Oregon Oswalds

They split one stake and called a new Stake President for the newly established stake. Craig pointed out that they had two days to find a new stake president, and how in tune they would have to be to do that so quickly. We do understand they have done a lot of preparation. They have a list of possible names that have been recommended along with biographies on each man. But still, it is a lot to do in one weekend. 

We met up with two more elders from Iquitos, Elder Mumford from Idaho and Elder Martinez from Utah. They are awesome elders and we were glad to have traveling companions. We met up with three additional elders in Lima from our mission. We ate dinner and excused ourselves for our family call. 

We got up to have breakfast at 4 and then head to the airport for our flight to Piura. An hour and a half flight or so and we were met by the office elders in Piura. We had an appointment at Interpol to register, fill out paperwork, have someone make a record of our teeth - in case they need to identify our bodies (?) . Comforting thought. 

Part of the paperwork was not there. We were supposed to pick it up at the hotel, but it was confusing. We were blessed that the lady who helped us walked passed and knew the Piura elders. She facilitated our appointment without the paperwork while other elders went into the office on their pday to print out the necessary paperwork. It took hours. The two lady police officers were charmed by the young elders. We got processed along with them. 

I hope we don’t have to do that again. The young elders were saying it should happen every year. We will be in country for 14 months. So I hope we can skip it. 

Once again my feet swelled up as I traveled. I am hoping that will be the last time as well. I try and elevate my feet throughout the day and walk around a bit. Hard to do when you are traveling. Today they are getting back to normal. 

We took a recovery day today. We washed two loads of laundry. It’s a hang dry system here and we have limited space to dry. So maybe we will do another load tomorrow. We feel blessed we have a washer in our apartment. 

Tonight we googled where the closest market was so we could walk to get water. The closest market ended up being a liquor store. They did have water. We will look at the next closest market next time. But we have our two 2 liters of water and Craig got some Coka Cola. 

We found a library in the afternoon where we could get some wifi. I downloaded the Follow Him podcast and the Talking Scripture podcast. We listened to the Follow Him today. I’m so glad we can still listen and use that as part of our study. I so enjoy the experts as they talk about the assigned chapters. 

I wanted to tell about some of our experiences we had while traveling from SLC. 

At the airport in Salt Lake City, we were at the kiosk. It had been a while since we had traveled, and we have never traveled to Peru, so we were fumbling our way through the check in process. We were half way complete, we checked in Craig and were getting ready to check me in, when a lady came up right next to Craig - opposite of where I was standing next to him - and said, “Me next.”  

I was astounded and somewhat perturbed. I don’t remember what I said, but I was conscious of the badge I was wearing. She said she needed to check in, but couldn’t do it on her one. Craig continued checking me in and I asked her where she was going. I can’t remember what she said and she wandered off. Craig just shrugged. 

Later in security I brought it up again. I thought she was really bold trying to hit on him with me being right there - obviously still perturbed. He laughed a bit and said he thought she was thinking he worked there. He was in a suit and was wearing a badge. She didn’t take time to read the badge or notice everything and was just focused on getting help checking in. 

Traveling now days is a bit like self- checkout at Walmart. And it is not exactly intuitive. 

The same thing happened twice in stores in Peru. He had the shopping bags and I was in the store looking for items. He was approached by people showing him their receipts. The actual security guys were laughing at the misunderstanding. 

I guess he looks like he is there to help people, and he has a friendly face and is approachable. 

The thing is, he does have something that will help them. They just aren’t looking for what he (we) have. 

My feet have been swollen since the big travel day. Today they are getting back to normal. I wish I knew how to prevent it. 

I am glad my feet get back to normal. 

I’m not sure I can describe how I feel. 

I see the snow capped mountains the I loved as a child. I am leaving them again. 

The new chapter is in front of me. I can’t imagine it. 

I know it will be hot. I know it will be an adventure. But right now, I am sad to leave all that I know. 

