Trip to the Temple!

Landon had a great week and some fun times working with the people of Peru. They were able to go to the Lima Temple and loved the cute, short little native temple workers they were! It was really beautiful. It looks alot like the Boise Temple but the landscaping is very different. The session was in English so that helped. "The Spanish is coming, but I still feel very inadequate and have so much farther to go. Hope you all have a great New Year and REMEMBER the Gospel is True!"

Feliz Navidad!

Amy and I found this nativity at Deseret Book. It was made in Peru and we felt a little closer at Christmas time by having it in our home! I especially loved the llamas! Landon's llamas are doing well also. This picture with Elder Corpus and Elder Campos was taken on Christmas day 2007.

The people in Peru think it is crazy that Landon has two llamas back home in Idaho!

Merry Christmas to you all! It's
about 80 degrees outside!
The parties get
started early here in Peru! We
have had some wonderful
devotionals and
enjoyed relaxing with pandera
(fruit cake) and caliente (hot
chocolate).
Elder Evans, Elder Cooke and
I had a little Christmas
celebration with a
tree (actually a palm leaf!)
decorated up and a picture
of Christ on the
top. Everything is good here
and the Spanish is coming
along! I hope you are
all having a great
Christmas! Feliz Navidad!

This Year For Christmas

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving
The thrill just wasn't there
No pictures taken with Santa Claus
My decorating has no flair
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties
Two suits and socks...no fun
I've bought him all white clothes
because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I've spent more time in the temple
Felt strength come from His words
I've reread November's Ensign
And my testimony stirred
Our family prays more frequently
My tears are quick to run
Abraham seems closer
because
This year I'm giving Christ my son

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion
Their sacrifice was so much more
My loss will be his presence
I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him
I'm giving Christ my son

I stare at his face from long ago
I memorize his eyes, their shine
He's always hungered for the part of him
That makes his soul divine
The stories and lessons he always heard
His choice and mine are one
I'll put my faith in God's hand
This year, I'm giving Him my son

Past gifts have lost their glitter
I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated
By giving Him a hand
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns
That all the packing's done
My gift has taken years to make
This year... I'm giving Christ my son

~ Author Unknown

What is the CCM?

The Missionary Training Center (CCM) of Lima-Peru was dedicated on August 27, 1998 by Élder Russell M. Nelson. Click on the following website for some pictures and info about where Landon will be for the next 6 weeks!http://www.iglesiajesucristosud.org/ccm/ccm.html

Young men and women called by the Lord to serve as missionaries begin their service in one of the 16 MTC's in the world, of which the CCM of Lima is the third in capacity. Every 21 days groups of missionaries begin or end their training. The administration, teachers and leaders provide the best care to every missionary who enters training. The duration of stay for the Latin American missionaries is 21 days. While for the missionaries who need to learn Spanish, the stay varies between 42 and 64 days. During this stay, the missionaries develop great love and understanding of scriptures and doctrine of the Church. Currently, the CCM can train up to 152 missionaries every 21 days. The campus includes 3 buildings, beautiful gardens and 3 fields for sports and physical activity. Learning how to teach the gospel and to assist in the establishment of the Church is a big challenge that will test the ability of a missionary. However, the blessings that come with this work will result in enormous personal growth. Missionaries receive many blessings that strengthen them and their families not only during their missions but also for the rest of their lives.

I Have Landed In Peru!

"Things at the Peru CCM are green and full of color. An amazing little place! President and Sister Crayk are extremely friendly and so good to talk to. I have had my first experience with Peruvian cuisine and I officially love the food! The flight took 8 ½ hours from LA. Very exciting traffic system! Elder Smith from California and two Latinos are my roommates. I have been very lucky to have such good people to work with. Thanks for your love and support!"

Leaving On A Jet Plane!

Landon was in the Provo MTC for 3 weeks only then flew out to Peru on my birthday-December 19th! He was able to call us from the airport and visit for a bit. Even though it had been only 3 weeks, it was still so good to talk to him! He sounded happy and excited and ready to go. He was headed to the Peru Mission Training Center or CCM as they call it for 6 more weeks of intensive language and mission training. What a blessing the transitional training is!

One In A Million!

Awesome article about Missionary Work!http://www.deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,680194052,00.html

Landon really enjoyed his time at the MTC. He has already met some lifetime friends and has been blessed with wonderful associates. His Spanish is coming and he is really working hard on his training. He loved the "Call Center" and had fun with those types of referrals. He loved it when newbies came in and he was no longer the freshman of the MTC! The food was good and the spirit of the MTC was amazing!

Called to Serve! Learning Spanish! Learning the Ropes! Getting Prepared!