Christmas in Peru

I went to visit my parents in Peru a second time, and had the opportunity to re-live some of the "mission life".  I have to admit...it was even better the second round. (Perhaps it's the fact that I wore sandals, listened to my ipod on the way to zone conference, and didn't have another gal at my side 24 seven.) The trip started almost immediatley with a trip to an orphanage, where my mother played the violin and we took gifts to the most precious children. For the most part, this trip was about missionary work, though.
As sweet as the visit to the orphanage was, the highlights were yet to come. I had the great opportunity to share my testimony in a zone conference almost ten years to the date from the last time I did so as a missionary. My parents and I sang for the missionaries in zone conference, which was just a sweet experience.



Mom played Christmas songs for the orphanage children, who enjoyed chocolate milk and panettone.

I think we made 180 treat bags for the missionaries, with the bonus present being earplugs.



Dad with his missionaries.

Sister Duffy came just before Christmas. Such a sweet girl.



Zone Conference numero uno

We did manage to get away for a drive, and visited an outside baptismal font. As usual, I find there is beauty and interest in almost any place I go. This drive was no exception.


Typical truck in Peru



We also got out for a walk in their neighborhood. I will spare you the picture of the other trash containers, but have to include just one.

I particularly enjoyed Christmas Eve this year. We sang in the Plaza de Armas again, and I was able to give out pass along cards and talk with families in my very broken Spanish. I am sure they were mostly being kind, but it was fun to try anyway.

Following caroling, we also had over the office elders for what became (for me) the traditional Christmas dinner in Peru. I can't tell you what it was or how it was made, but I loved it! 

Lucky me! Santa still found me! 

We also had the fortune of having Aunt Anne with us for Christmas.  Aunt Anne is particularly good at listening to others, and probably remembers the trip better than I do.  It was great to have her along for the trip.