2 weeks in 1.

December 6, 2010
Family,

Things have been going here. I know its never a coincidence but it still amazes me how the Lord works. Last week I emailed President Maynes and told him about me having a hard time, but the thing was, he was in Grand Junction having interviews and a short training, so he didn't get my email. Then the next day I had the chance to go to the Temple, which was amazing!! I was so excited.. it had been way too long since I've been there. That really helped me out and helped me realize a bigger picture. Then the day after that we had our personal interviews and training and it was ALL about what makes a mission "hard" and what makes a mission "incredible" and how we can take our mission from hard to incredible. And it really helped me out and I talked with President Maynes and I am doing a lot better... just trying to let things get me down... I don't know why I have been having a hard time with that lately but its definately getting better. Thank Heavens..(which I do multiple times daily)
I'm sorry I can't really think of anything else to say either... just I love you and miss you all so much.
Thanks for everything I LOVE YOU!
--
-Elder Cameron Landon


December 13, 2010
Family,

Before I forget, I've forgotten to tell you the past two weeks... THANKS A LOT!!! You just HAD to tell the Fields that I sing and act! I was nervous for two weeks... because here I am sitting in our PEC meeting and the Bishop says.. "I hear the Fields got to see you mom. And she said that you would LOVE to sing for sacrament or our Christmas Party."
So I had to sing for the Ward Christmas Party. I sang Oh, Lord My Redeemer. It went fairly well despite the fact that I haven't performed like that in over a year... I was pretty nervous.. but it was okay.
I actually miss doing that.
A funny story about that is. In that ward there is a boy named Zach. He is 11 and he has Cerebral Palsy.And he LOVES singing. When I was singing the chorus he came up and sang it with me. It was great.. He's such a good kid. Everyone in the ward loves him. That was a good experience and it was pretty fun.

Well, it sounds like you are all keeping very busy. We are too. We got a referral from the MTC the other day saying that there was a man who has friends that are members of the church and he's been to several church activities , and he's even been reading the Book of Mormon. It gave us his name, address, phone number and also told us that he is wanting to take the missionary lessons. Which was a definate answer to Elder Ah Kiong's and my prayers... we don't have that many people we're teaching and those that we are, are all very busy with the season.
So we called Steve, that's his name, and set up a time to see him on Wednesday. I'm very excited about that.

So next week I will still email you on monday. But our P-day is going to be on Christmas. So if you could let me know when you're going to all be home so I can call I'd appreciate that. Just so we can coordinate that with the members who said we could call from their house. Thanks.
Also President Maynes doesn't want us proselyting on Christmas Eve evening or on Christmas at all.. He did say we could go caroling though and if we have set up appointments or can set up appointments to go to those but if we have neither just go home. Elder Ah Kiong and I are going caroling with the Assistants on Christmas Eve, and then we are trying to find a member with a 15 passenger van or something and go caroling as a district to all of our investigators houses on the evening of the 22. I am really excited about doing that and I hope it works out.
Elder Ah Kiong got it approved by President to have a Ukelale, that a member gave him. So we wrote our own Christmas song that we'll be singing. I am really excited about that I'll see if I can send short videos over the email and show you.

As Zone Leaders we have to do splits with the District Leaders and I went with Elder Borg, He's from Boise but the rest of the "Borg Family" are in Idaho Falls. He told me from everyone of his realtives houses you can look out the window and see the "Beer Temple" I laughed because I knew exactly what he was talking about. haha.
Anyways.. he is into musical theatre.. so we talked for a long time... it was great. He was telling me about this theatre about an hour outside of Boise called Starlight Mountain Theatre in Garden Valley. Its owned by members, and its an outdoor theatre. They live there and work and perform. They house you and feed you and everything. I really want to do that the summer I get home... it sounds so much fun.

I know why I'm out here and I know it'll be tough but it'll be worth it.

I love you all so much and miss all you too,

--Elder Cameron Landon
But I wanted to thank you for "throwing me under the bus" ;)

Dear Family......

Dear Family,

Elder Ah Kiong is a good guy and we're getting along well.

A normal day for us is:
6:30 wake up
6:30 - 7 exercise
7-8 eat, shower and dress
8-9 personal study
9-10 companion study
10-12 knocking on doors and visiting less actives
12-1 lunch
roughly 1-5 trying to visit more lessactives and set up appointments and if that doesn't work revelation tracting (knocking on the doors that the spirit directs us to)
5-6 dinner(usually with a member family but when not at home)
6-9 teaching appointments and if not back to tracting
9-9:30 getting either midweek numbers, diamond lists (the investigators that are closest to baptism), Weekly coordination reports( how the meeting went with the ward mission leader and how everything was coordinated), or ending week numbers,
9:30-10 plan for the next day (usually takes a LOT longer than a half an hour.
10-10:30 get ready for bed and then go to sleep( but being a Zone Leader you don't get to bed until about 11ish)
Then we do it all over again... it get pretty monotonous... but we trying to do different things to make it different...

Thanks I really like the Christmas ornament. And tell everyone thank you for the letters and for the pictures. I loved them.

We technically do live with a member but at the same time we don't. We live in a member's basment but its a basment apartment... with its own kitchen and bathroom and everything. So kinda but not.
Its nice though I really enjoy it. We live with two other missionaries which I like because it allows you to get to know more people. Elder Allen and Elder Fischer.


I am doing fine... still adjusting to being a Zone leader and the RICH area... its really hard but I'll make it through... I hope.

I love you all very much thank you for everything.
I miss you!
Your son and brother,
Elder Cameron Landon

A new area......

Dear Family,

Well,... I am in Highlands Ranch. Our Zone is the Temple Hill Zone because the Temple is here! I am so excited to go back to the Temple. Its been a long time... I don't remember a whole lot. I cannot wait.
But in our Zone we have three districts. And we cover two stakes with our Zone. The Highlands Ranch Stake and the Littleton Stake. My companion is Elder Ah-Kiong. He's is part Samoan and part Chinese. So I get to serve with another polynesian, which I have no problem with because they are very happy-go-lucky people... and he can EAT! I eat nothing compared to him ..or to Elder Vave. Elder Ah-Kiong has been out for a while now... he goes home in March. He's from Hawaii. We're getting along very well.

My new area is great we cover the Northridge and Summitview Wards. The members are great! The only two problems I'm having with the area are: EVERY ONE is freaking RICH! these houses are HUGE and everyone is so weathy... its blowing my mind. and the second thing I'm not liking about serving here is... I DON'T KNOW MY WAY AROUND!! Everything looks exactly the same... All I know is that the mountians are to the west... that's all I can tell ya.
Being a Zone Leader isn't bad but I'd rather not be one... I mean its helping me work more and harder which I really like but there are a lot of responsibilities. And with those responsibilites we don't get as much sleep... and you know me, I love my sleep. Take Yesterday for instance... we were at the church in meetings (including sacrament meeting in both wards and the rest of the block for one) from 7 in the morning until 4:30 that evening... that was a LONG time. I was having a very hard time staying awake for it.
One good thing about being a Zone Leader is that all of them have cars.. and we got a brand new one. A 2011 Chevy Malibu... its nice; and can drive very smooth... I LIKE IT.
Oh yeah! so the transfer train ride was interesting.. we met in Rifle and drove to Grand Junction. And then once the transfer meeting in Grand Junction was done they handed me a set of keys and said I was going to be driving a car back to Denver because the Church was going to sell it. (the church sells the missionary cars once they hit about 50,000 miles. So I was a little hesitant about it because we had to drive through the mountains of Vail, Aspen, and all the other BIG RITZY ski resort towns and there was snow up there.. but that was okay with it... I just followed the truck and trailer. What they didn't tell me was the ACTUAL reason they were selling the car. Something was wrong with the breaks! Every time I pressed on the breaks they would bounce and that made the whole car shake. It was scary in some parts but I just slowed down and took my time and prayed... a lot. but we made it safely and nothing went wrong.
We live in the basment, which is like its own apartment with two other missionaries. Elder Allen (from my MTC district) and his companion Elder Fischer, he's from Chile and he's funny! I like living with other missionaries... it gives you someone else to talk to and get to know.

I'm glad Sister Field was able to talk to you. I've only met them the one time I was at their house and then briefly at church. They seem like very nice people. That's so nice of them that they are willing to bring back a package.

