Arrived!

Safely in Arequipa, Peru. Safely…as inside a gated neighborhood with a guard and an array of pointy-spikey weapons of destruction on the tops fences! Actually that sounds dramatic, but it is the truth. The welcoming missionaries, Shane and Kerry (S & K) (and girls, Colette (9) and Salona (6))have welcomed us with open arms, food and temporary accommodations next to their home. Shane greeted us at the airport and took all of our luggage (18 large pieces) in his rig and all the w’immon and ch’ldren took our first cab ride. The traffic was reasonable but did have the curves and swerves through and around traffic that can be found in many other countries. I am starting to believe there is one taxi school that sends the same instructors throughout the world.

Kerry had lovely soup and a nice Peruvian chicken dish waiting for us at home to revive the weary travelers. Missionaries on furlough are allowing us to reside in their home while they are out of town. It is a great home with 4 bedrooms, three stories, in a small gated community right next to S & K. Gated communities are fairly common here, as there is a lot of theft. This one has a great little park in the center of the loop of homes that the children are playing in as I speak.

Yesterday it rained so hard that the rooftop flooded and we had water leaking into the bathrooms and a couple of the bedrooms. Good thing these home are all built with tile and brick.  They have had unusual amounts of rain even though it is the rainy season. Eric and Shane spent part of the evening scooping and draining the top roof. Eric was a champion all through the trip and this was his final challenge. He did a huge amount of lifting and moving yesterday with the luggage and backpacks and children.

After a slow start this morning, we all walk through town to a place for breakfast and I got to see the city a little more close up.  We went to an American friendly place that served pancakes, French toast and eggs. Peruvians eat different items for breakfast but this was not the time or place to experiment with 5 children and travel weary grownups.

Patti and I are happily back at home with the children while E & R  and S & K are out getting groceries, looking at rentals and running some errands.  They hope to have something by Monday and then they will be able to get settled.

Arriving at Arequipa airport....

 Enough luggage for a year....

 Mike, Daniel and Eli....this is for you.....

 Happy girls being reunited with friends...

 In front of the home we are staying in for the first 6 days...

 Eric lifting the bags....again...
notice the security fence? No that is not to scare seagulls away!

 Walking to breakfast the first morning. It has rained heavier here in the last week than in the last 10 years. Maybe because the Washing-tonions were arriving?