August 2013

The first of August we finished up the last of the Zone Conferences.  I really enjoy Zone Conferences but after a couple of weeks it is kind of nice to be done - at least with our part, it's always good to just be with the missionaries and they really love these Conferences. 

 Zona Capullanas

 Zona Castilla

 Zona Puyango

 Zona Tumbes

 This house is just above the parking lot of the Tumbes Stake Center.  Every time we come I half way expect to see this house toppled over and in the parking lot....all it would take is a good strong gust of wind I think!

 An early morning service project with Elders Arroyo, Zevallos and Stanley -- thank you!

 With Zone Conferences over we were able to finish up the room inspections.  We went to Sullana Zone one day and then went out to Tambo Grande.  After we finished with the Elders rooms we drove around Tambo Grande to see the sites.  It is an agricultural area - capitol of mangos.  It is the main source of employment for most of the people in the area.  We saw some beautiful countryside and farms.  Chad is ready to become a mango farmer.  There is a main highway being constructed between Piura and Tambo Grande that would make the trip very quick, unfortunately it is a good few months away before it is finished.  Since it was a Saturday we thought we would try taking it rather than back thru Sullana.  A policeman told us that since no one was working we could drive on it.  Well 20 minutes into the drive it was blocked and the guard would not let us thru.  So back we went.  The good part is that as we were coming back we saw this little guy doing his chores - hauling water for his family.  Chad offered him a couple of soles in exchange for some pictures and he was happy to oblige.  What a cute little guy, and since he was so cute there are three pictures of him.

 In our Tambo Grande sight seeing we also saw a lot of terraced rice fields/paddies

 A fun birthday package from the Pendleton's!  Smashed Twinkies!! It's the thought that counts, thank you!  And the pictures that they sent were priceless.

 Here is a cute Guatemalan sister, Hermana Gomez.  When she arrived in June we took her picture but not one with us so here is a more official picture!

 Sunday we went to church in Miramar, a cute little farming town with some great old farmers that are the stalwarts.  Always good to visit, but it was quick and no time for other pictures.

 In Talara the wind always blows.  Between Talara and Negreiros there is a wind farm being built.  Every time we drive by (which is frequently!) Chad has to check the progress.  It has been pretty slow but now the first piece is in place!  All the other parts are placed along side their spot, they are really working hard on this project.  Right now it is a little hard to tell how many there are going to be, as they are put in place we'll have a better count.  I am sure there will be more pictures in the coming weeks!