The only difference about being a Zone Leader is that you have to get numbers from each district leader in your Zone and then report those to the APs (the Assistants to the President) and then once a week discuss with all the other Zone Leaders and the President on a confrence call about how we can help each area improve where they need to improve. Also as a ZL you have to set a good example to other missionaries, and if any missionaries are acting out or causing problems or not following the mission rules you have to straighten them out... ( I couldnt' think of another way of saying that but basically thats it) so that is one reason why I don't want to be a Zone Leader, because they have to help missionaries get back on tract and they can carry a bad reputation. But I hope I can be a fun ZL and still help them want to follow the rules.

So on Thanksgiving we've got two "Turkey Bowls" we're playing at (football games.. with the wards) and then spend the rest of the day visiting family that said we could come by... so we'll end up eating at like four or five houses... I'll be so stuffed, it'll be great!

Before I forget my new address is:
10286 Willowbridge Ct.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Thanks for everything! I love you all! Please take care!

Your Son,

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Finally,,,,, transfered.

Dear Family,

Yes, I cannot believe either that it has been one year tomorrow. I'll be home in no time though.

First off... Starting next week our P-days will now be on Mondays. So that is when I will email you and get you my new address. Because I'm being Transferred! Which is sad and exciting and scary and nerve-wrecking all at once.
Yes, we got our transfer call last night at about 10:20. Elder Vave will continue to serve here in Craig and Baggs. I will be leaving. We've got to be in Rifle by 10:45 in the morning to get on the "Transfer Train" which is just a caravan of several cars, a truck and trailer, and now a 15 passenger van, All loaded with missionaries, their luggage and bikes. So that's excitin'
So last night I started packing and getting things ready and then at about 11 o'clock I was getting tired so I went to bed. Well... we forgot to set our alarm this morning... luckily the MISSION PRESIDENT CALLED US!... Talk about a scary wake up call! I thought he SOME HOW KNEW!.. It wasn't terribly late it was 7:15 when he called... so about forty-five minutes late.
SO I answered the phone and he asked me something I was dreading.
"Elder Landon, because of your good service in Craig I would like to ask to serve as a .... Zone Leader. Can you do that for me?"
I hesitantly said yes.
So from a normal missionary one transfer to a district leader the next, and now a Zone Leader... I don't know if I'm cut out for this. But apparently he and some up higher (points to the ceiling) thinks I can. And their confidence in me is a little reassuring... but not much.. I so nervous...

So that limits the areas I serve in, the companions I could have. And through calling around I've found out there are only three or four places I could go.. Montrose, CO... (that's still "out west") or... Denver. I hope and pray I'm not down town Denver... I DON'T want to go there. AT ALL.


Steven's baptism went great! There were a lot of people there. There were almost more less-active members and non-members then actual members of the branch there. They were all Steven's friends. It was great.
His wife saied something to a member who then told us... Well first off Steven had to quit chewing before he could be baptized and we asked his wife, Jennifer if she wanted to quit smoking along with him. She was kinda on the fence about the whole thing, not only quiting smoking but being baptized, so we left her alone about it and focused more on Steven. Then what she told a member was "Well, when I get ready to be baptized myself at least I won't have to worry about having to quit smoking."
That's so exciting because one she quit! and two she's thinking about being baptized! I am so excited for this family I only wish I could be there when the rest of the family gets baptized.


Well, I love you all very much but I have to run around town all day taking care of things and saying good-bye before I have to finish packing. I miss you all very much and I've only got one more year left.. I'll be home in no time. ;) OH! one more thing about P-days being on Mondays now. Tansfers are always the day after P-day so they are now on Tuesdays. which means I will either be coming home a few days earlier or a few days later. So either Nov. 30 or Dec. 7. But it determines on when this next transfer is. But I'll let you know.

I love you. Thanks and take care.

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

He is so great.

Dear Family,

Well... I guess you could say that I am ready for my winter things... we had a little bit of snow about two weeks ago but then last week was really warm and it wasn't a problem. but now its cold again... I just kept forgetting to ask you to send them to me. So yes if you could send those to me I'd appreciate it, and if you could put my green hoodie back in with all the stuff too. Thanks. Don't over night them or prioriety ship them to me because that's expensive but if you could try to get them here before next wednesday that'd be great. Because tansfers are next week and I am about 99% sure I'm leaving. I kinda hope I am.. I need to see a new part of CO. The longer I'm here them more I want to come home... its hard to explain.. But I'm fine don't worry.
So yeah transfers are next week and I'll let you know what happens as soon as I can.


Well we are still just preparing things for Stephan's baptism. The preparations are coming along great. I am so excited and so is he.
When he had his baptismal interview by our Zone Leader I asked him if he'd like to say the opening prayer and he said he was too nervous. So I said it. He then had his interview, and afterwards we had a quick little lesson about what happens after his baptism and how its a lifelong commitment. At the end of the lesson I asked him if he was calm enough now to say the closing prayer and he did... But he said he wasn't sure what to say. We told him to go by the Spirit and say what's in his heart.
He said a great prayer. and when he was done he shivered.. and said... "I hope I can get used to getting these goosebumps I get when your around." We told him that that wasn't us it was the Spirit and it was his Heavenly Father telling him that He's proud of the decisions he was making. He said that he wants to feel that all the time. And he's excited that he can.
I can't wait for the rest of his family to feel all the too and realize the blessings far out weigh the "rules" or commandments. and we CAN be happier.

Thank you for everything again and as always. I love you all so very much. Please take care.
Your son and brother,

-Elder Cameron Landon

Herrrrreeees Cameron

Family,

Well.. October has come and gone... I can't believe how fast time has flown by. Our Halloween was pretty.... boring... just like any other day. Except we spoke in Sacrament Meeting in Baggs on Sunday about the blessings of Scripture, and we also did the sharing time in Primary... we taught the kids about Service and Missionary Work. It was fun. The night before we had our appointments cancel so we spent the evening with the Branch President and his family. They had their grandkids there. There's Emily who is 8, the twins Hunter and Mason who are 4, Aiden who is 3. Those are all siblings. And also Apsen was there she is 3 too. It was so much fun... I love those kids. They are great.. we were standing outside talking to President McConahay and they came up to us asking us to "run with them" so we ran at least fifty little laps around the front yard with them taking turns riding on our shoulders. It was fun... needless to say Elder Vave and I were VERY tired by the end of the night.

We did however move Stephan Clark's baptism from the 18 of Nov. to the 13. He's ready! He'll be interviewed by our Zone Leader tomorrow night. And what was cool was his youngest daughter, Brianna who is 11, came to us and told us she wants to be baptized also. But the only problem is, she being over 8 years old, needs to take all the lessons first... and she's only sat in on one. So we had to tell her she couldn't be baptized with her dad.
But she was happy when we told her the alternate plan. We told her if she could wait that her dad could baptize her. She lit up. And our idea is that by the time that Stephan is ready to recieve the Aaronic Priesthood then she'll be ready and hopefully the rest of the family will be also so he can baptize the older daughters and his wife also.. that's what we're hoping and praying for.
At least I'll be here for Stephan's baptism. I'm excited.

Elder Vave and I were riding our bikes down this path we saw next to the road going out of town.. and it turned out to be a nature trail.. but at one point it goes under a railroad bridge.. and kids have gotten up in there and spray painted it.. The Bridge is over a river, and its at least a hundred yards long, the bridge is. We climbed up there are took some pretty cool picutres. Here's a few.

That's about all I can think of at the moment but if you have any questions.. let me know.. I love you all and miss you tremendously.

Your son and brother,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

After a very long time...........

Ron's Baptism

Cam and Elder Plunkett, they became good friends.

WE FINALLY HEARD FROM HIM!!!!!!

Family,

Well... I'm sorry its been so long since you've gotten an email from me... the Library was closed yesterday... we were both angry. I would have emailed you sooner but this morning Sister Dalton asked us to help her move funiture out of her mother-in-law's apartment.. we started helping her at 9 this morning and just barely finished... but they took us to lunch also.

Ron's baptism went very well. There were a lot of people there which was good. Here is a picture of his baptism... that's me, his wife Melanie, Ron, Brother Tony St. John... (he's the one that's daughter is in the 8th ward and who called dad while he was there), and Elder Vave.

I did get the Halloween Package. Thank you! We are going to use it because the ward is having a Trunk-or-Treat tomorrow night and we will use the glasses and other things to decorate our car. Also we, (at least I am) going to wear some old suit jackets that we found in the back of the closet in the other Craig Elder's Apartment... I have some pictures attatched.... Also is a picture of Elder Plunkett and I when he was transferred out of Craig.. That was a sad day.. He's awesome.. He was in Craig as long as I was until this last transfer... He and I are already planning our trip back to Craig.

