Peru- July 17, 2022

We received 6 American missionaries this past week! They’ve been serving their missions in Reno, NV; Boise, ID; Salem, OR; Scottsdale, AZ; Layton, UT; and SLC, UT. All 6 of them flew down on the same flight, which arrived in Lima at 5:15am. On Monday night, we’d set up 6 air mattresses in the “sala” (or conference room) so they were able to catch about 2 hours of sleep before we started the paperwork process – scanning ID’s, taking passport photos and fingerprints for their migrations document, verifying contact information, etc. They also have a brief interview with President and Sister Manly. Then the Assistants and the Manlys conduct an orientation and training meeting with them.

The words that have been showing up multiple times in my personal journal are: busy, crazy, and crazy busy … and that’s how it’s been. In the evenings we’ve been running to the stores to buy housing supplies – pillows, pan sets, utensils, mirrors, etc. (and actually, Lane has had to do a lot of purchasing of large supplies – desks, bookcases, mattresses, etc. – during the day.)

Of course, we have to have something unexpected crop up on Saturday night, namely, finding out that one of our missionaries who is returning home didn’t get his Covid booster vaccine (which is required for his flight on Tuesday). So, we ended up scheduling a Covid test and arranging travel for him to get to the test. It’s all part of the fun. Thank heavens for online scheduling and WhatsApp messaging!

Today we attended the Chinchaysuyo ward which is fairly near our apartment. LeAnn’s fears were realized when she was called upon to read aloud 7 verses from the Old Testament (in Spanish) in Sunday School and then give the opening prayer at the baptism which followed sacrament meeting. Even though we’ve been here 10+ months, we’re not proselyting missionaries and therefore aren’t out speaking with people … meaning … LeAnn’s Spanish is rough. But she did it and lived!

We love this scripture which was shared at the baptism:

“Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.” (2 Nephi 9:50-51)

¡Que tengan una semana fantástica! (Have a fantastic week!)

Love,

Lane & LeAnn

Six air mattresses prepared in our conference room to let the newly arriving missionaries rest for an hour or so before all the fun begins.

2 of our new Americanos heading out to meet their companions.

And 2 more ...

And 2 more!

President and Sister Manly already forging out driving on the wild, lawless roads of Lima!

With all the new missionaries coming, we've had to find and open many new apartments for the missionaries to live in. Lane bought six mattresses from the store down the road called "Mundo Muebles" (World Furniture). He was expecting a small truck to deliver the mattresses, but instead, they all arrived on top of a small car. Well, five were tied on top, and one was placed inside (this pic was taken after 2 mattresses had already been unloaded).

The school right next door to our apartment held some anniversary celebrations this week. Bands playing, speakers, and kids singing and chanting.

They also crafted what seemed to be the school emblem out on the road, using some kind of loose material like flower petals or something.

Then they carried something and danced on the crafted emblem.

Night celebrations at the school.

Preparation for celebrations at the school.

Daytime celebrations at the school.

We attended a ward in the area where two of our office elders teach. The sister teaching Sunday School did a great job, although we definitely don't understand everything. The Spanish often still sounds like mumbo jumbo. Although face masks are still required in public buildings, we haven't seen as many people using face shields lately. So this was a little surprising to see her teaching with a face shield. Lane felt like he needed to cut a hole in the shield so he could hear her speak. As another surprise, during the lesson the instructor came to the back of the room where we were hiding and asked LeAnn to read seven long verses from the Old Testament out loud! She did great! Although who knows whether anyone understands our Gringo Spanish.