We Made It!

Well we are in Piura safe and sound.  It has been quite the learning experience as we have tried to find our way around and get settled.  I have been trying to learn how to use this computer and it obviously is not as easy as it should be since there are no pictures accompaning this.  Our internet is very slow and keeps stalling every time I try to add a picture.  There must be a better way but until I figure it out - no pictures.  Our time leading up to coming to Peru was  great.  We spent a wonderful week with our family, it was wonderful to have their help as we packed up and we managed to have a little fun together as well.  On June 22, 2012 we went to Salt Lake to be set apart by Elder Oaks and Elder Maynes.  It was a special day for us to be with these great men and feel of their love and partake of their wisdom and counsel.  We were reminded that this mission experience is a marathon, not a race.  As we were in the waiting room waiting for our turn to visit with Elder Oaks, President Monson came out of the building with one of his security people.  It was obvious he had somewhere he needed to be but he took time to meet those of us who upon seeing him rushed outside to shake his hand.  McKay had been praying that he would see president Monson and his prayers were answered.  He was a little shy but President Monson wiggled his ears for him and Brooklyn and gave them "five".  We were afraid that Tyler, Elise & Kenzie would miss seeing him but they arrived just in time and President Monson spoke with Kenzie.  She told him that it was her birthday today and he invited her to come sit by him in his golf cart and have her picture taken, what a great birthday present! 

Saturday our family took us to the MTC.  We went up on the Provo Temple grounds to take some pictures and say our goodbyes, I still feel a little teary just remembering those goodbyes.  We love our family and appreciate all they are doing to support us.  Our MTC experience was like a 4 day General Conference with front row seats.  We were privileged to be taught by President Monson, President Eyring, President Uchtdorf and all but one (Elder Hales) of the 12 apostles. We received an over abundance of counsel, wisdom and food.  A great emphasis was placed on working with members and reactivating inactive members.  As we listened and learned it made me realize I have missed many opportunities to share the gospel and strengthen those around me.  So I guess here we are ready to go to work.  Another learning point was I truly felt the love our leaders have for each one of us, the love they have for the missionaries and the love they have for the Lord.  We returned home on Wednesday evening to finish packing up and say those last goodbyes.  A fun surprise was to have Tyler , Elise and family show up, they were supposed to have flown out earlier in the day but their flight was canceled and there they were.  Matt took us to the airport bright and early and our adventure was seriously underway. 

It was a long flight to Lima.  We left at 6:00 AM Utah time and arrived around 10:00 PM in Lima, Peru.  We spent the night and bright early the next day we were in meetings with the Area Presidency - Pres. Pino, Pres. Uceda and Pres. Waddell.  We were able to see the Lima Temple (a quick drive-by), the Area Offices of the Church and the CCM(MTC).  All the grounds and buildings are beautifully kept and really stood out.  A fun experience, we had lunch in the CCM and were able to meet with my nephew, Jacob Harding, as he prepares to serve in the Lima East Mission.  He is doing well and looked happy and ready to go to work.  We left Lima about 5:00 PM and headed to Piura.  We arrived about 9:00 PM and there waiting for us was Pres. and Sister Chipman and the Office Elders.  Waving and smiling they were there and it was a great welcome for us.  I wish I had been awake enough to get my camera and take their picture, they were the first thing we saw as we got off the plane and I just knew we were supposed to be here.
We were able to have a late dinner with the Chipmans, it was so nice to meet them in person.  I can´t say enough about all they have done to prepare for our arrival.  We love and appreciate them, they are a great example for us.  We spent a few short (too short) hours with them Saturday morning then they were off. And we were it.  And we have been running ever since.  

The mission home is beautiful and the food is wonderful.  Our missionaries are fantastic and the members are so humble and faithful.  What more could we want?  We have been able to see most of our mission area and have met all of the missionaries (190).  We have had an opportunity to visit several different Sacrament Meetings, visit different chapels in the mission and attend several baptisms.  We have taught one temple prep. class and have several YSA firesides coming up.  We have had a Zone Leader Council meeting, and start with missionary interviews tomorrow.  . That will take about a week to complete as we have to travel to some of the areas.  I was able to go out with 2 of our great sister missionaries last night and Chad was working with some Elders this afternoon.  Throw in a District Conference, and meetings with District Leaders and that should just about finish up the month of July.   Well tonight I will play around again with the picture part of this blog.  We love you all!