I am doing fine... I just hope and pray that at least Stephen Clark will be baptized before I leave because I want to be there for that... and I'm worried it might have to be next transfer... and that's the problem... I am ready for a change... I need to be in a new area... I want to see another part of Colorado... I'm hesitant however because I don't want to go to downtown Denver... because from what I hear its so fast-pase all the time and I know that'll stress me out and then I'll get sick and want to come home even more... I'm going to tell President to not send me to down town Denver.

Well... I'm sorry but there isn't much else to talk about... I can't think of much. I'm sorry I'm still tired from moving stuff most of the day. I love you all. And I miss you. Thanks for everything. I love you

-Elder Cameron Landon

My ding dong kid - love him

Short and sweet.

Hey,

I'm sorry I completely forgot to tell you last week in my letter that P-Day is going to be today this week. We've got our Zone Confrence this wednesday. The only reason its on wednesday is because we have a General authority coming. I'm sorry.. but that's okay I'm the only one that'll suffer because of it... I won't be getting a letter from you this week...at least through emailing. but I guess I'll live.

Umm... things have been busy...we've been trying to see as many of the less-active members here as possible... there are a LOT of them. But we're trying. I am doing better with not wanting to come home... but I still want to every now and again. I know the baptism Saturday will help. I completely forgot to tell you about that too... we're having a baptism Saturday..I got so excited about the Clark family that I forgot about the others we've been teaching. He's a 63 year old man who we had to get permission from the First Presidency to baptize. He's on parole but he's been coming to church for the past four months EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY... He was one of the Craig 1st ward missionaries' investigators but was then ours after the ward boundaries changed. So we didn't really teach him much we were in the phase of waiting from Salt Lake to let us know. His name is Ron Griffth. While he was in jail, which was a stupid reason he was there in the first place, his wife joined the church a year ago. Church Headquarters say an investigator that is on parole can have the opportunity to be interviewed by the Mission President if they've basically been living Temple worthy for at least two or three months.. I don't remember. So they have to be temple worthy for a time, be interviewed by the Mission President, and then be recommended by the Mission President to SLC and then they approve or reject it. The Mission President can also reject the possibility. They obviously can be baptized once they are off parole. So Ron has passed through all the ranks.. I'm very excited for him. So are a lot of people in both the 1st and the 2nd wards.

Thats all I have to say for now.. Tell everyone thanks again for all the birthday packages, cards and letters they helped a lot. I love you all and miss you.

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Family,
I'll tell you what... the rest that day when you called... was pretty hard. Okay VERY hard. It was then that I realized how easy it would be to just call you when ever I want, which is all the time. But its fine it was a mistake I just really wanted to keep talking to you. But I am fine now.

Saturday was probably the HARDEST day of my mission so far.. I kept thinking of the time I could be spending with my family and friends that day. Elder Vave and I were walking down the street and I turned to him and asked "have you ever thought of going home? I mean seriously thought about going home? I then told him about my first few weeks in the mission field and I was having a hard time... it was rough and I thought to myself.. I'll give it a year. That's long enough to do a good amount of work and to experience a mission and then I can go home. There is NO way I can do this for two years. Saturday was the day when all the started coming down on me. I wanted to go home so badly. The main reason is because I missed all of you so much and another reason was because of the monotony of missionary work.. its the same day in and day out. I wanted and needed a change. But then I thought about the Clarks and the lesson we were going to have with them that night. and all the other people who've come into my life who made huge differences and the differences that I was able to, through the Spirit, make in their lives. I can't leave.. what about those people who are still waiting for me.
The day did get better and I think I got the best birthday present I could get. We set a baptismal date with Stephen Clark. We were also at their house for about two and a half hours... we talked about the Gospel and then we just talked.. it was great... it really built their trust in us and built our friendship also. and that is a great thing. I am so excited.

I got four packages and a letter yesterday. Packages from you, Grandma and Grandpa Williams, Susan and her family, and from Seagull Book. I've gotten letters a birthday cards from Ember and Jeff, Andrea, Grandma and Grandpa Landon, Grandma Nielson. Tell everybody thank you for me. and Thanks for all the presents... We'll have to make that cake soon. I laughed when I saw the Batman plates cups and hats and stuff... thanks.
Sister Barainca did do something for me but it wasn't until Sunday afternoon because we were in Baggs all day Saturday. She even invited the Ence to come also... the Ence got me a present too... just some candy but still it was nice of them. Thank you for everything I love you.

I am really nervous about thing whole being district leader thing... I don't really want to do it, but I guess the Lord wants me to grow, whether I want to or not.

Thanks again for everything. I love you all very much and I hope I don't hear your voices until Christmas. ha ha. I miss you.
Take care


--
-Elder Cameron Landon

He is staying in Craig!!

Family...

I AM STAYING!!! CRAZY!!. I will be in Craig for six transfers... which is almost unheard of... that's a long time... over 8 months. Elder Vave and I are still together... but President Maynes has asked me to be the District leader. I hope I'm ready for it.
I am so excited to be staying because when we last left the Clark's in Baggs.. I told them it could be the last time I see them.. Stephen said that's too bad I wanted you to be here when I get baptized. So that's great! I am so excited...
We think if we work hard we could get between four to seven baptisms in the next six weeks... that is if the Clarks' daughters want to be baptized... I cannot wait!

I love you all and sorry this one is so short... but I am so excited about staying that I can't think of what else to say. I love you!

Your son,

-Elder Cameron Landon

We love having a missionary!!!!

Mom, Dad and the boys,

Well.. I have some exciting news... the lady I was able to baptize a little over a month ago, Theresa Weeks... now has a calling!! I am so excited for her.. She is in Primary teaching the six year olds.. She's very nervous but excited..she does very well with kids. We are going over to her house tomorrow to help her get her lesson plan ready. I know she's still learning but what better way to learn than to teach! Its going to be great for her.

Also, this saturday we are going to be in Baggs to watch confrence, and between the morning and afternoon sessions President McConahay is going to take us up on top of a mountain to take some picutres! I am so excited... almost as excited I am that General Confrence is coming up. I can't wait to hear from the Prophet and the Apostles... its a HUGE boost for missionaries... well for me atleast.

That's great that Brady is doing so well in football! Sad that he hurt another player but yes that is part of the game.. I have been "indoctrinated" into football a little more beacuse Elder Vave and Elder Plunkett both played football in high school and are football nuts... they call this 411 type number to get all the NFL and college scores and since Elder Plunkett and I have been here so long we've started to have a little Moffat County High School Pride grow in us... we've been to two of their football games... we've talked to people there about the gospel too! So that's cool and we can go as long as we're in our proselyting clothes...anyways... I've learned more about football and this week is MCHS's Homecoming....and its supposed to be a good game... I'm excited for that too.

Yeah I am very excited about the Clarks... They're great... we went this past wednesday to see them and were planning on teaching the Word of Wisdom.. but its so important to just follow the Spirit... so we ended up teaching their daughters... they are 16, 14, and 11. They also have a 3 year old boy. So I think it'd be great to baptize them as a family.... but we'll see... I would love to be here for that but Transfers are already next week... they come SO fast... I don't like it. I don't want to leave these people. Jennifer told us she was talking to her mother about her and her family seeing us and taking the lessons... and she started saying that she doesn't want me to leave because I've been here since the beginning... and she started to cry... I didn't imagine I meant that much to these people, but I hope they realize that the gospel and the spirit are more important than the missionary. At the same time I REALLY don't want to leave.
Answer time:
1. I have noticed the white feather on the envelopes... it took me about three letters to realize what it really was.. but thanks. I love having that reminder.
2. Living with members has its ups and downs... the members we live with now... its weird... and sorta annoying... they act more like our babysitters... we came home like 15 minutes late because we were in a lesson and he was sitting up waiting for us and they ALWAYS check to see if our room and bathroom is clean which it is. I know its their house but they treat us like kids... its annoying.. I LOVED living with the Ence's. They were great. But I preferred living in an apartment.. it was nice having our own place.
3. We make our own breakfast.. (cold cereal adn bagels mostly) and our own lunch (frozen tacos, burritos, sandwiches, mac n' cheese) but we have dinner with members every single night... its been great. We do our laundry at the member's house we live with.
4. We haven't done much on P-days... lately...we played soccer at the park with the kids in the wards but since school started we've just played with just us missionaries. But this weekend like I said we're going up on the mountain. I'm excited.
5.The wards here are great... they are a little different from back home... and a LOT different from back in Lewisville. People here are so willing to make ANYONE feel comfortable.. any visitors ANYONE... and I realized... people back home didn't do that as often.. its sad.

