News from Pucallpa

This past week Amparo Leon Lopez was baptized. She will be confirmed the next week. We finished the month of April with 23 confirmations, and we have 38 baptism dates for the month of May, so we're looking good. By the way, we have a goal of 505 baptisms as a mission, and 100 as a zone!!! We're going to make it!!!

This week has flown by, just like the rest. Our interviews with Presidente Perez and the Assistants will be on Wednesday, and then a week later are the changes (May 6th) and I will be flying to Lima for the Consejo.

This week also, we will be doing work visits. That is where either I or my companion goes on splits with another companionship for a whole day in their area. We teach there, sleep there, and eat there for 24 hours. We get to know and learn about their area and they ours. It is a good learning and growing experience for everyone.

New Pics !!

I've been really ambitious, and have posted all of the pics from the CD we received last Wednesday. They are the 15 most current albums. Click here to enjoy pics similar to these.......

Friday Service Projects

Every Friday we have a service to do. We work and serve people and it's great. I love working.

The Law of Consecration

"Going on a mission teaches you to live the law of consecration. It may be the only time in your life when you can give to the Lord all your time, talents, and resources. In return, the Lord will bless you with His Spirit to be with you. He will be close to you and strengthen you"
- Elder Robert D. Hales, Conference Report April 1996

I love the Book of Mormon

I know the Book of Mormon is true, I have read it 2 times in English on my mission and I'm in 3 Nephi (in Spanish) and have a goal to finish it here fast in a month. Then I will start it over again. I love it and it's changed my life. I love reading and studying from it. It is direct and plain. I love the Lord and this work in which He has called me.

Mom and Dad, I love you both and am very grateful for what you do for me and all your love and prayers for me. I will never be able to repay you. Just know I love you and that this is the most amazing time in my life. I'm growing more now then ever before and well, it's preparing me for the life after.

Another good week

This week has been a good week, we worked hard and the numbers show it. We have 5 people with a baptism date, and we had one baptism.

Angel Manuel Montes Panduro was baptized, and we had 12 people attend the church this past week. Elder Figueroa and I are going good and the Zone is well. We're young and we're learning together. There are a lot of challenges this change, and well, it’s a roller coaster. I'm excited and ready to work.

You are or have been a Latter-day Saint Missionary if:

You've ever worn a name tag without your first name on it.

You've ever said to someone, "This is my companion."

You dropped out of college, stayed unemployed for two years, lost your favorite girl, and called it the best time of your life.

You think that Elder doesn't necessarily mean older.

You easily recognize three common human ailments: blind minds, hard hearts, and stiff necks.

You lived with a roommate for a whole month--or more--who you never called by their first name.

The investigator asking you probing personal questions isn't a police detective.

You put ketchup on nearly everything you cook.

You enjoy telling people why they are here and where they are going.

Your greatest hero in the scriptures was a man named Ammon.

About every eight weeks or so you get a new roommate who you don't get to choose.

Your most coveted present all year was a new tie.

You're 20 years old and it's been months since you went to bed after 11:00 p.m.

You introduce yourself to people every day without telling them your first name.

You get one half day per week all to yourself and you spend most of that time doing your laundry.

"And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!" Mosiah 15:15

Taxi to Campo Verde

Elder Rich had sent home a map., showing the area of Pucallpa. On it, he mentioned that the Familia Tiquilahuanca lived about 35 kilos west. I got on Google Earth, and followed the road for that distance, and came upon the "town" of Campo Verde. I wondered how the Elders got there? I hoped it wasn't by "moto". Thank goodness for these reassuring words....

"Campo Verde is a branch that we work in. We go in a taxi, not in a moto, so don’t worry!!! It's safer, haha. We had a great talk with the Bishop there this past week, and we're all set to go and get working in the work here in Ucayali."

Ucayali is the "Area" or "Region", Pucallpa is the "City", and Campo Verde would be one of the little "towns".

Youth of the Noble Birthright

Shall the Youth of Zion, falter in defending truth and right?
While the enemy assaileth, shall we shrink or shun the fight?
No !! True to the faith that our parents have cherished
True to the truth, for which martyrs have perished
To God's command.......Soul, heart and hand
Faithful and True - we will EVER STAND !

In Independencia Ward (Lima, Peru)

In Tarapoto, Peru

In Morgan, Utah

In Pucallpa, Peru

Piranah !!!

