"Small Town" Peru

My new area is really more of what I thought Peru would be like. It is very green and there are huge fields of sugar cane which line the roads. Paramonga is kinda the "small town" feel of Peru. It's really calm and pleasent and the members are really great. We have been doing alot of service lately so we have been very busy.

Changes in the Changes!

My first experience with cambios (transfers) was really quite the experience. Wed morning I woke up and packed knowing that I was going to the Zone of Puente Piedra but as we were walking into the stake center for the meeting I walked past the zone leaders from Puente and asked them about my area. They informed me that I was no longer going to Puente. Instead I am currently in the zone of Barranca in the area of Paramonga. It is the farthest north you can get in the Lima North Mission without being in the Jungle. My new comp is Elder Trinidad and he is a short stalky Mexican. He and I are having a great time together and we are doing awesome. I have already learned so so so much from him--he is also the district leader. I guess I have had a chance to learn what kind of a missionary I don't want to be and my new companion is teaching me how things should be done. But anyway we are getting a lot done and working great together.

Twin Falls Temple Dedication Announced!

We are so excited and grateful that the open house and dedication has been announced for the Twin Falls Temple! The open house for the public will begin on July 11, 2008 and the dedication will be in four sessions on August 24th. How we have anticipated this time! It has been so neat to watch the temple being built and to be a part of such a special event. It is just amazing that we will be able to partake of the blessings of the Temple within 20 miles/30 minutes from home!

Cambios! (Changes)

Well I have officially survived my first change here in the mission field and this Wednesday I am taking off for another area. I'm not quite sure what area exactly I am going too but my new zone is Puente Piedra and my new comp is Elder Polimino. We will meet this Weds.

(Puente Piedra means "The Stone Bridge")

¡Buen alimento! (Good Food!)

I have learned not to ask what I am eating. As long as it tastes good and looks somewhat normal, I am a happy camper. Our new pension is the coolest. He's got that rough military attitude but he is the nicest guy in the world. And he is really enjoying the discussions and the Book of Mormon. He came to church for Elders Quorum as well so that was really neat.


(This is a picture of cuy, or guinea pig/cavy. Quite common in Peru! Other missionaries haved been called.....and served!! as they share their stories!!)

How's the Spanish Coming?

Interviews were last Wednesday, and they went really well. President Perez was really quick to compliment my Spanish and the improvements I am making. He gave me a lot of good advice to get investigators in the capilla (chapel) and as a result we had 3 come to sacrament meeting yesterday. I WAS SO EXCITED!!! One is married to a member and the other one is a single mom with 5 kids. She came with her oldest girl and really enjoyed it. She called us angels the other day and she is the sweetest lady. She is even giving us references to go and contact so that's good too.

Teaching in the Streets

I went on splits the other day with one of my zone leaders, Elder Espinoza and he came to my area so I was kinda the senior companion because I knew the area. That was kind of overwhelming! We had a wonderful time though. The coolest thing that happened was when we saw a couple with their little girl sitting on the corner, the little girl had a ball and it rolled out in the road, so Elder Espinoza went and got it and we started talking to them. Elder Espinoza started talking about Families and then I taught about Temples. While I was teaching, people saw this gringo speaking Spanish so they started to stop and listen. I taught over 15 people right there! It was actually one big family who just got done playing at the beach. They don´t live in our area but we took their addresses and stuff so the Elders in Ventanilla can teach them. We have 7 dates for baptism from our investigators for the end of the month, so hopefully I don´t get transferred before that!

A little later today we are going to explore a castle. We are in Chancay right now which is a really cool city.

New Web Site about the Savior

Using the teachings and testimonies of apostles and prophets, JesusChrist.lds.org affirms our faith in the Son of God and the need for all to come unto Him. Check it out when you have time.

We Found a New Home!

We officially found a new apartment and maid. We actually found it the night of the 29th so we cut it kinda close. Its funny cuz all the paper work and agreement we did with the landlord was a simple handshake and our word. Why can’t we do that back in the States? oh well. But anyway our room is very very nice, it has laminate floors instead of cement and the bathroom and shower are in the same building, lol. It’s on the third floor of our landlord's building and it has a balcony and we also have a really cool view so I can’t complain about that. Our new maid/pension is actually a guy and his cooking is off the wall! He was actually a chef in the Peruvian military for the past 30 years but now he owns a little store with him and his wife. He isn’t a member and we ran into him just as a contact and now we eat with him everyday, so little by little ...We are teaching him the discussions and he came to Elders Quorum yesterday too so that was cool.