We do trade ties... I've gotten a few ties from several missionaries... and I am running low on ties.. because I can't trade ties other Elder have given me. So some ties would be nice... I'm gonna go and check some thrift stores today. Also I did find a member who is letting my pants out for me. OH! and the socks that have worn out are NOT the Missionary Mall ones... they are my white socks... I need new ones of those... By the way thanks for the idea about the tie ladder... we're gonna try that! ;)

I laughed pretty hard when I read the note at the bottom of your last letter... about the cloud paper being upside down and not to take it personally... I can see that you have been changing and that's a good thing... I am so excited to come home and just have fun with my family again. I miss that. A LOT!

Another thing I've noticed.. is ever since Ember and I have broke up I've wanted to talk to you more and more, and I've appreciated talking to you more and more. I guess I need to apologize. I wasn't the best son... I am NEVER going to let a girl ruin my relationship with the best mom and dad and family I could EVER ask for.

Like I said transfers are next week and my B-Day is two days after transfers... so if you could wait until after I find out what's happening to send it to me I'd appreciate it... I know that means I'll probably get it late but that's fine with me...

I love you all and miss you very much. You're all in my prayers daily. I love you.

Your Son,
Elder Cameron Landon

He is growing so much....

This is part of a letter I sent to Cam, this is what he is talking about in the first part of the letter.

I want to tell you about a story our teacher told us in RS . Her son was serving a mission, his companion was a sleepwalker and would leave their apartment at night walking around. He tried alot of different things to stop him. Well one night the companion, was walking around the apartment, when the temperature in the apartment dropped significantly and there was a very dark feeling in the apartment. The son, pulled the hood of his sweatshirt and crawled under the blankets. He realized what it was and cast the dark spirits out of their apartment. He and his companion were able to go to sleep. In the morning he got up and found a note written in terrible hand writing, but it was readable. It said a bunch of terrible words and threats toward the missionaries, then the note was signed, Satan. Apparently the companion had written it while he was walking around. The companion was given a couple blessings, sent home to get help and then he was able to go back out into the mission and finish his service. Pretty crazy!!! Satan IS REAL!!!! (that was just in case you forgot)



Family,

First off... the story that the RS teacher told .... scared me to DEATH! I had chills run up and down my spine. That is crazy... I know Satan is real and that he is doing everything he possibly can to stop this work from going forth. But what's amazing is... a statement by Joseph Smith that we recite at every district meeting and zone conference... it was one of those things I was memorizing as we were driving down to Utah to drop me off. Its called the Standard of Truth... it says..

"Our missionaries are going forth in different nations, the Standard of Truth has been erected. NO unhallowed hand can stop this work from progressing. Persecutions may rage, mobs my combine, armies may assemble, and calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independently till it has penetrated every continent, visited every climb, swept every country, and sounded in every ear til the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say, 'The work is done' " - Joseph Smith.
That's neat to think about.... but its also interesting that it says no UNHALLOWED hand can stop this work from progressing.... but we can. We can prevent this work from going forth to our brothers and sisters who need the gospel the most by not doing our visiting teaching/home teaching, not being kind, not setting an example of a disciple of Christ. I know we ALL have work to do and that we ALL can do better... even me. But that will come with time.

Also I wanted to let you know that I am not breaking the rules... the library was closed yesterday so we got to today.

The weather here isn't bad... its still somewhat warm... but its cooling off pretty quick.. but they say that we'll get an Indian summer soon... where it'll get pretty cold and then warm up again for about two weeks. but we're expecting snow by the end of Oct. And no we haven't gotten any smoke from the east... I've heard about that fire over in Boulder though... has it effected Mike and Joyce any? Aren't they living over there?

That's fine about my Facebook... but yeah please don't do anything that would embarrass me. I actually heard that you had "taken over my account" from a girl in the ward here who added me and then the next day she said that you had accepted the friend request or something... and that kinda freaked me out but that's fine... yeah weird. Thanks for doing that though.

If you could put my Green Hoodie in with my winter things I would appreciate that... I am also going to send some things home. maybe some books that I haven't used as much as I thought I would. but I really can't think of anything else for my birthday... maybe some money so I can get some new jeans... My don't fit anymore.... I know I am trying to not gain that much weight.. but Its hard... I haven't gained much more... just another 5 lbs... I am now at 145 which is a lot healthier than the 120 I was when I left. And I am trying to find a lady here in the ward that would be willing to let my pants out some, the search is still on... I just hope I can find someone who would do as good a job as you would. Oh yeah...some socks would be nice.. let's put it this way... my socks would NOT survive an attack from Grandma Williams if she saw them... ;) (you can tell her I said that)

Elder Plunkett is having a really hard time with his companion..WE all are! He's very slow and he is causing a lot of problems with the ward and with everyone... its frustrating but we'll make it.

I have somethign really exciting to tell you about Stephen and Jennifer Clark.. but I want to tell you in a personal letter... I'll write that today and get it to you soon.

Well I can't think of anything else to say at this point besides I love you and I pray for you all the time! I miss you!

Your boy,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

OHHHH

Family,
Well, to quote someone I know.... "another week and.............. another week. Who knows what that means, I just wrote it." I have NO IDEA what that means either. It made me laugh though. Thanks.

I am glad you enjoyed the pictures. I wanted to show you some of the peope I've gotten to know here. I will be sending some more home soon.

I am excited about serving with Elder Vave.. even though this transfer is already half way over... they just keep coming faster and faster... I'll be home in no time. I hit 10 Months on Saturday. Can you believe it?

Thanks for the updates with everybody. I'm glad everybody's doing good. I miss seeing everyone... but I'll survive.

Well... I had a really crazy dream the other night... It was about Grandpa Neilsen. Elder Plunkett, Elder Vave and I were all driving to an appointment and then I see one of those Salt Lake Express vans driving by and I see Uncle Steve, his son Justin, and Grandpa Nielsen in it... I yell for Elder Plunkett to pull over. So we follow the van and once it stops I get out to see them... I hug Justin and Steve and then ask where Grandpa was. They said he wasn't there ... but I could then see him very clearly. I told Steve that he was there and he said..."Well tell him hi for us." and they walk away.. So I turn around and there is Grandpa Nielsen and He gives me the biggest hug I've had in my life. The crazy thing about it was that it felt so real I could literaly feel his arms around me. He told me how much he loves me, how much he misses me and how proud of me he is. .. Then I woke up. It was a great dream.. I know he was really telling me those things.. It was amazing.

Well I am sorry but I can't think of anything else to say at the moment. But I'll write you a hand written letter today. I love you and take care!
Your son
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

HE LOOKS SO GOOD!!!!!

Elder Landon and Travis and Krikit McGruder


Elder Landon and the Robinson Family. Dave, Cam, Dewey, Donald, Raquel and sitting is Tina. I had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Dewey, they were taking Raquel up to college at BYUI and had brought a package from Cam. It was so neat getting to meet someone who had just seen my boy a couple days before.

We love having a missionary!!!!

Family,

Hey there! Well I think I finally have a good companion! He's great! We get along awesome.. and he works! This is going to be a great transfer.

I don't know if I told you but do you remember the guy from Junction that I taught? Trent Hill? But he called me, in Craig, a few weeks ago and told me he was getting baptized! He called me and Elder Englund to let us know how much we helped him and meant to him. He was baptized last Saturday Sept. 4. He's amazing and that really motivated me to be better and able to find another investigator like that!

And a family we've been working with here in Craig, who've I've becaome really close to, Travis and Kriket McGruder, went to the temple on Saturday Sept. 4 to recieve their endowments! Travis has been a member for just over a year.. he was baptized in July of '09. They're great. They are ones I HAVE to come back and see... 1. to see them and 2. to prove them wrong! They don't think I'll come back because every missionary says they'll come back but never do. So I am going to be back in Craig soon after I get home.
Also I have gotten really close to the Robinson family. They might be moving to Twin Falls because Tina's daughter isn't that great of a mother and Tina might take full custody of her grand-daughters. That's where's she's at now. They're a great family.. I'm glad you got to meet them.

Things have been hectic lately because a few weeks ago they changed the ward boundaries here and now there are a lot of new people in 2nd ward coming from what used to be 1st ward. and now because 2nd ward is so big and 1st ward is so small... they had us hand over Craig 3rd ward to the 1st ward missionaries... so this whole transfer will be basically helping each other get to know people. I will really miss a lot of the people in third ward but I'll see them again.

