun2 at hotmail dot com.

On being a missionary........

This ward of Independencia is amazing. They help a lot. I'm excited to work here in this area. We find less actives all day, everyday, there is a lot!!! We work on both finding, baptizing, and reactivating. It's tough to talk about numbers and people. If you're just thinking about the numbers, that means you don’t care if the person you're baptizing knows anything about the gospel and is prepared. But now here is the tricky part… If you don’t worry about the numbers, you don’t have people to teach. The higher numbers you have, the more people you have to teach, and the more baptisms you have. The numbers are really really really important. Missionaries who don’t worry about the numbers, DON’T care about the salvation of their investigators. That is that.

We pray before we leave the offices. Sometimes we have appointments and sometimes we don’t. We visit less actives, no actives, and members...... and when we see a family in the street, we talk to them. We greet them, ask their name, and talk to them. We ask about their interests, their life, their family, etc. Then we relate the gospel plan to their needs and give them a pamphlet they can read, and share our testimony and write down their address and visit them when they tell us to, and that’s about it. Not very efficient......... and that’s why member references are so much better. We do 10 of these kinds of contacts on the streets everyday!! That is our goal.

We had a date for baptism with Daniel for this past Saturday, but his dad wants him to wait a little longer. He is younger and has to have permission to get baptized, but he is excited and we will see for this next weekend. Manuel has a date for October. The other ones.. they weren’t progressing, but we found some other people that have family members, so we will be teaching them and working with them.

Called to Serve

Passing of a Friend

I forgot to tell you... Hermana Tolentino passed away. She had diabetes, and remember how I told you she had sores on her legs when we baptized her? Well they didn't get better, they got worse, and they had to amputate her leg and she couldn’t take the operation, and she died. How sad....., but I know she is in a much much better place and happy, because her husband will do her work for her and him and everything will be perfect. I’m trying to plan with her husband a time I can go eat lunch with him on a P-day.

Real Felipe Fortress

"Well last Saturday we went to a historical site in Callao. It was called… REAL FELIPE or Fortaleca de San Felipe. It was good. At first I was thinking that it wasn't going to be much fun, but then again, I forgot what kinda crew we have here in the offices. With these guys you can have fun anywhere and anytime. There were guns and cannons and a bunch of cool tanks and war stuff. I took some pics and everything and it was good."

Decisions and Choices

The decisions we make are eternal. I think back at all of the decisions I have made, and sometimes I wish I would have chosen better. Looking back on it, there were things I could have prevented if I would have just been doing the things of the Lord and obeying the commandments. Choices are so critical. Check out the second chapter of 2 Nephi, when Lehi is explaining to his son about the freedom to choose.... GOOD or BAD, ETERNAL LIFE or HELL. There are only two choices. The decisions we make DAILY determine where we will go. Choose wisely with the help and council from our Father in Heaven and leaders and parents. I need to make better choices, even out here on the mission. Even being so close to the Lord, there are still things that I have to choose, and I need to get much much better at that.

Concerning the wrong choices we have made in the past; ONE, we repent, and TWO, forget it and never do it again (DyC 58: 42-43) The Lord will not remember it, so why should we? Now when I say forget... I mean after we repent, forget the guilt we feel, but don’t forget about the lesson that we learned. We need to learn from our mistakes and move forward.

I'm going to start making better decisions here in the mission. I will be better and I invite you to be better also.... even down to the smallest thing we can be better. This life is to perfect ourselves In Christ. It's not possible alone, but with Christ it is. We love our Savior, but sometimes we don’t show it by the decisions we make. We will make better decisions. I love our Lord Jesus Christ, and He lives, and through him we can all be made holy.

Can you say Exercise ?

I don’t do much walking lately. I'm getting a little fat, haha. I weigh exactly 86 kilos, approximately 190 pounds. Do you remember before I left to the jungle I weighed 78 kilos? (171 lbs) Wow, I have gained some weight! Oh well... I did get some high intense exercise in last P-day. Presidente Perez lives on the 21st floor of an apartment building, well Elders Roldán and Ticona and me, we raced the elevator up the stairs. Let me tell you, by the time I hit 5 (floors), I was dead, haha…. It was tough.. and when we finally got there, everyone was already there chillin'.... so that was fun.

Familia Perez

I saw Hermano Perez from the family I baptized just before I left Villa Sol last April. He was great and I only got to talk to him for a little bit, but he said all was good. I heard he and the family are a little inactive, but I heard the son who is 19 years old, is still going to church every week so I’m stoked!!

Working and Teaching

Well, to be honest, it's tough to work in the area when you're in the offices. We only have four investigators that we are teaching, Manuel (19), Daniel (12), Bryan (17), and Dámaris (17). We're keeping busy and looking for more. We found some prospects tonight, so that was good. We're finding less actives all over the place. There are 600 registered members, but only like 160 or 200 go to church, so we've got work to do. I love the mission. I am learning so much out here.

Stuff I Know......

