I
am currently writing from a... I think it's a town. Called Talavera.
This is found in the country of Perù, department of Apurimac, zone of
Andahuaylas. And to describe it... well take everything I've ever told
you about Puno, and think the opposite. Puno was a city. Talavera is a
little farm town. Puno has paved roads. Talavera has roads paved in cow
stinkies. Puno has 2 stakes and 8 chapels. Talavera has 1 branch and a
casa capilla (Its a meeting house in an apartment building). The zone
Puno Central has 10 companionships and 4 districts. The zone Andahuaylas
has 4 companionships and 1 district (our whole zone is also our
district. Puno has thousands of people that you pass on the streets
everyday. Talavera has... 2. Different no? And thus far, it's been kind
of a culture shock. There is so much poverty here. I was sooo sheltered
in Puno. Here, I am experiencing a whole different way of life. And the
members here are the most impoverished. It blows my mind. And it kind
of scares me a little bit. Because one, the branch is really suffering.
My sector is HUUUUUGE. Because it's all just farm land and mountains. So
it's about the same size as the city puno, but just with a fraction of
the people and buildings. And it's especially intimidating because me
and my companion, Hermana Conde, are the only missionaries serving here.
All the rest of the zone is in the real city of Andahuaylas. We are on
the outskirts. So that freaks me out a little. We have always been with
another companionship of Elders, and that was always a comfort. but now
it's just the two of us. Scaling mountains and dodging cow stinkies.
So
this all sounds kind of deary, I know. But fear not. I have words of
hope for myself! This past week, like the day after I got to Talavera
(Because it was a two day trip from Puno to here) We packed up and
traveled again to Abancay. That's another zone about 3 hours from andahuaylas (And where Hna Baker is currently serving. She's my Hna
Leader now!) So we went there for a conference with President and Sister
Harbertson. And it was really good. And something that Hna Harbertson
said was directed just at me I am sure and gave me some hope. She spoke
to us about a talk that President Nelson gave recently to all the YSA.
About Millennials. About what it is that millennials can do. That we are the
millennials (It's form January if someone could help an Hermana out and
send it to me porfa) And that millennials were called to live at this time
to do the impossible. She then asked us to reflect in our missions, our
lives, and think about all the impossible things that we are asked to
do. Like baptize people. Learn Spanish. Change the hearts of people who
have lived with years and years of strong traditions. To live with
someone 24/7. All things that seem impossible no. But we do them.
Ever day. And so the impossible things, really are possible. And I know
its the same here in Talavera. The impossible land. That's really what
it seemed like to me when I got here. Still does. But The impossible
land is where the Milenials go. To do the impossible. So it's going to
be an adjustment. I'm really scared to be honest. But I know I can do
it. With God, nothing is impossible. So I'm just gonna keep going. Don't
know how, don't know where, but I know who with. God. The prayers are
still greatly appreciated. I think I need them now more than ever.
And
well there is some more stuff that I wanted to share with you, about my
comp and our pensionista (She's... Mrs. Frizzle from magic school bus.
Version Peru) but alas, the time is far spent. But I'll tell ya plenty
next week.
Mom, my heart broke a little for you to hear that
you got released from primary! But I know you'll be just fine in
whatever calling The Lord has in store for you. That's how you know that
it's time to learn something new!
Well I've got to be going
now! I love you all and hope that everyone is good, healthy, and happy!
Enjoy life and embrace change! It will seem impossible at first, but
that's why we are here, to do the impossible.
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