Well that's about it... I love you all very much and pray for you all the time... you know that. I love you and miss you all. Take Care

Your son, brother and servant of the Lord,
- -Elder Cameron Landon

Oh my boy!!!!

Family,


So yes I am still in Craig and I think I am happy with that... I've made a lot of friends with the people here. I think I'll be fine staying here for another six weeks. I don't know if I'll want to leave next transfer or stay for one more go-around... we'll see... I realized if I stay for one more transfer after this one I will be here for 9 months and leave Craig on my year mark. That's crazy. Its still funny to me how I was here for the General Confrence in April and next General Confrence is the last Sunday this transfer.... I'll have been here for two General Confrences!

Also there is a member here who is leaving today, she just graduated from high school in May and is heading to Rexburg to start school. Her dad is going up on either saturday or friday and they are bringing a package to you for me. His name is Dave Robinson and his wife's name is Tina their numbers are 970-629-1181, that's Dave's and Tina's is 970-701-9562... So if you could maybe call them sometime soon and set up a time to meet to get that package I'd appreciate it. I hope you can get it all worked out.. I'm sorry to just dump something else on you like that but I thought you'd appreciate meeting someone I've come close to here. They're a great family, I love them.

My new Companion is a Polynesian. He's Tongan. But he's from Southern, CA. His name is Elder Vave (Vah-Vey) people have a hard time pronouncing his name. He's great. He and I get along perfectly. He is actually Elder Piutau's cousin. Elder Piutau was in my MTC district. He has four boys and four girls in his family and he's the youngest boy. He has been out one transfer less than I have. I think we'll be good together.

My new address here is 1167 School St. Craig, CO 81625.

Yeah we're still going to the jail here once a week, but now we're just teaching a less-active guy... George has been transferred to the Mesa Co. Jail in Grand Junction and Dustin no longer wants to see us. But that's alright ... it happens. Our other investigators are still slowly progressing but they're progressing... i am hoping we'll have another baptism soon... but that's what every missionary hopes for.

I really don't know what else to say. I'm sorry ... Not much excitment lately just the same old same old missionary work. And I'm still chuggin' along.
I love you all so very much and thank you for you prayers they mean the world!
Your son,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Still there!??!!???

Family,

Well, I survived another night of anticipation for Transfer Calls. We got called last night at about 10:30, from the APs. Elder Wilson is leaving and I am staying. I will now be here in Craig for 5 Transfers and just short of 7 Months. That's crazy! I am excited but nervous because I don't know who my new companion will be. It'll be good though whatever happens.

We are moving again today however... we are now living with the Barainca's. We had to leave the Ence house because they have a lot of family coming for about three weeks for weddings and everything. But that's fine... I don't have too much to pack anyways.

About Ember. I got a letter from her the other day and she said that she's been praying about it a lot and can't shake the feeling that we need to write each other (her and I) ..less. I was fine with that. Yes, I have seen her hair and her new earrings... and I am not a fan... in fact... I am not sure how I feel towards her anymore because about a month ago I got a letter from her and while I was reading it I got the feeling that "Maybe she isn't the one." It was nothign she said in the letter that made me feel like that... just a feeling I got. I don't know what I'll do ... I am going to be writing her less.... I haven't really written her in about three or four weeks actually... I feel kinda bad but I've been busy. So yeah I don't know what'll happen but we'll see... if it doesn't work it doesn't work...if it does... then we'll see... I've been praying a lot about it lately... but I am going to write less because I need to focus on the people I am serving.
Yeah I know about Jeff... he's going to the Ventura, CA mission and he leaves in Oct. He got his call almost exactly to the day I got mine... I got mine Aug 13 and he got his Aug 12. Crazy. I am excited for him... From hearing him... he's changed A LOT and is going to be a great missionary.

Thank you so much for the Debit card. I did get it on monday and I am greatful you went through such length to get it to me... to the point where you had to leave the house covered in salsa and a mess... I love you. Thanks.

This past sunday they re-arranged the ward boundries for Craig 1 and 2 Wards. The 2nd ward was really lacking in Priesthood holders so they took some from 1st ward.. It was a good change. But I feel bad because we took the 1st ward missionaries top four investigators. they've worked hard with them.. but it'll work out.
I am so sorry about your jumpdrive. I hope you can find a way to make it work out.

I am almost done filling up my memory card. I have pictures on it from May. So it'll be nice and full for you.

Well... I don't have much else to add... I love you all so very much and get so excited to hear from you and how you all are. I love you and miss you!
Moroni 8:3
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

A day late, but t we got it.

Hey,

Sorry I am writing today and you didn't get a letter yesterday... the library was closed and we called the APs and they told us to do it today. So that's why I'm doing it now.

Well transfers are next week... we'll find out Mon or Tues, and I'll let you know on Wed if I am staying or not. I can see me staying or leaving. And I am not sure what'll happen.. I don't think I'd mind either. I just hope IF is stay ... I get a new companion. He's starting to really irritate me. Its hard being with someone 24 hours a day for weeks on end. But I'll survive.

So I will be here another week if you want to send me that card, thank you for doing that for me. Also tell Dad I did get his letter and tell him thank you SO much for me.

It sounds like Carson and Brady are still just dorks! But I miss them a lot. I miss you all more than I can explain. It also sounds like you all are really busy too. That's good.. I know that being busy helps from missing people more than normal.
I know that working has helped me feel better.

Your reading the New Testament? That's cool. I am reading the Book of Mormon again for the fourth time since I came out... its great. I love it. After I finish it again I will start studying the Doctrine and Covenants and the Church History. I want to know more about Joseph Smith and the revelations he recieved.

I haven't had headaches half as much as I used to if at all... so that's good.. and my ankle is basically back to normal... I can't rotate it as fully as I used to and it clicks ...when I do rotate it...but it doesn't hurt. So its fine.

I had the most amazing personal study this morning... I was reading in Preach My Gospel in chapt 10 on improving my teaching skills... and I kept thinking about the woman we'll be seeing tonight and I know exactly what we are going to talk about. I can't describe it but I know that the Holy Ghost was teaching me this morning.. it was incredible... I loved it. Sorry I can't explain it more but it was great.

Tell Bethany and Tylynn and their families that I got both of their packages and to thank them very much for everything and their prayers and their support. I would write them but I've forgotten to get stamps the past two weeks.. but I'll get some today.

I love you all very much and inform you about transfers.
Your in my prayers.
Take care!

Your son,
--Elder Cameron Landon

HE LOOKS SO GOOD!!!!!

Cameron, Theresa and his companion


Family,

Well, first off Theresa's baptism went great. It was an amazing experience for me and I'm sure for her also. The talks were great and the songs she chose were perfect and it was all just great. While I was in the dressing room changing I could hear the song that Theresa wanted played going... its called Go Light Your World by Chris Rice (yeah I know crazy!) but its about sharing your light with everyone you come in contacted with... its a really good song and very fitting. Anyways while I was in the dressing room changing and listening to the song coming through the door... I felt the light of Jesus Christ fill the room and my chest... and I felt ..... clean.. It was an indescribable feeling... I didn't understand why I felt clean when it was Theresa who entered into the waters of baptism and had her sins washed away. But then I realized it was her and my Savior sharing their light with me and allowing me to be clean. I know that this gospel is true and I know that it is through our Savior that we can become clean. It was an amazing experience. Here is a picutre of Theresa, E. Wilson, and I.


Also when Sister Paige called me about my debit card she said.... "Well, I just talked to your mom...." I thought "DON'T TELL ME THAT!!!" But it was alright.

With April and Ryan, She did not get full custody and the judge said her ex wasn't in contempt... so its still the same its always been. Kinda sad but that's how it works, I guess.

With transfers... I think I am leaving Craig... and I think I might want to... I want to see another part of Colorado.

That's all I can think of right now ...I love you and thank you for everythign.
Moroni 8:3
Your son,
Elder Cameron Landon


Cam and Ryan, a boy that he has become friends with.

We love having a missionary!!!!

Dear Family,

Well its sounds like your week has been as busy as ours... it seems we keep getting busier and busier. We just don't have enough time in the day to get everything done.

We've been getting things ready for Theresa's baptism like the Program and finishing up teaching the lessons.. only about two more. But she's moved the date to AUG 7th. I am very excited for this. Yesterday we took her on a tour of the church building with Sister Snow, the Relief Society President of Craig 2nd Ward. That was a big help. I know you've been busy with your calling also.