Moving our stuff was interesting because no body has their own vehicles here so the only way to move things is by bus or taxi. But we were lucky and found a guy who had a very tiny pickup which was smaller than my Mazda, and a tiny rusted out flat bed, but he said he would charge 15 soles (around 5 bucks) per trip so we hired him. But being poor missionaries we were determined to only pay for one trip so we managed to get all of our stuff on one load. You should have seen it, this truck was loaded to the hilt and then some. It was sky high. So Elder Chavez and I rode of the back to make sure everything stayed on, and we took off down the PanAmerican Highway, it was definitely a sight to see!! lol. It reminded me of when we would move our sheep, llamas, and cow down the road all at the same time!!, lol. But we are moved and getting settled so all is well.

We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet

We thank thee, O God, for a prophet

To guide us in these latter days.

We thank thee for sending the gospel

To lighten our minds with its rays

We thank thee for every blessing

Bestowed by thy bounteous hand.

We feel it a pleasure to serve thee,

And love to obey thy command.

New Photo of the First Presidency

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/thomas-s-monson-named-16th-church-president

President Thomas S. Monson

President Henry B. Eyring

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I just love these men! What a great time to be alive and to have such wonderful leaders to guide us! I am so thankful for their example and for another smooth transition. Here are some of my favorite President Monson quotes--

• "It has been said that the gate of history turns on small hinges, and so do people's lives. The choices we make determine our destiny."


• "Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully, but also as a determination to live decently. A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.

Elder Bennett Looks Good!

Elder Bennett from Filer, ID is in our stake and after almost two years in Peru, it it great to see him looking so good! Landon got to visit with him at a mission conference. Here he is (on the left)with Elder Landon Rich from Morgan, UT and two wonderful new members!

Greetings From the Mission Front!

Hey guys!

So this past week has been such a good week. This past thursday we went on some splits. I left and went with our District Leader Elder Chavez and our Zone Leader Elder Johnston came and worked with my comp, Elder Choque. I had a great day with Elder Chavez. We actually raced up and down some of the big old sand dunes on the way to appointments so that was pretty fun. This past couple of days have been great with Elder Choque, we are starting to really enjoy one another and we are even playing jokes on each other. Elder Choque started it so that was defitenitly a good sign. He is starting to loosen up and we are working really great together. Its Great!! The temple was really amazing even though I didn´t know a whole lot of what was going on (the session was all in Spanish) I definilty could feel the spirit. Hearing it in spanish was really neat and having to do everything in spanish was definilty a challenge but i got through it. I really love the Lima Temple and the little Peruvians that work there. They really love the misssionaries and they are a real strengh to us all.
Elder Choque and I are currently in the process of finding a new apartment and hopefully a pension who is much closer. We want a cuarto pension but its tough to find one that meets all of the requirements. But we are still looking, we need to find one by the end of the week so hopefully something turns up.
I haven´t really told you too much about the terrain here in Ancon so here goes. There's sand, sand, and some more sand. There is one main section of paved road and that is the strip of Ancon. There aren´t really cars just a whole lot of little motor taxis and some of them are pretty decorated. Its funny cuz they take pride in their little motor taxis like people take pride in thier rice rockets back home. But yeah we do a ton of walking. We probrably average at least eight miles a day, but that makes alot of time for street contacts so thats always good. The people here are really great escpecially the members. We taught a lady the other day who has a son with the name of Brian so I was quick to tell them about my little bro.
But yeah things here are going great. I love hearing from everyone and its sounds like things are going great. Love you guys.
Elder Schofield
thanks for the blog, that´ll be cool, lol!

Brian's New Friend

Brian brought home a new friend that he has been spending a lot of time with! Her name is Tink and she has been a great addition to the family! I guess she looks a lot healthier than the dogs Landon has seen in Peru.

Greetings From The Field!

