We Were Able To See The Amazon River

Several weeks ago we were able to do some traveling to the Amazon River area where Elder W. did some training to members of the Priesthood. We had to fly to the town of Iquitos. There are only two ways to travel to this area; plane or boat. It is an isolated area. Our meeting was scheduled in the evening on Saturday, it had been planned by our traveling companion, Elder Loli (Lowly), who is our Area Authority Seventy. While he was tied up during the early afternoon, he arranged for us to travel by "mototaxi" around the area. It was a wonderful escursion. We visited a small somewhat pathetic zoo, a reserve where they are trying to breed manatee in captivity. It was very interesting; there are babies and adults. All the workers are volunteers who are trying very hard to save these gentle mammals.

We drove around for several hours in our motortaxi; the weather was sunny and warm, it had rained the day before so it was very humid. This area is usually very hot. It is in an area close to the Columbian border. So all around the area of Iquitos, it is jungle, very dense jungle.

We traveled in our church clothing, (not being told we would have this great tour). After about an hour driving in this open air taxi, our driver Jimmy, asked if we would like to ride in a boat on the Amazon River. We of course were very excited and said yes!

He drove us to the waterfront where all these boats of different sizes were tethered, some smaller than others. We walked on a very shakey dock and climbed aboard a small motorboat. It was just Jimmy (our taxi driver), the owner of the boat and his son along with two gringos dressed for church. As we motored along, they explained to us that we were in an intersection of three rivers. It was interesting, because the water is actually different colors. One of the rivers is named the Maronon, another the Ucayali and the great Amazon. After guiding his boat down one of the tributaries they asked if we would like to visit a tribe of indians. Of course we would! This is the first tribe we visited that day. We climed a very steep muddy side of a mountain with steps carved out. As you can see, Elder Whitaker made a new friend that day. They are the Bora Indians. They live in very primitive conditions with a mud floor, wooden poles that hold up a roof made of thatched palm leaves. As we entered, they asked us for a donation and they would entertain us. They performed five dances; each one represented a part of their culture. During the fifth dance we were each chosen by one of the young people to join their dance. I took many more pictures but I am having a terrible time uploading photos to my blog, so you will have to settle for this one.

We continued our day, visiting another village where one of the young men interestingly told us he was the "elder" of his tribe and the spiritual leader. He blessed us before we left and he thanked us for bringing a good spirit to their village. We then returned to dry land.

After several more rides around in the taxi, we were done!! Take us back to the hotel please. We needed to get cleaned up for our meeting which was wonderful. The chapel was three blocks from our hotel; which by the way was a four star hotel in the middle of the jungle. We walked to the meeting and returned to our hotel about 9 pm. What a long day, it was terrific.

Early the next afternoon we had a flight to another small town "Pulcallpa" about one hour by small plane. We had another meeting scheduled there. It went well, then another flight back to Lima, we arrived at midnight. Two very full days, I will never forget our trip to the jungle.

We are excited our daughter Shannyn, her husband Greg and their three sons Jake, Nick and Nate will be here this next Thursday, Dec. 17th. We will be traveling with them to Machu Picchu. One of the Wonders of the World. We have heard from some of the other senior missionaries, you cannot come to Peru and not see Machu Picchu at some point. We are really glad it will be with our family.

I am researching why it is so hard to post these photos, I have taken so many that I would love to share. Maybe I'll get some answers from the "tech guys" at the office. Not only are they savvy young men, but they get paid to know this stuff!

Christmas is a very special time. We love and miss our family and friends and pray that we all remember the "reason for the season" as is said. Our Savior Jesus Christ is the reason we are here in Lima. I am grateful to be here helping the people of Peru the way Jesus would if he were here. Because of our love for Him and His love for us, we will have the opportunity to be together forever with our family; that is what I pray for each day, to be worthy of that blessing.

We send our love and hope for a wonderful Christmas and a healthy, happy New Year to all!

Until I write again,
Hermana W.