Driving in Peru #41A

Every three months, I interview each of our 200+ missionaries individually.  This week included those in the Chanchomayo Region, which is one of the jungle parts of the Mission.  It's the middle of the rainy season right now, which loosens rocks and mudslides.  We had traveled uphill for about an hour, when we were stopped cold with hundreds of trucks and cars in line.  We hiked up and discovered the reason for the holdup.

Luckily, there was no one underneath.  We were told by the work crew, "Oh, sure, should be cleared by this afternoon."  Uh, yeah, OK.  

Of course, everyone had to watch and give their opinion about how this should be handled.

 

Our fellowmen here  have absolutely no respect for waiting in line.  So what did we do?  That's right, we snuck up a half-mile into a slot left empty by someone who gave up and turned around. Elder Fawson (left) said, "Now I really feel like a Peruvian."

There are many times when one encounters delays on the roadways here, for accidents, road repairs, falling boulders, no good reason, etc.  However, it is a BAD SIGN for the probable length of the wait if the snack sellers show up.  Unfortunately, they were there in force, appearing from nowhere.

Sure enough, after about six hours, with night coming on and no dent made in the big rocks, we gave up, turned around (thus losing our primo Peruvian spot in line) and headed back down the hill to the jungle, where we'll at least spend a warm night before trying again.
We hope the snack ladies don't show up next time you have to stop on the highway.
Dave & Paula

The passing of Kirby Jones

Lucille and Kirby Jones arrived here in early November of last year, assigned to photograph and thus preserve records in the archives of Huancayo for the region.  This they have done with great faithfulness and vigor, and along the way have been great missionaries.  They came to love the Elders and Sisters, and it went both ways.  The Jones helped with projects, 

participated in Zone Conferences,

 

and were a great help to the Mission, in addition to their Family History duties.

Kirby became ill on Christmas Day, and this illness became very serious a few days later. His condition varied over the next two weeks, but was always critical.  Despite good care and fervent prayers, he passed away this morning.  

Our hearts go out to Lucille and all the family.  Between them they raised twelve kids, and served many, many people.

Sometimes, even despite our most sincere prayers things don't turn out like we think they should.  A philosopher once said, "The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

We will miss this good, kind man.

Dave & Paula

I guess that about wraps up Christmas...

We lucked in to the nicest artificial tree in Huancayo back in November, by buying the floor sample after they couldn't get one in the box from Lima for two weeks.  Everyone had a great time trimming and admiring it.

But, it's January, the new missionaries that arrived on December 30th have come and gone, and it's time to put it all away until next year.

So where do you put a tree that big?  Well, we got the idea from "Flying Mammals of South America."  

You just take it apart and hang it in a dark place (a closet will do) until next Christmas.

We hope you've gotten things bat together in your part of the world.
Dave & Paula