"Thank you so so so much for your great letters and all of the news from back home. Yesterday we had Stake conference in Pro and let me just say that the saints here are so strong. There were so many that showed up, they even had a huge tent set up outside with televisions because there were too many people for the chapel and the overflow. our ward of Miramar was the choir for the conference so that was fun to get to hear them as well. We have this inactive family that we are working with and too our surprise one of their sons came to the conference. he is about 11 years old and traveled about and hour on the crazy bus system of Lima all by himself to attend the conference. He came and sat by us, he also gives us alot of contacts so that's a good deal as well. But yeah the faith of the members here is strong so I am really thankful for that. This Wednesday we are going to the temple and this will be my first time with hearing the session in Spanish. So i´m sure it will be interesting, lol. I also have an interview with President Perez on Thursday, but don´t worry i haven´t done anything wrong, its just our regular interview so its all good. My comp is getting a little antsy to go home and at times its a little hard to keep him motivated and to get him out the door. Things aren´t too bad but i hope they don´t get any worse. I'm sure that's natural so just pray for us and i'm sure it will be all good. I love you!! "
Elder Schofield

Another "Hurdle" Cleared!

"I am writing from the beaches of Chancay where I am working on my farmer's tan! Our district had a picnic today and we played volleyball and are just hanging around.

This week we taught a sweet little family and we were asked by the mother for a blessing for health. I thought sure, piece of cake. Elder Choque will give the blessing after I do the annointing. But she specifically asked me to do the blessing and I was very scared and nervous. I was able to calm down though and was able to be the mouthpiece and the words in Spanish just came. It it another testimony of the greatness of this work. Each hurdle I get over is just another boost is my testimony and my confidence in sharing the Gospel. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

I need Brian to send me pictures of his dog. The dogs down here are pretty mangy and look like they are about to die! It is pretty discouraging so I need to see what a normal dog looks like again! I'm going to bed dead tired everynight so I hope that is a good sign!"

I'm Definitely Not In Idaho Anymore!

"Thanks so much for your emails and yes I did get those DearElder.com letters and they are very very fast. Everything is coming along here in Peru. The language is still a barrier but I try to say a new phrase and a couple of new words everyday. The members of the ward here are great and they are so quick to help me out cuz they know I am a very new gringo. Speaking of wards, I gave my first talk in church in Spanish. Elder Choque and I had about 5 mins each to talk about what ever so I talked about Obra Misional (missionary work). To be quite honest I was scared so so so bad. I couldn´t stop freaking out but the time finally came, and let me just say I am a believer in miracles. It was amazing, it didn´t feel as though i was really trying to speak Spanish but the words just came. I shared D&C 18:10-16 and told them how they too can be missionaries each and every day. I also encouraged the young men to prepare to serve and promised them blessings. after I got done i felt so good about what i had just done. As far as I know I didn´t tell them to do anything really drastic or crazy. Elder Choque was next and he testified of miracles and he told them that they had just witnessed a miracle with me speaking Spanish. The last speaker was Richard Odar and he is a returned missionary and he has gone on splits with us a couple of times. He too testified of miracles and he has been one of my greatest helps with learning Spanish. But yeah I love the ward here in Miramar. How lucky i am to be able to start here. OH i ate another crazy thing that i wouldn´t care to eat again. Cow Stomach. YUCK. Its lucky chewing a piece of gum for ever and ever, its really interesting and rubbery. We weren´t able to see the broadcast of President Hinckley´s funeral because they only broadcast it to Lima and the city of Lima itself is out of our mission. This last week has been kinda rough because our investigators aren´t keeping their commitments. They have to attend church a minimum of three times before they can be baptized and they were all on course to be baptized at the end of the month but no of them came to church. It was disheartening but I guess we will just have to dig a little deeper. SEND MORE CANDY. for some reason I crazy American candy so if you could find it in your heart your poor missionary in Peru would like some sweets, lol. I love you tons and appreciate your prayers. Elder Schofield
PS-I met elder Bennett from Filer, he also leaves next transfer but Jessie Heaton told him i was coming so it was good to talk to him for a while. THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!"
LOVE YOU

Thank You President Crayk!

