First Experiences in Cusco

This update covers the past two weeks. Read on for photos and excerpts from Marissa's emails...

These missionaries are from Guatemala, Bolivia, United States, and Peru

My first area is right in the city of Cusco itself. The flight to Cusco was an experience in and of itself. In the airport no one would listen to me and so we all had to wait for someone to tell us where to go when I knew exactly where to go. That was frustrating. The dogs here are wonderful. The people are as well. I've had so many wonderful experiences. We took a bus tour today and thankfully the tour guide spoke English. My pensinista is wonderful, and kind. I love the family. Also, guess who is taking bucket showers! This girl here. It[s fun. I have so much to tell you and not enough time. I will tell you that I love it here, and every day is a new experience.

My companion is Hermana Garcia, she is from Bolivia. I love it here! I love the dogs as well! Some of them are so kind and sweet! Most of them are actually!!! The other day we had like three dogs following us because I had given them food. They ate half of my pan con queso. It makes me happy to pet them though.

These photos are from her first day in Cusco, when she was welcomed to the mission.

My companion sings in Spanish and I sing in English. We have also been teaching each other the other's language and I have been helping other missionaries with their English. I love teaching! I have also been volunteered to teach others English, so I will have to let you know if that happens. Also, I told people I knew how to cook, and now they want me to make pizzas and tacos for them! Send me some recipes, alright, just in case. I know how to cook but not how to cook here! They don't ever have real kitchens. It's a stove top that they light themselves and no fridges either for the most part, no ovens as well.

Can you spot Marissa? On their p-day, they went paint balling! 

The other day we got a refrence from a member. The member came with us as we went to the store and talked to them. It was this woman and her mother. We gave the older woman a phamplet about the Plan of Salvation. Explanied what it was, talked about it, and all that. Then we asked her to say the closing prayer and taught her how to pray. I have gotten good at teaching others how to pray. She started to pray and then started crying. She was holding the pamphlet to her as though it was the most precious thing in the world. She came to church with us and I was so happy that the members welcomed her. She was so happy!!! This is why I am here, it's hard and difficult but so heartwarming and uplifting! 

Love you!
Mouse