No - not in the water........














They look like they are having too much fun - look at the cute mermaid :)















It's, "What's for Dinner" !!!




Whose teeth are bigger - Elder Mamani, or the Piranha ? Look close - hope he doesn't slice his tongue !

Commitments

Last week, Presidente challenged each companionship to find four new people and commit them to baptism by the end of the week. We worked hard, and Milagros, Patric, Cloris and Noe have dates for the 25th of April and the 2nd of May.

I was thinking, the life of a person is so complicated, and to be able to change and be baptized is hard. It's a miracle to have so many baptisms and I'm so grateful for the Lord and His hand in this work.

I have grown spiritually and matured so much in these past months. I'm very grateful. We're planning to have 500 baptisms as a mission in May!!!!!

*This picture above is Family Home Evening in Pucallpa with Elder Rich and Elder Figueroa. Of course, being a mom, the first thing I noticed.............was the big "scratch" on Elder Rich's nose. **Look closer in this picture........... it seems they ALL have one.

Here's what he had to say about that,

"No, it's not a scratch on my nose, it's paint....we were playing a game :)"

I guess I'll quit worrying :)

Elder Rich's favorite talk this past conference

And for our friends in Peru - We love you !!

More about Pucallpa

The Pucallpa Zone covers the entire area of Pucallpa. There are 7 districts in Pucallpa. Elder Figueroa and Elder Rich's area is outlined here (in black). The red dot is the stadium where they play futbol on P-days, and the church they attend is located near the blue dot.

The main road leading into Pucallpa is Centenario, which comes in from the west, and dead-ends at the Ucayali River. Elder Rich says that the Familia Tiquilahuanca, that they baptized on March 20th, live about 34 kilometers (21 miles) out of Pucallpa, heading West on this road. I wonder how they met them?

What matters..............

The conference was amazing as usual. Elder Holland's talk was amazing, and well, I really loved all of them. I really feel a sense of urgency in the messages, all talking about the future and things to prepare for. I have a goal not to miss even one minute of Conference for the rest of my life, I absolutely love it!

I am so blessed to be here in Peru and I understand why I'm here. I'm really happy.

I love you all and I hope you all realize how important this work is. I'm starting to understand a little more about Jesus Christ, His sacrifice, and how much He really went through. I'm grateful He did it for me and for you. I love you all.

Pucallpa Zone

"The zone here in Pucallpa is going good, we're really young and there are little things to correct every once in awhile, but over all we're good. The things we're doing as a zone to have success, is being obedient and working. That is our goal."

Elders of the Pucallpa Zone (7 companionships/14 elders)
These names are in no particular order, not matched up as far as companionships, except Elder Rich and Elder Figueroa

New to Pucallpa - Figueroa, J. Mamani, Elison, Choc, Merrill, Clarke, Cuellar

Already in Pucallpa - Rich, Quintana, Moriera, Morton, Garnica, Rojas, Aguilar

At the Airport

Here is a picture taken on March 25th at the Pucallpa Airport. These missionaries are flying back to Lima for changes, and Consejo de Lideres (Council of the Leaders, or Zone Leader Meeting).

Elder Soto and Elder Lee are headed to other parts of Peru, and Elder Stewart and Elder Cope are headed back to Bolivia. Elder Vasquez is headed to Tarapoto, and Elder Rich is the only one who will come back to Pucallpa, with a new companion.

Back Row: Lee, Vasquez, Cope, Stewart, and Soto, with Elder Rich kneeling in front.

Healthy as an American Dog

"Hey family, how are you doing?? I'm doing great. Here in Pucallpa it's as hot as ever and I'm losing weight more than ever, but I'm as healthy as a dog. An American dog that is, haha, because the Peruvian dogs aren’t healthy, haha. I'm healthy, so you have nothing to worry about there. I actually feel great!!"

Finally - Pictures !!

During the middle of February, we received two disks - FULL of pics. It's been quite a chore to get through all of them(review,organize,crop,lighten,sharpen).

I've posted one of my favorites (with this post), and I also have pics of many of the young members of the Independencia Ward that I still need to go through, but here are the ones so far - enjoy :)

January - Museum of Natural History

Misc. pics from January

January - Lunch with President Perez

Early February

Farewell to Independencia

Reunited once again

During the Consejo de Lideras (March 26), these four friends met up once again.

