My New Little Friend

I’ve been a runner my whole life and the busy & narrow streets of Arequipa are not ideal for that.  Lucky for me this park is only a couple of blocks from where we live so this is where I start most of my days by just doing loops around and around. I actually feel very blessed!  It keeps me somewhat sane!  I’m starting to recognize others who come to the park to do various exercises as well, some are humans but most are free-range dogs. This week, I was adopted by this little dog who likes to run.  He joins me when he sees me and then just keeps running when I’m done.  I’ll have to admit that I quite enjoy his company because he is quiet and happy to just follow me.   

Yes!  Those are llamas! I guess that is standard here in Peru!

Before I get started on our week, I need to introduce you to our two Mission Assistants. They act as counselors to President Chipman from amongst the Elders of the mission.  These guys are basically running the mission as we try to learn what needs to be done and how to do it.  They travel with us and advise us on everything from running the administration of the mission to the spiritual well being of the missionaries.  We are so lucky to have them because they are very bright and share a wisdom and maturity far beyond their years!

The week started with two new missionaries that we picked up from the airport and then the rest of our week was spent finishing our tour of the mission as we traveled to the cities of Moquegua, Ilo, and Tacna.

Moquegua is about 3 hours away from anything and is like an island in the middle of the desert and mountains. Here we were introduced to the earthquakes of Peru when we had one that registered a 5.4. 

Ilo is on the coast and is supposed to be touristy in the summer which is December through February.

On our way to Tacna

Tacna is on the Chilean border and we could tell that the two zones here are influenced by sisters because they had decorations and cakes to celebrate our arrival!