Earthquake Response--La Colca, Arequipa, part 2

Photos:

* Rob getting a big kiss!

*Mattresses transported in an Army truck

*Mattresses unloaded from a dump truck

*Helpers stacking newly unloaded mattresses

*Here we are with the Governor of Arequipa, Yamila Osorio

*The people of the town

Our second day on the ground was spent distributing mattresses which had arrived during the night. A similar process to the food distribution was in place and we first distributed mattresses in Yanque and subsequently in Achoma. As we delivered the mattresses to the individuals in Achoma, many of the little old ladies (mamitas y abuelitas) gave Rob a kiss on the cheek, as is their custom for greeting and expressing gratitude. Rob said he was kissed by more "old ladies" yesterday than he had been since he was a little boy visiting the aunts and grandmas.

The governor of  Arequipa State arrived shortly before we began the mattress distribution in Achoma. We met her briefly the day before in Ichupampa. She and we were honored in gratitude for the assistance rendered to the people. Mary commented that with the sash and necklaces they gave us maybe we could "blend in" a little better. 

Once again we are both amazed and humbled as we have the opportunity to be here in Perú serving as missionaries. Being a senior missionary is great!  

President Ezra Taft Benson (President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985-1994) said, “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 361).

We have experienced that firsthand as we have been strengthened and guided in our missionary calling here in Perú. It has been an amazing and rewarding experience for which we are grateful.

The journey back to Lima

Before leaving the Colca Valley to head back to the airport, we needed to stop at the gas station to refill the tank. We were a bit surprised when the driver pulled through the station and parked his truck, at which point he asked Rob to help him refuel. 

He had the gasoline for our return trip stored in a large barrel in the back of the truck. The  fuel was poured into the little green bucket and then a funnel was used to put it into the gas tank. Another first for us.

After crossing the mountains again we arrived in the city of Arequipa, spent the night, and then headed back home to Lima the next morning. Being a senior missionary is exciting, tiring, challenging, rewarding, and at times heart-rending. We have been grateful for every experience we have had here in Perú.