They were originally assigned as companions at the MTC 17 months ago. Herdt and Peterson, Rich and Woolf. I like to call them the four musketeers. There is certainly a bond. They all look so happy and healthy.

Today...........for one moment..............

I will know what Landon is doing, right at the exact moment. As we watch and participate in our General Conference, we will sustain the leaders of our church.

New Zone

Our new zone is new new new new. Let's just say that 11 of the 14 elders have less than a year in the mission!!! Their attitudes and the way they act show it. I know for a fact I had the same attitude. It's an attitude of a little kid, haha. I don't know, it's just funny to see and to know I was like that.


"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

"For the natural man is an enemy to God...and will be...unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit...and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflect upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)

I know why I'm here, and I don’t care about anything else........... just helping other people and baptizing. I love what I'm doing and I'm happy doing it.

No Joke.................... (04/01/09)

Pucallpa is hotter than ever - 38 degrees Celsius. I don't know how much that is in F(ahrenheit), but I know it's a lot.. haha (It's 100.4 degrees - Mom checked)

I left the offices at 93 Kilos, and well, here in Pucallpa it's hot and I walk alot, the food isn't that filling.

I checked my weight when I was back in Lima, and I am now 86 Kilos !!!!!! I lost 7 kilos, that's like 18 pounds in 6 weeks !!!

I can't wait to see what these next 6 weeks do to me. I might be down to the weight I was as I entered the mission - 80 kilos!!! How great is that??

Recap.........

Well family, all is well here in Pucallpa. I went to Lima last Wednesday/Thursday, and picked up my companion, Elder Figueroa, and we had a great Consejo (Zone Leader Council).

President Perez talked about the goals of the mission, and reminded us that Christ is with us.

Elder Nemelka (the AP) talked about the love between companionships, and Elder Santiago, is the new assistant, replacing Elder Hirschi. Yes, it's the same Elder Santiago that is my very very good friend. It was so good to see everyone again.

Elder Figueroa is from El Salvador, but lives a long ways away from Elder Ramos (a previous companion). Elder Ramos finished his mission by the way. Elder Figueroa laughs exactly like Elder Ramos and makes me miss him, haha. He is great and we will get along perfectly!!!

We hope to have the same success Elder Vasquez and I had. I'm excited for this new change, we have a lot of teaching to do and well, I'm up to doing it

Welcome Home Elder Evans

Guess where we are going today? We are headed north, braving the snowy weather, to Hamer, Idaho (rhymes with disclaimer, NOT hammer)

Elder Evans just returned from Peru Lima North Mission this past change, and will be reporting in his sacrament meeting. We are happy to support him. Elder Evans has been Landon's ONLY North American companion during his mission. They were companions when Landon went to Tarapoto, almost a year ago.

We met his parents last summer at a missionary parent party in Chubbock. We are driving up with Elder Peterson's parents. It will be a great day :)

More info about the changes

"Elder Vasquez is going to Tarapoto, and Elder Figueroa from El Salvador is my new companion. He entered in the CCM with me, and the misión field with me, and is a great friend. We will have great times together and much success. "

This is what President wrote to Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez:

"Congratulations Elders, You have really done an impeccable excellent work. Elder Vasquez, that is the same way we want it to be when you go to Tarapoto. We want you to continue the excellent work that has happened in Pucallpa. You two are very good leaders, and I congratulate you. Sincerely, Presidente Perez"

The elders that are leaving Pucallpa are:

Elder Lee and Elder Soto
Elder Hyde (going to Iquitos)
Elder Layton (also going to Iquitos, but a different zone than Elder Hyde)
Elder Stewart and Elder Cope (going back to Bolivia)

Those elders that are coming in to replace them are:

Elder J. Mamani and Elder Elison
Elder Choc
Elder Merrill
Elder Clarke and Cuellar

"We will have a really good zone and I’m really excited for this new change."

Consejo de Lideres

Mom and Dad, I love you and I’m glad you’re happy. I’m happy also, we’re helping tons of people get to know the gospel. I’m healthy and ready to work. Time is running out and I’m working hard. Thanks for all your support.