Everything is going perfect… I'm speaking Spanish without any doubts or anything.. It's not perfect, but I can understand everything and respond to everything….. I love it… I see these new kids that came in and wow…. It's like, "How did I never not know Spanish?"... but it's tough for them… It has been nice to get to know the new guys (newbie Elders in the mission)… The North Americans, I can feel for them.. I was in their spots….. I'm getting to know them really well and they are doing great… Their moms would be proud .. They aren’t afraid to talk to people, even though they have no idea what they're saying, or what the people are saying back, but it seems to me that they are better at Spanish than we were when we entered. I don’t know, it just seems like that..

Familia Vela

I had the time to go to Villa Sol to my old pension, Hermana (Sister) Vela, ha-ha, it was amazing to see her and her family again. To hear how everything is with all the converts, and just actually be able to chat, it's great...

Their family is doing great… They recently went to Cuzco for a trip. Man, I saw their children and they have grown so much since I have been there….. It's crazy…

There is absolutely nothing better in the whole world than to see and hear that the people you were teaching are doing great… It’s the greatest feeling in the world... I love this work and know it’s of the Lord… It's truly the work of the Lord…

We went to the church in Villa Sol to pick up Elder Sorensen, who needed to go to the airport. I entered my old chapel, and I saw people I haven’t seen for 5 months, ha-ha, I loved it! And even better, people that I was teaching, but they had been baptized - FAMILIES!! I love it… I’m so happy…

Reuniting with the Familia Polanco

It all started when I had to call to the sister missionaries in the area of Procures, that’s right in my old area. I called their pension's number, because they don't have a phone in their room. A guy picked up, and I talked to him a little bit, and I hung up and I thought, "Wow, that voice sounds familiar?!". I looked at the number, and I thought, "Man, that number looks familiar". I called back again, and I asked, "Who am I talking to?", and he said, "Hermano Polanco!!!!" And I said, "Do you know who you’re talking to?", and he said, "Nope". It was a good reunion over the phone. Something I will never forget.

A little bit about the Polanco family…. They are great!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They couldn’t be doing better. They are killin' it, pensioning the missionaries (taking care/feeding of the missionaries by being a pension) and just killin' the mission work. I hear they give references of families almost every week, and they go out with the missionaries. They are well on their way to go to the temple, and will be a family sealed in the temple. Their son that didn’t get baptized, is now listening to the message and it's amazing to watch the hands of the Lord work. The daughters are doing great and everything is going great…… I can’t wait to see them.

Also Hermana Mariela from Procures, she called me here at the offices. I couldn’t believe it. It was also really good to talk to her, to hear that she and her family and her son are doing really good!!!

Getting a Driver's License in Peru

"I took a medical exam for the driver's license test,and found out my eyes are still as perfect as can be. I have to take a written test, which has 40 questions, and I have to get 30 right to pass. Then I have to drive and pass the driving test. Next week I will get it. I will drive a big van, and it's going to be great. I can't wait."

Refering to Elders Hyde, Ridge, & Layton, who are having visa problems.

"We need them down here. They will be good elders. If they come down by themselves to Peru, and come straight into the field, I will most likely go pick them up. That would be sweet!"

Everything you ever wanted to know about changes..........

........but your missionary never told you ! (haha) - Between Elder Rich and Elder Herdt's emails, we'll see if we can't fill in the blanks.

Elder Rich - During Monday through Friday (of change week) there are a lot of missionaries in the offices. At one time there could be 30 to 40 missionaries and that's a lot. We had 15 missionaries leave this last change.. and 15 came in also… So it was pretty even.. This next change (in 6 weeks), 11 are leaving… The number varies, sometimes it's more... sometimes it's less…. It all depends….

Elder Rich: Monday - Interviews for those that were finishing their missions. I had to have all their packets done and ready.

Elder Herdt: Monday - It was my responsability to set up our next years budget.

Elder Rich: Tuesday - I had to be ready for the oldies to go to the temple (for one last time), and when they came back, have all their tickets ready to go to the airport. We left for the airport to take five North Americans and two Latins at 8pm. We were there till 12am, then we worked a little bit till we had to turn around and go back to the airport at 2am to drop off two more Latins that were flying to southern Peru. We came back at 3:30am and got to bed at 4am.

Elder Herdt: Tuesday - So the day comes when we have to send all of the oldy olds home. So we were running to and fro (whatever fro means), trying to get people home.

Elder Rich: Wednesday - Up again at 6:30am to get everything ready to go to the church for the "change" meetings. There are two change meetings, one at 1pm, and one at 3pm. During all this I have to be ready to hand out documents and plane tickets to the people that are flying to Iquitos, Tarapoto, and Pucallpa. I have to make sure they get to the airport on time. Then Wednesday night we have to get ready for meetings the next day. There are now about 20 Elders (Zone Leaders) sleeping here in the offices.

Elder Herdt: Wednesday - Change day......DUNDUNDUM!!!!! So I wake up at 5am, ready to rock and roll. Ready to go pick up these little new kids, and rock their worlds. My job is to give them all a presentation about how their funds and money will work, and solutions to their problems, and stupid things not to do.

Elder Rich: Thursday - Is the council of the Zone leaders and President Perez. All day is spent in training, and we have to be here to run the offices and work like normal.