So today is kinda a anxious day for me because April Hitt, Ryan Hitt's mom, is going to court today to find out if she'll get custody of Ryan and whether or not her ex will have to go to jail for six months... so either she'll get custody of Ryan, written permission from her ex for Ryan to be baptized, or Ryan will have to wait until he is 18 to be baptized... so its a big day... I am nervous. So if he can, he'll be baptized within the next two weeks. I've been hoping and praying for everything to go alright. I'm really anxious because if he can be baptized he's asked me to baptize him... either in the next few weeks or when he's 18... so we'll see.

I sent off a letter today though. I think its the BEST letter I've written, if I do say so my self. I hope you like it... some things have happened to me that have really changed my life and given me a whole new perspective. I wanted to tell you in a hand written letter.

Well, Zone Conference was last Friday and it was great I love Zone Conference. I love hearing how I can become a better missionary. It really boosts my confidence. I love it.

Okay I have to go now I'll talk to you later. I love you so much

take care.
Your son,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Family,

Well, I am still alive... some what... I haven't been feeling that great the past few days... just a stomach bug I think. I'll be fine though... once I get out and working.
An update with Teresa. She is going to be baptized before Aug 13 because that is when one of her friends is leaving to go to Utah. I am really excited for her... Last friday there was a baptism in Baggs for an eight year-old girl and Teresa came all the way up for that... she said it was really touched... especially the Confirmation.. she said it "gave her the chills". Then the next morning she called and asked..."Well, you know how you always ask if there is anything you can do for us? Well, this is actually Macie asking but (Macie is her ten year old daughter) she would like to know if you would be willing to come and help paint her room." So we did... and it is VERY pink. But I am glad we were able to help. We think we might start teaching Macie the lessons because after the baptism in Baggs and after we left she apparently asked a ton of different questions about baptism like when it was going to be her turn and stuff... so that is very exciting.

The same morning that Teresa called and asked for our help we got a call from the second counselor in the Craig 2nd ward bishopric. He asked up to speak in church on sunday about Misssionary Work and the Atonement. So we did... E. Wilson spoke on Missionary Work and I did the Atonement. That is the best talk I have ever given and I love speaking in church now... Its great! So we spoke two weeks in a row... once in Baggs and once in 2nd Ward... so if we get nabbed for 3rd ward I wouldn't really be surprised.

We went to the jail this morning but neither George or Dustin were there. Dustin is a friend of George's and has been coming to the lessons for the past three weeks. But George is in Grand Junction for the week to go to court for his sentencing, this will let us know how long he'll be in jail and if he'll get transferred. We asked if we could see Dustin this morning but they had said he left this morning at 5 am. So we're not sure if he's been transferred or if he's been released. But Dustin is great, George is too but Dustin told us last week that he's been a Baptist his whole life and meeting with us he sees our happiness and wants that in his life... and that he's never felt that in his church ever. That's pretty cool... so once they get out, hopefully they'll continue on with this and fallow through and both be baptized.

I hit my 8 Month mark last sunday... CRAZY... its going by pretty quick.. I can't wait for the next 16 months... they'll be great.

We have Zone Confrence in Grand Junction on Friday... so that's about 2 1/2 - 3 hours aways... and it uses up most of our weekly mile alottment for our car so this week we'll be walking a LOT. But I always LOVE Zone Confrence, and this will be President Maynes first one, so that's exciting. This is Elder Englund's last transfer... he's going home in Aug, he was supposed to go home in Oct but because of how school works over there he's leaving earlier. Its sad because I won't be able to see him at Zone Confrences but I am happy for him too because he gets to see his family. I know I'll see him again soon though.

It has been another crazy busy week... I love it! It keeps my mind off of how much I miss you all.
I love you and pray for you all the time.
Take Care!
You son,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

DOING FABULOUS THINGS....

Family,

Hey, how is everybody doing? I'm doing great.... well transfer calls came last night. I felt pretty good about staying all last week until about Sunday, then on Sunday and Monday I had convinced myself that I was the one leaving. Then with our calls last night we found out that.... we are both staying. I am going to grace Craig, Colorado with my presence for yet another six weeks. I'm kidding.. I am VERY excited though. I love it here. I've grown attached to a lot of the people, they're great. Elder Plunkett (from Hawaii), one of the Craig First Ward Elders is staying also, he's been here as long as I have. He has been out one transfer longer than I have. He says when he gets home he'll stay in Hawaii for a bit but then go back to Orem, UT to school at Utah Valley University. And that when I get home I'll have to meet him there and we'll come back to Craig together sometime.. I think that'd be a blast.

Anyways... we do have one baptism soon. Her name is Terisa Weeks. She loves genealogy she is related to Lucy Mack Smith and Warren Foot who traveled with Joseph Smith. Her great-uncle was a member of a quorum of the Seventy in the 50s and 60s. We will set the baptismal date with her tonight when we see her. I am very excited. It was cool the way we found her. She used to take the lessons from missionaries about a year ago but she said she hasn't seen missionaries in over eight months...that was in March when we found her. Anyways I was looking through our Area Book and through the Former Investigators and I saw her name and read the description about her and couldn't understand why she has been dropped as an investigator. So I, after a while, convinced Elder Hendrickson to go and see her. I don't know why he didn't want to. But we went and we found her and the funny thing was that about two weeks before we showed up her uncle sent her a copy of the Book of Mormon to read. Then about a week ago we were teaching the "Welding Link" lesson; talking about how if they make this decision to be baptized they have the opportunity to bring the Gospel into their ancestors lives as well as they're posterity's lives, thus bring thousands upon thousands to Christ. That touched her a lot. I also told her that her ancestors and/or relatives who have yet to come to the earth are possibly the ones who inspired me to go and see her, her uncle to send her a copy of the Book of Mormon, and for her to continue on learning and applying the Gospel in her life because they need her to make this decision. That really hit her and I know that she felt the Spirit. It was great. The Welding Link is a very powerful lesson, especially to one who loves family history.

Another reason why I really am glad I am staying here is because of this young kid named Ryan Hitt. He's 9 years old and he's become like my little brother. We tease each other and play jokes on each other and just always have a good time. His mom and dad are divorced and his mom joined the church a year ago. She only has custody of him every once in a while so when ever she does we go and see him. His dad will not let him be baptized. But we're waiting because they go to court soon to find out more about the custody battle, its a long complicated story but there is a possiblilty that she'll get full-custody of him and his dad might spend 6 months in Jail and/or pay a very big fine because he did not follow the court orders with the guidlines to who has him when. So if April (his mom) doesn't get custody of him Ryan is planning on being baptized when he turns eighteen and I told him to let me know if that's happening because I am going to come back down to Craig, or where ever that is to be there. He also wants to serve a mission, and I said I'd come for that too. Anyways... Ryan is a neat kid... I gave him one of my ties and he really liked that.. I signed the back of it for him too, he was excited. I think I'll probably miss him the most if I leave Craig. He's such a cool kid.

So, Elder Plunkett has this book that I've been looking at and I am finding it VERY interesting and fascinating... its called The Trial of the Stick of Joseph. Its about this man who, in the 50s, was in law school and for his class they had to either prosecute something or defend something. So he went up against his whole class and defended the Book of Mormon. And our religion is the ONLY religion proven true by a court of Law. I've been looking at it and I think I want my own copy of the book. Its written by a guy named Jack H. West. Its really good. I am going to ask Jared to see if he can get me a copy of it.

We had the chance last Saturday to see one of our investigators, Irving Guzman, ride a bull at a rodeo. It was neat... I realized that I was from Idaho and had cousins in rodeos but that was the first one I had ever been too. And here I am in a town that is very small and they live off rodeos... it was a good time and I think it was good to be there to support Irving. He banged up his elbow and knee pretty good but he came limping in to the Branch building the next morning. We don't get to church up in Baggs that often but we got to speak in sacrament meeting that day so Irving got to here us speak. We spoke on Salvation. I think we both, Elder Wilson, did very good jobs... I spoke for about 20-25 minutes and still cut about a third of my talk out. I enjoy speaking now. But I still haven't got to sing in sacrament meeting yet, which I'd really like to do.

So with my gaining wieght ... I am sending back my two pairs of jeans because... they're too tight and I think I'm growing taller too because they're just a tiny bit too short. So I am going to get some more jeans soon... one for service and one to wear on P-days.


I love you all and thank you for everything.
I miss you,
Your son,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Hey, Family!
Well, I am still here and still kickin'!

