Wow, I honestly
can’t come to the fact that I am in Arequipa...it is unreal. So on Tuesday...we
all got up at 4 am to head out to the airport. As we flew over Arequipa it just
seemed like a different country...they do actually consider themselves the
Texas of South America. I am surrounded by huge mountains and green
hills...completely opposite of Lima. When we landed it just kind felt like
home. We were greeted by President Zobrist and his wife...they are so fun and
loving...making jokes left and right. But they can definitely lay down the
hammer when they need to. The first thing he said to me when he shook my hand
was...”You better like to work hard Sister because this mission is all about
work and strict obedience, but one more thing, don’t worry and be happy.” We all
got on the bus and they took us on a tour of some of the famous sites. One of
them was the temple site! It sits on top of a hill overlooking the valley...and
nothing can be built around it because I guess it is ancient Inca territory. I can’t
wait for when that day comes for it to be built!
We went to the
mission president’s house and did a little welcome and got our companions! Her
name is Hermana Castro...she is from Piura, Peru and is 25 years old! She has a
heart of gold, she is a spiritual giant and loves to laugh all the time. I know
that Heavenly Father sent me to her for a reason.
I am in an area
called Buenos Aires which is like 30 min from the presidents house! This area
is full of hill after hill...I definitely get my workouts for the day. I am in
a stake with Hermana Hubert from the CCM. I get to see her every Tuesday at
weekly planning which is such a relief to see white skin an speak English for a
second!
I thought it
would be super super hot but I’ll be as bold to say that is becomes as cold as
Utah. We live on Arequipa Ave...you could probably look it up on google maps.
We live in a one room apartment with a bunk bed and an outhouse with a lovely
shower that greets me with a cold chill each morning. haha But it’s all good,
it wakes me up. I swear there are more stray dogs than people here...I am
beginning to rise up to the hate level of dogs as you, dad. They pretty much
look satanic here.
Our penchanista
lives down the street...and guess who it is...the bishops wife! They are such a
lovely family with 2 little girls named Vanessa and Nichole. The Bishop is just
a jokester but so spiritually strong! This is such an amazing opportunity to
eat with the Bishop daily because we get to talk about the less actives and the
ward members. This ward truly knows what it means to work side by side with the
missionaries. We usually have at least 3 lessons with a member each day! The
members are unbelievably strong in this area.
The food is
great...I just try and stay away from the rice. But the bishops wife knows that
I am a North American meaning...as they say I have a...baby stomach haha. And
whenever I can’t eat it all my companion eats it for me. I love her so much.
Each day we
have lots of work and lessons. In the morning I have challenged my companion to
run with me. We run around a park each morning....and each day we do one more
lap than before. Then, we do personal and companion study. For part of that
study I teach her English and then for the other half she teaching me English.
Teaching English actually helps me with my Spanish!
As we have been
teaching people Ii truly know the feeling of the guy on The Best Two Years who says......”this is not the language they
taught me in the MTC” It is sometimes
frustrating when I have a heart full of words building in my soul waiting to
get out to help these people. However, as I speak the words I can....every
single person listens with love and real intent.
Well, those are
all the details of my area and everything! Next week I will tell you stories
and share more of the spiritual side of it. But I am positive that this is
exactly where I need to be. Although, I get discouraged often with the language
and everything....I keep reminding myself... in His strength I can do all
things! I miss you all more than I can put into words but I know that I am
blessing you more by being here than anyone else. I love my Savior and I can
testify that He knows each of you personally. I pray for each of you by name
every day and night. I love you all so much! Talk to you next week!
Love,
Jess
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| The Bishop and his kids |
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| My companion Sister Castro from Peru |
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| The front door of our apartment |
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| Meeting my new companion at the mission home |
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| Group of new missionaries arriving at the mission home with the mission pres and his wife |
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| Cathedral in Buenos Aires area of Arequipa |
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