I sent President and Sister Crayk a thank you note when they got home and expressed our appreciation for helping Landon get off to a good start at the CCM. What wonderful people! This is his response:

Dear Brother and Sister Schofield:
Thank you so much for the photos and the
kind words that you expressed to Sister Crayk and I. I want you to know what a
pleasure it was to have your son, Elder Schofield, with us in the MTC, in fact the transition to normal life has been quite a challenge for me because I don't have the day to day association with great young men like your son. Sister Crayk however is enjoying life hanging out with our children and 8 grand children and we both are enjoying being back with our family. Once again thank you for sharing your son with the Lord and the great people of Peru. Send him our love
and we will keep him in our daily prayers.
Sincerely,Lee and Connie Crayk

The FIELD

"Hey so I'm out in the field now and it is pretty crazy stuff. My new companion is Elder Choque and he is from the southern most part of Peru. I am actually going to be his last companion because he leaves next transfer. So anyway let me back up a little. Wed morning we left with President and Sister Perez and went to their apartment to meet the assistants as well as to get an orientation. We had our interview with President Perez as well and it was a little interesting because it was all in Spanish. But I got through it. Next we had a big lunch and I can almost guarantee I wont be getting a meal like that in a while. Around 4 o'clock we left for the stake center to have our transfer devotional. When we walked into the Chapel all of the north mission was singing called to serve and they had us newbies sit on the front couple of rows. We each had a chance to introduce ourselves and well as bear our testimonies. Then we met our new comps. It was sort of a call out ceremony so it was kinda fun. After Elder Choque came and got me we went a chilled with my district. After our devotional we headed to our area. The toughest part was trying to find a taxi that would take us all the way there. My area is called Miramar and its in the city of Ancon. Its actually right next to the beach and our area takes in the beach, so that's pretty cool. Our apartment isn't to bad. The bathroom is extremely small and the shower is out side but other than that its pretty good. The shower is extremely cold so every morning I get a little trial of my faith. The ward here in Miramar is really great. Everyone in it is so friendly and they are definitely helping me with my Spanish. Cuz quiet frankly once i got out here I realized just how much i don´t know, but its coming. We had a baptism on Sat. It was a nine year old girl named Estephanie. the baptismal font is actually a whole in the floor and once you get down there it opens up to a normal sized font so that's pretty cool. Our maid lady (pension) is really great. She is a member of the ward and her food is really great. About the weirdest thing I have eaten thus far is cow heart and I´m not really a fan. Last night we had Fish Spaghetti so that was also pretty interesting. It was alot of different thrown right at you. Right now in Peru is Carnival. Its the big celebration that goes on for a while so right now things are pretty crazy. Tell everyone hi for me!!! Love You!!!"
Elder Schofield

From President and Hermana Perez!

President and Hermana Perez wrote us a letter and sent this photo! It was really good to hear from Landon's mission president. They do not speak a word of English but the language is not a barrier! They are communicating well. They sound like they have a deep love for each of the missionaries and I know Landon will be in good hands for the next 2 years (not just theirs, but the Lord's also).

Landon also included a note expressing his love and appreciation for them. They will be with him for the entire time he is in Peru. He has felt very small and inadequate as more and more new challenges come his way. He has relied on the power of prayer and is feeling a great peace as he faces each one. He is parting with some wonderful friends that he has worked and trained with and looks forward to meeting up wtih them after they all return home from their missions!

It's GO TIME!