I will be flying to Lima on Wednesday afternoon (03/25) and returning to Pucallpa on Thursday night. I’m excited for the Consejo de Lideres (Council of Leaders). I should be getting more of your letters, so I’m excited for that. I love you guys. Thanks for everything.

Changes this week.........

Elder Rich will still serve in Pucallpa, however Elder Vasquez is moving on to Tarapoto. Landon's new companion will be Elder Figueroa from El Salvador.

We received a VERY short email yesterday. He reports that this change will be SWEET :) He also refers to "my" elders. You can just feel the love he has for them. It is really true - you LOVE the ones you serve.

We were able to glean a little more info from Elder Layton. He reports that 6 couples were married this past weekend, with quite a few baptisms also. He reports, "It was actually really amazing to meet the goals of the mission. I know I can take what I learned here to Iquitos."

Elder Hyde reports that it has been raining quite a bit, and that they enjoyed a Stake cultural party this past week.

Both Elder Hyde and Layton will be moving on to Iquitos this change. The work goes on !!

Capirona

This picture was taken on P-day at "Capirona".

Here is a video of this area in Pucallpa.

Capirona is a tree in the Amazon.

Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez are working hard, and working very well together. I believe they are doing their best to be good leaders. I know they love the Elders in their zone, and the people of Pucallpa.

Futbol in Estadio Aliardo Soria

I may be taking a shot in the dark, but I believe this is the stadium that the Elders have been able to play futbol in. Landon had mentioned in a previous letter about playing in a stadium "right by our house". I had looked on Google Earth, and found THIS stadium, but it was SO big, and the pictures on the Internet were impressive enough, that I just couldn't imagine that the Elders would be allowed to play here. However, after receiving this picture, I have to say, it looks remarkably similar. What do you think?
Click here to see a You Tube video of the stadium, and here to see it on Google Maps. Landon reports, "I LIKE soccer now". This is certainly a change in his previous attitude - PRE Mission :) He also reports that sometimes they go running here in the early morning before it gets unbearably hot.

Baptism Day

This is Estefany Gallardo Ruiz. She was baptized on or about March 7th. Here is what Landon had to say.......

"Estefany had to wear one of my shirts when she was baptized, because there weren't any baptism clothes for her. It fit her perfect ! :)"

Power Zone of Pucallpa

That is what the caption said on the back of the photograph we received in the mail today.

Talk about HAPPY - that boy sure knows how to make his mom's day :)

I believe this is the entire zone - 7 companionships.....14 missionaries.

What a great group of young men. They look so happy!

This week was great !!!

"This week was great!!! Elder Vasquez and I finished with 2 baptisms, Melisa Tamani Huanuyri and Licie Lisbeth Leon Lopez. As a Zone we finished with 13 baptisms, and so far that makes 28 for the month.

We have a marriage coming up, with 14 couples getting married, and then the next day a massive baptismo with 18 people!! 6 families!!! Elder Vasquez and I have been working with two of the families - The family Macedo and Tiquilahuanca.

I'm doing great with health. I'm great in attitude, and I couldn't be better. All is good here and we're working hard.

I'm so happy to hear about all the things happening there in Utah. The snow melting, Keysto and Kaley getting married, wow, I'm so happy for them.

Well, there isn't any new news, I'm just working and going 110 percent, just like my dad has always taught me."

*I have put a link (marriage) to Elder Layton's blog. He speaks of his Zone Leaders, and their help with getting the marriages in place. I know the Lord helps those who ask for His help, and then work hard on their end to make things happen.

Everywhere you turn - Missionaries !!

Exciting news I'd like to share. Sister Evelyn Cachay received her mission call to Columbia, Bogota South. We are SO happy for her. She will be a wonderful missionary, and wonderful example to her family.

Two Elder's from Morgan, Utah have been called to Columbia, Barranquilla. President Porter's son, Nathan, and Jansen Bennett. This is the same mission that Mamita Teresa and Welinton Vera Cruz's son Jimmy was called to last October! I'm sure they will meet up.

My good friend's daughter, Sister Jenni Lake entered the MTC yesterday. She's going to France, Toulouse mission. I am so happy for everyone in their family. What an example she is setting.

Last but not least, I've been asked by the Morgan Utah Stake Primary to put together a slideshow of all of the current missionaries serving from our stake, for "Envision Your Mission", a presentation for 11 year old boys. It will be so much fun, and so rewarding. I can hardly wait to get working on it.