I am also crazily excited for the Amazon Jungle. I can’t imagine the flora and fauna that I have read about that I will see and live in. 

I have taken my last shower in the United States. I don’t know what will await me. I hope I will have a shower. 

I am responsible for knowing the language. I have practiced in the Discovery Zone. But now we are relying on what I know. Craig believes in me. It’s a bit scary. 

This is the first time I will be in the Southern Hemisphere. We will be under different stars. Josh will be the only one on the Continental States. He is surrounded by family. I hope he reaches out. 

I have said again and again that I can do this. Now I am doing this and I’m nervous. But we are doing this together. I can be brave. 

I am going on an adventure! For reals. 

Our Visa Waiter’s Club is becoming the Visa Receiver’s Club. The Beals received their visas today to Pakistan. The Davies will head out one week from now to Lima East. The Thurstons are up in the air. We pray for them, and know that God is their travel agent. They will be taken care of. We feel a bit guilty for leaving before they did. The Laure’s are still waiting for their Visas. And the Goodwin’s are waiting for Japan. 

These are the Thurstons and the Davies. They were home as we were leaving. Actually, the Thurstons were our ride. 

We have meet so many lovely people here in Salt Lake City. 

I have a few pictures of just a few. 

Our dear friend Jennifer Robinson. She is from South Africa. She is lovely beyond words. 

On the Discovery Floor. 

Our dear friend, Sister Bauer. She is so talented on the piano. She is in the training new missionaries zone - I don’t remember what it is callled. She as fabulous. 

This is Sister Maddsen. She works in the Visa department and always reminded us that she was looking out for us and wishing us well. 

President and Sister Faerber. They have been so amazing. We got a picture with President and Sister Holmes. But I didn’t get a copy. 😟

With all we are taking with us. 

Through security. Ready or not - we are on our way

The first half of the program features female composers. The first was had Peruvian influence, along with Chinese, Lithuanian, and Jewish heritage. The price showed her Peruvian side very well. We were fascinated and could head woodpeckers and buzzing insects in the piece. 

The second piece was an African American composer from the early 1900s. Her music was lost and forgotten for a time. But it is being rediscovered. The pianist is also African American and was a revelation. She played with sincerity, authority, and passion. Her feet and fingers flew over the keys and pedals. We felt blessed to witness her performance. 

The second half of the program featured a Russian composer. He debuted his work after Stalin died. His work was passionate and I remembered the amazing history and pain of that country. 

Craig was converted to the Utah Symphony. They were fabulous. 

In the lobby is the fabulous glass sculpture. It shows best as night lit up and reflecting the fire it evokes. I love it. 

Momentos of our night for our boys and the instruments they have played, at least the brass ones. 

We took pictures to remember. 

The Lauer’s (Knut and Edna), the Beals (David and Claudia), us, the Thurstons ( Bob and Lori), and the Krewsons. I can’t remember first name s 

I thought the fountain in the snow was so pretty. 

I love the lights in the fountain. 

At the break, I went down to gather my purse and sweater. Craig went to gather his suit coat. His coat was missing.  We looked all around, under, over, through - all the prepositions. It was no where to be found. We started asking around and others were doing the preposition thing with us. 

On sweet elder offered his coat, so Craig would not be the only white shirt up there. We said thank you and went to sit down. We had delayed too long really. 

A sweet sister came over and showed us a text. One of our friends took it home by mistake. We will pick it up tomorrow at the Family Search Library. 

Now I feel bad involving other people. Our sweet friend I imagine is mortified. Elder Bea from Korea.  

Now it is a funny memory that our visa waiter group shares. (Most of us are in the choir). 

A picture from tonight. The group that sang in Sacrament Meeting Sunday. 

He already gave the coat back. 

With the sweet accompanist, Sister Winder. 

Elder Winder, David Beal, Craig, Bob Thurston, Elder Saber.