"So I am officially within 5 days of being shipped out. I am so excited, its kinda crazy but the last couple of days my ability to understand Spanish has really clicked and I am beginning to understand the Latino accent and its such a relief for me.
We just got back from immigration and I am now officially a Peruvian Citizen. While we were sitting there a lady came and talked to us in English. it took me a sec to understand what she was saying but then I realized she was speaking English I understood. She was from Europe and she has lived in Peru for two years. She is a member and her mom lives in Logan Utah. It was pretty fun to chat with her for a while. While we were waiting we had to sit and wait in line. And it just so happened that there was a nun on the middle of the bench. So Elder Smith and I sat on one side and two other elders sat on the other. I wish I had a picture of that. A man came up and told us that this would be a classic photo. A catholic nun in the middle of four Mormon Missionaries. Classic. We also met a man there who is working in the Peru for a while. He is from New Mexico and it was great to chat with him. He was pretty quick to give us the latest scores from College BBall and stuff.
President Gorberg has officailly taken over the reins here at the CCM. He is quite a bit different from President Crayk but he is still an amazing guy. I haven't had to much of a chance to really talk to him yet but hopefully i will.
Tomorrow we are going out and knocking doors again, except this time my comp wont be Elder Mollo, its going to be Elder Smith. So with two very green North Americans we are going to attempt sharing the word. I am way excited though, i love actually working with real people with real problems. The CCM scenarios are good but its best when we get to talk to actual people.
President Nelson´s talk was so amazing. We heard from him on Saturday as well as Sunday. And at the stake conference he was talking at the First Lady of Peru was present. She then came over to the CCM and we got to meet her. It was a very eventful weekend.
This is my last letter from the comforts of the CCM. I am very excited to be out among the people. These people are all so very humble and yet they are very happy.
I hope everything is going great. I love hearing from you and knowing that you are all doing great. Thanks!!!"
Elder Schofield

"What an amazing week! I feel as though I am making great strides in not only my teaching, but with my Spanish as well. I still have a long way to go, but I can see that the Lord has blessed me with the gift of tongues as well as interpretation of tongues. I am just really grateful for the blessings I am receiving.

Alot has happened in the past couple of days. We have met President and Sister Groberg, bid farewell to President and Sister Crayk, had a fireside with Elder Nelson and his wife, Wendy. When we were preparing for our meeting with Elder Nelson, we were in our classrooms when all the missionaries from the surrounding missions started coming in. My district was looking at them as if they were SUPER STARS! They all had a glow about them and the comment was made "I can't wait until we are REAL missionaries"! It's true. Just looking at them gave me a peace that we are part of a great work. I experienced an amazing meeting: We were in the presence of two CCM presidents, five mission presidents, the temple president, an entire area presidency, 600 missionaries and member of the Quorum of the Twelve! There was a lot of power in that room! Before the meeting, Elder Nelson took the time to greet each one of us. He looked me right in the eye and said, "Good Morning Elder Schofield" Then he spoke to us about the importance of truly knowing our investigators and more, and he left us with a beautiful Apostolic Blessing. I was really comforted and I know I have a big responsibility in this great work.

Thanks for all your letters! They really put a smile on my face!"

Love, Elder Schofield

"Hey Everyone,
Well I have less than two weeks left here in the CCM. I'm way excited and I'm super scared at the same time. Its a little nerve racking to be thinking that I am going to be out, doing what Ive spent so much time learning how to do. Its a big responsibility and I really excited. I'm feeling a little inadequate but I'm excited to get out there and get to work.
Our new CCM President, President Groberg, comes in at 2 o'clock today. This place has been crazy with getting ready for the new President and Elder Nelson. There is going to be a big youth fireside with Elder Nelson here today and he will speak to us tomorrow morning. There will be over 600 missionaries here for that. I cant wait to here from him.
The food is kinda getting old, haha. Its funny cuz once you think that they can't possibly make a different kind of variation to chicken and rice, they surprise you and throw something new at you, lol. But what I wouldn't do for a cheese burger, lol. We had some of the new elders go to interpol today so i made sure they are bringing me back some Mt. Dew!!!
I hope all is well back home. I'm so thankful for everything you all are doing for me."

Elder Schofield

It's Real!

'Just walking through the streets and the markets it became so real to me. All of the people, the sights, and the smells are nothing I have experienced before and seeing how these people live would really humble anyone. The people are so willing to talk to you, even a 'gringo' from Idaho! Oh, and by the way, I did get called a gringo!

At time I think we take things for granted, but getting to know the Latinos makes me step back and realize how blessed we are. Many of these Elders from Latin America are the only members in their families. Many of them have scrificed so much to be here and seeing their smiling faces and positive attitudes is such a strength to me."

They Have Mountain Dew in Peru!