Elder Herdt: Thursday - Zone Council is pretty much legit, we have all 28 of the zone leaders here, and then they have a big meeting taking turns giving trainings. They send us in to answer questions and to explain things.

Elder Rich: Friday I have to be up at 5:30am to make sure the Elders get to the airport to get to Pucallpa on time. Then I just start working like normal. All day Friday is the council of the District leaders, and the training of the trainers, … so it's not as bad as they all say, but the earliest I got to bed this week was 2am…. It was good… I loved it…

Elder Herdt: Friday - District Leader council and training meeting for the new trainers. All that went smooth, then we went out and hit the field for the first time this week. It felt good.

Words of Encouragement and Love

Landon:
It is so great to hear from my dear fellow missionary in Peru- how great it is to know that we share in this great opportunity of serving the Lord- at the same time!
We have a Peruvian Elder here- and whenever I am with him I think of you- he is sweet and humble, and becoming a great missionary -

Yes, we will have time when we get home to share experiences and continue to grow up together! I am so proud of you for preparing yourself to serve- and I know that you are enjoying your time there.

Let's make our last year the one to remember- I don't want to look back and wish I had done better or worked harder- I want God's stamp of approval on my heart when I leave here- I want to know that I did my best- God bless you Landon- let's work together now, although so far from one another- and do something great for the Lord!
I love you!
President Fisher
Billings Montana Mission
(Landon's former Bishop)

Relationships 101

When you are training a "greenie" you are the father and they are your son. If you get a missionary after his first exchange, you become his stepfather and he is your stepson.

This info provided by Elder Herdt's Mom (Thanks Darla), via Elder Herdt we suppose........does anyone know if this is just in Peru Lima North Mission? All of Peru? Other places?

Watch out !!

So a little about my job or responsibilities, I do everything that has to do with the changes, like all the flights to and from the jungle, and all flights for those missionaries that are leaving to go home and that are coming into the mission. I make payments on everything, legalize documents, call home to everyone’s parents (the ones who are ending their missions), and to their bishops and stake presidents also.

But the most exciting is….. and you will probably be all worried haha, is that I get to.... DRIVE, haha, I get my license here in Peru, and will be driving the missionaries to and from the airport. I’m excited, but kind of scared at the same time. It will definitely be an experience... Never thought I would get to drive in Peru !!


Note about Lima Traffic found on the internet:

"The traffic in Lima is hard to put into words, but let me try it anyways. Insane. People are beeping their 70's style horns every time there is a car within a few feet of them, which is nearly every 10 seconds. No one obeys stop signs, they don't even slow down. Unless there are police around. We saw cars pushing other cars out of the way, and we once even saw a car push a PERSON out of the way. We explained to the driver that people from the US only honk when they're angry, and he found that concept very foreign."

Workings of the Office

Well, this week has been really crazy with learning all the new stuff in the offices and learning how to do everything. It’s going to be really tough, but it will be good.. Lots of responsibility, but I like it.. I miss preaching and teaching.. but with me learning and everything, we can't get out and teach. Once I get the hang of it and my comp gets a hold of his, we will be up and running. This Wednesday, that is coming up are those changes, and my trainer will be gone and I will be on my own... We will see how it goes..

OLD..................................NEW
AP – Elder Field.....................AP – Elder Anderson (North Carolina)
AP – Elder Vargas, L.................AP – Elder Ticona (Bolivia)
Secretary – Elder Gomez..............Secretary – Elder Rich
Letters/Paperwork - Elder Torrejon...Letters/Paperwork – Elder Vargas, I.
Financial Clerk – Elder Herdt........Financial Clerk – Elder Herdt (same)
History/Records – Elder Roldan.......History/Records – Elder Roldán (same)


Now with the changes, all are leaving except for Roldán and Herdt. Everyone else will be new.. A new office haha.. It will be interesting.. Normally there are 6 elders in the offices, and right now we are 9. It's a little crammed with only 2 bathrooms and 3 rooms to sleep in, but at least we have a mattress for every one of us. It will be nice and good when we all have everything in order and organized.

A Visit to the Temple

Today was good.(08/23/08) We went to the temple (the missionaries in the offices) and it was great. It's been about 5 months since I have been, so it was good to get a reminder and I can almost get through it perfectly, in Spanish, so that’s cool. I'm happy, I learned 3 new things about the temple in the session today. That was my goal, to learn something new.

Thanks to Elder Layton's blog, we have this beautiful video of the Lima Temple - take a look. Also - I've uploaded new pics - check it out here.

Another Encounter !!

A couple of days ago, Elder Peterson's mother and I were able to meet with Elder Woolf's parents. They are from Flower Mound Texas, and were attending BYU Education Week in Provo. It was so good to finally meet, after exchanging notes, letters, etc. over the past 10 months on the internet.

John & Donna Woolf, Bonnie Peterson, Gwen Rich

Our Elders >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Elder Herdt, Elder Peterson, Elder Woolf, and Elder Rich at the PROVO temple (while at the MTC)

Anyone know what that sign means???

Thanks to Elder Layton's dad - WE FINALLY KNOW..... It is the shortened version of PERU (PU) in sign language !! Hurrah! - another mystery solved, and believe me, there have been alot of mysteries :)