Sunday, December 31, 2017

Today everyone in Peru is getting ready to celebrate the New Year. Nothing much happens leading up to the New Year until the 31st of December.  The streets, markets, stores are just packed with everyone buying for the New Year.  As we were returning home from church Ruth snapped these pictures with all the activity happening in the streets.  Yellow is the favorite color for the New Year in Peru so this is why there are so many yellow flowers, balloons, and other regalia.  What a culture treat!














Sunday, December 24, 2017

This beautiful Nativity scene was given to us by President and Sister Godfrey as depicted by the Peruvian artist who created it. We just love it and it will always remind us of our Christmas' in Peru.  








































On the way home from church we ran into Santa Clause playing Christmas songs on his violin.  He was thrilled to have our picture taken with him



Monday, December 18, 2017

Last week was our mission Christmas party.  We divided the mission into three areas and each area had their own Christmas party.  Here we are at ours.  We had a very nice meal, had some missionary workshops and then ended with Christmas songs.  Very low-keyed and relaxed.









































Our Stake also had an evening of Christmas carols sung and performed by all the Primary children.  Each ward took its turn singing, dancing and acting out their musical numbers.  It was very fun and enjoyable and all the kids did a wonderful job.



 This is our ward performing, the Deseret Ward.  Our kids were the best and everyone who attended agreed!!  Way to go, kids!




The leaders brought in a clown and his side kick to make the evening really, really fun and exciting for the children.  No Santa Claus!?



Sunday, December 3, 2017

We went to the central part of Lima to the Plaza de Las Armas where the Presidential  Palace is located which is equivalent to visiting the White House.  They are decorating the park for Christmas











































While we were there, there was a special performance by the national military band with marching soldiers.  Also on display was Peru's Horse Calvary that rode into the courtyard of the Presidential Palace and displayed some wonderful horsemanship.  No one was allowed to observe all of this up close through the large fence but from the plaza.




















Here are the beautiful horses waiting their turn and then their entry into the courtyard.  We also ran into a group of dancers performing traditional dances from the past.







































































































We finished our trip to central Lima driving up the coast of the Pacific Ocean with all it's beauty and charm.