"Hey Everyone,

Ok so alot has happened in the last week so I will try to get in all in. Last Saturday we went out and had our first experience with real door to door missionary work. We left early in the morning and went to a small town ( about 500,000 people) called Ventanilla and its actually in the North mission. We went to the stake center and got paired up with a member and went to work. We contacted several less actives and did alot of street contacts. My companion was Elder Mollo and the two of us worked really well together. Pretty much throughout the entire day I had a hard time understanding what people were saying to me but overall i could gather the jist of what was going on, until our very last contact. She was a less active and we thought she was the only one home but her mother was there with her. Her mother was a really hard core catholic and hated her daughter being a member and just couldn't believe the Book of Mormon. She started out listening to elder Mollo and I but then she started yelling at us. I was seriously freakin out. She kept yelling and i looked at elder Mollo and he didn't know what to do either, but then I knew we had to calm her down so I interrupted her and looked her right in the eyes and bore my testimony to here. after I finished she sat back and seemed to be open to our teachings, we taught about the Restoration and how the book of Mormon and the bible work together. I don't know what will happen with her but i was just really excited i actually knew what was going on and I felt like I taught her. Even though she agree 100 percent with what we were teaching i know that she felt the spirit. But by the end of the day I was so worn out. The town on Ventanilla is a slightly impoverish city but the people there are so willing to let you in and teach. It truly is amazing. It was most definitely the hardest thing i have ever done but it was a great time.

Yesterday several of us had to go to interpol to become legal Peruvian citizens. It was quite uneventful until the drive back to the CCM. Our driver stopped at a gas station and let us get some goodies. I walked in and there it was. An ice-cold can of MOUNTAIN DEW. It was totally unexpected. The only problem was that it cost about five soles, so me and Elder McGavin were going to go halvesies on it.

Yesterday was also our big day of fun. For lunch we had pizza hut and all afternoon we spent exploring Lima and taking in the culture. We could wear our normal clothes with our name tags and basically be tourists for a day. We got to see the Peruvian white house and all of the big tourist attractions. For an entire hour we were turned lose to go and do whatever so here Elder Cooke, Evans, and I are all alone in Lima Peru and we basically stuck out like a sore thumb. We went to the soccer stadium and bought soccer jerseys. That night we had a steak dinner and were able to play football and soccer all night under the lights. It was a blast.

We got a new shipment of Elders today. So now there is about 120 missionaries here. It was sad to see Elder Mollo and Elder Oreallana head out but they will be great.

I appreciate all of your emails and letters, they lift me up so much. Thanks!!"

Hola!

"Hey Everyone,

So everything down here in Peru is going great. Last night was probably the craziest New Years Eve celebration I have ever seen and I didn't even leave the walls of the CCM. The people here make giant dolls of bad world leaders like Bin Laden and people like that and then at midnight they Blow them up! All night there were explosions and music and all kinds of stuff. It was tough to get to sleep but eventually I was able to tune everything out.

So the weight that I gained back in Provo is now officially gone. I had a little bit of a pudge but my pudge is no more. We are so much more active here and the food is alot healthier so all and all its a good deal

The other night I was able to meet my mission President and His wife. President and Sister Perez. They don't speak any English so my first interview with him will be very interesting, hopefully i don't say something really bad and they send me home for it, lol. But they both demand so much out of their elders but they also have a great deal of love for them. It was great to have been able to meet them so soon. I am taller than both of them and I’m not that tall so that was kinda funny.

This sat we are going out on the streets to teach to REAL people. I cant wait. I’m really nervous cuz my Spanish isn't all that great but still way excited. We will be paired up with a Latino companion that way us North Americans don't blow it and something is actually taught, lol.

Elder Smith and I officially passed our first milestone or test with lesson one. I can officially teach lesson one in Spanish. Its definitely shaky but its all good. I was pretty stoked about that. We also had to make a street contact by ourselves and I survived that as well thank goodness.

Oh and you all know how I always have a rubber band on, well my Latino roommates asked me one day why i wore one and I told them I had alot of reasons and they said that it looked cool, so I gave them each one and they are so proud of it. Its crazy how something so simple can mean so much to someone. But it made my day!

I seriously wish you all could be here to experience what I am. It truly is an amazing place!! I will try to send pictures as soon as I can but I'm not real sure when I will be able to. I wish I could send more emails cuz I hate not being able to personalize them, its just kind of a general ´´this is how its going´´ kind of a letter. but I hope you all know that I am so thankful for your support and prayers."