I had the chance to meet President Maynes last Saturday. I had a personal interview with him and he just wanted to get to know us. He actually served his mission in Ireland and Scotland. I thought that was pretty cool. He's a great guy. He was a Seminary teacher his whole life... so he knows his scriptures. I think he and I will get along great.

The lessons with the guys in prison are going great. They're always very good. I love going there. Everyone in there are always really nice to us. Its neat.

My foot is back to normal... 100%... okay maybe like 95 % percent because I can't completely rotate it like I can my other ankle but it doesn't hurt or anything.

We have like 9 people that have said that they want to be baptized but they each have something that's holding them back. I know within the next one or two transfers that all of them will be baptized. I just hope that I am here to see it.. I am going to talk to President Maynes about keeping me here. I love it here.

Transfers are already a week away... that's insane to me!. I really hope I am staying. This area needs a good missionary with a good work ethic.
I love you all thanks for everything..!
Elder Cameron Landon

My boys do not lack in the self esteem department. (As this mom is shaking her head)

Cam and his MTC companion, at a zone conference.

Family,
So we've moved in with Brother and Sister Ence. I love it, its so nice and they are very funny. I'll tell you more about them later... I don't have much time today because we've got to write a letter to our new Mission President, who comes in tomorrow. And I know I've got a lot to tell him... about our area and everything.
We visited these members who just moved here and they had the coolest dog. He is a 'Bug'. A Boston Terrier and a Pug mix... he was so cute... he looked just like a miniture Boxer... He was cute.

My new companion is a good guy... he's the exact opposite of Hendrickson... a little less acountable.. and doesn't exactly like the rules... but he and I get a long.. I get him working and its not that big of a problem. I've talked with him about a few things he needs to send home... and we've talked to the district leader about them and its all been taken care of. It's working out.
We might have two baptisms before the end of this transfer!

I heard something cool the other day and I really liked it. CTR doesn't only stand for "Choose the Right" but "Current Temple Recommend"
I liked that.

that's all I have for now but thanks for everything. I'm sorry this one is short and ... kind of Random... but its been a crazy week.. I'll tell you more later but I've got to write President Maynes now.

I love you
-Elder Cameron Landon

New Address also

Cam is also moving so his new address is in the right column under the family pictures.

Rifle Falls

So very cool....

Cameron's zone went to do their interviews with the President at a place called Rifle Falls.

Cam and the Mission President and his wife.


Going into a cave, maybe not a good idea when you are claustrophobic


Family,
We had a cool experience the other day.. last friday I think. Yeah, we were in Dixion, WY (part of the Baggs Branch) and we were teaching one of our investigators. His name is Irving Guzman, he's 19 Hispanic, and when he's not busy with his landscaping business he's riding bulls at the local rodeos. When I first met Irving I knew he would make a great missionary, he loves talking about God and learning about God and he is very sincere. Anyways.. he mentioned once that he wanted his mother to join us for the discussions. Marie, his mother, speaks English but its broken and she doesn't understand a few of the things we say but Irving translates for us. We taught them the Plan of Salvation and Irving took to it like a Fish to water. He really liked the fact that we're here on earth becasue we chose Christ's Plan and that he's not really "learning" new things so much as "remembering" things and truths he's already known. It was a great lesson and they were both touched. As we were leaving, Marie asked us for a blessing... BIG shock to both us and the Branch President who came with us to the lesson. Apparently she has a heart murmur and it causes her to worry about EVERYTHING ALL the time. It also causes anxiety and panic attacks. So we explained blessings and how they are done and what-not. Then another surprise, at least to me, she asked me to give the blessing.. Here is a lady who I've only met once before and she was asking ME to give her a blessing. So President McConahay performed the anointing and I sealed the anointing. I know where the words came from but I wasn't the one speaking.
After the blessing Marie, Irving, and President McConahay were in tears and my chest was on fire because of the Spirit that was felt there.
I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father sees me worthy enough to have the ability to give blessings to those that need or ask for them. I am also so glad that I am able to be used as an Instrument in His hands to serve other people. It was a great experience.
Well,.. I love you all and thank you for everything you've done and are doing for me. It means so much.

Your son,
Elder Cameron Landon

Very short one.... not cool.

But at least he is looking so good and happy. Love him!!

Family,

Well, not much has happened in the past week... I can't think of much to tell you.. just the same old same old.
We are moving however. The members we live with have their daughter and grandkids coming so we need to be out within the next week and a half... I'll send you my address as soon as I can. You can still send mail to the other address because I'll get it.


I'm sorry this one is so short but we've got to go teach at the jail again this morning.. .and we've got to be there in 10 minutes.
I love you all and think about pray for you all the time.
Your son,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon


I think these are the culprits that hammered my Cameron in basketball, completely unintentional of course.

What a fun looking bunch of guys!

Short letter this week....

Family!!

How is everyone doing?! I am doing great. Transfers were last week and I am still here in Craig. But I am now Senior Companion. My companion's name is Elder Wilson. He's from Tooele (Too-illa), UT. He's been out one transfers less than I have. And so far we've gotten along great. I can tell we'll get a lot done this transfer.

We taught again in the Jail this morning, for the second time. It was great.. we had George and three others who wanted to come in a listen.. we taught them the Restoration. It was great. I am so excited to be able to do this once a week. I don't know... I guess the fact that we, two small and young missionaries, being in a closed room with four felons doesn't really scare me, they're all really nice and are great. Its been an awesome experience for me.

My foot is doing better... slowly but surely.. If i walk on it a lot throughout the day it hurts but that's about it. One of the members in the 3rd ward Bishopric works at the Hospital and he basically said to rest it as much as possible... ice it, take pain reliever when it hurts... the basics... but I'm doing fine.

We haven't been able to get to Tauna Ogden (the lunch lady) lately.. she hasn't been there. we've Tried several times. But we'll keep trying.

Not much else has happened lately. I'll let you know more next week.

I love you all. and pray for you daily.

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

He is so great.

HEY!! Its ME!!

Well, another week in Craig has come and gone. I'm still here and still alive. We got Transfer calls last night.. I will be staying and Elder Hendrickson is being Transfered. So tomorrow we will drive down to Rifle (about 1-1 1/2 hours south) to the Transfer meeting. I am not training or being made a district leader like I thought but I think I am Senior Companion. I'm still not sure yet but I'll find out tomorrow.

We had an interesting and neat experience this morning actually... We had a chance to go to the Jail and teach a man there. His name is George Roloff. He's from Roosevelt, UT and he didn't say why he was in jail and I didn't feel comfortable asking him. He's amazing. His wife (back in UT) is a member and just starting to go back to church, but he is not a member. He has a triple combination, a Bible, and a Gospel Principles manual... he's read the manual five times, the triple all the way through twice, and the New Testament four times... He knows the doctrine and is very smart. He really wants to make a change in his life and has a very strong testimony.... He requested for us to come there and teach him... So we will now be going to the jail once a week to see him. One of the Lt.s there and the others have worked very well with us... Normally they only allow one person in at a time but we talked to them and said we have to stay together, so they still let us go. And they also opened up our discussion for anyone else in the jail who wants to, to come. so that's really neat that they are allowing that. George is an awesome guy... he's very excited for when he gets out to be baptized and eventually be sealed to his wife and kids...
So that was a neat and humbling experience... if he wants to and is changing then so can I.
Another neat experience happened last Friday night. We were up in Baggs and we have this couple that the missionaries have been teaching for about a year now... I'm not positive on how long but anyways... Their names are Bonnie and Gerald Fisher. Gerald was fired a several weeks back becasuse he was accused of drinking on the job and he's always had a drinking problem but he wasn't drinking that day... but he's now been sober for about a month. Bonnie is great... she's gottne up and born her testimony in sacrament meeting before. She was very stressed this past week so she asked for a Priesthood blessing... and she said she could feel something, an amazing peace come over her. But she has a friend from work who's been giving her material from another church and she likes it just as much... so when we saw her Friday night she was point blank and said... "Okay, prove to me, with the Bible, that your church is true." Elder Hendrickson jumped on that with several scriptures and I was looking for one but I couldn't remember where to find it.. so I started looking in the Topical Guide... but I opened it and it opened right to "Testimony"
Now you didn't raise no fool. ;) And I thought to myself, "Well, you can't get anymore plain and simple than that." So I just told her how I found out for myself that this is truely the Church and Gospel of JESUS CHRIST again on the earth. The Spirit was so strong. I think that's the strongest I've felt the Spirit during a lesson so far on my mission. I can't wait to see what comes from it. I know Bonnie is ready but she won't do anything without Gerald. And he's very nice and listens... but he doesn't really want to change. So if you could pray for them I'd really apprecieate it. We need all the help we can get.


