Life in Peru

Serving a mission is much different than I thought it would be. The 25 Senior Missionaries in Lima, assigned to the Area Office live a very different life. We all have assignments that a keep them busy from 8am to 5pm. (Because of travel time we are gone from 6:20am until 5:00pm.) The rest of the time is ours to do what we want. Some seniors travel most holiday weekends. The Senior Missionary Handbook encourages some sort of an exercise program and the MTC even supplies elastic exercise bands as part of you missionary package. So, most missionaries have joined a local gym and workout every day. Our assignment requires 10-hour days. No time for the Gym. Bob runs when he can. I am worried about walking since I fell. 

We all are assigned to a Spanish Ward, but cannot have a callings and can only be involved in the ward on Sundays. My ward assigned me to be a visiting teacher, which I really am not able to do. It is not safe at night and I would need to take a taxi or bus. Bob is not comfortable for me to be out alone unless I am out with him, in a private vehicle with Cher or other missionary wives. President Adilla allows us to do almost anything and go almost anywhere in Peru as long as we coordinate with the Mission Office. Several sister missionaries have returned to the US for the birth of a grandchild, graduations, weddings and other non-family emergencies. 

This surfing contest was a great adventure for Jim and Bob. They had a great afternoon together. However, the surf was over 6 feet and the paddle was about a killer half-mile. Bob was hammered by some big waves on the paddle out.  So, if any of you are thinking about a Mission, you should try for Peru.  

THE EMBASSY SURF CONTEST

THE JUDGES

OFF TO THE WATER

THE WINNER

THE WAVE IS OVER