Elder Schofield

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!

What To Expect At the MTC?

Landon was scheduled to enter the MTC on November 28th 2008 and we planned to go down alone with him that morning. Brian and Landon were both good with that and they pretty much said their good-byes Tuesday night. We had some surprise visitors at 2:00! Anna and Curt snuck in to town with a 12 pack of “DEW” for Landon. We sat up and talked for an hour or so and then tried to go to bed again. Too excited!Wednesday morning we got up and got loaded the car while Brian got ready for seminary, school, and his basketball game that night. We all left about 6:50 am and we were almost to Twin Falls when the phone rang and Brian asked “Is it too late? Can I still go?” We were so glad! He got to his seminary class and thought “What am I doing?” We met up with him and the two boys hung out in the back seat on our way to Provo. We were very glad to have them together for the day.
When we got to the MTC everything was so organized. Landon’s cousin, Matt Zweifel, met us at the main entrance and it was so good to see him! Landon got his name tag and “dork dot” to show he was a newbie! We went in to the main meeting chapel and had a wonderful and short devotional and meeting. I felt so good about leaving him there in such good hands. The good-byes were quick and fairly painless! Like a band-aid - - get it over with quick and it doesn’t hurt so much! Click on this website for an awesome inside look at the MTC-www.allaboutmormons.com/Eng_video50.php

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had Thanksgiving at Buhl with all the kids home and in and out for the weekend. Saturday we had our “early Christmas” gift exchange with our $5 gifts. What fun that was! Landon had his “See Ya Later” meeting on the Sunday after Thanksgiving –Nov 25th. It went really well and he had a lot of support from friends and family. He said lots of ‘see ya laters’ as everyone left. We appreciate everyone so much for their love and encouragement.

Landon has been lucky(?) to have so much time to prepare. I know now that he needed that time to really get ready to leave. I am so thankful for his good friends and the example and support they have given Landon. KC Hulse and Kyle Clements are also serving Spanish speaking missions and they certainly will be the "Three Amigos"!

Peru Lima Mission History

The Peru Lima North Mission is a very large divided mission covering a section of Lima and then a large area of the northeast part of the country.
August 7, 1956 - First missionaries arrive in Peru.
February 24, 1957 - First Lima Branch Conference
November 1, 1959 - Andes Mission formed (included Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela). There were 5 branches in Peru and 300 members!
1965 - Church memebrship in Peru grows to over 6300.
1970 - The first stake was formed in Peru. The Lima stake 6 wards, 3 branches, and approximately 5000 members.
1974 - Lima West Stake formed.
1976 - Lima Peru Central Stake and the Lima Peru Lamanita Stake formed.
1977 - Approx. 17,000 members in Peru.
January 10, 1986 - Lima Peru Temple dedicated1988 - Church grows to 45,000 members in the Lima area and a total of 120,000 in all of Peru.
1996 - Church membership reaches 270,000 in 75 stakes.
2000 - Over 312,000 members in 81 stakes.
2001 - Over 348,000 members
2002 - Over 353,559 members in 512 Wards and 221 branches.
Average baptisms per Peru mission per month: 117.4
Average new converts retained per mission per year: 352

Passport Details

Landon filled out the paperwork to get his passport started as soon as possible. He knew the Visa application is what would usually hold him up from leaving the country so Brady took him to town and submitted his Passport application on August 1st. The actual passport arrived in our mailbox in Buhl, ID on August 11th! Unbelievable!

The Big White Envelope!

Landon was expecting his Call to come in the mail this week and they usually get to Buhl on Thursday. When we didn't get it on Thursday (July 26th 2007), Lani and Brian left to go to Camp Bradley to help and Scout camp. Landon left to go visit friends in Eastern Idaho. So guess what came on FRIDAY (July 27th!) while mom was here all alone! The Big White Envelope! I put it in a safe spot (and one that I could remember!) and waited rather impatiently for everyone to get back home. Amy and Brady came for the weekeend and Anna and Curt were here with their girls. We all gathered in the living room as Landon opened it up. Peru Lima North Mission! Wow! We were all so excited for him! Spanish speaking! To report to the MTC in Provo on November 28th. 4 months! So long to wait, yet so much to do!