It was awesome to see Jared and Jake! They took us bowling.. He said my apron is still there and waiting for me when I get back home... I am so grateful that the Lord Blessed me to find that job and the friends I gained from it. I know it was a blessing.

Well,... that's all I can think of now. I love you all and I'll let you know what happens through this next week. I love you all so very much and think about you constantly. You're the reason I'm out here.

"Missionaries leave their families for two years to give others the chance to become Eternal Families."
I love you.
Your son, and brother,
--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Dear Family,

Well, another week has come and gone...

Yes, I really enjoyed my interview with President... it went really well and I am glad he trusts me enough to think about making me Senior Companion or District Leader or Trainer.. or whatever he has in store for me this early... I've only been out just over six months. But I hope I can handle whatever he has in store for me.
Okay,... there's no use putting it off anymore.. Last P-day we were playing basket-ball and it was getting to be a pretty heated and intense game... (epsecially with three polyinesians) anyways... I had the ball and I shot it... but as the ball left my hand, I swear I stepped on someone's foot or somethign becasue I rolled my ankle..... BAD. I, as well as everyone else in the gym at the time, heard a very loud 'POP' and I went down screaming. It hurt more than anything I can think of. So... long story short... I sprained my ankle pretty stinkin' bad. I called President Christison, he was a hospital CEO for thirty years, and told him... he said to find a pair of crutches and use them for a week.
Anyways... I was on crutches for the past week and yesterday was my first day off of them... I'm fine.. still limping and not quite back to normal but I'm fine now. So don't worry. I know how you are. but I'm fine. I HATED being on crutches... it sucked! But no more basket-ball for me for a few weeks...

Anyways... Transfers are next week so in my next email I'll be able to tell you if I am staying and if I am District Leader or Training or anything... you never know what the Lord has in store for me.

I love you all Thanks for everything.

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

My boy.........

Family,

Well... I just got off of a Team-up that was needed... I am glad it happened.. I went to Rangely, CO with Elder Gordon... (who's spot I took when I went into my first area in Grand Junction) Elder Farnsworth, my MTC compantion is Elder Gordan's companion
Anyways... We had a few lessons and it went really well. We helped this one family with some service and we burned one of Elder Farnsworth's ties (he said we could) because it was our six month mark... So as of yesterday I've been gone for six months... its Flown by! I can't believe how fast its gone. I'm a quarter of the way in!

We had our invterviews with President Cristison on monday.. and they were great.. Our whole Zone was there so I got to see Elder Englund again... that was great. We were at Rifle Falls... they were awesome... it was really neat I took some pictures and I'll send them some time soon.
But my interview was great... he asked alot about how my relationship with my family has grown through my mission. But then he asked me how I liked my area.. I told him I liked it. He asked if I was ready to "take the reins" and maybe become a "Senior Companion". I told him where ever and what ever the Lord needed. Then he told me he wants to see me in leadership before he leaves, which is in just over a month... so basically next transfer.. he talked a lot about "making me stretch" and how it'll help with my potential.. President Cristison is such a loving, caring, wise man. I love him. He's so great.
So basically, what I took from my interview, is I will be staying, Elder Hendrickson will be leaving, (THANK HEAVENS!!), and I will either be a district leader, senior companion, and, now this is the least possible and most unlikely, but I could be training... but I really don't think that one will happen. But its possible... I'm just excited to be staying and getting a new companion.


Our lessons have been progressing pretty well lately... except for we've had quite a few appointments cancel on us recently... its a little frustrating, especially when all of the people we see can only schedule us once a week... so when they do cancel on us its another week until we can see them.... But I guess that's life... Not much I can do to change that.

We've still making it... only a few more weeks. Then things'll be different.

Thank you for all your prayers and everything you do. I love you all very much.

--
-Elder Cameron Landon

Snail Mail from Cam....

We finally got a snail mail letter from Cam, after not getting anything from him for a couple weeks. Just a postal mix up some where along the line.
LaDawn

Family,

When we go up to Baggs, and stay the night there either the Branch Mission Leader or some on in the Branch Presidency sets up appointments and a dinner for us. We had dinner with Josh and Jenny Cozzens.They are a younger couple with three little boys... they are so cute. Bridger is 3 or 4 and he loves talking to the missionaries. So I talked to him for a good 30 minutes at dinner about him going on a mission and his new favorite 'Wii game' He is so cute.
When we teach small kids like that with members it makes me so excited to have my own family. I want to be a good 'daddy'! I can't wait to have little hooligans running around. I just hope I will be as good to my kids as you've been to me.
I was reading my patriarchal blessing the other day and it said the same thing about me as it does about Nephi. So I looked at 1 Nephi 1:1, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents" and the song Army of Helaman "we have been born as Nephi of old, to goodly parents who love the Lord" I love how that is the first thing in the Book of Mormon. Nephi is saying "Hi, my name is Nephi and my parents are AWESOME!"
I am so thankful for what you've taught me. I hope I can be like Nephi and show everyone how and what my parents have taught me through the way I live my life. And I hope and pray that my future children will, someday feel the same about me.
But Thank You , I Love You!
This past Monday (may 3) we had some good things happen. We tracted for 5 hours it wasn't bad... we ran into Tauna Ogden. She was so nice and she was excited to get a Book of Mormon and we are seeing her Monday at 1pm. She's a lunch lady too!
We also went and saw a potential investigator we ran into several weeks ago. When we first ran into her she was sick and said to come back. So we gave her a Plan of Salvation pamphlet and planned to come back.
When we went to see her she started asking us questions about the '3 heavens' and 'why we have another book'. so we showed her in the Bible where it talks about the Celestial, Terrestrial kingdoms. Then we talked about the history of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. I could tell that when she first started to talk to us she wanted to argue and prove us wrong but when I bore my testimony on the Book of Mormon and how it's brought so much happiness to both me and my family. I could tell she changed... you could see it. I LOVE when you can see them feel the spirit and it changes their ideas and thinking. Well Nievas, (that is her name) said we could come back any time next week after 4 so her kids could be there. I am so excited. I feel very good about this, but that could just be the missionary in me. I hope it all works out though. Please pray for them and the Ogden family also.
Well I need to go and knock on some doors and bring the Gospel to more of God's children.
I love you and you are in my prayers!
Your son,
Elder Cameron Landon

Great Day!!

The semi annual phone call from Cameron was wonderful. He sounded so good and so happy. He was having dinner at the Elders Quorum Pres House, and they let him use their phone for the call. Cam said that the Duke's remind him alot of my sister, Nicole and her husband Brandon. I am going to need to send them something for a thank you. The Dukes, not Nicole, sorry Nic. He had just had a big dinner and was full and happy. He is struggling very much with his companion. His companion has been out for a full year and he is a district leader, therefore he knows all and isn't afraid to let Cameron know. One example, Cameron went to a closet and found a Gospel Principle manual and a Teachings of the Prophet manual and said, great I will use these for my personal study. E. Hendrickson said You cant they aren't approved. Cam said, But it has the churches official stamp on it.

Another time E. Hendrickson told Cameron that it says in their white bibles (the little missionary rule book they carry around) that the temperature in their bedroom can't be over 65 degrees. Cam told us, I read it through twice and nowhere does it say anything about that. He is having a tough time with this guy. He has interview with the mission president in a week and Cam said that he isn't going to say anything to the president about his companion, because he wants a change in companions. He doesn't want to stay with him any longer. He is counting down the days until transfers come up, 24 days.

They had a baptism Saturday night. His name is Billy. His wife is an active member. He is a 7 year investigator. He was finally able to quit smoking and told Cam that the thing that helped him to want to quit smoking and get baptized was when Cameron told him about how happy he is that he will get to be with his family forever and he was so happy for that. That got Billy thinking and he decided that was something he wanted also. That really made Cam feel good.

They do alot of tracting still and are finding a few people to teach, but that is always tough to do. He is learning to like tracting and is doing alot better at door approaches.

That is about it for his phone call. It was such a great mothers day for me. We had dinner with all our kids, and the phone call with Cam. Later we went over and visited with my mom, who I appreciate so very much in teaching me what I know now. In helping me to deal with the craziness of life and for sharing her strong testimony and love of the Gospel with me. I have learned alot from her. Thank you so much again, Mom! I love you.

THE GOSPEL AND FAMILY THAT IS WHAT LIFE IF ALL ABOUT!!