Returning once again to the beautiful country of Peru this year was such a blessing for me. This was my 4th time spending time in Peru, so it is now quite a familiar place to me, as I'm sure you can imagine. It was great to see friends again that I hadn't seen in quite a while, visit with them, and pray together in the altar. It was also great to have 4 friends accompany me! Courtney, Allana, Cara, and Jackie made this trip such a blast; we made memories that will last a lifetime. If you look on my sidebar under "other bloggers", Cara's blog is listed there. She's a great poet and photographer!
Our first full day in Lima, which is the Capitol of Peru, we were able to do some sightseeing. A brother from the church was kind enough to drive us up to a lookout point where we could see the coast of Lima and get some pictures. It was beautiful and so nice to sit up above the city, feeling the sea breeze and simply taking it all in. We did sightseeing throughout our stay in Lima, and here are a few pictures of our adventures.
South American coastline
Myself and Cara
We saw a little planetarium closeby our lookout point and had to stop and take pictures! The stretching clouds backdropped by a soft blue sky seemed to be the perfect background for the planetarium. Cute little place!
We were able to tour some ruins one day that were left in the city of Lima
While in Mexico in December 2019, Cara and I bought matching huaraches and took a picture of them on our feet with the Mexican coast in the background, accompanied by the Raspados we bought (I'll make a Mexico post later). We decided to make it tradition when we travel together, taking pictures in our huaraches in different locations in the world. This was the second one we took, overlooking Lima. Hopefully next time we will have some zebras and huts in the background...Ha! Cara took this picture.
We also went to see the changing of the guard at the Presendital Palace in Lima. This was right around the elections in Peru, which sometimes results in political unrest. As we were watching, a riot broke out behind us. It dispersed pretty quickly, but we got to see some action that day! Maybe it was just to prepare us for the ongoing riots of 2020 in our own country. (Photo creds: Cara)
The National Convention was preached by Elder Kenny Godair this year, and what a conference it was! The ordination service, the sweet moves of the Holy Ghost in the altar, the kids seeking God so tenderly; it was beautiful.
Elder Nix, a true servant. Leading by example, he washed the feet of the ministers being ordained. It was humbling to see. What a pure spirit! (Photo creds: Cara)
Johnny and my brother, Paul praying together in the altar
Taken from the platform during choir. Us girls were invited to join the choir and were able to learn some new songs in Spanish. I'm not sure why, but sometimes songs just seem so much more beautiful when sung in Spanish!
The Holy Ghost broke out during the preaching and some of the ministers began to shout and praise God in the altar. You can't trade moments like these for anything in this world!
Sis. Godair taught a ladies session and Sister Nix translated. Two sweet, awesome ladies! I enjoy being around them both.
We went to Sarcletti a few times. Such tasty food!!
This is Lomo Saltado, a traditional Peruvian dish. SO good! (Photo creds: Cara)
Sam, mi sobrino Peruano! He's grown so much since I last saw him.
A view of the street taken from (I believe) the second or third story of the church. (Photo creds: Cara)
Annnnnd lastly, Cara and Jackie had quite the terrifying "adventure" on their way home to Arizona. They lost cabin pressure in their airplane, the oxygen masks dropped, and they had to make an emergency landing in the country of Ecuador. They were stuck in Ecuador for a day. Needless to say, it was quite a crazy experience for them. However, they did get to meet and witness to several people that were on that flight AND, they can also say that they have now been to Ecuador. Haha! Everything happens for a reason (Photo creds: Cara -- She really took most of these pictures, maybe more than the ones I gave her credit for! But we all took pictures so it's hard to remember who took what).
This is a very brief summary of the trip, just tidbits, really. But, I hope you enjoyed! As mentioned in an earlier post, please keep Peru in your prayers. Many of them have not been able to see anyone else from church, even people in their own families, for 6 months. They have not been able to gather together in the church. COVID-19 restrictions are very prohibitive in Peru, much more so than they are here. They are longing to be able to see each other again and be together in the house of God! God is able.
Thanks for reading!
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