Visa waiting

Expectations are seldom reality or so many have reported.  Being an eternal optimist, I've found it best to hope but be realistic.  So, in the process of service through a mission, we are subjected to the process by which we are called, assigned, trained and ultimately arrive at our assigned destination.  This may mean a smooth process or something a little more patience building.  Ours, it appears, is the patience building kind for the moment.  Our Visa has not appeared back in our hands as of today but we are hopeful it will arrive soon. 

Our scheduled entry date into the MTC was to have been Monday, the 19th of September.  We have been assigned a new MTC entry date of October 17th.  However, in the event our Visa arrives within the next few days, we 'could' be on our way to Peru by the end of September.  This could mean that our stay at the MTC could be abbreviated or eliminated.  The possibilities are endless.  We know the issuance of our Visa is completely in the hands of the Peruvian Consulate in Lima, and those in the Missionary Travel Department are checking the progress regularly through local contacts in Lima.

Our language skills improve weekly as we are tutored by the patient teachers at the Mission Training Center in Provo.   It is vital for us to remain focused no matter what the obstacle. Our first priority is to our family, of course, and we are diligently working to help where we can. Situations do arise where we need more direction.  Self determination is wonderful but nothing exceeds our faith in our Savior.  His eternal love will guard us.  Our faith is grounded in Him above our confidence in ourselves.  We must trust the Spirit to guide us. 

Inca women visiting in the square in Cusco. 

The tender eyes of innocence. 

Languages in Peru are generally centered in Spanish but local language in Quechuan (catch oo wan) also prevails in the mountainous interior such as in Cusco.  Here is a sample: 

          Niway piwanmi purinki, ñoga nisqayki pin kanki. - (Quechuan)

Tell me who you walk with, and I’ll tell you what kind of person you are.

 Díme con quién andas, te diré quién eres. (espanol)

Whether we will learn any of their tongue depends on our need and time.  We hope to be proficient in Spanish first.  Primeras cosas primero.  (first things first). 

We know there is much to be done.  Our determination is strong.  Our faith in God is eternal.  We love our family and know we are doing what is needed at this season in our lives.  Thanks for your prayers on our behalf.  We need one another, we prepare now that the future will be strong for everyone.  

Farewell - Sept 11, 2011

Rachel Newell a soon to be famous soccer star and Hanne Simmons her grandmother.  

Dana Cannon, Bob Reed, Gary Cannon, Virgil Spencer, Cheryl Spencer, Dawn Wright, Mike Wright and Rex Dahl.  Background to the right is brother Bill Simmons.  There is more history in this group than I could write in a week.  

Grandsons of the Wrights

Bob Cunningham our chef and others behind .  

Including Hanne and Rachel here is little Hanne, Marilyn Simmons, Craig Carrigan, Sarah Carrigan, MaryEtta Parkinson and Jared Newell.  

MaryEtta Parkinson and Jared Newell. 

Sunday was a good day.  Friends and family all gathered with Claudia and I as we spoke in Sacrament meeting then enjoyed lunch at our house.  Many of those who came live within a reasonable distance but some traveled from Montana to be here.  Another gift we have is good friends and faithful family who are there to share those special times.  Our thanks to all who came and shared.