Busy Week - Working, Teaching and Baptizing

This past week in our area we had one baptism of a girl named Estefany Gallardo Ruiz, and in the zone there were 6 baptisms. As of now, we have 15 baptisms with 31 dates (set for baptism) for these next 3 weeks. I’m really excited to get going and finish strong this change and month. Time is flying, I’m finally getting the hang of things (as a leader), knowing what to do, and everything is clicking.

My companion, Elder Vasquez, is from Arequipa Peru. We’re working hard and ALWAYS get along. Our Zone is great, and I will be sad to have the changes come.

I Love My Presidente

P-day was on Tuesday this week, because on Monday was our interviews with Presidente. It was really good to see him and the Assistants again after 4 weeks. It was also my goodbye to my dear friend Elder Hirschi (from Neola, Utah). He will be finishing his mission this next change, and I won’t be there to see him leave.

My interview with President was the best one I have had yet in my mission. The spirit was so strong, and President helped me notice something - I have grown in these 4 weeks out in the field, more spiritually and with knowledge, than in all my 16 months as a missionary. I love it and I love my President.

*Picture of Barbeque was taken in January at Presidente Perez' home. Click here for more pics

**Elder Rich and Elder Hirschi

Angels in disguise?

"Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people, yea, even to them that are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth; wherefore they have come unto us." Alma 13:22

*It seems when you have a missionary, there are SO MANY scriptures that you can relate to :)

This picture was taken just a day or two before Elder Rich left for Pucallpa. These are young people from the Independencia Ward, they are Jacky Landa, Leyla Robles, Elder Rich, Elder Foutz, Elder Sandoval and Frank Robles - Thanks to Evelyn for information on who is who :)

Missionary Work

I love the field and I love being a missionary. I am learning in leaps and gains. No one will ever understand, unless they serve a mission. I feel bad for those who throw this precious time away. It truly is the best time in our lives, apart from marriage and families.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the atonement of Jesus Christ, and what He did for me. I am grateful for His sacrifice and His love that He has for me, and for helping me every step of the way. I’m grateful for my family and for what you do for me also. All I need is your prayers and that’s it. Help me from there with your prayers.

The Work of the Lord

We are very very blessed. We are seeing miracles here in Pucallpa, and our goals and dreams are being met. We are helping families to be ETERNAL. This is the happiest I have been in my mission, I can't even explain.

We finished this week with 9 confirmations as a Zone, and we have 27 dates for baptism for the month and much more to come also. I feel I have improved as a missionary, and it's all thanks to the Lord. This is the best time ever. The work of the Lord is the best and most important that there is.

Benishe did it again :)

A Picture is worth a Thousand Words

We have waited for a picture like this for a LONG time. Bless the members who love our missionaries, and who took this picture.

Yesterday we received TWO DISKS in the mail. Pics were taken in Dec/Jan/Feb, before Elder Rich left for Pucallpa. I can hardly wait to get them all loaded up. Please be patient :)

News from Pucallpa

"Well, here in Pucallpa it rained 3 days straight and it was muddy, haha, I didn’t think it would be that bad, but wow!

This week we have been teaching alot of new people, and I now have a new desire, it is to learn Portuguese. We have taught 3 people that are from Brazil, and well, they speak both Spanish and Portuguese and I love it.

I love this work. There is so much work to do, and we have high goals set, and with the Lord’s help we will be able to complete them."

Other notes:

According to Elder Layton, Elder Rich is doing a good job as zone leader.

According to Elder Hyde, he and his companions went on splits with Elder Rich and Elder Vasquez on Friday (last week), and also on Saturday they performed service and had a Bar-B-Q with them also.

According to Elder Morton, he is also enjoying Pucallpa, and is associating with Elder Rich.

It is great having so many "bloggers" in Pucallpa. What one son doesn't mention, maybe the other one will :)

Remembering Independencia

Wonderful news today ! I connected with a young woman in Peru, who knows the missionaries. Her family and other members of the Independencia Ward had a going away party for Landon, before he headed to Pucallpa. Evelyn sent pictures!! See more here

More wonderful news ! - Evelyn will be going on a mission, and should receive her call soon. We'll keep you posted.

Thank you so much Sister Cachay. This is another tender mercy, received from a sweet sister in Peru.